Abstract: A messaging system for audio character type swapping. Methods of audio character type swapping include receiving input audio data having a first characteristic and transforming the input audio data to an input image where the input image represents the frequencies and intensities of the audio. The methods further include processing the input image using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to generate an output image and transforming the output image to output audio data, the output audio data having a second characteristic. The input audio and output audio may include vocals. The first characteristics may indicate a male voice and the second characteristics may indicate a female voice. The CNN is trained together with another CNN that changes input audio having the second characteristic to audio having the first characteristic. The CNNs are trained using discriminator CNNs that determine whether audio has a first characteristic or a second characteristic.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The outsole is attached to the upper and has a ground-engaging surface. The midsole has a series of walls that define a series of channels extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the midsole and along an entire length of the midsole. The series of channels are isolated from one another and each channel receives a quantity of particulate matter therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a crack-free aluminum alloy structure using additive manufacturing is presented. A powder bed of precursor aluminum alloy powder is heated. The crack-free aluminum alloy structure is formed within a laser powder bed fusion system encompassing the powder bed during heating.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole is attached to the upper and includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The midsole includes a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a casing received within the casing and defining an interior void. The interior void contains a first quantity of particulate matter movable relative to the casing and a second quantity of particulate matter attached to the casing.

Abstract: A polymer filament molded product and a method of making a filament network that includes coating filaments with a latex polymer and shaping the filaments into a molded product; one in which a polymer is shaped and molded into a larger filament network. The molded products can be objects for apparel, home and garden, furnishings, health care, engineering, industrial and consumer goods. The molded filament mesh is “fractal” in nature because it is a filament interconnected network at the molecular scale and at the scale of the molded product. The natural tendency of the long molecule filaments to be an entangled structure is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a structured grating, a corresponding structured grating component (1) and an imaging system. The method comprising the steps of: providing (110, 120, 130) a catalyst (30) on a substrate (20), the catalyst (20) having a grating pattern; growing (140) nanostructures (50) on the catalyst (30) so as to form walls (52) and trenches (54) based on the grating pattern; and filling (160) the trenches (54) between the walls (52) of nanostructures (50) using an X-ray absorbing material (70). The invention provides an improved method for manufacturing a structured grating and such structured grating component (1), which is particularly suitable for dark-field X-ray imaging or phase-contrast imaging.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions made from a matrix and encapsulated phase change material particles dispersed therein, and electronic devices assembled therewith.

Abstract: A method and system for extruding multiple laminated flow streams using microlayer extrusion, and in particular to creating and forming products with electrical properties that are formed from layers and particles with dimensions in the micro to nanometer range.

Abstract: A process of producing a manufactured wood product comprises providing a plurality of wood pieces having substantially an equilibrium moisture content; contacting the plurality of wood pieces with one or more additives under conditions for the additive(s) to soak into the wood pieces; applying a thermoplastic adhesive comprising a thermoplastic resin and a crosslinking agent to the wood pieces to form adhesive coated wood pieces; optionally heating the adhesive coated wood pieces to form heated adhesive coated wood pieces; assembling the adhesive coated wood pieces in a desirable configuration to form assembled adhesive coated wood pieces; compressing the assembled adhesive coated wood pieces in a press at a pressure and for a time sufficient to compact and compress the assembled wood pieces to force trapped air out of and mechanically deform the assembled adhesive coated wood pieces so that adjacent wood pieces conform to the shape of one another; crosslinking the thermoplastic adhesive to at least a critica

Abstract: Several variations of core formation techniques and machines to produced cores are disclosed, including a large and small discrete core, formed on a screen and combined; a large and small continuous core, formed on a web; and two and three-dimensional cores, formed on a screen, and core formation on a non-woven web.

Abstract: A method of integrating a first fibrous web with a second fibrous web, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a first absorbent fibrous web material; b. providing a topsheet comprising a second fibrous web material; c. providing an integrating means; and d. integrating said first absorbent fibrous web material and said second fibrous web material by processing through said integrating means. The step of integrating said first absorbent fibrous web material and said second fibrous web material comprises inter-entangling fibers from the first absorbent fibrous web and fibers from the second fibrous web.

Abstract: A method to form a displacement includes disposing a powder blend (comprising a plurality of ground ceramic particles and a plurality of ground resin particles) into a mold, densifying the powder blend while in the mold, heating the mold to form a first displacement, impregnating said first displacement with a polymer precursor compound to form a second displacement, and heating the second displacement to form a third displacement.

Abstract: In an example of a three-dimensional (3D) printing method, a polymeric build material is applied. A fusing agent is selectively applied on at least a portion of the polymeric build material. A mechanical tailoring agent is selectively applied on at least a region of the portion. The polymeric build material is exposed to radiation, thereby fusing the at least the portion of the polymeric build material in contact with the fusing agent to form a layer. The mechanical tailoring agent forms a composite layer in the at least the region, and the composite layer has a different mechanical property than that of an area of the layer not in contact with the mechanical tailoring agent.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent structure is made by dry laying a fibrous web having incorporated therein a superabsorbent material, and applying an aqueous composite stabilizer to at least one surface of the web. The aqueous composite stabilizer imparts integrity to the resulting structure without substantially impairing the effectiveness of the superabsorbent material to absorb liquid while forming the absorbent structure without removing the water from aqueous composite stabilizer or drying out the absorbent structure. The absorbent composite absorbs the water from the aqueous composite stabilizer. The absorbent composite comprises about 70% by weight of a superabsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor bamboo floor and a manufacturing method thereof, in particular, to an outdoor bamboo floor subjected to an immersion treatment using hot oil. Conduits or other capillary structures of a bamboo material in the outdoor bamboo floor of the present invention are filled with an oil medium, with an oil content of 2-10%. The manufacturing method includes immersing a plate blank of the bamboo floor in a hydrophobic organic medium at 100-300° C. for 1-10h, and are statically cooled down to a room temperature after being taken out.

Abstract: A method of depositing powder in an additive manufacturing system includes driving a recoater along a drive axis and oscillating the recoater along an oscillation axis. The recoater is oscillated while the recoater is driven along the drive axis to overcome the effect of one or more particle movement restriction mechanisms for smoothing powder deposited in a build chamber of an additive manufacturing system.

Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus has a manufacturing unit that makes a sheet; and a plurality of supply units that supply loaded feedstock to the manufacturing unit; and the feedstocks supplied from the plural supply units are conveyed overlapping each other.

Abstract: A 3D printing system may print a desired 3D object. A fusible powder may fuse when subjected to a fusing condition. A deposition system may deposit portions of the fusible powder on a substrate. A fusing system may apply the fusing condition to the deposited fusible powder. Inhibitor material may not fuse when subjected to the fusing condition. An insertion system may insert a portion of the inhibitor material between portions of the deposited fusible powder after having been deposited by the deposition system, but before being fused by the fusing system, so as to form a boundary that defines at least a portion of a surface of the desired 3D object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for deforming a web comprising the steps of supplying a precursor web; weakening the precursor web at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations in precursor web; and forming a plurality of first features and a plurality of second features throughout the first and second layers of the web in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of first and second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: A sanitary article includes an absorbent pad including an upper sheet layer, a lower sheet layer, and a pulp-and-SAP powder layer combination. The powder layer combination is constituted by alternate layers of pulverized pulp and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) powder. A method for making the sanitary article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A batch made of refractory mineral materials for lining of assemblies used for nonferrous metal melts, contains over 90% by weight of a mixture of the following constituents:—from 3 to 74% by weight of at least one coarse-grain raw olivine material with at least 70% by weight forsterite content and having grain sizes of 50% by weight over 0.1 mm—from 25 to 49% by weight of at least one ground magnesia with grain sizes of 50% by weight?1 mm—from 0.9 to 14% by weight of at least one ground silicon carbide (SiC) with grain sizes of 50% by weight?1 mm—from 0.1 to 10% by weight of at least one fine-particle dry pulverulent silica with particle sizes?500 ?m—from 0 to 4% by weight of at least one antioxidant known per se for refractory products—from 0 to 4% by weight of at least one additional granulated refractory raw material known per se, more particularly having grain sizes of 50% by weight, in particular of 80% by weight, preferably of 100% by weight over 0.

Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a mixing unit that mixes fibers and a composite in the atmosphere, a forming unit that deposits and heats a mixture mixed by the mixing unit to form a sheet; in which the composite is resin particles with at least a portion of a surface coated by inorganic fine particles, and an absolute value of an average charging amount of the composite is 40 ?C/g or higher.

Abstract: A method of: providing an emulsion having a zinc powder and a liquid phase; drying the emulsion to form a sponge; sintering the sponge in an inert atmosphere to form a sintered sponge; heating the sintered sponge in an oxidizing atmosphere to form an oxidized sponge having zinc oxide on the surface of the oxidized sponge; and heating the oxidized sponge in an inert atmosphere at above the melting point of the zinc. A method of: providing an emulsion comprising a zinc powder and a liquid phase; placing the emulsion into a mold, wherein the emulsion is in contact with a metal substrate; and drying the emulsion to form a sponge.

Abstract: There is provided a selective laser sintering method capable of reducing the trouble in chipping or breakage of the machining tool and the like. The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object by repetition of a powder-layer forming and a solidified-layer forming, the repetition including the steps of (i) forming a solidified layer by irradiating a predetermined portion of a powder layer with a light beam, thereby allowing a sintering of the powder in the predetermined portion or a melting and subsequent solidification thereof, and (ii) forming another solidified layer by newly forming a powder layer on the resulting solidified layer, followed by the irradiation of a predetermined portion of the powder layer with the light beam.

Abstract: A building board includes an undercoat coating, an overcoat coating having lower pigment content than the undercoat coating and having different hue from the undercoat coating and having variations in position and thickness, an inkjet coating having different hue from the overcoat coating and is applying partially, and a clear coating successively formed on surface of inorganic base material having a plurality of wood board patterns. There also is provided a method for manufacturing a building board including the steps of applying an undercoat paint to surface of inorganic base material having a plurality of wood board patterns, applying an overcoat paint having lower pigment weight concentration than the undercoat paint and having different hue from the undercoat paint, scraping off a part of the applied overcoat paint before the overcoat paint cures, partially applying inkjet painting having different hue from the overcoat paint, and applying a clear paint.

Abstract: Molded articles are provided. An exemplary molded article includes an inner panel portion, a main body portion, and a contoured portion extending between and interconnecting the inner panel portion and the main body portion so as to surround the inner panel portion and be surrounded by the main body portion. The contoured portion includes contoured corner segments and contoured elongated segments extending between respective pairs of the contoured corner segments. The contoured corner segments have a first maximum thickness. The contoured elongated segments have a second maximum thickness that is greater than the first maximum thickness. Related methods, assemblies, and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum wherein the housing of the system is cylindrical in form with two wheels of diameter larger than the diameter of the housing supporting the housing on either end. Larger wheels permit the device to more easily travel over small bumps or obstacles and changes in elevation. Furthermore, the design requires less power to drive the housing, so more energy is available for the primary function of vacuuming.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a tank, a rotatable platform, a light source module and a controller. The rotatable platform is elevatably disposed above the tank, and the light module is disposed under the tank. When the controller controls the rotatable platform elevating to a height along an axis direction, the controller controls the rotatable platform rotating a plurality of rotating angles in sequence around the axis direction and controls the light source module irradiating liquid-formation material, so as to sequentially solidify a plurality of object sections of a single layer object.

Abstract: A rotating drum (1) has a collecting/stacking recess (2) in the outer peripheral surface thereof, and includes: a drum body (3); and an air-permeable porous member (4) that forms the bottom surface (2A) of the collecting/stacking recess (2). The porous member (4) is sandwiched between: an outer shaping member (6) arranged so as to oppose the bottom surface (2A); and an inner shaping member (7) arranged between the porous member (4) and the drum body (3). Both the shaping members (6, 7) are arranged so as to overlap the porous member (4). Each shaping member (6, 7) has a recess-bottom-surface corresponding section (6A, 7A) that overlaps the bottom surface (2A) of the collecting/stacking recess (2) in a planar view thereof, and that is constituted by: a plurality of openings (65, 75) that penetrate the recess-bottom-surface corresponding section (6A, 7A) in the thickness direction; and an opening defining section (60, 70) that partitions and forms the openings (65, 75).

Abstract: A method for determining local permeability variations in a well core sample includes flowing a test fluid from an inflow surface of a core sample toward an exit surface of the core sample for a period of time, splitting the core sample along a splitting plane revealing an invasion depth of the test fluid and determining local permeability variations in the core sample using the invasion depth.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank. A first mold having a first molding surface corresponding to a first portion of an outside surface of the tank is provided. A second mold having a second molding surface corresponding to a second portion of the outside surface of the tank is provided. The first portion and the second portion form the outside surface of the tank having an opening disposed therein. A mold release agent is disposed onto the first and second molding surface. A molding bladder is provided. An outside surface of the molding bladder when inflated substantially corresponds to an inside surface of the tank having the opening disposed therein. A reinforcement material is disposed onto one of the molding bladder and the molding surfaces. The first and the second mold are combined in a sealed fashion. The first and the second mold have accommodated therebetween the reinforcement material and the molding bladder.

Abstract: A fiber blend is provided that includes highly fibrillated aramid fibers and is easily dispersed in a polymer matrix. Embodiments of the fiber blend include highly-fibrillated aramid fibers; non-fibrillated aramid fibers; and an anti-static agent.

Abstract: A production method for a case-integrated bonded magnet includes: filling a tubular cavity with a magnet raw material that includes a rare-earth magnet powder and a thermosetting resin binder; heating the magnet raw material to cause the thermosetting resin softened or melted while compressively molding the magnet raw material to obtain a tubular compact; discharging the tubular compact from the tubular cavity while press-fitting the tubular compact into a metal tubular case having an inner peripheral surface coaxial with the tubular cavity; and heat-curing the tubular compact with the tubular case to cure the thermosetting resin. The tubular compact press-fitted into the tubular case is thermally cured thereby causing the tubular compact to transform to a tubular bonded magnet, which expands unexpectedly due to heat.

Abstract: A pavement for vehicles and pedestrians, which is formed by a conventional foundation of stones and sand on which there are placed parallel alignments of elongate construction elements having an upper part and a lower part that are connected together by a narrowed intermediate part, the space between the narrowed parts of two adjacent alignments being filled with soil or compost in which a decorative plant is planted and a mechanism being arranged to achieve the regularity of the spacing between the alignments and the stability thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a prosthetic acetabulum includes the following steps. First, one makes available a ceramic cup (1) that has a concave internal receiving face (3) and has an external annular receiving structure (6). Next, one makes available a placement and orientation insert (7) that has an annular peripheral fixing structure (10) designed to cooperate with the receiving face (9) of the external annular receiving structure (6) by engaging around the external annular receiving structure (6). Next, one heats the placement and orientation insert (7) in order to increase the dimensions of the insert. Next, one engages the annular peripheral fixing structure (10) around the receiving face (9) of the external annular receiving structure (6).

Abstract: The invention includes: powder preparation step of obtaining magnetic core powders by mixing, of magnetic powders with thermosetting resin powders in hot state; powder filling step of filling the obtained magnetic core powders into a die; a compaction step of compacting magnetic core powders; and compact heating step of heating, compacts to the elevated temperature state at which the thermosetting resin hardens after compaction.

Abstract: A method for producing a resilient force-transmitting member, in particular for transmitting torques for example in a motor vehicle or in an industrial application, wherein the force-transmitting member is provided with at least two receiving openings for connecting to force-transmitting components, an elastomer body and at least one inlay loop embedded in the elastomer body. The method includes positioning the at least one inlay loop in a predetermined desired position in a mold, providing at least one venting mandrel in the mold one free end of which is in contact with the inlay loop, injecting elastomer material into the mold, removing the at least one venting mandrel and vulcanizing the elastomer body.

Abstract: There are provided a shaping sheet provided on a surface thereof with a fine irregular shape which is capable of forming a fine pattern with a high-grade feel on a material to be shaped, and is excellent in releasability from the material, as well as a decorative plate shaped by the shaping sheet. The shaping sheet of the present invention includes a substrate, at least an ink layer partially formed on the substrate and a surface shaped layer which is present on and contacted with the ink layer so as to cover a whole surface including both a region where the ink layer is formed and a region where no ink layer is formed, wherein the surface shaped layer is formed by crosslinking and curing an ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, and has a convex shape on a surface thereof which is located in a portion just above the ink layer and in the vicinity of the portion.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel, which has a high degree of freedom in shape, is capable of stably obtaining an excellent insulating property and has a long lifetime, is provided. A process for manufacturing a vacuum insulation panel (1) includes a step of pressurizing core members (10) under a pressure of at most 1×106 Pa to form a molded product (12), the core members containing fumed silica with a binder (A?) 10a, which includes fumed silica (A) and a binder applied to surfaces thereof; and a step of decompressing and encapsulating the molded product (12) in an outer sheath having an airtight property. A vacuum insulation panel includes an outer sheath (14) having an airtight property; a molded product (12) having core members (10), the core members containing fumed silica with a binder (A?), which includes fumed silica (A) and a binder applied to surfaces thereof; and the molded product (12) being decompressed and encapsulated in the outer sheath (14).

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an inorganic fiber-bonded ceramic material, which can produce, at a high yield, an inorganic fiber-bonded ceramic material with fewer defects, and with an end part and a central part equivalent to each other in microstructure and mechanical properties, and also makes it possible to increase the ceramic material in size. The method for producing an inorganic fiber-bonded ceramic material is characterized in that it includes: a first pressing step of setting, in a carbon die, a laminate to be surrounded by a ceramic powder, the laminate obtained by stacking a coated inorganic fiber shaped product including an inorganic fiber part of inorganic fibers that have a pyrolysis initiation temperature of 1900° C. or lower, and a surface layer of an inorganic substance for bonding the inorganic fibers to each other, and pressing the laminate at a temperature of 1000 to 1800° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer product comprising the components consisting of a polymer in form of granules; a multidimensional structure containing amphiphilic molecules, such as lipids, surfactants or polymers, wherein said polymer product has an active and/or passive oxygen or CO2 barrier, with an UV blocking activity or with potentially colouring with the incorporation of the multidimensional structure. It further relates to a method for manufacturing notably said polymer products, in particular from multidimensional aggregated components as barrier or carriers of living microbial cells and biological barriers in plastic and textile.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a bearing material having excellent wear-resistance and oxidation resistance. The method of producing a bearing material 10 according to the present invention comprises molding a substrate 12 containing a radical scavenger and a polymer material; washing at least a part 16 of the substrate 12 with a washing liquid; and grafting a polymer chain having a phosphorylcholine group from at least the part 16 of the surface after washing so as to form a polymer film 30 on at least the part of the surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a textured element may include (a) collecting a plurality of filaments upon a textured surface to form a non-woven textile and (b) separating the non-woven textile from the textured surface. Another method of manufacturing a textured element may include depositing a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments upon a first surface of a polymer layer to (a) form a non-woven textile and (b) bond the filaments to the polymer layer. A textured surface may then be separated from a second surface of the polymer layer, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and the second surface having a texture from the textured surface.

Abstract: A method for forming three dimensional objects is disclosed. The method includes printing building material, layer by layer, to form a three dimensional object on a printing tray by moving a printing block that comprises a printing head, at least two curing sources and a leveler in forward and reverse passages. The printing is done by moving the printing block in a forward passage when the distance between the printing block and the printing tray is such that the leveler does not touch a layer being built, adjusting a height position of the printing tray relative to the printing block prior to printing a reverse passage and moving the printing block in the reverse passage, wherein during the reserve passage the leveler touches and levels the layer being built.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source having a barrier, the method including providing a mould defining a cavity; placing a particulate component in the mould cavity; placing a laminar component, adjacent the mould, to cover the cavity opening; and compressing the particulate component to form the combustible heat source, wherein, during the compression step, the barrier is formed by punching the laminar component using a punch and the mould, the punch acting on the barrier to compress the particulate component and affix the barrier to the combustible heat source.

Abstract: The method of making a compressed biocomposite body includes compressing a mass of biocomposite material comprised of discrete particles and a network of interconnected glucan-containing mycelia cells in the presence of heat and moisture into a compressed body having a density in excess of 18 pcf. Compression may take place batch wise in a press or continuously in a path of narrowing cross-section defined by a series of heated rollers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a nonwoven fiber mat for reinforcing a plate or electrode of a lead-acid battery includes a plurality of glass fibers and an acid resistant binder that couples the plurality of glass fibers together. The nonwoven fiber mat also includes a wetting component that is applied to the glass fibers and/or nonwoven fiber mat to increase the wettability of the nonwoven fiber mat such that the nonwoven fiber mat exhibits an average water wick height of at least 0.5 cm after exposure to water for 10 minutes conducted according to method ISO8787. The wetting component may be dissolvable in an acid solution of the lead-acid battery such that a significant portion of the nonwoven fiber mat is lost due to dissolving of the wetting component.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of at least one layer of a powder bed provided on a work table. Providing at least one rotatable powder container above said work table, said powder container comprising at least one exit for providing powder to a powder table arranged beside said work table, at least one opening inside said container is spatially separated from and connected to said at least one exit. Ejecting a fixed amount of powder from said powder container during at least one predetermined segment of rotational angles of said powder container, from the exit of said powder container onto said powder table, wherein said fixed amount is determined by the shape and size of the at least one opening inside said container. Distributing said powder onto said work table with a powder distributor.

Abstract: A method for recycling powdered paint waste and products resulting from the method. The powdered paint waste is mixed with reclaimed sand. The mixture is arranged in a mold and heated in a furnace. The resulting product is released from the mold after cooling. The resulting product constitutes a finished or semi-finished product. Inserts can be arranged in the mixture as needed.