Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention fabricate objects using investment molding techniques. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object includes: fabricating a subassembly including a plurality of volumes; where each volume is defined by the homogenous presence or absence of a material; where fabricating the subassembly includes using an additive manufacturing process; where at least one of the plurality of volumes defines a shape that is to exist in the object to be fabricated; where at least a first of the plurality of volumes includes a first dissolvable material; dissolving the first dissolvable material; where the dissolution of the first dissolvable material does not dissolve at least one other material within the subassembly; forming at least one cavity within the subassembly; and introducing an additive material into the at least one cavity.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for the delivery of substances to, or the sampling of substances from, a patient using a portable and preferably implantable device. The substances introduced to and/or taken from the patient are preferably fluidic and are driven by a miniature pump, such as a microimpedance pump. A number of design variations are explicitly and implicitly described, such as the use of multiple pumps and multiple reservoirs for containing medicaments. Methods of manufacture of these systems and devices are also described, for instance, using molding, micromachining, or lithographic processes.

Abstract: A method for making a cleated plate member for an article of footwear is described. The method includes a number of steps where various molds are used to form different components of the cleated plate member. A collar receptacle is formed using a first molding process. A cleat member is formed from a non-compatible material with a fastener of the cleat member associated with the collar receptacle using another molding process to form a combined cleat assembly. The combined cleat assembly is placed into corresponding receptacles in a mold used to form the cleated plate member. The cleated plate member is formed using another molding process that embeds the collar receptacle into the body of the cleated plate member. The completed cleated plate member includes releasably attached cleat members.

Abstract: A joining structure includes a first member having a cylindrical hollow portion, and a second member that is cylindrical in shape, has an outer circumferential diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the hollow portion, and is to be pressed into the hollow portion. A concave portion, which is cut out inward from an outer circumference of the first member, is formed on part of a portion of the first member into which the second member is pressed.

Abstract: A headband for use in supporting a breathing mask on a user's face comprises a flexible band body that is provided with upper and lower band portions. At least some portions of the band body are made of a foamed plastic material. The headband may be provided with a supporting structure made of a material in which at least some portions of the supporting structure can be individually adjusted to the shape of the back of the user's head. A method for producing the headband and the supporting structure include injecting a plastic material into a first molding tool space to form a stiffening layer, subsequently, injecting a pore-forming plastic material into a second molding tool space such that the pore-forming plastic material at least partially covers the stiffening layer to form a cushion layer.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a tub for a humidifier comprising a container made of a first material, a heating element, and a lining made of a second, preferably biocompatible, material different from the first material, wherein the container comprises a base and a side wall defining a reservoir for a supply of liquid to be evaporated, the heating element is provided on the base of the container, and the lining covers the heating element and a substantial portion of the inner surface of the side wall of the container.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing orthopedic implants that reduces the negative effects of stress shielding on surrounding bone structure. The orthopedic implants are comprised of two portions, a shell portion that forms an articulation interfaces and an intermediate portion that forms a bone interface. The shell portion is designed to reduce absorption of Carticulation forces and evenly distribute incident forces to the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is designed to form a strong interface with native bone and transmit forces from the shell into the bone.

Abstract: A unitary two component article for personal hygiene, such as a toothbrush, wherein the same is formed by injection molding of two differing plastic materials. The plastics do not adhesively or chemically bond to each other. The two differing plastic parts of the toothbrush are mechanically connected, such as by interfitting portions of the two plastic components or by shrinking one plastic component about the other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a molded plastic product having an outer skin and in inner core. The method is particularly suitable for making structural products such as panels or the like from recycled plastic material. The method comprises the steps of: providing a mold having a mold cavity; forming an outer skin from a first plastic material on at least two opposed surfaces inside the mold cavity; forming an inner core from a second plastic material inside the mold cavity; and at least partially curing the plastic materials to form a molding inside the mold cavity via the application of heat. The method is characterised by the subsequent steps of (optionally pre-cooling the molding and then) simultaneously cooling the molding and compressing the molding so as to reduce its size in at least one dimension to a desired dimension of the finished product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible substrate includes providing a support, forming an auxiliary layer including a silicon-containing material and a gold (Au) particle on the support, forming a polymer thin film on the auxiliary layer, and removing the support after forming the polymer thin film.

Abstract: A lead with segmented electrodes can be made using one or two mold methods. In one method, segmented electrodes are individually disposed on pins on an interior surface within a mold. Each of the segmented electrodes has at least one opening formed in the exterior surface of the segmented electrode. The lead body is then molded between the electrodes. In a two mold method, segmented electrodes are inserted into electrode slots of a first mold and an interior portion of a lead body is formed. The resulting intermediate arrangement is placed into a second mold to form an exterior portion of the lead body. In another two mold method, a sacrificial ring is formed around the segmented electrodes in a first mold and the resulting intermediate structure is inserted in a second mold to form the lead body. The sacrificial ring is then removed.

Abstract: A ceramic heater wherein in at least one cross section of the ceramic heater orthogonal to the axial direction, a first resistor cross section has no protrusion on a first inner portion of the contour of a first resistor cross section, and has two or more protrusions on a first outer portion of the contour of the first resistor cross section and a method of manufacturing the ceramic heater.

Abstract: At a filling termination stage when performing multi-layer molding by means of a hot runner nozzle, an intermediate layer in a multi-layer molded article is prevented from being formed in a shape causing the intermediate layer to enter into a sprue in a portion of a mold cavity in a mold corresponding to the sprue. The multi-layer molded article with no intermediate layer being exposed in a sprue cut portion can be therefore obtained. In this manner, a diameter of a discharge port opening and closing mechanism part for opening and closing the resin discharge ports in the shut pin is made different from a diameter of a nozzle gate opening and closing mechanism part configured of the projection for pushing out the molten resin in the nozzle gate.

Abstract: An ice bag is described having a bladder formed with an opening, a threaded receiver coupled to the bladder at the opening, a threaded cap having a first portion formed of a rigid material and a second portion formed of an overmold material, the second portion providing a seal between the receiver and cap with the cap threaded into the receiver.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a composite material having a pre-designed structure and properties according to the intended use of said composite material is provided. The method includes generating data for dispensing two or more different interface materials having different properties into at least two different phases; selectively depositing said two or more different interface materials having different properties from two or more corresponding dispensers to form layers according to the data generated, each interface material being dispensed from a different dispenser to form at least two different phases of interface materials; and curing or solidifying the dispensed layers to obtain a composite material with pre-designed structure and properties.

Abstract: A injection mold machine including a polymer injection assembly, a mold comprising an mold injection half and an mold ejection half, the mold injection half of the mold aligned with the injection assembly for operable mating therewith and the mold injection half adapted for removable, operable mating with the mold ejection half of the mold when aligned therewith, the mold injection half and mold ejection half forming a mold cavity when clamped together adapted to over-mold a portion of an elongated article, a shuttle table supporting the mold ejection half movable between a first position and a second position, where the mold ejection half is aligned with the mold injection half in the first position, and a first basket movable with the shuttle table positioned to contain a portion of the elongated article being over-molded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein relate to a recyclable thermoplastic unit that includes a casing body composed of a first thermoplastic having a first melting point. The casing body also includes a first locking mechanism that is configured to mate with a second locking mechanism of a sacrifice layer. The sacrifice layer is composed of a second thermoplastic and includes the second locking mechanism. The sacrifice layer has a melting point that is greater than the melting point of the casing body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer golf ball includes injection molding a core from an ionomeric thermoplastic material such that the core has an outer surface with a plurality of polygonal land potions aligned on a common sphere and a plurality of grooves extending radially inward from the sphere. The core is then positioned between a first hemispherical shell and a diametrically opposed second hemispherical shell, which are each formed from a rubber material. The first and second hemispherical shells are then compression molded such that rubber material conforms to the outer surface of the core. The rubber material is then cured to form a unitary intermediate layer that surrounds the core. Finally, a cover layer is molded about the intermediate layer through one of injection molding and compression molding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer golf ball includes injection molding a core from an ionomeric thermoplastic material such that the core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of depressions extending radially inward from a spherical land portion, with each depression having a maximum depth relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The core is then positioned between a first hemispherical shell and a diametrically opposed second hemispherical shell, which are each formed from a rubber material. The first and second hemispherical shells are then compression molded such that rubber material conforms to the outer surface of the core. The rubber material is then cured to form a unitary intermediate layer that surrounds the core. Finally, a cover layer is molded about the intermediate layer through one of injection molding and compression molding.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided for a fishing lure made with sugar. The system includes a mixing vat, a mixing mechanism, a mold, and a pump. The vat contains a mixture that includes resin, plasticizer, stabilizer, oil, and sugar. The mixing mechanism mixes the mixture in the vat. The mold forms a fishing lure of a desired shape. The pump pumps the mixture from the vat into the mold.

Abstract: A suction tube arrangement includes a suction tube having a suction tube opening and an actuating shaft which is received in the suction tube. The actuating shaft has a base body made of a first material and an actuating shaft body made of a second material and at least partially applied on the base body. The base body or the actuating shaft body forms at least one cover element to open or close the suction tube opening as a function of a rotation of the actuating shaft. An actuating element is at least partially enclosed by the actuating shaft body for actuating the actuating shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of multichannel nerve conduits for use in the repair of nerve injury. In particular, the invention relates to collagen multichannel nerve conduits which are suitable for use in repair of peripheral nerves.

Abstract: A method to manufacture a housing of an electronic device includes providing a fiber cloth impregnated with resin. Providing a film attached to one side surface of the fiber cloth. Placing the fiber cloth together with the film in a hot-press die to adhere the film to the fiber cloth to form a fiber cloth layer and a film layer. Placing the fiber cloth layer and the film layer in a female mold. Providing a male mold closed to the female mold, then injecting molten resin into the female mold to form a resin layer, with the resin layer and the film layer integrated to a unitary body when injecting. Then cooling the female mold and the male mold, and then opening the male mold to retrieve the housing.

Abstract: A consumable filament for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the consumable filament comprises a core portion of a first thermoplastic material, and a shell portion of a second thermoplastic material that is compositionally different from the first thermoplastic material, where the consumable filament is configured to be melted and extruded to form roads of a plurality of solidified layers of a three-dimensional object, and where the roads at least partially retain cross-sectional profiles corresponding to the core portion and the shell portion of the consumable filament.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a lens device includes steps of: injecting an outer-layer material into a mold; injecting an inner-layer material into the mold, wherein the inner-layer material is enclosed by the outer-layer material; and solidifying the outer-layer material and the inner-layer material. The lens device made by the manufacturing method of this invention can exert the advantage of decreasing the cost.

Abstract: According to a method for making a resin hollow body, in a primary-formation process, molten resin is injected into spaces defined by dies to form resin components. In a die-moving process, each component is held in at least one die. Joining edges of the components are brought close through relative movement of the dies to make a predetermined arrangement of the components. In a secondary-formation process, molten resin is injected into a region where the edges are adjacent. The edges are joined to form an outer wall, partition wall, and hollow portion of the hollow body. At least one of the edges constituting the partition wall includes a linear groove. In the die-moving process, the partition-wall-constituting edges are brought into contact to define by the groove a linear hollow cavity surrounded with the edges. In the secondary-formation process, the cavity is filled with molten resin to join the partition-wall-constituting edges.

Abstract: A method for a case for an electronic device is provided. The method includes two steps. More specifically, in the method, a first plastic layer is formed by injection molding. Subsequently, a PCM microcapsule layer is formed on one side of the first plastic layer by injection molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a sensor. In the method, a sensor element having an IC is pre-overmolded to produce a preform, wherein the preform is designed in such a way that the preform can accommodate electrical contacts for the sensor having various dimensions and/or in various positions by press fitting. The electrical contacts are pressed into holes/recesses of the preform, the connections of the IC of the sensor are connected to the electrical contacts, and the preform is inserted into an injecting mold and is overmolded to produce the finished sensor. In this way, sensors for different applications can be produced in a substantially standardized manner. The invention further relates to a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a tubular fuel cell by means of a pulling-core tool (11), wherein the pulling-core tool (11) comprises at least one tool part (12a, 12b) that forms a cavity and a pulling core (13) that can be positioned in at least two positions (A, B) in the cavity, wherein a hollow space (14, 14a) can be formed between the pulling core (13) and the at least one cavity-forming tool part (12a, 12b), which hollow space substantially corresponds to the shape of a tubular body to be formed, said tubular body being closed at one end by a cap section, wherein the pulling-core tool (11) has at least one sprue channel (15) that opens into the hollow-space region (14a) having the shape of the cap section.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a crash pad for a vehicle, may include (a) preparing a die including an upper die and a lower die for forming a first cavity for a Passenger Air Bag (PAB) door and a second cavity for a crash pad body, between the upper die and the lower die, (b) fixing a skin foam on an upper surface of the lower die, (c) moving the upper die in an upward direction in a predetermined distance and filling the first cavity for the PAB door with a first material and the second cavity for the crash pad body with a second material, (d) moving the upper die in a downward direction to compress the first and second materials against the lower die, while the first and second cavities may be filled with the first material and the second material, and (e) extracting a core of the PAB door and the crash pad body integrally formed with the skin foam from the die.

Abstract: A co-injected molded multi-layer article has inner and outer layers, an interior layer contained within the inner and outer layers and a surface portion to which a closure or other component may be heat-sealed. The article is molded by co-injecting the inner, outer and interior layer materials into a mold cavity of a mold. The interior layer material is caused to flow along a steam line offset from the zero velocity gradient of the combined material flow and biased toward a material flow for forming an outer wall of the multi-layer article. The resultant molded multi-layer article contains an interior layer located in a heat sealable region that avoids a breach or failure during a heat seal operation to seal an opening of the molded article.

Abstract: A booster explosive (10) is comprised of assembled components comprising a canister body (12, 112) having a fuse tunnel (22) formed integrally therewith and a separate cap well (14, 114) mounted within the canister body (12, 112) which is filled with a solid cast explosive (34). The connector end (14c, 114c, 214c) of cap well (14, 114) is configured to engage cap well mounting fixture (28, 128) disposed within the canister body (12, 112). Cap well mounting fixture (28, 128) has a flexible and resilient crown-shaped locking member (28a, 128a) formed integrally therewith and is otherwise configured to positively retain a detonator (16, 116) within the cap well (14, 114). More than one cap well (214a, 214b, 214a?, 214b?) and more than one fuse tunnel (222a, 222b, 222a?, 222b?) may be provided in the canister body (212, 212?).

Abstract: A method of making garment material, the method having the steps: applying coagulant (34) to a substrate (32); applying a foam (38) of the polymeric material to the substrate (32); allowing the coagulant (34) to coagulate some of the foam (38); and removing uncoagulated foam (38) from the substrate (32) to leave a layer of coagulated polymeric material on the substrate (32).

Abstract: Preform for the blow moulding of a container comprising a neck section (1) including a pouring opening (20), an adjacent wall section (2) and a bottom section (3). It consists of a primary plastic raw material in a primary area (A1, A2, A3) and at least one secondary material in at least a secondary area (B1, B2, B3) both having a mutually different coloration. Said preform is remarkable in that said bottom section (3) is composed of a multi-layer structure with primary layers composed of said primary plastic material, and additional secondary layers (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The latter are composed of said secondary material, two surface secondary layers the one of which (6) is directed outwardly respective the preform, whereas the other one (10) is directed inwardly, and an intermediate secondary layer between them (7, 8, 9), which constitutes a core layer, which is located between two said primary layers.

Abstract: The invention offers a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, which is a porous resin membrane produced by the following steps: preparing multiple types of polytetrafluoroethylene each having a different quantity of heat of fusion; using each of the multiple types of polytetrafluoroethylene to form a membrane composed of a fluororesin consisting mainly of polytetrafluoroethylene; heating each membrane to its melting point or above to bake it, so that multiple types of nonporous resin membranes are produced; stacking the multiple types of nonporous resin membranes in the order of the magnitude of the quantity of heat of fusion of the polytetrafluoroethylene used to produce each of the nonporous resin membranes; bonding the stacked membranes with each other; and stretching the bonded membranes to form the porous resin membrane. The porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane has a mean flow pore diameter of 50 nm or less.

Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A method of producing a stretch film includes at least: extruding a first random copolymer polypropylene (RCPP) resin from a first extruder at a first temperature to at least one primary channel inside of a feedblock; extruding a second RCPP resin from a second extruder at a second temperature to at least one secondary channel, wherein said second temperature is greater than said first temperature; combining the first RCPP resin and the second RCPP resin to create a layered stream using a combining adapter disposed in communication with the feedblock; passing said layered stream from the combining adapter to a die; and passing the layered stream through said die to a casting unit. A multi-layered stretch film includes at least one nanolayer section, the nanolayer section comprising alternating substantially adjacent layers of a first random copolymer polypropylene (RCPP) resin and a second RCPP resin.

Abstract: A motor vehicle plastic body panel is disclosed having an opaque plastic panel and a plastic window pane formed as an integral part of the plastic body panel by co-moulding it with the opaque plastic panel. A lightweight motor vehicle body panel made completely from plastic is therefore provided. The plastic body panel requires no window seals due to the integration of the plastic window pane as part of the plastic body panel.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a multi-component handle, and method of manufacturing the same. The invention can be a method of forming a handle for an oral care implement comprising: a) forming a core structure of a first hard plastic; b) forming an elongated handle body of a second hard plastic that at least partially surrounds the core structure so that opposing lateral surfaces of the core structure remain exposed; and c) forming a grip cover of a resilient material over at least a portion of the elongated handle body.

Abstract: A method for producing a bicycle saddle including a cover, a shell and a filler. The method is carried out by a mold including upper part with a male portion and a lower part with a female portion, which are pin-jointed together. The method comprises the steps of preheating the mold to a predetermined temperature; opening the mold; treating a layer of release agent onto the surfaces of the male portion and the female portion; spraying a first layer of a first plastic material onto the surface of the female portion treated with the layer of release agent to form a cover; coupling a shell to the male portion; pouring a second layer of a second plastic material onto the female portion; closing the mold and holding it in the closed position a period of time to form the filler; opening the mold to remove the finished saddle.

Abstract: A closure and method of making a closure are disclosed. The closure includes a cap body having a top portion and an opening extending therethrough defining a cavity in communication with said opening. A flow channel is defined within a portion of the cap body having an inlet and an outlet. A stopper is disposed within the cavity adjacent the outlet of the flow channel. The stopper is formed from a material adapted for flowing through the flow channel to form a pierceable portion, with at least one of the cap body and the stopper configured for closing a container.

Abstract: A process for producing molded products having portions formed with two separate materials is provided, The process involves forming a first component over a structural core in a first step, and forming a second component that is secured to the first component and the core in a second step. The second component can be formed directly over the first component or can be secured thereto after formation. The first and second components can additionally be formed with indicia thereon, or with recesses within which inserts containing the desired indicia can be positioned. Additionally, the first component can be formed with a ridge disposed on a projection formed on the first component that effectively seals off a portion of the first component when the second component is formed around the core and the first component to ensure the portion of the first component surrounded by the ridge remains visible after formation of the second component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for co-extruding multiple polymeric material flow streams into a mold having a plurality of cavities to produce a plurality of multi-layer polymeric articles each having a consistent coverage of an interior core layer are disclosed herein. In an example method, a flow rate of a first skin material into a cavity is individually controlled for each cavity before initiation of co-injection of a second core material into the cavity, which may address inconsistent interior core layer coverage for articles from different cavities.

Abstract: Swimming pool safety coping element and method of manufacture thereof The present invention relates to coping elements, in particular to coping elements used around the edge of a swimming pool. A swimming pool safety coping element (10) comprises an outer layer portion (12) and an infill portion (14), the outer layer portion at least partly bounding the infill portion. The coping element is manufactured by forming the outer layer portion from a Low Surface Energy material. A pressure sensitive adhesive (16) is then applied across a first surface of the outer layer portion. In a further step, a flowable polymer composition is poured onto the first surface of the outer layer, and allowed to set, to provide the infill portion.

Abstract: A method facilitates fabricating a cellular cushion. The method comprises injecting material into a mold in an injection molding process to form a cushion first layer that includes a plurality of hollow cells that extend outward from the base and are each coupled together in flow communication, coupling a second layer to the first layer, and coupling an injection stem in flow communication to the plurality of hollow cells to enable an operating pressure within the cells to be changed.

Abstract: A molded tire may include a support structure having an inner circumferential portion and an outer circumferential portion. The inner circumferential portion may be configured to be associated with a hub. The molded tire may also include a tread portion associated with the outer circumferential portion of the support structure, wherein the tread portion may be formed from a first polyurethane having first material characteristics. The support structure may be formed from a second polyurethane having second material characteristics different than the first material characteristics. The support structure may be chemically bonded to the tread portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for co-extruding multiple polymeric material flow streams into a mold having a plurality of cavities to produce a plurality of multi-layer polymeric articles each having a consistent coverage of an interior core layer are disclosed herein. In an example method, a flow rate of a first skin material into a cavity is individually controlled for each cavity before initiation of co-injection of a second core material into the cavity, which may address inconsistent interior core layer coverage for articles from different cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a gas barrier film comprising a cured resin layer and a gas barrier layer, the gas barrier layer being provided on at least one side of the cured resin layer, the cured resin layer being a layer formed of a cured product of a curable resin composition that includes (A) a thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 140° C. or more, and (B) a curable monomer, the gas barrier film having a water vapor transmission rate of 1 g/m2/day or less at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90%; a method for producing the gas barrier film; a gas barrier film laminate comprising the gas barrier film; an electronic device member comprising the gas barrier film; an electronic device member comprising the gas barrier film laminate; an electronic device comprising the electronic device member.

Abstract: Padding element for seats such as sofas, armchairs, chairs and armrests, wherein such seats have a support structure, or similar support structure for the human body or parts thereof, such as rest or anti-fatigue mats, anti-decubitus mattresses, shower mats, anti-impact mats, wherein the padding element is provided with a support surface for a user, wherein the padding element includes one film or covering, one gel layer adhering to part of the film or covering and one compact elastomeric layer having a surface for contact with the gel layer and with part of the film or covering and one surface for contact with the seat and/or with the support structure of the seat, wherein the compact elastomeric layer adheres to the gel layer and the film or covering; method for obtaining such padding element.

Abstract: A hollow element assembly has a base and a lid. The base has a wall that at least partly defines a recess, and the lid is locatable on the base so as to further bound the recess. Location of the lid on the base is achieved by bringing an edge of the wall into abutting contact with a corresponding contacting surface on the lid. At least one of the edge of the wall and the contacting surface of the lid has a channel running there along, such that when the lid is located on the base, a welding conduit is provided that follows the edge of the wall. At least one of the base and the lid further has an inlet aperture arranged to deliver molten welding material to the welding conduit from a region external to the hollow element assembly, so as to weld the base and the lid together, to provide a hollow element.