Abstract: Recoaters are described which are adapted for use in powder-layer three-dimensional printers. The recoaters comprise a mesh discharge device that is adapted to be selectively activated by the application of an agitation, e.g. a vibration. Such mesh discharge devices include a planar mesh, i.e. a screen or sieve, which is adapted to support a quantity of powder when the quantity of powder and the mesh are static and to dispense at least a portion of the quantity of powder when at least one of the quantity of powder and the mesh is agitated. Preferably, the mesh is disposed substantially horizontally, but may be disposed at an angle to the horizontal. Also described are powder-layer three-dimensional printers comprising such recoaters. In some embodiments, the powder-layer three-dimensional printers are adapted to space the mesh no more than about two to ten powder layer thicknesses from the top surface of the powder bed or substrate upon which a powder layer is to be deposited.

Abstract: A device for applying powder layers across a substrate or atop an existing powder bed is disclosed. The device has particular utility in embodiments which are adapted for use in depositing powder layers for three-dimensional printing and as part of a three-dimensional printing apparatus. The device utilizes a conveyor belt to transfer powder from a powder reservoir and deposit it upon powder bed or other substrate. In some embodiments, the device utilizes a conveyor belt in conjunction with a powder deflector to transfer powder from a powder reservoir and deposit it upon powder bed or other substrate. In some embodiments the conveyor belt has a downwardly inclined section. In some embodiments, a downwardly inclined chute is used in conjunction with the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Recoaters are described which are adapted for use in powder-layer three-dimensional printers. The recoaters comprise a mesh discharge device that is adapted to be selectively activated by the application of an agitation, e.g. a vibration. Such mesh discharge devices include a planar mesh, i.e. a screen or sieve, which is adapted to support a quantity of powder when the quantity of powder and the mesh are static and to dispense at least a portion of the quantity of powder when at least one of the quantity of powder and the mesh is agitated. Preferably, the mesh is disposed substantially horizontally, but may be disposed at an angle to the horizontal. Also described are powder-layer three-dimensional printers comprising such recoaters. In some embodiments, the powder-layer three-dimensional printers are adapted to space the mesh no more than about two to ten powder layer thicknesses from the top surface of the powder bed or substrate upon which a powder layer is to be deposited.

Abstract: Methods are provided for solid free-form fabrication of an article without using a slice stack file. These apply ray casting a number of times to an electronic representation of the article to create data objects for use directly as printing instructions or which are convertible into printing instructions. The data objects may be utilized as they is generated or after they are created for a portion or all of the article. After utilization, the data objects may be discarded or stored for later use. Layer-specific layer thickness and other-direction resolution parameters may be input and utilized in selecting the number of rays to be cast, their origination points, and their directions, thus permitting controllable variation in detail precision in any direction. Error diffusion techniques may be used to improve fabricated part integrity. Improved intermachine portability is provided. Method, system, code, and media claims are included.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system (1) performing regeneration control in a rich condition by using control of an intake system for reducing the quantity of intake air together with control of a fuel system for increasing fuel injection amount into a cylinder, wherein the timing (Tn) for injection fuel into the cylinder is varied in response to the continuous variation (?n) of air fuel ratio in the cylinder during the switching intervals (t1,t2) between lean condition and rich condition at the time of regeneration control of NOx purification catalyst (12). During a period of transition to rich condition or lean condition, misfiring, combustion noise, torque variation, deterioration in drivability, and the like, due to undue advance angle or lag angle in the timing for injecting fuel into the cylinder can thereby be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrasive flow machining the orifice of a workpiece by using an abrasive media whereby the apparatus may accommodate abrasive media having a range of viscosities by modifying the diameters of pistons and cylinders in positive displacement pumps within the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrasive flow machining the orifice of a workpiece by using an abrasive media whereby the apparatus may accommodate abrasive media having a range of viscosities by modifying the diameters of pistons and cylinders in positive displacement pumps within the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use is provided for locally stabilizing an anastomotic site during a beating heart surgical procedure which includes occluding a section of the artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the epicardium and the operational field, and includes a platform that can be compressed onto the epicardium or tensioned by pulling the epicardium upwardly, thereby providing a stabilized operational field. At least one occluding member provides means to occlude the section of artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An adjustable stabilizing arm can be used in conjunction with the platform to further provide stability to the epicardium during the beating heart bypass graft procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use is provided for locally stabilizing an anastomotic site during a beating heart surgical procedure which includes occluding a section of the artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the epicardium and the operational field, and includes a platform that can be compressed onto the epicardium or tensioned by pulling the epicardium upwardly, thereby providing a stabilized operational field. At least one occluding member provides means to occlude the section of artery receiving the bypass graft vessel. An adjustable stabilizing arm can be used in conjunction with the platform to further provide stability to the epicardium during the beating heart bypass graft procedure.