Patent ID: 6213168
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B22F,B29C,B33Y,Y02P

Abstract:
An apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder, comprising:a) a hopper for containing the powder to be dispensed;b) a rotating screw dispenser for measuring and dispensing a volume of the powder, said rotating screw dispenser being mounted horizontally at the bottom of said hopper, and adapted for receiving the powder from the hopper and dispensing the powder onto a platen;c) the platen for carrying the powder, said platen disposed horizontally below said hopper and mounted for linear motion along a first axis from a first platen position below and adjacent to said hopper, to a second platen position adjacent to a build bed;d) means for distributing the powder from said platen in the second platen position, over said build bed, said distribution means mounted for linear motion along a second axis generally orthogonal to the first axis.