Abstract: Known fabrication apparatuses, including patterned pinch rollers, molds, etc., are adapted to create articles having a shape characterized by more than six faces of identical size and shape, and by members extending outwardly in three orthogonal dimensions, the articles each including at least a pair of faces which intersect to bound a concave region, each article including a plurality of such concave regions. In certain embodiments, vibrational energy (e.g. ultrasonic or microwave energy) is utilized to aid in article formation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 7, 1995
Date of Patent:
July 6, 1999
Assignee:
Ushers, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Q. Sheppard, Makuteswara Srinivasan, Richard L. Ponzi, John J. Stobie, Roger P. Sheppard
Abstract: Catalyst elements are shaped to provide large surface area per unit of volume (porosity), while providing high packing density. Generally, the elements are characterized by more than six faces of identical size and shape, and by members extending outwardly in three dimensions. Each element includes a plurality of concave regions defined by the intersection of various of their planar surfaces, yet is not simply a section of an extrusion.
Abstract: Aggregates, matrices, and composites exhibiting enhanced structural characteristics, together with methods and apparatuses for their manufacture, are disclosed. Many of these embodiments rely on three dimensional reticulation to enhance material property features, such as fracture toughness and resistance to thermal shock.