Abstract: Electric submersible pump and other centrifugal pump stages having non-axisymmetric components and passage contours are disclosed. Such a component can be a shrouded impeller having a non-axisymmetric profile for its hub and/or shroud.

Abstract: A microneedle biosensor includes a microneedle and a substrate. One end of the microneedle is connected to the substrate, an outer surface of the microneedle is provided with a working electrode and a first electrode, an outer surface of the working electrode is provided with an enzyme, and an outer surface of the microneedle biosensor is covered with a biocompatible film. A method for manufacturing a microneedle biosensor includes: manufacturing the substrate and the microneedle in an additive mode simultaneously; spray-printing and curing the working electrode and the first electrode on the outer surface of the microneedle; spray-printing and drying the enzyme on the outer surface of the working electrode; and using biocompatible liquid for spray-printing, and drying the biocompatible liquid to form the biocompatible film. The substrate, the microneedle, the working electrode, the first electrode, the enzyme and the biocompatible film are all manufactured through a full printing method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating pick and placement of preforms. One embodiment is a method for picking and placing a preform. The method includes placing an inner surface of a first caul plate into contact with a first side of a stringer preform, such that an outer surface of the first caul plate forms a first plane that is uniform along a length of the stringer preform, placing an inner surface of a second caul plate into contact with a second side of the stringer preform, such that an outer surface of the second caul plate forms a second plane that is parallel to the first plane along a length of the stringer preform, grasping the caul plates at the first plane and the second plane along the length of the stringer preform, and lifting the stringer preform together with the caul plates while maintaining the grasp.

Abstract: A mold for producing a hydrogel support for a 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture, includes: an upper mold comprising a base and a plurality of upper unit molds protruding downward from the base to form accommodating portions of a female type corresponding to shapes of hydrogel supports, having through holes at bottoms thereof, and patterned at a lower portion of the base; a lower mold where a plurality of lower unit molds are patterned, the plurality of lower unit molds formed in a female type to respectively accommodate the plurality of upper unit molds protruding downward and having sealed lower portions; and an ejecting unit for separating, from the accommodating portions of the plurality of upper unit molds, the hydrogel supports that are coagulated after being inserted into the through holes respectively formed in the plurality of upper unit molds.

Abstract: Medical implants comprising biocompatible materials and having surface features that may assist in biocompatibility upon implantation in the body are described. Methods for manufacturing such implants are also described. The manufacturing process may include applying a biocompatible material to a texturized surface of a mold. The implants may include various features to assist their positioning, fixation, and/or identification during and/or after implantation.

Abstract: An article including a durable, optically transparent, and superhydrophobic coating is described. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article comprising a substrate, and disposed adjacent the substrate, a layer comprising graphitic carbon, diamond-like carbon, and aerogel. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a coated substrate, comprising providing a carbon layer disposed on a substrate and having a textured surface; and disposing aerogel adjacent to at least a portion of the textured surface.

Abstract: A single-use or multi-use prefabricated pier top form for topping a concrete pier comprises a hollow mold with an upper portion in the desired shape of the finished pier top, a stepped-down tapered mid portion, and a lower mating portion for mating with the pier form so that concrete can be continuously poured to fill both the pier form and the pier top form at one time. Use of the prefabricated pier top form results in substantial time and material savings because the top of the pier residing above ground can be formed at the same time as the footer and pier are formed replacing the need to form a separate pier top after the pier and footer have been filled with concrete.

Abstract: A footwear moulding system for direct injection production of footwear, said footwear moulding system comprising a supporting mould (21), a last (30), an in-mould (22), and an injection channel (40), wherein the supporting mould (21) comprises at least an in-mould support. The in-mould (22) is elastomeric and the in-mould (22) comprises an in-mould outer surface (76) configured to be supported by said in-mould support. The in-mould support comprises at least one support side mould (26, 28) and a support bottom mould (24). Further, the invention relates to a direct injection footwear production method for footwear by use of such a moulding system.

Abstract: This disclosure includes injection molds for reducing cycle times and related methods. Some molds include first and second mold portions movable relative to one another from an open position to a closed position in which each of one or more recesses of the first mold portion cooperates with a respective one of one or more recesses of the second mold portion to define a chamber. Each of the chamber(s) includes a first cooling body coupled to the first mold portion, a second cooling body coupled to the second mold portion, and first and second inserts removably coupled, respectively, to the first and second cooling bodies such that the inserts cooperate to define a mold cavity within the chamber that is configured to receive a thermoplastic material. Each of the cooling bodies has an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid cavity in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin composition, an EVOH film formed therefrom, and a multilayer structure containing the same. The surface roughness of the EVOH resin composition is the root mean square gradient (Sdq) between 0.0005 and 13. The EVOH of the invention can reduce the torque output during processing, and make the appearance of the EVOH film highly uniform.

Abstract: A no bake process is provided for preparing a foundry shape. A major amount of an appropriate foundry aggregate, especially a sand that has been mechanically-reclaimed, is mixed with an amount of halloysite tubes. A binder system, especially a water-based binder, such as an aqueous alkaline phenolic resole resin, is added to the mixed aggregate and halloysite, and a liquid co-reactant for curing the binder is also added. By intimately mixing the components, a foundry molding compound is formed and it can be placed into a mold or patter to cure into a foundry shape. When removed from the mold or pattern, the foundry shape can be used to cast molten metal.

Abstract: A polyurethane-based display, in particular for a vehicle, includes a decorative element with at least one cutout. At least one printed sheet is disposed in the at least one cutout such that the printed part of the printed sheet is visible. The printed sheet is coated with a first polyurethane layer.

Abstract: Silicone compositions are described for the production of negative molds that include a silicone elastomer. The molds can be used in the production of molded articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a microneedle containing a coating part on a needle tip and an apparatus used for the method. When a microneedle is manufactured using the coating method and apparatus according to the present disclosure, a coating part in which a target material is impregnated can be easily inserted into skin and effective dissolution is possible. Further, the target material is allowed to show excellent skin permeability with the dissolution of the coating part of the microneedle manufactured according to the present disclosure, thereby a quantitative amount of target material can be effectively delivered into the skin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of electrochemical cells for use in high pressure or high differential pressure operations. The electrochemical cells of the present disclosure have non-circular external pressure boundaries, i.e., the cells have non-circular profiles. In such cells, the internal fluid pressure during operation is balanced by the axial tensile forces developed in the bipolar plates, which prevent the external pressure boundaries of the cells from flexing or deforming. That is, the bipolar plates are configured to function as tension members during operation of the cells. To function as an effective tension member, the thickness of a particular bipolar plate is determined based on the yield strength of the material selected for fabricating the bipolar plate, the internal fluid pressure in the flow structure adjacent to the bipolar plate, and the thickness of the adjacent flow structure.

Abstract: An adhering jig includes a mounting plate having an upper surface, and a plurality of aligning parts incorporated in the mounting plate. A plurality of first holes are formed in the upper surface, and a plurality of first pins are engaged in the plurality of first holes, each having a base end and an upper end, and configured to be movable in a direction normal to the upper surface. A plurality of first adjusting members are located inward with respect to the upper surface. The plurality of first adjusting members are configured to support the plurality of first pins and to adjust movements thereof. The plurality of first adjusting members are, when the plurality of first pins are pressed in the first holes, configured to exert opposite force to the force applied through the plurality of first pins.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure may use a fixture with one or more boot recesses formed therein. An embedded member may be engaged with a boot and placed in a boot recess. Substrate lay-up may be placed around all or a portion of the embedded member and an outer member may be positioned over the substrate lay-up. A cover may be positioned over the outer member and engaged with the fixture. The pressure within an interior portion of the fixture may be reduced to less than ambient pressure and resin may be introduced to interact with the substrate lay-up and allowed to cure.

Abstract: A method for molding or replicating leather samples for inspection, selecting and later using those samples in applications such as automobile interiors with leather surfaces that are laminated or have a loose grain appearance. In one process variant, the main steps include choosing original samples for replication, the original samples including a characteristic to be replicated; making a replication tool from the approved samples; and producing replicated molded samples with the replication tool that emulate the original samples, thereby enabling the replicated molded samples to be compared with the original sample.

Abstract: A method for making a slip resistant mat can include assembling parts with predetermined geometries to form a mold that can be used for making slip resistant mats that have channels to account for moisture between the mat and the floor. The unique geometries of the parts which form the mold can be manufactured efficiently and with reduced costs. The mold of this invention can be used to make slip resistant mats with channels that can both dissipate water and offer a high degree of mat to floor surface contact.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly concerned with materials, processes, and structures that allow an underlayer to be imaged directly using conventional lithography, thus avoiding the photoresist processing steps required by prior art directed self-assembly (DSA) processes. The underlayers can be tailored to favor a selected block of the DSA block co-polymers (BCP), depending on the pattern, and can be formulated either to initially be neutral to the BCP and switch to non-neutral after photoexposure, or can initially be non-neutral to the BCP and switch to neutral after exposure. These materials allow fast crosslinking to achieve solvent resistance and possess good thermal stability.

Abstract: A column or other elongate molded part is molded using an elongate tubular mold having a closed end, an open end and a flexible sidewall. After the column or other molded part is formed, it is extracted from the mold by pulling the column or other molded part axially through the open end of the mold. The inner surface of the mold may comprise a recessed or protruding form to mold a protruding or sunken relief on or in an exterior surface of the molded part. The column may be extracted using an expandable plug that is inserted into the interior of the column or other molded part through the open end of the mold. The expandable plug is expanded to engage and seal against an inner surface of the elongate molded part. A pressurized gas is introduced into the interior of the elongate molded part through the plug to expand the mold before pulling the column through the open end of the mold.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a structure includes disposing a liquid photoreactive composition on a substrate, exposing a portion of the liquid photoreactive composition to laser light of sufficient intensity and wavelength to cause polymerization via two-photon excitation of the two-photon sensitizer and polymerization of a portion of the liquid photoreactive composition thereby providing an exposed composition; and developing the exposed composition to provide the structure. The liquid composition includes: at least one cationically polymerizable polyepoxide; at least one compound comprising free-radically polymerizable groups; an effective amount of a two-photon photoinitiator system, wherein the weight ratio of component (a) to component (b) is from 25:75 to 75:25, inclusive. The two-photon photoinitiator system includes a two-photon sensitizer and an aromatic onium salt. The liquid photoreactive composition may contain less than about one percent by weight of organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a die cast article is disclosed and includes forming an insert with an additive manufacturing process to define a cavity for generating desired part geometry. The insert is then mounted within a mold tool, material is injected into the cavity to fill the cavity and form a cast article.

Abstract: A mandrel (5) for molding polymer valve leaflets for heart valve prostheses is disclosed, including a body portion (52) including an outer surface with ridges (60) and contoured surfaces (64) corresponding to the leaflets, the upper edge of the contoured surfaces corresponding to the free upper edge of the leaflets, and the mandrel including a mandrel extension (54) above the body portion, and a gap (68) extending around the mandrel between the upper edge of the contoured surface and the mandrel extension. A process for producing these polymer valve leaflets is also disclosed by dip coating with this mandrel and removing the polymer film created at the gap, preferably by applying suction or blowing thereto.

Abstract: The inventive concepts provide methods of forming a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a neutral layer having a photosensitive property and a reflow property on an anti-reflective coating layer, performing an exposure process and a development process on the neutral layer to form a preliminary neutral pattern at least partially exposing the anti-reflective coating layer, heating the preliminary neutral pattern to form a neutral pattern, forming a block copolymer layer on the neutral pattern, and heating the block copolymer layer to form a block copolymer pattern. The block copolymer pattern includes a first pattern disposed on the anti-reflective coating layer exposed by the neutral pattern, and a second pattern disposed on the neutral pattern and chemically bonded to the first pattern.

Abstract: A composition for use in 3D printing includes a polyester resin including a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) monomer unit and a terephthalate monomer unit, the polyester resin being provided in a powdered form with a particle size in a range from about 100 microns to about 500 microns.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one example, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming assisting etch resistant fill topographical features that overlie a semiconductor substrate and that define an assisting etch resistant fill confinement well using a photomask. The photomask defines an assisting lithographically-printable mask feature. A block copolymer is deposited into the assisting etch resistant fill confinement well. The block copolymer is phase separated into an etchable phase and an etch resistant phase. The assisting etch resistant fill topographical features direct the etch resistant phase to form an etch resistant plug in the assisting etch resistant fill confinement well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabricating a monolayer or multilayer metal structure in LIGA technology, in which a photoresist layer is deposited on a flat metal substrate, a photoresist mold is created by irradiation or electron or ion bombardment, a metal or alloy is electroplated in this mold, the electroformed metal structure is detached from the substrate and the photoresist is separated from this metal structure, wherein the metal substrate is used as an agent involved in the forming of at least one surface of the metal structure other than that formed by the plane surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Stained glass lampshades and decorative lamps and methods of making and fabricating stained glass lampshades and other ornamental shades and decorative articles for lamps, formed from customized glass tiles, that allow for additional glass tiles to be hung from hooks on fixed glass tiles, and allowing for indicia, such as but not limited to names, birthdays, designs, logos and pictures to be customized on selected glass tiles. Water jet cut glass tiles can be attached to one another into a hemi-spherical shape by a cured and hardened grout between each tile.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to a method for manufacturing winding parts for an electric machine. The winding parts include a conductor and insulation around it. The method includes providing the conductor with an insulating tape around it, providing dies above the insulating tape, providing a thermosetting layer around the dies, impregnating the insulating tape with a resin, curing the resin to realise the insulation, removing the thermosetting layer and the dies.

Abstract: Provided are: a resin mold material and a resin replica mold material composition for imprinting having a superior mold releasability; a resin mold and a resin replica mold resulting from containing the material composition; and a method for producing them. The resin mold material or resin replica mold material composition for imprinting contains 100 parts by weight of a mold resin or replica mold resin for imprinting and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a curable fluoropolymer (A). Preferably, the fluoropolymer (A) has a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 20,000 and results from including as repeating units (a1) an ?-position substituted acrylate having a fluoroalkyl group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and (a2) and 5 to 120 parts by weight of a high-softening-point monomer exhibiting a glass transition point or softening point of at least 50° C. in the homopolymer state.

Abstract: A method for creation of a three-dimensional image in a transparent stone comprises process steps: of curving the inside of the said transparent stone, forming space therein and providing an outer shell, making at least one designing on the surface of the said outer shell facing inside, making at least one transparent filling layer on the surface of the said outer shell facing inward, making at least one designing on the surface of the said filling layer facing inward, repeating one under the other the designing and filling layer designing as per the design on the surface of the said filling layer facing inward, connecting a at least one three-dimensional object to the inward facing surface of the filling layer at the very bottom, and closing the lower part of the stone.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a mold includes: forming a first layer having an affinity to a second polymer on a substrate having an affinity to a first polymer; forming first and second openings in the first layer; filling a resist in the second openings and hardening the resist to obtain a hardened resist; and forming a second layer containing a block copolymer and causing it to self-assemble.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein relate to a recyclable thermoplastic unit that includes a casing body composed of a first thermoplastic having a first melting point. The casing body also includes a first locking mechanism that is configured to mate with a second locking mechanism of a sacrifice layer. The sacrifice layer is composed of a second thermoplastic and includes the second locking mechanism. The sacrifice layer has a melting point that is greater than the melting point of the casing body.

Abstract: A method of forming a lightweight artificial stone comprises sizing an existing rock to a first set of dimensions and compensating for shrinkage of moldable cement and expanded glass mixture, squaring the existing rock at least once, laying out at least one of the existing rock, forming a mold of the existing rock, removing the existing rock from the mold, filling the mold with the moldable cement and expanded glass mixture, forming at least one dimensionally accurate stone.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head, including: forming, on a substrate, a flow path mold pattern that becomes a mold of a liquid flow path; forming a negative photosensitive resin layer on the flow path mold pattern; subjecting the negative photosensitive resin layer to exposure processing with use of a reduction projection exposing apparatus and a mask pattern having an ejection orifice mask shape for forming ejection orifices; and subjecting the negative photosensitive resin layer obtained after the exposure processing to development processing to form the ejection orifices, in which the ejection orifices are formed by correcting, by the ejection orifice mask shape, an inclination of an ejection angle due to an off-axis telecentricity caused by the reduction projection exposing apparatus so as to be close to a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for making a golf ball having a patterned surface is disclosed. The pattern may be made by a method including machining a pattern of feed marks on the surface of a golf ball mold and using the golf ball mold to mold a golf ball cover layer. The pattern may be configured to create capillary action to substantially counteract gravity and/or other forces acting on a substantially liquid coating material applied to the cover layer of the golf ball.

Abstract: A system and method for making a slip resistant mat can include assembling parts with predetermined geometries to form a mold that can be used for making slip resistant mats that have channels to account for moisture between the mat and the floor. The unique geometries of the parts which form the mold can be manufactured efficiently and with reduced costs. The mold of this invention can be used to make slip resistant mats with channels that can both dissipate water and offer a high degree of mat to floor surface contact.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved seat element having a seating surface element that incorporates a plurality of peak portions and a plurality of valley portions. Preferably, the plurality of peak portions and the plurality of valley portions is incorporated in an outermost surface of the seating surface element. The term “outermost surface” is intended to include an area of the seating surface element for contact by and/or support of an occupant of the seat element and does not include, for example, grooves or trenches in which there is disposed a component for attachment of a trim cover. A process and a mold for production of such a seat element are also described.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing an over molded wire harness is disclosed herein. The system and method includes designing and manufacturing a positive mold made from interchangeable and reusable modular blocks. The positive mold is used to create a negative mold tool die, whereby the wire harness can be assembled in the negative mold and overmold material can be injected into the negative mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a mold core (5) for making hollow parts (11) based on a composite material including fibers, fabrics, or textiles together with a resin, the method consisting in mixing a filler material (1) and a binder material (2) in order to obtain a uniform mixture of materials, and in solidifying, compacting, and shaping the resulting mixture in order to constitute said core, the method being characterized in that it further consists in introducing into the mixture at least one complementary material (3) that is expandable under the effect of heat or by applying another physical or chemical principle, and in mixing said materials (1, 2, 3) in order to obtain a uniform distribution of the complementary material (3) in the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions comprising calcium aluminate and calcium titanate. The disclosure also relates to methods of molding and the articles so molded using the mold compositions. More specifically, the disclosure relates to calcium aluminate/calcium titanate mold compositions and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: A method of preparing a patterned micro-contact printing stamp for micro contact printing including the making of a submaster of e.g. epoxy, against which a micro-contact printing stamp from polydimethylsiloxane or other stamp forming material can be formed. The micro-contact printing stamp can then be exposed to an inking material while the micro-contact printing stamp is still against the submaster, resulting in a micro-contact printing stamp capable of making numerous impressions before the inking material is exhausted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing an insulated electrode comprising a conductive material coated with an electrically insulating material. The method includes at least the following steps of: forming a mold in an electrically insulating material, the mold including at least one channel, the mold being adapted to confine a conductive material, introducing the conductive material in a liquid state into the channel of the mold, the conductive material having a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the electrically insulating material.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of making open celled foams including a matrix of interconnected spheres. The open celled foams are silicone based materials and can be used to coat implants, such as breast implants, and function to encourage tissue ingrowth and reduce capsular formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-imprinting resin stamper including a micro structure layer on a transmissive support basal material, the micro structure layer being formed of a polymer of a resin composition that contains a silsesquioxane derivative as a major constituent having a plurality of polymerizable functional groups, another polymerizable resin component having a plurality of polymerizable functional groups and different from the silsesquioxane derivative, and a photopolymerizable initiator, in which the content percentage of the photopolymerizable initiator is equal to or more than 0.3 mass % and equal to or less than 3 mass % relative to a total mass of the silsesquioxane derivative and the polymerizable resin component, and the micro structure layer permits equal to or more than 80% of light to pass therethrough at a wavelength of 365 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for surface relief output coupling in organic light emitting diodes is provided. The method includes forming a pattern in a surface of an elastomer (310) and laminating at least a portion of the pattern to a surface of an organic light emitting diode (305).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a fibre composite component, comprising: arranging a first and a second mould in relation to one another in such a way that these together form a first cavity; laying a fibre material on the first and/or second mould; filling the formed first cavity with a casting material and solidifying said casting material in order to seal the first and the second mould to one another and/or interconnect them; and infiltrating the fibre material with a matrix and curing said matrix to form the fibre composite component.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure, using a mandrel that is later removed from the composite structure, involves production of a mandrel by depositing a particulate mixture, including an aggregate and a binder, into a mold and removing the mandrel from the mold. The mandrel may be treated while still in the mold by heating, curing with an agent, microwave energy, or by some combination thereof. Once finished, the mandrel can be used in manufacturing polymer and/or composite components. The mandrel can also include materials that can be easily removed from the finished composite structure by water, shakeout, chemically dissolving, or by some combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing of a microneedle array comprising the steps of selecting a soft production mold comprising a set of microscopic incisions defining geometry of the microneedles, said soft production mold being capable of providing the microneedle array integrated into a base plate; using a filler material for abundantly filling the microscopic incisions of the soft production mold thereby producing the microneedle array with pre-defined geometry integrated into the base plate; wherein for the filler material a water or alcohol based ceramic or polymer-ceramic slurry is selected. The invention further relates to a microneedle array, a composition comprising a microneedle array, a system for enabling transport of a substance through a barrier and a system for measuring an electric signal using an electrode.