In a method of manufacturing an object, a filament is fed to an extrusion head. The filament has a semi-crystalline polymeric reinforcement portion and a polymeric matrix portion. The temperature of the filament is raised in the extrusion head above the melting point of the matrix portion but below the melting point of the reinforcement portion so that the matrix portion of the filament melts within the extrusion head, thereby forming a partially molten filament within the extrusion head. The reinforcement portion of the partially molten filament remains in a semi-crystalline state as it is extruded from the extrusion head. Relative movement is generated between the extrusion head and the substrate as the partially molten filament is extruded onto the substrate in order to form an extruded line on the substrate. The matrix portion of the extruded line solidifies after the extruded line has been formed on the substrate.

Methods and computer-readable mediums are provide that, in some embodiments maximize bending of an actuator and, in other embodiments, minimize bending of the actuator. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that acquires a first ratio of a modulus of inertia for a first component to a Young's Modulus for the first component. The method also acquires a second ratio of a modulus of inertia for a second component to a Young's Modulus for the second component. Thereafter, the method provides an actuator (which includes the first component and second component). The actuator has a cross-sectional shape such that the first ratio substantially equal to said second ratio. In various embodiments of the invention, the actuator is spun fibers formed into batting and used as insulation, or may form an active element of a thermostat.

Methods and computer-readable mediums are provide that, in some embodiments maximize bending of an actuator and, in other embodiments, minimize bending of the actuator. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that acquires a first ratio of a modulus of inertia for a first component to a Young's Modulus for the first component. The method also acquires a second ratio of a modulus of inertia for a second component to a Young's Modulus for the second component. Thereafter, the method provides an actuator (which includes the first component and second component). The actuator has a cross-sectional shape such that the first ratio substantially equal to said second ratio. In various embodiments of the invention, the actuator is spun fibers formed into batting and used as insulation, or may form an active element of a thermostat.

An apparatus and device for creating a vertical strengthening feature within a 3D printed article of manufacture for improving mechanical performance in the Z-direction. Fill material is deposited in voids vertically crossing multiple layers during the build of 3D printing. The device includes a penetrating extension that fits within the void to create a vertical strengthening feature via heat and/or extruded fill material. The size and/or movement of the heated extension can impact the void side walls to reflow the build material and blend the layers together within the void side walls.

An apparatus and device for creating a vertical strengthening feature within a 3D printed article of manufacture for improving mechanical performance in the Z-direction. Fill material is deposited in voids vertically crossing multiple layers during the build of 3D printing. The device includes a penetrating extension that fits within the void to create a vertical strengthening feature via heat and/or extruded fill material. The size and/or movement of the heated extension can impact the void side walls to reflow the build material and blend the layers together within the void side walls.

The present invention provides an optical film containing an additive. The optical film includes a high concentration portion containing the additive, and a low concentration portion containing the additive at a concentration lower than the high concentration portion. The low concentration portion is provided on both sides of the high concentration portion in a thickness direction of the optical film, and the low concentration portion is provided on both sides of the high concentration portion in a width direction of the optical film.

Methods and devices described for improved dynamic walled tubing and catheters.

A floor may include a substrate having a top side and a bottom side. A top layer may be provided on the substrate. The top layer may consist of a printed thermoplastic film and a thermoplastic transparent or translucent layer provided on the printed thermoplastic film. The top layer may be directly adhered to the substrate by heat welding the printed thermoplastic film and the top side of the substrate, in the absence of a glue layer. The substrate may be a synthetic material board including a filler. The substrate at least at two opposite edges may include coupling means provided in the synthetic material board. The thermoplastic transparent or translucent layer may be provided with a structure.

A hybrid scaling and patterning apparatus for producing thin films with multi-material, customized patterns is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slot die body integrated with multiple inlets and corresponding diverging channels passing materials through the die body in a planar, continuous laminar flow. The hybrid scaling and patterning apparatus may be used in a method of preparing multi-material, patterned thin film materials.

Disclosed are reinforced structures. The structures are comprised of reinforced elements that have continuous fibers embedded in a matrix material. The reinforced elements are combined in a matrix material to form a desired shape of reinforced structure.