Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a matrix suitable for use in a plastic element-producing machine, a matrix produced in accordance with the method and use of such a matrix to form a plastic element. One side of the matrix is provided with a negative microstructure which is replicated in plastic material to form a positive microstructure on a plastic element, wherewith the matrix can be produced by applying a layer of material to the positive microstructure side of a master. The positive microstructure side of the master has a thin wear-resistant layer which serves as a first wear surface, wherewith said layer will present irregularities which correspond essentially to the microstructure, and wherein at least said irregularities are filled-in with a plastic composite so as to form a carrier element for supporting the first wear layer. The layer can further be provided with means for supplying heat energy to said matrix.

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: An improved male mold for press bending sheets of glass includes, as heating elements, heating wires which are disposed in the male mold in a manner which conforms to the outer surface of the male mold. These heating wires provide a more uniform temperature profile over the pressing surface of the male mold, thus more uniformly heating sheets of glass. Additionally, a method is provided of making a male mold for press bending sheets of glass with such conformal heating elements.

Abstract: Replicas are molded by curing a photo-curable liquid silicone rubber composition to form a transparent mother mold having a cavity corresponding to the outer contour of a master model, casting a photo-curable liquid resin into the mold cavity, and irradiating light to the liquid resin through the mold wall. Replicas can be fabricated by simple steps and within a short time.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument of the in-the-ear type (and preferably CIC) provides a plate member with electronic hearing aid components mounted thereto. The plate member is preferably of a harder material such as hard plastic. A soft polymeric body is bonded to the plate member and encapsulates preferably a plurality of the electronic hearing aid components. The body is soft and is shaped to conform to the ear canal of the user. The soft polymeric body and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components define a soft structure compliant to the ear canal during use and that is substantially solid and free of void spaces between at least some of the components and the ear canal. This combination of soft compliant structure and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components addresses problems of peripheral leakage, poor fit, pivotal displacement that occurs with jaw motion and internal cross talk of components housed in prior art hollow type hearing aids.

Abstract: A method for making a prototype mold includes step 1: to prepare thermoplastic liquid by mixing hollow particles and resin; step 2: to crush used prototype molds into 5 mm to 10 mm particles; step 3: to mix the crushed particles in step 2 with the thermoplastic liquid; step 4: to eliminate bubbles in the mixture of the thermoplastic liquid and the crushed particles; step 5: to pour the mixture of the thermoplastic liquid and the crushed particles in a mold to make a product; step 6: to heat the product in step 5 at 60 to 200 degrees Celsius for 0.5 to 120 hours; step 7: to heat the product in step 6 at 60 to 80 degrees Celsius for 8 to 12 hours to obtain a stable crystal structure; step 8: to take the product from the mold, and step 9: to trim the product.

Abstract: A mold for a microlens includes a substrate at least a portion of which is electrically conductive, such as an electrically-conductive substrate or a substrate with an electrode layer, an insulating mask layer formed on the substrate and including an opening or plural openings, and a plated layer electroplated in the opening and on the mask layer. A first condition that a diameter or width (&phgr;) of the opening has a relation of &phgr;≦0.35R, wherein (R) is a radius of curvature of the plated layer right above the opening, or a second condition that the diameter or width (&phgr;) of the opening is &phgr;≦10 &mgr;m, is met.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for fabricating an x-ray mask tool which can achieve pattern features having lateral dimension of less than 1 micron. The process begins by depositing a conductive metal layer onto one surface of a silicon wafer. A thin photoresist and a standard lithographic mask are then used to transfer an trace image pattern onto the opposite surface of the wafer by exposing and developing the resist. The exposed portion of the silicon substrate is anisotropically etched through the wafer thickness down to conductive metal layer to provide an etched pattern consisting of a series of rectilinear channels and recesses in the silicon which serve as the silicon micro-mold. Microcomponents are prepared with this mold by first filling the mold channels and recesses with a metal deposit, typically by electroplating, and then removing the silicon micro-mold by chemical etching.

Abstract: A ceramic investment shell mold is reinforced with a carbon based fibrous reinforcement having an extremely high tensile strength that increases as the mold temperature is increased especially within the range of casting temperatures employed for casting large directionally solidified industrial gas turbine components. The carbon based fibrous reinforcement is wrapped or otherwise positioned around the repeating ceramic slurry/stucco layers forming the intermediate thickness of the shell mold wall. The reinforced shell mold can be used to cast large directionally solidified industrial gas turbine components with accurate dimensional control.

Abstract: A wax pattern mold and molding process are disclosed for forming a wax pattern of a hollow, thin walled object, in particular, a golf club head. A mold is provided in at least two halves defining a mold cavity. A core made up of a plurality of interfitted parts is placed in the mold to precisely define the thin walls. The core and mold are provided with a registration channel such that the core is properly registered in the cavity to ensure dimensional integrity of the thin walls. Pins, holes, slots, and fingers are provided to lock the core parts together while the wax pattern is formed and to permit the core parts to be disassembled through an opening in the mold without separating the mold halves.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a shell used in the manufacture of a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing comprises ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound shell can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously.

Abstract: A molded product which is free of flash resulting from application of a coating agent or the like, parting surface covering masks for preventing the flash, and producing methods of these. The mask is mounted to each of a lower mold and an upper mold, so as to cover parting surfaces which are at inner side than a rim molding portion and cover their vicinities. Adjusting portions are attached to a mask body of the mask, and are capable of correspondingly getting tight contact with the parting surfaces. Accordingly, even when the coating agent is applied to the each mold by using a spray gun or the like in this state, the coating agent is not applied to the parting surfaces and their vicinities.

Abstract: A press die made of concrete having a surface layer bonded to the concrete, and a method manufacturing the same. A concrete member 60A is hardened through steam-curing. Thereafter, a surface material layer 70 is formed on a pressing surface of the concrete member 60A utilizing the aggregate 65 in the hardened concrete member 60A as an anchor.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers useful for separation of enzymes, which comprises the steps of reacting a complex of enzyme and affinity monomer, a comonomer and a crosslinker, with a polymerization initiator and a polymerization accelerator at ambient temperature and pressure for a period ranging between 2 to 24 hrs, thereby obtaining a crosslinked polymer, crushing the cross linked polymer obtained to fine particles, adding a solvent and extracting imprinted enzyme from the polymer, obtaining the molecularly imprinted polymer, contacting the imprinted polymer with aqueous solution containing imprinted enzyme or a mixture of imprinted enzyme and other enzymes and isolating the enzyme-adsorbed polymer.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a cure tool for curing materials at elevated temperatures. A facility tool is formed having a tool surface defining a mold line corresponding to a pattern of the object to be molded, to which a release coating is then applied. A mixture of a first resin surface coating is then prepared and de-aired to remove air trapped therein before being applied to the tool surface of the facility tool. The layer of the first mixture is then allowed to tack off for a predetermined period of time before being re-smoothed to promote substantially even application thereof to the tool surface. A mixture of a second resin surface coating is then prepared, preferably having a mix ratio by mass of about half the mix ratio by mass of the first mixture, and then de-aired to remove air trapped therein. A layer of the second mixture is then applied to the layer of the first mixture after the layer of the first mixture has tacked off.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mold, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: Replicas are molded by curing a photo-curable liquid silicone rubber composition to form a transparent mother mold having a cavity corresponding to the outer contour of a master model, casting a photo-curable liquid resin into the mold cavity, and irradiating light to the liquid resin through the mold wall. Replicas can be fabricated by simple steps and within a short time.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin and filler composition that can be cured in a variety of shapes and dimensions to make a variety of tools is described. One example of a tool that can made is a vacuum-casting mold. One embodiment first involves forming a tool composition comprising (a) from about 65 to about 75 weight percent filler, the filler being selected from the group consisting of Group II metal carbonates, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, alumina, silica, ceramic materials, glass, nut shells, fiberglass, dolomite, and mixtures thereof, (b) from about 25 to about 35 weight percent of a thermosetting resin, and (c) a catalyst for catalyzing the formation of the thermoset resin. Once formed, the tool composition is applied to a plug shaped so that the desired tool is formed by curing the composition on, around and/or in the plug. The composition is allowed to cure to form the tool, and the tool is then separated from the plug.

Abstract: A replaceable mold cavity for use in the production of golf balls is disclosed herein. The mold cavity has a plastic insert with an inverse dimple pattern thereon that is formed from a plastic molding material, and a support cup in which the plastic insert is placed for the golf ball molding operation. The plastic insert may have a metal layer thereon that has an identical inverse dimple pattern. The entire replaceable mold cavity may also be composed of a plastic material. The use of plastic molding materials to form the plastic insert, or the entire mold cavity, allows for rapid production of golf balls having different dimple patterns which allows for expedited testing and introduction of new golf balls.

Abstract: Method of making a ceramic core for casting an industrial gas turbine engine airfoil having a large airfoil pitch by forming a precursor core (chill) of smaller dimensions than the final desired ceramic core, firing the chill, applying a thin ceramic skin to the fired chill to form a coated core of final dimensions, and then firing the coated core. Firing of the thin ceramic skin reduces airfoil pitch shrinkage resulting from the latter firing operation to reduce overall core dimensional tolerance variations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite molding tool including a surface coat that comprises metal powders and mineral fillers, and a composition comprising a resin mixture and metallic fillers. The composition includes at least about 45% metallic fillers, based on the weight percent of the total composition.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

Abstract: A method of molding roofing shingles includes the steps of providing a compression mold having two mold bodies, and installing a mold insert in each of the two mold bodies. The surfaces of the inserts are shaped to correspond with the desired shape of a roofing shingle. A multiplicity of roofing shingles are molded using the compression mold. Each molding step includes charging the mold with a moldable material containing resin in an amount within the range of from about 10 to about 40 percent, and filler material in an amount within the range of from about 60 to about 90 percent, wherein the filler material subjects the inserts to wear by abrasion. The inserts in the mold are replaced when they are worn out, but this is done without replacing the mold bodies.

Abstract: A method for producing candles having surface designs comprising creating a rubber stamp, building a frame atop the rubber stamp, the frame and rubber stamp forming a reservoir, filling the reservoir with casting material, allowing the casting material to harden, removing the hardened casting material, creating as many casting materials as the candle to be produced has sides, connecting the casting materials together in the form of a box with an open top and bottom, constructing a dam around the box, the space between the box and the dam defining a reservoir, filling the box with filler, filling the reservoir with sufficient mold material so that the box is submerged, allowing the mold material to set, disassembling the dam, removing the set mold material from around the box, the set mold material having an open end, inverting the mold material so the open end faces upwardly, rebuilding the dam about the mold material, pouring liquefied candle wax into the mold material open end until the mold material is com

Abstract: A method for rapidly manufacturing soft tooling from organic polymer-based resins and reinforcement filler materials for use in an injection molding machine to make complex metal and ceramic parts from powders. The cost to produce the tooling is relatively low and the manufacturing time is relatively short compared to conventional processes for making metal tooling. The finished parts are near-net shape, requiring little or no machining, and have excellent sintered properties.

Abstract: A method for orienting an airfoil 10 during filling of an airfoil with laser blocking material 52 prior to a laser machining operation is provide and includes making a mask 78 for the airfoil.

Abstract: A method for rapidly forming a cast tool adapted for plastic molding includes preparing a uniform mixture of a castable material. A pattern is provided for a desired object to be formed by molding. The castable mixture is applied to the pattern. A continuous structure is cast within the castable material. The castable material is then cured to form a tool.

Abstract: A replaceable mold cavity for use in the production of golf balls is disclosed herein. The mold cavity has a plastic insert with an inverse dimple pattern thereon that is formed from a plastic molding material, and a support cup in which the plastic insert is placed for the golf ball molding operation. The plastic insert may have a metal layer thereon that has an identical inverse dimple pattern. The entire replaceable mold cavity may also be composed of a plastic material. The use of plastic molding materials to form the plastic insert, or the entire mold cavity, allows for rapid production of golf balls having different dimple patterns which allows for expedited testing and introduction of new golf balls.

Abstract: An improved method of making laminated optical components through the use of a master and several submasters is disclosed. A glass/photoresist master is made by recording optical surface features in the photoresist with coherent or incoherent light. The master is processed to reveal the surface features. A frame is fastened to the edges of the photoresist/glass master with edges rising slightly above the top surface of the master. Silicone rubber is poured into the frame over the photoresist layer and allowed to cure. The silicone rubber submaster is then separated from the photoresist/glass master. Use of silicon rubber permits separation of the submaster without damaging the master. Additionally, silicone rubber is less prone to shrinkage than prior art submasters thus permitting more accurate copying of the surface features of the photoresist/glass master. Subsequent epoxy replicas may then be made from the silicone rubber submaster.

Abstract: The method for forming a retroreflective sheeting includes providing a first layer and forming a prism array on the first layer. A second layer is applied to the prism array. The first thermoplastic layer is welded to the second thermoplastic layer, while applying a die having a plurality of cells with multi-course, hatched patterned perimeters to the layers to dislocate a portion of the prism array, thereby allowing the first layer to be bonded to the second layer at the portion.

Abstract: A method by which an elastomer is applied to a model (1) with relief marks to be reproduced. The purpose of the elastomer once set is to form a mold membrane (14) and incorporate within its own material the shape of the marks on the model. The mold membrane is then separated from the model and filled with a setting material, and the mold membrane is applied to a support in order to transfer the marks after preliminary pasting.

Abstract: A female mold (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) having a desirable pattern is formed on a substrate (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61). Next, ceramic material (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63) is filled in spaces in the female mold. Thereafter, the female mold is removed by heating the entire substrate, whereby a desirable thick film pattern can be finely and easily formed. The inorganic paste material comprising inorganic liquid vehicle containing water glass as main ingredient and powdery solid dispersed in the inorganic liquid vehicle is used as the ceramic material. The volume change of the inorganic paste material is small during the drying and calcinating processes, thus the inorganic paste material is prevented from being broken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for manufacturing shafts from composite materials, particularly shafts for golf clubs. An elongate mandrel, having a passage therein and having a plurality of holes between the passage and an outer surface of the mandrel, includes a flexible bladder, preferably latex, dipped and cured directly on the outer surface of the mandrel. A set of plies of pre-preg composite sheet is wrapped around the mandrel in a predetermined manner. The wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold, the bladder is inflated to a predetermined pressure. The pressurized wrapped mandrel is then heated for a predetermined period of time to cure the composite material to form a shaft, preferably for a golf club. While the shaft is cured in the mold, gas of a predetermined pressure is introduced through the passage in the mandrel to inflate the bladder and force the composite sheet against the walls of the mold.

Abstract: In a method for forming a horizontal head slider having a media opposing surface flying above or coming into contact with a recording medium, a film-like surface of a head for recording/reproducing information provided in parallel to the media opposing surface, and a rail portion provided on the media opposing surface for generating a pressure for ensuring stable flying or contact. The rail portion has a planar portion and a taper portion, and all of the shaping accuracy of the bottom surface of the slider and the rail, the adhesive property to a sacrificial layer overlaid thereon and the surface smoothness of the rail surface are enhanced. When the rail portion is formed, a part of mold for the planar portion is prepared by a metallic layer 2 and a mold for the taper portion is prepared by a photoresist layer 3, and a sacrificial layer 4, a media opposing surface layer 6 and a slider body layer 6 are formed thereon in this order.

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.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for forming a molded piece that includes a positive impression of an object, the molded piece comprising a monolithic block that is larger than the object. The apparatus comprises a container in which a negative impression of the object is formed by casting it in a fast-setting flowable compound, and a mold extension that snaps on to the container and provides an additional mold volume that is contiguous with the negative impression. The invention further comprises a mixing apparatus for mixing fast-setting compounds. In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises a cylindrical jar with a screw-on lid. A rod passes through an aperture in the lid and moves axially with respect to the jar. The end of the rod external to the jar is configured as a handle, and the end of the rod internal to the jar is connected to a circular mesh. The circular mesh is oriented parallel to the bottom of the jar and has an outer diameter which is slightly less than the smallest inner diameter of the jar.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to produce a shaped article having a uniform dull surface with less noticeable weld line and other surface detects. The injection molded synthetic resin article of the invention has a weld portion and is characterized in that the weld line on the surface of the injection molded article has a dent of no more than 2 .mu.m, the surface of the injection molded article is a dull surface with no more than 30% gloss, the general portion, the weld portion and the resin flow end portion of the surface of the injection molded article provide a uniform dull surface, said dull surface having such abrasion resistance that no visible flaws develops at a hardness of 2B and below in a pencil scratch test. Such molded article can be produced without post-molding paint application and yet it has practical utility, thus presenting a maximum economic advantage.

Abstract: Dimethylpropylamine is provided. This new amine surprisingly has a significantly less offensive odor and is considerably less prone to be impregnated in or coat the skin and clothing than are other amines which are utilized to catalyze phenol formaldehyde and polyisocyanate resins during the production of sand cores in the "Cold Box Process". Dimethylpropylamine also cures phenol formaldehyde and polyisocyanate resins at a surprisingly rapid rate. Dimethylpropylamine is produced utilizing a reaction mixture which includes Dimethylamine and Propyl alcohol such that the molar ratio of Dimethylarine to Propyl alcohol is in the range of 0.07 to 0.5.

Abstract: A device including an injection molding tool for use once or a few times for producing a sinterable ceramic and/or metallic product. The device includes at least one first tool part. At least one second tool part is combinable with the at least one first tool part to form a molding space for the product. The second tool part is produced using a wet composition and is made of a readily worked and form-stable material containing pores and admixed heat-conducting particles. A wet composition-enclosing member can engage the first tool part during the production of the second tool part. A unit can be connected to the at least one second tool part and can be arranged with the at least one first tool part for absorbing internal lateral displacement forces arising during squeezing or injection of an injection molding composition.

Abstract: A method for producing high performance components by the consolidation of powdered materials under conditions of hot isostatic pressure. The method uses the inclusion of reactive materials mixed into pressure-transmitting mold materials and into the powder to be consolidated to contribute to in-situ materials modification including purification, chemical transformation, and reinforcement. The method also uses encapsulation of the mold in a sealed container to retain the mold material in position, and to exclude air and contaminants.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the fabrication of semi-flexible artificial rock sheathing; a one-coat silicone elastomer is brushed or sprayed upon the surface of a substantially flat natural rock formation to form a mold that is adhered to a wood-framed fiberglass cradle that hold the shape of the mold; when removed from the rock formation, the mold is sprayed with a thermoplastic elastomer to form a semi-flexible rock sheathing having the same characteristics as the natural rock surface from which the mold was formed; after the materials are fully cured, the sheathing sheet may be separated from the mold and used for the fabrication of rock, rock structures, by attaching sheathing sheets to the exterior of a framework, followed by cutting and forming different shapes.

Abstract: The method for forming a retroreflective sheeting includes providing a first layer and forming a prism array on the first layer. A second layer is applied to the prism array. The first thermoplastic layer is welded to the second thermoplastic layer, while applying a die having a plurality of cells with multi-course, hatched patterned perimeters to the layers to dislocate a portion of the prism array, thereby allowing the first layer to be bonded to the second layer at the portion.

Abstract: An improved elastomeric mold for use in fabricating microstructures, the mold having first and second surfaces, the first surface including at least one recessed microchannel and the second surface including an access opening or filling member that extends through the mold to the first surface and communicates with the recessed microchannel. The mold is used by placing it onto a substrate with the recessed microchannel facing the substrate. The access opening of the mold is filled with a liquid material which is capable of solidifying. The access opening continuously introduces the liquid material into the space defined between the microchannel and the substrate. After the liquid material solidifies, the mold is removed from the substrate thereby leaving a microstructure formed from the solidified liquid material on the substrate.

Abstract: A flexible and resilient positive pattern is made for a desired high temperature metal or ceramic part such as a gas turbine impeller having a complex geometry with walls defining undercut spaces, and the pattern with flexible walls is dipped into a ceramic molding media capable of drying and hardening. The pattern is removed from the media to form a ceramic layer on the flexible pattern, and the layer is coated with sand and air dried to form a ceramic layer. The dipping, sanding and drying operations are repeated several times to form a multiple layer ceramic shell. The flexible wall pattern is removed from the shell, by partially collapsing with suction if necessary, to form a first ceramic shell mold with a negative cavity defining the part and to provide for reusing the pattern. A second ceramic shell mold is formed on the first shell mold to define the back of the part and a pour passage, and the combined shell molds are fired in a kiln.

Abstract: An implant having an integrally-textured, hemocompatible blood-contacting surface and a method for producing the same is provided. The implantable device can include a device body having a textured surface and a predefined complex shape, such as a bladder or a generally U-shaped conduit. The device body can be composed of a first device material, and the textured surface can be formed of a second device material on the obverse side of the device. The textured surface can have multiple, blood-compatible structures integrally formed thereon. The structures can be fibrils that are suitable for a generally uniform biological layer to be established thereupon.

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: An embossed substrate comprising a substrate of a plastic material and having a surface and an embossed surface carried by the surface of the substrate. The embossed surface is characterized by having a pattern with an average roughness of between 100 nanometers and 300 nanometers with the roughness being distributed substantially uniformly over the surface, the pattern has ridges and valleys with the horizontal distance between adjacent ridges and/or valleys being greater than the depth between the ridges and the valleys. The peaks and the valleys are randomly disposed without periodicity to cause diffusion of light impinging thereon to minimize or eliminate interference effects when the embossed surface overcoated with thin planar organic layers is exposed to light.

Abstract: A method for making a molded refractory article including the steps of providing a mold including a master pattern, the mold and master pattern defining a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with a mixture comprising refractory particles and a heat fugitive binder; placing the assembly of the mold, master pattern and mixture in a furnace; curing the mixture; separating the mold and master pattern from the cured mixture; removing the binder to form a porous structure, sintering the porous structure to provide a porous refractory article and infiltrating the porous refractory article with a filler metal.