Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a negative skin and a tool. Such a tool can be used, for example, in the automotive industry.

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: Described herein are casting and molding methods useful for making microstructured objects. By including a plurality of microfeatures on the surface of an object, other characteristics may be imparted to the object, such as increased hydrophobicity. Some of the casting and molding methods described herein further allow for manufacture of objects having both microfeatures and macro features, for example microfeatures on or within macro features or selected macro feature regions.

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: 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: The present invention provides a ceramic porous body for in-vitro and in-vivo use comprising a composition comprising a calcium aluminate (CA) containing phase and optionally at least one of an accelerator, a retarder, a surfactant, a foaming agent, a reactive alumina, water, a fiber, and a biologically active material, and combinations thereof. Ceramic compositions are provides as well as method of using the ceramic compositions and methods of manufacturing a ceramic porous body. The ceramic porous bodies of this invention may be used as artificial bones, joints, in-vitro support structures, and in-vivo support structures for cells, tissues, organs, and nerve growth and regeneration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a three-dimensional composite structure and a method for producing the mold for the three-dimensional composite structure. The mold is formed of at least one rigid die member and a second thermoplastic die member. The second thermoplastic die member is formed by coupling a rubber flexible pattern to a surface of the first die member. Vacuum or pressure is applied to a heated thermoplastic sheet to cause the heated thermoplastic sheet to deform about the flexible pattern, thereby forming the second die. Strips of reinforced polymer thermoset pre-preg material are then positioned within the cavities formed by the flexible pattern and are allowed to cure. Optionally, heat, pressure, and vacuum may be applied to the mold construction to facilitate the curing of the thermoset materials.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imprint template includes a base substrate and a resin-based pattern transfer portion. The pattern transfer portion is formed on a major surface of the base substrate and includes a protrusion-depression pattern. A shape of the protrusion-depression pattern is transferred to a transfer target. The protrusion-depression portion is provided at the major surface of the base substrate. A major surface side of the pattern transfer portion is provided so as to fit into a depression of the protrusion-depression portion. In another embodiment, a pattern formation method is disclosed. The method can include providing the transfer target on the substrate, and using the imprint template to bring the pattern into contact with the transfer target. In addition, the method can include curing the transfer target and then releasing the imprint template from the transfer target to transfer the shape of the pattern to the transfer target.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring a physiological function such as hydration including microelectrode arrays and electronics operatively connected and placed on an elastic strip, the assembled sensor being attached to a person in such a manner as to pinch and raise the skin under the elastic strip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a production part having microstructured features comprising the steps of fabricating a microstructured prototype having microstructured features, manufacturing a microstructured intermediate from the microstructured prototype so that the microstructured intermediate carries a negative of the microstructured features, attaching the microstructured intermediate to a manufacturing tool thereby providing microstructured features on a manufacturing tool, providing feedstock containing material from the group comprising of: metal, ceramic, binder, and any combination of these and manufacturing the production part from the feedstock, using the manufacturing tool and using a process from the group consisting of: compression molding, roll forming, stamping, embossing, extrusion injection molding, and any combination of these.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a mold used for molding lenses includes the following. First, a base is provided. The base has parallel lines marked on a surface thereof. Second, a dispenser is provided. The dispenser dispenses lumps of molding material on selected positions on the surface of the base guided by the lines. Third, a roller is provided. The roller has a peripheral side surface. The peripheral side surface has spaced molding surfaces defined thereat, each molding surface corresponding to a surface of a lens to be formed. The roller is applied above the base, with the molding surfaces press-molding the lumps of molding material, thereby forming molding portions on the base. Thus, a mold including the base and the molding portions formed on the base is obtained.

Abstract: A decorative surface covering includes a fabric; and a layer of molded resin disposed on said fabric, where the resin is molded into decorative features of the covering. A method of forming a decorative surface covering includes molding resin disposed on a fabric to produce decorative features, the resin adhering to the fabric.

Abstract: An array of aerodynamic riblets is formed with a surface layer for adhering to an aerodynamic surface and a plurality of riblet tips having a parabolic cross section extending from the surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair having a back plate and a seat plate and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, to a customized wheelchair having a back plate and a seat plate formed to fit a body shape and a manufacturing method thereof. In a method of manufacturing a customized wheelchair having a back plate and a seat plate which are designed to fit a body shape, the method includes steps of: forming a preliminary molding material which is directly formed to fit a back and a hip of a user; fixing the preliminary molding material to a molding frame; filling a foaming resin in the molding frame fixed with the preliminary molding material; hardening the foaming resin filled in the molding frame; and releasing a last molding material which is foamed and hardened to have a shape of the back and the hip of the user by the preliminary molding material.

Abstract: A purpose-designed textured impression is described for producing components used in jewelry making. The purpose-designed texture impression comprises a geometric shape for a specific component of an end-item jewelry piece, a texture or design that specifically follows the geometric shape, and a means for applying the impression of specific shape and integral texture into a desired medium.

Abstract: A method for making a microstructured article, including (1 forming a first microstructured pattern on a substrate; (2) replicating the first microstructured pattern to make a second microstructured pattern in a flexible material; (3) replicating the second microstructured pattern multiple times to form a third microstructured pattern in a crosslinkable material to make a tool on a first carrier; and (4) replicating the third microstructured pattern in a polymer to make at least one microstructured article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating a mold from solidified imprinting material that includes creating deformation in the template in which the mold is included. The deformation is sufficient to create a returning force that is greater than an adhesion forced between the solidified imprinting material and the mold. For example, the deformation may result from a pressure differential created between the mold and a side of the template disposed opposite to the mold. In this manner, the distortion may be undulations in the template of sufficient magnitude to contact a substrate upon which the solidified imprinting material is disposed.

Abstract: A tire mold having a substantially elliptical base surface and a method for making a tire mold are provided. In one embodiment, a user selects a major axis length for the tire mold, then selects a ratio of the major axis length to a minor axis length. The tire mold is then formed with a substantially elliptical base surface defined by the first major axis and the selected ratio.

Abstract: Implantable nerve regeneration conduits and methods of making the same are disclosed. The implantable nerve regeneration conduits mainly comprise a biodegradable polymer and a metal. Moreover, the conduits may also comprise one or more nerve regeneration enhancing elements, which comprise bioactive molecules or cells. The inner surface of the conduits may be micropatterned photolithographic processes to form microgrooves for facilitating cell alignment.

Abstract: An instrument panel with a one piece body constructed of a thermoformed material and exhibiting first and second visually differentiable surface patterns. An associated process includes the creation of an instrument panel, such as through the use of a clamshell slush mold, and including the formation of a groove between the surface patterns which exhibits a visually appealing and rounded cross sectional profile.

Abstract: A process for making a mould piece having a main curved surface bearing an utilitary microstructure which comprises transferring a utilitary microstructure from a master piece main surface to a main surface of a flat cured elastomeric film; pressing the cured elastomeric film and a master article against each other so as to conform the overall shape of said cured elastomeric film to the curved shape of the main surface of the master article and to spread over a curable coating composition between the curved main surface of the master article and the main surface bearing the replica of the said utilitary microstructure of the cured elastomeric film; curing the coating composition; removing the cured elastomeric film and depositing a layer of a metal or a metallic alloy on the exposed main surface of the hard coating of the master article; and recovering said metal or metallic alloy layer to obtain a mould piece having a curved main surface bearing a replica of said transferred utilitary microstructure.

Abstract: Method for producing an embossing roller from silicone rubber for the continuous embossing of the surface of a thermoplastic film, with the embossing surface having a negative form of a surface structure to be embossed. An auxiliary roller is provided which is plastic, at least in the region of its circumferential surface. A laser beam is directed onto the circumferential surface and controlled for defining a real imaginary pattern in such a way that a surface structure of the pattern is created as a positive form on the surface. A layer of silicone rubber provided on the surface produces an embossing matrix which is pulled off the surface, turned inside out, and adhered to a surface of an embossing roller, with the negatively structured embossing surface facing outward. Thus, multiple embossing matrices can be created after a one-time structuring of the surface of an auxiliary roller, using a casting process.

Abstract: A mold for relatively uniform heating and molding of a work material to form a workpiece using a microwave oven, includes upper and lower mold members and a sidewall mold member. The mold members are formed from materials selected to have an approximately equal effective thermosensitivity. The effective thermosensitivity of work material is its dissipation factor divided by the product of its dielectric constant, density and specific heat. The effective thermosensitivity of the material of mold layer of each mold member is its dissipation factor divided by the product of its dielectric constant, density, and specific heat and multiplied by the fraction of the mass of its mold layer divided by the total mass of this mold member. A metal sleeve is formed on an inner surface of the sidewall mold member with microwave absorbing material formed on the outside thereof and inner surfaces of the end mold members may also be coated with metal or other highly thermally conductive and wear resistant material.

Abstract: A method of replacing a lost denture includes the steps of forming a mold 20 as an impression of the original denture, and of fabricating a replacement denture using this mold. The mold consists of a tissue side mold section and an exterior side mold section. The tissue side mold section is made of a dimensionally stable material, such as dental stone or an addition-cured silicone rubber, so that the tissue side of the denture can be accurately reproduced at a later time. The exterior side mold is made of a resilient material, so that the original denture and its duplicate can be removed from the mold. An injection passage and overflow passages can be drilled into the exterior side mold section so that a liquid resin can be injected to adequately fill the mold cavity to form the gum portion of the duplicate denture.

Abstract: An artwork is made on a surface of a matrix or plate with acrylic paint and then allowing the paint to dry. A layer of a backing material adhesive, such as an acrylic gel, is next applied to the acrylic layer and a backing material (such as paper or cloth) is placed upon the gel, and the wet gel is then allowed to dry. The dry artwork is then removed from the matrix. The invention allows the inclusion within a single image of other media (wet or dry), such as paper, fabric, dry acrylic elements, watercolor, waterbase crayons and pencils, felt pens, waterbase inks, water mixable oil paints, oil pastels and oil paint sticks because of the bonding abilities of acrylics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material of a three-dimensional framework of supporting, trabecular structures encompassing cavities which are connected with one another and which can be predeterminedly adjusted. The material is obtainable by forming the framework around the shaped bodies serving as space retainers for the cavities and subsequently removing the shaped bodies. The material according to the invention can be used for example as a implant or as a filter.

Abstract: A toothed belt construction, preformed fabric liner therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the preformed fabric liner being adapted to line the toothed surface of a toothed belt construction and having serially disposed tooth-shaped projections throughout the length thereof that substantially accurately correspond to the teeth of the belt construction so as to line the toothed surface thereof, the preformed fabric liner comprising an endless tubular sleeve.

Abstract: An embossing roll is formed by a process which includes molding a seamless embossing roll within a seamless sleeve. The sleeve has indicia disposed about the inner circumference and which is then reverse molded into the roll.

Abstract: A toothed belt construction, preformed fabric liner therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the preformed fabric liner being adapted to line the toothed surface of a toothed belt construction and having serially disposed tooth-shaped projections throughout the length thereof that accurately correspond to the teeth of the belt construction so as to line the toothed surface thereof, the preformed fabric liner including an endless tubular sleeve that has the tooth-shaped projections formed therein while the fabric liner is still in the endless tubular sleeve form thereof and being telescoped onto an externally toothed cylindrical mold member by axially sliding the preformed endless tubular sleeve thereon before a belt sleeve is subsequently formed on the mold member to make the toothed belt construction.

Abstract: A method for producing elastomer skins as lining material for plastic molded articles, such as automobile dashboards, in which a parting agent and a polyurethane system are introduced into a preform (3) taken from a working model (1) forming a manipulable, dimensionally stable elastomer skin (8), which is unmolded after completion of the reaction and finished in a final mold (11) to make a molded article for improving the process of in-mold coating such that UV-resistant elastomer skins are produced easily and absolutely dimensionally accurately, even with undercuts and narrow, deep crevices. A polyurethane paint is provided between the parting agent and the polyurethane system. Prior to the introduction of the polyurethane layer, the preform (3) is at least regionally inverted into a position in which its side facing the spraying tool (2a) is on the outside and has a substantially convex curvature.

Abstract: Leather sheets having desired grain pattern are mounted on a roller with edges abutting. Onto the surface of the grain pattern a silicone synthetic resin is applied as a uniformly thick coating with a coating knife as the roller rotates. The resin is hardened into a matrix. It is then peeled off the grain pattern. The grain pattern in the matrix is interrupted where the leather sheets abutted. The matrix is placed with the pattern outward on a roller whose diameter pretty much matches the diameter of the embossing roller to be produced. The surface of a tubular thermoplastic film is embossed by contact with the cylindrical matrix under heat and pressure. The embossed surface of the thermoplastic film is once again overembossed under heat and pressure in the areas along the abutting edges of the natural grain pattern on the roller, so that an endless positive impression without seams in the grain's pattern is produced.

Abstract: A method for producing the matrix for the embossing cylinder which has a uniform pattern design in the marginal areas adjoining the abutment where the ends of the blanket are joined to form the tube comprising (1) casting liquid silicone rubber on a sheet of leather having the desired grain and vulcanizing the silicone, (2) using the matrix thus formed to emboss, under heat and pressure in a press, a rectangular sheet of thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride film, (3) forming the embossed sheet into a tube, (4) placing the portion of the tube having abutting edges in a narrow platen press and reembossing the area surrounding the abutment with the silicone rubber matrix to mask the impression of the joint and provide a continuous uninterrupted pattern, and (5) using the positively-embossed thermoplastic sheet as a matrix for casting vulcanizable silicone rubber to form a negatively-embossed matrix for use as a blanket on an embossing roll.

Abstract: A method of producing finishing chips comprising the steps of providing a castable mixture of particulate abrasive grains and a solidifiable matrix, depositing the mixture into cavities of a generally-cylindrical, flexible mold having a plurality of cavities in the interior surface thereof conforming to the desired configuration of finishing chips to be produced, rotating said cylindrical mold during solidification of said mixture and the production of solid finishing chips within said cavities, and ejecting said solidified finishing chips from said mold by bringing said mold to an inside-out position, whereby said solidified finishing chips are ejected from said cavities, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball for use in volleyball or soccer includes the steps of manufacturing a spherical hollow body of a brittle material, sticking cloth strips in an overlapping manner on the spherical hollow body to provide a bag body, cutting a predetermined portion of the bag body to make an opening thereon, collapsing the spherical hollow body in the bag body into pieces, taking the collapsed pieces out of the bag body through the opening, putting a tube having a valve through the opening into the bag body, sticking rubber ribbons on places corresponding to the overlapping portions of the cloth strips, and sticking leather sheets on the rubber ribboned bag body to provide an outer layer for the ball.