Abstract: In a method for adapting an otoplastic of a hearing aid, a flexible outer shell is provided which is made of a material that can be cured, but has not yet been cured. A housing interior is sealed at the end facing the eardrum and at the opposite end. The housing interior is connected to a pressure and curing facilitator via a pressure inlet opening. The outer shell is introduced into the ear canal of the hearing aid wearer, and an inner pressure with an increased inner pressure value is applied to the housing interior via the pressure and curing facilitator such that the outer shell lies against the ear canal wall. The hardening process of the curable material is then initiated via the pressure and curing facilitator while maintaining the inner pressure value.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a test shell for assessing fit in an ear of a user of an ear-wearable device, such as a hearing aid. The test shell includes a body having an aperture end and an ear canal end, the aperture end defines a first aperture, and the body defines a shell cavity extending away from the first aperture in a direction of the ear canal end. The body includes a transparent or translucent material and is sized to fit within an ear of the user of an ear-wearable device. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for improved simulation of surgical procedures, using models of anatomical organs. The models comprise models of internal components present in the anatomical organ. The models of the internal components are registered to the position which the internal component occupies in the anatomical organ, and in some embodiments the models of the anatomical organ can lose simulated physiological fluids during simulated surgery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and implementing patient-specific surgical procedures and/or medical devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a patient data set of a patient. The patient data set is compared to a plurality of reference patient data sets, wherein each of the plurality of reference patient data sets is associated with a corresponding reference patient. A subset of the plurality of reference patient data sets is selected based, at least partly, on similarity to the patient data set and treatment outcome of the corresponding reference patient. Based on the selected subset, at least one surgical procedure or medical device design for treating the patient is generated.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal tract simulation system and compartment therefor. The compartment comprising a vessel having an open top surrounded by a peripheral edge portion and an air-tight lid system configured to be placed onto the peripheral edge portion. The lid system comprises a body with a plurality of passageways extending through the body and providing access to the interior of the vessel, the plurality of passageways comprising passageways for fluid transfer tubes and passageways for mounting at least one sensor component. The lid system is provided with releasable sealing elements for sealing the plurality of passageways and at least one pressing element which is common to at least a number of the sealing elements and configured for applying pressure to each of the respective sealing elements to effect the sealing of the respective passageways.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for the post-treatment of dry adhesive microstructures. The microstructures may be post-treated to comprise mushroom-like flaps at their tips to interface with the contact surface. In some aspects, a change in material composition of the microstructures in a dry adhesive may affect mechanical properties to enhance or diminish overall adhesive performance. For example, conductive additives can be added to the material to improve adhesive performance. In other aspects, microstructures comprising conductive material may allow for preload engagement sensing systems to be integrated into the microstructures.

Abstract: Methods and processes are described that enable the manufacture of a superior thin-walled mold from which higher-quality, less-costly disposable gloves can be more efficiently produced. The method can include creating a glove form in a sacrificial material; electroforming an electroformed master from the glove form; removing sacrificial material from the electroformed master; creating a tertiary form from the electroformed master; forming an initial copper layering on the tertiary form; and developing the initial copper layering into a thick copper plating to create a copper mold for gloves.

Abstract: A liquid RTV material is calendared and cured to form a sheet of Silicone material. The de-gassing, pressing and curing steps are tailored to provide a low porosity Silicone sheet having a fine surface finish and consistent chemical properties. The sheet is stamped or cut to form standalone vibration isolators having a thin and dimensionally stable form factor of less than 1.25 mm that exhibit a stable storage modulus to temperature excursions below ?30° C. and preferably over a range of ?60° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: An in-ear device includes a molding shaped to hold the in-ear device in an ear, and an audio package configured to emit sound. The audio package is structured to removably attach to the molding. An electronics package is structured to removably couple to the audio package and removably attach to the molding. The electronics package includes a controller to control the sound output from the audio package.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interface for a body part having an underlying skeletal structure surrounded by soft tissue is described. The method comprises reducing a radial dimension of a positive or negative model of the body part at a plurality of compression areas. The plurality of compression areas are spaced circumferentially around a long axis of the model to create a compression pattern. Each compression area is longitudinal-shaped and extends along a long axis of the model. An interface that mates with the compression pattern of the model is fabricated. The compression pattern of the interface is sized and dimensioned to compress soft tissue of the body part against the skeletal structure such that motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the interface is reduced.

Abstract: A technique for capturing a three-dimensional digital image of a customized shape for a wheelchair seat and back and subsequently producing a seat and back from the image. The captured image may include one or more datum points therein to provide a reference plane for the seat and back. The datum points may be in a color-coded layer located relative to the bottom edge of the seat. The color code may indicate the size of the user and seat at a coarse level. The customized shape may be captured from a shape capture bag or bags that capture one or both of the shape of the user's back and bottom. The shape capture bag used to capture the shape of the user's bottom, for use in manufacturing the seat, may be enhanced by a pre-formed layer that contains a contour or one or more components that together form a contour that biases the shape capture bag toward the shape of the user's bottom when gravity is acting upon the user to sink into a cushioned seat.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to custom-fit in-ear audio devices, also referred to herein as in-ear audio devices, custom-fit earpieces, or simply earpieces. The following discloses embodiments of custom-fit earpieces that include features providing superior retention in a user's ear while also maintaining desirable comfort and sound quality. The superior retention is generally provided by a curable filler material disposed in a sleeve body that is deformed to conform to the shape of a user's ear as the curable filler material is cured. The comfort level of the custom-fit earpiece described herein is enhanced because the audio output member can move independently or relative to the portion of the earpiece that includes the curable filler material, thus allowing the audio output member to adjust to and comfortably fit within a given user's ear canal.

Abstract: In the configuration of a supporter that at least partially includes a tubular cover portion which covers a part of a human body and which elastically expands and contracts, a load addition pattern portion that is adhered to at least a part of a half or more circumference in a circumferential direction on the front surface of the tubular cover portion and that can apply a load of a predetermined magnitude to the part of the human body when the part of the human body to which the tubular cover portion is fitted is moved is continuously formed of an elastic rubber material. Preferably, as the elastic rubber material, a silicone rubber material is used, and a part or the whole of the area of the load addition pattern portion is formed with a mesh-shaped portion and preferably a honeycomb shape.

Abstract: Moisture-curable adhesive compositions, their preparation and use are disclosed herein. The moisture-curable adhesive compositions include one or more reactive polymers, such as reactive silicone polymers, one or more adhesive components, such as a silicone pressure sensitive polymer(s) (PSAs), a cross-linker and a catalyst. Typically, the reactive silicone polymer or polymers are hydroxyl terminated polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) having at least two hydroxyl functionalities associated with the polymer(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is cured in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: Laser cutting systems and methods are described herein. One or more systems include a laser generating component, an optical component, a fixture for holding a support with a part positioned on the support, and a control mechanism for adjusting at least one of the laser generating component, the optical component, and the fixture such that a ratio of a laser energy applied to the part and a part material thickness is maintained within a predetermined acceptable range at each point along a cut path to cut through the part while maintaining the integrity of the support. Other systems and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A virtual 3D modeling of a custom posterior concha module from a digital ear impression. This modeling is done with 3D inserts that fill the posterior concha area and are merged into a concha ring, concha plate, or another custom solid or hollow 3D object. The 3D object is integrated with the custom concha and custom canal modules. The resulting 3D mold is the virtual custom hearing aid shell or earmold. This method is suitable for modeling Full-Shell custom hearing aids, and Full-Shell, Shell, Skeleton, and Semi-skeleton earmolds. It is also applicable to modeling a Canal-lock and Helix-lock.

Abstract: Laser cutting systems and methods are described herein. One or more systems include a laser generating component, an optical component, a fixture for holding a support with a part positioned on the support, and a control mechanism for adjusting at least one of the laser generating component, the optical component, and the fixture such that a ratio of a laser energy applied to the part and a part material thickness is maintained within a predetermined acceptable range at each point along a cut path to cut through the part while maintaining the integrity of the support. Other systems and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention describes a shaped footwear device intended to be used as a supportive insole or orthotic and a system and methods for making the same. The footwear device includes a top foam layer, a light-cured composite material layer, and a bottom textile layer. The footwear device is created by conforming a pre-cured insole assembly to the plantar surface of a foot or foot mold and then exposing the pre-cured insole assembly to light to create a shaped footwear device with a light-cured composite material support plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom device for external application to the head of a patient over a removed portion of the cranium of the patient is described. A three dimensional digital image portion of the external surface of the head comprising at least the removed portion is generated. A three dimensional digital image portion is processed to identify the removed portion. A digital file is generated that is utilized to manufacture the device.

Abstract: This invention describes virtual shaping the canal area of an ear impression for custom ear inserts with a set of predetermined adjustable templates. There are two types of templates: AP and SI. AP templates are used to model the canal area in the anterior-posterior plane. SI templates are used to model the canal in the superior-inferior plane. The modeling software selects a set of AP and SI templates with curvatures most suitable for a given ear and fits them in the canal area of the ear impression. These templates form a frame that is surfaced and becomes a virtual 3D model of the custom insert. Anatomically accurate curvatures of templates ensure a superior fit of the resulting ear insert and eliminate common inaccuracies that occur in computer-aided impression shaping.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anatonnical kidney phantom with calyces for drainage training in interventional radiology. The anatonnical kidney phantom simulator comprises a housing filled with the surrounding material and an anatomical kidney phantom placed into surrounding material. The kidney phantom has a number of cavities simulating parts of the kidney for drainage training in interventional radiology for example the cavities are simulating kidney calyces. The cavities are connected by channels and connecting pipe with outer reservoirs filled with the different colors or the x-ray opaque contrast liquids.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom device for external application to the head of a patient over a removed portion of the cranium of the patient is described. A three dimensional digital image portion of the external surface of the head comprising at least the removed portion is generated. A three dimensional digital image portion is processed to identify the removed portion. A digital file is generated that is utilized to manufacture the device.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface topography on a smooth or structured surface of a pressing tool in the form of a pressing plate, endless belt, or embossing roller for producing material plates, plastic films, separating films, PVC surfaces, and LVTs (luxury vinyl tiles), includes the following steps: preparing a surface template having a microstructure, making an impression of the surface using a resin, scanning the molded surface using a 3-D microscope, converting the digitalized data from the scanning process with depth measurement into grayscale bitmaps, using the grayscale bitmaps to control the machining process of an abrasive surface treatment or to apply a mask for chemically processing the pressing tool in order to produce the surface topography. For this purpose, either the pressing tool is partially covered with a mask and subjected to an etching operation or the determined grayscale bitmap data are used to control an abrasive machining head.

Abstract: An insert for a hearing device is disclosed. The insert member is a flexible sealing part configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a hearing device user. The insert member comprises at least one through-going hole permeable for sound generated by the hearing device, the sound being transmitted through the insert member to an eardrum of the hearing device user or the at least one through-going hole being configured to allow an acoustically active part of the hearing device to be releasably fastened thereto. The insert member comprises a bag structure containing a non-hardened shapeable material and wherein an opening for receiving a hardening member is provided in the bag structure. The non-hardened shapeable material is configured to be hardened by means of a temperature increment and/or electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation or a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A component of a frame for eyeglasses includes a body made of composite material, the peculiarity of which relates to the body having at least one first region and at least two second regions. The first region includes a three-dimensional shape with at least two dimensions that are larger than the dimensions of the at least two second regions. Thus, the configuration defines, along the body, portions with different flexibilities.

Abstract: An apparatus for customizing a vehicle seat includes a seat having a cushion and a back coupled thereto and a plurality of force sensors in respective locations along the cushion and the back. The apparatus further includes electronic circuitry coupled with the plurality of sensors and programmed to associate forces sensed by ones of the plurality of force sensors with the respective locations thereof and to output the sensed forces and associated areas.

Abstract: A system and a method for automating a medical process including a memory storing a software program, a computer connected to the memory for running the software program, a display connected to the computer for generating a visual representation of output data generated by the computer running the program, a user interface connected to the computer for obtaining image data representing a configuration of a patient treatment space and fixed markers in the treatment space and storing the image data in the memory, a robot arm connected to the computer, and a medical tool mounted on the robot arm wherein when a human inputs a selected treatment procedure into the computer, the computer runs the software program to generate a tool path based upon the treatment procedure and the image data, and the computer operates the robot arm to move the medical tool along the tool path without human guidance, and wherein the data generated during the treatment procedure is stored, analyzed, and shared among collaborating compu

Abstract: A sheet material, contoured sheet material, or interface liner which is formulated and fabricated such that, when pressure is applied to said sheet material, contoured sheet material, or interface liner, said sheet material, contoured sheet material, or interface liner indicates the spot at which the pressure has been applied by effecting a change in the color or appearance of said sheet material contoured sheet material, or interface liner itself.

Abstract: In one example, a system for fitting golf equipment for an individual can be configured to be used with an electronic device comprising a fitting processor module and a camera. The system can comprise an image analysis module configured to receive image data of at least a portion of the individual and one or more physical indicia proximate to the individual, where the image data can be captured by the camera. The image analysis module can also be configured to recognize one or more reference features of the individual from the image data, and to calculate one or more fitting dimensions between the one or more reference features in the image data. Other examples, devices, and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body part shaped mold, for example for creating a test breast, a customized bra or a test body part and a method for using such a mold. The mold is characterized in that it is made of a formstable material having a predetermined shape forming at least one cup. The cup is having a breast like appearance or a body part appearance with a specific size and shape and is adapted to be fitted to a patient's chest or corresponding body part, It is also adapted to be filled with a hardening mixture in a cavity formed between the mold and the chest or corresponding body part. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to try out a suitable size and shape of a breast or other body part, before an implantation is made.

Abstract: An earphone device configured to be removably secured within an ear of a user includes a main body having a base wall and a longitudinal axis, a first projection extending outwardly away from the base wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second projection formed at a position spaced apart from the first projection and extending outwardly away from the base wall parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second projection has a tearshaped body tapering from a distal first end toward a proximal second end which defines a single connection point with the base wall. An opening is formed through the tearshaped body. In a use position, the first projection extends inwardly toward the internal cavity of the ear and the second projection deforms to conform to the antihelix of the ear, such that movement of the earphone device relative to the internal cavity of the ear is limited.

Abstract: Hearing apparatuses should be manufactured as simply as possible and with the closest possible fit. Accordingly, a molding structure is provided, which represents a model for the direct shaping of an otoplastic of a hearing apparatus. The molding structure has a sealing element, which can be positioned in the auditory canal. A molding mass is inserted into the auditory canal to a side of the sealing element facing the outlet of the auditory canal. The molding mass and the sealing element here are connected to form the model of the hearing apparatus and the sealing element has the exact shape of a part of the hearing apparatus.

Abstract: A rhinoplasty appliance is provided that may be custom-molded to a patient's nasal anatomy, including the nostrils, to maintain the corrected contour of the nostrils after rhinoplastic surgery. The rhinoplasty appliance may include a support wire; a first and second wire flanges; a first and second nostril insertion portions, each having a passage and an aperture to permit flow of air and drainage; a connecting structure to maintain the position of the nostril insertion portions in relation to each other, and to provide support and protection for the columella. The first and second wire flange may help to secure the rhinoplasty appliance in position on the patient's face, and improve retention of the first and second nostril insertion portions in the patient's nostrils. The support wire may be provided as added support for the connecting structure.

Abstract: A system and method for making a golf ball having a patterned surface is disclosed. The pattern may be made by a method including machining a pattern of feed marks on the surface of a golf ball mold and using the golf ball mold to mold a golf ball cover layer. The pattern may be configured to create capillary action to substantially counteract gravity and/or other forces acting on a substantially liquid coating material applied to the cover layer of the golf ball.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating an infected implant area of a knee joint comprises surgically accessing the implant area, and inserting a tibial component into the tibia using an antibiotic-impregnated material. A femoral component is formed that is configured to interact with the tibial component by stable knee joint articulation and motion. The femoral component is formed of an antibiotic-impregnated material using a mold. The femoral component is attached to the femur using an antibiotic-impregnated material, and the tibial component is interfaced with the femoral component to form a stable temporary knee joint capable of reducing the spread of infection while permitting movement of the knee joint.

Abstract: An impression system is provided for capturing an anatomical impression of an animal. The impression system comprises a foam that substantially retains an impression after application of pressure and subsequent removal of pressure and a case having a recessed area for receiving the foam and a case for retaining the foam therein. The system further comprises a cover having a viewing pane attachable to the case for providing viewing of the foam when closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a MIFA (Molding Impression Fabrication Apparatus) providing the practitioner a quick and accurate means to create an orthotic impression of a patients foot, leg, arm, and torso. Both traditional and intrinsic biomechanical correction modifications, may be incorporated as well. The patient can be placed back into the MIFA impression for immediate feedback of the modifications and changes. MIFA may also be utilized for direct forming to fabricate an orthosis directly to the patient. CAD/CAM scanning can be utilized with MIFA, to both compliment and refine the negative and positive impressions obtained from MIFA.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method of creating an impression of structures of the human oral cavity comprises: preparing impression trays; creating a first, or base, impression; grinding out portions of the base impression; and using the void(s) in the ground out base impression to take a second, or wash, impression. The base impression is taken with an excess of a high-density impression material which is positioned to extend beyond the structures of interest (of which the impression is being taken). The base impression is removed and all fine structure surrounding the structure(s) of interest is ground out. A wash impression is then taken using a low-density impression material. The base impression creates a seal around the structure(s) of interest (a closed system), thereby producing omnidirectional hydraulic pressure on the low-density material. Such omnidirectional hydraulic pressure produces a highly detailed final impression from which a high-quality model (e.g., cast) can be made.

Abstract: The apparatus for immobilizing and treating a subject includes a suitable apparatus for performing mechanical CPR secured to an immobilization casing. The airtight flexible casing is secured to the apparatus for performing CPR, the casing having variable rigidity which varies as a function of the amount of air within the casing. Two or more slots through the casing permit passage of one or more elements of the CPR apparatus to pass through the casing. One or more incompressible windows may be included in the casing to optimize the performance of mechanical CPR by permitting one or more elements of the subject's skeleton to contact the CPR apparatus. A device for evacuating the air from within the flexible casing to control the rigidity of the casing is included within the CPR apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a wrist protecting glove and methods of manufacturing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a wrist protecting glove providing maximum protection with minimal restriction on range of movement, and method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a wrist protecting glove comprises a polyurethane pad, formed to fit over a user's palm, a holding material integrally formed within the pad, a set of snap fasteners for closing the holding material around a user's thumb, a palm strap for affixing the wrist protecting glove on a user's hand, the palm strap affixed to the holding material, and a D-ring assembly for receiving the palm strap, wherein the palm strap comprises a hook and loop fastener strap for looping through the D-ring assembly and fastening onto itself to affix the wrist protecting glove on the user's hand.

Abstract: The process for producing tooth replacement parts is characterized in that curable tooth replacement material is introduced into a first mold of part of the human dentition, a positive model produced from a second mold is pressed into this material and the tooth replacement material remaining after the pressing-in is allowed to cure to form the tooth replacement part(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a base material which can be formed into valved lumen shape tissue having an ampulla and a leaflet consisting of body tissue. Specifically, the base material includes a first column 5 that forms an upstream tubular section 4 of a blood vessel 3, a second column 7 that forms a downstream tubular section 6 of the blood vessel 3, a plurality of bulges 10 for forming an ampulla 8 and a leaflet 9 of the blood vessel 3, and engagement means 11 that causes the bulge 10 to engage the first column 5 and/or the second column 7. The engagement means 11 includes recesses 15a and 15b in axial end surfaces of one or both of the first column 5 and the second column 7, and an engagement section 18 that overhangs from a bulge body 17 and engages the recesses. An outer peripheral surface of the body 17 of the bulge 10 is an ampulla forming surface 20, and a gap provided between the bulge body 17 and the first column 5 and/or the second column 7 is a leaflet forming section 22.

Abstract: A stamping apparatus for stamping a shading film includes a stamping head, at least one locking member and a sleeving ring. The sleeving ring defines an axial sleeving hole and includes a stamping portion formed on a distal end thereof and surrounding the axial sleeving hole. The sleeving ring is detachably sleeved on and locked to the stamping head via the at least one locking member. The stamping portion matches with the stamping head for cooperatively stamping the shading film.

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: A method of making custom glove formers for making custom-fit disposable gloves using a three dimensional camera or laser for taking the dimensions of a user's hand and making a mold therefrom for use in making the custom glove former. Alternatively, the method includes using an impression material for taking an impression of a user's hand to make a mold for use in making the custom glove former. In further embodiments, the method includes using a combination of a three dimensional camera or laser and impression material to make a mold for use in making the custom glove former. The custom glove formers are then used for making the custom-fit disposable gloves.

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: Device for taking an impression of a subject's ear minimizes risk of damage on the eardrum when the impression is made. The device comprises a nozzle having a first essentially tubular part that has a centre axis and a side wall. The first tubular part has also a first end intended to be inserted into a subject's ear, a first opening for the outlet of impression material, and a second end connected to a supply member for impression material to the tubular part. The first opening has a centre axis that is essentially perpendicular to the centre axis of the first tubular part at the point where the two centre axes intersect each other, alternatively has a direction, as seen from the centre axis of the first tubular part through the side wall, from said first end. The first opening is preferably arranged in the side wall of the tubular part.

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.