Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing systems and methods involving a mechanism for feeding in a desired amount of fresh recoater blade. This can be accomplished by, for example, spooling the fresh blade material from a spool. This helps prevent work stoppage when a portion of a recoater blade becomes damaged. As such, the present disclosure also relates to a system and method for detecting whether a recoater blade is damaged, and if there is damage, then causing a fresh blade portion to be fed in.

Abstract: A rotary additive manufacturing system for producing 3D parts in a layer-wise manner includes a silo support, a tool support, a plurality of silos, and a part developer. The tool support overlays a first side of the silo support, and is configured to rotate about a central axis relative to the silo support. The silos are each attached to the silo support and extend along the central axis from a second side of the silo support that is opposite the first side. The part developer is supported by the tool support, and is configured to build a 3D part within each of the silos in a layer-by-layer manner during rotation of the tool support relative to the silo support.

Abstract: A method of infusing liquid resin into a sheet of fibrous material comprises evacuating gaseous contaminants from the sheet of fibrous material through a permeable media layer to an outlet and comprises flowing liquid resin from an inlet through the permeable media layer. The method further comprises infusing the liquid resin into the sheet of fibrous material and selectively adjusting a distance between the non-permeable bladder and the fibrous material at a gap, formed in the permeable media layer, such that a first resistance to fluid flow through the permeable media layer is reduced.

Abstract: A mold with cavities for nanoimprint lithography and a method of imprinting the same. The mold is a one-piece structure, including an upper mold and a lower mold which are welded together. The upper mold is evenly provided with a plurality of stepped holes. A plurality of grooves are provided at an upper surface of the lower mold. Both ends of each groove are respectively connected to an external high-pressure water pump and an external vacuum pump via pipelines. An airtight cavity is additionally provided at the interior of the mold to form a negative pressure in the cavity by vacuumizing during the imprint process. In the demolding, a crack is formed at the interface between the mold and the imprint resist by using water pressure and expands to the entire interface for the demolding of the imprinted structure.

Abstract: A tubular filament assembly for a CVD silicon deposition reactor is disclosed that provides consistent, low resistance connections to vertical tubular filaments by forming slidable connections between upper and/or lower ends of the tubular filaments and shaped elements cooperative with the bridge and/or the support chucks, so that the connections are insensitive at least to small variations in tilt angle of the vertical filaments and/or the horizontal bridge. The shaped elements can be incorporated into or separate and cooperative with the bridge and/or the chucks. Various embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for forming layered structures. Textured tapes may be fabricated, having cast and/or embossed patterns that provide for desired flow characteristics in an assembly of stacked, rolled, and/or otherwise assembled tapes. In some cases, shear thinning materials may be formed into textured tapes using localized shear stress to induce shear thinning during a pattern formation. A pattern may be maintained after removal of the shear force due to the high viscosity of the material at low shear stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank insert module (1) for extracting liquid from a vehicle tank, comprising a basic body (2) composed of a plastic, on which basic body are arranged a liquid extraction device (23), which comprises an extraction opening (4) which can be assigned to the tank interior space, and at least one electric heating element (7), wherein the electric heating element (7) comprises a heating body (8) with an extrusion-coated plastic encapsulation (9). It is provided here that the plastic encapsulation (9) has a plastic which can be welded to the basic body, in particular high-density polyethylene, and/or the same plastic as the basic body (2), and also at least one filler material with high thermal conductivity, and is welded to the basic body (2) at at least one contact point (17). The invention also relates to a liquid tank for vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a printing assembly having a small hopper and a heating element disposed therein. The small hopper is configured to receive a plurality of pellets therein and feed the pellets to the heating element. The heating element melts the pellets to form a molten material for use in three dimensional printing. A large hopper may be provided to store a large amount of pellets. The large hopper may include a door which may be automatically abuttably opened by the printer assembly when a sensor indicates the pellets are below a particular threshold and the printer assembly is in need of additional pellets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for building a layer body (2) from a plurality of superimposed layers of free-flowing material, in particular particulate material, on a building platform (3) in a build space (4), the layers being solidified and joined to each other in locally predetermined areas, so that at least one layer body (2) is formed by the solidified and joined areas of the layers, including an elongated discharge container (5), which is movable back and forth over the build space (11 [sic; 4]) in at least one discharge direction and which has at least one discharge opening (6) from which the free-flowing material is dischargeable in individual superimposed layers during the movement of the discharge container (5), it being possible to supply the discharge container (5) with free-flowing material from a filling device with at least one storage or filling container (10) having at least one outflow opening (11) by vertically covering the at least one outflow opening (11) of the storage or filling

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for making an object (122) is disclosed. The apparatus has a flexible element (101) having an upwardly facing surface for disposing thereon a material (104) used to make the object, and a member (110) connected to an actuator (112) that can move the member (110). A controller is in communication the actuator (112). A method which may be executed using the apparatus (100) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a stage, a head, a movement mechanism, and a control unit. The head supplies a process liquid that is one of a solution and a dispersion liquid onto the stage to cause a material that constitutes a three-dimensional object to be precipitated out of the process liquid by evaporating one of a solvent and a dispersion medium therefrom. The movement mechanism relatively moves the head and the stage. The control unit controls a drive of the movement mechanism to form the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A shuttle for a feedbox of a block machine has a shuttle slide with shuttle rodding. The shuttle slide connects to the drive via a connecting rod. The connecting rod has an interconnecting bar, an articulated swing arm, and a driving reciprocating link connected to the drive. The interconnecting bar is attached to the shuttle slide via a first articulation and to the articulated swing arm via a second articulation. The articulated swing arm is attached to a static bearing via a third articulation. The driving reciprocating link is attached to the articulated swing arm via a fourth articulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing endless strands, particularly plastic strands having structure in the longitudinal axis. According to the invention, form elements (14, 15) bounding a form cavity (4) are brought together and aligned with each other in rows for making a form cavity (4), the form cavity (4) is moved in the longitudinal axis of the rows and casting material is brought into the form cavity (4) at a gate location running against the direction of motion through a side opening (5) of the form cavity (4), and the form cavity is opened continuously at a distance from the gate location while moving the form elements apart, in order to demold an endless strand solidified in the form cavity (4).

Abstract: The tissue construct with viable cells in an extracellular matrix made of fibrin is produced with a special method, in which a matrix material and cells are shaped into a hollow body, in particular a tubular hollow body, by means of a rotational casting method in a hollow mould (1), the method comprising the following steps: (a) introduction of cells of at least one cell type and/or a fibrinogen preparation into the rotating hollow mould (1) with the aid of an applicator (4), said applicator (4) being displaced along the rotational axis during the introduction and step (a) being performed one or more times; (b) continuation of the rotation process until the fibrinogen solidifies into a dimensionally stable matrix, obtaining a primarily solidified tissue construct; (c) removal of the tissue construct from the mould. The construct can also he obtained in a relatively short time from autologous materials.

Abstract: Die assemblies and die assembly components are disclosed. Methods of making and using die assemblies and die assembly components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing an electrode tape is disclosed. The machine includes a conveyor, a conductive structure coil, an adhesive material supply unit and a curing unit. The conveyor includes a molding belt with at least one groove and a roller used to drive the molding belt. The conductive structure coil is adapted to provide a conductive structure to the at least one groove of the molding belt. The adhesive material supply unit is adapted to provide an adhesive material to a surface of the molding belt. The curing unit is adapted to cure the adhesive material provided on the surface of the molding belt into a film.

Abstract: A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a concave-convex shape forming unit that makes a notch in the surface of a workpiece to form a concave-convex shape portion, a resin supply unit that supplies resin for a lens onto the surface of the workpiece, a resin curing unit that cures the supplied resin for a lens, a moving unit that moves the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, and the resin curing unit relative to the workpiece, and a control unit that controls driving of the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, the resin curing unit, and the moving unit so as to form the concave-convex shape portion extending in a predetermined direction, supply the resin for a lens between adjacent concave-convex shape portions and cure the supplied resin for a lens.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming one or more flanges or formations, which may conveniently be inwardly facing, on or in a hollow continuously wound structural member, such as a hollow pole, the method including the steps of providing a tapered mandrel on which to continuously wind a loop of filament or filaments to form a hollow structural member, providing an end-forming plate at at least one end of the mandrel, placing one or more formers on the outside of the mandrel adjacent to and spaced from the or each end plate by a required amount to form one or more flanges when the member has been fully wound and set within a resin, and subsequently removing the continuously wound structural member from the mandrel.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for molding an annular member capable of accurately molding an annular member into a predetermined cross-sectional shape even if the annular member has a thick-walled inner peripheral part and a thin-walled outer peripheral part.

Abstract: A dual platen molding machine for constructing a plurality of pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that includes multiple safety features. The molding machine produces one or more panels that may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The molding machine is electrically operated to control the movement of a movable molding portion when closed upon a stationary molding portion. Steam may be controlled to fuse insulating material such as expandable polystyrene (EPS) in cavities formed between the movable mold and the stationary mold. No hydraulics is required to operate the dual platen molding machine, thus improving operating and maintenance costs. Moreover, steam hoses may be avoided, thereby improving overall safety.

Abstract: A method is described here for the layerwise construction of models, wherein, in a building region, a particulate material is applied layerwise and selectively cured. These steps are repeated until a desired model is obtained. The material comprises in this case a particulate building material and a spray-dried alkali metal silicate solution. Selective activation of the curing proceeds using a water-comprising solution.

Abstract: The described apparatus and method enable the production of thin edible products having complex contoured shapes that cannot be made using conventional molding technology. In particular, chocolates having detailed surface topology can be made utilizing a pliable substrate and a vacuum mold. The process may be made substantially continuous.

Abstract: A system for continuous High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam production. A (HIPE) is produced then extruded onto a carrier sheet positioned on a belt surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of form parts from multi-component reactive plastic material, especially from polyurethane, wherein a plurality of moulds are moved by means of mould carriages (1) at least temporarily along a closed, preferably oval, production line (2).

Abstract: A hard candy, namely lollipops, suckers or similar confectionary comestibles and a method of making and packaging the same by a depositing manufacturing process which produces a multi-colored and multi-flavored lollipop which colors and flavors extend entirely through the lollipop body and hard shell and are visible in the final packaging and particularly to a double depositing method incorporating a soft chewy center into a deposited lollipop body which soft center is entirely surrounded by and of a different consistency and viscosity from the hard outer candy shell.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine including an apparatus which successively positions block mold trays into the mold box of the molding machine with the apparatus pushing a molded block from the mold box as an empty mold tray is moved into the mold box. The machine also includes a magazine-like structure which has empty tray molds stacked therein.

Abstract: A shuttle for a feedbox of a block machine has a shuttle slide with shuttle rodding. The shuttle slide connects to the drive via a connecting rod. The connecting rod has an interconnecting bar, an articulated swing arm, and a driving reciprocating link connected to the drive. The interconnecting bar is attached to the shuttle slide via a first articulation and to the articulated swing arm via a second articulation. The articulated swing arm is attached to a static bearing via a third articulation. The driving reciprocating link is attached to the articulated swing arm via a fourth articulation.

Abstract: A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two vertically stacked and heated calender rolls through application of the polyolefin powder to the apex of the topmost of the two heated calender rolls; b) rolling the powder through the nip until a coherent sheet of polyolefin sheet is produced: and c) once a coherent polyolefin sheet exits the nip adjusting the temperature in the nip to obtain specific tensile and elongation properties. Apparatus for the performance of such a process is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for a production of two-dimensional or three-dimensional fibrous materials of microfibers or nanofibers containing a set of spinning metal nozzles connected to a first potential, a set of electrodes of a collector facing the set of the nozzles, arranged at regular spacing and connected to a second potential, and a collecting plate or a collecting cylinder for collecting microfibers or nanofibers settled between couples of adjacent electrodes of the collector.

Abstract: Making candles, vases or ornamental articles, by rotating a mold in elevation and azimuth, pouring wax into the mold, allowing the wax to partially or completely harden, and repeating these steps to build up layers of wax in different inclined planes. Apparatus is described for carrying out this method, having a support rotatable in elevation and a mold holder rotatable in azimuth on the support. An alternative apparatus is described having a vessel that may be optionally temperature controlled and containing flowable material supporting a mold. Further apparatus is described having means to support a mold at variable angles of elevation and azimuth. The apparatus and materials for carrying out the method may be supplied as a kit, with the apparatus either fully assembled or supplied as separate parts to be assembled by the user.

Abstract: A hand-held device for joining fishing line segments of monofilament, fluorocarbon, and/or braid lines of similar or differing sizes or combinations or securing hooks or other components to at least one line. The device includes an encasement for orienting the fishing line segments in a closed chamber in close, non-contacting orientation. A material is injected into the closed chamber to encase the lines. This material can be adhesive material or a flowable polymer material having a melting temperature lower than the line segments to be bonded. A pre-formed, flexible polymer sheath is used to retain the line segments in the chamber. A heater heats the polymer sheath within the encasement to allow the polymer to flow and encase the line segments without melting the line segments. Bonding of the line segments can be achieved without melting, abrading, compressing, or impairing the integrity the line segment(s) to be encased.

Abstract: Provided is a floor construction apparatus that includes a guide unit that is disposed on surface of a floor to be constructed, and a flattening unit that is guided by the guide unit, to then be transferred to flatten the surface of the floor to be constructed, and to thereby reduce a construction time and expense for flattening of the construction surface of the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for producing frac sand, in order to meet size, sphericity and roundness standards, from a feedstock such as natural sand. The feedstock is rotated as slurry in a conditioning cell, so that it self abrades to produce frac sand with the required characteristics.

Abstract: A nano-imprint mold includes a mold body having a first surface provided with a pattern having projections and recesses, a second surface opposite the first surface and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; and a mold base having a surface for fixing the mold body thereto. In addition, the second surface of the mold body is fixed to a part of the surface of the mold base, the second surface of the mold body being disposed away from at least a part of an edge of the surface of the mold base. Furthermore, the mold body has a shape such that a width thereof in a direction orthogonal to a direction extending from the first surface toward the second surface decreases from the first surface toward the second surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for the fabrication of three-dimensional polymeric fibers having micron, submicron, and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of the polymeric fibers.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing an OSB beam with a web and at least one flange. The starting material for the beam is wood strands of OSB type. The device comprises a feeder device for advancing the strands, a metering device for metering out the strands, a nozzle, through which the metered strands pass, and a receiving surface for receiving the strands. The feeder device, the metering device and the nozzle are adapted for applying strands to the receiving surface in the form of an elongated bead. The height of the bead is at every point of the cross-section substantially adapted to the web and flange of the beam being made. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing an OSB beam and to a computer readable medium comprising a program.

Abstract: A floating cut-off bar coupled to a feed drawer whereby a mechanism allows the floating cut-off bar to engage the specified contour of side rails and a division plate in a mold box assembly and aid in material distribution by screeding excess material and delivering additional material to areas of the mold box as necessary and method of making wall blocks therefrom. The specified contour of the side rails and optionally division plate is designed to optimally deliver material to achieve a specified uniform density of the block produced for greater structural integrity, strength and durability of the block.

Abstract: Systems for collecting a thermoplastic resin that includes a heating mechanism configured to apply heat to the thermoplastic resin so as to control a viscoelasticity thereof, a pressurization mechanism configured to apply a pressure difference to a surface of the thermoplastic resin, and a trapping structure configured to trap a portion of the thermoplastic resin are described.

Abstract: A floating cut-off bar that follows a preselected path of travel over a mold box during a block production cycle. The floating cut-off bar may be coupled to a feed drawer whereby a mechanism allows the floating cut-off bar to engage the specified contour of a division plate in a mold box assembly and aid in material distribution by screeding excess material and delivering additional material to areas of the mold box as necessary and method of making wall blocks therefrom. The specified contour of the division plate is designed to optimally deliver material to achieve a specified uniform density of the block produced for greater structural integrity, strength and durability of the block.

Abstract: A method for making a polishing pad includes rotating a cylinder about a central axis. The cylinder encloses in an interior space a polymer precursor. The method also includes forming the polishing pad from at least some of a polymer formed after the polymer precursor has cured. The rotating of the cylinder may be continued until the polymer has cured. The method may include forming at least two distinct layers in the polishing pad by casting and curing sequentially at least two different polymer precursors. A system for manufacturing a polishing pad includes a centrifugal caster adapted to rotate. A polishing pad made by a method is provided.

Abstract: A liquefier assembly for use in an additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a liquefier tube, a rigid sleeve secured to an inlet end of the liquefier tube, an extrusion tip secured to an outlet end of the liquefier tube, and a hollow liner disposed at least partially within the rigid sleeve such that inner surfaces of the liquefier tube and the hollow liner are substantially flush, and where the inner surface of the hollow liner has a low surface energy.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for supplying powder quantitatively and a material supply apparatus including the apparatus for supplying powder quantitatively. The apparatus for supplying powder quantitatively to a place where required includes: a driving part generating a driving force using an external power; a powder supply part connected to the driving part, following the operation of the driving part, and transferring the powder according to a predetermined path; a chamber placed on the sides of the powder supply part and receiving the powder transferred by the powder supply part; a compression part compressing the transferred powder in the chamber; and a quantitative supply part separating a desired amount of powder from the compressed powder and discharging the separated powder from the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a reusable resin distribution line for use in conjunction with a resin transfer molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a soft tool and a hard tool (i.e., mold). In the illustrative embodiment, two inflatable bladders are disposed on a side of the soft tool, wherein a bridge spans the bladders. The soft tool is coupled to the bridge. When the bladders are inflated, the bridge moves away from the hard tool, drawing the soft tool away from the hard tool in the region between the bladders. This creates a temporary passage or reusable resin distribution line for distributing resin to a reinforcement constituent disposed between the soft tool and the hard tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for the formation of articles, for example pelletized articles, for use as animal feed or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a process of forming animal feed. The process includes forming a mixture of hydrated alginate. The process further includes forming a mixture of ingredients to be pelletized, the mixture of ingredients being placed in a preconditioning chamber of a forming device. The process further includes atomizing and injecting the hydrated alginate into the preconditioning chamber to coat the mixture of ingredients. The process still further includes pelletizing the mixture of alginate coated ingredients, wherein the volume of atomized hydrated alginate applied to the mixture of ingredients is based upon one or more characteristics of the ingredients, one or more operating conditions of the forming device or both.

Abstract: A method and a device for thinly coating a component on all sides are provided. A single layer is applied onto the component by casting in a casting mold, wherein during the casting process the material to be applied moves as laminar flow in the region of the decorative element. For this purpose, a casting mold consisting of a lower and an upper part is provided, in which proceeding from at least one sprue in the upper part to the side of the component to be coated a runner extends in direction of the component to be coated for filling the casting material into the casting mold, wherein in the runner in the vicinity of the component to be coated a retaining groove is provided for distributing the casting material across the width, and wherein the runner has a reduced passage subsequent to the retaining groove.

Abstract: A mold for a cupcake, muffin, moldable food, or the like having a cup with an open end surrounded by a decorative peripheral border that is representational of the periphery of a head or face of a person or animal. The border is wider than the cup at the open end and stiffens the mold. The border invites a person to decorate the batter or foodstuff in the mold with representations of facial features.

Abstract: An automated concrete block machine including a mold cavity, a feedbox driven between retracted and extended positions and depositing concrete in the mold cavity when at the extended position, a cutoff bar, and a drive system coupled to and driving the cutoff bar in a direction of movement of the feedbox such that a distance between at least a portion of the cutoff bar and a top of the mold varies so that the cutoff bar removes varying amounts of concrete deposited in the mold cavity so that a depth of concrete remaining in at least a portion of the mold cavity varies so as to be unevenly distributed in a desired fashion in the direction of movement of the feedbox.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a multi-laminated body according to the present invention includes a step 1 (L-flow path) for vertically dividing a laminated flow obtained by arranging at least two molten resins adjacent to each other in a lengthwise direction into two sections, guiding the divided laminated flows to opposite directions relative to the flow direction, and then guiding both laminated flows toward the center of the flow direction, and rearranging the laminated flows adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and thereby joining the laminated flows together, and a step 2 (R-flow path) for vertically dividing a laminated flow obtained by arranging at least two molten resins adjacent to each other in a lengthwise direction into two sections, guiding the divided laminated flows to directions opposite to the above-mentioned directions relative to the flow direction, and then guiding both laminated flows toward the center of the flow direction, and rearranging the laminated flows adjacent to each o