Patent ID: 7623940
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: B22F,B28B,B33Y,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a duct connector, the method comprising: providing a first digital model of a first duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance, and a first interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section; providing a second digital model of second duct structure, the second duct structure including a second duct section having a passage for conveying the substance, and a second interconnect component, wherein the second interconnect component is configured to removeably enter a locked state with the first interconnect component such that, when said second interconnect component is in the locked state, a sealing force between the first and second duct structures is substantially equal to a predetermined value; forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure, a first physical model corresponding to the first duct structure defined by the first digital model; and forming, via the direct manufacturing procedure, a second physical model corresponding to the second duct structure defined by the second digital model.