Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods for printing on surfaces of three-dimensional objects are provided. The systems, devices, and methods allow for images, and three-dimensional structures, to be printed onto a surface of a three-dimensional object. The surface of the three-dimensional object can have many different shapes, including an arbitrary or non-uniform shape having multiple curves. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes associating a pattern of polygons with a surface of a three-dimensional object and then scaling a pattern of polygons associated with an image to be printed onto the surface with the pattern of polygons associated with the surface. One or more polygons of the scaled pattern of polygons are then progressively projected onto the surface, and a photosensitive material associated with the surface is cured to set projected image portion on the surface. Systems, devices, and other methods for printing onto surfaces of three-dimensional objects are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
Abstract:
A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.
Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods for printing on surfaces of three-dimensional objects are provided. The systems, devices, and methods allow for images, and three-dimensional structures, to be printed onto a surface of a three-dimensional object. The surface of the three-dimensional object can have many different shapes, including an arbitrary or non-uniform shape having multiple curves. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes associating a pattern of polygons with a surface of a three-dimensional object and then scaling a pattern of polygons associated with an image to be printed onto the surface with the pattern of polygons associated with the surface. One or more polygons of the scaled pattern of polygons are then progressively projected onto the surface, and a photosensitive material associated with the surface is cured to set projected image portion on the surface. Systems, devices, and other methods for printing onto surfaces of three-dimensional objects are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the formation and processing of nanostructures including nanotubes. Some embodiments provide processes for nanostructure growth using relatively mild conditions (e.g., low temperatures). In some cases, methods of the invention may improve the efficiency (e.g., catalyst efficiency) of nanostructure formation and may reduce the production of undesired byproducts during nanostructure formation, including volatile organic compounds and/or polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons. Such methods can both reduce the costs associated with nanostructure formation, as well as reduce the harmful effects of nanostructure fabrication on environmental and public health and safety.
Abstract:
A novel cutting-edge structure and method and apparatus for manufacturing the cutting-edge structure is provided. The cutting-edge structure is comprised of naturally derived or renewable material at greater than 50% by volume fraction. In one embodiment, the naturally derived material is a cellulose nanostructure such as a cellulose nanocrystal. The cellulose nanocrystal is processed using a base or mold structure to provide a cutting edge of any shape such as linear or circular edge structures. The process includes dual cure steps to produce an optimal cutting-edge structure without shrinkage. The formed cutting-edge structure can be utilized as a razor blade as it is formed with very sharp tip and edge suitable for cutting hair. The base structure can form one or more cutting-edge structures simultaneously.
Abstract:
A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.
Abstract:
Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing that allow for control of composition and/or porosity of components being manufactured. More particularly, in exemplary embodiments, a secondary material can be used in conjunction with a primary feedstock material in a spatially controlled manner during an additive manufacturing process to control a composition of materials and/or porosity of a manufactured component. Systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing are also disclosed that allow for control of a pressure of an atmosphere surrounding a build surface during an additive manufacturing process. More particularly, a pressure of an atmosphere surrounding a build surface can be raised to a pressure greater than standard atmospheric pressure. Various features of the exemplary embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed can be used together to further control for composition and/or porosity and quality of a manufactured part.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing as disclosed allow for improved optical access to a build platform. In at least some embodiments a multiplexing optic of an additive manufacturing device is configured to multiplex an arbitrary number of optical paths to a build platform along a substantially common optical axis by dividing a theoretical input aperture of the multiplexing optic into a plurality of sub-apertures. Each sub-aperture can independently receive and direct an optical path to the build platform. An optical path can be a light path from a light source or an optical process monitoring path from an optical process monitoring system or optical process monitoring device. In some embodiments, an optical path can enter the multiplexing optic off-axis and/or off-angle with respect to an optical axis of the multiplexing optic. The multiplexing optic can include one or more lens elements and/or one or more mirror elements.