Abstract: A nanoimprint mold includes a flexible body and a molding layer formed on the flexible body. The molding layer includes a plurality of protrusions and recesses. The molding layer is a polymer material polymerized via a cross linking polymerization of a nanoimprint resist which includes a hyperbranched polyurethane oligomer (HP), a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), a methylmethacrylate (MMA), a diluent solvent and a photo initiator. A method for making the nanoimprint mold is also provided.

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 antistatic silicone rubber mold-making material is provided. This mold-making material comprises a silicone rubber composition which is curable by an addition reaction, and which contains an ionically conductive antistatic agent. The article produced by curing this antistatic silicone rubber mold-making material retains the insulator performance and the article exhibits excellent antistatic properties. Also, the article can be colored as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for forming a lens master for forming lenses on a wafer. The method includes using an inverted lens pin mold in conjunction with a dispense method to create both concave and convex lens masters for making lens stamps containing lens-shaped cavities. The lens-shaped cavities are used to imprint a plurality of lenses into a curable material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioartificial guidance conduit formed by coaxially stacking a plurality of discs and the method for forming the same, wherein each disc contains at least one penetrating hole, and at least one penetrating hole on adjacent discs connects with each other while discs coaxially stacked, so as to run through the formed bioartificial guidance conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device serving both to lay thin layers of powder and to compact them, the device being suitable for being located inside an apparatus containing a powder or powder mixture while it is subjected to the action of a laser. The device comprises a circular cylinder (12) provided with a longitudinal groove (15) formed in an outside surface of the cylinder (12). The cylinder also has a surface (12a) adapted to compact the powder that has been deposited on a deposition zone. By moving the cylinder in rotation and translation, the powder is brought to and deposited on a tray, on which the powder is then compacted by rotating the cylinder in the opposite direction. The invention enables very thin layers of ceramic or metallic powder to be laid in accurate and uniform manner inside a sealed thermal enclosure at a temperature lying between ambient temperature and about 1200° C.

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: A method includes the steps of (I) fabricating a cured silicone product and (II) using the cured silicone product in a patterning technique. The cured silicone product is a reaction product of (A) a silicone cure package and (B) is a polar additive having a polyalkylene oxide functionality and a reactive functionality. The method is useful in soft lithography applications.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for creating a mold of a patient's teeth to which are installed orthodontic appliances with a support assembly bonded to a tooth. The appliances may include a corresponding corrective assembly with a wire engaging portion removably coupled to the support assembly. The systems and methods may include removing a corrective assembly from a support assembly, applying unset molding compound to the patient's teeth and corresponding support assemblies, setting the molding compound into a mold, and nondeformably removing the mold from the patient's mouth. The support assemblies may include a marker portion to indicate the position of the wire engaging portion of a corrective assembly that may be removed prior to making a mold and/or installed after making the mold. Marker assemblies adapted to removably engage a support assembly, and including such a marker portion, may be temporarily coupled to support assemblies prior to making a mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.

Abstract: A tool assembly including a male tool including an inner shape tool including a bag having a connection connectable to a depressurization source for providing a vacuum in the bag such that beads therein form a body of firm cohesion providing the inner shape tool rigid. The male tool further includes a flexible, hollow curing support arranged around the rigid inner shape tool, the inner shape tool is arranged to be removable from the flexible, hollow curing support by rupturing the vacuum.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a stamper for transferring fine pattern and a method for manufacturing the stamper, the stamper has a fine structure layer to improve a continuous transferring property of the resinous stamper, and to allow accurate and continuous transferring. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a stamper for transferring fine pattern, including: a fine structure layer on a supporting substrate, in which the fine structure layer is a polymer of a resinous compound whose principal component is silsesquioxane derivative having a plurality of polymerizable functional groups.

Abstract: A method of replica moulding microstructures, the method including forming a negative master of at least one microstructure configured to support microscopic biological material, casting a flowable polymeric material onto the negative master, placing a substrate against the flowable polymeric material and the negative master, allowing the flowable polymeric material to solidify in the negative master and on the substrate, and separating the substrate and the solidified polymeric material from the negative master, thereby leaving a positive replica of the at least one microstructure on the substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing process using a replica mold for nano imprinting having a grid type pattern by combining a nano imprint with a dry etching process is disclosed. In order to attain such a manufacturing process, a method of fabricating a mold for nano imprinting may include arranging a master mold having first patterns over a substrate having metal patterns so that both the first pattern and the metal pattern cross over each other, applying resin between the master mold and the substrate, applying an imprinting treatment of the substrate as well as the master mold, hardening the resin, and etching the hardened resin after the master mold is released, so as to form a replica mold for nano imprint. The nano imprinting process and the etching process may easily form a pattern in a more complicated structure, and therefore, may improve production yield and reduce processing time thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a three dimensional model from a composite model formed or a plurality of successive layers of model material and sacrificial mold material. Each successive layer is constructed by depositing, drop-by-drop, at least one line of sacrifical mold material delineating at least one boundary of the model material within the layer and thereafter depositing the model material onto all delineated regions of the layer by spray deposition. Each successive layer is completed by a planing process which removes the undesired thickness of both the sacrificial and the model materials. Following completion of the composite model, the sacrificial mold material is removable from the composite model, by a process effecting only the sacrificial mold material, to produce the three dimensional model. A device, for depositing the model material at the rate faster than the rate that the mold material is deposited, is also described.

Abstract: A method of making zeolite microneedles includes providing a polymer microneedles template, depositing zeolite seeds on the polymer microneedles template, and growing the zeolite seeds into an array of zeolite microneedles.

Abstract: A method disclosed for producing polymer-based cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy in a batch process. The method includes forming a mold in a mold material, for example PDMS, using a master cantilever, removing the master cantilever from the mold material to reveal a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with plastic, for example polystyrene, to form a plastic cantilever in the mold, and removing the plastic cantilever from the mold, for example using adhesive tape or flexing the mold. At least one surface of the plastic cantilever can be coated with a reflective metal, such as gold. The plastic cantilever can be functionalized for use in magnetic force microscopy by attaching a probe tip formed of magnetic metal, for example a 10 ?m nickel sphere.

Abstract: A molding apparatus comprises an upper molding box, a lower mold box, an upper flexible membrane covering an opening of the upper mold box, a lower flexible membrane covering an opening of the lower mold box, a heating system located in the upper mold box, a set of ports located between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane capable of being used to draw a vacuum between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane, and a displacement system located in the lower mold box under the lower flexible membrane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a centrifugal casting die includes the steps of supplying a first liquid agent for forming a backup layer to be releasably bonded to an inner surface of a cylindrical die, rotating the die body so that the first liquid agent is uniformly spread over the entirety of the inner surface of the die body, and curing the first liquid agent spread over the entirety of the inner surface of the die body to form the backup layer. A second liquid agent is applied to be bonded to be integral with an inner surface of the backup layer to form a top layer. Then the die body is rotated so that the second liquid agent is uniformly spread over the entirety of the inner surface of the backup layer and cured to form the top layer. The top layer releasably holds a centrifugally casting material supplied to the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A resin composition for a mold used in forming micropatterns comprises (A) 40 to 90 parts by weight of an active energy curable urethane-based oligomer having a reactive group; (B) 10 to 60 parts by weight of a monomer reactive with the urethane-based oligomer, (C) 0.01 to 200 parts by weight of a silicone or fluorine containing compound, based on 100 parts of the sum of the components (A) and (B); and (D) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a photoinitiator, based on 100 parts of the sum of the components (A), (B) and (C). The inventive resin composition can be easily cured by the action of an active energy ray, and the organic mold fabricated therefrom is easily lifted off from a master without irreversible adhesion or generation of defects and have excellent dimensional and chemical stabilities.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of printed circuit board print is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a PCB which includes providing an imprinting stamper with a relievo pattern formed in correspondence with a circuit pattern data using the circuit pattern data, forming an intaglio pattern corresponding to the relievo pattern by pressing the imprinting stamper on an insulation layer, and forming a circuit pattern by printing conductive ink in the intaglio pattern by an ink-jet method using the circuit pattern data, allows the forming of a circuit pattern to a required thickness by injecting conductive ink in a groove processed by the imprint method, and prevents the spreading of ink and the distortion of the pattern shape in the curing process for conductive ink containing metal Also, the circuit pattern CAD data used in the manufacturing of an imprinting stamper can be utilized again in the ink-jet printing process.

Abstract: A system and method for making and using a reconfigurable composite part mandrel operable in the manufacture of composite parts. The system may comprise an assembly fixture, a generic mandrel, a reconfigurable simulated skin, a reconfigurable frame portion, and state-changing material operable to harden into a desired configuration for forming a particular composite part. The method of forming and using the reconfigurable composite part mandrel may comprise: inserting the simulated skin within the assembly fixture, inserting or assembling the frame portion within the assembly fixture; inserting the generic mandrel into the assembly fixture; filling a cavity between the generic mandrel and the assembly fixture with the state-changing mixture to encapsulate the frame portion; hardening the state-changing mixture; and removing the assembly fixture and the simulated skin.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to hollow fiber reinforced composite material parts having one or more selectively positioned core, structural insert, or veneer pieces integrally associated therewith.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer optical waveguide including: 1) preparing a rubber mold having a composite layer structure in which a rubber layer which has a concave portion corresponding to an optical waveguide core and contains a rubber mold-forming curable resin is buried in a rubber layer-forming concave portion of a rigid substrate having the rubber layer-forming concave portion; 2) bringing a cladding substrate into close contact with the rubber mold; 3) filling the concave portion of the rubber mold, with which the cladding substrate has been brought into close contact, with a core-forming curable resin; 4) curing the filled core-forming curable resin; 5) removing the rubber mold from the cladding substrate; and 6) forming a cladding layer on the cladding substrate on which the core has been formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold for the preparation of recipient blocks, made from silicone, and a method of constructing a mold for the preparation of recipient blocks, comprising: charging a structure equipped with a mold in the form of a recipient block with silicone; curing the silicone; and separating the silicone mold for the preparation of recipient block from the structure. Also, a method is provided for preparing a recipient block, comprising: positioning the mold for the preparation of recipient blocks within a base mold; charging the base mold with a liquid material for the recipient block; solidifying the material and separating the base mold from the mold for the preparation of recipient blocks and the solidified material; and separating the mold for the preparation of recipient blocks from the solidified recipient block.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a resin imprint stamper formed of a resin material in an annular shape having a through-hole in a central part thereof, including a pattern area formed on a part of a surface thereof in which a plurality of lands and grooves are circumferentially arranged with a track pitch of 100 nm or less, and the pattern height of at most 100 nm, wherein no protrusion and step having a height exceeding 10 ?m from a top surface of the pattern area are present in a region less than 3 mm from an end of the pattern area toward an inner periphery thereof.

Abstract: A mold for use in forming a target patterning on a substrate by using a pattern formed at one side of the mold is made of amorphous fluorine resin. The mold is fabricated through a compression molding technique by using a master mold (104) with a pattern structure thereon facing the pattern.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing stents by use of molds (1101) made of a biocompatible, flexible material, preferably silicone. Some embodiments use silicone polymers; a two-dimensional, waffle mold; injection molds whereby the core of the injection mold is silicone polymer. In some embodiments, the stent polymer or particles of stent polymers are injected into the mold, around a cylinder of silicone, to form a three-dimensional stent. In some embodiments, particles of silicone polymer are mechanically forced into the negative spaces and then fused together to form the finished product. In other embodiments, metal stents or metal molds are used to manufacture a reverse mold. The reverse mold (901) is then used to create positive silicone molds. The silicone molds can subsequently be used by any means to make polymer stents, lending themselves to automation.

Abstract: A mold assembly for the manufacture of at least one ophthalmic device used in or on the eye is disclosed. The mold assembly includes a mateable pair of mold parts wherein at least one of the mold parts comprises at least an oxygen-absorbing mold material and an oxygen scavenger composition containing (i) an oxygen scavenging polymer comprising a polymer backbone and one or more substituted or unsubstituted cyclic olefinic groups covalently linked to the polymer backbone; and (ii) an oxygen scavenging catalytic amount of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparing a patterned feature includes the steps of I) casting a curable silicone composition against a master, II) curing the curable silicone composition to form a silicone mold, II) separating the master and the silicone mold, IV) filling a silicone mold having a patterned surface with a curable epoxy formulation; V) curing the curable epoxy formulation to form a patterned feature; VI) separating the silicone mold and the patterned feature; optionally VIII) etching the patterned feature; optionally IX) cleaning the silicone mold; and optionally X) repeating steps IV) to IX) reusing the silicone mold.

Abstract: In the overmoulding of an article channels are provided in the surface of the article to guide the flow of the overmoulding material, in addition holes may be provided across the article to enable flow of the overmoulding material to the side of the carrier remote from the point of injection. The techniques are particular useful in the overmoulding of articles having a lattice or honeycomb structure particularly when produced by injection moulding. When the overmoulding material is foamable the overmoulded articles may be used as acoustic baffles or structural reinforcement for automobiles.

Abstract: Presently described are (e.g. flexible) molds, methods of making such molds, as well as methods of making microstructured articles. In particular, the present invention is directed to molds suitable for making ceramic microstructures on a substrate using a mold.

Abstract: A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: Delivery of drugs or genes to individual cells is achieved on a nanoscale using electroporation techniques. In one method, a flow-through bioreactor having an inlet and an outlet connected by a flow chamber and a nanoporous membrane positioned in the flow chamber is used. Cells to be electroporated are flowed from the inlet to the outlet, a quantum of molecules of the at least one drug or gene in a fluid medium in the flow chamber. An electrical field applied in the flow chamber provides momentum to the molecules in the nanopores, resulting in delivery of the molecules into the plurality of cells.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an article comprising a nanoscale surface pattern, such as a grating, is provided with a nanoscale patterns of reduced edge and/or sidewall roughness. Smooth featured articles, can be fabricated by nanoimprint lithography using a mold having sloped profile molding features. Another approach uses a mold especially fabricated to provide smooth sidewalls of reduced roughness, and a third approach adds a post-imprint smoothing step. These approaches can be utilized individually or in various combinations to make the novel articles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of containers are disclosed. A container blow molding element can concurrently produce a plurality of containers. Two adjacent containers are disposed a first distance apart. A container conveying element can receive the plurality of containers at predetermined container locations. The predetermined container locations corresponding to the two adjacent containers are disposed a second distance apart. A transition element can transfer the plurality of containers from the blow molding element to the container conveying element. The distance between the two adjacent containers is altered from the first distance to the second distance after the plurality of containers is removed from the blow molding element and before the plurality of containers is received by the container conveying element.

Abstract: Process for production of multicomponent moldings, which comprises producing a molding of which at least one layer is composed of a thermoplastic molding composition composed of A) from 10 to 99.99% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polyester, B) from 0.01 to 50% by weight of B1) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate having an OH number of from 1 to 600 mg KOH/g of polycarbonate (to DIN 53240, Part 2), or B2) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyester of AxBy type, where x is at least 1.1 and y is at least 2.1, or a mixture of these, and C) from 0 to 60% by weight of other additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to C) is 100%.

Abstract: To provide a flexible mold (10) useful for manufacturing a PDP rib having a lattice pattern and other microstructures, and capable of highly precisely manufacturing the microstructures without involving defects such as occurrence of bubbles and pattern deformation. A flexible mold (10) comprises a base layer (2) made of a first curable material having a viscosity of 3,000 to 100,000 cps at 10 to 80° C. and a coating layer (3) coating a surface of the base layer (2) and made of a second curable material having a viscosity of 200 cps or below at 10 to 80° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stamper/imprinter for patterning a recording medium via thermally assisted nano-imprint lithography, comprising steps of: selecting a recording medium for patterning, comprising a substrate with a first coefficient of thermal expasnsion (CTE); providing a first stamper/imprinter comprising a topographically patterned surface having a correspondence to a selected pattern to be formed in a surface of the medium; providing a sheet of a material having a second CTE matching the first CTE; molding a layer of a polymeric material surrounding the sheet of material and having a surface in conformal contact with the topographically patterned surface of the first stamper/imprinter; and separating the layer of polymeric material from the patterned surface of the first stamper/imprinter to form a second stamper/imprinter comprising a topographically patterned stamping/imprinting surface having a correspondence to the selected pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, improved microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The inventive methods can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems provided according to the invention can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks of the invention can be fabricated via replica molding processes, also provided by the invention, utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography.

Abstract: A former, process for making same, process for using same, and resulting pavement-like site, where the former is a one-time use structure made of wood fiber or paper pulp molded into a rigid shape and defining a plurality of hollow peak-like structures extending from a base sheet. Each peak is substantially closed at its extremity away from the base sheet and open at the extremity at the base sheet. This former is used for installing combination pavement and dirt/gravel surfaces such as those known under the tradename Grasscrete®.

Abstract: Molded pre-forms that are used to protect electronic components and assemblies from damage due to vibration, shock and/or thermal exposure. The pre-forms can be singularly molded or co-molded. Co-molded pre-forms can include hard surface layers over softer molded compositions. The pre-forms are molded in molds that are formed using modified images obtained from printed circuit boards having the electronic components thereon. Images of the printed circuit boards are obtained and modified to improve vibrational dampening and/or heat transfer. The molded pre-forms allow for access to the printed circuit boards for purposes of replacing or repairing the printed circuit boards. The molded pre-forms are particularly suitable for down hole applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a low pressure injection type RIM mold and a product molded using the mold, wherein manufacturing time is reduced by simplifying manufacturing processes and the precision of a product is prevented from being lowered.

Abstract: A method of producing a molded article includes the steps of positioning an insert within a first mold, and filling the first mold with a low melt allow to form a lost core assembly. The lost core assembly includes an external shape corresponding to the desired cavity formed within the molded article. The inserts are supported within the lost core and form a part of the surface of the cavity of the completed molded article. The lost core assembly is over-molded with a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The alloy material is removed leaving the inserts within the molded article to form specific portions of the cavity.

Abstract: A method of making an imprint lithography template includes applying a curable material to a patterned surface of a master imprint template, allowing the curable material to cure and thereby forming a second imprint template having a patterned surface which is the inverse of the patterned surface of the master imprint template; removing the second imprint template from the master imprint template; applying inorganic sol-gel to a substrate; imprinting the inorganic sol-gel with the second imprint template; allowing the inorganic sol-gel to cure; and removing the second imprint template from the cured inorganic sol-gel, such that the inorganic sol-gel forms a third imprint template having a patterned surface which corresponds with the patterned surface of the master imprint template.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a mold includes the steps of forming a photo-polymerizable resin layer between a master substrate and a transparent mold substrate, wherein a first pattern is formed on the master substrate; solidifying the resin layer by exposing the resin layer to a UV light through the transparent mold substrate; and forming a mold having a second pattern by separating the resin layer from the master substrate, wherein the second pattern is in a form of a recess on the resin layer at a portion corresponding to the first pattern and the resin layer being engaged with the mold substrate.

Abstract: A fabrication apparatus and method use a mold for forming a pattern. The fabrication may be related to a thin film transistor (TFT) used for a switching element and a driving element in a display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic electroluminescent display (OELD). The fabrication method and apparatus fabricate a soft mold using a resin layer that is attached to a back plane in substantially a vacuum environment. The resin layer may be irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light and then detached from a master plate to form a desired pattern. The fabrication process is such that the soft mold is relatively thin and light-weight, but resistant to being damaged.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing cast articles with characteristics of original objects such as a stone panel. The cast articles can replicate the contours, textures, and colors of all or a portion of the original object and can be made in any shape or size and specifically can be formed to simulate rock walls, carved stone architecture details, and other construction components normally created by stone masons or sculptors on site and at a high cost. The processes used in making the cast articles include the production of a series of molds. The molds seek to replicate the size, shape, contour, and surface texture of an original object with or without modifications to the original object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a prototype plastic injection molded part from a mold tool (10) built by fused deposition modeling. The mold tool (10) is built by depositing roads of a molten thermoplastic resin in layers in a predetermined pattern defined by computer file data representing the inverse of the desired prototype molded part, and is used in an injection molding machine without the addition of any reinforcement fill material or layers to create the prototype part. The disclosed method provides prototype plastic injection molded parts within a twenty-four hour time period.

Abstract: A method for forming the outer surface of a breast prosthesis is disclosed. A digital, three-dimensional image is formed of a patient's breast using a computerized scanner. A computer-controlled milling machine utilizes the image to form a solid model of the breast. A sheet of flexible, moldable material having a uniform, precise thickness is then vacuum-formed over the breast model. A hard, two-piece mold is cast from the flexible sheet. A soft, curable material is then either poured or injected between the two pieces of the mold to form the breast prosthesis outer surface. The breast prosthesis outer surface is then turned inside out to form a shape that is a mirror image of the patient's breast.