Powder handling or improvements related to powder handling

Abstract

A powder dispensing device for dispensing powder is described, the device comprising: a dispensing chamber for dispensing a quantity of powder into a container; an inlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control the ingress of powder from a powder source into the dispensing chamber; and an outlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control the egress of powder from the dispensing chamber into the container. The inlet and outlet valves are independently actuated between the closed and open states by a common removable handle. The inlet and outlet valves each have an interlock for receiving and engaging the handle. The interlock is configured to receive and release the handle when the inlet and outlet valves are each in a closed state and to engage the handle to prevent the handle from being removed when the inlet and outlet valves are each in an open state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] POWDER DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD FIELD OF THE DISTRIBUTION The present invention is particularly useful for dispensing known amounts of powder for use in additive manufacturing systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Additive layer manufacturing (ALM) is a general term for manufacturing processes in which a physical part is produced layer by layer. There are many types of ALM manufacturing methods that are grouped into different classifications based on the general processing technique used, and each classification typically includes many different variants.

[0003] One such classification is powder bed processes, where layers of powder are successively deposited and solidified according to a desired geometry. The geometry of each layer corresponds to a section or slice of a 3D CAD model of the desired part. Thus, as each layer is deposited and solidified, the resulting stack of solidified layers provides the desired 3D shape that corresponds to the 3D CAD model. Powder bed processes typically include methods known as selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, and electron beam melting.

[0004] Another category of ALM is blown powder manufacturing, which involves depositing a stream of powder into a desired shape while it solidifies.

[0005] ALM techniques, particularly powder bed and blown powder manufacturing, can be used to produce metal, ceramic and polymer components for a wide variety of components across a wide range of technologies and industries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Part manufacturing using powder-based ALM methods is subject to many variables, and achieving a repeatable process is typically critical to the success of a manufacturing process or production line. To provide consistency in powder-based ALM processes, it is desirable to use powders with known and repeatable characteristics, thereby reducing the number of uncertainties in a particular process. And to achieve this goal, significant effort has been expended in recent years to provide consistent and reliable powders for this process. The uncertainties that affect powders may include, for example, particle size and particle distribution, particle composition and purity. However, as will be appreciated, this attention to detail in powder manufacturing and supply naturally leads to increased costs in the powder supply chain and the embedded costs of ALM parts. Furthermore, due to powder requirements, it is often difficult and / or inefficient to recycle powder that is not consolidated or used in the ALM process. Therefore, the amount of powder used in the ALM equipment and inventory levels must be monitored.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an improved method, and associated apparatus, for dispensing powder in a controlled, repeatable manner that provides consistency and helps reduce powder waste.

[0008] Although the above background relates to powder-based ALM technology, it will be appreciated that the invention has application in other areas that utilize powders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a powder dispensing apparatus and a method for dispensing powder as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a powder dispensing device for dispensing powder comprising a dispensing chamber for dispensing a predetermined amount of powder into a receptacle, an inlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control entry of powder from a powder source into the dispensing chamber, and an outlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control discharge of powder from the dispensing chamber into the receptacle, the inlet and outlet valves being independently actuated between the closed and open states by a common removable handle, the inlet and outlet valves each having an interlock for receiving and engaging the handle, the interlock configured to receive and release the handle when the inlet and outlet valves are each in a closed state and to engage the handle to prevent removal of the handle when the inlet and outlet valves are each in an open state.

[0011] By providing a powder dispensing device in which the inlet and outlet valves of the dispensing chamber are operated by a common, i.e. same, handle, simultaneous opening of both valves is prevented. Thus, direct flow of powder from the powder source to the container can be prevented, and the amount can be easily and reliably metered during dispensing. Furthermore, accidental spillage of powder can be prevented or limited when the container is not attached to or removed from the dispensing chamber.

[0012] The dispensing chamber may be provided with either or both an inlet valve and an outlet valve. Alternatively, the inlet valve may be provided in the powder source or may be an intermediate member mounted between the dispensing chamber and the powder source. Similarly, the outlet valve may form part of the container or may be a separate component mounted between the dispensing chamber and the container.

[0013] Providing the inlet and outlet valves as part of the dispensing chamber provides a convenient way of arranging the device. Additionally, a handle used to operate the valves can be associated with the dispensing chamber and can be used to dispense powder from multiple different powder sources.

[0014] The powder source may comprise a hopper having an inlet valve and a hopper outlet in powder flow communication. The hopper may be portable. Prior to attachment of the dispensing chamber, the hopper may be a sealed unit such that the powder contained within the hopper is isolated from contaminants or impurities. The hopper outlet may comprise an outlet valve.

[0015] The distribution chamber may be removably attached to the hopper. Removable attachment may be possible via an inlet valve. Providing a removable attachment to the distribution chamber allows the hoppers to be provided separately and the distribution chamber to be used with different hoppers.

[0016] The inlet and outlet valves may include a rotatable spindle to which a handle is attached. Rotation of the spindle may actuate the valve between a closed and an open state. The handle may be inserted into the spindle. Insertion of the handle into the spindle may occur along an insertion axis.

[0017] The powder dispensing device may further comprise a spindle housing in which the spindle is disposed, the spindle housing may be fixed relative to the valve housing.

[0018] The interlock may include a spindle housing configured to receive the handle when the valve is in a closed condition and to retain the handle against withdrawal when the valve is in an open condition.

[0019] The spindle housing may include an interlocking opening extending around the spindle and defining an actuation travel path for the handle.

[0020] The interlocking aperture may include an insertion aperture and an elongate actuation aperture having a longitudinal axis defining a circumferential length and a width transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The insertion opening may be wider than the lateral width of the actuation opening. Thus, the interlock opening may narrow from the insertion opening to the actuation opening. The interlock opening may be keyhole shaped.

[0022] The spindle housing may include a first interlock opening and a second interlock opening. The interlock openings may have a similar shape and a similar size. The first interlock opening and the second interlock opening may be located on diametrically opposite sides of the spindle housing. The first interlock opening may be on a handle side of the spindle housing. The second interlock opening may be on a side corresponding to a terminal end of the handle. The first interlock opening and the second interlock opening may receive different portions of the handle.

[0023] The interlock opening that engages the terminal end of the handle may be smaller than the interlock opening on the handle side of the spindle housing. Providing a smaller interlock opening limits the directions in which the handle can be inserted into the spindle, further preventing the handle from being inserted too deeply into or through the spindle.

[0024] The powder dispensing device may further comprise a handle. The handle may be the only handle provided on the dispensing chamber. Thus, the powder dispensing device may comprise only a single handle.

[0025] The handle may have a mounting portion at a first end thereof which, in use, may be attached to the valve and engage the valve to provide the interlock.

[0026] The attachment portion may include an expanded section for insertion into the valve spindle. The expanded section may be in driving engagement with the spindle. In use, the expanded section is located within the spindle and abuts the spindle to rotate the spindle with rotation of the handle.

[0027] The mounting portion may have a reduced section adjacent to the extension portion with a radially extending shoulder therebetween, which may provide a stop feature against which the spindle housing can bear when the valve is in the open position and when attempts are made to withdraw the handle.

[0028] The powder dispensing device may further comprise a first fitting and a second fitting distributed along the length of the handle.

[0029] When a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion are present, said extension portion may be a first extension portion and said reduction portion may be a first reduction portion of the first attachment portion.

[0030] The second mounting portion may have a second widening portion and a second narrowing portion separated by a second radially extending shoulder.

[0031] The first shoulder and the second shoulder may be axially separated by a distance similar to a diameter of the spindle housing, and thus, in use, the first shoulder may be arranged to engage an inner surface of a first side of the spindle housing when the valve is in an open condition, and the second shoulder may be configured to engage an outer surface of the spindle on an opposite second side of the spindle housing.

[0032] The second attachment portion may be located at or towards the end of the handle relative to the first attachment portion. It may be located towards the second end of the handle portion / handle. The second extension may be smaller in diameter than the first extension. By providing a smaller extension at the end of the handle, the amount by which the handle can be inserted into the spindle can be limited. That is, the insertion opening of the second interlocking opening that receives the second extension can be sized to prevent the first attachment portion from passing therethrough, thereby limiting the extent to which the handle can be inserted, making the handle more convenient to use.

[0033] The handle may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to engage the interlock and the second end may be configured to be non-attachable to the valve. Thus, the handle may be attached to the valve by only its first end.

[0034] The powder dispensing device may further comprise a container. The container may be removably attached to the dispensing chamber. The container may be sealable before being removed from the dispensing chamber. The container may have a valve or other sealing means to seal the internal volume and prevent escape of the powder.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a powder dispensing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention and further comprising one or more containers. When comprising multiple containers, each container may have a different volume size. The kit of parts may comprise one or more dispensing chambers. When comprising multiple dispensing chambers, each dispensing chamber may have a different volume size.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispensing powder from a powder dispensing device comprising a powder source, a dispensing chamber attached to the powder source, an inlet valve movable between closed and open states to control the entry of powder from the powder source into the dispensing chamber, an outlet valve movable between closed and open states to control the exit of powder from the dispensing chamber to a container, and a container, a) attaching a handle to an inlet valve, opening the inlet valve with the handle to allow powder to enter the dispensing chamber, closing the inlet valve with the handle, and removing the handle; b) attaching a handle to the outlet valve and opening the outlet valve to allow powder to flow from the dispensing chamber into the container; c) removing the container; The present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising the steps of:

[0037] The method may further include closing an outlet valve and removing the handle from the outlet valve.

[0038] The method further comprises transporting the container to a location of use, which may optionally include an additive manufacturing apparatus.

[0039] The method may further comprise repeating steps a) and b) prior to step c).

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless mutually exclusive, features described in connection with any one of the aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein can be used separately or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, or examples. Furthermore, when a feature is described using "may have," "may include," or similar terminology, it will be understood that the feature is construed as optional within the context in which it is provided.

[0041] For a clearer understanding of the invention, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a powder dispensing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram depicting steps of a powder dispensing method. [Diagram 3] 3a to 3c show a sequence of operation of a valve that can be used in the powder dispensing device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a handle attachment that can be used with the powder dispensing device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5a-5c are detailed views of a valve interlock that can be used with the handle shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6a to 6j are diagrams illustrating the operational steps of a method of dispensing powder using the powder dispensing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] 1 shows a powder dispensing apparatus 10. The powder dispensing apparatus 10 may include a powder source in the form of a hopper 12, a dispensing chamber 14, a container 16, and a handle 18.

[0044] The hopper 12 holds powder 20 to be dispensed into the container 16 via the dispensing chamber 14. Typically, the hopper 12 is used to store a bulk quantity of powder 20 that is dispensed in small amounts for use and optionally replenished from time to time. The hopper 12 can be refilled with powder 20 in situ or replaced with a full hopper from a manufacturer or wholesaler. Thus, as described in connection with FIG. 6a, the hopper 12 may be filled at different locations and provided to the end user as a sealed unit containing the required bulk quantity of powder having the properties required for a given process or application. The powder may be any powder, such as metal, ceramic, or polymer, as required.

[0045] Hopper 12 may comprise any suitable receptacle capable of containing powder 20. In the example shown in Figure 1, hopper 12 is provided by a container having an interior storage volume defined by one or more walls. A cross-section of hopper 12 (i.e., a cross-section taken from left to right as shown in Figure 1) is not shown, but may be of any suitable outer shape, such as circular or rectangular. Hopper 12 is provided with an outlet 22 at the lowest point of the interior storage volume to allow the powder to be dispensed by gravity.

[0046] The outlet 22 includes a suitable connection for sealably mating with the dispensing chamber 14 and may be equipped with a valve to seal the hopper for transport.

[0047] The distribution chamber 14 may be removably attachable to the hopper 12 such that it is removable and replaceable with different distribution chambers 14 of various sizes. In some embodiments, the distribution chamber 14 may be permanently fixed to the hopper 12 such that the hopper 12 and distribution chamber 14 are supplied or used as a single unit, without any intention of replacing the distribution chamber 14 with another distribution chamber 14. The connection between the hopper outlet 22 and the distribution chamber 14 may be accomplished using conventional means, such as, for example, a bolted or welded flange arrangement, or some form of coupling or interlock.

[0048] The connection between the hopper 12 and the dispensing chamber 14 provides a flow path through which the powder 20 can flow to be delivered to the container 16. The flow path may be gated such that there is no continuous flow path from the hopper 12 to the container 16. The gating of the flow path may be provided by an inlet valve 24 and an outlet valve 26 arranged such that the inlet valve 24 is not open at the same time as the outlet valve 26 and vice versa.

[0049] The dispensing chamber 14 defines a known internal volume that is used to dispense a known metered amount of powder 20 from the hopper 12 to the container 16. The dispensing chamber 14 has an inlet attached to the hopper outlet 22 for receiving the powder 20 therefrom, and an outlet attached to the container 16 for dispensing the powder within the dispensing chamber 14.

[0050] The distribution chamber 14 may be provided by any suitable container capable of receiving a known amount of powder 20 from the hopper 12. In some embodiments, the distribution chamber 14 will comprise a hollow vessel having a first inlet end and a second outlet end located at opposite ends of an interior volume. The distribution chamber 14 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer wall extending between a first end and a second end and defining an interior volume. The distribution chamber may be generally elongated and may have any desired cross-section, such as circular. The distribution chamber may be provided, for example, by a pipe of circular cross-section.

[0051] The receptacle 16 is provided for receiving a metered volume of the powder 20 from the dispensing chamber 14. The receptacle 16 may be used as a portable container used to transport the powder 20 from the hopper 12 to a point of use (e.g., an ALM machine). However, in some embodiments, the hopper 12 may be located at a point of use, such as an ALM machine, in which case the receptacle may be part of the ALM machine, for example, or a powder processing system.

[0052] Dispense chamber inlet valve 24 may be part of hopper 12, part of dispense chamber 14, or an intermediate component connecting hopper 12 and dispense chamber 14. Dispense chamber outlet valve 26 may be part of dispense chamber 14, part of container 16, or an intermediate component connecting dispense chamber 14 to container 16.

[0053] As mentioned above, the flow path between the hopper 12 and the vessel is gated so that there is not a continuous flow path between the hopper outlet 22 and the vessel inlet 28. Therefore, the inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 26 may be exclusively operable such that only one of the inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 26 can be open at a time.

[0054] The inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 26 are each operable to have an open state in which powder can flow therethrough and a closed state in which powder cannot flow therethrough. Actuation of the valves 24, 26 between the open and closed states is provided by a common, i.e., the same, handle 18.

[0055] The handle 18 may be operably attached, for example by insertion, to the inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 26 via an interlock. In one embodiment, the interlock may be configured such that the handle 18 may be operably engaged and disengaged while each of the valves 24, 26 is in a closed state, but may not be disengaged while each of the valves is in an open state. Thus, the handle 18 cannot be withdrawn after a valve is opened until the valve is fully closed. Thus, providing the powder dispensing apparatus 10 with a single common handle limits operation to one valve at a time, allowing gating of the dispensing chamber 14 to be achieved.

[0056] In some embodiments, the handle 18 may be attached to the powder dispensing device 10. This helps prevent the handle 18 from being misplaced, but also means that if there are multiple powder dispensing devices 10 in a common premises, each with its own handle, the separate handles cannot be used simultaneously to open both the inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 26 at once, thereby defeating the gated valve system. This allows multiple handles in a premises to have a common design.

[0057] The handle 18 may be attached to the powder dispensing device 10 in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the handle 18 is tethered to the device 10 by a line 30. The line 30 is of sufficient length to allow the handle 18 to be inserted into the inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 26, as indicated by dashed lines 18' and 18''. The lines may be attached in any suitable location.

[0058] 1 and 2, a method 210 of operating the powder dispensing apparatus 10 will now be described. The first step 212 of the method is a dispense chamber filling step. This step involves opening the inlet valve 24 to allow powder 20 to flow into the dispense chamber 14 through the inlet valve 24 until the dispense chamber 14 is full. There will then be a continuous column of powder extending from the dispense chamber outlet valve 26 into the hopper 12.

[0059] In step 214, the inlet valve 24 is closed, isolating the powder 20 in the dispensing chamber 14 from the stock powder 20 in the hopper 12. The third step is a container fill step 216. This step involves opening the outlet valve 26 to allow a quantity of powder in the dispensing chamber 14 to flow by gravity into the container 16. Once the dispensing chamber 14 is empty, the outlet valve 26 can be closed and it can be determined whether an additional quantity of powder 20 is needed (step 220). If more powder 20 is needed in the same container 16, the dispensing process (steps 212-218) can be repeated to provide one or more additional measurements of powder 20 to the container 16. Alternatively, the powder in the container can be used, or the powder can be removed from the powder dispensing apparatus 10 by removing the container (step 222) and transported to a location of use.

[0060] 1, the opening and closing of inlet valve 24 and outlet valve 26 are sequential to prevent both valves from being open at the same time, and a common handle 18 is used to dispense a predetermined amount of powder into container 16. Thus, step 212 may include inserting handle 18 into inlet valve 24 and opening it, step 214 may include closing outlet valve 26 and removing handle 18, step 216 may include inserting handle 18 into outlet valve 26 and opening it, and step 218 may include closing outlet valve 26 and removing handle 18.

[0061] The operation of the handle 318 and the valve 324 will now be described with reference to Figures 3a-3c. The valve 324 shown in each of Figures 3a-3c can correspond to either the inlet valve 24 or the outlet valve 26, which may be similar to one another in some embodiments of the dispensing device 10. In Figures 3a-3c, the valve 324 is shown as a separate component and may be inserted between different components as needed. However, as mentioned above, the valve 324 may be attached directly to or be part of the hopper 12, dispensing chamber 14, or container 16.

[0062] In some respects, the valve 324 is conventional in that it includes a valve housing 332 having a valve inlet 334 and a valve outlet 336 with a flow passage extending therebetween. The flow passage includes a valve member (not shown) operable to move between a closed position corresponding to a closed state of the valve 324 and an open position corresponding to a closed state of the valve 324 by rotation of a valve spindle 336. The valve may be, for example, a butterfly valve. Rotation of the spindle 338 is actuated using a handle 318. In the embodiment of Figures 3a-3c, the handle 318 engages the spindle 338 to provide a radially extending lever that can be cranked about an axis of rotation 340 of the spindle 336 to rotate the spindle 336 and open or close the valve 324. The handle 318 thus provides a hand lever for the valve spindle 338.

[0063] The handle 318 engages the spindle 338 via an interlock 342. The interlock 342 is configured to allow the handle 318 to operatively engage and disengage from the spindle 338 when the valve 324 is in a closed state. Once the handle 318 is rotated about the spindle axis 340 away from the closed state, the handle 318 cannot be withdrawn until the valve 324 returns to the closed state.

[0064] FIG. 3a shows the handle 318 before it is inserted into the valve 324. FIG. 3b shows the handle fully inserted into the spindle 338 with the valve 324 in a closed position. FIG. 3c shows the valve 324 in an open position and the handle 318 interlocked with the spindle 338 so that it cannot be withdrawn. In FIG. 3c, the valve 324 is shown as fully open with the spindle 338 rotated 90 degrees from the closed position. However, it will be appreciated that the valve 324 begins to open upon initial movement of the handle 318 about the axis 340. In other words, the handle 318 can only be removed if there is no flow path of powder through the valve 324.

[0065] The handle 318 is shown as an elongate member (e.g., rod) having a first end 344 and a second end 346 with a handle shaft extending therebetween. The first end 344 includes an attachment portion 348 for insertion into and engagement with the interlock 342 along an insertion axis 349. The second end 346 is distal to the spindle 338 and is configured to provide a portion that can be manually grasped to actuate the valve 324, in use. The second end 346 and / or the shaft may be configured to aid in improved gripping and / or to prevent it from being inserted into the spindle 338 or otherwise operably attached to the valve 324. Thus, the handle 318 may be configured to operably engage with the spindle 338 only via the insertion end. In the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the handle is provided with an end having a width that is too large to be inserted into the interlock 342 (e.g., an enlarged end having a larger diameter than the attachment portion 348). However, the second end 346 may be configured in other manners to prevent insertion into the interlock 342. In some embodiments, the handle 318 may include attachments on both the first end 344 and the second end 346 such that the handle 318 can be used regardless of which end is attached to the valve 324.

[0066] Figure 4 shows a close up of the attachment portion 448 which can be used to engage and interlock with the illustrated spindle 338. Figures 5a-5c show the engagement of the spindle 538 with the handle.

[0067] The attachment portion 448 is provided at the end of the handle shaft (the first, terminal portion 344 of the handle 418) and includes an extension 450 which functions to engage and drive the spindle 538 in use. The extension 450 has a length extending along an insertion axis (which may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the handle) and has a diameter greater than an adjacent smaller diameter portion, referred to herein as the reduced portion 452. The reduced portion 452 is located on the handle side of the extension 450. Thus, the extension 450 has a first diameter and the reduced portion 452 has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter of the extension 450. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes a handle in the form of a cylindrical rod and an extension that is also cylindrical. However, it will be appreciated that different cross-sectional shapes of the handle, the reduced portion 452 and the extension 450 are possible. In such cases, the diameter of the extension may be a width or other radial measurement. Thus, the expansions and contractions described herein are sometimes referred to as radial expansions or contractions, where radial is referenced to the insertion axis 449 of the handle.

[0068] The transition between the first diameter and the second diameter is provided by a lip or step, referred to herein as a shoulder 454. The shoulder 454 may be provided in the form of a radially extending surface that may be perpendicular to the handle insertion axis 449 and face axially toward the second end of the handle 418. The insertion axis 449 is the line along which the handle 418 is inserted into the spindle. The diameter of the reduced portion 452 may correspond to and / or be provided by the diameter of the handle shaft.

[0069] The axial length of the extension 450 may be equal to or less than the width of the spindle 538, such that when inserted into the spindle 438, it does not protrude beyond the spindle 538. Thus, the extension 450 may be fully contained within the spindle 438, or may be rotatable within the spindle housing 456. The diameter of the extension 450 may correspond to the diameter of the through hole of the spindle 438, such that the extension 450 is closely but freely received and abuts against the inner surface of the through hole to rotate the spindle 438 when cranked.

[0070] The shoulder 454 provides a stop that can prevent the handle 418 from being pulled off the spindle 538. That is, as the spindle 438 moves from the closed position toward the open position, the shoulder 454 prevents the handle 418 from being pulled off by bearing against a corresponding wall of the spindle housing 456, as will be described in more detail below.

[0071] The attachment portion 448 may be a first attachment portion. The handle 418 may include a second attachment portion 448'. The first attachment portion 448 and the second attachment portion 448' are provided along the length of the handle 418. The first attachment portion 448 may be provided at the handle end of the second attachment portion 448', or may be disposed toward or provide a terminal end of the handle 418. The first attachment portion 448 and the second attachment portion 448' may engage separate interlocking portions of the spindle, as described below in connection with Figures 5a-5c. Thus, the second attachment portion 448' may engage the opposite side of the spindle housing 456 and provide a further means for coupling the handle 418 to the spindle 438.

[0072] The second mounting portion 448' may be configured in a similar manner as the first mounting portion 448 and may include a second extension 450' that is extended against an adjacent second reduction 452'. The second reduction 452' may be a second reduced diameter portion that extends from the first extension 450 before extending over a second shoulder 454' into the second extension 450'. The second extension 450' may be the same size as the first extension 450 or smaller. The second reduction 452' may be the same size as the first reduction 452, smaller, or larger. In some embodiments, the first reduction 450 and the second reduction 452' may be substantially the same so that the handle 418 can be inserted into the spindle 418 from either direction.

[0073] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the handle 418 may include only one of the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion.

[0074] Figures 5a-5c show the spindle 438 and interlock 442 in more detail. Figure 5a shows the back side of the interlock 442 (with respect to the insertion direction of the handle 418 being from right to left along the insertion axis 449) with the handle 418 partially positioned within the interlock 442. Figure 5b shows the front side of the interlock 442 with the handle 418 partially inserted within the interlock 442. Figure 5c shows the handle 418 fully inserted into the interlock 442 in a fully open position where the handle 418 has been rotated about the axis of rotation of the spindle to a 90° position relative to the insertion axis 449.

[0075] The spindle 438 is a cylindrical member located within a spindle housing 456 that is fixed relative to the valve housing 332. The spindle 438 is configured to rotate about a spindle axis 440 (which may correspond to a longitudinal axis of the spindle 438 and may be orthogonal to an insertion axis 449) when actuated by the handle 418. The spindle 438 includes a through hole extending diametrically through the spindle 438 transverse to the spindle axis 440 and defining the insertion axis 449. The spindle through hole may have a uniform diameter sized to snugly receive a first extension 450 of the handle 418 such that the handle can drive the spindle 438 with the required rotation. The outer surface of the first extension 450 may thus constitute a bearing surface for driving the spindle 438.

[0076] The spindle housing 456 may provide an interlock 452. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5a-5c, the interlock 452 is provided by an elongated interlock opening 458 that extends circumferentially around the spindle 438 and defines a rotational path along which the handle 418 travels upon actuation. The interlock opening 458 includes an insertion opening 460 that corresponds to the first widening portion 450 and an actuation opening (sometimes referred to as an actuation slot) 462 that corresponds to the first reduced portion 452. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5a-5c, the interlock opening may be considered generally keyhole-shaped when viewed from a radially inward direction.

[0077] As discussed above, the insertion opening 460 has a shape and size corresponding to the mounting portion 448 of the handle 418 so that the mounting portion 448 can be easily inserted along the insertion axis 449. The insertion opening 460 may be the same size as or larger than the spindle through hole when aligned with the spindle through hole when the valve is in the closed state.

[0078] The actuation slot 462 is an elongated extension from the insertion opening 460 having a length extending circumferentially around the spindle axis 440 and a lateral width extending parallel to the spindle axis 440. The width of the actuation slot 462 is smaller than the insertion opening 460 in a corresponding direction and smaller than the diameter of the first extension 452 such that when the handle is rotated about the spindle axis 440 and positioned within the actuation slot 462, the attachment portion 448 cannot be withdrawn through the actuation slot 462. More specifically, any attempt to withdraw the attachment portion 448 through the actuation slot 462 would result in the first shoulder 454 contacting the inner surface of the spindle housing 456 that defines the actuation slot 462.

[0079] The spindle housing 456 may have a first interlock opening 458 and a second interlock opening 458' diametrically opposed on either side of the spindle housing 456 and arranged to engage the first mounting portion 448 and the second mounting portion 448', respectively. The first interlock opening 458 and the second interlock opening 458' may have corresponding shapes and dimensions and may extend in a common actuation direction, shown as counterclockwise in Figures 5a-5c. Thus, the insertion openings 460, 460' are aligned along the insertion axis 449 on either side of the spindle 438, and each of the actuation openings 462, 462' extends in a counterclockwise direction away from the respective insertion opening 460, 460' to define an actuation direction for moving the valve from a closed state to an open state in use.

[0080] 5a and 5b show the handle 418 being inserted into the spindle 438 when the valve is in the closed position. Thus, in FIG. 5a, the end of the handle 418 having the attachment portion 448′ and the second extension portion 450′ is shown before it exits the spindle throughbore and passes through the insertion opening 460′ of the second interlock opening 442. FIG. 5b shows the handle side of the attachment portion 448 having the first shoulder 454 and the first extension portion 450 extending into the spindle throughbore through the first insertion opening 460. It will be appreciated that when fully inserted, the first shoulder 454 is located radially inward of the spindle housing 456 and the second extension portion 450′ is located radially outward of the spindle housing 456 as shown in FIG. 5c. Thus, each of the first and second reduced portions 452 and 452′ is located within a respective actuation opening such that the handle 418 can be rotated to operate the valve.

[0081] As mentioned above, the width of the first and second reduced portions 452, 452 is less than the lateral width of each of the actuation openings 462, 462'. Thus, the spindle 438 can rotate such that the reduced portions pass along the length of the actuation openings 462, 462' without fouling. When the handle is placed within the actuation opening, the first and second shoulders, respectively, prevent the handle from being withdrawn.

[0082] Figure 5c shows the handle in the actuated position with the valve fully open and the handle interlocked to prevent it from being withdrawn.

[0083] Referring back to FIG. 4, the attachment portion may also include a third shoulder 464 that defines a transition between the first extended portion 450 and the second reduced portion 452′. The third shoulder 464 may be used to prevent the handle 418 from being inserted over the spindle by engaging an inner surface of the second insertion opening 460′ opposite the handle 418. It will be appreciated that to do this, the diameter of the first extended portion 450 must be larger than the diameter of the second insertion opening 560′ and therefore larger than the diameter of the second extended portion 450′.

[0084] 6a-6j illustrate how the powder dispensing device described herein may be deployed and used. In FIG. 6a, a powder source in the form of a hopper 612 is shown containing a quantity of powder 620 to be dispensed at a predetermined location. This location may be, for example, a central distribution location within an ALM facility. The powder 620 may be prepared and filled at another location / facility that specializes in powder preparation and / or supply. The powder 620 may be, for example, certified or guaranteed to be of a particular type or quality depending on the requirements of a given end user, and delivered to the site in a sealed hopper 612 for dispensing in a predetermined, metered amount.

[0085] Once the powder source is in place, the dispensing chamber 614 may be attached to the powder source 612. In the example shown in FIG. 6b, the dispensing chamber 614 includes an inlet valve 624 and an outlet valve 626 similar to those described herein. However, it will be understood that the inlet valve 624 may be attached to the powder source 612 and the outlet valve 626 may be attached to the container 616. In the example shown in FIG. 6c, the outlet valve 626 is attached to the bottom of the dispensing chamber 614. At this point, the powder dispensing apparatus 610 may be considered assembled for use.

[0086] To use the powder dispensing device, a handle 618 similar to those described herein can be inserted into the inlet valve 624 as shown in FIG. 6d. Once inserted, the handle 618 can be rotated to actuate the inlet valve 624 to allow powder 620 to flow (620') from the powder source 612 into the dispensing chamber 614. As will be appreciated, the handle 618 can be of the interlock type described herein that cannot be withdrawn unless the valve 624 is in a closed state. Once the dispensing chamber 620 is full and the flow of powder 620' has stopped, the valve 624 can be closed and the handle removed as shown in FIG. 6f. The determination of when the dispensing chamber is full can be accomplished, for example, by waiting a predetermined number of seconds after fully actuating the handle.

[0087] Once removed from the inlet valve 624, the handle 618 can be inserted into the outlet valve 626, as shown in Figure 6g, and actuated to fill the container 616 with a predetermined amount of powder 620 present in the dispensing chamber 616, as shown in Figure 6h. As discussed in connection with Figure 2, if the container 616 is capable of receiving multiple fills from the dispensing chamber 614, the steps shown in Figures 6d-6i can be repeated. Once the powder has been filled and dispensed into the container 616 a desired number of times, the outlet valve 626 is closed and the container 616 is sealed and transported to its location for use, as shown in Figure 6j.

[0088] As will be appreciated, the dispensing process can be repeated multiple times until the powder source 612 is depleted and requires refilling. It will also be appreciated that the dispensing chamber 612 and the container 616 can be of different sizes to hold various amounts of powder depending on the needs of the end user.

[0089] The powder dispensing apparatus and methods described herein provide a convenient and reliable method of dispensing a known amount of powder. This allows for easier monitoring and tracking of powder usage. This prevents powder waste and allows for more efficient management of inventory levels and powder reordering. Additionally, the use of a dedicated operating handle prevents a continuous flow path between the bulk container and the outlet / container, limiting powder loss to the amount contained within the dispensing chamber.

[0090] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments described herein, but various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A powder dispensing device for dispensing powder, comprising: a dispensing chamber for dispensing a predetermined amount of powder into the container; an inlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control entry of the powder from a powder source into the dispensing chamber; an outlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control the discharge of the powder from the dispensing chamber into the container; the inlet valve and the outlet valve are independently actuated between the closed and open conditions by a common removable handle; the inlet valve and the outlet valve each have an interlock for receiving and engaging the handle; the interlock is configured to receive and release the handle when the inlet valve and the outlet valve are each in a closed position and to engage the handle to prevent removal of the handle when the inlet valve and the outlet valve are each in an open position.

2. 2. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dispensing chamber includes one or both of the inlet valve and the outlet valve.

3. 10. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the powder source comprises a hopper having a hopper outlet in powder flow communication with the inlet valve, the hopper outlet optionally comprising a hopper outlet valve.

4. 4. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 3, wherein said dispensing chamber is removably attached to said hopper.

5. 2. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the inlet valve and the outlet valve includes a rotatable spindle on which the handle is received, and wherein rotation of the spindle causes each of the inlet valve and the outlet valve to move between the closed and open positions.

6. a spindle housing in which the spindle is disposed; 6. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the spindle housing receives the handle when the valve is in the closed position and retains the handle against withdrawal when the valve is in the open position to provide the interlock.

7. The spindle housing includes: an interlocking aperture extending around the spindle and defining an actuation path of travel for the handle; the interlocking opening includes an insertion opening and an elongated actuation opening having a longitudinal axis and a width transverse to the longitudinal axis; 7. The powder dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the insertion opening is wider than the lateral width of the actuation opening.

8. 7. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising two interlocking openings on diametrically opposed sides of the spindle housing.

9. A powder dispensing device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle.

10. 10. The powder dispensing device of claim 9, comprising only a single handle.

11. 10. The powder dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the handle comprises an attachment portion at a first end thereof.

12. 12. The powder dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the attachment portion comprises an extension portion adapted to be inserted into and drivingly engage the spindle.

13. 13. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the mounting portion has a reduced portion adjacent the expanded portion and a radially extending shoulder therebetween.

14. 14. The powder dispensing device of claim 13, further comprising first and second fitting portions distributed along a length of the handle for engaging with the first and second interlocking openings, respectively.

15. the extension portion is a first extension portion, the reduction section is a first reduction section, the radially extending shoulder is a first shoulder of the first mounting portion; 15. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second mounting portion includes a second widening portion and a second narrowing portion separated by a second radially extending shoulder.

16. 16. The powder dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the second extension is smaller in diameter than the first extension.

17. 10. The powder dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the handle comprises a second end, the second end configured such that the second end cannot be used to attach the handle to the inlet valve or the outlet valve.

18. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the container.

19. 20. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the container is removably attached to the dispensing chamber.

20. 20. The powder dispensing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the container is sealable prior to being removed from the dispensing chamber.

21. 10. A kit of parts comprising the powder dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said containers, each container having a different size, and / or a plurality of dispensing chambers, each dispensing chamber having a different predetermined volume.

22. 1. A method of dispensing powder from a powder dispensing device, comprising: A powder source; a dispensing chamber attached to the powder source; an inlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control entry of the powder from a powder source into the dispensing chamber; an outlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control the discharge of the powder from the dispensing chamber into the container; A container is provided, a) attaching the handle to the inlet valve, opening the inlet valve with the handle to allow the powder to enter the dispensing chamber, closing the inlet valve with the handle, and removing the handle; b) attaching the handle to the outlet valve and opening the outlet valve to allow the powder to flow from the dispensing chamber into the container; c) removing said container; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of closing the outlet valve and removing the handle from the outlet valve.

24. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising transporting the container to a location of use, optionally the location of use comprising an additive manufacturing device.

25. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising repeating steps a) and b) prior to step c).

26. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing the powder source to a dispensing location.

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