Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing are provided that allow for components being manufactured to be assessed during the printing process. As a result, changes to a print plan can be considered, made, and implemented during the printing process. More particularly, in exemplary embodiments, a spectrometer is operated while a component is being printed to measure one or more parameters associated with one or more layers of the component being printed. The measured parameter(s) are then relied upon to determine if any changes are needed to the way printing is occurring, and if such changes are desirable, the system is able to implement such changes during the printing process. By way of non-limiting examples, printed material in one or more layers may be reheated to alter the printed component, such as to remove defects identified by the spectrometer data. A variety of systems, devices, and methods for performing real-time sensing and control of an additive manufacturing process are also provided.
Abstract:
Generally, the present invention provides methods for the production of materials comprising a plurality of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) and related articles. The plurality of nanostructures may be provided such that their long axes are substantially aligned and, in some cases, continuous from end to end of the sample. For example, in some cases, the nanostructures may be fabricated by uniformly growing the nanostructures on the surface of a substrate, such that the long axes are aligned and non-parallel to the substrate surface. The nanostructures may be, in some instances, substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. In one set of embodiments, a force with a component normal to the long axes of the nanostructures may be applied to the substantially aligned nanostructures. The application of a force may result in a material comprising a relatively high volume fraction or mass density of nanostructures. In some instances, the application of a force may result in a material comprising relatively closely-spaced nanostructures. The materials described herein may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials (e.g., nanocomposites). For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed, and, after the application of a force, transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, and combined with another material (e.g., to form a nanocomposite) to enhance the properties of the material.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to the creation and/or manipulation of microfluidic systems and methods that can be formed in pre-existing modular blocks. Microfluidic paths can be formed in one or more blocks, and when multiple blocks are used, the blocks can be used together to form a path across the blocks. The paths can be sealed to prevent fluid leakage. The modular blocks can be readily available blocks which can then be individually customized to achieve various microfluidic design goals. The paths can be formed in outer surfaces of the blocks and/or disposed through a volume of the blocks. The modular blocks can have a uniform design across various block types, making it easy to reconfigure systems and/or remove and replace blocks and other components of the system. Methods for constructing such systems, and using such systems, are also provided.
Abstract:
Nanoliter pipette assembly. The assembly includes a housing containing a working fluid in a working fluid chamber therein and includes a moveable piston within the housing, the piston moveable by a linear actuation mechanism for contact with the working fluid. A tip portion is provided that includes a diaphragm deformable to engage an inner portion of the tip. It is preferred that the diaphragm have a projecting three-dimensional structure for direct contact with a liquid.
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and devices for extrusion-based three-dimensional printing are provided. The methods, systems, and devices allow for the printing materials such as fabrics, clothing, and wearable and/or implantable devices. A number of different enhancements are provided that allow for this improved form of three-dimensional printing, including: (1) printing using a polymer (e.g., cellulose acetate) dissolved in a solvent (e.g., acetone); (2) selectively bonding portions of a deposited filament onto one or more surfaces and/or one or more previously deposited filaments; (3) using particular toolpaths to create a fabric or similar material by creating a woven pattern; and (4) printing across multiple layers even when previous layers are not complete. Other aspects of the present disclosure, including other enhancements and various printer configurations, 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:
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.