Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring a three-dimensional printed template created using an additive manufacturing technique, infilling the template with an aerogel precursor solution, allowing formation of a sol-gel, and converting the sol-gel to an aerogel. In another embodiment, a product includes an aerogel having inner channels corresponding to outer walls of a three-dimensional printed template around which the aerogel was formed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a casting, the method including applying a substrate to a sacrificial mold, the sacrificial mold including a shaped non-planar receiving surface to receive the substrate and provide a casting of the substrate having a shaped structure corresponding to the receiving surface; and subjecting the sacrificial mold and casting to freeze drying conditions and sublimating the sacrificial mold from the casting to form a cast article including the shaped non-planar structure.

Abstract: Collimators and other components for use in neutron scattering experiments or to provide neutron shielding in nuclear reactors or accelerator based neutron sources are produced by additive manufacturing from neutron absorbing material, such as boron carbide (B4C) or isotopically enriched boron carbide (10B).

Abstract: According to a method set forth herein a plurality of preform plies having first and second preform plies can be associated together to define a preform. The preform can be subject to chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) processing to define a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an ellipsoidal or semi-ellipsoidal semiconductor structure includes steps of providing a semiconductor substrate and fabricating an ellipsoidal or semi-ellipsoidal cavity structure on the semiconductor substrate. The cavity structure encompasses a seed surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method includes a further step of growing the ellipsoidal or semi-ellipsoidal semiconductor structure within the ellipsoidal or semi-ellipsoidal cavity structure from the seed surface of the semiconductor substrate. Fabricating the cavity structure includes arranging a droplet comprising a sacrificial material on the semiconductor substrate, forming a layer of a coating material on the semiconductor substrate and the droplet, and selectively removing the sacrificial material of the droplet to expose the cavity structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material part includes injecting under pressure a slurry containing a powder of refractory ceramic particles into a fiber texture; and draining the liquid of the slurry that has passed through the fiber texture, while retaining the powder of refractory ceramic particles within the texture to obtain a fiber preform filled with refractory ceramic particles. The injection tooling includes a porous material mold including an internal housing in which the fiber texture is placed, the slurry being injected into the fiber texture via an injection port in the injection tooling and leading into the internal housing of the mold. The tooling includes a rigid material enclosure in which the porous material mold is held while the slurry is injected under pressure and while the liquid of the slurry is drained, the liquid of the slurry being discharged via a vent present in the enclosure.

Abstract: Method for producing ceramic components, more particularly ceramic components having recesses and/or hollow spaces, there being at least one sintered ceramic part present. In order to improve the handling qualities of ceramic components, the sintered ceramic part can include a carrier or carrying section which is removed in the further processing from at least one ceramic component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an additive manufacturing method for manufacturing an object. The method comprises depositing successive layers of a granular metal construction material. The method comprises selectively binding a first region of each layer to form a bound shell of the construction material defining an exterior of the object by depositing a binder into the first region surrounding a second region that remains unbound. The method comprises separating the shell and the enclosed unbound construction material from the construction material remaining outside the shell. The present disclosure also provides apparatuses implementing the manufacturing method, and objects manufactured by the manufacturing method.

Abstract: A process for mass production of round portions of frozen confection. The portions are characterized by an artisanal hand-scooped appearance and distinctiveness, and surface melting characteristics comparable to the manually scooped product. These units are manufactured by hardening in molds that introduce particular features of shape and texture. Furthermore the mold composition allows preservation of subtle differences that result from variations in each portion's internal pressure when the confection expands during freezing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separation membrane having high mechanical strength and being less likely to cause clogging and capable of continuously maintaining high water permeation performance. The present invention relates to a separation membrane characterized in that the average diameter D1 of a spherical structure in a region within 10 ?m from a first surface in a separation membrane having a spherical structure layer formed of a thermoplastic resin and the average diameter D2 of a spherical structure in a region of 10 ?m to 20 ?m from a second surface satisfy the relational expression of D1>D2 and the average diameter D1 and the average diameter D3 of a spherical structure in a third region satisfy the relational expression of 1.10<D1/D3<4.00.

Abstract: A station for forming a container from a preform. The station having a main body including a preform seat adapted to receive a preform and an injection assembly. The injection assembly including an injection nozzle, comprising an inlet and an outlet, that is movable between a retracted position and an injection position. An injection device arranged to inject liquid to the inlet of the injection nozzle. The injection device includes a housing, defining a main chamber having an actuation aperture, and a closing element movable relative to the housing and closing the actuation aperture. The injection nozzle and the housing of the injection device are rigidly fixed to each other so as to form a single unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monolithic multi-layered material having at least a first layer, from which anisotropic pores originate, and a second layer, in which the anisotropic pores continue. The present invention further relates to a monolithic medical material having at least a first layer, from which anisotropic pores originate, and a second layer, in which the anisotropic pores continue. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of a multi-layered material having anisotropic pores. It further relates to a multi-layered material which can be produced by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for heating or cooling a material to be heated or to be cooled. The apparatus includes: a first compartment for containing the material to be heated or to be cooled; and a second compartment containing a phase change material, wherein the phase change material is either for generating heat to heat the first compartment or absorbing heat to cool the first compartment when undergoing a phase change. There are further described various different activating arrangements for activating a change of phase of the phase change material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integral cooling system within an FFF nozzle manifold. The system includes a cooling reservoir formed within the body of the nozzle manifold, adapted to circulate a cooling liquid around the filament chamber and nozzle orifice. The coolant channel is situated to be in close physical proximity to the chamber and orifice, and to be thermally coupled to both via the body of the nozzle manifold. In addition, the interior of the cooling chamber is constructed so as to maximize the available surface area within a given cross-sectional geometry, thereby promoting increase heat transfer between the nozzle manifold and the cooling liquid.

Abstract: A breakable nonflowing gel bait composition that includes water in a range of about 40% to about 99% by weight of the composition, a toxicant in a range of about 0.0001% to about 25% by weight of the composition, one or more attractants in a combined range from about 1% to about 49% by weight of the composition, a gelling agent in a range of about 0.001% to about 15% by weight of the composition, and wherein the breakable nonflowing gel bait composition is a breakable nonflowing gel.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a composition comprising a nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel, wherein the nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel comprises a polymerization product of formaldehyde and at least one nitrogen-containing resorcinol analog. Also disclosed is a supercapacitor comprising the nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Abstract: Process to produce containers out of preforms, in which the preform is inserted in a form-filling station, molded and filled in this station. Gas, which remains in the head space after the end of the filling process, is replaced by a purge gas, and a form-filling machine is provided to produce and to fill containers made of preforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of hepatic disorders in a subject in need thereof. More specifically, the methods of the invention are based on the administration, preferably, systemic administration, of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one biocompatible alginate biomaterial, any modification thereof and any combination thereof. The invention further provides methods for sustaining serum albumin levels, and/or reducing serum AST and ALT, in subjects suffering from hepatic disorder. Still further, the invention provides methods for reducing apoptosis and inducing cell proliferation in a damaged liver tissue of a subject suffering of hepatic disorder, using the alginate biomaterial described by the invention.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven preform, a fiber reinforced composite incorporating the preform, and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The woven preform includes one or more layers of a warp steered fabric. A portion of the warp steered fabric is compressed into a mold to form an upstanding leg. The preform includes the upstanding leg and a joggle in a body portion. The body portion and upstanding leg are integrally woven so there is continuous fiber across the preform. A portion of the warp steered fabric includes stretch broken carbon fibers in the warp direction, and another portion includes conventional carbon fibers. The warp steered fabric can be woven on a loom equipped with a differential take-up mechanism. The warp steered fabric can be a single or multilayer fabric. The preform or the composite can be a portion of an aircraft window frame.

Abstract: A system for debinding a green body in the form of an orthodontic appliance may include a pressure vessel configured to contain a supercritical fluid. A source of a fluid chemical may be coupled to the pressure vessel to supply the fluid chemical to the pressure vessel. A heat source may be configured to heat the fluid chemical. A pump may pressurize the fluid chemical to at least the supercritical pressure. A collection vessel is coupled to the pressure vessel to capture the binder removed from the green bodies as at least the pressure of the supercritical fluid is reduced. A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance includes exposing green bodies including particles and a binder to a supercritical fluid to remove at least some of the binder from the green bodies, and collecting the removed binder from the supercritical fluid as the supercritical fluid transitions to a non-supercritical fluid.

Abstract: There is described a conveying and cooling apparatus (6, 6?) for conveying and cooling receptacles (2) comprising a conveying device (25) for advancing receptacles (2) along a conveying path (P1), a cooling device (28, 28?) for cooling the receptacles (2). The cooling device (28, 28?) comprises a supply unit adapted to supply a cooling medium, a plurality of advancing injection nozzles (45) adapted to be in fluid connection with the supply unit and for directing a cooling medium onto the receptacles (2) and a plurality of valve members (46), each one associated to one respective injection nozzle (45) and adapted to selectively open or close the fluid connection between the respective injection nozzle (45) and the supply unit (40, 81).

Abstract: Improved V2O5 materials are disclosed herein in the form of 2D leaf-like nanosheets. Methods of forming the V2O5 nanosheets and batteries (e.g., lithium-ion) incorporating the V2O5 nanosheets are also provided.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to absorbent pads. The absorbent pads can be used as cleansing wipes, and can be used to clean various objects, including gloves, medical appliances, and elongate medical devices. The absorbent pads can include a polymer matrix and a reinforcement member. Methods of manufacturing the absorbent pads can include physically cross-linking a polymer solution or foam to form a cross-linked polymer matrix. One or more freeze-thaw cycles can be used to cross-link the polymer solution or foam.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a substantially uniaxially-oriented, high content cellulose nanocrystal film. The method includes providing a plant-biomass-based suspension of cellulose nanocrystals and altering the pH of the cellulose nanocrystals to a substantially neutral pH. The suspension is sheared at a shearing rate. The method further includes orienting the cellulose nanocrystals in a substantially axial direction and removing water from the sheared cellulose nanocrystal suspension. As a result, a substantially uniaxially-oriented cellulose nanocrystal film is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a grout for concrete comprising a stage of mixing a hydraulic binder and water, characterized in that the process comprises a stage of deep freezing the water in the solid form.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of microdevices and methods of manufacturing such microdevices are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, one or more microdevices may be formed on a substrate, with each of the one or more microdevices comprising a body micromachined from a continuous film formed on the substrate, the continuous film having a controlled microstructure of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC).

Abstract: A battery electrode comprising a porous polymeric material having at least a coating of an active material applied thereto. The battery electrode may be a 3-dimensional electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure provides marking implements for making radiopaque markings, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Hydrophobic CNCs were successfully prepared by grafting amine- and thiol terminated hydrocarbons to CNCs that have been previously coated with plant polyphenols. Hydrocarbons of various chain lengths can be used to tune the hydrophobicity of the modified CNCs. After the surface modification process, CNCs can be easily redispersed in nonpolar solvents highlighting the potential of the hydrophobic CNCs in, for example, CNC reinforced nanocomposites and non-aqueous formulations.

Abstract: A method for producing an implant material by: (A): setting a porous ceramic material having substantially unidirectionally arrayed pores at any depth position inside a container, (B): filling the container with a cell-containing liquid containing at least bone marrow blood and/or peripheral blood, and (C): applying, on the container, a centrifugal force in the direction along the axis of the container.

Abstract: A sample of porous material is placed in a calorimeter cell and a pressure in the cell is increased starting from a pressure value of a first step by filling the cell with a wetting fluid. Measurements are taken of a heat flow to the cell and a fluid volume at each step. Then, the pressure in the cell is decreased to the pressure value of a first step with continued measurements of the heat flow to the cell. Increase and following decrease of the fluid pressure in the cell are repeated at least once. Then a temperature in the cell is decreased below a wetting fluid crystallization point. Once the fluid has been fully crystallized in sample pores, the temperature in the cell is increased above a wetting fluid melting point. Wetting limiting angle of the pores filled with fluid, and pore sizes are determined based on the results of heat flow measurements with due consideration of heat effect of fluid compression.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon catalyst according to the present invention includes: a first step S2 involving heating a raw material containing a resin and a metal to carbonize the resin so that a carbon catalyst is obtained; a second step S3 involving subjecting the carbon catalyst to a treatment for removing the metal; and a third step S4 involving subjecting the carbon catalyst that has been subjected to the treatment to a heat treatment to improve an activity of the carbon catalyst.

Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising a polypropylene layer and a polyethylene resin layer and having well-balanced permeability, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties and meltdown properties can be obtained by (1) forming a sheet comprising a gel-like polypropylene layer containing a membrane-forming solvent or a polypropylene layer containing no membrane-forming solvent and a gel-like polyethylene resin layer containing a membrane-forming solvent, stretching the sheet at two-stage temperatures, and then removing the membrane-forming solvent, or (2) forming a gel-like polypropylene sheet containing a membrane-forming solvent or a polypropylene sheet containing no membrane-forming solvent, and a gel-like polyethylene resin sheet containing a membrane-forming solvent, stretching them at two-stage temperatures, removing the membrane-forming solvent, and then laminating the resultant microporous polypropylene membrane and the resultant microporous polyethylene me

Abstract: A method for producing ferrite ceramic includes the steps of providing a ferrite powder; oven-drying the ferrite powder; adding organic additives into the oven-dried powder and mixing them to form a ferrite slurry; debubbling the ferrite slurry and then tape casting it into a green tape; heating the green tape in air to 300-500° C. for 5 h to remove the organic additives from the green tape; sintering the organic additives removed green tape at 900-1000° C. for 2-5 h to obtain ferrite ceramic.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon nanotube film is disclosed. More than one carbon nanotube array is transferred onto a surface of more than one substitute substrate. The substitute substrates are arranged side by side to contact and combined side surfaces of the plurality of carbon nanotube arrays with each other by van der Waals attractive force to form an assembling array. The assembling array is larger than the carbon nanotube array. Carbon nanotube segments are drawn from the assembling array.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides targets including a metal layer and defining a hollow inner surface. The hollow inner surface has an internal apex. The distance between at least two opposing points of the internal apex is less than about 15 ?m. In particular examples, the distance is less than about 1 ?m. Particular implementations of the targets are free standing. The targets have a number of disclosed shaped, including cones, pyramids, hemispheres, and capped structures. The present disclosure also provides arrays of such targets. Also provided are methods of forming targets, such as the disclosed targets, using lithographic techniques, such as photolithographic techniques. In particular examples, a target mold is formed from a silicon wafer and then one or more sides of the mold are coated with a target material, such as one or more metals.

Abstract: The preparation of graphene, mono-, bi- and multi-layers from graphite-based precursor materials, for example, pencil lead or graphite, by a method of mechanical thinning on the surface of a planar substrate with controlled roughness, followed by sonication in order to collect the graphene deposited on the substrate in a liquid medium. The bearing force during thinning by mechanical friction enables the number of graphene sheets deposited on the surface of the substrate to be controlled.

Abstract: A method for improving the throughput of solid-state shear pulverization and solid-state melt-extrusion devices may include the addition of a heat absorbing material with a mixture of polymeric materials in an extruder. The extruder may include one or more extrusion screws. One or more portions of the one or more extrusion screws, one or more barrel sections, and/or one or more extruder work zones may be temperature controlled to maintain a temperature of the polymeric mixture in contact therewith at or below the liquefication temperature of the polymeric materials. The liquefication temperature may be a melting point of a semi-crystalline polymer or a glass transition temperature of an amorphous polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for blow molding a polyethylene container comprising the steps of: a) providing a solid preform made from a polyethylene material having a melt flow index from 0.01 to 10.0 g/10 minutes, wherein the preform comprises a neck region, side walls and a base region, and wherein the side walls between the neck region and the base region have substantially straight and parallel outer walls; b) reheating the preform so that the maximum temperature difference between the hottest and coldest regions of the side walls and the base region of the reheated preform is less than 4° C.; c) transferring the reheated preform to a blow mold; d) stretching the preform at a pressure below 10 bars; and e) increasing the pressure within the reheated preform so as to cause the walls of the stretched preform to expand to the shape and dimensions inside the blow mold.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous layer for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then shaped to form a shaped resinous mixture. The shaped resinous mixture includes perfluorocyclobutyl-containing structures within the carrier resin. The shaped resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the perfluorocyclobutyl-containing structures from the carrier resin. Optional protogenic groups and then a catalyst are added to the perfluorocyclobutyl-containing structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and method for drawing egel silk fibroin fibers. The resulting fibers can transmit light and hence can be used as optical fiber. Silk fibroin fiber is produced by a method comprising applying an electric field to a solubilized silk fibroin solution to create a silk fibroin gel; converting the silk fibroin gel to a viscous silk liquid; and drawing a silk fiber from the viscous silk liquid. The silk fiber of the invention can be used in materials such as textile, medical sutures, and tissue materials, as well as conferring optical properties into these materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are frozen, free-flowing compositions that may contain one or more therapeutic agents and at least one flavoring agent, such compositions being useful for the delivery of an effective amount of a therapeutic agent to an individual in need thereof. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an oral form of administration which decomposes immediately and releases active ingredients in the mouth. According to said method, (a) an anionic pharmaceutical active ingredient is intensively mixed with (b) a copolymer consisting of radically polymerized C1-C4 esters of the acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and other (meth)acrylate monomers containing functional tertiary amino groups, and (c) between 5 and 50 wt. %, in relation to (b), of a C12-C22 carboxylic acid in the melted mass; the mixture is solidified and ground to form a powder containing active ingredients having an average particle size of 200 ?m or less; and the powder is encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix consisting of pharmaceutically standard adjuvants, on the condition that no more than 3 wt. %, in relation to the copolymer, of emulsifiers with an HLB value of at least 14 must be contained therein.

Abstract: A process for producing porous structures from polyamide by dissolving the polyamide in an ionic liquid and precipitating or coagulating the dissolved polyamide by contacting the solution with a liquid precipitant medium. Fibers are produced from the dissolved polyamide in a wet-spinning process by precipitation in protic solvents, in particular water, a C1-4-alkanol or mixtures thereof, and subsequent freeze-drying. Foils, films or coatings are produced by blade coating the dissolved polyamide onto a substrate surface, optionally spraying with protic solvent, in particular water, a C1-4-alcohol or mixtures thereof, dipping into a precipitation or coagulation bath, freeze-drying of the resulting foil, of the film or of the coated substrate. Molded parts are prepared by extracting the dissolved polyamide with protic solvents, preferably water, a C1-4-alcohol or mixtures thereof, wherein the dissolved polymer is transformed to a solid or wax-like state by cooling and extracted after subsequent molding.

Abstract: A graphene ribbon fiber manufacturing process, where a coagulation medium flows in the same direction as the graphene ribbon fibers. The process for spinning graphene ribbon fibers starts with unzipping carbon nanotubes to form graphene ribbons, purifying and drying the graphene ribbons and subsequent dissolving of the graphene ribbons in a suitable solvent, preferably a super acid to form a spin-dope. The spin-dope is spun such that the accrued fibers are guided into a coagulation medium, also known as anti-solvent, where the spun or accrued fibers are coagulated. The coagulated graphene ribbon fibers are stripped, neutralized and washed and wound on bobbins.

Abstract: A bone repair composition and methods thereof include elongated bone fibers made from cortical bone in which a plurality of approximately uniform bone fibers is made into various implant shapes conducive for various applications. The bone fiber compositions may be in the form of a cavity, ball, pellet, wrap, strip, cylinder, cone, putty, gel, or injectable slurry.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable polymeric porous tubes for tissue engineering nerve growth are disclosed. The tubes are made from a bioabsorbable polymeric foam material and have a gradient of pore sizes across the wall thickness of the tubes such that cell growth occurs into the wall of the tubes from the inner surface, while cell growth or entry is not permitted through the outer wall into the tubular wall. The wall is permeable inwardly and outwardly to fluids. A novel method of manufacturing porous nerve tubes is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides sustained-release pharmaceutical formulations for administering proteins to the eye. In particular, the invention provides formulations comprising single chain antibodies and hydrophobic polyester hexylsubstituted poly(lactic acid) (hexPLA). The invention further provides processes for the production of sustained-release pharmaceutical formulations and medical uses thereof.

Abstract: A controlled release sterile freeze-dried aripiprazole formulation is provided which is formed of aripiprazole of a desired mean particle size and a vehicle thereof, which upon constitution with water and intramuscular injection releases aripiprazole over a period of at least about one week and up to about eight weeks. A method for preparing the controlled release freeze-dried aripiprazole formulation, and a method for treating schizophrenia employing the above formulation are also provided.