The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 25, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 10, 2004
Neal W. Muylaert, Apache Jct., AZ (US);
Steven C. Low, Mesa, AZ (US);
Neal W. Muylaert, Apache Jct., AZ (US);
Steven C. Low, Mesa, AZ (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A reduced feed mechanism for a selective laser sintering machine. The machine includes a powder feed source and a first feed piston to push powder from the source. The mechanism includes a spacer with an interior volume, a second piston, and a seal for the second piston. The spacer fits into the source. The first piston moves the second piston and causes powder to move from the interior volume. Preferably, the pistons are coupled by a floating coupling. An access panel may allow a user to view the coupling. The mechanism may include a ballast which can fit inside the source for the first piston. Preferably, the spacer reduces the volume of powder by approximately 70%. An infrared sensor may also be positioned to view the reduced amount of powder. Methods of selective laser sintering are also provided.