Abstract: A dynamic DNA model and DNA model kit that is based on the atomic coordinates of double-stranded DNA, but can be easily untwisted to form a flattened 2-D ladder structure. Once untwisted, the two strands of DNA can be easily “unzipped” to create single-stranded DNA templates that can be used to demonstrate the processes of DNA replication and transcription. The model and kit include two joints that allow the DNA model to be dynamically transformed from its helical arrangement into a straight ladder-like arrangement, with parallel base pairs and anti-parallel “backbones.” One joint is a pin joint, having rotation about one axis, and translation along that axis. The second joint can be a “compound” joint having multiple degrees of freedom at different points; or, it can be simplified to a single rotation axis with a separate translation axis.

Abstract: A unit cell for a lattice structure includes eight unit trusses disposed at vertices of the unit cell. A single unit truss is disposed at a centroid of the unit cell. Each of the nine unit trusses includes fourteen struts. Lattice structures are commonly used to connect various loads within a volume of space. Most such structures, however, have a rigid definition for their topology, and are unable to conform to shape or load directions. Additionally, conventional lattice structures are homogeneous, having dimensions and properties that are consistent throughout. These constraints, generally imposed for ease of manufacturing and assembly, prevent the development of highly robust and efficient structures, and limit the potential for multi-functional applications.

Abstract: A dynamic DNA model and DNA model kit that is based on the atomic coordinates of double-stranded DNA, but can be easily untwisted to form a flattened 2-D ladder structure. Once untwisted, the two strands of DNA can be easily “unzipped” to create single-stranded DNA templates that can be used to demonstrate the processes of DNA replication and transcription. The model and kit include two joints that allow the DNA model to be dynamically transformed from its helical arrangement into a straight ladder-like arrangement, with parallel base pairs and anti-parallel “backbones.” One joint is a pin joint, having rotation about one axis, and translation along that axis. The second joint can be a “compound” joint having multiple degrees of freedom at different points; or, it can be simplified to a single rotation axis with a separate translation axis.

Abstract: A method of casting including coating at least a portion of a mold with a non-porous coating, placing the mold in a chamber capable of inducing pressure, and applying pressure to the chamber to press material into a cavity in the mold. Another method of casting including coating at least a portion of a mold with a non-porous coating, placing a first fill tube in a material, applying a vacuum to a second fill tube to establish a vacuum within the non-porous coating, and allowing atmospheric pressure to inject the material into the mold without placing the mold in a chamber capable of inducing pressure.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models of molecules, including proteins, and molecular model construction kits, including an alpha helix construction kit, a beta sheet construction kit, and a nucleic acid construction kit. The three-dimensional models of molecules include one or more elongated tubular strands representing alpha carbons and the bonds between the alpha carbons. The alpha helix and beta sheet construction kits include amino acid backbone units, hydrogen bond units, and side chain units. The nucleic acid construction kits include base units, hydrogen bond units, sugar units, and phosphate units.

Abstract: A three dimensional object having a first one-piece build style lattice including a plurality of substantially uniform build style units and a second one-piece build style lattice integrally formed with and interlaced with the first lattice, the second lattice including a plurality of substantially uniform build style units.

Abstract: A method for forming a three dimensional object, the method including the steps of generating a digital representation of the object, generating a digital representation of a build style lattice having a substantially uniform, conformal tetrahedron structure, overlaying the respective representations of the object and the build style, intersecting the overlaid representations to generate a digital representation of the object incorporating the build style; and fabricating the digital representation of the object incorporating the build style by solid free form fabrication.

Abstract: A three dimensional object having a first one-piece build style lattice including a plurality of substantially uniform build style units and a second one-piece build style lattice integrally formed with and interlaced with the first lattice, the second lattice including a plurality of substantially uniform build style units.

Abstract: A solid free form model of a complex structure, such as a molecular structure, and a method of making such a model. The model includes a first elongated strand extending along a first path corresponding to the locations of selected elements to represented, a second elongated strand extending along a second path spaced from the first path and a connecting leg extending between the first and second strands along a path corresponding to the vector along which a force, such as a hydrogen bond, acts on the modeled elements.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models of molecules, including proteins, and molecular model construction kits, including an alpha helix construction kit, a beta sheet construction kit, and a nucleic acid construction kit. The three-dimensional models of molecules include one or more elongated tubular strands representing alpha carbons and the bonds between the alpha carbons. The alpha helix and beta sheet construction kits include amino acid backbone units, hydrogen bond units, and side chain units. The nucleic acid construction kits include base units, hydrogen bond units, sugar units, and phosphate units.

Abstract: A method for forming a three dimensional object, the method including the steps of generating a digital representation of the object, generating a digital representation of a build style lattice having a substantially uniform, conformal tetrahedron structure, overlaying the respective representations of the object and the build style, intersecting the overlaid representations to generate a digital representation of the object incorporating the build style; and fabricating the digital representation of the object incorporating the build style by solid free form fabrication.

Abstract: A method for forming a three dimensional object, the method comprising the steps of generating a digital representation of the object, generating a digital representation of a build style lattice having a substantially uniform, conformal tetrahedron structure, overlaying the respective representations of the object and the build style, intersecting the overlaid representations to generate a digital representation of the object incorporating the build style; and fabricating the digital representation of the object incorporating the build style by solid free form fabrication.

Abstract: A hydraulic or pneumatic actuator wherein the movement of the power transfer shaft is controlled by a movable vent. The actuator is divided into two cells by a power transfer shaft to which is attached a vent follower. In an equilibrium position, the vent is closed off by the vent follower. Moving the vent location to either side of the vent follower causes fluid or gas to escape from one or the other cell. This creates a pressure difference between the cells causing the vent follower to move until it arrives at an equilibrium position. When the vent follower is caused to move the power transfer shaft also moves accordingly. In the rotary version, the vent follower operates in a wiper-type fashion. Movement of the vent follower causes the power transfer shaft to rotate. In the linear version, the power transfer shaft is attached to a piston head. The piston head is fitted into a cylinder which divides the cylinder into two hydraulic or pneumatic cells.