An implantable medical device includes a body that has a flexible outer layer encapsulating a composition. The composition includes one or more first microspheres, one or more second microspheres, and a carrier. Each first microsphere includes a first therapeutic agent and a wall containing a first biodegradable polymer that encapsulates the first therapeutic agent. Each second microsphere includes a second therapeutic agent and a wall containing a biodegradable polymer that encapsulates the second therapeutic agent.

A method and system for dispensing a material through a delivery apparatus is provided. The material initially comprises or is manipulated to comprise a low viscosity. The material either can comprise a curable material or can comprise initiators, which can be activated to raise the viscosity at a later time and position. The low viscosity material is moved through the delivery apparatus for a relatively long distance using low energy. Upon nearing an end use application, the material and/or initiators can be activated by a curing agent, such as a light or heat source, such that the viscosity of the material be raised prior to the end use application thereof. Therefore, the present invention provides a method and system for moving a material normally having a higher viscosity a long distance requiring lower energy and pressure.

A method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite by means of a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, comprising the steps of placing a fiber material in a mold, placing a flow distribution medium onto the fiber material, and covering the fiber material (1) and the flow distribution medium with a vacuum foil for forming a closed mold cavity between the mold and the vacuum foil is described. It is characterized in using a flow distribution medium with a thickness depending on a pressure gradient over the vacuum foil.

A method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite by means of a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, comprising the steps of placing a fiber material in a mold, placing a flow distribution medium onto the fiber material, and covering the fiber material (1) and the flow distribution medium with a vacuum foil for forming a closed mold cavity between the mold and the vacuum foil is described. It is characterized in using a flow distribution medium with a thickness depending on a pressure gradient over the vacuum foil.

The present invention provides a method for the production of an edible object, comprising providing an edible powder composition suitable for selective laser sintering and an edible liquid, and subjecting said composition to selective laser sintering (SLS) to obtain the edible object. The invention can be used to produce food products using SLS, such as a pasta, a bakery product, a dry mix for beverage, an instant soup or a confectionary product, among others.

The present invention provides a method for the production of an edible object, comprising providing an edible powder composition suitable for selective laser sintering and an edible liquid, and subjecting said composition to selective laser sintering (SLS) to obtain the edible object. The invention can be used to produce food products using SLS, such as a pasta, a bakery product, a dry mix for beverage, an instant soup or a confectionary product, among others.

A microneedle device includes a substrate; a microneedle projecting from the substrate and configured to be inserted into skin; and a drug coating the microneedle. An aspect ratio of a maximum width of a base of the microneedle to a height of the microneedle is equal to or greater than 2.1.

In an example of a three-dimensional (3D) printing method, a build material (consisting of an inorganic particle and a polymer attached thereto) is applied. The polymer is a continuous coating having a thickness from about 3 nm to about 1500 nm, or nano-beads having an average diameter from about 3 nm to about 1500 nm. The build material is heated to a temperature from about 5° C. to about 50° C. below the polymer's melting point. A coalescent dispersion (including a coalescent agent and inorganic nanoparticles) is selectively applied on a portion of the build material, and the applied build material and coalescent dispersion are exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The coalescent dispersion absorbs the electromagnetic radiation and heats up the portion of the build material in contact therewith to fuse the portion of the build material in contact with the coalescent dispersion and to form a layer of a 3D object.

A forming apparatus capable of producing an inorganic material-containing formed body having improved quality, and a method of making the same is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the forming apparatus includes a stage, a supply unit having a first supply unit and a second supply unit, where the first supply unit is configured to intermittently or continuously supply a first composition containing an inorganic material to a stage, where the second supply unit is configured to intermittently or continuously supply a second composition containing a support material configured to support the first composition to the stage, an immobilization unit configured to immobilize the second composition on the stage, a heating unit configured to apply heat to the first composition on the stage, and a control unit configured to control the first supply unit and the heating unit to repeat supply and heating of the first composition.

A method for preparing a polyurethane composite by a vacuum infusion process, a polyurethane composite prepared by said method and use thereof. The method for preparing a polyurethane composite by a vacuum infusion process of the present invention can reduce raw materials and production costs.