Patent ID: 8557689
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: B29C,B81B,B81C

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an extruded structure with an equilibrium shape on a substrate, the method comprising: positioning an extrusion head adjacent to a surface of the substrate such that an outlet orifice defined by the extrusion head is disposed over the surface, wherein the extrusion head comprises first and second sheets defining a fluidic channel therebetween that communicates with the outlet orifice, the first sheet having a substantially flat surface that defines a flat edge of the outlet orifice, and the second sheet defining an elongated oblique trench that defines an oblique edge of the outlet orifice; moving the extrusion head relative to the substrate while forcing material through the fluidic channel such that the material is extruded from the outlet orifice and forms an associated extruded structure on the substrate, wherein the extrusion head is positioned relative to the substrate such that a flat lower surface of the extruded structure is formed by the flat edge of the orifice and is in contact with the surface, and an upper surface of the extruded structure is formed by the oblique edge of the outlet orifice and faces away from the substrate.