Spool assembly with locking mechanism for additive manufacturing system, and methods of use thereof
US9321608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/537
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spool assembly comprising a housing structure, a spool rotatably retained in an interior region of the housing structure, and a sealed sheath encasing the housing structure to define a barrier for the encased housing structure and the rotatably retained spool. The spool assembly further comprises a locking arm disposed outside of the sealed sheath and configured to operably engage the spool through the sealed sheath and through the housing structure in a manner that does not penetrate the sealed sheath, where the locking arm prevents the spool from rotating relative to the housing mechanism when operably engaged with the spool. The locking arm may disengage from the spool in a hands-free manner when the spool assembly is loaded into a bay of an additive manufacturing system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.