Abstract: With use of three-dimensional data of a brain shape, a mold for forming a sheet-shaped structure having a three-dimensional shape of the gyrus or sulcus surface, or the interhemispheric fissure or interlobar fissure surface is formed. With use of the mold, a sheet-shaped silicone structure 2 having a three-dimensional shape of the gyrus or sulcus surface, or the interhemispheric fissure or interlobar fissure surface is formed. An electrode 3 is arranged on at least one side of the silicone structure 2. With this configuration, an intracranial electrode 1 in which the electrode 3 is arranged on the sheet-shaped silicone structure 2 having the three-dimensional shape of the gyrus or sulcus surface, or the interhemispheric fissure or interlobar fissure surface can be produced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for generating a two-dimensional (2D) flattened nailboard representation of a wiring harness in a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model. The nailboard representation invention may be used to provide a dimensionally accurate “flattened” view of a complex 3D wiring harness depicted in a CAD model, without cutting any of the wires included in the harness, and minimizing the overlap of multiple exposed wires present in wire loops.

Abstract: The prosthetic temporomandibular implant (10) comprises a concave surface (16) and a convex surface (17) designed to cooperate, respectively, with the natural outer surface (9) of the condyle (5) and the natural inner surface (7) of the fossa (8) of a damaged joint (2) of a human mandible (1). It is made of a rigid biocompatible material such as ceramic, stainless steel or an aluminum/zirconium alloy. The implant is designed based on an image of the joint (2) generated by a medical imaging system and incorporating an image of a healthy joint (3); these three-dimensional images are processed by a CAD (segmentation, vectorization) system to obtain a vector representation of the implant (10) and a data file capable of controlling a digital milling machine. The invention is applicable to the restoration of a damaged TMJ (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming freeform solid articles includes a head unit having a plurality of arc-shaped support arms. The support arms mount material feeders and power sources which are directed at a work table. The material feeders, power sources and movement of the head unit and work table are controlled by a computerized control system.

Abstract: For manufacturing a hearing device a three-dimensional model (9) of the application area for the device at an individual is made. When digitally treating such model a three-dimensional orientation system is applied (11). When the shell is produced (13) assembling of units to the shell is performed relative to the orientation system which is preserved during shell manufacturing.

Abstract: A body-worn device, such as a hearing aid, is adapted to the shape of an individual's body area, such as an ear. A digitized, three-dimensional representation of the area is prepared. At least one characteristic feature of the representation, such as a dimension of a part of the ear, is automatically determined. A shell is produced based on the characteristic feature. The body-worn device is assembled with the shell.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object using an extrusion-based layered deposition system, the method comprising generating a build path for building a layer of the three-dimensional object, where the build path defines a void region. The method further comprising generating at least one intermediate path in the void region, and generating a remnant path based at least in part on the at least one intermediate path.

Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensionally structured surfaces of objects, the object surface being created as a reproduction of a three-dimensionally structured original surface with the aid of a machining tool. Accordingly, the topology of the original surface is first determined, a measured depth value being assigned to each surface or grid element, creating a depth map of the original surface. The depth values are evaluated in terms of their influence on the reflective properties of the surface elements and the reflective properties are stored in the form of parameters. The depth values are then modified in accordance with the reflective values and are used as topological data for the electronic control of a machining tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object having a potential {x} which is generated in response to a field {f} applied thereto is provided. The method includes the step of designing a geometric model of the object. A computerized mathematical model of the object is generated by discretizing the geometric model of the object into a plurality of finite elements and defining nodes at boundaries of the elements, wherein values of the field {f} and potential {x} are specified at the nodes. A material property matrix [k] is then calculated based on the relationship {f}=[k]{x}. Material property coefficients are then extracted from the material property matrix [k] for each finite element in the computerized mathematical model and the extracted material property coefficients are compared to material property coefficients for known materials to match the extracted material property coefficients to the material property coefficients for known materials.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for manufacturing a dental prosthesis, in which the machining operations therefor may be optimized. Dimensional data of at least one critical parameter of the workpiece from which the crown is to be manufactured is determined and compared with corresponding target dimensional data of the desired prosthesis. The workpiece is then subjected to a material removal operation by a machining tool along machining paths that are determined on the basis of this comparison.

Abstract: A three dimensional shape core mass is manufactured by machining a ribbon or tape of any material with various slots, channels, or holes of any shape before the ribbon or tape is spooled or layered onto a layering template or spooler. The machining is adjusted so the slots, channels, or holes of any shape extend in a radial or stacked direction perpendicular to the axis of spooling rotation or the plane of layering but with any curve or straight line and with any stacked length. For example, core masses that are manufactured as described are suitable as magnetic cores for high frequency rotating or linear transformers or for rotors and for stators of rotating or linear electric machines when an appropriate magnetic material is used, such as magnetic metal or amorphous metal ribbon or tape.

Abstract: Methods, manufactured parts, and computer programs for horizontally structured manufacturing. A blank is selected for machining into an actual part, and a coordinate system is established. A plurality of process bodies are created in a single file. Each process body includes a virtual blank corresponding to said blank and a plurality of manufacturing features. A virtual machining of each manufacturing feature of the plurality of manufacturing features into the virtual blank is implemented. Each manufacturing feature exhibits an associative relationship with the coordinate system. Manufacturing instructions are generated to create the actual part by machining the plurality of manufacturing features into the blank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing a high-speed event, such as a cut/add of a tow, in an automated fiber placement process, by initiating the high-speed event prior to a fiber placement head reaching a location along a tool path of the fiber placement head at which it is desired to have the high-speed event completed.

Abstract: A method of designing an interbody fusion cage is disclosed. The method uses topology optimization algorithms to define the structural layout and the inner microstructures of the cage. After the structural layout is defined, a density distribution process is performed. Based on the density distribution, the inner microstructures of the cage are defined.

Abstract: A method to introduce a deliberate mismatch into a turbomachine bladed wheel so as to reduce vibration amplitudes of the wheel in forced response. The method includes a step of determining an optimum value of the standard deviation for the mismatch as a function of operating conditions of the wheel inside the turbomachine, with respect to the maximum vibration amplitude response required on the wheel. The method further includes a step of at least partly placing blades with different natural frequencies on the wheel such that the standard deviation of the frequency distribution of all blades is equal to at least the mismatch value, the mismatch value being determined statistically.

Abstract: A system and method for providing geographic location information to of at least one fixed reference device in a wireless network, the method comprising: determining a geographic location of the at least one fixed reference device within an image, such as a Geographic Information System (GIS) image, where the GIS image comprises a plurality of pixels each having an absolute geographic location value associated with it, and where the geographic location of the at least one fixed reference device is defined with respect to the absolute position values associated with at least one pixel that is proximal to an image of the at least one fixed reference device within the GIS image; and providing the determined geographic location information to the at least one fixed reference device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for specifying custom hair pieces using three-dimensional digital acquisition devices. The system and method described herein uses electronic data acquisition techniques to electronically model a customer's head and hair line characteristics and to electronically record specifications for a custom hair piece. The electronic data containing certain head shape data and hair piece specifications is then electronically transmitted to a hair piece manufacturer for completion of the hair piece.

Abstract: Computer-aided design and manufacture software and hardware automate garment and fashion definition and production. Configurable garment includes ornamental element, pattern display, and personal identifier and wireless sensor electronics.

Abstract: In a method for fabricating a hearing aid device, a patient visits an audiologist at a dispenser location, and is examined to determine electronic settings for a hearing aid to correct the patient's hearing impairment. At the same visit, an ear mold of the patient is obtained, which is scanned to produce a three-dimensional data set, from which a prototype is produced from the hearing aid data set, that does not contain any electronic components, and the prototype is test fitted with the patient. By interaction between the patient and the audiologist, the prototype is modified as needed. When the prototype is acknowledged by the patient as being a comfortable fit, the three-dimensional data that were used to create the acceptable prototype are electronically transmitted to a fabrication site, at which the hearing device is manufactured therefrom. The hearing device is then sent to a location at which it is available to the patient.

Abstract: A printer system is provided for developing a three dimensional (3D) printed structure. The system includes a plurality of spaced apart sets of printing devices. A conveyor system is arranged to serially convey a print medium in register with each set so that printed voxels from each successive set can form successive layers of the 3D printed structure upon the print medium. Each successive set is located further from the conveyor than any preceding set.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.

Abstract: A method for determining compensated addendum and binder surfaces as part of a springback compensated stamping die for producing a stamped part includes modeling of the existing addendum surface and binder surface of the stamping die. The addendum and binder surfaces are modified according to a number of compensatory surface displacements and in-plane rotations required for springback compensation of the finished stamped part. Following this modification, the stamped part may be separated from the addendum and binder without a loss of dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: Arrangement for producing a three-dimensional product, which arrangement comprises a work table on which said three-dimensional product is to be built up, a powder dispenser which is arranged so as to distribute a thin layer of powder on the work table for forming a powder bed, a radiation gun for delivering energy to the powder, fusing together of the powder then taking place, means for guiding the beam emitted by the radiation gun over said powder bed for forming a cross section of said three-dimensional product by fusing together parts of said powder bed, and a control computer in which information about successive cross sections of the three-dimensional product is stored, which cross sections build up the three-dimensional product, where the control computer is intended to control said means for guiding the radiation gun over the powder bed according to an operating scheme forming a cross section of said three-dimensional body, said three-dimensional product being formed by successive fusing together of s

Abstract: A system and appertaining method are provided for electronically detailing an impression of an ear canal of a patient. A digitized geometric model of the impression is created, and a software tool is utilized to determine a bony part or canal direction, as well as first and second bends of the impression. An aperture of the impression is determined, and a cutting plane through the aperture is calculated such that the normal vector through the aperture plane aligns with a normal vector of the second bend plane. On establishing this congruence, modeling parameters optimized for modeling wireless based hearing instruments are evoked to optimized and automate design. This calculation can then be utilized for either manual or automated shaping and cutting operations.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that uses cameras arranged on, in, or about a structure adapted to fit over, around, or about an object to be measured. Projectors are arranged on, in, or about the structure to project light toward the object. The projectors and/or the cameras may be electronically connected to a computer processor which controls their operation. A light pattern is projected onto the object to be measured while the cameras capture images of the object from several angles about the object. The data collected from the images taken of the pattern on the object may be used to form a mathematical three-dimensional data model of the object. The three-dimensional model may be displayed in digital form on a visual display device of a personal computer. The three-dimensional model of the object may be used in the manufacture of fitments or coverings for the object. In one example, the apparatus is used by a prosthetist to map the stump of an amputee to properly fit the amputee with a prosthetic device.

Abstract: A method for building a three-dimensional object by depositing drops of material from a printing head onto a printing surface, layer upon layer is provided. The method includes providing data representing a layer of a three-dimensional object having X and Y coordinates, where X represents the direction of motion of the printing head; applying an X offset parameter for the X coordinate to compensate for inaccuracies caused by deviation of a drop flight trajectory between forward and reverse motions of the printing head; modifying the data based on the X offset parameter and printing the layer of the three-dimensional object according to modified data.

Abstract: A method for implementing a virtual inspection of a virtually machined workpiece is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes defining a set of master reference planes, defining a set of positioning planes with respect to the set of master reference planes, and defining a pair of intersecting cutting planes from the set of positioning planes. The pair of intersecting cutting planes define an inspection line at the intersection thereof, wherein the inspection line is swept through a selected area of the workpiece, thereby collecting inspection data for the workpiece.

Abstract: A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining and predicting temporomandibular joint (TMJ) motion and to use the predictive model to prepare improved TMJ replacement joints, improved crown, cap or bridge contouring, improved teeth alignments and placements, and improved mouth guard and dentures.

Abstract: V-CAD data is prepared by dividing external data 12 consisting of boundary data of an object into rectangular parallelepiped cells 13 having boundary planes orthogonal to each other in accordance with octree division and separating the respective divided cells into internal cells 13a positioned on the inner side of the object and boundary cells 13b including a boundary face, and a modeling unit quantity of a prototyping material 7 is changed in accordance with sizes of the internal cell 13a and the boundary cell 13b of a modeling portion. The prototyping material 7 is a resin, lumber powder, a low-fusing-point metal, metal powder, ceramics powder or a mixture of a binder and one of these materials, and its modeling unit quantity is set in such a manner that the modeling unit quantity is smaller than a capacity of a corresponding cell and does not protrude from the boundary plane of the cell.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method, a computer, a computer program and a computer-readable medium, which refer to the examination of data records that are used for manufacturing dental prosthesis parts. The examination may be the producibility by one or several methods, the mountability onto the associated residual tooth portion or the examination as to undercuts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (12, 13) for producing a multi-layered three-dimensional component (14). In a first step, a layered geometrical structure is formed, said structure consisting of at least two webs (16) of an at least high temperatures-resistant material. In a second step, an at least partly material connection is produced between the individual webs of the entire layered structure by means of at least one thermal treatment.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a prosthetic limb socket component includes the following steps: (a) obtaining measurements of an individual's residual limb; (b) generating electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb utilizing (at least in part) the obtained measurements; (c) storing the electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb in an electronic record, where the electronic record includes cross-reference information; (d) manufacturing a first prosthetic limb socket component utilizing, at least in part, the electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb; (e) placing a permanent unique indicia on the prosthetic limb socket component, where the unique indicia includes data corresponding to the cross-reference information; and (f) utilizing the unique indicia data to access, with the assistance of a computer, the electronic record via the cross-reference information.

Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective method of designing and manufacturing a molded container having highly artistic sculptural relief. Computer software is utilized to design a skin shape, create artwork designs, add relief to the artwork designs, and apply the artwork designs to the container skin to develop a desired container. For example, design data is utilized to make molds, such as blow molds, which, in turn are utilized to make containers.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a memorial. The method providing a blank pattern in a memorial design and collaboration system having a specified shape and size and building a memorial preview thereon, then sending the memorial preview to a host computer. The host computer routes the memorial preview as a stored file to a manufacturer for projecting, onto a three-dimensional solid in the shape of said blank pattern, an image of said memorial preview. The method further includes creating a pattern by placing objects in the form of letters, emblems or numbers on the three-dimensional solid in connection with the projection, and creating a mold in connection with the pattern, and filling said mold and baking the filled mold.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, systems and methods for representation, modeling and/or application of pontic geometry of teeth to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided. Such systems and methods for representation, modeling and application of pontic geometry of teeth can automatically facilitate a changeable and stage-dependent pontic geometry that provides various advantages over conventional methods for providing pontics. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a system and method for representation, modeling and/or application of pontic geometry automatically detects for the potential location for one or more pontics, i.e., for spaces between the teeth of a patient. Once a desired location for a pontic is automatically determined, an original pontic geometry is automatically generated. Thereafter, stage dependent pontic geometries are automatically generated and positioned during the stages of treatment if pontic is desirable.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is fabricated from powder. A powder layer is deposited. The powder layer is selectively wetted to hinder movement of the powder. A binder is applied to selected areas of the powder layer to harden the areas of the powder layer. The steps are repeated until the three-dimensional object is fabricated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing simulated oil paintings by means of a variety of commercial software programs. A digital color image is created and printed on to a substrate. Also printed on to the same substrate and registered thereto, is a slow drying, clear, embossing liquid in the pattern of brush strokes derived from one or more of the colors printed on to the substrate. A thermographic powder is dusted onto the embossing liquid while still wet and excess powder removed. The substrate is then heated to dry and raise the brush stroke pattern of the embossing ink to create a three dimensional effect on the substrate. The raised brush stroke pattern in combination with printed color image creates a work that has the three dimensional effect simulating an original oil painting.

Abstract: A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model.

Abstract: An analytical shell-model producing apparatus for converting a three-dimensional model into internal surfaces, wherein an internal surface is used to represent each three-dimensional element of the three-dimensional model. Each internal surface comprises a bounded plane and an associated width attribute, wherein the bounded plane is located internal to the three-dimensional element which it represents, and wherein the associated width attribute represents the width of the three-dimensional element in a direction normal to the bounded plane.

Abstract: A composite part program generator includes a computer-aided design (CAD) system interface, a path generator, a course head manager, a post-processor and a machine simulator. The composite part program generator produces composite part programs for use on a multihead composite material application machine, such as a composite tape lamination machine or an automated fiber placement (AFP) machine, to manufacture a complex composite parts, including relatively flat, contoured, or generally cylindrical composite parts. This programming method can reduce the labor and time required to produce a composite part program for a multihead composite material application machine by an order of magnitude with respect to manual or existing automated programming methods.

Abstract: A system and method for building three dimensional objects may adjust data used to build the objects to, for example, improve quality or correct for defects. A printer may, for example, accept data representing the object and modify the data according to an adjustment parameter; the printer may build the object according to the parameter. The parameter may be, for example, calculating an adjustment parameter in an X-Y slice plane to compensate for inaccuracies caused by diffusion of materials into one another.

Abstract: Three-dimensional objects are produced from a deformable material received substantially continuously in the direction of production and the objects are produced by a deforming process substantially in the direction of production. Rotatable devices are arranged to deform a respective section of the deformable material with at least one of the rotatable devices being shaped so as to vary the extent of deformation applied to the deformable material periodically as a deformable material passes through in the direction of production.

Abstract: A computer-implemented solid modeling system performs a replace face operation on a solid body by selecting one or more outgoing faces on the solid target body and replacing the selected faces with one or more incoming faces from an operator body. The selected faces on the target body may comprise a single face, a set of adjacent faces or a set of disjoint faces. The selected faces on the operator body may comprise one single-sided face or one or more sheets, wherein a sheet is an edge-connected set of double-sided faces.

Abstract: A method of socket design and fabrication for Below-the-Knee (BK) amputees that utilizes manual measurements. This method, known as BK by Measurement, utilizes a manual measurement procedure where predetermined points are identified and measurements are taken of a patient's residual limb. These measurements are recorded and thereafter entered into a software package enabling customization by the fabrication facility. Prosthetic components fabricated in accordance with the present invention provide a custom fit, while not relying on more expensive digital imaging technology. The invention also provides a method and associated system for recording and retrieving fabrication and/or fitting data associated with a prosthetic component for use with a particular patient, which can include affixing to the prosthetic component a strip debossed with indicia unique to the particular patient or prosthetic component.

Abstract: A numerical control (NC) hole-machining programming device includes: a tool information storing unit for storing tool information, including types and sizes of tools used for hole machining; a form recognizing unit for extracting a cylindrical surface and conical surface as a local geometry which constitutes a hole-machining form of target objects based on CAD data; a machining method determining unit which generates a hole-machining-form pattern based on the hole-machining form detected by the form recognizing unit and determines machining methods based on the hole-machining-form pattern; a tool determining unit for selecting a tool in accordance with the machining methods determined by the machining method determining unit with reference to the tool information; a tool path determining unit which determines a tool path for each tool selected by the tool determining unit; and an NC program generating unit which generates an NC program based on the tool paths determined by the tool path determining unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing custom orthotics are described. Several embodiments of the system use sensor pads to obtain both static and dynamic three dimensional information concerning the shape or topography of the bottom surface of a patient's foot. The information is analyzed to obtain information useful in constructing a custom orthotic from a selection of basic orthotic shells. Once constructed, the orthotic can modify a patient's gait. One embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal including a sensor pad connected to a computer, a server configured to analyze three dimensional information acquired by the sensor pad, a manufacturing terminal configured to display the results of the server's analysis of the three dimensional information and a network that connects the user terminal to the server and the server to the manufacturing terminal.

Abstract: The method for assembling an architectural site model facilitates repeated placement and removal of foliage to the model. The site model is constructed as an upper shell portion and a lower base portion. Model foliage is attached to the shell portion. The upper shell portion of the site model is configured for removable attachment to the lower base portion. Thus, removal of the shell from the site model also allows the foliage to be removed from the site model in one motion.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and a method 50 for the creation of a tool 40. The apparatus 10 and the method 50 allow for dynamic measurement of the tool 40 as it is being created and further allows for the use of positive feedback to increase the likelihood that the produced tool will be structurally similar to a certain model. The apparatus 10 and method 50 further allow sections of varying thicknesses to be used and provide a technique to create surfaces which further increase the likelihood that the produced tool will be structurally equivalent to a desired and modeled tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating teeth include capturing a digital dental model taken within an oral cavity; modifying the digital model in planning a dental treatment or in designing a tooth die model for a dental prosthetic; creating physical models from the original or modified digital models: and using the physical models as a pattern for fabrication and fit check of a dental prosthetic.