Abstract:
An athletic shoe having an improved cleat arrangement is provided. An angled or v-cleat is provided near the first metatarsal region to provide improved traction for a wide variety of sports. In some embodiments, cleats forming an obtuse angle opened towards the medial side of the shoe are also provided for improved forward and lateral traction.
Abstract:
A micromachined ultrasonic transducer array that focuses in the elevation direction. A curved lens is used to narrow the beam width in the elevation direction so that contrast resolution is improved and clinically relevant. Alternatively, a curved probe is formed by bending a micromachined substrate to have a predetermined curvature. The invention is further directed to methods of manufacturing such transducers.
Abstract:
An ultrasonic transducer device comprising: an ultrasonic transducer array micromachined on a substrate; flexible electrical connections connected to the transducer array; and a body of acoustically attenuative material that supports the substrate and the flexible electrical connections. The acoustic backing material may contain additional features, such as tabs or notches, for use in positioning the transducer on fixtures during manufacturing or positioning the transducer within a housing during final assembly. Tabs or other features that are used only during manufacturing may be subsequently removed from the device. The MUT device itself may also be thinned so as to provide flexibility as desired. The backing material is preferably matched in acoustic impedance to the silicon wafer so as to prevent reflection at the interface of any acoustic energy propagating rearward, i.e., in the direction away from the device front surface. The backing material may also possess a high thermal conductivity to assist in removal of heat from the device.
Abstract:
A filler adapter assembly for a multichambered container. The filler adapter mounts on the open end of a multichambered container. The filler adapter enables individual chambers within the container to be emptied or filled without contaminating adjacent chambers. The assembly includes a filler adapter and a releasable closure. The filler adapter is a hollow tubular member having a closure end which matingly engages the open end of the container. The closure end provides plugs and a gasket for sealing all chambers except a single selected chamber. A small opening in the closure end overlies the selected chamber providing fluid communication between the selected chamber and a conical lumen within the filler adapter. The releasable closure provides a leak proof seal between the filler adapter and container. The stem of the funnel or similar device may be placed in the larger opening of the conical lumen and a fluid introduced into the selected chamber. Likewise, fluid may be drained from the selected chamber by simply inverting the container with the filler adapter assembly in place. Plugs in the closure end of the filler adapter occlude the openings of the other chambers, preventing drainage of fluid therefrom, while the larger opening in the conical lumen provides drainage for emptying the desired chamber. An air vent in the filler adapter enables the escape of gas during filling and provides on overflow channel for preventing overfilling the chamber.
Abstract:
Complex shapes, e.g. for ceramic cores, can be produced by bonding components with simpler shapes together without the use of glue or cement, thus permitting high precision and avoiding problems caused by excess of cement. The components are formed of curable binder (preferably thermosetting) and a filler (generally a ceramic powder). At least one of the components to be bonded is not completely cured. It is placed in close contact with another component. Heating to cure the uncured component(s) gives a bonded assembly which is then fired.
Abstract:
Cores made from Alumina and other non-Silica based refractories can be made readily leachable in fused anhydrous caustic alkalis by the addition to the core of a small quantity of a material containing a Hydrogen donor group. The Hydrogen donor group is one which produces uncombined, or nascent Hydrogen when the ceramic is contacted with the anhydrous caustic alkali. Such groups are Hydroxyl groups, Hydrides or chemically combined water. In one disclosed example Silica which contains traces of water is added to high fired Alumina to provide the Hydrogen donor group. Only 2% to 3% Silica addition is required to make the Alumina readily soluble in the fused alkali.
Abstract:
Ceramic core materials are selectively dissolved from light metal, e.g. Aluminium or light alloy, e.g. Aluminium alloy castings which are themselves susceptible to attack by caustic alkali solutions, by providing the core material with a substance containing Hydrogen donor group which is capable of producing nascent hydrogen and contacting the core with fused anhydrous caustic alkalis. By this means Silica cores can be removed from Aluminium alloy castings, or a ceramic containing a hydrogen donor group can be selectively dissolved from one that does not, e.g. a Silica disposable pattern from within an Alumina mould containing an integral Alumina core.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a mould assembly including a plurality of individual moulds. The mould assembly of the present invention is made by separately transfer moulding a starter base 16, a plurality of moulds 12, a downpole 14 and pouring cup 19, providing each with mechanical locking features, such as screw threads, and joining them together into the assembly. Much greater flexibility is thereby achieved in materials and wall thicknesses, which can be different in different parts of the assembly to suit strength and heat transfer requirements, individual bits can be replaced, and the transfer moulding produces a compact homogeneous ceramic structure.
Abstract:
In a mould assembly for multiple castings each mould is fed from a source of molten metal through a thin slit the width of which lies in the range 1.25 mm to 0.25 mm. The cast articles can be easily removed from the runner and riser system after casting without a machining operation so that the casting moulds can be packed closer together and more castings can be produced from each mould assembly. The thin slit also acts as a filter. A particular mould assembly seen in FIG. 2 is cylindrical and comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped mould segments 2 having mould cavities 4 in abutting faces. A central runner passage 6 is formed when the mould segments are assembled and the metal flows into the mould cavities through narrow slits 10 in one edge of each mould. After casting and removal of the mould the narrow flashing formed in the slits can be easily broken to remove the cast articles from the metal formed in the central runner passage.
Abstract:
A method of insulating a shell mould for investment casting by adhering a particulate or fibrous insulator such as perlite, vermiculite or ceramic fibres to a shell mould by an adherent coating. In a preferred process the shell mould is first dipped into the adherent coating and the particulate insulator is applied to the mould through a stuccoing process. Multiple layers of insulation can be applied to the mould to vary the thickness of insulation as required.