CPC Class B33Y

An apparatus for adjusting a shoe and methods for making and using the same. A relative movement can be generated between a platform and a model foot wearing the shoe such that the platform contacts the shoe and the model foot adjusts the shoe via the relative movement. Advantageously, the model foot can be a surrogate to a human foot in adjusting the shape of the shoe. The model foot can stretch the shoe in the same manner as human walk. A person can experience great comfort when wearing the stretched shoe. The model foot can simulate the mechanical characteristics of the natural foot. The model foot can simulate gait of a natural foot and the stretching of the shoe can be further customized.

The present disclosure provides a convenient reusable handle device for a beverage can, which firmly holds the beverage can and makes it easy to carry. The beverage can handle device comprises an upper or top portion, a middle or handle portion and a lower or base portion, where the shapes of the top and base portions of the beverage can handle device are matched to that of the top rim and bottom rim, respectively, of the beverage can, so as to engage and clasp securely the beverage can. The base of the beverage can handle device is configured to linearly traverse the bottom diameter of the beverage can in a single direction when the base is contracted and to linearly traverse the bottom diameter of the beverage can in two directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular directions in a “scissor hinge”) when the base is expanded.

A computer-implemented method for marking an object on an aligner. The aligner surface is modeled. The method includes calculating a normal for each tile in a tessellated surface and disqualifying a tile from being selected. For tiles not disqualified, a patch is identified that produces a markable area. The method includes selecting an object to be marked, calculating a location of the object in the markable area, and providing the location of the object to a marking device. Disqualifying includes comparing an angle between a normal and an orientation of the beam to an origin of the calculated normal on each tile. Disqualifying includes disqualifying the at least one tile when the angle is outside of a range of −90° to +90°. Identifying the patch includes separating the patch into at least two smaller patches, and one of the two smaller patches of tiles is the markable area.

A process for printing a talus implant comprising the steps of scanning a joint for a damaged talus, and scanning a contralateral joint for a healthy talus. Next, the process includes obtaining dimensions for a talus based upon an initial scan and then obtaining dimensions for a talus based upon the scan of the contralateral joint. Next the process includes inverting the dimensions of the talus in the contralateral joint and then comparing the dimensions of the calculated talus with a pre-set of dimensions in a database. Next the process includes exporting a set of dimensions to a printer to print a talus implant.

Oral devices for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage, or improving sleep even without substantial reduction in snoring. One device includes an upper member fitting portions of the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The upper and lower members include molar and pre-molar extensions so that when a user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the upper left and lower left extensions. In certain embodiments, patterned surfaces on mating right and left molar and pre-molar extensions reduce friction. The lower and upper molar and pre-molar extensions may have curved or arcuate shaped interior surfaces to provide more room for a user's tongue. Right and left sub-chambers formed in the upper and lower molar and pre-molar extensions may provide lateral space for the tongue. The oral devices may be produced by additive or subtractive manufacturing methods.

A footwear moulding system for direct injection production of footwear includes a supporting mould, a last, an in-mould, and an injection channel. The supporting mould includes at least an in-mould support. The in-mould is elastomeric and the in-mould includes an in-mould outer surface configured to be supported by said in-mould support. The in-mould support includes at least one support side mould and a support bottom mould.