Abstract: Described are additive manufacturing methods and systems that can deposit an occluding material in the form of a “cocoon” over previously deposited build material. The occluding material protects previously deposited layers from overexposure to the local environment and can allow exposure times of build material to be better controlled. The occluding material is removed following formation of the build product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in additive manufacturing are described. Methods include heating a precursor material in a mixing area upstream of a print head nozzle. An energy emission is delivered to the precursor material prior to extrusion at the nozzle. The energy emission encouraging reaction of components in the precursor material to form a solid product of the extrudate such as a polymer, a crosslinked polymeric matrix, and/or a particulate. Systems include a mixing area upstream of a nozzle and an energy source configured to deliver an emission into the mixing area at or near the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an antenna that includes a substrate and a graphene or graphite layer positioned on at least a portion of the substrate. The graphene or graphite layer includes a first zone having a first thickness along a vertical direction of the antenna and a second zone having a second thickness along the vertical direction of the antenna. The second thickness is less than the first thickness such that the second zone has a greater electrical resistance than the first zone.

Abstract: Implantable sensors are described that can be utilized in conjunction with orthopedic implants for monitoring fracture healing and detecting local chemical concentrations to detect and monitor implant associated infection. The sensors can include strain gauges, electrochemical, or spectrochemical sensors that can be read transdermally using a single photodetector. Sensors can be affixed to implantable support devices so as to non-invasively monitor the effect of load on the implant to provide a quantitative assessment of when a fracture is sufficiently healed to allow safe weight-bearing upon the limb. Alternatively, sensors can monitor the local concentration of infection biomarkers, for instance to monitor the implant area for early stage infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an antenna that includes a substrate and a graphene or graphite layer positioned on at least a portion of the substrate. The graphene or graphite layer includes a first zone having a first thickness along a vertical direction of the antenna and a second zone having a second thickness along the vertical direction of the antenna. The second thickness is less than the first thickness such that the second zone has a greater electrical resistance than the first zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an antenna that includes a substrate and a graphene or graphite layer positioned on at least a portion of the substrate. The graphene or graphite layer includes a first zone having a first thickness along a vertical direction of the antenna and a second zone having a second thickness along the vertical direction of the antenna. The second thickness is less than the first thickness such that the second zone has a greater electrical resistance than the first zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an antenna that includes a substrate and a graphene or graphite layer positioned on at least a portion of the substrate. The graphene or graphite layer includes a first zone having a first thickness along a vertical direction of the antenna and a second zone having a second thickness along the vertical direction of the antenna. The second thickness is less than the first thickness such that the second zone has a greater electrical resistance than the first zone.

Abstract: Implantable sensors are described that can be utilized in conjunction with orthopedic implants for monitoring fracture healing and detecting local chemical concentrations to detect and monitor implant associated infection. The sensors can include strain gauges, electrochemical, or spectrochemical sensors that can be read transdermally using a single photodetector. Sensors can be affixed to implantable support devices so as to non-invasively monitor the effect of load on the implant to provide a quantitative assessment of when a fracture is sufficiently healed to allow safe weight-bearing upon the limb. Alternatively, sensors can monitor the local concentration of infection biomarkers, for instance to monitor the implant area for early stage infection.