Abstract: The present disclosure provides photo-polymerizable monomers, photo-curable resins comprising one or more of such monomers, as well as polymeric materials formed from the photo-curable resins. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.

Abstract: Provided herein are curable compositions for use in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, and telechelic block polymers and methods of using such polymers in curable compositions to produce medical devices such as orthodontic appliances comprising the polymeric compositions comprising the telechelic block polymers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a building unit comprising first and second light transmissive panels. The first panel defines a light receiving surface. The building unit also comprises a structure supporting the panels in a spaced apart relationship to form 5 a cavity therebetween. In addition, the building unit comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed within the cavity adjacent the structure. The building unit also comprises an arrangement supported by the structure for re-directing non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through the light receiving surface in a direction generally transverse to a plane of the unit toward structure for collection by 10 the one or more photovoltaic elements. Further, the building unit comprises one or more electrically powered devices within the cavity and arranged to receive electrical power generated by the one or photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of obtaining good photocured-ink adhesion to low surface energy materials. The methods have greatly improved adhesion of photocured ink on low surface energy materials, including those that are subjected to high humidity or wet environments. The methods take into account the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the materials and the onset for the glass transition temperature, including ink applied to an exposed surface of the material at an elevated temperature that is close to the Tg of the material. The ink is allowed to sit briefly or soak, such as for more than 1 second, before the ink is cured. The ink may be photocured. Furthermore, the methods do not require solvents or surface treatment, including plasma or corona treatments, to obtain good ink adhesion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light (“UV”) cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.

Abstract: A pulley block that includes a first side plate, a second side plate and an axle received in the first side plate and the second side plate. The axle is fixed with the first side plate and in a floating relationship with the second side plate such that the second side plate is retained on the axle and capable of rotating around the axle. The axle defines a central opening configured for receiving a soft shackle and a pulley supported on the axle between the first side plate and the second side plate in a longitudinal direction of the axle. The pulley is configured for receiving a winch line around an outer perimeter thereof. Also a method of installing a winch line on such a pulley block.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH4DCG and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH4DCG with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH4DCG through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH4DCG or a locus conversion of PH4DCG with another maize variety.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for the generation of composite polymer materials utilizing a single resin. The processes utilize diffusion between a region undergoing a polymerization reaction preferentially polymerizing one monomer component and an unreactive region. Diffusion and subsequent/concurrent polymerization results in a higher concentration of the more reactive monomer component in the reacting region and a higher concentration of the less reactive monomer components in the unreactive region. The unreactive region may be later polymerized. In embodiments, photopolymerization is used and the regions are generated by a mask or other mechanism to pattern the light.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of obtaining good photocured-ink adhesion to low surface energy materials. The methods have greatly improved adhesion of photocured ink on low surface energy materials, including those that are subjected to high humidity or wet environments. The methods take into account the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the materials and the onset for the glass transition temperature, including ink applied to an exposed surface of the material at an elevated temperature that is close to the Tg of the material. The ink is allowed to sit briefly or soak, such as for more than 1 second, before the ink is cured. The ink may be photocured. Furthermore, the methods do not require solvents or surface treatment, including plasma or corona treatments, to obtain good ink adhesion.

Abstract: A 3D printer comprises a platform, a dispenser and a light source. A heating element heats a material and a nozzle extrudes the heated material onto the platform to form a first layer, having a first shape specified by one or more digital files. The first shape corresponds to a first minimum line width based on a diameter of the nozzle. The light source emits a light beam that is directed onto the first layer according to the one or more digital files to cure a portion of the first layer to create a first cured layer that corresponds to a second shape of a 3D object specified by the one or more digital files. The light beam has a beam diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle, and the second shape has a second minimum line width that is smaller than the first minimum line width.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional (3D) printing includes heating a photo-curable material and extruding the photo-curable material from a nozzle to form a first layer of an object according to a digital file, wherein the first layer has a first shape specified by the digital file, and wherein the first shape has a first minimum line width based on a diameter of the nozzle. The method further includes directing a light beam onto the first layer according to the digital file or an additional digital file to cure a portion of the first layer, wherein the cured portion of the first layer has a second shape, wherein the second shape may comprise features that are smaller than the first shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, devices, and kits for creating composite materials from a single resin, the composite materials having multiple continuous phases. The disclosure includes a process to three-dimensionally print objects (e.g., orthodontic appliances) with composite properties. In some aspects, the composite properties are formed from a single formulation with components that, when processed, have hard and soft continuous phases. In some aspects, the composite properties are formed by separately processing the hard phase components and the soft phase components. In some aspects, the composite materials and devices are three-dimensionally printed using the processed material.

Abstract: The disclosure provides resins, polymeric materials, and devices incorporating force probes. Advantageously, the force probes emit an emission useful for determining the amount of force or stress applied to a material incorporated with force probes. Further, the present disclosure provides methods of detecting forces and stress applied to force probe incorporated materials. Materials such as orthodontic appliances comprising force probes possess particular advantage and utility as measurement of the emission of the orthodontic appliance(s) from a patient can aid in evaluating treatment progress.

Abstract: A fleet refueling silo tank system gravity feeds fuel through hoses to fleet units without requiring pressurizing pumps. A specialized valve at the fleet unit fuel tank prevents vapor escape and admits fuel at low, gravity-feed pressures. The valve includes a valve body with an upper end and a lower end, the upper end adapted to engage a cap which affixes the valve body to the fuel tank fill mouth. Below the cap, a fuel cut-off plunger and seat selectively interrupt fuel flow through the mouth by responding to a buoyant float extending coaxially beneath the valve body and into the fuel tank. Linkage coupled to the plunger extends through the valve body to the float, and roller bearings within the valve body engage a shaft extending from the float coaxially into the lower end of the valve body.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional (3D) printing includes heating a photo-curable material and extruding the photo-curable material from a nozzle to form a first layer of an object according to a digital file, wherein the first layer has a first shape specified by the digital file, and wherein the first shape has a first minimum line width based on a diameter of the nozzle. The method further includes directing a light beam onto the first layer according to the digital file or an additional digital file to cure a portion of the first layer, wherein the cured portion of the first layer has a second shape, wherein the second shape may comprise features that are smaller than the first shape.

Abstract: A casing rotation system permits rotation of a casing string through a telescoping ring that selectively engages a casing hanger. When the telescoping ring is in a first axial position, it engages the casing hanger such that rotational force is transmitted from a running tool to the casing string. When the telescoping ring moves to a second axial position, it disengages the casing hanger such that rotational force is no longer transmitted to the casing string. The casing rotation system may include an inward-biased locking ring disposed about the casing hanger and optionally a bearing surface that reduces friction on the hangar.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and processes to control multiple temperatures in additive manufacturing. Such temperature control adjusts polymer properties and facilitates processing of materials to form 3D objects. The systems and processed disclosed herein also facilitate the processing of typically difficult-to-process materials and deliver such materials to a photocuring zone configured to photopolymerize materials into 3 dimensional objects with a layer-by-layer process. Such processes can include the steps of heating a resin to a flowable temperature, applying the resin to a carrier, cooling the film to increase viscosity or to solidify the resin, and applying the film containing the resin onto an area being printed, then photocuring the film. Also provided herein are resins and related polymer materials having properties that are tunable with exposure to more than one temperature zone. The formed polymers can include multiple regions of polymer material, each independently having distinct properties.

Abstract: A fleet refueling silo tank system gravity feeds fuel through hoses to fleet units without requiring pressurizing pumps. Specialized valves at the fleet unit fuel tanks prevent vapor escape and admit fuel at low, gravity fed pressures. The cylindrical silo tank includes an upper, gravity feed dispensing chamber and a lower reservoir chamber. A fuel pump doubles as means for moving fuel from the reservoir chamber to the dispensing chamber and for refilling the reservoir from fuel delivery trucks. Onboard telemetry transmits fuel consumption and flow rates wirelessly to a control center where operators monitor safety parameters in real time. Stored data may be analyzed to calculate fleet unit maintenance and service intervals. A tractor trailer hauls the silo tank horizontally on roads and highways and includes a gantry and hydraulic lifts to erect the silo tank into vertical operating position supported by a built-in platform.

Abstract: A fleet refueling silo tank system gravity feeds fuel through hoses to fleet units without requiring pressurizing pumps. A specialized valve at the fleet unit fuel tank prevents vapor escape and admits fuel at low, gravity-feed pressures. The valve includes a valve body with an upper end and a lower end, the upper end adapted to engage a cap which affixes the valve body to the fuel tank fill mouth. Below the cap, a fuel cut-off plunger and seat selectively interrupt fuel flow through the mouth by responding to a buoyant float extending coaxially beneath the valve body and into the fuel tank. Linkage coupled to the plunger extends through the valve body to the float, and roller bearings within the valve body engage a shaft extending from the float coaxially into the lower end of the valve body.

Abstract: This disclosure provides polymeric materials comprising weak crosslinking covalent bonds and/or weak crosslinking units comprising a weak covalent bond. Weak covalent bonds can be used in place of hydrogen bonds present in traditional polymeric materials (e.g., polyurethanes). Advantageously, the toughness can be controlled by varying the strength of weak covalent bonds and/or by varying the number of weak covalent crosslinks. Crosslinked materials applying the weak covalent crosslinking bonds can be used to create tough materials able to resist stress relaxation. Further, the present disclosure provides polymer chains and polymeric materials comprising inchain loops (also referred to herein as rings). The inchain loops comprise weak bonds and/or weak bridges comprising at least one weak bond.