Abstract: An insert for a case according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first layer comprising a liquid dispersed memory foam, and a second layer disposed on the first layer. Portable cases and methods of forming an insert for a case are also disclosed.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a coated metal mold having superior durability and adhesion resistance over a usage range from cold to warm/hot; and a method for manufacturing the coated metal mold. The coated metal mold is characterized by having a hard coating on a surface, wherein the hard coating includes an A layer formed from a nitride and having a film thickness not smaller than 5 ?m, and a B layer formed of a diamond-like carbon coating, the B layer is disposed closer to the outer surface side than the A layer, the surface of the B layer has an arithmetic mean roughness Ra?0.2 ?m, a maximum height Rz?2.0 ?m, and a skewness Rsk<0.

Abstract: This document describes systems and processes for forming synthetic molded slabs, which may be suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

Abstract: The present invention is a method that (i) allows for creating micro and/or nanostructures on either planar or non-planar three-dimensional surfaces in a single molding step, and (ii) allows for the molded production of complex high-aspect ratio micro and/or nanostructures including but not limited to cylinders, conical structures, low aspect-ratio channels, bumps, or posts. An example of such a complex structure are high aspect ratio pillars with enlarged “mushroom-shaped” or undercut tips which demonstrate enhanced, repeatable adhesion and shear strength on a variety of substrates when compared with other micro and/or nanostructures and unstructured materials. The mold of such a material requires an “undercut” feature that cannot be produced using typical micro/nano-molding processing techniques.

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: Geometric configurations for interlocking cap and fiber structures of interlocking dry adhesive materials are disclosed. Various methods for manufacturing interlocking dry adhesive materials including using a flexible negative mold and thermoplastic polymer dry adhesive material are disclosed. Various methods of manufacturing directly molded anisotropic interlocking dry adhesive structures using thermoplastic polymer dry adhesive materials are also provided.

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 molding roller includes a roller body and a molding film. The roller body includes a cylindrical surface. The molding film is sprayed on the cylindrical surface and includes a molding surface facing away from the cylindrical surface. A micro-structure pattern is formed on the molding surface. The molding film is made of a polymer material including PDMS.

Abstract: An apparatus having an exterior surface that simulates a natural surface, and method of manufacturing same, comprising a polymer-foam sidewall having a concave first surface, a first end, and a second end. According to one embodiment in which the apparatus is a hunting blind, the sidewall is generally cylindrical and further has an inner surface, and defines a plurality of windows extending between the inner and outer surfaces. A first endwall is adjacent to the first end of the sidewall. A second endwall is adjacent to the second end of the sidewall. The sidewall, first end wall, and second endwall define an interior space that may be occupied by a hunter.

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: A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells.

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: A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells.

Abstract: A method for forming a soft mold includes providing a master mold having at least one pattern thereon, forming pre-polymer layer on the master mold, applying water on the pre-polymer layer, hardening the pre-polymer layer to form a soft mold, removing water, and separating the soft mold from the master mold. A method for forming a pattern comprises forming a resist on an etching subject layer, providing a soft mold, disposing the soft mold on the resist, separating the soft mold from the resist to form the resist pattern, and etching the etching subject layer by using the resist pattern, wherein providing the soft mold comprises providing a master mold having at least one pattern thereon, forming pre-polymer layer on the master mold, applying water on the pre-polymer layer, hardening the pre-polymer layer to form a soft mold, removing water, and separating the soft mold from the master mold.

Abstract: Provided is an imprint product, which is for transcribing a fine pattern of a mold surface and which contains a fluorine-containing cyclic olefin polymer containing repeating unit represented by formula (1) and having a fluorine atom content rate of 40% to 75% by mass.

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.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a soft mold is disclosed, in which process matching is high regardless of a size of a master mold for forming the soft mold. The method for fabricating a soft mold includes arranging a master mold on a jig, forming a pre-polymer layer in the jig, attaching a back-plane substrate onto the pre-polymer layer, selectively curing the pre-polymer layer to selectively form a polymer layer, stripping the polymer layer and the pre-polymer layer from the jig and the master mold, and removing the pre-polymer layer that is not cured.

Abstract: A method of creating a foam pattern comprises mixing a polyol component and an isocyanate component to form a liquid mixture. The method further comprises placing a temporary core having a shape corresponding to a desired internal feature in a cavity of a mold and inserting the mixture into the cavity of the mold so that the mixture surrounds a portion of the temporary core. The method optionally further comprises using supporting pins made of foam to support the core in the mold cavity, with such pins becoming integral part of the pattern material simplifying subsequent processing. The method further comprises waiting for a predetermined time sufficient for a reaction from the mixture to form a foam pattern structure corresponding to the cavity of the mold, wherein the foam pattern structure encloses a portion of the temporary core and removing the temporary core from the pattern independent of chemical leaching.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: Materials and Methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: A Method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a flow path forming member for forming a liquid flow path which communicates with a discharge port discharging liquid, comprises; preparing a layer containing a compound having a structure represented by Formula (1) and a structure represented by Formula (2) as a main chain on a substrate, providing a solution in which a resin is dissolved in a compound represented by Formula (3) or (4) on the layer, forming a mold having the shape as the flow path from the resin, providing a layer which will become the flow path forming member so as to cover the mold, and removing the mold to form the flow path.

Abstract: An injection molded product is provided that does not require any separate processes after the injection molding and on a surface of which a beautiful pattern is formed. The injection molded product includes a highly even surface and an irregular minute prominent surface having a profile having an arithmetic mean deviation higher than an arithmetic mean deviation of a profile of the highly even surface, and on which a pattern is formed by a difference in the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile of the highly even surface and of the irregular minute prominent surface.

Abstract: A nanoimprint mold includes a flexible body and a molding layer formed on the flexible body. The molding layer includes a plurality of protrusions and recesses. The molding layer is a polymer material polymerized via a cross linking polymerization of a nanoimprint resist which includes a hyperbranched polyurethane oligomer (HP), a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), a methylmethacrylate (MMA), a diluent solvent and a photo initiator.

Abstract: A soft mold and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A master mold that has a pattern on a substrate is first formed. A first liquid high polymer precursor is formed on the master mold and then partially cured. A support film having high UV transmittance is attached to the partially cured high polymer. The attached support film and the partially cured high polymer are treated with a coupling agent and a second liquid high polymer precursor is formed on the partially cured high polymer and the support film. The second liquid high polymer precursor and the partially cured high polymer are then fully cured to form a mold. The fully cured mold is stripped from the master mold to form a soft mold having a predetermined shape on one surface.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating microfluidics devices, microfluidics cell-culture device and systems having a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, the fabrication methods using semi-rigid materials during molding that are incorporated into the final device.

Abstract: A method for preparing an asymmetric porous material by depositing a porous material film on a flexible substrate, and applying an anisotropic stress to the porous media on the flexible substrate, where the anisotropic stress results from a stress such as an applied mechanical force, a thermal gradient, and an applied voltage, to form an asymmetric porous material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process of manufacturing optical components. A replication tool, a sub-master or a replica is manufactured using a structured element (for example a master) and a substrate. A structure of the structured element is replicated into liquid or plastically deformable material disposed at a first place on said substrate, then hardened to make it dimensionally stable, whereon the structured element is removed. These replicating, hardening and removing steps are repeated for a second, third, etc. place on said substrate the same structured element.

Abstract: A method for making a mold, the method includes steps of: providing a substrate and a retaining member, the retaining member being made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and being ring-shaped; engaging the substrate with the retaining member; disposing viscous liquid polydimethyl siloxane containing material on the substrate within the retaining member; rotating the retaining member and the substrate to cause the polydimethyl siloxane containing material to spread out on the substrate and form a polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; press-molding the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer using a stamper to form one or more molding portions on the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; solidifying the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer with the one or more molding portions; separating the stamper from the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; and separating the substrate from the retaining member to obtain a mold.

Abstract: A nanoimprint resist that includes a hyperbranched polyurethane oligomer (HP), a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), a methylmethacrylate (MMA), a diluent solvent and a photo initiator. A method of a nanoimprint lithography is also provided.

Abstract: A nanoimprint mold includes a flexible body and a molding layer formed on the flexible body. The molding layer includes a plurality of protrusions and recesses. The molding layer is a polymer material polymerized via a cross linking polymerization of a nanoimprint resist which includes a hyperbranched polyurethane oligomer (HP), a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), a methylmethacrylate (MMA), a diluent solvent and a photo initiator. A method for making the nanoimprint mold is also provided.

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing at least a portion of a web comprising a first roll and at least a second roll. The first roll and second roll may define a first nip for embossing the web. At least one of the first roll and the second roll has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the machine direction and optionally at least one of the first and second rolls has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction. At least one of the first roll and the second roll may also have perforate embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction that may or may not be elongated. The embossing elements are capable of imparting one or both of a cube embossing pattern or a perforate emboss on the web. The web may be a cellulosic fibrous web, a portion of which is lignin-rich, high coarseness fiber having generally tubular fiber configuration. In addition, the web may be creped with an undulatory creping blade.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a three-dimensional composite structure and a method for producing the mold for the three-dimensional composite structure. The mold is formed of at least one rigid die member and a second thermoplastic die member. The second thermoplastic die member is formed by coupling a rubber flexible pattern to a surface of the first die member. Vacuum or pressure is applied to a heated thermoplastic sheet to cause the heated thermoplastic sheet to deform about the flexible pattern, thereby forming the second die. Strips of reinforced polymer thermoset pre-preg material are then positioned within the cavities formed by the flexible pattern and are allowed to cure. Optionally, heat, pressure, and vacuum may be applied to the mold construction to facilitate the curing of the thermoset materials.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanoscale pattern on a substrate is provided, wherein the method increases or decreases the spacing of patterns on the substrate relative to a master, while keeping the pattern feature size constant. The method can alternatively reduce the pattern feature size of the substrate relative to a master, while keeping the spacing patterns constant.

Abstract: A high quality finished prototype aircraft or other composite part is manufactured using a low temperature limit male mold, a cured female tool, and an at least partially automated layup process, and then touched up by hand to meet a tolerance or other specification. The female tool is preferably made from a male mold, by depositing layers of composite material over the mold, curing the tool together at a first cure temperature, separating the tool and mold, and then curing the tool at a second, higher temperature. The first cure temperature should be at or below an upper limit temperature no greater than 180° F. The second cure temperature is preferably in the range of 250° F. to 350° F. The step of hand touching up can comprise one or more of mechanically abrading and deforming a first portion of the composite part to mate with a second portion of a composite part.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a mold used for molding lenses includes the following. First, a base is provided. The base has parallel lines marked on a surface thereof. Second, a dispenser is provided. The dispenser dispenses lumps of molding material on selected positions on the surface of the base guided by the lines. Third, a roller is provided. The roller has a peripheral side surface. The peripheral side surface has spaced molding surfaces defined thereat, each molding surface corresponding to a surface of a lens to be formed. The roller is applied above the base, with the molding surfaces press-molding the lumps of molding material, thereby forming molding portions on the base. Thus, a mold including the base and the molding portions formed on the base is obtained.

Abstract: A nano-molding process including an imprint process that replicates features sizes less than 7 nanometers. The nano-molding process produces a line edge roughness of the replicated features that is less than 2 nanometers. The nano-molding process including the steps of: a) forming a first substrate having nano-scale features formed thereon, b) casting at least one polymer against the substrate, c) curing the at least one polymer forming a mold, d) removing the mold from the first substrate, e) providing a second substrate having a molding material applied thereon, f) pressing the mold against the second substrate allowing the molding material to conform to a shape of the mold, g) curing the molding material, and h) removing the mold from the second substrate having the cured molding material revealing a replica of the first substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making a mold having a production-ready surface as defined herein. One disclosed method comprises creating an expanded geometric computer model of a mold. A physical model of the mold is produced based on the expanded geometric computer model using a material that disintegrates at sufficient temperature. A ceramic cast from the physical model is created, and then a molten metal is poured into the ceramic cast, thereby disintegrating the physical model. The molten metal is cooled and the ceramic cast is removed from the cooled metal to reveal the mold having the production-ready surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mandrel for use in the internal coating of a pipe elbow or bend comprises the steps of: (i) adjustably positioning a bendable elongate member in a hollow template for the pipe elbow or bend, whereby the elongate member is bent so as to extend generally centrally through the template; and (ii) introducing a flexible material into, and allowing the material to cure in a space between the elongate member and an internal surface of the template.

Abstract: A method of making a substantial replica of a first imprint template which bears a first pattern is disclosed. The method includes filling recesses of the first pattern with a first material, removing the first material from the first imprint template to form a second imprint template which bears a second pattern, the second pattern being the substantial inverse of the first pattern, filling recesses of the second pattern with a photo-curable medium, curing the photo-curable medium by illuminating it with radiation, and removing the cured medium from the second imprint template to form a third imprint template which bears a pattern that is a substantial replica of the first pattern.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioartificial guidance conduit formed by coaxially stacking a plurality of discs and the method for forming the same, wherein each disc contains at least one penetrating hole, and at least one penetrating hole on adjacent discs connects with each other while discs coaxially stacked, so as to run through the formed bioartificial guidance conduit.

Abstract: A tire mold having a substantially elliptical base surface and a method for making a tire mold are provided. In one embodiment, a user selects a major axis length for the tire mold, then selects a ratio of the major axis length to a minor axis length. The tire mold is then formed with a substantially elliptical base surface defined by the first major axis and the selected ratio.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an embossing assembly comprising an embossing sleeve having a three-dimensional pattern formed thereon, an expandable insert; and a drum over which said sleeve and said expandable insert are mounted. The present invention is also directed to a method for preparing an embossing drum or an embossing sleeve. The present invention is further directed to a method for controlling the thickness of a plating material over the surface of a drum or sleeve in an electroplating process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacture a body from a thermoplastic plastic with a three-dimensionally structured surface, wherein molding is performed directly from a master made of glass coated with metal oxide, without deposition of further coatings on a surface of the master. The invention also relates to bodies manufactured with this method from a thermoplastic featuring a three-dimensionally structured surface, as well as to planar optical structures likewise manufactured with this method for generating evanescent-field measuring platforms and to a use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing monolithic molded elements e.g. as sorbents for chromatographic columns or capillary vessels. The aim of the invention is for said molded elements to be able to remain directly in the gel mold thereof following the production process. Said aim is achieved by the inventive method, according to which the surface of the gel mold is activated by etching, increasing the surface, or chemically modifying the surface before the gelling mold is filled with the monomer sol.

Abstract: A system and method for making and using a reconfigurable composite part mandrel operable in the manufacture of composite parts. The system may comprise an assembly fixture, a generic mandrel, a reconfigurable simulated skin, a reconfigurable frame portion, and state-changing material operable to harden into a desired configuration for forming a particular composite part. The method of forming and using the reconfigurable composite part mandrel may comprise: inserting the simulated skin within the assembly fixture, inserting or assembling the frame portion within the assembly fixture; inserting the generic mandrel into the assembly fixture; filling a cavity between the generic mandrel and the assembly fixture with the state-changing mixture to encapsulate the frame portion; hardening the state-changing mixture; and removing the assembly fixture and the simulated skin.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to hollow fiber reinforced composite material parts having one or more selectively positioned core, structural insert, or veneer pieces integrally associated therewith.

Abstract: To provide a mold having optical transparency, release properties, mechanical strength, dimension stability and a highly precise micropattern, and having less deformation of the micropattern; and a process for producing a base material with a transferred micropattern having less deformation of the transferred micropattern, capable of transferring highly precise micropattern of the mold. A mold 10 comprising a transparent substrate (A) 12 having chemical bonds based on the functional groups (x) on the surface having an interlayer (C) 14 formed, having a difference in linear expansion coefficient (absolute value) of less than 30 ppm/° C. from the linear expansion coefficient of the following fluoropolymer (I), and further having a heat distortion temperature of from 100 to 300° C.

Abstract: Materials and Methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: A mold image assembly includes a plurality of contact elements assembled in a defined space such that the contact elements are independently movable, with a first end of the contact elements collectively forming a first surface and a second end of the contact elements collectively forming a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be brought into contact with an object such that the first surface assumes an altered contour that substantially conforms to a contour of the object, and the second surface assumes a correspondingly altered contour. The contact elements are further adapted to be joined together to thereby secure the altered contour of the second surface as a mold image.

Abstract: A process for making a mould piece having a main curved surface bearing an utilitary microstructure which comprises transferring a utilitary microstructure from a master piece main surface to a main surface of a flat cured elastomeric film; pressing the cured elastomeric film and a master article against each other so as to conform the overall shape of said cured elastomeric film to the curved shape of the main surface of the master article and to spread over a curable coating composition between the curved main surface of the master article and the main surface bearing the replica of the said utilitary microstructure of the cured elastomeric film; curing the coating composition; removing the cured elastomeric film and depositing a layer of a metal or a metallic alloy on the exposed main surface of the hard coating of the master article; and recovering said metal or metallic alloy layer to obtain a mould piece having a curved main surface bearing a replica of said transferred utilitary microstructure.