Abstract: Disclosed is a new 3D bioprinting method of soft polymeric material such as a hydrogel or elastomer and/or cells for scaffolds or devices with structures. The method utilizes in one aspect extrusion based printing of polymer solutions, hydrogels and cells referred as direct ink writing (DIW) or BioPlotting that is modified to offer break-through advantages. The method may utilize sequential printing of a photocurable polymer solution or matrix material, and a functional hydrogel and/or cells. Printing within or inside of a viscous non-cured layer is accomplished by printing cells directly into the functional hydrogel. The viscous layer does not need to be shear thinning and thus allows use of a wide variety of bioinks never before allowed because of shear thinning and recovery requirement of commonly utilized extrusion based embedded bioprinting approach. Complex printing patterns never before allowed for bioinks are now possible utilizing this new printing method.

Abstract: A set of sensor data collected from one or more sensors associated with a bioprinted tissue is received. The set of sensor data is analyzed to determine whether a condition for controlled movement of the bioprinted tissue is met. A control signal is issued to a set of expansive elements to perform the controlled movement in response to determining that the condition for controlled movement of the bioprinted tissue is met.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the dispensing of liquid, and automated layering of liquid hydrogel patterns are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may utilize a bioprinter having a brush that is configured to pattern a collagen layer. In some embodiments, the bioprinter may be used to make layered bioprinted materials. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may include a bioprinter having an atomizer needle that is configured to dispense liquid in an automated way. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods may provide modified surfaces upon which materials may be printed using a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinter. In one embodiment, a modified surface may be formed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicones and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new 3D bioprinting method of soft polymeric material such as a hydrogel or elastomer and/or cells for scaffolds or devices with structures. The method utilizes in one aspect extrusion based printing of polymer solutions, hydrogels and cells referred as direct ink writing (DIW) or BioPlotting that is modified to offer break-through advantages. The method may utilize sequential printing of a photocurable polymer solution or matrix material, and a functional hydrogel and/or cells. Printing within or inside of a viscous non-cured layer is accomplished by printing cells directly into the functional hydrogel. The viscous layer does not need to be shear thinning and thus allows use of a wide variety of bioinks never before allowed because of shear thinning and recovery requirement of commonly utilized extrusion based embedded bioprinting approach. Complex printing patterns never before allowed for bioinks are now possible utilizing this new printing method.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for applying a mixture of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for changing material in an extrusion device comprising at least two supply devices for supplying feedstock for an extruder, comprising the following steps: identifying a change request for changing the material in the extrusion device, preparing the supply devices for changing the material, separating at least two supply devices from the feed of feedstock to the extruder, discharging feedstock from the separated supply devices, filling subsequent material into the empty supply devices.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a method for applying a dual compound coextruded continuous strip of a first compound and a second compound, the method comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for forming a continuous strip of a first compound that is encapsulated by a second compound. The apparatus allows the mixture ratio of the first compound to the second compound to vary. The first compound may be a sealant, and the second compound may be a rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preform device for positioning extruded rubber mixtures, characterized in that the preform device consists of an inlet module (2) and an outlet module (3), wherein both the inlet module (2) and the outlet module (3) each have a base surface (11, 12) and a contact face (19, 21) opposite the base surface (11, 12, 13), and wherein the surface of the contact face (19, 21) of the inlet module (2) is smaller than the surface of the base surface (11, 12) of the inlet module (2). The invention also relates to an extruder mold system for molding extruded rubber mixtures into a complete rubber element (40), having the preform device and at least one final forming device, and to a corresponding extruder system (22).

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a heater for converting a filament of extrusion material into thermoplastic material. The heater has a channel configured to change the cross-sectional shape of the filament to a cross-sectional shape that has a greater surface area than the surface area of the filament before the heater receives the filament. The channel of the heater can also be configured to drive the center portion of the filament toward the heated walls of the channel and to mix thermoplastic material in the channel while exposing the center portion of the filament to the heated wall of the channel.

Abstract: A multifunctional robotic system for performing in vivo procedures includes a control unit comprising a computer processor and a robotic arm in communication with the control unit for multi-axis movement of the robotic arm. The robotic arm has a plurality of passages therein. A printer head is disposed in one of the passages and is configured to create multi-dimensional objects in vivo. The robotic system includes a measuring system disposed in one of the passages. The computer processor has executable software configured to receive signals from the measuring system and is configured to control the printer head and the measuring system to position the object in an in vivo location based upon the signals from the measuring system.

Abstract: A multi-angle spinneret for forming hollow fibers is provided. The multi-angle spinneret includes a body defining a dope chamber, a bore needle channel, and multiple dope channels being oriented at a minimum of two distinct dope channel angles relative to the dope chamber. The body includes a bore needle disposed in the bore needle channel and oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the dope chamber. The bore needle extends though the dope chamber, such that a bore fluid flow through the bore needle is kept separate from a dope flow through the dope channels. A bore fluid outlet is positioned within a dope outlet of the dope chamber, such that a bore fluid flow out of the bore fluid outlet is substantially coaxial with and substantially centered within a dope flow out of the dope outlet.

Abstract: Provided are a manufacturing method and a manufacturing device for an extruded rubber member. The manufacturing method for an extruded rubber member includes extruding at least one type of rubber from a die, the method including the steps of inserting at least one thread into a flow channel of the at least one type of rubber, and embedding the at least one thread in a longitudinal direction of the extruded rubber member.

Abstract: A modular disk coextrusion die is formed of a plurality of cells stacked together. Each cell includes a symmetrical arrangement of thin annular disks, including a central routing disk and two distribution disks on both sides of the central routing disk. The distribution disks are oriented so that their respective distribution inlet openings oppose each other by about 180 degrees. The symmetrical arrangement permits each cell to process the melt streams in a manner that provides enhanced layer uniformity and bubble stability. By stacking several cells, blown films having up to several hundred layers can be made using twelve, twenty-four or more polymer melt streams.

Abstract: A sealing agent (25) sent from a nozzle tube (36) to a nozzle main body (37) is passed through a main body flow channel portion (37a), a connecting portion (37c), a first flow channel portion (37b), and plural second flow channel portions (37d), sent to a chamber (37e), and discharged from a nozzle port (37f) to the outside. Since the second flow channel portions (37d) are smaller than a downstream end of the first flow channel portion (37b), the sealing agent (25) in the first flow channel portion (37b) is vigorously sent to the chamber (37e), and discharged from the nozzle port (37f) to the outside. As a result, substantially the same quantity of the sealing agent (25) is discharged in the entire range of the chamber (37e).

Abstract: A biomaterial printing apparatus includes a support base, a movement device, a printing device, a first optical-detection device, and a second optical-detection device. The carrier is configured for a culture container to be put thereon. The movement device is connected to the support base. The printing device is connected to the movement device. The first optical-detection device is configured to detect the position of the injection needle of the printing device. The second optical-detection device is configured to detect the position of the culture container. According to the detection of the first optical-detection device and the second optical-detection device, the biological material printing device can accurately move the injection needle to the injection position relative to the culture container, thereby improving the accuracy of printing the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional (3D) pen with a novel structure which enables filaments having various colors to be easily selected and used. According to the 3D pen according to the present invention, a user laterally rotates the adjustment lever (25) to allow the driving motor (24) to be connected to different transfer rollers (22), thereby selectively transferring and discharging a plurality of different filaments (1) forward. Therefore, the 3D pen has a very simple structure and has an advantage in that the filaments (1) having various colors can be easily selected to manufacture objects having various colors.

Abstract: A three dimensional tissue printing method is disclosed. The three dimensional tissue printing method includes the following steps: performing large support stand printing to form a first printing body; performing small support stand printing to form second printing body on the first printing body and forming a tissue structure by crossly connecting in between the first printing body and the second printing body. Besides, a three dimensional tissue printing device and artificial skin are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping an extrudable material comprises a sleeve, comprising a first sleeve end, a sleeve inlet at the first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, opposite the first sleeve end, and a sleeve outlet at the second sleeve end. The extrudable material enters the sleeve through the sleeve inlet and exits the sleeve through the sleeve outlet. The apparatus further comprises an actuation mechanism, selectively operable to change at least one of a size or a shape of the sleeve outlet. The sleeve is sufficiently flexible to enable the actuation mechanism to change at least one of the size or the shape of the sleeve outlet. The sleeve is insufficiently stretchable to enable the actuation mechanism to stretch the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing flake-like cereal without the use of a flaking mill.

Abstract: An ablator is provided to improve a fuselage protection performance while having flexibility. The ablator includes a base material formed from fiber, granular resin, and binder resin impregnated in the fiber to couple the granular resin and the base material.

Abstract: A flow diverter for an extrusion die is disclosed. The flow diverter includes a body having an outer surface, an elongate opening that extends along a first axis, a set of input passages that extend from said outer surface through said body to said elongate opening, and a set of output passages that extend through said body from said elongate opening to said outer surface. The flow diverter also includes an adjustable valve positioned in said elongate opening. The adjustable valve also has a monolithic spool including a first recess and a second recess opposite to said first recess. The spool is rotatable with respect to said outer body between a first position in a first flow configuration, and a second position in a second, different flow configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides an extrusion device having an adjustment valve that is rotatable between first and second operative positions. The extrusion device is configured to produce a first layer arrangement when the adjustment valve is in the first operative position and to produce a second layer arrangement when the adjustment valve is in the second operative position. Also provided are methods of using an extrusion device to produce different layer arrangements.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a three-dimensional (3D) printer for building 3D objects with layer based, additive manufacturing techniques. The 3D printer can have an extrusion assembly including a hot end for heating consumable material and depositing the consumable material in layers on a printing bed. The hot end can be moved in a horizontal plane parallel the printing bed while the printing bed can be moved perpendicular to the horizontal plane to print the 3D object.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a body defining an internal volume and an opening that provides a path of fluid communication between the internal volume and an exterior of the body. A first tubular member extends through the opening. A length of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to about 150% of a height of the body. In response to squeezing the body, a composition in the internal volume flows out of the body through the opening and into the first tubular member.

Abstract: An invention directed to a process and device for electrically heating and preparing pasta filata type cheeses. The ohmic heating process of this invention is introduced after separation of initial curd from whey, as heated stretching is initiated to create nascent pasta filata cheese fibers. An apparatus is devised to receive the newly formed curd mass and to provide contact of the mass with an electric coupler that channels electric current through the conductive cheese mass as it is concurrently stretched. The features of this device include an electrically charged element, a grounding element and a texturizing tool.

Abstract: The device serves for extruding and includes an extrusion head for connection to at least two extruders. Moreover, in the area of the extrusion head, at least one tool is arranged for shaping a product composed of at least two extruded materials. At least one expanding element is arranged in an area of the tool facing the extrusion head. The expanding element is constructed so as to be essentially smooth in an area of a first surface and has at least one flow path for the extruded material in the area of its second surface facing away from the first surface.

Abstract: An extrusion die for laminating at least two kinds of resins in the width direction is provided. The extrusion die has not less than 10 nozzles arranged in the width direction and not less than 10 holes such that the holes surround each of the arranged nozzles, or alternatively, the extrusion die has not less than 10 holes arranged in the width direction.

Abstract: An extruder or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extruder may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder. In another aspect, modular tool heads are disclosed that can be automatically coupled to and removed from the three-dimensional printer by a suitable robotics system. A tool crib may be provided to store multiple tool heads while not in use.

Abstract: An extruder or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extruder may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder. In another aspect, modular tool heads are disclosed that can be automatically coupled to and removed from the three-dimensional printer by a suitable robotics system. A tool crib may be provided to store multiple tool heads while not in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cannula comprising of a core needle and a sleeve, the core needle and sleeve spaced by conduit-forming projections. The projections may be aligned axially along the surface of the core needle or the inner surface of the sleeve. Engagement of the core needle with a sleeve forms a composite needle having one or multiple conduits for fluid transfer the length of the cannula. Engagement of the core needle and sleeve may be enhanced with different engagement means. Preferably the core needle and sleeve comprise of polymeric materials. The invention most advantageously can be produced without the need for a core pin in the formation of the core needle or sleeve. A composite needle may incorporate a sharp tip for penetration of materials and a side port for transfer of fluids. Alternatively, the composite needle may be blunt at the tip.

Abstract: A 3D printing system having a rotating plate wherein at least two printing components are selectively attached to said rotating plate, and wherein said rotating plate is capable or rotating to selectively engage each said printing component to a drive motor which is capable of driving the printing component when engaged.

Abstract: An extended structure additive manufacturing device and method are provided. The device includes a movable material bonding component and a movement mechanism which enable the device to create parts outside the conventional additive manufacturing device print volumes defined by the device and its print-head. Methods of making parts involve creating a portion of a part and moving the extended structure additive manufacturing device relative to the part and printing a second portion of the part. Parts incapable of being formed using a conventional additive manufacturing device may be made using the extended structure additive manufacturing device and/or methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A process is described for producing a hollow body or cavity filled with insulating foam. The process can include feeding an expandable starting material of the insulating substance to a plastics extrusion apparatus, activating the material therein under pressure and, upon discharge therefrom into the hollow body or the cavity, expanding the material with such a high volume expansion gradient that the insulating substance formed by the expansion completely fills the cross section of the hollow body or cavity without delay upon entry. Also described, is a plastics extrusion apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling filament extrusion comprises receiving extrusion path signals that specify a first extrusion path and a second extrusion path for simultaneous execution by a corresponding first print head and second print head, and simultaneously extruding a first filament from the first print head according to the first extrusion path and a first extrusion rate specification, and a second filament from the second print head according to the second extrusion path and a second extrusion rate specification. The first extrusion path and the second extrusion path are specified according to a target coordinate space. In one embodiment, the target coordinate space comprises a cylindrical coordinate space. The system and method advantageously provides faster printing and greater material flexibility for three-dimensional printers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a filled polymer extrudate, with which a flowable composition is made, composed of a carrier fluid and reinforcing agents or filler material (9), or coloring pigments (12 added to them in a first extruder (2) and a polymer melt of a thermoplastic polymer (16) in a second extruder (14, in which the composition and the polymer melt are subsequently co-extruded in a co-extruding step in such a way that the polymer melt encloses the composition forming the core of the generated extrudate strand (22).

Abstract: A three dimensional printing device has a sterilizable printer assembly including at least one printing head, a printing platform, and a driving mechanism adapted to perform a movement of the at least one printing head relative to the printing platform along three degrees of freedom; a printer housing enclosing the printer assembly in a sterile manner, at least one aseptic connector fluidly connected to a corresponding one of the at least one printing head.

Abstract: A fused filament fabrication system and method comprises a motor for moving the system along a linear rail during operation, a drive gear coupled to the motor. The drive gear rotates in the direction of the motor during operation and selectively operatively engages first or second idler gears during operation of the system. The system also comprises first and second filaments for the selective passage of material to corresponding first and second extruders, the first filament is positioned between the first idler gear shaft and idler bearing and the second filament is positioned between the second idler gear shaft and idler bearing.

Abstract: Described herein are improvements to bioprinting technology that facilitate automation of tissue and organ fabrication processes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a multilayered interlayer for safety glass that allows for reliable and easy formation of inserted layers having a larger coloring layer.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are an extrusion die for synthetic wood which can provide a natural wood pattern similar with real wood by forming various wood patterns on the surface of synthetic wood manufactured through extrusion molding, manufacturing apparatus and method using the same, and synthetic wood manufactured by the same. The extrusion die includes: a pair of molds respectively having rectangular extrusion holes for allowing extrudates forming an inner layer to pass through the extrusion holes; and surface layer forming parts having flow paths which are oppositely formed on contact faces of the molds in such a way as to keep a predetermined gap and formed in a top and bottom asymmetrical manner for injecting other extrudates supplied, the surface layer forming parts serving to form a surface layer having different wood patterns on the outer circumference of the inner layer.

Abstract: An extrusion die head for the extrusion of hollow or center-filled shapes as well as apparatus comprising the extrusion die head and methods employing the die head. The extrusion die head (10) is for the preparation of a plurality of center-filled products (34) of varying composition wherein each product comprises a first (filling) material and a second (outer) material. The die head comprises at least one tube (22) such that a first material may be extruded through the tube or tubes and a second material may be extruded around the tube or tubes. The location and the number of the tubes may be customized to vary the location and amount of the first material relative to the second material and thereby vary the composition of the center-filled product. The extrusion die head apparatus comprises a sleeve (40) enclosing the die head. In one embodiment a first material is conveyed from one or more first apertures (18) via one or more tubes (22) to one or more second apertures (20) where it is extruded.

Abstract: A modular plastic extrusion apparatus has several component parts. The design of the integration of those parts into a modular extrusion system is unique. Said design allows for rapid assembly, testing, disassembly and placement into production of extruded plastics. This modular plastic extrusion apparatus has several components with replaceable counterparts that, after one product line of a particular color has been extruded by the apparatus, enable the component parts used to produce the particular color extrusion to be removed from the apparatus and replaced with their clean counterparts to continue producing an extrusion product line of a different color while the removed components are cleaned off line.

Abstract: An extrusion head configured for at least one extruder includes a flow channel a finishing die; and an opening in operative communication with the flow channel, wherein the opening is configured to at least partially accommodate a screw shaft of an additional extruder.

Abstract: A system for kneading and extruding a material includes a crusher for crushing the material into coarse particles, an extruder for conveying and extruding the material crushed by the crusher, a gear pump for receiving and discharging the material extruded from the extruder, and a kneading and extruding apparatus for kneading the material discharged from the gear pump and continuously extruding the kneaded material. Therefore, a material is accurately quantified and highly uniform, resulting in reduced product variations and ensured consistent quality.

Abstract: A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers includes one or more distribution plates for forming relatively thick layers, and a microlayer assembly for forming a plurality of microlayers. The die further includes internal fluid passages and/or forming surfaces to allow the microlayers to assemble into a microlayered fluid mass prior to merging with the relatively thick layers from the distribution plates.

Abstract: A solar cell extrusion printing system that uses a micro-extrusion printhead to print longer central gridlines and one or more pairs of shorter “side” gridlines such that end points of the gridline sets form step patterns on an octagonal (pseudo-square) substrate. The printhead includes a set of central nozzles that receive ink from a first valve by way of a first flow channel to print the longer central gridlines, and additional sets of side nozzles that receive ink from additional valves by way of additional flow channels to print the shorter “side” gridlines. The central nozzles have outlet orifices that offset in the process direction from side outlet orifices of the side nozzles. A start signal is simultaneously sent to the valves such that ink is substantially simultaneously extruded through both the central and side orifices, whereby the extruded ink produces gridline endpoints having the desired step pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials is shown and described. Multiple solidifiable material container assemblies are provided for holding different solidifiable materials. Relative movement between the solidifiable material container assemblies and a build platform allows the solidifiable materials to be switched as an object is built. Several exemplary cleaning stations are provided for removing residual solidifiable materials from the surface of the three-dimensional object as it is built to better ensure smooth transitions between materials on the finished object.

Abstract: Composite light guide plate includes a substrate, a first transparent layer, and a second transparent layer. The substrate includes an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The substrate is made of polycarbonate, and a number of diffusion particles made of polymethyl methacrylate are embedded in the substrate. The first transparent layer is made of polystyrene formed on the upper surface. The second transparent layer made of polystyrene is formed on the lower surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials is shown and described. Multiple solidifiable material container assemblies are provided for holding different solidifiable materials. Relative movement between the solidifiable material container assemblies and a build platform allows the solidifiable materials to be switched as an object is built. Several exemplary cleaning stations are provided for removing residual solidifiable materials from the surface of the three-dimensional object as it is built to better ensure smooth transitions between materials on the finished object.