Abstract: A gripping surface for a manufactured article comprising: a first pillar cluster disposed on a substate and having: a first pillar, having a first apex vector and a first draft angle defined by a first side of the first pillar and s substrate; a second draft angle defined by a second side of the first pillar and the substrate wherein the second draft angle is less than the first draft angle; and, a second pillar having a second apex vector wherein the first apex angle and the second apex angle are parallel; wherein the first pillar cluster has a triangular orientation; and, a second pillar cluster having: a first set of pillars arranged in a first concentric circle; and, a second set of pillars arranged in a second concentric circle wherein the first pillar cluster and the second pillar cluster cover less than 25% of the article.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement having a substrate; a set of pillars having a cross section area in the range of 10 ?m2 to 160,000 ?m2 and a pitch in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m. The set of pillars can be on a set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars. The set of pillars can be defined by pillars each having a cross section width from 0.5 ?m to 100 ?m and a pitch in the range of 1 ?m to 200 ?m; and, wherein the set of pillars can be configured to cooperate to have a physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0 N with a contact area of 25% or less, as determined by the friction testing method.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement having a substrate; a first set of pillars having a cross section area in the range of 10 ?m2 to 400 ?m2 and a pitch in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; a second set of pillars disposed on said first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in said first set of pillars; wherein said second set of pillars are defined by pillars each having a cross section width from 0.5 ?m to 100 ?m and a pitch in the range of 1 ?m to 200 ?m; and, wherein said first and second set of pillars are configured to cooperate to have a physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less, as determined by the friction testing method.

Abstract: This specimen collection tool can include a handle including a core manufactured by injecting a first material into a mold; wherein the core includes a flat portion, a protrusion and a proximal portion; a distal end having a cavity for receiving the core manufactured by injecting a second material into the mold wherein the second injection is performed without removing the handle from the mold and the second material surrounds the core; a first set of microfeatures disposed on the distal end having a second set of microfeatures disposed on the first set of microfeatures; a demolding pin included in the distal end; a support surface included on the core to support the core in the mold; and, a tapered tip included in the core operatively associated with a narrowing portion of the distal end to hinder removal of the distal end from the handle.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement having a substrate; a first set of pillars having a cross section area in the range of 10 ?m2 to 400 ?m2 and a pitch in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; a second set of pillars disposed on said first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in said first set of pillars; wherein said second set of pillars are defined by pillars each having a cross section width from 0.5 ?m to 100 ?m and a pitch in the range of 1 ?m to 200 ?m; and, wherein said first and second set of pillars are configured to cooperate to have a physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less, as determined by the friction testing method.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement for gripping low coefficient material comprising: a substrate disposed on a gripping surface; a set of pillars disposed on the substrate; and, wherein the set of pillars have the physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less as determined by the friction testing method. A first set of pillars can be disposed on the substrate having a cross section area in the range of 100 ?m2 to 160,000 ?m2, height relative to the substrate in the range of 10 ?m to 400 ?m, and a pitch determined from the center of the pillars, in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; and a secondary set of pillars disposed on the first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in the first set of pillars.

Abstract: A polymer film having an initial thickness of 20 to 200 microns. A two-level micro pattern formed on at least one side of the film so that the polymer film has a base thickness less than the initial thickness of the film following the addition of the two-level micro pattern. A plurality of microfeatures defining the micro pattern wherein a height of the microfeatures on the film is in a range from about 0.3 to about 4 times the initial film thickness while maintaining the structural stability of the microfeatures to resist bending and provide increased grip against biological tissue and simultaneously providing reduced friction against dry hard plastic and metal surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch (also called a flexible container) for holding fluid, the pouch including: (a) a first polymeric sheet including a first inner body and a first outer surface, the first inner body including a first inner surface and inner microstructure extending from the first inner surface, the first inner body defining an aerial microstructure surface area density (AMSAD) between 5% and 15%; (b) a second polymeric sheet including a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second polymeric sheet may be joined with the first polymeric sheet such that the first inner body and the second inner surface form an air-tight fluid chamber therebetween. The second polymeric sheet may lack microstructure extending from the second inner surface. The first inner surface, the first outer surface, the second inner surface, and the second outer surface may be smooth and non-recessed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved contact surface for manipulating articles wherein the microstructure included on the contact surface having a plurality of pillars spaced apart in the range of 200 ?m and 600 ?m, having a height in the range of 50 ?m and 1200 ?m, a width of in the range of 70 ?m and 300 ?m, a wall draft angle between 0° and 15°, a density of in the range of 5,000 to 20,000 pillars per square inch, and a friction rating greater than 7. The contact surface can be included on a sewing machine feed dog, a glove, sporting equipment, firearm grip, hand rail, tool grip, tool handle, and a strap such as for a satchel or backpack.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement for gripping low coefficient material comprising: a substrate disposed on a gripping surface; a set of pillars disposed on the substrate; and, wherein the set of pillars have the physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less as determined by the friction testing method. A first set of pillars can be disposed on the substrate having a cross section area in the range of 100 ?m2 to 160,000 ?m2, height relative to the substrate in the range of 10 ?m to 400 ?m, and a pitch determined from the center of the pillars, in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; and a secondary set of pillars disposed on the first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in the first set of pillars.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement for gripping low coefficient material comprising: a substrate disposed on a gripping surface; a set of pillars disposed on the substrate; and, wherein the set of pillars have the physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less as determined by the friction testing method. A first set of pillars can be disposed on the substrate having a cross section area in the range of 100 ?m2 to 160,000 ?m2, height relative to the substrate in the range of 10 ?m to 400 ?m, and a pitch determined from the center of the pillars, in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; and a secondary set of pillars disposed on the first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in the first set of pillars.

Abstract: A method for providing a microstructured surface comprising selecting a material having a desired hardness; selecting a microstructure pattern having an arrangement of microfeatures providing a touch aesthetic to be applied to said material, wherein the width and aspect ratio of the microstructures are configured to provide said touch aesthetic for the hardness of the material selected; selecting said microstructure pattern to further include a physical property independent of said touch aesthetic to be applied to said material, wherein at least one of a pitch and spacing of said microfeatures is configures to provide said physical property; determining the dimensions of said microstructure pattern to be applied to the surface of said material to achieve the desired properties; and, applying the microstructure pattern to said material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch (also called a flexible container) for holding fluid, the pouch including: (a) a first polymeric sheet including a first inner body and a first outer surface, the first inner body including a first inner surface and inner microstructure extending from the first inner surface, the first inner body defining an aerial microstructure surface area density (AMSAD) between 5% and 15%; (b) a second polymeric sheet including a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second polymeric sheet may be joined with the first polymeric sheet such that the first inner body and the second inner surface form an air-tight fluid chamber therebetween. The second polymeric sheet may lack microstructure extending from the second inner surface. The first inner surface, the first outer surface, the second inner surface, and the second outer surface may be smooth and non-recessed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved contact surface for manipulating articles wherein the microstructure included on the contact surface having a plurality of pillars spaced apart in the range of 200 ?m and 600 ?m, having a height in the range of 50 ?m and 1200 ?m, a width of in the range of 70 ?m and 300 ?m, a wall draft angle between 0° and 15°, a density of in the range of 5,000 to 20,000 pillars per square inch, and a friction rating greater than 7. The contact surface can be included on a sewing machine feed dog, a glove, sporting equipment, firearm grip, hand rail, tool grip, tool handle, and a strap such as for a satchel or backpack.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a microstructured filament that can be used to make fibers having an extruded filament having pre-cooled microfeatures in a radial spiral arrangement about a bore though the filament wherein the microfeature has a width in the range of 25 ?m to 40 ?m and height in the range of 90 ?m to 100 ?m; and, the filament having a post-cooled state having post-cooled microfeatures having physical dimensions smaller than that of the pre-cooled microfeatures. The filament can include microfeatures having a width in the range of 400 nm to 4 ?m and height in the range of 400 nm to 4 ?m. The filament and fiber can include physical characteristics selected from the group consisting of: hydrophobicity, self-cleaning, increased hydro-dynamic drag coefficients, decreased or increased aerodynamic drag coefficients, increased friction, reduced friction, optical effects, increased adhesion, decreased adhesion, oleophobicity, tactile effects, anti-blocking and any combination of these.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement for gripping low coefficient material comprising: a substrate disposed on a gripping surface; a set of pillars disposed on the substrate; and, wherein the set of pillars have the physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less as determined by the friction testing method. A first set of pillars can be disposed on the substrate having a cross section area in the range of 100 ?m2 to 160,000 ?m2, height relative to the substrate in the range of 10 ?m to 400 ?m, and a pitch determined from the center of the pillars, in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; and a secondary set of pillars disposed on the first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in the first set of pillars.

Abstract: A microstructure arrangement for gripping low coefficient material comprising: a substrate disposed on a gripping surface; a set of pillars disposed on the substrate; and, wherein the set of pillars have the physical property of a grip force in excess of 50.0N with a contact area of 25% or less as determined by the friction testing method. A first set of pillars can be disposed on the substrate having a cross section area in the range of 100 ?m2 to 160,000 ?m2, height relative to the substrate in the range of 10 ?m to 400 ?m, and a pitch determined from the center of the pillars, in the range of 20 ?m to 1000 ?m; and a secondary set of pillars disposed on the first set of pillars having a cross section area less than that of the pillars in the first set of pillars.

Abstract: This invention is a fracturing component and method having a fluid and a plurality of three dimensional structures mixed in the fluid wherein each structure has a longitudinal axis, center of mass and center of pressure wherein the center of mass and the center of pressure do not align in a stable manner causing the structure to flutter in the fluid to reduce the structure from settling out of the fluid when injected into a fissure. Each three dimensional structure can include a first end of the structure having a first plane having an angle of incident ?1 offset from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second end of the structure having a second plane having an angle of incident ?2 offset from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The difference between ?1 and ?2 can be in a range of 0° to 65°.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch (also called a flexible container) for holding fluid, the pouch including: (a) a first polymeric sheet including a first inner body and a first outer surface, the first inner body including a first inner surface and inner microstructure extending from the first inner surface, the first inner body defining an aerial microstructure surface area density (AMSAD) between 5% and 15%; (b) a second polymeric sheet including a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second polymeric sheet may be joined with the first polymeric sheet such that the first inner body and the second inner surface form an air-tight fluid chamber therebetween. The second polymeric sheet may lack microstructure extending from the second inner surface. The first inner surface, the first outer surface, the second inner surface, and the second outer surface may be smooth and non-recessed.

Abstract: A substrate having an undulating surface forming a series of rounded peaks and valleys that produce a continuously curving surface across at least a portion of the substrate. The undulating surface defines a first set of micro features. A second set of micro features molded on the first set of micro features. The substrate is a compression molded polymeric material in which the first and second sets of micro features are formed on the substrate during a single molding step, and wherein the first and second sets of micro features cooperate to increase the surface area and affect at least one of adhesion, friction, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the substrate.