Abstract:
A rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) method and apparatus for making high resolution objects utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to reliably form coatings of a desired thickness. The formation of coatings of such materials is limited to a Minimum Recoating Depth (MRD), when formed over entirely solidified laminae, which is thicker than the desired layer thickness or object resolution. Data manipulation techniques result in layers of material (and laminae) of the object being categorized as non-consecutive primary layers (laminae) and secondary layers (laminae) positioned intermediate to the primary layers (laminae). Substantially, all portions of primary laminae are exposed in association with primary layers and portions of the secondary laminae are formed in association with their respective secondary layers while other portions of the secondary laminae are formed in association with primary layers so as to form the object with a higher resolution than that dictated by the spacing between the primary layers. Recoating techniques are described which can be used when the thickness between consecutive layers is less than a leading edge bulge phenomena that results from the use of a particular recoating device such that direction of sweeping and/or order of sweeping of the recoating device is varied between consecutive primary layers.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for use in building three-dimensional objects on substantially a cross-sectional basis including methods and apparatus for forming successive layers using counter-rotating rollers, ink jet recoaters, spinning members which sling material, applicator bars that dispense material via a meniscus and/or independently dispensed streams, and also including methods and apparatus to determine a preferred region over which to form a layer and to check for building errors.
Abstract:
Reconstituted tobacco sheets manufactured from tobacco dust and binder are described herein. More particularly, the tobacco dust has a mean particle size in the range of from about 60 mesh to about 400 mesh to afford reconstituted tobacco sheets having about 80% to about 90% tobacco content with improved quality and survivability. The reduced particle size of the tobacco dust allows an increase in the solids content of the slurry without an increase in slurry viscosity. The increased solids content reduces the drying load of the cast sheet thereby allowing an increased production rate. The reconstituted tobacco sheets may be prepared from a slurry comprising tobacco dust and binder that may be subjected to a means for removing air trapped within the slurry before casting the slurry into sheets. An apparatus for determining the amount of air trapped within the slurry prepared according to the process of the present invention is also described herein.
Abstract:
An adhesive wafer is disclosed having a thin barrier layer of soft, pliant adhesive material with particles of one or more hydrocolloids dispersed therein. A flexible and preferably stretchable cover layer extends along one side of the barrier layer and a removable release sheet protects the opposite side of the barrier layer. The wafer has a central zone and a relatively large outer zone surrounding that central zone, with the material of the barrier layer in the outer zone having generally uniform molecular orientations in radial directions over an arc of 360 degrees and being of relatively uniform tensile strength in all such radial directions. Also disclosed are injection/compression molding methods for making such wafers.
Abstract:
Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface. In another alternative embodiment, such an apparatus is combined with a conventional stereolithographic apparatus to provide means for forming an object out of conventional stereolithographic materials, but utilizing a normally solid but thermally-flowable support material to provide support to the object, either on a layer-by layer basis, or by building supports such as web supports.
Abstract:
Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface. In another alternative embodiment, such an apparatus is combined with a conventional stereolithographic apparatus to provide means for forming an object out of conventional stereolithographic materials, but utilizing a normally solid but thermally-flowable support material to provide support to the object, either on a layer-by layer basis, or by building supports such as web supports.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a biodegradable implant precursor having a two-part structure made of an outer sac and a liquid content. The implant precursor is composed of a biodegradable, water-coagulable thermoplastic polymer and a water-miscible organic solvent. When administered to an implant site in an animal, the implant precursor will solidify in situ to a solid, microporous matrix by dissipation of the organic solvent to surrounding tissue fluids and coagulation of the polymer. The invention also includes methods of making the implant precursor, an apparatus for forming the precursor, and a kit containing the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the implant precursor for treating a tissue defect in an animal, for example, for enhancing cell growth and tissue regeneration, wound and organ repair, nerve regeneration, soft and hard tissue regeneration, and the like, for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs, and other like therapies.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part as a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder dispensing mechanism includes a drum which is moved horizontally across the target area and counter-rotated to smooth and distribute the powder in an even layer across the target area. A downdraft system provides controlled temperature air flow through the target area to moderate powder temperature during sintering.
Abstract:
A seamless polyimide composite tube which includes a polyimide layer, a conductive primer layer on the surface of the polyimide layer and a fluororesin layer on the surface of the primer layer and a method of manufacturing the composite tube.