Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium, with the liquid filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition. To create mobility, a small excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture. Transition to the stable condition is caused by extraction of the transition liquid, removing the clearance between bodies and causing them to make stable, consolidated contact.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium, with the liquid filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition. To create mobility, a small excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture. Transition to the stable condition is caused by extraction of the transition liquid, removing the clearance between bodies and causing them to make stable, consolidated contact.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium of relatively similar density, with the liquid medium filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition through introduction and then extraction of a slight excess quantity of the carrier medium. To create mobility, this excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture comprises uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium of relatively similar density, with the liquid medium filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition through introduction and then extraction of a slight excess quantity of the carrier medium. To create mobility, this excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium of relatively similar density, with the liquid medium filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition through introduction and then extraction of a slight excess quantity of the carrier medium. To create mobility, this excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating complex shapes without the use of dies, molds, or other fixed tooling. A continuous length or flow of a malleable or fluent material is provided to a forming apparatus which shapes the material, producing a contiguous series of smoothly blended, properly contoured portions of the desired shape. The formation of a shape relies on continuous control of shape-determining variables: the instantaneous cross-section of the shape in a virtual transition surface between the formable and formed material, the rate-of-change of cross-sectional dimensions between sequential cross-sections, the instantaneous angle of movement of the material at any point on the cross-section in the transition surface, and the rate of movement away from the transition surface of the just-stabilized portion of the shape. The material is stabilized as these shape-determining variables achieve the proper values in each portion of the material.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating complex shapes without the use of dies, molds, or other fixed tooling. A continuous length or flow of a malleable or fluent material is provided to a forming apparatus which shapes the material, producing a contiguous series of smoothly blended, properly contoured portions of the desired shape. The formation of a shape relies on continuous control of shape-determining variables: the instantaneous cross-section of the shape in a virtual transition surface between the formable and formed material, the rate-of-change of cross-sectional dimensions between sequential cross-sections, the instantaneous angle of movement of the material at any point on the cross-section in the transition surface, and the rate of movement away from the transition surface of the just-stabilized portion of the shape. The material is stabilized as these shape-determining variables achieve the proper values in each portion of the material.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating complex shapes without the use of dies, molds, or other fixed tooling. A continuous length or flow of a malleable or fluent material is provided to a forming apparatus which shapes the material, producing a contiguous series of smoothly blended, properly contoured portions of the desired shape. The formation of a shape relies on continuous control of shape-determining variables: the instantaneous cross-section of the shape in a virtual transition surface between the formable and formed material, the rate-of-change of cross-sectional dimensions between sequential cross-sections, the instantaneous angle of movement of the material at any point on the cross-section in the transition surface, and the rate of movement away from the transition surface of the just-stabilized portion of the shape. The material is stabilized as these shape-determining variables achieve the proper values in each portion of the material.

Abstract: A mattress or pad that contours and conforms to the body profile of a reclining individual. The preferred embodiments contain flexible, airtight chambers, at least two of which are interconnected to allow the transfer of air or liquid. Interconnected chambers are positioned and dimensioned to conform to and support the natural curves of a reclining body. The volume of fluid, e.g., air or liquid, within all of the chambers can be easily adjusted to allow comfortable resistance and conformity to a wide range of body lengths, weights, and shapes. Preferred embodiments have insulative, self inflating elements, comprising low-density, open-celled, flexible foam in a rectangular configuration, in a thin-walled cylindrical configuration, and in an arced configuration determined by an adhered heat-reflective plastic film.