Provided is a method of forming a shaped structure. The method includes coupling a first section of a mold to a second section of the mold such that a mold cavity is defined, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the mold cavity corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the shaped structure and wherein at least one of the first section of the mold and the second section of the mold comprise a soluble material; at least partially filling the mold cavity with a curable polymer; and curing the curable polymer in the mold cavity to make the shaped structure.

A second mold is placed on a planar surface of a first mold to form a first mold cavity, which is filled with a first material slurry containing a first material powder and the molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a first molded part on the planar surface of the first mold. A third mold is placed on the planar surface of the first mold from which the second mold is removed and on which the first molded part is formed, thereby forming a second mold cavity. The second mold cavity is filled with a second material slurry which contains a second material powder different from the first material powder so as to mold the slurry in contact with the first molded part. The molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a second molded part on the planar surface of the first mold.

Methods are disclosed for forming a decorative faceplate for attachment to an ear insert. An impression medium is first inserted into an ear for forming an impression of at least a portion of the ear concha and ear canal. An initial ear insert is formed based on the impression, which insert has an inner portion configured for insertion into the ear canal and an outer portion configured to be disposed in the ear concha and to face outward away from the ear. The outer portion further includes a faceplate attachment area having a perimeter edge that is configured to receive a faceplate. A model of the perimeter edge is generated, and a faceplate is formed from a faceplate material using the model as a guide. A final ear insert is formed, and the faceplate is attached to the faceplate attachment area of the final ear insert.

Methods are disclosed for forming a decorative faceplate for attachment to an ear insert. An impression medium is first inserted into an ear for forming an impression of at least a portion of the ear concha and ear canal. An initial ear insert is formed based on the impression, which insert has an inner portion configured for insertion into the ear canal and an outer portion configured to be disposed in the ear concha and to face outward away from the ear. The outer portion further includes a faceplate attachment area having a perimeter edge that is configured to receive a faceplate. A model of the perimeter edge is generated, and a faceplate is formed from a faceplate material using the model as a guide. A final ear insert is formed, and the faceplate is attached to the faceplate attachment area of the final ear insert.

Embodiments relate to a polymerizable composition comprising a phosphorus-based mold releasing agent for an optical use whose preparation process is improved, and a process for preparing the phosphorus-based mold releasing agent. The phosphorus-based mold releasing agents can be prepared more easily and conveniently by using phosphorous pentoxide, which can easily react with a monoalcohol and/or water at room temperature in the absence of a catalyst or a solvent. In addition, byproducts are not generated during the reaction. Thus, when a lens is produced by using the mold release agent obtained therefrom, it is possible to prevent a defective appearance of the lens that may be caused by byproducts, thereby further enhancing the appearance properties thereof. Further, since separate steps for removing byproducts, specifically, such steps as washing and filtration, are not required, wastewater is not generated. Thus, it is not only environmentally friendly, but the production cost can also be reduced as the process is simple.

Embodiments relate to a polymerizable composition comprising a phosphorus-based mold releasing agent for an optical use whose preparation process is improved, and a process for preparing the phosphorus-based mold releasing agent. The phosphorus-based mold releasing agents can be prepared more easily and conveniently by using phosphorous pentoxide, which can easily react with a monoalcohol and/or water at room temperature in the absence of a catalyst or a solvent. In addition, byproducts are not generated during the reaction. Thus, when a lens is produced by using the mold release agent obtained therefrom, it is possible to prevent a defective appearance of the lens that may be caused by byproducts, thereby further enhancing the appearance properties thereof. Further, since separate steps for removing byproducts, specifically, such steps as washing and filtration, are not required, wastewater is not generated. Thus, it is not only environmentally friendly, but the production cost can also be reduced as the process is simple.

Osteoconductive synthetic bone grafts are provided in which porous ceramic granules are embedded in a biocompatible matrix material. The grafts, which may also include one or more of a coating, a reinforcing bio-absorbable mesh, and an osteoinductive protein or peptide, are generally porous and may incorporate fenestrations.

This invention is directed to a process for applying a symbol to a molded device which symbol on the molded device is visible as an indentation in the surface of the device. The process involves the step of applying the symbol as an elevation to the mold before using the mold for making the molded device. The process of the invention is characterized in that the elevation on the mold is produced by applying a material to the mold surface which material is liquid when being applied and which material is applied at a temperature higher than the temperature which is at or preferably below the melting point of the material, and which material solidifies at the temperature of the mold. The material applied to the mold and solidified on the mold surface as an elevation needs to remain solid during the process of using the mold for making the molded device. During the molding process the elevation of the symbol on the mold is transferred as an indentation of the symbol to the surface of the molded device. After the molding process is complete and the molded device has been separated from the mold the elevation on the mold surface can be removed and the mold can be re-used without an elevation or with another elevation being applied to make another molded device.

Provided are a hydrogen ion electrode composed of a composite material of polymer resin and nano iridium oxide, the composite material containing 1-10 nm sized nano iridium oxide particles and/or aggregates thereof which are dispersed to be electrically connected to each other in a moldable, thermoplastic, and hydrophobic polymer resin matrix; a pH sensor using the same; and a method for manufacturing the same. The surface of the hydrogen ion electrode shows very fast pH sensitivity when exposed to a sample solution, and the pH sensitivity is approximate to biphasic characteristics. Furthermore, regardless of high reproducibility of pH sensitivity, abrupt pH change, and repetitive use, very low hysteresis, durability due to high physical strength, and high surface regeneration due to polishing are exhibited, and thus, the lifetime of the electrode can be extended and various sizes and shapes of electrodes can be easily manufactured.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a form for supporting a volume of a viscous substance encapsulating at least a portion of an object while the viscous substance solidifies to form a seal. The form comprises a non-metallic solidified material; a distal axial opening; a proximal axial opening; and a lateral wall between the distal axial opening and the proximal axial opening. The lateral wall comprises an outwardly facing surface having a surface area, and at least one through lateral opening.