US 12,409,605 B2
Apparatus and method to provide conditioning to a deposited powder
Morteza Vatani, Los Gatos, CA (US); Seyed Mohammad Sajadi, Sunnyvale, CA (US); David Paul Wanamaker, San Jose, CA (US); Kevin Nesdahl, Blaine, MN (US); Tim Debruin, Stillwater, MN (US); Brian Lindahl, Somerset, WI (US); and Justin Carroll, Vadnais Height, MN (US)
Assigned to Sakuu Corporation, San Jose, CA (US)
Filed by Sakuu Corporation, San Jose, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 2, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/074,236.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/299,816, filed on Jan. 14, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0226764 A1, Jul. 20, 2023
Int. Cl. B29C 64/314 (2017.01); B29C 64/141 (2017.01); B29C 64/218 (2017.01); B29C 64/393 (2017.01); B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); B33Y 30/00 (2015.01); B33Y 40/10 (2020.01); B33Y 50/02 (2015.01)
CPC B29C 64/314 (2017.08) [B29C 64/141 (2017.08); B29C 64/218 (2017.08); B29C 64/393 (2017.08); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/10 (2020.01); B33Y 50/02 (2014.12)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a powder dispenser, the powder dispenser configured to dispense powder onto a substrate;
a blade for controlling the thickness of the powder on the substrate and promoting uniformity of the powder;
a calender, the calender comprising a top roller, the top roller configured to be located above the powder on the substrate;
a wetting apparatus, the wetting apparatus configured to be located between the powder dispenser and the calender, the wetting apparatus comprising a steam head, the steam head configured to apply steam to the powder prior to the powder passing through the calender;
a sensor for sensing when powder is on a portion of the substrate under the steam head;
a vacuum positioned adjacent to the steam head and configured to control the vapor flow rate to control the moisture received by the dispensed powder; and
wherein the wetting apparatus is configured to generate steam based on a determination of the powder being on a portion of the substrate under the steam head; and
wherein the substrate comprises a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt configured to move the powder through the wetting apparatus and the calender.