Abstract: A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article includes assembling a ceramic fiber sheet between a tool and a die, where the tool is conformable to the shape of the die and the melting point of the die is greater than the melting point of the tool. The assembly is then heated to soften the tool. At least one of the tool, the die or a separate inflatable member is then pressurized to conform the tool and the ceramic fiber sheet to the die. Next, the assembly is cooled and the pressure is vented before removal of the tool and ceramic fiber sheet from the die. A preceramic resin with a catalyst is then applied to the ceramic fiber sheet and cured at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool, to form a preform. The tool is then removed from the preform.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for making composites are provided. The method includes providing a nano-particulate-depletable material that includes a plurality of nano-particulates on or within a depletable material; positioning the nano-particulate-depletable material on or within a structural material; and depleting the depletable material such that the nano-particulates are selectively placed on or within the structural material. Depletion may include infusion of a resin into the structural material. The depletable material may be a polymeric foam, and the nano-particulates may be carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A Method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a flow path forming member for forming a liquid flow path which communicates with a discharge port discharging liquid, comprises; preparing a layer containing a compound having a structure represented by Formula (1) and a structure represented by Formula (2) as a main chain on a substrate, providing a solution in which a resin is dissolved in a compound represented by Formula (3) or (4) on the layer, forming a mold having the shape as the flow path from the resin, providing a layer which will become the flow path forming member so as to cover the mold, and removing the mold to form the flow path.

Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.

Abstract: Hollowcore apparatus for forming a concrete hollowcore slab, comprises a casting bed, side wall elements extending longitudinally of the casting bed for defining sides of a casting mould, at least one non-sacrificial inflatable core former, at least one, preferably non-sacrificial sleeve for substantially receiving the core former, the core former and the sleeve being interconnected and the in use sleeve being turnable inside out by removal of the core former from the casting bed, and at least one holder for preventing or limiting uplift of the in use inflated core former and sleeve relative to the casting bed. A method and hollowcore slab are also provided.

Abstract: In imprint lithography, a mold having a pattern of projecting and recessed regions is pressed into a moldable surface on a substrate. The thus-imprinted moldable surface is permitted to at least partially harden to retain the imprint, and the substrate and mold are separated. In accordance with the invention, the substrate is separated from the mold by bending laterally distal regions (regions away from the center toward the edges) of the mold transversely away from the interface and transversely restraining the substrate. The mold can then be easily separated from the substrate by transverse displacement. The separation can be facilitated by providing a mold having a lateral dimension that on at least two sides extends beyond the corresponding lateral dimension of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate can have a greater lateral extent than the mold, and the mold can be restrained. The distal regions of the substrate can be bent in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing at least one material layer onto a relief mold for producing a composite material. Thereby, an elastically-reversibly deformable body with a surface relief that is designed to correspond to the relief mold is pressed against the material layer, as a result of which the surface of said body is deformed, and the material layer can be picked up. As a result of its elastically-reversible characteristics the body subsequently deforms back to its initial state so that the material layer can easily be placed onto the relief mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal insulation article may include positioning, between opposing mold walls, a first layer comprising a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material and a second layer comprising a plurality of tiles. The method may further include moving the opposing mold walls together to compress together the first and second layers, and curing the compressed together first and second layers to produce the thermal insulation article.

Abstract: A method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element for simulating a semi-burned combustible fuel element, including, first, covering a surface of the semi-burned combustible fuel element with a material selected to produce a resiliently flexible mold, and second, after the selected material has set, removing the semi-burned combustible fuel element from the mold. Next, a predetermined amount of liquefied body material is introduced into the mold, and a body is produced resembling the semi-burned combustible fuel element with one or more cavities therein and an exterior surface simulating the surface of the semi-burned combustible fuel element, the body including one or more light passages. After the body material is cured, the mold is removed from the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides implants suitable for drug delivery. In embodiments, the present disclosure provides layered biodegradable drug delivery implants and systems and methods for making these implants.

Abstract: A mold and a method for the molding by injection of plastic material of a generally thin part, notably of a vehicle lighting and/or signalling device. The mold comprises two half-molds designed to be disposed one against the other and forming an enclosure designed to be filled with plastic material by injection. The plastic material is injected via an injection nozzle in the vicinity of one end of the part. The volume formed by the mold includes a cavity the volume of which may be modulated by means of a mobile element. During the injection of plastic material, when the latter has reached at least the level of the cavity, the initially zero volume of the cavity is progressively increased via the control means of the mobile element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cranial shock absorption system. The method is comprised of forming a first layer of elastomer, positioning a thin layer of material on top surface of elastomer such that the top surface is exposed around the entire exterior of the layer of material, allowing the first layer to partially set, positioning a tubular stem or valve on the first layer adjacent to the layer of material, forming a second layer of elastomer, allowing the first layer and second layer of elastomer to fully set around the thin layer of material, removing the thin layer of material from between the first and second layers of elastomer and then introducing a fluid into the chamber through the tubular stem.

Abstract: A method for automatically making conglomerated structures (6).

Abstract: An imprinting method for making optical components includes: providing an imprinting mold, the imprinting mold comprising a molding surface and a molding portion formed on the molding surface; providing a substrate comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising a plurality of supporting areas arranged in an array, each of the supporting areas configured for supporting a mass of molding material; applying a mass of molding material on each of the supporting areas; pressing the imprinting mold on each mass of the molding material; and solidifying the imprinted molding material to form the optical components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system for expelling a gas positioned between a substrate and a mold, the substrate and the mold further having a liquid positioned therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming molded tapered products, such as masonry blocks, whereby high quality finished products are removed from their mold without the need for complex machinery for demolding. The mold may include one or more mold cavities having one or more movable cavity walls. The movable cavity walls may include an end liner having a planar product forming surface capable of moving from a vertical position to an angled position. Tapered products may be formed by moving the mold towards a pallet so that the pallet engages with the end liner and causes the end liner to move from the vertical position to the angled position. Moldable material may then be introduced into the mold cavity and may be allowed to remain in the mold cavity until it is self-sustaining.

Abstract: An injection molding tool having a collapsible core which is movably mounted with respect to a mold plate. The mold plate is movably mounted with respect to a stripper plate that can be used to eject or remove the molded part from the injection molding tool. A retainer is fixedly positioned with respect to the mold plate so that it contacts at least a portion of a molded part when in a mold position. The retainer can be a sleeve with a through opening within or through which the collapsible core is mounted.

Abstract: A method for centralising and retaining a molded end coil (20) in a magnet former (12) which includes an oversleeve (24) for retaining the end coil in position, the radially outer (A2) surface of the end coil being of lesser diameter than the radially inner surface of the oversleeve.

Abstract: Novel polymer shrink tubes, such as fluoropolymer shrink tubes and novel uses thereof. The polymer shrink tubes include at least one three-dimensional pattern formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The polymer shrink tubes can be used for, for example, embossing a pattern into a polymer tube. Further use includes, for example, forming a catheter with at least one channel located in the catheter wall.

Abstract: An optofluidic lithography system including a membrane, a microfluidic channel, and a pneumatic chamber is provided. The membrane may be positioned between a pneumatic chamber and a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel may have a height corresponding to a displacement of the membrane and have a fluid flowing therein, the fluid being cured by light irradiated from the bottom to form a microstructure. The pneumatic chamber may induce the displacement of the membrane depending on an internal atmospheric pressure thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting a concrete product with a substantially horizontal slipform casting process, wherein the concrete mix is fed at least in one step through a limited cross-section moving progressively along with the cast, whereby the height of the product forming part (1) is changed during the cast. The invention also comprises a product forming part (1) having an adjustable height.

Abstract: Flexible members for use in imaging devices comprise a polyphenylsulfone and a polyetherimide; and optionally, a polysiloxane surfactant.

Abstract: Flexible members for use in imaging devices comprise a polyamic acid and an internal release agent; and optionally, a polysiloxane surfactant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head including a flow path member for forming a flow path communicating with a discharge port discharging a liquid includes forming a mold of the flow path made of a positive photosensitive resin on a substrate; applying a coated layer on the mold for forming the flow path member, which coated layer includes a solvent, an epoxy resin, and a curing agent of the epoxy resin; removing the solvent from the coated layer at a normal temperature under substantially 1 atm. so that the weight of the coated layer may become 93% or less of that thereof at a time of applying of the coated layer, and then further removing the solvent from the coated layer under a depressurized condition; curing the coated layer; and removing the mold to form the flow path.

Abstract: A seamless microchannel with aligned microelectrodes structure can be prepared to include a polymeric body defining a surface of a seamless microchannel. The microchannel is seamless in that it is formed by a single body of material having a conduit that is open at one surface and extends to another opening aligned with microelectrodes in another surface of the body. The rest of the microchannel is closed and defined by the single body of material. The seamless microchannel structure can be used in methods that include biosensors, coupling waveguides, capillary electrophoresis chips, microreactors, polymerase chain reaction-chips, and solving mathematical problems.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process of manufacturing optical components. A replication tool, a sub-master or a replica is manufactured using a structured element (for example a master) and a substrate. A structure of the structured element is replicated into liquid or plastically deformable material disposed at a first place on said substrate, then hardened to make it dimensionally stable, whereon the structured element is removed. These replicating, hardening and removing steps are repeated for a second, third, etc. place on said substrate the same structured element.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: A helical tool (1?, 1?) having a rigid outer helical support surface (2) is used as support for a non-rigid material for producing a hollow elongated member onto and as an integral part with a surface member (3) in manufacturing of a surface member having at least one hollow elongated stiffening member integral therewith.

Abstract: A template having a first recess pattern is brought into contact with a mask material formed on a substrate. The mask material with which the first recess pattern is filled is cured. A mask material pattern is formed on the substrate by releasing the template from the mask material. A resist pattern is formed to cover a part of the mask material pattern by forming a resist on the mask material pattern and selectively irradiating radiation onto the resist and thereafter developing the resist. The substrate is processed by using the mask material pattern and the resist pattern as a mask.

Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.

Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing fiber-cement soffit building products. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for producing fiber-cement soffits includes a punch assembly, a support assembly facing at least a portion of the punch assembly, and an actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the punch assembly or the support assembly. The punch assembly can include a punch plate and a plurality of punches coupled to the punch plate. Each punch can have a length and a first cross-sectional dimension generally normal to the length. The support assembly can have a support plate, and at least a portion of the support plate is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the punch plate. The support plate can include a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern so that each hole in the portion of the support plate juxtaposed to the punch plate is aligned with a corresponding punch on the punch plate.

Abstract: Methods of producing a custom-fitted prosthetic socket device for a residual limb include covering the distal end thereof with a liner, positioning the covered end within a socket cup to maintain a spaced relationship between the exterior of the liner and the interior of the socket cup, introducing an expandable, hardenable filler material into the socket cup, expanding the material to fill the volume between the liner and the socket cup, hardening the material, and removing the socket cup, hardened filler material, and liner, from the residual limb. Some methods include a filler material that hardens into a flexible solid foam cushioning layer which may optionally form a bond between the socket cup and the liner, embedding the liner in the cushioning layer. Some methods include selecting a socket cup from a plurality of sized socket cups, and/or providing the plurality of sized socket cups.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making a rotor blade spar from composite material wherein a multi-component mandrel is used to form the composite spar. The mandrel is made using a number of components, which are assembled to provide a structure that is sufficiently strong to maintain the spar shape during pre-cure lay up, compaction and curing of the composite material. The multiple components used to form the mandrel can be separated from each other and easily removed from the spar either before or after curing of the composite material. The mandrel components can then be re-assembled and re-used to form additional composite spars.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mold insert assembly and methods of use are disclosed herein. A mold insert assembly includes, but is not limited to a driving member that moves between a retracting position and an extending position, a plurality of first-segment members engaging the driving member and moving between a first retracted position and a first extended position and a plurality of second-segment members proximate the plurality of first-segment members and configured to move between a second retracted position and a second extended position as the driving member moves to the extending position. The plurality of first-segment members and second-segment members cooperate to form a substantially liquid-tight periphery when the driving member is in the extending position. The plurality of first-segment members second-segment members are configured to move towards the first and second retracted positions, respectively when the driving member moves towards the retracting position.

Abstract: A head mount for use in a digital manufacturing system, where the head mount comprises a first component supported by at least one gantry of the digital manufacturing system, and a second component configured to retain a deposition head of the digital manufacturing system, and to move relative to the first component in response to a load applied to the deposition head from a platform assembly of the digital manufacturing system.

Abstract: A composite material in the form of a linear structure having a width, a length and a thickness, comprising a composite material with a first component formed by a polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material, wherein the first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof, and the second component comprises a woody material derived from platy or granular wood particles. The composite material being formable at a temperature of about 50 to 70° C. and it can be used as a blank for an orthopedic splint.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing molded flexible plastic skins (9, 24, 27, 34) differing in their shape from each other, each skin being molded against a mold surface (2) of a mold (1), comprises the steps: —providing a mold surface (2) matching the shape of the skin to be molded by using a first mold surface provided by the mold itself or by altering the first mold surface by placing one or more mold inserts covering only a part of the first mold surface onto said mold surface and thereby providing an alternative second mold surface, —applying a plastic compound to be brought to shape by the mold surface (2) provided, —bringing to shape the plastic compound applied to the mold surface (2), and —demolding the molded skin (9) from the effective mold surface (2).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a visual display structure having a fade resistant surface finish. The visual display structure is three-dimensional and may be used to recreate a naturally occurring structure, such as rocks, coral or vegetation. The visual display structure may also be used to produce a scenic element, such as an underwater castle, sunken ship or ruins. The visual display structure is created by providing a base, a binder over the base, and crushed glass particles to the binder. The crushed glass particles may be selected from a plurality of colors and are arranged so as to imitate the naturally occurring structure and its surface features. Once the crushed glass particles are applied to the base, thereby assuming the shape of the base, the visual display structure is ready for use. The visual display structure may be exposed in part to an underwater environment as, for example, a component in a theme park attraction.

Abstract: A method to reduce or eliminate pinch flashing in mold operations by applying a thin coating of a hydrocarbon wax to the outside surface of an uncured rubber article or on the sidewall or shoulder of a green tire at a location(s) where segments of the mold close on each other and on the rubber article or tire during cure. The hydrocarbon wax has a melting point from about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees Celsius, and is compatible with the composition of the rubber. The hydrocarbon wax acts as a sacrificial layer and is scraped up by the mold parts instead of the rubber when the mold segments close.

Abstract: An ear fitting piece for creating an ear impression and a method for creating an ear impression. In order to allow the creation of an ear impression at low cost, the ear fitting piece for creating an ear impression has a liquid, which has a first state in which it can be shaped and a second state in which it is solidified, a soft rubber sleeve, which encloses the liquid, and an activating device, which is designed to cause a change of state from the first state to the second state of the liquid. A further change of state from the second state to the first state of the liquid can be caused by heating.

Abstract: A method of forming hoses is provided. The method includes generating a virtual design for at least one of a solid durable core and a hollow sacrificial core. At least one of the solid durable core and the hollow sacrificial core is formed using rapid prototyping. A mold cavity is formed using the solid durable core. The hose is formed about the hollow sacrificial core with the hollow sacrificial core in the mold cavity.

Abstract: An adhesive structure is provided comprising a surface from which extend substantially cylindrical protrusions comprising a stiff resin having a Young's modulus of greater than 17 MPa. The protrusions are of sufficiently low diameter to promote adhesion by physical attractive forces, e.g., Van der Waals attractive forces, as measured by shear adhesion between the adhesive structure and a target surface. A method for preparing the structure is provided as well as a combination of the adhesive structure and target surface.

Abstract: The use of sugars in a stabilization matrix and solid detergent compositions is disclosed along with methods of making and using the solid detergent compositions.

Abstract: A method for construction of a concrete platform for use in slab track railroads, comprising supporting a tie plate and rail on a concrete form for casting the concrete platform. The concrete form includes a horizontal form positioned below the tie plate, that supports a cast in place fastener system that is imbedded in the surface of the concrete platform and secures the tie plate to the concrete platform. The horizontal form comprises a removable or sacrificial insert that is cast into the surface of the concrete platform. Materials such as expanded polystyrene can be used to make sacrificial inserts that can be removed by dissolving with solvents such as dibasic esters. After the concrete platform is cast, the removable insert is removed and the resulting cavity is filled with a filler material, all without the need to disassemble the tie plate and rail.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing parts comprises the steps of a) providing material (3); b) providing a first tool comprising at least one set comprising at least one segment (1); c) providing a second tool comprising at least one first and at least one second set of at least one segment (2a;2b) each, said segments (2a;2b), when arranged next to each other in a predefined way, referred to as closed position, form a second-tool surface describing the shape of a portion of a surface of said part to be manufactured; d) moving the at least one segments (2a) of said first set of said second tool into said closed position; e) moving the at least one segments (2b) of said second set of said second tool towards and into said closed position; f) compressing between at least said first and second tools at least a portion of said material (3), in particular at least substantially all of said material (3), by applying pressure to at least one of said first and second tools.

Abstract: A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a cavity insert for a molding system, the cavity insert having a deformable portion. More specifically, A cavity insert (106) is provided, the cavity insert (106) is for a molding stack (102) for use in an injection mold, the cavity insert (106). The cavity insert (106) comprises a body (122) configured to be received, in use, within a cavity plate (104) of the injection mold; the body (122) defining: a cavity molding surface (124) along an inner portion thereof; a circumferentially deformable portion (123); and an actuator interface (134) configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary actuating interface (136) that is defined on a compression member (138) to generate a compressive force that selectively elastically deforms the circumferentially deformable portion (123).

Abstract: A mandrel and method of making a mandrel for use as a substrate in the manufacture of woven or braided articles. The mandrel may have an inner core of foam; at least a first layer of carbon fiber-reinforced resin, and an outer layer of glass fiber-reinforced resin. The foam core may be a high density, closed cell polyurethane foam that is formed of a desired size and shape. The fibers in the first layer and outer layer may be, for example, chopped fibers, continuous longitudinally aligned fibers, circumferentially wound fibers, obliquely aligned fibers, or the fibers may have a woven or braided pattern. Multiple mandrels may be joined together to form complex mandrel shapes such as curves, ovals, and circles.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device are disclosed for manufacturing a mould for the manufacture of at least one product. The product can be a concrete body. The method includes: adjusting a rough shape which roughly approximates, with clearance, the shape of a side of the product; arranging a layer of processible material over the rough shape, and processing the layer of material in accordance with almost exactly the shape of the product.