Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing of a microneedle array comprising the steps of selecting a soft production mold comprising a set of microscopic incisions defining geometry of the microneedles, said soft production mold being capable of providing the microneedle array integrated into a base plate; using a filler material for abundantly filling the microscopic incisions of the soft production mold thereby producing the microneedle array with pre-defined geometry integrated into the base plate; wherein for the filler material a water or alcohol based ceramic or polymer-ceramic slurry is selected. The invention further relates to a microneedle array, a composition comprising a microneedle array, a system for enabling transport of a substance through a barrier and a system for measuring an electric signal using an electrode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to new nanoimprint resist and thin-film compositions for use in nanoimprinting lithography. The compositions permit economical high-throughput mass production, using nanoimprint processes, of patterns having sub-200 nm, and even sub-50 nm features.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a roller includes a loading plate, a polishing device, a processing device, a hot pressing device, a mounting device, and a cutting device. The loading plate loads a preprocessed metal plate having a preprocessed molding surface. The polishing device polishes the preprocessed molding surface to obtain a polished molding surface. The processing device forms molding patterns on the polished molding surface to obtain a metal plate with a molding surface defining the molding patterns. The hot pressing device forms impression patterns on a preprocessed resin film to obtain a resin film by pressing the metal plate and the preprocessed resin film together. The mounting device mounts the resin film to a rolling surface of a main body until the resin film winds around the rolling surface. The cutting device cuts the resin film.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a soft mold is disclosed, in which process matching is high regardless of a size of a master mold for forming the soft mold. The method for fabricating a soft mold includes arranging a master mold on a jig, forming a pre-polymer layer in the jig, attaching a back-plane substrate onto the pre-polymer layer, selectively curing the pre-polymer layer to selectively form a polymer layer, stripping the polymer layer and the pre-polymer layer from the jig and the master mold, and removing the pre-polymer layer that is not cured.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of designing a mold assembly including a container (300) and a mold (200), at least portions of an outer surface of the mold corresponding to an inner surface of the container such that the container will support the mold therein, in use of the mold for molding an object, the mold assembly defining a mold cavity (252) substantially corresponding to the outer shape of the object to be molded, wherein one or more portions of the mold cavity are defined by the inner surface of the container.

Abstract: A method of creating a foam pattern comprises mixing a polyol component and an isocyanate component to form a liquid mixture. The method further comprises placing a temporary core having a shape corresponding to a desired internal feature in a cavity of a mold and inserting the mixture into the cavity of the mold so that the mixture surrounds a portion of the temporary core. The method optionally further comprises using supporting pins made of foam to support the core in the mold cavity, with such pins becoming integral part of the pattern material simplifying subsequent processing. The method further comprises waiting for a predetermined time sufficient for a reaction from the mixture to form a foam pattern structure corresponding to the cavity of the mold, wherein the foam pattern structure encloses a portion of the temporary core and removing the temporary core from the pattern independent of chemical leaching.

Abstract: A swimming paddle with an upper rounded swimcap-shaped edge terminating in side indentations that define cap-securing temples, and a central goggle-securing notch cooperating with a concave region in the lower edge to store goggles vertically on the paddle. The paddle may further include fingerpad-indexing holes extending through the body of the paddle from the inner face to the outer face, the holes sized to allow only the fingerpads of a swimmer's extended fingers to partially protrude from the inner face. A method for custom fitting a swimming paddle to a particular swimmer's hand includes generating a side-by-side image of the swimmer's hand and a commonly-carried object such as a mobile phone in a common plane. The image is compared to stored dimensional data for the object to remotely determine the dimensions of the swimmer's hand and manufacture a custom paddle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a symbol formed in or on a smooth surface surrounding the symbol, wherein the symbol comprises a plurality of angled surfaces over at least part of the area of the symbol, wherein the angled surfaces define a plurality of parallel ridges and grooves in the symbol. These ridges and grooves create an improved contrast for the symbol relative to the surrounding surface by a combination of different specular reflection of incident light compared to the surrounding surface and shadows formed by the ridges and grooves. A method of marking a surgical instrument with a symbol formed in or on a smooth surface is also described. The method comprises forming a symbol in or on a smooth surface of the surgical instrument; and forming a plurality of angled surfaces over at least part of the area of the symbol, wherein the angled surfaces define a plurality of parallel ridges and grooves in the symbol.

Abstract: There is provided an imprint mold for manufacturing a bit-patterned medium with an imprint method, wherein dot-shaped protrusions are formed on a main surface of a substrate, so as to be a base of a magnetic material region in the bit-patterned medium, with the dot-shaped protrusions formed at a specific cycle in a specific direction on the main surface of the substrate, wherein the dot-shaped protrusions are formed by being surrounded by lattice-shaped grooves formed by shaving the main surface of the substrate and making a plurality of continuous planar view line-shaped grooves cross each other; and a width of each line-shaped groove is smaller than a width of each dot-shaped protrusion in the specific cycle.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanoimprint stamp includes forming a resist pattern having a nano size width on a stamp substrate by performing imprint processes repeatedly. In the imprint processes, resist layers that are selectively etched are sequentially used. The stamp substrate is etched using the resist pattern as an etch mask.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The method includes manipulating digital images of a subject into a single image; printing the single image onto a media; and thermoforming the media with the single image using a generic mold. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: receive images of a subject; display the images; stitch together the images to form a single image; adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image; register the single image with points on a mold; and print the single image.

Abstract: Super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning articles produced by imprinting exposed surfaces with suitable fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic embossing dies to transfer a dual surface structure, including ultra-fine features less than or equal to 100 nm embedded in and overlaying a surface topography with macro-surface structures greater than or equal to 1 micron are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making High Temperature Resistant Models and Tools is provided. An assembly of substrates can be formed with intermediate adhesive layer of curable paste and same curable paste can be used as topcoat or sealer. The curable paste can be machine dispensed from a mixer mixing 2 components composition. The composition can contain a resin, a filler, a chemical thixotropy agent, a latent hardener and another hardener. The method provides easy and cost-effective manufacture of models or tools.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a textured surface may include providing a first thermally stable sheet, printing a pattern of material on the first sheet to form a three-dimensional textured surface, and curing the material, then using said first sheet to impart negative texture into Tedlar faced epoxy composite blanket, which is in turn used to impart texture into a decorative laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for tolerance compensation between two fiber composite component parts (1, 3) for aircraft. In order to compensate in simplified fashion tolerances between two fiber composite component parts being joined, the method according to the invention has the steps: a) manufacturing the first fiber composite component part (1) wherein an assembly surface (2) can have tolerance deviations, b) manufacturing a tooling insert (7) from a surface geometry of the assembly surface (2) c) manufacturing the second fiber composite component part (3) by means of the tooling insert (7) wherein a surface geometry of a contact surface (9) of the second fiber composite component part (3) corresponds substantially with the surface geometry of the assembly surface (2), and d) joining the first fiber composite component part (1) to the second fiber composite component part (3) in the area of the assembly surface (2) and contact surface (9).

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining an impression of an object in a remote environment. An impression block is affixed to a running string and disposed into the remote environment and used to form an impression. The impression block includes an impression section formed of a shape memory material that can be transformed between an original shape and a temporary shape.

Abstract: The present invention provide methods for preparing nanostructured membranes. The methods include: providing a substrate with a charged silanized surface; forming a multilayered membrane containing at least two polyelectrolytes; inducing polyelectrolyte phase separation; crosslinking the multilayered membrane; and covalently linking the multilayered membrane to the silanized surface. Methods for fabricating membrane replicas are also disclosed, as well as devices such as cell- and tissue-culture substrates that contain the membranes and membrane replicas. Resulting materials exhibit topographic features and compliance of the extracellular matrix in vivo.

Abstract: Producing a scaled multiple parallax compound lens is accomplished by providing an insect eye having multiple ommatidia and creating a polymer mold of the insect eye. A casting is then created from the polymer mold with an expandable polymer which is then linearly expanded to provide a form for creating a second polymer mold. A second casting is then created from the second polymer mold. Duplication of the process can be accomplished for further scaling up of the compound lens with the final casting created using a durable polymer having appropriate optical properties for the lens.

Abstract: Super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning articles produced by imprinting exposed surfaces with suitable fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic embossing dies to transfer a dual surface structure, including ultra-fine features less than or equal to 100 nm embedded in and overlaying a surface topography with macro-surface structures greater than or equal to 1 micron are disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for method for producing a microfluidic device includes forming a target structural pattern on a substrate, the substrate having a polymeric substrate material with a solubility parameter. The method also includes selecting a bonding solvent based on a difference between the solubility parameter of the polymeric substrate material and a solubility parameter of the bonding solvent. The method further includes bonding the substrate having the target structural pattern with a cover using the selected bonding solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element including covering at least a part of a surface of a master with a material selected to produce a mold, and then removing the master from the mold. A predetermined amount of a liquefied body material that is less than a volume of the mold is introduced into the mold. A body including the body material is produced with one or more cavities therein and an exterior surface simulating at least the part of the surface of the master. The body material is allowed to solidify, at least to the extent that the body material is self-supporting, and the mold and the body are separated. One or more fuel light sources are positioned to direct light therefrom in the cavity. At least a portion of the exterior surface is coated so that the portion simulates a combustible fuel element.

Abstract: The present invention provides such a formation method that an antireflection structure having excellent antireflection functions can be formed in a large area and at small cost. Further, the present invention also provides an antireflection structure formed by that method. In the formation method, a base layer and particles placed thereon are subjected to an etching process. The particles on the base layer serve as an etching mask in the process, and hence they are more durable against etching than the base layer. The etching rate ratio of the base layer to the particles is more than 1 but not more than 5. The etching process is stopped before the particles disappear. It is also possible to produce an antireflection structure by nanoimprinting method employing a stamper. The stamper is formed by use of a master plate produced according to the above formation method.

Abstract: A reticle comprising isolated pillars is configured for use in imprint lithography. In some embodiments, on a first substrate a pattern of pillars pitch-multiplied in two dimensions is formed in an imprint reticle. The imprint reticle is brought in contact with a transfer layer overlying a series of mask layers, which in turn overlie a second substrate. The pattern in the reticle is transferred to the transfer layer, forming an imprinted pattern. The imprinted pattern is transferred to the second substrate to form densely-spaced holes in the substrate. In other embodiments, a reticle is patterned by e-beam lithography and spacer formations. The resultant pattern of closely-spaced pillars is used to form containers in an active integrated circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a retardation film includes: a first step of forming, on the same metal master, a main region having several kinds of groove regions having different extending directions of grooves, and a sub region having one kind of groove region having a predetermined extending direction of grooves or several kinds of groove regions having different extending directions of grooves; and a second step of collectively transferring reverse patterns of the main and sub regions on the metal master to a base, and then forming, on a surface of the base, a layer including an alignable material to be aligned in correspondence to irregularity of the surface of the base, thereby forming a patterned retardation region in a site having a reverse pattern of the main region, and forming an alignment mark region in a site having a reverse pattern of the sub region.

Abstract: Materials and Methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: Providing the manufacturing technology of the three-dimensional shaped body, which can be made from a leather sheet, be made by low cost and be made to complex shape. The manufacturing technology of the three-dimensional shaped body, includes: a master mold (10) having a transfer surface (11); a shaping mold (16) having a shaping space (V) impressed an inverse shape with respect to the transfer surface (11); wherein the master mold (10) is inserted into the shaping space (V) along with an extensible leather sheet (17) and then the transferring a shape of the transfer surface (11) to the leather sheet (17) to be converted into the three-dimensional shaped body (18).

Abstract: A Method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a flow path forming member for forming a liquid flow path which communicates with a discharge port discharging liquid, comprises; preparing a layer containing a compound having a structure represented by Formula (1) and a structure represented by Formula (2) as a main chain on a substrate, providing a solution in which a resin is dissolved in a compound represented by Formula (3) or (4) on the layer, forming a mold having the shape as the flow path from the resin, providing a layer which will become the flow path forming member so as to cover the mold, and removing the mold to form the flow path.

Abstract: A method of making siding for attachment to a frame of a building. The siding has the appearance of antique hewn wood logs, and the siding includes modular lengthwise sections and corner modular sections of reinforced concrete façade logs.

Abstract: To provide a resin mold which is excellent in adhesion to a substrate, excellent in release properties from a transfer material resin, further excellent in durability of the resin mold itself, and which endures repetition transfer to the transfer material resin, a resin mold of the invention is a resin mold having a fine concavo-convex structure on the surface, and is characterized in that the fluorine element concentration (Es) in a resin mold surface portion is the average fluorine element concentration (Eb) in the resin forming the resin mold or more.

Abstract: [Summary] [Technical problem] The main object of the present invention is to provide a mold part for resin molding and manufacturing method which can easily change a design on a product surface side without requiring substantial effort and cost and diversify the selection of post-processings on this design surface and are suitably used by being attached to diverse molding tools.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, when forming first, second, and third stampers by transferring three-dimensional patterns of a master, a height adjusting layer having a film thickness greater on the upper surface of a projection than on the bottom surface of a recess is formed between the second stamper and a second release layer, and the surface of the third stamper is etched with an acidic solution having a pH of less than 3.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball having a secondary surface texture created on the fret areas by the dimple making procedure. The secondary surface is created on a hob prior to the primary dimple pattern being formed therein, and which largely obliterates the secondary surface texture except for the fret areas and the outer inside surface of the perimeter of the dimples where the depth of the dimple is less than the depth of the secondary surface texture.

Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopaedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.

Abstract: Toolings containing a composite having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 5 ppm/° C. are described. The composites contain a matrix material and a carbon nanotube material and are operable for forming a part thereon. Methods for forming such toolings and use of such toolings to form parts thereon are also described. The carbon nanotube material can be a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. Use of the carbon nanotube material in the tooling allows decreased curing and consolidation process times of the part to be realized.

Abstract: The invention provides foams of desired cell sizes formed from metal or ceramic materials that coat the surfaces of carbon foams which are subsequently removed. For example, metal is located over a sol-gel foam monolith. The metal is melted to produce a metal/sol-gel composition. The sol-gel foam monolith is removed, leaving a metal foam.

Abstract: A micro-optical element includes a support substrate, a micro-optical lens in a cured replication material on a first surface of the support substrate, and an opaque material aligned with and overlapping the micro-optical lens along a vertical direction.

Abstract: A process for preparing for casting is provided and includes forming a cast component defining an interior having a complex and/or irregular shape, introducing a non-solid material into the cast component interior and solidifying the non-solid material to form an inner shell, forming an outer shell about the cast component and removing the cast component from between the inner and outer shells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for embedded a micrometer and/or nanometer pattern into an injection molding tool. In a first main aspect, a micro/nanometer structured imprinting device is applied in, or on, an active surface so as to transfer the micro/nanometer patterned structure to the tool while the imprinting device is, at least partly, within a cavity of the injection molding tool. In a second main aspect, a base plate with a micro/nanometer structured pattern positioned on an upper part is positioned on the active surface within the tool, the lower part of the base plate facing the tool, the active surface receiving the base plate being non-planar on a macroscopic scale. Both aspects enable a simple and effective way of transferring the pattern, and the pattern may be transferred on the active working site of tool immediately prior to molding without the need for extensive preparations or remounting of the tool before performing the molding process.

Abstract: Dry adhesives and methods for forming dry adhesives. A method of forming a dry adhesive structure on a backing material, comprises: forming a template backing layer of energy sensitive material on the backing material; forming a template layer of energy sensitive material on the template backing layer; exposing the template layer to a predetermined pattern of energy; removing a portion of the template layer related to the predetermined pattern of energy, and leaving a template structure formed from energy sensitive material and connected to the substrate via the template backing layer.

Abstract: A soft mold and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A master mold that has a pattern on a substrate is first formed. A first liquid high polymer precursor is formed on the master mold and then partially cured. A support film having high UV transmittance is attached to the partially cured high polymer. The attached support film and the partially cured high polymer are treated with a coupling agent and a second liquid high polymer precursor is formed on the partially cured high polymer and the support film. The second liquid high polymer precursor and the partially cured high polymer are then fully cured to form a mold. The fully cured mold is stripped from the master mold to form a soft mold having a predetermined shape on one surface.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a mold that is capable of high-precision, stable patterning, and improved in terms of handleability as well, and a manufacturing method thereof. The mold of the invention has a pattern-formation surface defined by one surface, wherein the pattern-formation layer has a projection-and-depression structure area for patterning, and a base surface defined by another surface. At least the pattern-formation layer and the base surface each comprise a polydimethylsiloxane layer. Given a low-molecular-weight siloxane of a cyclic structure represented by [—Si(CH3)2O—]k where k is an integer of 3 to 20 inclusive, the polydimethylsiloxane layer positioned on the pattern-formation layer comprises a high-content polydimethylsiloxane layer containing the low-molecular-weight siloxane in a larger amount, and the polydimethylsiloxane layer positioned on the base surface comprises a low-content polydimethylsiloxane layer containing the low-molecular-weight siloxane in a smaller amount.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a 3D (three-dimensional) structure such that the 3D structure has a surface with hydrophobicity by using a metal foil such as an aluminum foil is disclosed. The method includes preparing a metal foil base by attaching a metal foil on an outer surface of a predetermined-shaped 3D structure; anodizing the metal foil base; coating a polymer material on the outer surface of the metal foil base material to form a negative replica structure; forming an outer structure by covering an outer surface of the negative replica structure with an outer formation material; and removing the metal foil base.

Abstract: Provided are methods for fabricating and manufacturing solid solution perforators (SSPs) using sharp metal and subsequent molding and use. The methods entail making microneedles by precision machining techniques and micromold structures from plastic materials. Various designs of patch are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process of manufacturing optical components. A replication tool, a sub-master or a replica is manufactured using a structured element (for example a master) and a substrate. A structure of the structured element is replicated into liquid or plastically deformable material disposed at a first place on said substrate, then hardened to make it dimensionally stable, whereon the structured element is removed. These replicating, hardening and removing steps are repeated for a second, third, etc. place on said substrate the same structured element.

Abstract: A method for making a mold, the method includes steps of: providing a substrate and a retaining member, the retaining member being made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and being ring-shaped; engaging the substrate with the retaining member; disposing viscous liquid polydimethyl siloxane containing material on the substrate within the retaining member; rotating the retaining member and the substrate to cause the polydimethyl siloxane containing material to spread out on the substrate and form a polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; press-molding the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer using a stamper to form one or more molding portions on the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; solidifying the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer with the one or more molding portions; separating the stamper from the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; and separating the substrate from the retaining member to obtain a mold.

Abstract: Imprinted apparatuses, such as Bit-Patterned Media (BPM) templates, Discrete Track Recording (DTR) templates, semiconductors, and photonic devices are disclosed. Methods of fabricating imprinted apparatuses using a combination of patterning and block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanostructured assemblies are manufactured by condensing an evaporated wetting agent onto a nanostructure array formed from a plurality of generally aligned carbon nanotubes or other nanostructures. The condensed wetting agent draws the individual nanostructures together to form various geometries of nanostructured assemblies based on various parameters including process variables and the starting shape and dimensional features of the nanostructure array. Various simple and complex geometries can be achieved in this manner, including geometries that are curved, bent, or twisted. Adjacent nanostructure arrays of the same or different starting geometries can be shaped into compound or interrelating structures. Additional process steps such as plasma etching, coating and others can be used to control the shaping and structural attributes of the nanostructured assemblies. A method of making a molded replica of a shaped nanostructure array is also disclosed.

Abstract: A silsesquioxane resin is applied on top of the patterned photo-resist and cured to produce a cured silsesquioxane resin on top of the pattern surface. Subsequently, an aqueous base stripper or a reactive ion etch recipe containing CF4 is used to “etch back” the silicon resin to the top of the photoresist material, exposing the entire top surface of the photoresist. Then, a second reactive ion etch recipe containing O2 to etch away the photoresist. The result is a silicon resin film with via holes with the size and shape of the post that were patterned into the photoresist. Optionally, the new pattern can be transferred into the underlying layer(s).

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing at least a portion of a web comprising a first roll and at least a second roll. The first roll and second roll may define a first nip for embossing the web. At least one of the first roll and the second roll has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the machine direction and optionally at least one of the first and second rolls has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction. At least one of the first roll and the second roll may also have perforate embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction that may or may not be elongated. The embossing elements are capable of imparting one or both of a cube embossing pattern or a perforate emboss on the web. The web may be a cellulosic fibrous web, a portion of which is lignin-rich, high coarseness fiber having generally tubular fiber configuration. In addition, the web may be creped with an undulatory creping blade.

Abstract: A photopolymer die for foil stamping, foil printing, embossing, debossing, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The die has a metal backing plate on which is mounted a photopolymer layer which has a number of micro-grooves therein. Preferably the micro-grooves are arranged in a swatch like pattern. Preferably images have adjacent regions each with a different pattern of micro-grooves. The spacing between adjacent micro-grooves can be resolvable by the human eye, or cannot.