Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A disposable liquid build material feed cartridge for use in a solid imaging apparatus and a method of dispensing build material for use in such an apparatus with a radiation transparent build material carrier. The disposable liquid build material feed cartridge recovers unused liquid material from the radiation transparent build material carrier and recycles it through a filter into a supply reservoir for reuse. A dispersing roller is employed to express any entrapping air bubbles in the solidifiable liquid build material that is dispensed onto the radiation transparent build material carrier prior to its being imaged.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing build material transfer means effective to transfer solidifiable liquid build material from a first side of a radiation transparent build material carrier to a receiving substrate without entrapping air bubbles in layers of transferred solidifiable liquid build material and to cleanly separate the solidified build material from the radiation transparent build material carrier as each layer is formed during the layerwise building of a three-dimensional object. An expandable membrane forming an arcuate dome and a reciprocatible flexible film are employed to effect transfer of the solidifiable liquid build material.

Abstract: Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing a radiation transparent build material carrier and a build material dispensing system that accurately controls the thickness of the transferred layer of solidifiable liquid build material to the radiation transparent build material carrier to achieve high resolution imaging in three-dimensional objects built using an electro-optical radiation source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic powder transfer from a powder supply container to applications such as laser sintering systems. The method and apparatus use both constant and cyclic flows of a pressurized gas to fluidize and convey powders without the need for any tilting unloading stands, vibration or other mechanical working of the powder.

Abstract: A flash curing system for solid freeform fabrication which generates a plurality of radiation emitting pulses that forms a planar flash. The planar flash initiates curing of a curable material dispensed by a solid freeform fabrication apparatus. The radiation emitting pulses have a high peak power value that releases a sufficient quantity of free radicals from the photoinitiator to initiate curing and overcome the problem of oxygen inhibition. Substantially less power is consumed and less heat generated by the flash curing system compared to conventional continuous emission curing systems.

Abstract: A jettable non-curable support material composition useful for three-dimensional ink jet printing comprising at least one fatty alcohol and at least one abietic rosin ester alcohol, wherein the support material has a melting point between about 50° C. to about 65° C. and a freezing point between about 45° C. to about 55° C.

Abstract: A UV curable composition useful for three-dimensional inkjet printing comprising (i) at least one UV curable urethane (meth)acrylate resin; (ii) at least one wax; (iii) at least one (meth)acrylate diluent; (iv) at least one photoinitiator; and (v) at least one polymerization inhibitor; wherein the amount of wax (ii) is sufficient to phase change the UV curable composition after jetting.

Abstract: A liquid radiation-curable composition that comprises (A) at least one polymerizing organic substance; (B) at least one free-radical polymerizing organic substance; (C) at least one cationic polymerization initiator; (D) at least one free-radical polymerization initiator; (E) at least one hydroxyl-functional compound; and (F) at least one epoxy interpenetrating polymer compound;

Abstract: A composition useful as a lift-off resist comprising at least one solvent, at least one polydimethylglutarimide (PMGI) resin and at least one selected deep-UV absorbing molecule of Formula I, where X is an aromatic or aliphatic bridging group, and Ar and Ar′ are aryl groups wherein at least one Ar or Ar′ contains one or more hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups

Abstract: The use of a dihydrochalcone-rich polyphenolic fraction in the cosmetic treatment of mammals in order to limit the weight, to improve the aesthetic appearance of the body, and to treat certain non-pathological forms of obesity. The use of a dietary or nutraceutical composition based on this phenolic fraction. A composition based on this polyphenolic fraction for use as a medicinal product in the prevention of diabetes.

Abstract: A combination mouthpiece for inhalation therapy devices, having a body (1) defining an aerosol duct (2) through which, in use, a stream of air carrying an aerosolized drug is supplied to a patient during inspiration, an inlet hole (4) through the body for receiving in a releasable and secure manner an oxygen tube adapter (5), characterised by at least one partition (6) within the body (1) defining at least one oxygen duct (3), the oxygen duct being in a form such that it extends generally parallel with the aerosol duct (2) and has a flow cross-section sized in order to guide a suitably large oxygen stream from the oxygen tube adapter (5) through the inlet hole (4) to the patient.

Abstract: In an element (40b) for introducing shear forces into a concrete body a loop element (43b) is arranged on a shear force mandrel (41b), which loop element has an arc section (47b) in proximity to the surface of the concrete. When the element (40b) is subjected to a shear force (arrow 53) the arc section (47b) transmits this force to the concrete core inside the arc only through tensile forces in the loop element (43b) or in the arc element (47b). To absorb the resulting moment a second arc element (57b) aligned in the opposite direction is advantageously provided behind the first arc element (47b).

Abstract: A process for bleaching substantially lignin-free pulp or paper in a single-stage bleaching process or multi-stage bleaching process; comprising contacting said substantially lignin-free pulp or paper with an aqueous reductive bleaching solution comprising hydroxymethane sulfinic acid during a reductive bleaching stage for sufficient amount of time to at least partially bleach said substantially lignin-free pulp or paper.

Abstract: A probe card assembly that compensates for differing rates of thermal expansion is disclosed herein. The assembly is comprised of a multi-layered dielectric plate interposed between a probe head and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has arrayed upon its surface a first plurality of electrical contacts arranged in a pattern. The dielectric plate has a second plurality of electrical contacts arranged in a pattern matching the first plurality of contacts. A planarizing interposer is interposed between the plate and the printed circuit board and has a pattern of holes matching the pattern of electrical contacts on the printed circuit board and plate. The assembly further includes a plurality of electrical connectors disposed within each of the holes arrayed in a pattern upon the planarizing interposer a plurality conductive bumps or fuzz buttons making electrical contact with the first and second plurality of electrical contacts.