Abstract: An assembly 10 includes a coupling member 12 having a first annular, radial connection flange 22 and a blanking cap 14 comprising a disc-like member 30 which defines a second, corresponding annular, radial connection flange 34. The connecting flanges are clamped together by a clamp (16) with a seal member 18 in-between. The blanking cap comprises a pair of safety lugs 62 attached to the disc-like member which each extend about an outer circumferential periphery of the first connection flange 22. Each safety lug has an abutment 68 for engagement with the first connection flange to limit axial movement of the disc-like member away from the coupling member. The lugs 62 prevent the blanking cap from flying off in the event the clamp is released whilst the interior of the coupling member is pressurised. The lugs 62 may each have a stop member 66 which defines the abutment and which may take the form of an elongate curved member extending circumferentially about an axis of the connection flanges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling system for an additive manufacturing process, comprising: a conduit for the transfer of material between a container and a further component of the additive manufacturing process; and one or more actuators for controlling operation of the conduit; wherein the conduit comprises first and second portions connected via an extendable intermediate portion; and wherein the one or more actuators are operable to act on at least a portion of the conduit to extend or retract the intermediate portion to control the length of the conduit.

Abstract: A Docking Arrangement for an Additive Manufacturing Process An operating handle (50) for controlling the operational state of a valve arrangement (26) associated with a container (12) to control dispensing of material from the container (12) to a component of an additive manufacturing process. The operating handle (50) includes a rotatable shaft 56 which is coupled to the valve arrangement (26) and is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions corresponding one or more operational states of the valve arrangement (26). A lever (52) is operatively coupled to the shaft (56) and is configured to cause rotation of the shaft (56) between the plurality of angular positions upon rotation of the lever (52). The handle (50) is also rotatable under the operation of an actuator (40) provided as part of a docking arrangement (10) associated with the component.

Abstract: A docking arrangement (10) for coupling an outlet (16) of a container (12) to an inlet (18) for a component of an additive manufacturing process. The docking arrangement (10) includes a dock (11) configured to receive the container (12) and a gas supply (35) associated with the dock (11). A gas coupler (38a, 38b) is provided and is configured, in use, to couple the gas supply (35) with a gas inlet (32) associated with the container (12) when the container (12) is received within the dock (11).

Abstract: A locking mechanism (100) for coupling an outlet (16) of a container (12) to an inlet (18) for a component of an additive manufacturing process. The locking mechanism (100) includes one or more locking members (102a, 102b) which are moveable, in use, between at least a first position and a second position. One or more actuators (104a, 104b) are provided and are configured, in use, to control movement of the one or more locking members (102a, 102b) between the first and second positions. The one or more locking members (102a, 102b) are configured to engage an exterior surface of the outlet (16) of the container (12) when in the second position so as to couple the outlet (16) to the inlet (18) for the component of the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A fitting prevents the unintentional flow of flowable material out of a container through a valve. The valve comprises a housing, a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and an actuator for moving the flow control element, wherein the fitting is adapted for insertion into the housing which in use locks the flow control element in a closed configuration by preventing rotation of the flow control element.

Abstract: Apparatus electronically interconnecting first electronic circuitry (72) in a hazardous environment with second electronic circuitry (74) whilst partitioning the second electronic circuitry from the hazardous environment includes a metallic body (42) defining a passage (56) which opens at one end into the hazardous environment. A PCB (58) extends across the passage and is encased within a layer of insulating material (66) on one side to form a gas tight barrier across the passage. The PCB has a first connector (78) connected with said first electronic circuity and at least one second connector (80) extending through the layer of insulating material and connected with said second electronic circuitry. The first and second connectors are electronically coupled so that the first electronic circuitry is electronically connected with the second electronic circuity through the PCB and insulating layer.

Abstract: A fitting prevents the unintentional flow of flowable material out of a container through a valve. The valve comprises a housing, a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and an actuator for moving the flow control element, wherein the fitting is adapted for insertion into the housing which in use locks the flow control element in a closed configuration by preventing rotation of the flow control element.

Abstract: Apparatus electronically interconnecting first electronic circuitry (72) in a hazardous environment with second electronic circuitry (74) whilst partitioning the second electronic circuitry from the hazardous environment includes a metallic body (42) defining a passage (56) which opens at one end into the hazardous environment. A PCB (58) extends across the passage and is encased within a layer of insulating material (66) on one side to form a gas tight barrier across the passage. The PCB has a first connector (78) connected with said first electronic circuity and at least one second connector (80) extending through the layer of insulating material and connected with said second electronic circuitry. The first and second connectors are electronically coupled so that the first electronic circuitry is electronically connected with the second electronic circuity through the PCB and insulating layer.

Abstract: A laser solidification apparatus for building objects by layerwise solidification of material. The laser solidification apparatus includes a build platform for supporting the object and a material bed, an optical module including a movable guiding element for directing the laser beam to solidify material of the material bed, and a detector module including a sensor for detecting radiation emitted from the material bed and transmitted to the sensor by the movable guiding element of the optical module. The detector module is removably mounted to the optical module.