Abstract: Methods and computer systems for methods, computer systems, and computer-readable memory media for constructing a system model. A first computer-aided x (CAx) model of a tangible object is received that is described in a first CAx model domain and includes a first model-based definition (MBD) and first CAx product manufacturing information (PMI). The first MBD includes geometric data and topological data. Second CAx PMI is received from a second CAx model domain different from the first CAx model domain. The second CAx PMI is mapped to the topological data of the first MBD using a systems modelling language, and a system model is constructed that includes the first MBD and the mapped second CAx PMI. The system model is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems for methods, computer systems, and computer-readable memory media for determining a warp function. A first watertight spline model of a first object and a set of points and associated metadata from a second object are received. A second watertight spline model of the second object is constructed based on the set of points, the metadata, and the first watertight spline model. A warp function is determined based on a difference between the first watertight spline model and the second watertight spline model. The warp function is a continuous function approximating differences between the first object and the second object. The warp function is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems for methods, computer systems, and computer-readable memory media for determining a warp function. A first watertight spline model of a first object and a set of points and associated metadata from a second object are received. A second watertight spline model of the second object is constructed based on the set of points, the metadata, and the first watertight spline model. A warp function is determined based on a difference between the first watertight spline model and the second watertight spline model. The warp function is a continuous function approximating differences between the first object and the second object. The warp function is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.

Abstract: Determining a warp function between two watertight spline models. A first watertight spline model of a first object and a set of points and associated metadata from a second object are received. A second watertight spline model of the second object is constructed based on the set of points, the metadata, and the first watertight spline model. A warp function is determined based on a difference between the first watertight spline model and the second watertight spline model. The warp function is a continuous function approximating differences between the first object and the second object. The warp function is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems for methods, computer systems, and computer-readable memory media for determining a warp function. A first watertight spline model of a first object and a set of points and associated metadata from a second object are received. A second watertight spline model of the second object is constructed based on the set of points, the metadata, and the first watertight spline model. A warp function is determined based on a difference between the first watertight spline model and the second watertight spline model. The warp function is a continuous function approximating differences between the first object and the second object. The warp function is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems for utilizing gapless surface models in computer-aided design (CAD) applications to produce printing instructions for additive manufacturing (AM). A geometrically watertight CAD spline model of an object to be printed is received. For of a plurality of AM layers of the object, an intersection routine is performed of a plane of the layer with the geometrically watertight CAD spline model to obtain a respective smooth contour curve. For each AM layer, a plurality of hatch curves is determined within the plane of the layer and interior to the respective smooth contour curve. The smooth contour curves and the pluralities of hatch curves are stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for reconstructing trimmed surfaces whose underlying spline surfaces intersect in model space, so that the reconstructed version of each original trimmed surface is geometrically close to the original trimmed surface, and so that the boundary of each respective reconstructed version includes a model space trim curve that approximates the geometric intersection of the underlying spline surfaces. Thus, the reconstructed versions will meet in a continuous fashion along the model space curve. The mechanism may operate on already trimmed surfaces such as may be available in a boundary representation object model, or, on spline surfaces that are to be trimmed, e.g., as part of a Boolean operation in a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: A Y-connect fastener (210) is provided for firmly fastening ceiling fan blades (26) to mounting brackets (20). A plurality of protuberant members (32) extend upwardly from the mounting brackets (20), and have head portions (72) and shank portions (74) which fit through apertures (62) in the ceiling fan blades (26). The fastener (210) has an upper surface (214), a lower surface (216), and peripheral edge portions (220) extending between the upper and lower surfaces (214, 216). Openings (224, 226) are formed in the peripheral edge portions (220) in alignment for sliding the opening (226) over one of the shank portions (74), and then rotating the fastener (210) to twist the two openings (224) around two of the shank portions (74), pressing the fastener (210) between the head portions (72) of the protuberant members (32) and the upper surface of ceiling fan blade (26).

Abstract: A rotary plate fastener (24) is provided for firmly fastening ceiling fan blades (26) to mounting brackets (20). A plurality of protuberant members (32) extend upwardly from the mounting brackets (20), and have respective head portions (72) and shank portions (74) which fit through apertures (62) in the ceiling fan blades (26). The rotary plate fastener (24) has an upper surface (36), a lower surface (38), and peripheral edge portions (42) extending between the upper and lower surfaces (36, 38). Openings (46) formed in the peripheral edge portions (42) are aligned for registering adjacent to the shank portions (74) of the protuberant members (32), and then the rotary plate fastener (24) is rotated to twist the openings (46) around the shank portions (74) and press the rotary plate fastener (24) between the head portions (72) of the protuberant members (32) and the upper surface of ceiling fan blade (26).

Abstract: A process for making bone implants from calcium phosphate powders is disclosed. This process involves selectively fusing layers of calcium powders that have been coated or mixed with polymer binders. The calcium powder mixture may be foamed into layers and the polymer fused with a laser. Complex three-dimensional geometrical shapes can be automatically replicated or modified using this approach.

Abstract: A process for making bone implants from calcium phosphate powders is disclosed. This process involves selectively fusing layers of calcium powders that have been coated or mixed with polymer binders. The calcium powder mixture may be formed into layers and the polymer fused with a laser. Complex three-dimensional geometrical shapes can be automatically replicated or modified using this approach.

Abstract: A process for making bone implants from calcium phosphate powders is disclosed. This process involves selectively fusing layers of calcium powders that have been coated or mixed with polymer binders. The calcium powder mixture may be formed into layers and the polymer fused with a laser. Complex three-dimensional geometrical shapes can be automatically replicated or modified using this approach.

Abstract: A process for making bone implants from calcium phosphate powders is disclosed. This process involves selectively fusing layers of calcium powders that have been coated or mixed with polymer binders. The calcium powder mixture may be formed into layers and the polymer fused with a laser. Complex three-dimensional geometrical shapes can be automatically replicated or modified using this approach.