Abstract: Disclosed is a single-cast, thin wall structure capable of withstanding impinging gases at temperatures of 4300° F. and higher, and method of making the same.

Abstract: A single-cast, thin wall structure capable of withstanding impinging gases at temperatures of 4300.degree. F. and higher, and method of making the same.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for an electronic mechanism, particularly in an automobile or other vehicle. The switch member or button has a pair of post members which are positioned on supporting members on a retainer member. The support members also position the switch member or button in the retainer member and hold it fictionally in alignment along its side surfaces. Pad members also can be provided on the support members. The switch mechanism minimizes noise, undesirable side-to-side movement and undesirable twisting movement of the button member. The switch mechanism also allows control of the "feel" of the button actuation.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping process and apparatus by which prototype components can be fabricated for conceptual evaluations. The rapid prototyping process entails the steps of forming a prototype within a process chamber that generates the prototype on a platform of a build chamber through sequentially depositing a layer of material on the platform, fusing the layer of material together, and then lowering the platform so as to allow depositing of a subsequent layer of material on the platform. In this manner, the depositing, fusing and lowering steps are repeated until the desired prototype is obtained. Thereafter, the build chamber, housing the prototype, is detached from the process chamber, and the prototype is cooled while remaining within the build chamber. The prototype is preferably cooled within the build chamber using a nonreactive cooling medium that is caused to flow around the prototype.

Abstract: A stereolithography process for developing a prototype part in which inserts of a non-photopolymer material are included within the resulting part so as to develop a functioning prototype part. In order to allow the inserts to be placed within the developing prototype part, a series of STL files are defined for forming the prototype part in individual sections. A non-photopolymer insert is manually positioned on one section of the developing part each time a section is formed. In order to align one section to a subsequent section, alignment structures are developed by the STL files. In order to prevent the STL files from developing supporting structures in the cavities intended for the inserts, a supporting structure file is defined for a parent design, and then later combined with the STL files.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a cast structure. In one embodiment of the present invention an alloy casting mold has molten alloy injected therein to facilitate completely filling a part cavity within the mold. Further, an alloy charge pressure control device is utilized to reduce the charge pressure of the molten alloy during its injection into the mold cavity to minimize distortion and creep of the ceramic shell. In one form of the present invention the charge pressure control device removes excess alloy so as to reduce the head pressure of the molten alloy thereby eliminating the undesirable creep of the ceramic shell.