Device and method for regulating flow of particulate material, especially small flows of fine powder
US6641778B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A device for regulating the flow of particulate material comprising a first, inlet conduit having an outlet end, and a second, outlet conduit aligned with the first conduit and having an inlet end sufficiently close to the outlet end of the first conduit as to receive at least a portion of a particulate material flow exiting the first conduit. The lateral relationship of the adjacent ends of the two conduits is adjusted to change the area of the inlet end exposed to material leaving the first conduit to adjust the flow of particulate material through the second conduit; material which does not enter the second conduit is recycled. The device is particularly useful for regulating the flow of small quantities of metal powder being fed to a laser consolidation process. The invention also includes the method of regulating by lateral adjustment of the adjacent conduit ends.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.