Abstract: A system and method for modifying features in designs of objects to make them physically capable of being manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques and machines is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 3D printed eyewear frame having an integrated hinge. Advantageously, the integrated hinge assembly is a crossed spring hinge. Methods of manufacturing a 3D printed eyewear frame are likewise provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hybrid support system for supporting an object formed by three dimensional printing. In some embodiments, a hybrid support system includes one or more volume support structures, a first volume support structure of the one or more volume support structures being coupled to a base plate and to a first portion of the object. The hybrid support system further includes a partially solidified support structure coupled to a second portion of the object. The hybrid support system further includes one or more reinforcement support structures, a first reinforcement support structure of the one or more reinforcement support structures being coupled to the base plate and to at least one of a portion of the partially solidified support structure and a third portion of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting shape are provided. A system for predicting shape can include a database, a training analysis module, a subject analysis module, and a prediction module. The database can store two sets of training models characterized by first and second parameters, respectively (e.g., bone and cartilage), as well as a subject model characterized by the first parameter (e.g., a bone model). The relationships between these models can be determined by a training analysis module and a subject module. Based on these relationships, the prediction module can generate a predicted shape characterized by the second parameter (e.g., a predicted cartilage model corresponding to the bone model).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for supporting an object made by means of stereo lithography or any other rapid prototype production method. The generation of the support begins by determining the region that requires support in each layer of the object and defines a number of support points in this region. In a next step, a support mesh is generated connected to the object using these support points. The present invention also discloses different techniques that reduce superfluous edges to further optimize the support mesh. Finally, a support is generated from this support mesh. The present invention may facilitate the generation of supports data by employing more automation and less user analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of this application relate to systems and methods which allow for 3-D printed objects, such as eyeglasses and wristwatches, for example, to be customized by users according to modification specifications that are defined and constrained by manufacturers. These modification specifications may be constrained by the manufacturers based on factors relating to the printability of a modified design.

Abstract: Orthotic and prosthetic devices having integrated features such as cushioning features are described, as well as methods for computer aided designing and making of these devices. The orthotic or prosthetic devices comprise a cushioning layer superimposed onto an orthotic or prosthetic shell, the cushioning layer comprising an array (35) of discrete solid and resilient cushioning elements (31). In one preferred embodiment, said cushioning structure is a beam, defined around a centerline of any arbitrary shape. In another preferred embodiment, said cushioning structure has the shape of a spiral.

Abstract: The present application relates to adaptive surface surgical guiding apparatuses. A surgical guiding apparatus may include one or more rigid portions configured to attach to a first region of an underlying anatomical surface. The surgical guiding apparatus may further include a variable deformable portion coupled to the one or more rigid portions, the variable deformable portion configured to conform to a shape of a second region of the underlying anatomical surface to provide a stable attachment of the surgical guiding apparatus to the underlying anatomical surface. The present disclosure further provides methods for manufacturing surgical guiding apparatuses and uses of the apparatuses for placement onto an underlying anatomical surface.

Abstract: The implant fixation systems disclosed herein include an implant manufactured with, or coupled to, one or more implant fixation devices used to secure the implant to bone. Various implant fixation device embodiments have an engagement element with a concave engagement tip, a guiding element defining a planned trajectory along which the engagement element is configured to move, and an adjustment element configured to move the engagement element along the planned trajectory. Moving the engagement element along the planned trajectory causes the concave engagement tip to enter a bone in a first position and rotate within the bone to a second position. Continuing to move the engagement element along the planned trajectory may cause the concave engagement tip to undergo translational movement from the second position to a third position, thereby pulling the implant towards the bone and exerting compression forces on the bone.

Abstract: The present application relates to adaptive surface surgical guiding apparatuses, tools, devices, or guides including stability and/or verification elements for use in surgical applications. In one embodiment, a surgical guiding apparatus comprises one or more rigid portions configured to attach to a first region of an underlying anatomical surface; a variable deformable portion coupled to the one or more rigid portions, the variable deformable portion configured to conform to a shape of a second region of the underlying anatomical surface; and a soft-tissue piercing element configured to pierce soft-tissue overlying a third region of the underlying anatomical surface and to attach to the underlying anatomical surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods of valve quantification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of mitral valve quantification is provided. The method includes generating a 3-D heart model, defining a 3-D mitral valve annulus, fitting a plane through the 3-D mitral valve annulus, measuring the distance between at least two papillary muscle heads, defining an average diameter of at least one cross section around the micro valve annulus, and determining a size of an implant to be implanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for the manufacture thereof, for facilitating the positioning of an implant in a socket of a ball-and-socket joint, by positioning an alignment element such as a pin, wire, screw or drill.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and generating a device using accuracy maps and stability analysis are disclosed herein. In some aspects, the systems and methods described relate to an apparatus for designing a device. The apparatus includes a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional model of a physical object and determine whether the three-dimensional model satisfies an accuracy threshold based on an accuracy map. The processor is further configured generate a simulated representation of the device, determine whether the simulated representation of the device satisfies a stability threshold, simulate a fit of the device on the three-dimensional model if the simulated representation of the device satisfies the stability threshold, and determine whether the simulated fit of the device on the three-dimensional model is within a tolerance threshold. The processor is further configured to generate an approved design of the device if the simulated fit is within the tolerance threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating auxiliary structure points to 3D print models are disclosed. The auxiliary structure points may be used to add auxiliary structures to 3D models which compensate for forces acting upon or within the model during the 3D printing process to ensure a successful build process.

Abstract: Orthotic and prosthetic devices having integrated features such as cushioning features are described, as well as methods for computer aided designing and making of these devices. The orthotic or prosthetic devices comprise a cushioning layer superimposed onto an orthotic or prosthetic shell, the cushioning layer comprising an array (35) of discrete solid and resilient cushioning elements (31). In one preferred embodiment, the cushioning structure is a beam, defined around a centerline of any arbitrary shape. In another preferred embodiment, the cushioning structure has the shape of a spiral.

Abstract: Provided herein are patient-specific surgical device that allow for a stable fitted position for use in shoulder surgery. The patient-specific surgical devices may have different functions such as a function as a guide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing digital representations of 3-D objects and manufacturing such objects are disclosed herein. In some aspects, the systems and methods described relate to bending maps that define regions on a physical object that can be bent or manipulated in order to design the 3-D object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting shape are provided. A system for predicting shape can include a database, a training analysis module, a subject analysis module, and a prediction module. The database can store two sets of training models characterized by first and second parameters, respectively (e.g., bone and cartilage), as well as a subject model characterized by the first parameter (e.g., a bone model). The relationships between these models can be determined by a training analysis module and a subject module. Based on these relationships, the prediction module can generate a predicted shape characterized by the second parameter (e.g., a predicted cartilage model corresponding to the bone model).

Abstract: The application provides customized aortic stent and stent graft devices and methods for the manufacture thereof. The customized aortic stent or stent graft are patient-specific in that they conform to at least part of the ascending aorta, aortic arch and/or thoracic aorta.

Abstract: Customized surgical guide for guiding a bone implant to a predetermined location on the bone during a surgical procedure, wherein the guide comprises a body comprising at least one implant contacting surface and at least one patient specific bone contacting surface, wherein the implant contacting surface is arranged to contact the implant for ensuring a unique and stable fit between the guide and the implant, and wherein the bone contacting surface is arranged to contact the bone for ensuring a unique and stable fit of a combination of the guide and the implant on the predetermined location on the bone.