Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build module comprising a build chamber, and a least one of but less than all of the following elements: (a) a directed energy source; (b) a powder supply; (c) a powder recovery container; and (d) a powder applicator; and a workstation comprising the remainder of elements (a)-(d) not included in the build module.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object includes a table on which a layer of granulated powder is stacked, a layer formation portion that forms the granulated powder on the table into a layer having a predetermined thickness, a compression unit configured to compress the layer to crush the granulated powder in a formation region of a three-dimensional shaped object in the layer, and a binder applying unit that forms a shape of the three-dimensional shaped object by applying the binder to only a region corresponding to the surface region of the three-dimensional shaped object, in the formation region in the layer.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system configured to additively build an article can include an energy applicator, a build platform, and a powder nozzle configured to eject powder toward the build platform to be acted on by the energy applicator. The system can include a control module configured to control the energy applicator to create an amorphous structure forming at least a portion of the article.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a molding system for preparing an injection-molded plastic article. The molding system includes a molding machine; a mold disposed on the molding machine and having a mold cavity for being filled with a molding resin including a plurality of polymer chains; a processing module configured to generate an anisotropic viscosity distribution of the molding resin in the mold cavity based on a molding condition for the molding machine; wherein the anisotropic viscosity distribution of the molding resin is generated based in part on consideration of an integral effect of a volume fraction and an aspect ratio of the plurality of fibers; and a controller coupled to the processing module and configured to control the molding machine with the molding condition using the generated anisotropic viscosity distribution of the molding resin to perform an actual molding process for preparing the injection-molded plastic article.

Abstract: A molding system includes a molding machine having a screw, a driving motor driving the screw to move a molding resin; a mold disposed on the molding machine and connected to the barrel of the molding machine to receive the molding resin, and having a mold cavity with a die swell structure for being filled with the molding resin; a processing module simulating a filling process of the molding resin from the barrel into the molding cavity based on a molding condition including a predetermined screw speed for the molding machine; and a controller operably communicating with the molding machine to control the driving motor of the molding machine based on the molding conditions to move the screw at the predetermined screw speed to transfer the molding resin at a corresponding flow rate to perform an actual molding process for preparing the injection-molded article.

Abstract: Backing material is passed by a first heater to pre-heat the backing material. The backing material is then passed by a printing engine to print marking material on the backing material, and passed by a first light source to apply ultra-violet (UV) light to the marking material printed on the backing material, to partially cure the marking material. Further, the backing material is passed by a container to expose the partially cured marking material to adhesive particles to cause the adhesive particles to adhere only to the marking material. The backing material is passed by a second light source to apply additional UV light to the marking material partially cured on the backing material to fully cure the marking material. Finally, the backing material is passed by a second heater to melt the adhesive particles that are adhered to the marking material on the backing material.

Abstract: A customizable powder bed containment system for use with a direct metal laser melting (DMLM) system includes a plurality of interlinkable containment walls mechanically couplable on a build plate of the DMLM system as well as mechanically coupleable to another interlinkable containment wall of the plurality of interlinkable containment walls, and at least one actuator mechanically coupled to at least one interlinkable containment wall of the plurality of interlinkable containment walls. The at least one actuator is operable to selectively raise the at least one interlinkable containment wall of the plurality of interlinkable containment walls axially relative to a build surface of the build plate.

Abstract: A build box associated with a powder bed fabrication system may comprise a housing defining a housing cavity, and a powder print bed disposed within the housing cavity. The powder print bed may be characterized by state information. The build box may further comprise a medium configured to facilitate access to the state information, and a coupling interface for removably engaging the build box with at least one subsystem of the powder bed fabrication system. The state information may comprise one or more state information elements of object identification, object location, current processing state, next subsystem processing step, previous subsystem processing step, object model information, object material composition, and current powder print bed temperature profile. The medium may comprise a memory device coupled with a transceiver. The medium may alternatively comprise an RFID device, or an optically perceivable designator, such as a bar code or QR code.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional printing method example, build material granules are applied. Each of the build material granules includes uncoated, primary ceramic particles agglomerated together by a binder that is soluble in a primary solvent of a fusing agent. The fusing agent is selectively applied on at least a portion of the build material granules. The binder dissolves and a green body including a slurry of the uncoated, ceramic particles is created.

Abstract: A pre-expanded hard shell thermoplastic foam pellet is made by controlling the temperature of the melt exiting a die plate in an underfluid pelletizer, and by controlling the temperature and pressures of the cooling fluid as the pellet flows from the cutting chamber through the slurry line toward a centrifugal dryer. The process and apparatus used for controlling the above parameters is described in conjunction with making the pellets. The pellets thus formed may have a generally spherical shape, or they may have odd, irregular shapes with foam hemorrhages protruding therefrom, depending on the conditions during pre-expansion.

Abstract: A concrete product machine comprising a vibrator assembly and a mold assembly. The vibrator assembly includes a vibrator shaft supported for rotation by a vibrator bearing set carried by a vibrator bearing housing. The mold assembly is carried by the vibrator assembly and includes a concrete product mold carried by a mold support member. The mold support member is carried by the vibrator bearing housing. A mold assembly support joint comprises first and second support surfaces of the vibrator bearing housing engaging respective first and second support surfaces of the mold support member in a tapered fit.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a spinning solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, which comprises mixing a dissolved solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a swollen solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene at a weight ratio of 0.42˜2.85, to obtain a spinning solution with a content of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene being 10%˜15% by weight; the content of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in the swollen solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is 10%˜50% by weight; and the weight ratio of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in the swollen solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in the dissolved solution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is 2.5˜70.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polishing layer of a polishing pad includes successively depositing a plurality of layers with a 3D printer, each layer of the plurality of polishing layers deposited by ejecting a pad material precursor from a nozzle and solidifying the pad material precursor to form a solidified pad material.

Abstract: A multi-zone cementitious product, which includes a base zone made of a first cementitious material composition and forming a portion of the product. At least one facing zone is adjacent to and bonded to the base zone, the facing zone made of a second cementitious material composition and forming at least one exterior face of said product which is visible when the product is installed. A disrupted boundary layer is between the facing zone and the base zone, and includes material from both the facing zone and the base zone. The disrupted boundary layer bonds the facing zone to the base zone. The facing zone has a thickness sufficient to prevent the base zone from being visible when the product is installed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a concrete slab upon a surface, the concrete slab having a final thickness and having, upon drying, a maximum dry density, the method including steps of providing a body of no-slump concrete, the no-slump concrete including a combination of aggregate and paste; dispensing the no-slump concrete upon the surface in an even depth layer which has an upper surface and includes an air volume, a portion of the paste residing at an upper surface of the even depth layer; removing a portion of the air volume from the no-slump concrete layer by compaction; trowel mulching the paste which resides at the upper surface; and trowel transporting the mulched paste horizontally over the upper surface to form a smooth concrete paste upper slab surface.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment provides a method of manufacturing a molded article including a component insert-molded in a molding material mixed with solid powder. The method includes an injecting step of injecting the molding material and the solid powder into a molding die, an agitating step of agitating the molding material and the solid powder within the molding die to disperse the solid powder in the molding material, and an embedding step of pressing and embedding the component into the agitated mixture of the molding material and the solid powder while vibrating at least one of the component and the molding die.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a molded article including a component insert-molded in a molding material mixed with solid powder includes an injecting step of injecting the molding material and the solid powder into a molding die, an agitating step of agitating the molding material and the solid powder within the molding die to disperse the solid powder in the molding material, and an embedding step of pressing and embedding the component into an agitated mixture of the molding material and the solid powder.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for performing a multi-layer construction method using cementitious material has a reservoir (4) for containing cementitious material. The reservoir (4) is coupled to a print head (6) with a delivery nozzle (13). The delivery nozzle (13) can be moved by a robotic arm assembly (1) to index the nozzle (13) along a predetermined path. Flow of the cementitious material from the reservoir (4) to the nozzle (13) and to extrude the material out of the nozzle (13) is controlled in conjunction with indexing of the nozzle (13). A support material, an accelerating agent and a cartilage material may also be deposited from the print head (6).

Abstract: A wax-resin composite is made by melting thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin, optionally with an antioxidant. The melted thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and waxes are blended at a temperature sufficient to melt the waxes. After blending and melting, the blended thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and waxes are allowed to solidify. Solidification is followed by post-processing the wax-resin composite mixture to form slabs, pastilles, flakes or other forms. A method for producing a wax-resin composite comprises at least partially solvating a thermoplastic resin in a solvent to form a resin-solvent blend. This may be done at a heat of 80-85° C. A composition of molten wax is blended with the resin-solvent blend. The resin-solvent blend and a molten wax are blended to form a wax-resin blend. This is followed by removing the solvent from said wax-resin blend.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a closed impeller that has a simple configuration and enables fusion in a very accurate position. The method includes: forming a frustum-shaped front plate and a disk-shaped base plate formed therebelow, upper surfaces of a plurality of unit impeller blade plates made from a synthetic resin extending in radial directions which are formed as impeller blade tip surfaces, with sharp-pointed ridge-like protrusions having an acute upper end and a width less than a width of the impeller blade tip surface being integrally formed on the impeller blade tip surfaces. In the method, an inner surface of the front plate and the plurality of impeller blade tip surfaces are formed as parts of conical surfaces and formed so that the cone apex angles of the two conical surfaces are equal to each other.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanopore in a lipid bilayer is disclosed. A nanopore forming solution is deposited over a lipid bilayer. The nanopore forming solution has a concentration level and a corresponding activity level of pore molecules such that nanopores are substantially not formed un-stimulated in the lipid bilayer. Formation of a nanopore in the lipid bilayer is initiated by applying an agitation stimulus level to the lipid bilayer. In some embodiments, the concentration level and the corresponding activity level of pore molecules are at levels such that less than 30 percent of a plurality of available lipid bilayers have nanopores formed un-stimulated therein.

Abstract: Concrete articles, including blocks, substantially planar products (such as pavers) and hollow products (such as hollow pipes), are formed in a mold while carbon dioxide is injected into the concrete in the mold, through perforations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing hollow-core concrete slabs, the method comprising: preparing a mould by suspending in the mould between first and second end-pieces a plurality of substantially parallel elongate void formers; filling the mould with a wet concrete mix up to the crown of the void formers; laying an inert pliable filamentary sheet on the surface of the concrete with filaments of the sheet extending transverse to the long axes of the elongate void formers, the filamentary sheet being restrained so as to resist movement of the concrete mix when the void formers are withdrawn from the mix; further filling the mould with the wet concrete mix over the filamentary sheet; and, subsequently forming hollow channels in the wet concrete mix by withdrawing the plurality of void formers from the concrete mix through the second end-piece.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mold assembly (32, 34) and a method of using the mold for the manufacture of composite parts which, more particularly, are generated from a strengthener in a generally solid phase and a matrix in a generally liquid phase. Various types of molds and processes may be used in order to impregnate a strengthener with a matrix such that a composite part may be manufactured, but the efficiency rate and the duration of the manufacturing process significantly varies depending on the chosen type of mold and process. The present invention relates to a mold assembly and to the manufacture of composites by using the mold assembly which includes the injection of the matrix in the mold assembly containing the strengthener and a deformable member (36) which favors the impregnation of the matrix toward the strengthener.

Abstract: During the manufacture of slabs of stone or stone-like material using the technology which envisages preparation of a mix formed by a granular product and by a binder consisting of a hardening synthetic resin, vacuum vibrocompression of a layer of said mix and hardening of the resultant rough slab by means of a catalytic action and by heating, the slab is cooled to room temperature by directing onto both its surfaces a flow of cooling fluid, in particular air at room temperature, while controlling the flowrate of the air, so as to ensure gradual and controlled cooling, and supporting the slab in a static and perfectly flat condition. The device consists of a flat structure provided with a plurality of spacers (20) which keep the slab in a perfectly flat condition and allow the flow of cooling fluid to perform its action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a semicrystalline polymer, said method comprising the following steps: producing a polymer melt from a crystallizable polymer; shaping particles and solidifying the polymer melt, the step of shaping the particles being carried out before or after solidification; cooling the particles; treating the particles to reduce their tendency to agglomerate; crystallizing the particles. The invention is characterized in that the treatment is carried out by shaking at a temperature T1 which is below the glass transition temperature of the polymer plus 10° C., i.e. T1<Tg+10° C.

Abstract: A system for profiling particulate material in an open top conveyance comprises a profiling structure supported above the open top conveyance and engaging the particulate matter in the open top conveyance as the open top conveyance moves in a forward direction therebelow so that the particulate matter forward of the profiling structure is given a generally uniform profile in at least a longitudinal middle portion of the open top conveyance. The open top conveyance normally is one of a sequential train of gondola cars moving on a pair of rails extending under the profiling structure, and the particulate material typically is or comprises coal.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injector that obtains molten resin by melting resin, and injects the molten resin, a hot runner that is a flowing path of the molten resin, and a temperature rising part that is provided in a part of the hot runner, and increases a temperature of the molten resin to be higher than a melting temperature in the injector.

Abstract: Provided herein are controlled release oral dosage forms of poorly soluble drugs, methods of making the dosage forms, and methods of their use for the treatment of various diseases and/or disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an artificial stone, and the method includes forming an artificial-stone paste which comprises 20-20 parts by weight of silica stone, metakaolim or silica fume, 200-300 parts by weight of quartz chips, 30-36 parts by weight if water, 1.5-3 part by weight of water-reducing agent and 0.2-3 parts by weight of pigment with response to 100 parts by weight of white cement; injecting the artificial-stone paste in a mold; primarily vacuum-molding the artificial-stone paste injected in the mold; secondarily vibration-molding the primarily molded artificial-stone paste; primarily curing the secondarily molded artificial-stone paste; secondarily curing the primarily cured artificial-stone paste, which induces a hydrothermal reaction and thus causes a pozzolanic reaction; releasing the secondarily cured artificial-stone paste from the mold; and surface-machining the released artificial-stone paste.

Abstract: A method for constructing layers of polymers through a core of open cell porous material such as metal foams is provided comprising the use of temporary filler material to fill certain volumes within the cellular material. This is followed by filling the remaining volume with polymeric material. The temporary filler material is then removed revealing a layer of a composite of polymer and cellular material as well as a layer of unfilled cellular material. The process can then be repeated to create other layers using same or different polymer.

Abstract: Molding methods and molds for making a synthetic resin molded product include disposing a curable liquid resin mixture in a recess of a female mold. The curable liquid resin mixture is then simultaneously agitated and degassed by a mixer while under a partial vacuum. More specifically, at least the female mold is orbited around an orbital axis while being rotated about a rotational axis that is eccentric to the orbital axis. After being thoroughly mixed and degassed, the liquid mixture is then cured in the mold unit.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture for high-volume production of masonry products comprises a hydraulic binder accounting for 20 wt % or more of the cementitious mixture, the hydraulic binder comprising 75 to 100 wt % Class C fly ash with a CaO equivalent content of at least 15% by weight. The cementitious mixture also comprises one or more aggregates, and a set control system.

Abstract: It can prevent extension of the time required for bonding, even when relatively large members are bonded. a bonded member manufacturing apparatus comprises a first holder 11 for holding a first member D, a second holder 12 for holding a second member E, an application device 40 for applying the intermediate substance G to a first bonded surface Df, a moving device 20 for moving the first holder 11 and/or the second holder 12, and a controller.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing conglomerate articles in sheet form, a mix comprising the following is prepared: an expanded inert granular material; a filler consisting of hollow inorganic microspheres and a plasticizer (clay, quartz or other powder mineral, cellulose); an aqueous silicon-containing binder. A layer of mix, where necessary coated with a fiberglass meshwork in order to increase the mechanical strength thereof, is deposited on a temporary support and subjected to vacuum vibrocompression. The resultant rough-formed sheet is heated at a controlled temperature so as to cause evaporation of the water present in the mix. A light, sound-absorbing, heat-insulating sheet, rated in Class 0 in terms of fire reaction, suitable to be plastered or painted superficially and used for forming panels and partitions for internal and external use, is obtained.

Abstract: A low-water-content castable composition produces cast products with an increased modulus of rupture, an increased cold crushing strength, and decreased porosity. The composition employs closed fractions of constituent particles with specified populations and specified gaps in the particle size distribution to produce these properties. The composition is suitable for refractory applications.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a solid particulate material and a matrix material encapsulating the solid particulate material, wherein each dividual particle of the solid particulate material is in contact with at least one adjacent solid particle. A method comprising providing a solid particulate material, providing a mold, evacuating the solid particulate material in the mold to remove gas in the void space between the particles of the particulate material, evaluating the mold, introducing the evacuated solid particulate material into the mold, providing a fluid matrix material, and introducing the fluid matrix material into the void spaces while constraining the solid particulate material.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus molds resin dispensed on a shot region of a substrate with a mold and forms a pattern of resin on the shot region. The apparatus includes a mold stage configured to hold the mold, a substrate stage configured to hold the substrate, a drive mechanism configured to change a relative positional relationship between the mold stage and the substrate stage in an X-Y plane that defines a coordinate of the shot region and a Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism so that the mold and the shot region perform relative vibration, in the X-Y plane, with respect to a relative position where the mold and the shot region align, and a distance between the mold and the shot region decreases in the Z-axis direction in parallel with the vibration, and the resin is molded by the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: When a molded fabric body (X) is impregnated with a powder (K) of a predetermined material, there are performed a first step of dispersing the powder (K) in a liquid to prepare a slurry, and a second step of burying the molded fabric body (X) made of fiber bundles in the slurry and vibrating the slurry by use of a predetermined vibrator (M). Furthermore, in the second step, the vibrator (M) is moved along a surface of the molded fabric body (X). As a result, it is possible to improve the rate of impregnation of the powder (K) more than that in the conventional cases, irrespective of the shape of the molded fabric body (X).

Abstract: An abrasive article can include an abrasive aggregate with the abrasive aggregate having a plurality of silicon carbide particles bonded together by a binder material. The binder material can include a vitreous phase material, a crystalline phase material, or both. In an embodiment, the crystalline phase material can include an aluminosilicate material. In a particular embodiment, abrasive aggregates can be formed from a mixture including silicon carbide particles, a binder material, and a liquid carrier. The mixture can be formed into a number of green granules that are vibrated and heated on a platen. In an illustrative embodiment, the green granules can then be heated to form abrasive aggregates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder comprising more than 70% of glass-ceramic and/or refractory particles, a particle of said powder being classed in the fraction called “matrix” or in the fraction called “aggregate” according to whether it is smaller than, or equal to 100 ?m, or bigger than 100 ?m, respectively, the aggregate, representing more than 60% of the powder, comprising: more than 40% of particles of a glass-ceramic material having a crystallization rate of higher than 50% and a thermal expansion value, measured at 700° C., of less than 0.3%, called “glass-ceramic grains”; less than 35% of particles of a refractory material different from a glass-ceramic material, called “refractory grains”, the quantity of refractory grains being higher than 10% if the aggregate comprises more than 40% of glass-ceramic grains having a thermal expansion value, measured at 700° C., of less than or equal to 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moldable mixture containing large portion of agricultural fibers and small portion of a binding agent and a flow-promoting filler material. The moldable mixture is substantially free of formaldehyde, with low moisture content and high draw ratio. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing molded products and related parts, based on the claimed moldable mixture. Molded products (830) and related parts such as runner (810) and plank (820) with light weight, high density and more complex profile are manufactured by the claimed methods including steps of providing required materials for a moldable mixture, mixing the provided materials to form a moldable mixture, shaking the moldable mixture in preparing for compression molding and compression molding the moldable mixture to form molded products and related parts.

Abstract: A synthetic quartz composition having improved tensile strength, compression strength and bending strength comprising up to 90% quartz stone, from 5 to 90% quartz powder, from 0.1 to 20% resin, from 1 to 25% fiber, from 0.1 to 5% coupling agent, from 0.1 to 5% curing agent, up to 70% glass chip, up to 70% mirror chip, up to 5% pigment, up to 5% shell chip, and up to 5% metal flake, by weight, may be produced in panels and molded shapes such as containers.

Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate into a waterbox and pelletizing with cutter blades. Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component, such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceous materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent or less.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting a concrete product with a substantially horizontal slipform casting process, wherein the concrete mix is fed at least in one step through a limited cross-section moving progressively along with the cast, whereby the height of the product forming part (1) is changed during the cast. The invention also comprises a product forming part (1) having an adjustable height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing non-flat agglomerated stone products, such as sinks, washbowls, etc., by means of vacuum vibrocompression. A mold into which a molding mass is discharged is used in the method. The method allows obtaining products with two or more differentiated colors.

Abstract: A decorative stone composition is disclosed. The decorative stone composition is prepared by the process including mixing an agglomerated stone composition, curing the agglomerated stone composition; treating the surface of the cured agglomerated stone composition with one or more texturing compositions; and curing the one or more texturing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising active contraceptive drugs in a patient. Specifically, the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise progestogen-only contraceptives (“POC”), such as Drospirenone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the accelerated production of thermoplastic molded bodies containing additives in reproducible quality, particularly for the accelerated production of dyed thermoplastic molded bodies with high color consistency.