Abstract: A hold down mechanism for a bandsaw including an upstream wheel positioned upstream of the saw blade and a downstream wheel positioned downstream of the saw blade, each wheel being rotationally connected to a bogie which is in turn supported on a swing arm. The proximity of the upstream and downstream wheels to the saw blade as well as the degree of pivoting motion permitted by the bogie enable a hold down wheel to press the ends if sequential workpieces against a base as the ends pass the saw blade to assure a uniform thickness of the cut workpiece. An angled guide surface is provide upstream from the forward wheel to assist the forward wheel in elevating when a trailing workpiece is significantly thicker than the workpiece preceding.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a latch pin pivotable between a first position engaged with the swing arm assembly and a second position whereat the latch is not engaged with the swing arm assembly, an actuator configured to pivot the latch pin from the first position to the second position and to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator in response to a sensed condition.

Abstract: An engineering or constructional member comprising at least two strips bonded with an adhesive; each of the strips comprises bamboo impregnated or treated with a polymer derived from one or more furfuryl alcohol resin precursors.

Abstract: A baseball bat fabricated from a limb of a tree, procured without harvesting any of the tree's trunk. Because of this technique, the process of the present invention is much less wasteful. Many bats can be fabricated from a single tree, without felling the tree itself. The process of fabrication of the present invention is drawn to working with the properties of the harvested tree limb. In this manner, a billet is fabricated on a lathe with its center placed concentric with the center of the tree limb, thusly concentric with the limb's growth rings. By doing so, the growth rings within the limb will not be bisected during fabrication of the billet. When the billet is further turned on a lathe to shape the billet into a baseball bat, the growth rings within the limb will be minimally bisected, thus increasing the strength of the baseball bat of the present invention, as compared to the baseball bats of the prior art.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for casting concrete products by mold casting, where concrete mix is fed in a casting mold from a casting apparatus moved above the mold, and the concrete mix is vibrated with a vibrator assembly located at least partially in the area inside a nozzle of the casting apparatus, wherein the concrete mix is vibrated in the area inside the nozzle with the vibrator assembly performing only vertical vibrating motion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact resistant tool comprises a sintered polycrystalline diamond body bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at an interface, the body comprising a substantially pointed geometry with an apex, the apex comprising a curved surface that joins a leading side and a trailing side of the body at a first and second transitions respectively, an apex width between the first and second transitions is less than a third of a width of the substrate, and the body also comprises a body thickness from the apex to the interface greater than a third of the width of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for slicing workpiece reusing a wire used for previous slicing of a workpiece to slice a subsequent workpiece by which the workpiece is pressed against a wire row and sliced, the wire row being formed of the wire spirally wound between a plurality of wire guides and travels in an axial-direction, where wire tension at the time of slicing the workpiece is set to a value in the range of 87 to 95% of wire tension in the previous slicing of the workpiece, a new wire supply amount at the time of slicing the workpiece is set to a value in the range of 125% or more of a new wire supply amount in the previous slicing of the workpiece, and the wire is reused to slice the subsequent workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new screw elements for multi-screw extruders with pairs of co-rotating and fully wiping screws.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for fabricating a custom splint for use in an immobilization system. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a splint is provided. The method comprises identifying a region of interest of a limb around which a splint is to be positioned, placing markers about the region of interest on the limb, and scanning the region of interest having the markers to generate data for the splint to be produced.

Abstract: Polymer-based molds are described. The polymer-based mold includes a first portion comprising a first material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) lower than about 80 ° C.; and a second portion comprising a second material having a Tg higher than about 80 ° C., wherein the second portion at least partially covers the first portion, the second portion is thinner than the first portion and faces a cavity in the polymeric mold.

Abstract: Dot pattern perforations predetermined according to a type (kind and carving size) of a workpiece are formed in a part of a body of an attachment where the workpiece is to be set. A seal carving apparatus detects the dot pattern of the mounted attachment by means of photosensors to identify the type of the workpiece. This makes it possible to check consistency between type information on the workpiece input by a customer and type information identified from the dot pattern to prevent mismounting of the attachment or an erroneous carving operation.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) is one in which a heat application target molded material (W) is retained in shape by a retaining jig (4) which has a cavity (15) therein, and is heat-cured with high temperature gas. The autoclave is provided with: a pressure vessel (2) in the interior of which the molded material (W) is arranged; a high temperature gas supplying device (5) which supplies the high temperature gas to the molded material (W) within the pressure vessel (2); and an auxiliary high temperature gas supplying device (7) which supplies the high temperature gas into the interior of the cavity (15).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a stiffened thermoplastic panel is presented. The method may comprise placing a number of forming tools within a number of concave areas of a thermoplastic preform. The method may also place the thermoplastic preform with the number of forming tools within the number of concave areas on a thermoplastic lay-up to form a workpiece. The method may also position the workpiece within a tool. The tool may have a number of die liners configured to generate heat in response to a magnetic field. The method may also consolidate the workpiece to form the stiffened thermoplastic panel. Consolidating may comprise applying a magnetic field to the number of die liners to heat the workpiece to a consolidation temperature.

Abstract: A method of producing a brush for the cleaning of electronic components. In this method, a plastic core is prepared and submerged into a solvent to melt the outer surface of the core. While the outer surface of the plastic core is still partially melted, it is rolled through a trough of powdered polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) such that granules of PVA melt into and subsequently become embedded at the outer surface. As the solvent evaporates, the outer surface of the core re-hardens and the granules of PVA become firmly entrapped at the outer surface. The PVA covered shaft is placed in a mold, which is then filled with a PVA solution. As the solution cures, it forms a strong bond with the PVA granules that are embedded at the surface of the plastic core. Thereafter, the mold components are disassembled, leaving behind the finished cored brush.

Abstract: A tile made of hard objects, such as stones, that are enclosed in epoxy and a method to fabricate such tiles are disclosed. The method includes placing a predetermined volume of sand of a predetermined coarseness into a mold of a predetermined size; leveling the sand in the mold; placing a first predetermined volume of stones of a first predetermined size range over the sand in the mold; placing a second predetermined volume of stones of a second predetermined size range over the sand in the mold; pouring a predetermined amount of self-leveling epoxy material over the stones and sand; and curing the epoxy material. A top coat is next applied to ensure that the bigger stones that sit proud of the epoxy are wetted to give the brilliant color of wet stones as seen at the lakeshore.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to relates to foamed thermoplastic material objects and articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure, as well as to methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet, wherein the multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet has first and second discrete outer layers sandwiching a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, and wherein the two outer layers and plurality discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another. The thermoplastic material may be a semi-crystalline polymer such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PLA (polylactide), polyhydroxy acid (PHA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or blends thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for manufacturing contact lenses by forming a contact lens mold half, and removing the mold half. The mold half can then be combined with a complementary mold half and used to cast-mold a contact lens. The apparatus includes first and second plates each carrying tool halves. The plates reciprocate between an open, spaced apart configuration, and a closed configuration in which they hold complementary tool halves in contact with one another. When the plates are opened after forming a mold half, a gripper plate removes the mold half from the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: Preforms with a neck region and a preform body and having an enlarged geometry in comparison with the cavity of the injection mold are produced by injecting a polymer melt into the mold with a geometry of the cavity in the mold such that the radial extent of an inner space in the preform body thereby produced is not greater than the radial extent of the inner space in the neck region, the preforms are removed from the open mold by a removal gripper, and the preforms in the removal gripper are inflated using positive pressure such that the geometry of the inflated preform body is larger than the cavity in the injection mold.

Abstract: A film layer is disclosed that is capable of shrinking when subjected to energy, such as heat. The film layer, for instance, can be formed and then stretched in one or two directions at a relatively low temperature. In particular, the film is stretched while the film layer is at a temperature near the glass transition temperature of the polymer used to form the film. Drawing the film at a relatively low temperature has been found to improve the shrink properties of the film. In one embodiment, the film layer is comprised of a non-modified polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate. For example, the polyethylene terephthalate can be made by reacting terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polishing layer of a polishing pad includes successively depositing a plurality of layers with a 3D printer, each layer of the plurality of polishing layers deposited by ejecting a pad material precursor from a nozzle and solidifying the pad material precursor to form a solidified pad material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for printing at least a portion of a three-dimensional (3D) object. The system may comprise a source of at least one feedstock, a support for supporting at least a portion of the 3D object, a feeder for directing at least one feedstock from the source towards the support, and a power supply for supplying electrical current. The system may comprise a controller operatively coupled to the power supply. The controller may receive a computational representation of the 3D object. The controller may direct the at least one feedstock through a feeder towards the support and may direct electrical current through the at least one feedstock and into the support. The controller may subject such feedstock to Joule heating such that at least a portion of such feedstock may deposit adjacent to the support, thereby printing the 3D object in accordance with the computational representation.

Abstract: Nozzle is provided for heat sealing, as well as methods of use thereof. Nozzle includes blade with leading edge and trailing edge having an opening for air to exit. Opening communicates with hot air tool through internal channel of blade and bore of attachment for nozzle. Blade may be bent to improve interposition of blade between material(s) to be seamed or sealed. Linear edges, curvilinear edges, stepped edges, or any combination thereof, define air exit opening. Nozzle directs hot air downstream from nozzle and perpendicular to nozzle's trailing edge. With blade interposed between material(s), hot air is directed parallel to direction of flow of material(s) in process flow. Hot air heats material(s) to a fusion temperature, or a thermoset to its activation temperature, provided along a forming region of seal or seam. Compressive force applied to material downstream from nozzle assists contact of melted material to form seal or seam.

Abstract: A compact pressing body with a pressing surface smaller in area than a welding range welds together sheet-like members over the whole area of the welding range by pressing the sheet-like members being reliably moved in a direction substantially orthogonal to a pressing direction of the pressing body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system that includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to convert electricity to generate ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves propagate along a first direction from the transducer; and a sonotrode that includes a single-component body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction; a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features; wherein the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction; and at least one ultrasonic welding surface at an anti-nodal region of the body configured to oscillate based on the stretching and compressing, wherein opposing ends o

Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.

Abstract: A glue delivery system and method for providing precise application of glue on a substrate. A bead of glue is extruded from a first glue chamber to a leading edge of the substrate. A trailing edge of the substrate is blown off and over to the nozzle to receive a smear of glue from a second glue chamber. A gear pump is controlled by a servo drive that is connected to a servomotor utilizing a gear reducer. The pump regulates the extrusion of the glue onto the substrate that is programmed with empirical data of gear reducer ratio at which the glue flows within a constant speed, torque, current, speed and position of the glue. The empirical data is provided to a programmable logic circuit to achieve a precise pressure related to volume of a glue deposition and speed of the substrate onto which the glue is applied.

Abstract: A method of riveting using a plastically deformable plastic rivet is provided. The method includes positioning the plastic rivet in front of the rivet on a component, of a motor vehicle, and deforming the rivet by a riveting die by applying a riveting force, such that a rivet holds the component wherein the rivet is with a rivet dynamometer and the riveting force is measured and a rivet is set with a predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite filler. A composite ply is folded. The composite ply comprises fibers arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the composite ply such that the composite filler has a varying cross-sectional orientation of fibers. A force is applied to the folded composite ply after folding to form a desired shape for the composite filler.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method for assembling at least one panel and frames for producing part of an aircraft fuselage, the method including shaping the panel on support surfaces of a tool, wherein it includes holding each frame clamped against at least one sliding support surface arranged in a transverse plane, the sliding support surfaces of the various frames and the support surfaces being secured to the same tool and positioned relative to one another, and in putting in place permanent attachment elements for connecting the panel and the frames. The subject matter disclosed herein also proposes a tool for implementing the assembly method.

Abstract: A nozzle for printing three-dimensional parts with an additive manufacturing system, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body having an inlet end and a tip end offset longitudinally from the inlet end, a tip pipe for extruding a flowable material, an inner ring extending circumferentially around the tip pipe at the outlet end, an outer ring extending circumferentially around the inner ring, at least one annular recessed groove located circumferentially between the inner ring and the outer ring.

Abstract: Polymer spray deposition systems and methods are disclosed that can be used with a wide range of thermoplastic materials to produce high resolution objects having the complexity and structural integrity typically only achieved using more traditional manufacturing techniques, like injection molding processes. The polymeric spray deposition systems and methods use a spray generator that stretches the fluid between two diverging surfaces, such as two rollers or between two pistons. The stretched fluid breaks apart into a plurality of droplets and is guided through a delivery system, that can include an optional droplet size selector, and into a multi-nozzle array. The multi-nozzle array is controlled and directs the spray onto a target surface, thereby creating a three-dimensional object. The disclosed polymer spray deposition systems and methods can be used in three-dimensional print heads and printing techniques.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus (10) including: a container (12) configured to bound a bed of powdered metal material; a fluidization arrangement (18) configured to fluidize the bed of powered material; an articulation mechanism (40) disposed within the container and configured to support and to rotate a component (38) about at least one horizontal axis; and an energy beam (34) configured to selectively scan portions (36) of a surface of the bed of powdered metal material to melt or sinter the selectively scanned portions onto the component.

Abstract: An internal tissue including a lesion region in the human body is modeled as a three-dimensional model. By reconstructing thickness or flexibility of a lumen wall portion including the lesion region and making it possible to confirm a motion of the lumen wall or a flow of fluid in the inside of the lumen wall, a state of the lesion region in the lumen can be confirmed clearly by visual inspection or the like. As a result, the diagnosis in the lumen can be made easier.

Abstract: A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer has been developed. The method receives image data corresponding to at least one three-dimensional object. The method generates image data corresponding to at least one member that extends from the at least one three-dimensional object corresponding to the received image data. The method operates an ejector head of the three-dimensional object printer with a controller referencing the received image data and the generated image data to eject drops of a build material onto a platen to form the at least one three-dimensional object and the at least one member extending from the at least one three-dimensional object.

Abstract: Three dimensional printing improvement includes an ability to automatedly segment sections of scans to provide at least one virtual solid for printing in layers. The printing can be performed remotely, such as at a location near a doctor, for rapid turn-around. Automated segmenting can include use of a protocol that may include at least a portion of a segmented solid for rapidly segmenting the scanned sections. When making solids, a first solid can be generated and sent to the printer before beginning work on creating a second solid.

Abstract: A 3D printer device utilizing at least one Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) image head having at least one beam focused in a focal plane of the device for building on a surface of the device a 3D model of a target object from a digital image. The inventive 3D printer is more compact in size due to the use of QCL image heads, which provides focused wavelengths of QCLs matching the absorption properties in plastics for more efficient absorption of the radiant energy. Each QCL channel power in the inventive 3D printer can be doubled by combining two lasers with a polarization beam splitter. The QCL image head is provided with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for compensating for imaging speed. The invention includes a method for scaling up the building speed of 3D printing regardless of detail level. The invention discloses an affordable 3D printer using QCL technology while maintaining high standards of resolution, use of quality materials, and rapid building speeds.

Abstract: A uniquely featured addition to previous three dimensional prototyping machinery without any traversing X and Y coordinate moving parts, thus saving time by focusing on only an incrementally regular Z stage and the rapidity of chemical deposition via electrically localized reaction nodes through a porous/channeled plane called the build/extrusion platen. Processes for making objects using such machine and platen are also disclosed as well as features and further indexing of extrusion location inventions. Other features including chemistry, curing material, and curing control as well as activation methods and machines are also disclosed in combination with the feature of a simultaneous two-dimensional layer-wise deposition machine and process for “growing” the object in the Z direction using the displaceable platen or object supporting stage in a rapid manner. Further due to the rapid growth and deposition manner, additional benefits to the object creation and curable material, e.g. a monomer can be realized.

Abstract: A printing correction method and a 3D printing device are provided, and the printing correction method is adapted to the 3D printing device having a printing platform. The printing correction method is as follows. An electric field is provided to the printing platform. A detection probe is extended towards a position of the printing platform along a first axial direction to enter the electric field, where the position is defined as an initial position. The detection probe is moved from the initial position along a moving path on the printing platform, and when the detection probe is moved along the moving path, an electric field variation is detected to determine a tilt variation of the printing platform relative to the first axial direction. It is determined whether to correct the printing platform according to the tilt variation of the printing platform.

Abstract: The application provides customized aortic stent and stent graft devices and methods for the manufacture thereof. The customized aortic stent or stent graft are patient-specific in that they conform to at least part of the ascending aorta, aortic arch and/or thoracic aorta.

Abstract: A sterilizable container for accommodating at least one of at least one biologically active fluid and at least one preparatory fluid has an area within the container configured to accommodate at least one sterilizable three-dimensional printer assembly. The sterilizable three-dimensional printer assembly includes at least one printing platform; at least one printer head for dispensing structural material onto the at least one printing platform to form thereon a three-dimensional structure; and a moving mechanism for providing a relative displacement between the at least one printer head and the at least one printing platform. The area is configured so that the fluid can reach the printer assembly.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite module from a multiplicity of module components, which are continuously moved in the feed direction and are connected together section-by-section. The device includes a tool mold configured and arranged to be continuously traversed in the feed direction for purposes of positioning module components relative to one another. A pressure application head is configured and arranged to be traversed in the feed direction and in the counter-direction for purposes of connecting the module components. The pressure application head is configured and arranged to move at the same speed and in the same direction as the continuously moving tool mold, and then in an opposite direction, in order to connect to each section of the fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite during reciprocal movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing storage-stable polyurethane prepregs and molding bodies produced therefrom (composite components), which can be obtained by a method using a polyurethane composition in solution and by impregnation of fiber-reinforced materials such as of woven fabrics and laid scrim using reactive polyurethane compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening filaments. The apparatus includes a transport device for transporting filaments; a heating device including a heating channel forming a transport path for the filaments; and a cooling device arranged downstream of the heating device in a direction of transport, including a cooling channel that continues the transport path for the filaments. Cross-sectional areas of the heating channel and the cooling channel at least partially overlap.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing and/or inflating objects, in particular vehicle tires, having a housing (1) in which a gas pressure source, in particular a compressed air source, is accommodated, and having a container with sealant which can be coupled to the housing via coupling means (18,20) provided at the container, on the one hand, and at the housing, on the other hand, to establish a state of use,—wherein at least two different coupling means (9,10) are provided at the housing for reducing the manufacturing costs which are each configured in order to cooperate with corresponding coupling means (18, 20) of one of at least two types of containers which differ from one another with respect to the design of their coupling means.

Abstract: A tray (20) for holding contact lens mold assemblies (70) during thermal curing of a contact lens precursor material in an oven (210) to form contact lenses. The tray (20) comprises a plurality of plates (60) and a frame (25) supporting the plates (60). The frame (25) is configured to be stacked vertically with a plurality of identical frames to form a tray stack (10). Each plate (60) is a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer plate and comprises a plurality of support structures (110) each arranged to support one contact lens mold assembly (70) during curing and a plurality of channels (90, 100) connecting the support structures (110), to allow gases to flow between them in the tray stack (10) during curing.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to extruding multiple layers of micro- to nano-polymer layers in a tubular shape. In particular, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a method for producing a Bragg reflector comprising co-extrusion of micro- to nano-polymer layers in a tubular shape.

Abstract: Methods for making ophthalmic lenses are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to plastic injection molded ophthalmic lens molds that are machined or lens buttons located on the injection molds that are machined. The machine process can include setting a lens axis of the ophthalmic lens and machining a ballast that is aligned to a major axis of a toric zone.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization mold according to an embodiment includes a side molding surface, a stencil plate forming a convex mark at an outer surface of a side portion, and an attachment recess depressed in the side molding surface. The stencil plate includes a mark forming concave portion which is depressed from a surface by embossing and a curved portion formed by curving both end portions in a width direction in a direction opposite to the depressed direction of the concave portion. The stencil plate may be attached to the attachment recess by press-inserting. A tip of the curved portion may contact a wall surface of the attachment recess to be elastically deformed so that a curved state of the curved portion increases and the stencil plate may be fixed into the attachment recess by fitting.

Abstract: A trash compactor may include a frame, a cavity, a trash receptacle, a platen movable to compress trash collected in the trash receptacle, a set of linkages and a drive mechanism configured to drive said platen up and down, the drive mechanism further configured as one of the link elements, and a platen guide mechanism configured to restrict the motion of the platen in an up and down manner.

Abstract: A press apparatus comprising a microwave energy source, a resonator cavity to receive microwave energy from the microwave energy source and to resonate the microwave energy within the resonator cavity, the resonator cavity having a peripheral side, a top side and a bottom side, a food container for receiving food from which juice is extracted, the container adapted to be located within the resonator cavity for heating the food using the microwave energy, the food container having a peripheral side, a top side and a bottom side, a plunger to press the food inside the food container, a press mechanism located outside the resonator cavity and in force communication with the plunger for exerting mechanical pressure on the food inside the food container during the heating operation for extracting the juice; and a juice collector located outside the resonator cavity in fluid communication with the container for collecting the juice.