US 6,332,739 B1 · Powder supply system and powder supplying unit used in the system

Abstract

A powder supply system including a powder replenishment device as a powder source, a suction device and a plurality of powder supply units connected in series. Each of the powder supply units sprinkles powders toward an object mounted on each processing device. An upstream end powder supply unit is fluidly connected to the powder replenishment device, and a downstream end powder supply unit is fluidly connected to the suction device. A suction force generated by the suction device sucks powders from the powder replenishment device through the powder supply units, and powders are successively accumulated in the powder supply units in the order from the upstream end powder supply unit to the downstream end powder supply unit. A powder sensor is provided between the rearmost powder supply unit and the suction device. If all powder supply units are filled with powders, residual powders are discharged out of the downstream end powder supply unit. If the sensor detects the powder, operation of the suction device and the powder replenishment device is stopped.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A powder supply unit connected to a powder source for supplying powders to a processing device comprising:

a powder reservoir for temporarily storing powders therein, the powder reservoir having a lower end and an upper end;
a powder supplying portion connected between the lower end and the processing device;
an auxiliary tank connected to the upper end, the auxiliary tank having an upper portion and a lower portion;
a powder inlet conduit connected to a first end of the upper portion of the auxiliary tank for introducing powders into the auxiliary tank;
a powder outlet conduit connected to a second end of the upper portion of the auxiliary tank, said second end being different from said first end, for discharging the powders from the auxiliary tank,
wherein the powder inlet conduit and the powder outlet conduit are arrayed in line in one direction;
and
a valve provided at the lower portion of the auxiliary tank and movable between a close position for accumulating the powders in the auxiliary tank and an open position for dropping the powders in the auxiliary tank into the powder reservoir.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Powder supply system and powder supplying unit used in the system

Life of this patent

Powder supply system and powder supplying unit used in the system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6