Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
  • A01K63/003—Aquaria; Terraria
  • A01K63/006—Accessories for aquaria or terraria
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
  • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
  • A01G9/021—Pots formed in one piece; Materials used therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
  • A01K61/70—Artificial fishing banks or reefs
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
  • Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
  • Y02A40/81—Aquaculture, e.g. of fish

Definitions

• the invention relates to devices for holding fragments or cuttings, and support structures for such devices, for the cultivation and growth of aquatic animals, in particular corals. These devices and structures can be used in aquariums but also in the marine environment to allow the growth of corals from cuttings.
• the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing these devices and support structures as well as the use of biodegradable polymers to manufacture these devices and support structures.
• Prior technique
• Corals are a diverse group of anemone-like animals that live in marine environments. Corals include soft corals, hard corals, sponges, gorgonians, etc. Hard coral, an animal of the cnidarian family, is made up of several individuals, or polyps, which share a common skeleton, essentially composed of calcium carbonate. Together, these polyps and their skeleton form a colony.
• coral can be cultured asexually by propagation from fragments or cuttings.
• a piece of living coral can be broken into smaller pieces or fragments.
• a fragment is then attached to a base or support.
• the living tissue of this fragment, or cutting, made up of polyps will heal and resume its development, producing a skeleton and new polyps, thus creating a new colony.
• Coral cuttings allow, in particular, the establishment of cuttings on the reefs to help their natural regeneration, to avoid taking samples from the natural environment for the sale of corals to aquarists, the development of corals in the laboratory for scientific study and display to the public, and the collection of endangered species.
• the calcareous nature of the coral skeleton requires the use of adhesive agents such as epoxy resins (polyepoxides), cyanoacrylates, or else of the mortar-adhesive type, which have the disadvantage of presenting a certain toxicity with regard to the coral. and aquatic animals in general.
• adhesive agents such as epoxy resins (polyepoxides), cyanoacrylates, or else of the mortar-adhesive type, which have the disadvantage of presenting a certain toxicity with regard to the coral. and aquatic animals in general.
• Pasty forms of epoxy resins are often used to bond coral cuttings because they are water resistant and can be handled in a marine environment.
• these sticky agents are very sensitizing and are recognized as responsible for the majority of allergic eczema developed in the context of a professional activity.
• the basic components, before polymerization are toxic, and can in particular release esters derived from phthalic acid and various alcohols, which are detrimental to the growth of corals.
• Cyanoacrylates make it possible to quickly assemble a wide variety of materials. However, in addition to their toxicity problem, they also have the disadvantage of having a short shelf life, and of hardening on contact with water or even ambient humidity, which makes them a difficult, if not impossible, bonding agent. , to be used in situ.
• Adhesive mortars are generally composed of a mixture of aerial lime and cement. They are commonly used for construction work. These sticking agents are very sensitive to variations in storage conditions and are thus difficult to keep in the long term. These products carry a risk of lung disease after prolonged inhalation. In addition, they produce an alkaline reaction in the presence of water, a source of possible serious irritation in the event of contact with the eyes or the skin. This alkaline reaction can also lead to an embrittlement of the structures where these agents are used, thus impacting the durability of the bonds in contact with seawater.
• the supports on which the cuttings are usually glued or fixed can also present a risk of toxicity and accentuate the factors of degradation of the coral reefs, or even can have a negative impact on the environment because of their mode of production.
• plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyvinyl chloride can release endocrine disruptors such as antimony trioxide or phthalates.
• endocrine disruptors such as antimony trioxide or phthalates.
• corals are more susceptible to the development of diseases. Contact between plastic debris and corals can cause wounds on coral tissues, thus favoring their infection by bacteria.
• certain additives present in plastics attract and promote the ingestion of plastic by coral polyps, increasing the risk of transmitting toxic elements to them while diverting them from the real food necessary for their development and survival.
• Concrete consisting mainly of water, cement and sand, is used in all construction projects throughout the world.
• the production of cement is the one that releases the most CO2 in the world, the main factor of global warming and the ripple effect of the degradation or even the disappearance of coral reefs.
• the invention relates to a device for holding a coral cutting, said device comprising: [0031] - a first hollow tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end, a proximal end, an inner face and an outer face, and
• a second element arranged coaxially at the proximal end of the first element and comprising a flared part defining a surface comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first element
• said device having a textured surface.
• said device has a textured surface on said internal face.
• the flared part may comprise an edge defining, with the flat surface, a flange around said longitudinal axis.
• the collar may advantageously be deformable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said tubular member.
• the surface comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis can comprise at least four elongated projections, each projection comprising a distal end.
• the projections are arranged in the plane of said surface of the flared part and extend, with the flared part, in an arc of a circle, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, so as to form, with all of the distal ends positioned around said longitudinal axis, a holding member.
• the surface comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis may comprise at least 5 to at least 15, in particular at least 7 to at least 12, and in particular at least 10 elongated members.
• the inventor has observed, surprisingly, that it was possible to prepare devices for holding a cutting or a coral fragment configured so that the coral fragments can be held in the device without gluing, and that, also, the device can be placed and fixed in a support, in an aquarium or on a seabed, without gluing.
• the inventor has also observed that it was possible to prepare devices for holding a cutting or a fragment of coral, or a support structure for such a device, with a biodegradable polymer, such as a polymer of lactic acid, comprising a calcium salt, such as calcium carbonate.
• a biodegradable polymer such as a polymer of lactic acid, comprising a calcium salt, such as calcium carbonate.
• the inventor has also observed that it was possible to prepare devices for holding a cutting or a fragment of coral, or a support structure for such a device, by a process of three-dimensional printing to provide the device or support structure with a textured surface.
• the textured surface of the holding devices or of the support structure advantageously makes it possible to generate a biomimicry that promotes the growth and development of the coral.
• the textured surfaces also advantageously have a roughness capable of generating a friction effect when they are brought into contact with each other so as to promote the holding and fixing, without gluing, of the device in the support structure. .
• the biodegradable nature of the material used advantageously allows good integration of the holding devices and of the support structure in the natural environment while minimizing any negative impacts.
• the inventor has unexpectedly observed that it was possible to prepare devices for holding a cutting or a fragment of coral by giving them a shape which allows both fixing and maintaining the cuttings of coral and their insertion and fixing in a support structure or in a natural reef, all without gluing.
• the design of the holding devices allows the coral cutting to be held in the device by compression of the cutting by the part or parts of the device in contact with the cutting.
• the preparation by 3D printing of the devices and support structure of the invention advantageously allows a manufacturing process that is simple, inexpensive, and easily adaptable to the various dimensions of the coral cuttings.
• the inventor has surprisingly observed that the biodegradable material used, and the manufacturing method by 3D printing, made it possible to ensure that the holding devices had flexibility, giving the devices the property of holding the coral cutting in the device. by compression of the cutting by the part or parts of the body of the device in contact with the cutting.
• the inventor has surprisingly observed that the biodegradable material used, and the manufacturing method by 3D printing, made it possible to impart, in a simple and inexpensive manner, a texture, or roughness, to the surface of the devices and structure of media described here.
• One of the advantages of the invention is to obtain a device for holding a coral cutting, and also a support structure for such a device, which make it possible to hold a fragment of coral without bonding.
• Another of the advantages of the invention is the obtaining of a device for holding a coral cutting, and also of a support structure for such a device, which are endowed with biomimetic properties promoting the coral growth.
• a device as described here can advantageously be arranged and fixed in any suitable support, in particular in a support structure as described here, in an aquarium or in a natural orifice of a reef of a seabed without it is necessary to use a bonding agent.
• the devices and support structures described here can be implemented with biodegradable materials devoid of elements toxic to the coral or its environment.
• the devices and support structures of the invention can be manufactured by 3D printing, which can facilitate the adaptation of their dimensions to the varied dimensions of the coral cuttings.
• the first element may comprise at least one barb extending from the internal face towards the inside of said element.
• the textured surface of a device may have a surface roughness making it possible to produce friction with a surface of the coral cutting and/or with a point of contact of a support structure.
• the surface textured may have an average surface roughness of at least 0.5 ⁇ m, in particular an average surface roughness varying from 0.5 to 320 ⁇ m.
• the device according to the invention can be formed from a material comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one calcium salt.
• the biodegradable polymer can be chosen from a polymer of polylactic acid, a polymer of glycolic acid, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyalkylene succinate, polycaprolactone, poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), and a mixture thereof. this.
• the biodegradable polymer can be a polymer of lactic acid.
• the calcium salt can be an organic calcium salt.
• An organic calcium salt can be chosen from calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, hydroxyapatite, calcium lysinate, calcium alginate, and a mixture thereof.
• the calcium salt can be calcium carbonate.
• the device according to the invention may comprise a coral cutting.
• the present invention relates to a support structure for at least one device according to the invention, comprising a continuous surface comprising at least one orifice configured to receive a hollow tubular element of a device according to the invention, said surface being a textured surface.
• the structure may comprise an internal part consisting of a plurality of cells in communication with each other and, directly or indirectly, with the orifices.
• the structure according to the invention can be formed from a material comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one calcium salt.
• the textured surface of a structure may have a surface roughness making it possible to produce friction with a device of the invention.
• the textured surface may have an average surface roughness of at least 0.5 ⁇ m, in particular an average surface roughness varying from 0.5 to 770 ⁇ m.
• the support structure may comprise at least one device according to the invention.
• the support structure may comprise at least one device according to the invention inserted into an orifice, the device comprising a collar, and said collar affixed to the surface of said structure.
• the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a device for holding a coral cutting according to the invention or a support structure according to the invention comprising at least one step consisting in printing in 3 dimensions said device or said structure.
• the printing material used in a method of the invention can be a biodegradable polymer comprising a calcium salt.
• the present invention relates to the use of a biodegradable polymer comprising at least one calcium salt for the manufacture of a device for holding a coral cutting according to the invention or of a support structure according to the invention.
• Figure 1 shows a device for holding a coral fragment or cutting comprising a flared upper part defining a collar.
• Figure 2 shows a cross section of a device according to the
• FIG. 3 shows a device for holding a coral fragment or cutting comprising a flared upper part having elongated projections defining a holding member.
• Figure 4 shows a cross section of a device according to the
• Figure 5 shows a device according to Figure 3 comprising a solid coral fragment.
• Figure 6 shows a device according to Figure 1 comprising a fragment of branching coral.
• Figure 7 shows a device according to Figure 1 disposed in an orifice of a support structure with the flange raised.
• Figure 8 shows a device according to Figure 1 disposed in an orifice of a support structure with the flange affixed to the surface of the support structure.
• Figure 9 shows a holding device according to Figure 3 arranged in a holding device according to Figure 1.
• Figure 10 shows a variant of Figure 9.
• Figure 11 shows a cross section of a device according to Figure 1 comprising pins arranged on the inner face of the hollow tubular element and on the upper face of the second element.
• Figure 12 shows a support structure suitable for the devices of the invention.
• Figure 13 shows a cross-section of Figure 12 revealing a dimpled inner part.
• Figure 14 shows a cross section of a support structure according to Figure 12 comprising in some of these holes devices according to Figures 1 and 3 each comprising a coral fragment.
• Figure 15 illustrates the possible uses of the holding devices according to the invention either arranged in a support structure placed in an aquarium, or arranged in a natural reef present on a seabed.
• Figure 16 represents the principle of 3D printing by layer superposition of a polymer extruded from a printing nozzle.
• Figure 17 illustrates the variability of the average surface roughness according to the thickness of the layers of the polymer extruded from a printing nozzle.
• Figure 18 illustrates the 3D printing of a device according to Figure
• aspects and embodiments of the present invention described herein include “having”, “comprising”, “consisting of”, and “consisting essentially of” variations of such aspects and embodiments.
• the terms “have” and “include” when used in connection with an item, or variations such as “has”, “having”, “includes” or “comprising”, are understood to imply the inclusion of the mentioned item(s) without exclusion of other element.
• the term “consisting of” implies the inclusion of the item indicated to the exclusion of any additional item.
• the term “consisting essentially of” implies the inclusion of the stated matter, and possibly other matters where such other matters do not materially affect the fundamental characteristic(s) of the disclosure.
• the various embodiments of the disclosure using the term “comprising” or an equivalent cover the embodiments where this term is replaced by “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of”.
• the terms “essentially” or “substantially” used in conjunction with a feature is intended to define a set of variants of that feature which are substantially, but not entirely, similar to that feature.
• the difference between the set of variants of the given characteristic and the given characteristic is such that in the set of embodiments corresponding to the set of variants of the given characteristic, the nature and the function of the characteristic are not materially not affected.
• the term “substantially” referring to a position eg “substantially parallel” is used to describe a set of positions that are close to, but not identical to, the parallel position.
• Each maximum numerical limitation given in the description includes all lower numerical limitations, as if these lower numerical limitations were expressly written.
• Each lower numerical limitation given in the description includes all upper numerical limitations, as if these upper numerical limitations were expressly described here.
• Each numerical range given in the description includes the narrower numerical ranges included in that given numerical range, as if those numerical ranges were expressly described herein.
• a holding device according to the invention (1, 21) of a coral cutting can comprise at least:
• a first hollow tubular element (2) extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end (3), a proximal end (4), an internal face (13) and an external face (5 ), and
• a second element (6) arranged coaxially at the proximal end of the first element and comprising a flared part (7) defining a flat surface (10) comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first element (2), and [0097] - said device having a textured surface (8).
• the first element comprises between its distal (3) and proximal (4) ends, a body (9) defined by the internal face (13) and the external face (5) of this first element.
• the second element (6) of a device of the invention may comprise a flared part comprising an edge (11) defining, with the flat surface (10) of the flared part (7), a collar (12) around said longitudinal axis.
• the flange (12) may be integral and form a continuous surface comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first element.
• the flange (12) may have interruptions arranged substantially perpendicular to its edge. Interrupts can take the form of incisions or notches extending from the edge of the collar to the proximal end of the first element.
• the collar (12) can be deformable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first element (2).
• the collar (12) can be deformable in the direction of the distal end (3) of the first element (2).
• a holding device (1) for a coral cutting may comprise at least a first hollow tubular element (2) extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end (3), a proximal end (4), an internal face (not visible) and an external face (5), and a second element (6) arranged coaxially at the end (4) of the first element (2) and comprising a flared part (7) defining a planar surface (10) comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first element, the flared part (7) further comprising a edge (11) defining, with the flat surface (10), a flange (12) around said longitudinal axis, and the device may have a textured surface (8a, 8b).
• the collar (12) is deformable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said tubular member (2).
• Such a device, with collar, can be referred to in the following description as a “valve” device.
• a cross section of a holding device (1) of a coral cutting comprising at least at least a first hollow tubular element (2) extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end (3), a proximal end (4), an internal face (13) and an external face (5), and a second element (6) disposed coaxially to the proximal end (4 ) of the first element (2) and comprising a flared part (7) defining a flat surface (10) comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first element (2), the flared part (7) further comprising an edge (11) defining, with the flat surface (10), a flange (12) around said longitudinal axis, and the device may have a textured surface.
• the first element comprises between its distal (3) and proximal ends
• a device Taken as a whole, a device according to the invention comprises a wall formed, on the one hand, by the internal face (13) of the first hollow tubular element (2) which is extended by the upper face (14) of the second element (6) and, on the other hand, by the external face
• the wall of the device comprises an internal face and an external face.
• the internal face of the wall is formed by the internal face (13) of the first hollow tubular element (2) and the upper face (14) of the second element (6).
• the external face of the wall is formed by the external face (5) of the first hollow tubular element (2) and the lower face (15) of the second element (6).
• the outer and inner faces together represent the surface of the device of the invention.
• the wall of a device has the flexibility and the rigidity necessary to allow the insertion of a fragment of coral into the device and then to ensure its maintenance, and also to allow the insertion and the maintenance of the device in a orifice, either of a support structure or of a reef of a seabed.
• a device of the invention (21) may comprise a second element (6) whose flared part (7) comprises at least four elongated projections (16) (in the figure the 4th end is not visible because it is hidden), each projection comprising a distal end (17).
• the projections are arranged in the plane of the surface of the flared part (7) and extend, with the flared part (7), in an arc of a circle, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element (2 ), so as to form, with all of the distal ends (17a, 17b, 17c, the fourth end is not visible in the figure because it is hidden by the projection ending in the end 17b) positioned around said longitudinal axis, a holding device.
• the first element comprises between its distal (3) and proximal (4) ends, a body (9) defined by the internal face (13) and the external face (5) of this first element.
• the surface of the device according to the invention (21) is textured (8).
• the flared part (7) can comprise at least 5 to at least 15, in particular at least 7 to at least 12, and in particular at least 10 elongated projections (16).
• the projections comprise a distal end (17) and a base (18) located at the level of the flared part of the second element.
• the elongated projections can be substantially planar. Alternatively, they can be substantially tubular, hollow or solid. Advantageously they are of solid tubular shape. Advantageously again, they are substantially planar.
• the elongated projections may have a constant cross-section between the flared part of the second element and their distal end.
• the cross-section can be reduced substantially in the direction of the distal ends of the projections, so as to give the distal ends a point shape.
• the elongated projections (16) are substantially flattened in shape, with a cross section decreasing between the base (18), located at the flared part (7) of the second element (6), so as to give the ends distal (17) a point shape, or substantially a point.
• the elongated projections (16) can extend, substantially in the plane of the surface of the flared part (7) of the second element (6), in a linear manner, so that the distal end (17) of the projection (16) is in a substantially aligned position relative to the position of the base (18).
• the elongated projections can extend, substantially in the plane of the surface of the flared part of the second element, according to a sigmoidal shape or a twisted shape, so that the end distal to the projection is offset, laterally, from the position of the base.
• Ligure 4 a cross section of a device according to the invention (21) shown on Ligure 3.
• a device for holding a coral cutting according to the invention comprises: [0120] - a first hollow tubular element (2) extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end (3), a proximal end (4), an internal face (13) and an external face (5 ), and
• a second element (6) arranged coaxially at the proximal end (4) of the first element (2) and comprising a flared part (7) defining a flat surface (10) comprising a plane diverging circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first element (2), the flared part (7) comprising at least four elongated projections (16), each projection comprising a distal end (17), the said projections being arranged in the plane of the said surface of the part flared part (7) and extending, with said flared part (7), in an arc of a circle, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element (2), so as to form, with all the ends distal (17a, 17b, 17c) positioned around said longitudinal axis, a holding member,
• said device having a textured surface (8).
• a device as described above, with projections, may be referred to in the following description as a “ring” device.
• the dimensions of the “valve” or “ring” type devices are variable and depend on the dimensions of the coral cuttings to be transplanted. It is easy to obtain holding devices of the invention adapted to the dimensions of the coral fragments by the 3D printing manufacturing process described below. Although there are no limits to the dimensions of the holding devices of the invention, in practice it is not useful to cut coral fragments with dimensions greater than 50 cm in their greatest length.
• the devices of the invention may have a dimension varying from approximately 1 cm to approximately 25 cm, in particular from approximately 2 cm to approximately 20 cm, from approximately 5 cm to approximately 15 cm , from about 8 cm to about 10 cm.
• the devices of the invention may have a dimension varying from approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 20 cm, in particular from approximately 1 cm to approximately 15 cm, from approximately 4 cm to approximately 12 cm, or from about 8 cm to about 10 cm.
• the first hollow tubular element can be closed at its distal end. Alternatively it can be open at its distal end.
• the opening may have a substantial diameter equivalent to the width of the body of the first element. Alternatively, the opening may have a diameter smaller than the width of the body of the first element.
• the distal end may comprise at least one or a plurality of orifices, at least two, of variable dimensions and shape, for example circular.
• the first hollow tubular element may have a section of variable shape. It can be substantially circular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, or even ellipsoidal. Advantageously, it is substantially circular.
• the section of the first tubular member can be constant throughout the length of the member or can vary in its shape along this length, for example having a substantially circular section in a first segment of the length of the tubular element, then having a substantially square section in a later segment.
• the section of the first hollow tubular element is substantially circular and constant over the entire length of the element.
• the surface of the body of the hollow tubular element, between its proximal and distal ends, can be continuous or else have openings of various dimensions and sizes, in particular circular.
• the surface of the body of the hollow tubular element is continuous.
• an opening at the distal end and/or of at least one orifice at the distal end and/or of at least one orifice in the body of the first element advantageously allows water to sea or aquarium to circulate in the holding device and to more easily provide the coral cutting with the nutrients necessary for its growth and development.
• a device of the invention for example (1) or (21), as described here can consist of a single piece.
• the second element (6) can constitute an extension of the proximal part (4) of the first element (2).
• a device of the invention for example (1) or (21), as described here can consist of at least two parts represented, respectively, by the first (2) and second (6) elements.
• the first (2) and second (6) elements can be assembled by any method known to those skilled in the art, for example by welding.
• a holding device according to the invention consists of a single piece.
• a device of the invention for example (1) or (21), as described here is advantageously intended to hold a coral fragment or cutting.
• the device is then placed in an environment allowing the development and growth of the cutting into a new colony of corals
• the expressions "coral fragment” or “coral cutting” are used here interchangeably to designate a piece of coral taken from an individual for reproduction by cuttings. Cuttings are a mode of vegetative propagation consisting in giving birth to a new individual from an organ or an isolated organ fragment.
• the device is also intended to be placed by insertion into an orifice, either of a support structure or of a natural reef present in a seabed, so as to provide the coral fragment with the environment necessary for its growth and His development.
• the function of inserting a device according to the invention, for example (1) or (21), into a fixing hole is ensured by the first hollow tubular element (2).
• the function of holding a coral cutting by the device (1) is ensured by the second element (6) disposed coaxially to the proximal end (4) of the first element (2) and comprising a flared part (7 ), as well as by the lumen, or internal part of the first hollow tubular element (2).
• the function of holding a coral cutting by the device (21) is ensured by the second element (6) disposed coaxially to the proximal end (4) of the first element (2) and comprising a flared part (7 ), as well as by the elongated projections (16) whose distal ends (17) positioned around said longitudinal axis form a holding member.
• a “ring” device as described above may advantageously be suitable for holding a fragment of branched or massive coral.
• the coral fragment can be inserted between the distal ends of the elongated projections.
• the insertion of the coral fragment is carried out in such a way as to keep at least one, and preferably two ends of the fragment held between two projections and extending outward from the device.
• a device of the invention (21) with elongated projections (16) may be suitable for massive corals.
• FIG. 5 a device according to the invention (21) comprising a fragment of solid coral (22) enclosed in the elongated projections (16).
• a device of the "ring" type may have a rigid wall, having for example a hardness of approximately 95 to approximately 98 Shore A, and in particular of approximately 96 Shore A to approximately 97 Shore A.
• a such a device may have a rigid wall having a hardness of about 98 Shore A.
• a “valve” device as described above may advantageously be suitable for holding a fragment of branching coral.
• the coral fragment can be inserted along the entire length of the first element. It can be maintained in place by the presence of studs, as described below. The insertion of the fragment of the coral is carried out in such a way as to keep part of the fragment emerged above the flared part of the second element.
• a device of the invention with a collar may be particularly suitable for branching corals.
• a device according to the invention (1) comprising a fragment of branching coral (23).
• a device of the "valve" type may have a wall having, for example, a hardness varying from approximately 85 to approximately 98 Shore A, and in particular from approximately 90 to approximately 95 Shore A, and in particular from approximately 92 Shore A.
• such a device may have a rigid wall having a hardness of approximately 92 Shore A.
• a “valve” type holding device the latter can be placed in a support structure, for example a support structure as defined below or a natural coral reef.
• a support structure for example a support structure as defined below or a natural coral reef.
• the deformable collar can be folded down, in the direction of the distal end of the hollow tubular element, and come to rest on the surface of the support. By coming to rest on the surface of the support, the collar favors, by the friction forces generated by its textured surface, the fixing and maintenance of the device in its support.
• FIGs 7 and 8 a device according to the invention (1) containing a fragment of branching coral (23) inserted into an orifice (25) of a support (24).
• Figure 7 shows the device with the flange (12) raised in the initial position.
• Figure 8 shows the device with the collar (12) deformed and affixed to the surface of the support (24).
• a “valve” device may be suitable for holding a “ring” device itself comprising a branching or solid coral cutting.
• a “valve” device or a “ring” device as described above may further comprise at least one, and in particular a plurality, of pins arranged at least on the internal face of the wall of the device.
• the pin(s) can be arranged on the internal face of the first element.
• the barb(s) can be placed at the proximal end. Alternatively, or additionally, they may be arranged over the entire inner surface of the body of the first element, or even also at the distal end.
• the spike(s) can be arranged on the upper face of the second element.
• the pins can be arranged on the circumference of the first hollow tubular element, or longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the first element, or even on the circumference and along the longitudinal axis so as to be arranged so as to regular on the internal face of the first element.
• the density of spikes is adjusted so as to allow the retention of the coral fragment (or any other element inserted in a device of the invention) to be increased without preventing or hindering its insertion.
• the presence of the pins advantageously makes it possible to promote the maintenance of the fragment of coral inserted in the hollow tubular element, or if necessary the maintenance of a second device for maintaining a fragment of coral inserted in the first.
• FIG. 11 a cross section of a device according to the invention (1) comprising a plurality of pins (26) arranged on the internal face (13) of the first element (2) and on the upper face (14) of the second element (6).
• a device according to the invention has a textured surface (8).
• the textured surface may have an average surface roughness to produce friction with a surface of the coral cutting and/or with a contact point of a support structure.
• the term “textured” means that the surface of the wall is rough.
• the texturing or roughness of the surface of the wall is present on the external face of the wall or on its internal face.
• the texturing or roughness is present on the internal face and on the external face.
• the texturing of the surface of the internal face of the device makes it possible, by a phenomenon of friction generated between the texture of the surface and the surface of the coral cutting, to block and hold the cutting in the device.
• the texturing of the surface of the external face of the device makes it possible, by a phenomenon of friction generated between the textured surface and the surface of a support in which the device is inserted, to lock and hold the device in the support.
• textured does not imply the use of any particular material or manufacturing process (e.g., applied finish or coating).
• the term “textured” is used to refer to a high friction surface profile as opposed to a smooth or polished surface profile.
• a textured face, or surface can be formed from many discrete constituents in close proximity to each other, together defining a plurality of convex and concave features.
• Concave and convex elements are not limited to any particular shape.
• a concave element suitable for the invention is not limited to a particular shape and may, for example, have the shape of a hollow, a valley, a cavity, a recess, a groove , a streak or even a depression.
• a convex element suitable for the invention is not limited to a particular shape and can, for example, have the shape of a bump, an asperity, a projection, an angle, a protuberance , a bulge, an elevation, or a growth.
• Texturing is not limited to a particular shape.
• a texturing suitable for the invention may, for example, have the form of a set of furrows, streaks, grooves, stripes, meshes, a geometric network, or even interlacing.
• the texturing of the surface of a device of the invention and the texturing of the surface of a support may have identical or similar configurations so that the convex elements of the surface of the device can fit into the concave elements of the surface of the support, and that the convex elements of the surface of the support can come to nest in the concave elements of the surface of the device.
• the same or similar configurations of the texturings generally allow greater surface friction to be generated, since opposing constituents are easily placed in interfering/interlacing contact with each other.
• the surface of a device and the surface of a support structure have a texturing formed of a set of furrows, ridges or grooves arranged substantially parallel to each other. .
• the texturing of the surface of a device according to the invention can be defined by a surface roughness, in particular an average surface roughness.
• Surface roughness is the irregularities present on a surface and caused by differences in level.
• Surface roughness can be established by measuring a surface profile using a roughness measuring device. Different roughness measurement methods can be applied.
• methods for measuring the surface roughness in particular the average surface roughness, mention may be made of tactile methods, such as the stylus method, or optical methods, for example with an optical profilometer.
• a probe tip is used at a constant speed on the surface of a device.
• the tip sweeps the surface point by point.
• a tactile measurement of the average surface roughness can for example be obtained with equipment of the Surftest SJ-210 or Surftest SJ-410 type marketed by the company Mitutoyo.
• An optical measurement of the average surface roughness can for example be obtained with equipment of the optical profilometer type, for example the NewViewTM 9000 optical profilometer from Zygo Corporation, or even with a Rainbow white light chromatic confocal sensor marketed by the OGP company
• a roughness profile is measured on 5 individual measuring sections. Most of the roughness characteristics like, for example, the average roughness arithmetic value (Ra), the average roughness depth (Rz) or the maximum roughness depth (Rmax) are calculated on an individual measuring section (the length of an individual measuring section is numerically equal to the upper limit wavelength). Characteristic values such as the proportion of material (Rmr) or the total height of the roughness profile (Rt) are taken into account over the entire roughness profile.
• the roughness characteristics or roughness parameters refer to the international standard DIN EN ISO 4287 (at the date of filing).
• the mean roughness Ra is defined as the arithmetic mean value of the absolute values of the profile deviations inside the reference section.
• the average surface roughness of a device of the invention can be measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the element.
• the average surface roughness of a device of the invention can be measured perpendicular to the ridges present on the surface.
• the textured surface of a device according to the invention may have an average surface roughness of at least 0.5 ⁇ m, in particular a surface roughness varying from about 0.5 to about 320 ⁇ m.
• a device of the invention may have an average surface roughness varying from about 1 ⁇ m to about 300 ⁇ m, from about 2 ⁇ m to about 250 ⁇ m, from about 4 ⁇ m to about 200 ⁇ m, from about 8 ⁇ m to about 150 ⁇ m, from about 10 ⁇ m to about 120 ⁇ m, from about 15 ⁇ m to about 100 ⁇ m, from about 20 ⁇ m to about 80 ⁇ m, or even from about 30 ⁇ m to about 50 ⁇ m.
• a device can have an average surface roughness of about 0.5 ⁇ m, about 1 ⁇ m, about 2 ⁇ m, about 5 ⁇ m, about 8 ⁇ m, about 10 pm, about 15 pm, about 20 pm, about 30 pm, about 40 pm, about 50 pm, about 80 pm, about 100 pm, about 120 pm, approximately 150 ⁇ m, approximately 180 ⁇ m, approximately 200 ⁇ m, approximately 250 ⁇ m, approximately 280 ⁇ m, approximately 300 ⁇ m, or alternatively approximately 320.
• the surface roughness, or texturing, of a device of the invention is determined, in particular, by the parameters of the manufacturing process of the device. Thus, each manufacturing process corresponds to an expected surface roughness.
• the wall of a device of the invention has a flexibility or a rigidity adapted to the insertion and to the maintenance of a fragment of coral in the device, and to the insertion and to the maintenance of the device in a support , natural or manufactured.
• the flexibility or rigidity of a device of the invention can be measured by means of the Shore hardness scale. Hardness can be measured using a Shore durometer.
• Such a device determines the depth of penetration of a standard indenter, a frustoconical tip, by application to a sample, which by penetrating into the sample causes a reaction on a calibrated metal spring.
• the scale for measuring the hardness of the wall of a device according to the invention is the Shore A scale.
• the measurement of the hardness in the Shore A scale can be carried out with a truncated cone having a cone angle of 35°, a spring force of 8.065N and a pressure force of 12.5N.
• the holding devices can be colored so as to promote biomimicry with the coral fragments.
• the coloring of the devices according to the invention is obtained by coloring the material used to manufacture them, as detailed below.
• the devices of the invention can be inserted into supports, either artificial, such as the support structure described below, or natural, such as a reef placed on a seabed. .
• One of the objects of the invention relates to a support structure for at least one device of the invention.
• a support structure for at least one device of the invention.
• Such a structure comprising a continuous surface including at least one port configured to receive the distal end of a device as described herein.
• the surface of the structure is textured.
• a support structure can have any possible shape.
• it may have protuberances and hollows intended to mimic the natural relief of a coral reef.
• it may have a geometric shape, such as a cube, a parallelepiped, or even a polygon comprising at least one face of dimension sufficient to allow the structure to be stably placed in the bottom of an aquarium or on a seabed.
• the texturing of the surface of the support structure according to the invention may have the same characteristics as the texturing of the surface of a device of the invention, in particular as described above, and the average surface roughness may also be measured as previously described for devices.
• the textured surface of a support structure according to the invention may have an average surface roughness of at least 0.5 ⁇ m, in particular an average surface roughness varying from about 10 to about 770 ⁇ m.
• a device of the invention may have an average surface roughness varying from about 15 ⁇ m to about 700 ⁇ m, from about 20 ⁇ m to about 600 ⁇ m, from about 40 ⁇ m to about 500 ⁇ m, from about 50 ⁇ m to about 400 ⁇ m, from about 80 ⁇ m to about 300 ⁇ m, from about 100 ⁇ m to about 250 ⁇ m, from about 120 ⁇ m to about 200 ⁇ m, or even from about 150 ⁇ m to about 180 ⁇ m.
• a support structure according to the invention can have an average surface roughness of about 0.5 ⁇ m, about 10 ⁇ m, about 15 ⁇ m, about 20 ⁇ m, about 40 ⁇ m, about 50 ⁇ m, about 80 ⁇ m, about 100 ⁇ m, about 120 ⁇ m, about 150 ⁇ m, about 180 ⁇ m, about 200 ⁇ m, about 250 ⁇ m, about 300 pm, approximately 400 pm, approximately 500 pm, approximately 600 pm, approximately 700 pm, or alternatively approximately 770 pm.
• the surface (38) of a support structure (27) has a texturing (31) formed by a set of furrows, ridges or grooves arranged substantially parallel to each other. to others.
• the surface of a support structure (27) according to the invention comprises at least one orifice (30) configured to receive the hollow tubular element (2) of a device according to the invention (1, 21) .
• a support structure has a plurality of orifices (30). The holes are arranged randomly or disorderly on the surface of the structure. Alternatively, the orifices can be placed in an orderly fashion.
• the orifices are placed at a distance from each other so as to allow each coral cutting present in a holding device of the invention placed in each of the orifices to develop without interfering with the growth and development of the neighboring cuttings.
• the orifices can be placed at a distance of at least 5 cm, in particular of at least 8 cm, in particular of at least 10 cm, in particular of at least 12, or even of at least 15 cm from each other.
• the distance between two neighboring orifices can vary from approximately 5 cm to approximately 15 cm, in particular from approximately 8 cm to approximately 12 cm, or even to be approximately 10 cm.
• the support structure can be solid.
• the orifices are dug or drilled in the mass.
• the support structure can be hollow and comprise a wall.
• the orifices can be dug or drilled in the wall of the hollow structure.
• the hollow structure can, for example, be molded by injection or extrusion blow molding in a mold comprising studs making it possible to form the orifices.
• the support structure may comprise a wall and an internal part consisting of a plurality of cells.
• the cells are advantageously in communication with each other.
• a structure can be obtained by 3D printing with a honeycomb (or hexagonal) INLILL.
• the INLILL translates the degree of filling of the printed product. The denser the INLILL pattern, the more the internal part of the printed product will be filled.
• a support structure according to the invention may comprise an INLILL density varying from 1 to 50%.
• Ligure 13 a cross section of a support structure (27), of any shape, having protuberances (28) and hollows (29), comprising a wall (32) and an internal part consisting of a plurality of cells (33).
• Ligure 14 a cross section of a support structure (27), of any shape, having protrusions (28) and hollows (29), comprising a wall (32) and an internal part consisting of a plurality of cells (33).
• the structure comprises a plurality of orifices (30) in which are inserted holding devices (1) or (21) of coral fragment (22) or (23).
• the orifices can be open on the inside of the structure so as to allow communication between the outside and the inside of the structure.
• This can allow the structure submerged in an aquarium or placed on a seabed to be filled with water.
• the structure thus filled is weighted and can remain stable at the bottom of the aquarium or on the seabed.
• a support structure according to the invention may comprise an internal part consisting of a plurality of cells in communication with each other and, directly or indirectly, with the orifices.
• Each cell constitutes a cavity comprising a common wall with at least one adjacent cell and at least one opening allowing communication of the cavity of the cell with a cavity of at least one adjacent cell.
• the number of cells in the internal part of a support structure of the invention obtained by 3D printing, and their dimensions, depend, in particular on the type of INFILL chosen and its density.
• the density and the model of INFILL are adjusted to obtain the best compromise in terms of solidity, weight and cost of the part produced and to ensure water filling during immersion of the support structure.
• a device support structure of the "valve” or “ring” type can be variable and depend, in particular, on the final destination of the support structure: aquarium or seabed, on the number of holding to place, etc.
• a support structure can have dimensions of a few centimeters in height, width and length or even several tens of cm. For structures of particularly large dimensions, these can be expressed in meters.
• a support structure according to the invention may comprise at least one device according to the invention.
• the structure is submerged, then the coral cutting holding devices according to the invention are placed in the orifices.
• this advantageously allows the filling and ballasting of the structure with water.
• the collar in the case of G using a "valve" type device, either as a direct device for holding a coral cutting or as an indirect holding device and then comprising a “ring” type device containing a cutting, the collar can be affixed, by deformation, to the surface of the structure. The phenomenon of friction generated by bringing the textured surfaces of the collar and the support structure into contact advantageously allows stable positioning of the holding device in the structure.
• the devices for holding a coral cutting according to the invention are textured over their entire surface.
• the contact between the textured surface of the device of the invention and the edge of the orifice in which it is inserted makes it possible to generate friction advantageously allowing the stable positioning of the holding device in the structure.
• a support structure according to the invention can be colored so as to promote biomimicry with the coral fragments.
• a support structure according to the invention can mimic, both in its shape and in its color, the appearance of a common and resistant coral, of Porites furcata type, to signal to adjacent corals that it is an environment conducive to their development.
• the coloring of the support structures according to the invention can be obtained by coloring the material used to manufacture them, as detailed below.
• a holding device and/or a support structure according to the invention may consist of a biodegradable polymer comprising at least one calcium salt.
• the invention relates to the use of a biodegradable polymer comprising at least one calcium salt for the manufacture of a device for holding a coral cutting according to the invention or of a support structure according to the invention.
• a polymer is a macromolecule consisting of a sequence of repeating units.
• a biodegradable polymer is a polymer that degrades rapidly over time and into biocompatible (or environmentally friendly) by-products.
• a biodegradable polymer suitable for the invention can be adapted to be used in a process for manufacturing a device or a support structure according to the invention by molding, for example by injection or extrusion or blow molding, or by printing. 3D.
• a biodegradable polymer comprising at least one calcium salt may be suitable for a method of manufacturing the devices and structures of the invention by 3D printing.
• the polymers that can be used in 3D printing are supplied in the form of yarn.
• a polymer suitable for the invention may have an extrusion temperature of 150° C. to 220° C., in particular 180° C. to 190° C.
• a biodegradable polymer suitable for the invention can be chosen from a polymer of polylactic acid, a polymer of glycolic acid, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyalkylene succinate, polycaprolactone, poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), and a mixture of these.
• a polyhydroxyalkanoate can be chosen from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanorate) (PHBHHx), and mixture of these.
• a polyalkylene succinate can be selected from poly(ethylene succinate) (PESu), poly(propylene succinate) (PPSu), poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu), and mixtures thereof.
• a biodegradable polymer can be a polymer of polylactic acid (PL A).
• a calcium salt suitable for the invention may be an organic calcium salt.
• An organic salt can be selected from calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, hydroxyapatite, calcium lysinate, and a mixture thereof.
• a calcium salt is calcium carbonate.
• Calcium carbonate is an element of the constitution of the coral skeleton
• the calcium carbonate can be introduced into the polymer in any form suitable for the invention.
• the calcium carbonate can be introduced into the polymer in the form of a ground ostreid shell, such as for example a ground oyster shell.
• the particles of calcium salts, in particular of calcium carbonate have a size that does not interfere with the diameter of the extrusion nozzle of the 3D printer.
• the size of the particles of calcium salt, in particular of calcium carbonate can be less than 250 ⁇ m.
• a polymer comprising a calcium salt can comprise other compounds intended to improve the biocompatibility, the biomimicry, the printability, the roughness and/or the hardness of a device or of a support structure according to invention.
• the biomimicry is improved by adding, to the printing polymer, calcium salts and dyes that mimic the color of corals.
• the roughness and/or the hardness of a device or of a support structure according to the invention can be improved by adding, to the printing polymer, particles of wood or stone.
• chitosan As additional compounds capable of modulating the hardness of a device or of a structure according to the invention, mention may be made, for example, of chitosan, chitin, starch, or else alginates.
• additives that can be used with the polymers used in the invention, mention may also be made of dyes.
• the dyes can advantageously be used to provide a biomimicry effect.
• dyes can be used.
• biocompatible or biobased dyes are used.
• dyes that can be used in the invention mention may be made of curcumin, bixin, anthocyanins, chlorophyll, astaxanthin, napthoquinones, carotenoids, or dyes extracted from grapes, strawberries, apples, cherries or red cabbage.
• the coloring of the polymers that can be used in a process of the invention can be obtained by incorporating a masterbatch into the biopolymer during its production before extrusion into a filament for 3D printing.
• a polymer suitable for the invention may be a lactic acid polymer comprising chitosan and hydroxyapatite as described in Nazeer et al. (Materials Today Communications, Vol. 25, 2020, 101515: 3D printed poly(lactic acid) scaffolds modified with chitosan and hydroxyapatite for bone repair applications, doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101515).
• a polymer suitable for the invention may be a lactic acid polymer comprising T-hydroxyapatite as described in Dubinenko et al. (Journal of Applied Polymer Science. (2021; 138:e49662): Highly filled poly(l-lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite composite for 3D printing of personalized bone tissue engineering scaffolds. doi.org/10.1002/app.49662).
• a polymer suitable for the invention may be a lactic acid polymer comprising calcium carbonate as described in Gayer et al. (Materials Science and Engineering: C, Vol. 101, 2019, pages 660-673: Development of a solvent-free polylactide/calcium carbonate composite for selective laser sintering of bone tissue engineering scaffolds; doi.org/10.1016/j. msec. 2019.03.101.) or as described in Nunes et al. (International Journal of innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 6, June 2017: Evaluation of the Poly (Lactic Acid) and Calcium Carbonate Effects on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties in PBAT Blends and Composites).
• a biodegradable polymer comprising at least one calcium salt suitable for the invention may be a lactic acid polymer comprising calcium carbonate.
• the calcium carbonate is introduced into the polymer in the form of a ground ostreid shell, such as for example a ground oyster shell.
• lactic acid polymer comprising calcium carbonate suitable for the invention
• a device or a support structure according to the invention can be manufactured by any method known in the field, in particular usable with polymers comprising a calcium salt, as described previously.
• a manufacturing method suitable for the invention allows texturing of the surface of the device or of the support structure.
• a process for manufacturing a device or a structure of the invention can be a three-dimensional printing process (or 3D printing).
• a 3D printing process advantageously makes it possible to obtain the surface texturing of the device or of the structure during the printing step.
• the printing process may include different parameters and printing methods.
• a device or structure according to the invention Prior to printing, a device or structure according to the invention is modeled.
• a model can be developed from different software, for example Catia, Fusion360, Solidworks, Creo, and the final format is generated in machine-readable format, for example STEP, STL or OBJ.
• the resulting model is then cut into layers by cutting software.
• the dimensions of the layers are adapted to the printing material used, in particular the extrusion nozzle, the dimensions of the polymer filament, and also the extrusion rates/second.
• the layers must be sufficiently thick and close to each other to ensure the solidity of the printed object, but also far enough apart and/or thin to give the printed object the desired flexibility.
• the software converts the model into coordinates that the 3D printer understands and the polymer is layered on top of each other according to these coordinates during the printing process.
• the model is output as a text file with a “.gcode” file extension.
• a device or structure according to the invention can be printed using various 3D printing technologies.
• 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology where a 3D object is created by laying down layers of materials to create a physical object.
• Extrusion and fused deposition (FDM) printers use polymer filaments, such as PLA (polymer of lactic acid, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate), PET-G (glycolized polyethylene terephthalate), printers for 3D printing in stereolithography (SLA) or by DLP (Digital Light Processing) use resins, and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology uses a powdered material, for example nylon.
• a method for manufacturing a device or a support structure according to the invention can use technology by extrusion and deposition of molten material ("fused filament modeling” (FFM), "melted and extruded modeling” (MEM), “fused filament fabrication” (FFF), or “fused deposition method” (FDM) / “molten filament modeling” (FFM), “molten and extruded modeling” (MEM), “fused filament fabrication (FFF), or “fusion deposition method” (FDM)).
• FFM fused filament modeling
• MEM melting and extruded modeling
• FFF fused deposition method
• FDM fused deposition method
• FIG 16 There is shown in Figure 16, a diagram showing a printing by deposition of molten material where a 3D printer nozzle (34) deposits on a work surface (35) a succession of layers (36) of molten polymer .
• a 3D printing method of a device according to the invention can be done in “vase” mode.
• This 3D printing mode implies that the wall is printed in a single layer, without interrupting the extruder (or printing nozzle).
• the z axis rises gradually instead of layering one at a time like in a standard print.
• Such printing is advantageously done without INFILL.
• the layer is gradually deposited on itself by rotation of the printing nozzle around the longitudinal axis of the device. The stacking of the layer leads to the formation of streaks forming the texturing of the surface.
• FIG 18 a 3D print of a holding device of the invention of the “valve” type by a method of depositing layers of molten polymer.
• the 3D printing nozzle (34) continuously deposits, progressing along the Z axis, a stacked layer (36) of molten polymer to form the outline, without INFILL - vase mode - of a device of the type “valve” (1).
• a device according to the invention can be printed in 3D printing using fused deposition technology, with an extrusion nozzle with a diameter of approximately 0.4 mm. Printing speeds, layer thicknesses, extrusion temperatures will depend on the polymer used and the nozzle used. Usually, a layer thickness should not exceed 80% of the nozzle diameter.
• the nozzle temperature can be around 200° C. (between 185°C and 230°C), printing surface temperature about 30°C (between 20°C and 30°C), printing speed about 60 mm/s (between 40 and 100 mm/s), and the layer height from about 0.5 ⁇ m to about 320 ⁇ m.
• a support structure according to the invention can be printed in 3D printing using fused deposition technology, with an extrusion nozzle with a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm. Printing speeds, layer thicknesses, extrusion temperatures will depend on the polymer used, the nozzle used, and the density and model of INFILL chosen.
• a support structure according to the invention can be printed in 3D with a lactic acid polymer comprising calcium carbonate, such as that marketed by the company FRANCOFIL, under the reference FRF341674, with the specific features described above.
• the layer height can vary from about 0.5 ⁇ m to about 770 ⁇ m.
• the printing can be done, for example, with a layer thickness of approximately 3 mm maximum.
• a layer thickness makes it possible to impart good solidity and good water resistance to the object while retaining a striated appearance providing the roughness necessary for the attachment of corals.
• the number of cells in the internal part of a support structure of the invention obtained by 3D printing, and their dimensions, depend, in particular on the type of INFILL chosen and on its density. The density and the model of INFILL are adjusted to obtain the best compromise in terms of solidity, weight and cost of the part produced and to ensure water filling during immersion of the support structure. Different types of INFILL are available: hexagonal, triangular, rectilinear cells, grid, waves, etc.
• a 3D printing method of a support structure according to the invention can be done with an INFILL (or filling) of honeycomb shape.
• the INFILL can have a density between 1 and 50%.
• the orifices of a support structure according to the invention can be obtained either during printing, or after printing, by drilling or drilling, for example with a drill or a hot tip.
• a process for manufacturing a device or a structure of the invention may be a process for molding by extrusion-blow molding of a polymer in a mold representing, in hollow form, the device or the structure of the invention to be reproduced.
• a manufacturing process may be an injection molding process.
• the walls of the mold can present, in hollow, the texturing patterns to be printed on the surface of the device or of the structure.
• the method may comprise a step of drilling, by any suitable method, such as a drill or hot tip, the orifices intended to then receive the holding devices according to the invention. .
• a mold used to manufacture a device according to the invention may be devoid of texturing patterns to be printed on the surface, and the texturing may be added later by an etching step.

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• 2021
  • 2021-04-26 FR FR2104303A patent/FR3107639B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-04-25 WO PCT/EP2022/060808 patent/WO2022229045A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2022-04-25 EP EP22724773.1A patent/EP4329483A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
  • 2022-04-25 CN CN202280044025.4A patent/CN117956900A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-04-25 BR BR112023022283A patent/BR112023022283A2/pt unknown
  • 2022-04-25 AU AU2022266096A patent/AU2022266096A1/en not_active Abandoned
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