An apparatus for generating a layout for an additive manufacturing of an electric drive for a disc rotor. The disc rotor is adapted for being driven by a magnetic field. The apparatus comprises an input module configured to receive one or more input parameters. The apparatus further comprises a generating module configured to generate, from the one or more input parameters, a layout of a plurality of coil structures, wherein the plurality of coil structures is adapted to generate the magnetic field by an electric current, and a layout of a control structure, wherein the control structure is adapted to connect the plurality of coil structures with a connector for a supply of the electric current, and to distribute the electric current to the plurality of coil structures in order to drive the disc rotor.

A surface functionalizing method for use in high-throughput in situ synthesis of nucleic acids by 3D inkjet printing. The method includes subjecting a surface of a substrate to hydroxyl enrichment treatment; adding hydrophobic molecules to the surface of the substrate, the hydrophobic molecules being not reactive with phosphoramidite monomers; spraying, by a multi-channel piezoelectric inkjet head assembly, an etching ink to a predetermined area on the surface of the substrate for micro-etching, the etching ink being prepared with a fluoride compound reactive with the hydrophobic molecules; and adding hydrophilic molecules to the surface of the substrate. By using the method, a functionalized surface with given areas being patterned can be formed on the surface of the substrate, and then a same multi-channel piezoelectric inkjet head assembly can be directly used for subsequent high-resolution printing of phosphoramidite monomers and synthesis of nucleic acids.

A linear guide mechanism includes a housing having an inside housing surface that defines a bore extending through the housing coaxial with a longitudinal axis. A shaft is disposed at least partially in the bore and is reciprocatably and linearly moveable in the bore along the longitudinal axis. The shaft has an exterior shaft surface. A self-lubricating liner is disposed in the bore between the inside housing surface and the exterior shaft surface. The self-lubricating liner has an inside liner surface that is in sliding engagement with the exterior shaft surface of the shaft. The self-lubricating liner has an exterior liner surface.

Fluid flow control devices, systems, and methods may include a body extending along a longitudinal axis. The body has a fluid inlet at a first axial end of the body and a fluid outlet at a second axial end of the body. Channels may extend through an interior portion of the body between the fluid inlet at the first axial end and the fluid outlet at the second axial end. The channels collectively define fluid pathways through the body.

An article of footwear includes a sleeve formed by a knit material and defining a front distal end and a rear distal end. The sleeve includes an external surface and an internal surface that defines an internal cavity. The article of footwear includes a midsole arranged within the internal cavity, and a framework printed, layer by layer, onto portions of the external surface. The framework includes a plurality of segments and an outsole. The outsole being arranged on a bottom portion of the external surface and the plurality of segments extend along the external surface of the sleeve between the front distal end and the rear distal end.

A structure having a tunable modulus of bending (flexibility) composed of interlocking geometric particles arranged such that an external pressure/force causes them to jam together, increasing the stiffness of the overall structure. Methods for creating the external pressure can include the use of an envelope around the structure that can be evacuated of air.

A method of forming an innervated liquid crystal elastomer (iLCE) actuator comprises extruding a filament through a nozzle moving relative to a substrate, where the filament has a core-shell structure including a shell comprising a liquid crystal elastomer surrounding a core configured to induce a nematic-to-isotropic transition of the liquid crystal elastomer. The filament is subjected to UV curing as the filament is extruded, and the filament is deposited on the substrate as the nozzle moves. A director of the liquid crystal elastomer is aligned with a print path of the nozzle, and a 3D printed architecture configured for actuation is formed.

A method of forming an innervated liquid crystal elastomer (iLCE) actuator comprises extruding a filament through a nozzle moving relative to a substrate, where the filament has a core-shell structure including a shell comprising a liquid crystal elastomer surrounding a core configured to induce a nematic-to-isotropic transition of the liquid crystal elastomer. The filament is subjected to UV curing as the filament is extruded, and the filament is deposited on the substrate as the nozzle moves. A director of the liquid crystal elastomer is aligned with a print path of the nozzle, and a 3D printed architecture configured for actuation is formed.

A one-piece clamp assembly for a window covering is disclosed. The window covering consists of a left side portion and right side portion connected to a moveable hinge portion. The left side portion comprises a plurality of rounded extrusions and at least one vertical rounded extrusion that securely mates into a hole or slot on the right side portion. The left side portion further comprises extruded walls that mate with single and double spikes found on the right side portion. The extruded portions and mating spikes provide for a secure connection of the clamp assembly to the window covering. A connecting slot is placed on either the left or ride side portion, enabling the clamp assembly to fasten to a head rail fastener of a window covering.

Methods for joining components, and apparatuses comprising components to be joined, are described. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first component comprising a first feature having a first surface profile, and an additively-manufactured second component comprising a second feature having a second surface profile, wherein the second surface profile is generated at least in part from the first surface profile of the first interface, such that the first surface profile is configured to mate with the second surface profile.