Filament loading system in an extrusion apparatus
US6923634B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus which extrudes flowable material from a liquifier includes a system for loading filament supplied in a cassette. The cassette is loaded into a loading bay of the apparatus. A strand of filament from the cassette is engaged and advanced along a path to the liquifier using a drive wheel or roller pair. A conduit having an entrance in the loading bay guides the filament as it is advanced. The filament loading system of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.