Particle separator for an additive manufacturing system and method of operation
US10434545B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A aerodynamic particle separator for an Additive Manufacturing System (AMS) has an air supply device to entrain a mixed powder in an airstream flowing through a housing. Each particle in the mixed powder is imparted with a momentum dependent upon the particle weight and size. Utilizing this momentum characteristic, the heavier particles are capable of crossing streamlines of the airstream at a bend portion of the housing and the lighter particles generally stay within the streamlines. Utilizing this dynamic characteristic, the particles of specific weight ranges are collected through respective offtake holes in the housing and controllably fed to a spreader of the AMS.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.