A head is disclosed for an additive manufacturing system. The head may include a reservoir configured to hold a matrix, and a nozzle configured to discharge a continuous fiber received via the reservoir. The head may also include a plurality of supplies of different matrixes in fluid communication with the reservoir.

A part holder is disclosed for use with an additive manufacturing system. The part holder may include a first ring configured to provide mounting for a part during additive manufacturing. The part holder may also include a second ring configured to internally receive the first ring. The first ring may be moveable relative to the second ring.

The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic part, especially a plastic part for an automobile, by an injection molding method comprising the steps: Using an injection molding device, plastic in a flowable state is injected into the mold cavity of an injection mold, gas under pressure is injected through a gas inlet opening in the injection mold into the mold cavity of the injection mold by means of a gas injection device so that a gas bubble forms within the still flowable plastic, the plastic is heated and kept flowable, at least in a region neighboring the gas inlet opening while the plastic is hardening in the mold cavity, wherein pressure is exerted on the plastic being kept flowable so that an opening in the plastic in the region of the gas inlet opening is sealed, and the plastic part is removed from the injection mold after reaching a sufficient dimensional stability. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding device.

A method of forming an oral care implement, a method of forming a head plate for an oral care implement, and an oral care implement or head plate formed therefrom. The head plate may have micro-sized or fine features. The method may include providing an amount of a first solid material upstream of a first mold cavity; prior to the first solid material entering the first mold cavity, applying ultrasonic energy to the first solid material to melt the first solid material into a first molten material; flowing the first molten material into the first mold cavity; allowing the first molten material to harden within the first mold cavity to form a head plate comprising micro-sized features; forming a body from a second material, the body including a handle portion and a head portion; and coupling the head plate to the head portion of the body.

A method of monitoring a curing process for fiber reinforced composite materials that includes positioning an actuator on uncured composite material at a first location. At least one sensor is positioned at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location. The actuator excites waves in the composite part at the first location. At least one sensor is positioned at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location. The actuator excites waves in the composite part at the first location. The waves propagate through the composite part due to internal reflection. At least one wave metric is measured at the second location utilizing the sensor. At least one parameter of the curing process may be adjusted based, at least in part, on a wave metric measured by the sensor.

A method and apparatus for applying a bone attachment coating to a prosthetic component, the bone attachment coating being formed from a plurality of particles applied to a surface of the prosthetic component. The method comprising: locally exciting the particles so as to increase the kinetic and/or thermal energy of the particles; and applying pressure to the particles by virtue of a press arranged so as to press the particles against the surface of the prosthetic component at an interface between the press and the prosthetic component. The kinetic and/or thermal energy of the particles causes localised heating of the component such that the particles may be embedded into the surface of the prosthetic component.

An ultrasonic tooling system for texturing a workpiece includes a horn having an end portion forming an interface with the surface of the workpiece. The end portion of the horn has a texture formed thereon. As a result of a high frequency ultrasonic vibration, the surface of the workpiece takes on a mirror image of the texture of the end portion of the horn. Alternately, the texture may be formed on an anvil and wherein, as a result of a lower frequency ultrasonic vibration, the surface of the workpiece corresponding to the anvil takes on a mirror image of the texture of the upper surface of the anvil.

Aspects disclosed herein relate to forming on a substrate fastener elements suitable for use in touch fastener by employing vibration forming methods. The processes described provide for a greater flexibility in manufacturing than prior methods and overcome certain limitations in prior forming techniques. Further, the product made can embody a variety of different configurations suitable for a given application. Employing vibration forming methods, such as ultrasonic forming methods, allows for the use of a wider variety of substrate material than materials used with convention methods of touch fastener formation.

A method of delivering a therapeutic agent comprises providing an aerosol generator that produces an aerosol of particles or droplets containing a therapeutic agent and an excipient for delivery to a first portion of a respiratory tract. The particles or droplets have an initial diameter from about 1 m to about 8 m, and the initial momentum of the particles or droplets minimizes deposition in the first portion. The particles or droplets are exposed to relative humidity in the respiratory tract by delivering them at a flow rate that defines the residence time in the respiratory tract. The particles or droplets increase in diameter due to hygroscopic growth caused by relative humidity. The aerosol is nasally exhaled so that particles or droplets are delivered to the nasal cavity and deposited in the nasal turbinates or sinus in part because of their increased diameter.

A number of variations may include a method comprising: providing a mold apparatus comprising at least a first compression mold apparatus member, at least a second compression mold apparatus member, a preform, and a resin, wherein at least one of the first compression mold apparatus member or the second compression mold apparatus member comprises at least one ultrasound emitter; introducing at least one of the preform or the resin into at least one of the first compression mold apparatus member or the second compression mold apparatus member; contacting the first compression mold apparatus member to at least the second compression mold apparatus member to form a closed mold cavity; pressurizing and heating the mold cavity; and curing at least one of the resin or preform using the ultrasound emitter to form a molded component within the mold cavity.