Abstract: A charge control method for an alkaline storage battery includes determining whether or not a temperature T of a battery is less than 0° C.; if the temperature T is equal to or higher than 0° C., determining whether or not the battery has been considered to be charged to a maximum capacity that can be stored in the battery; if the battery has not been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, determining the temperature T of the battery again; if the battery has been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, finishing the charging; if it is determined that the temperature T is less than 0° C.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus, including: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and a battery pack supplying power to the processor and the memory; said battery pack comprising: a plurality of cells, wherein a current flow through the plurality of cells is arranged as a function of temperature of at least a portion of the battery pack. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine piston includes a crown surface including a low thermal conductivity part lower in thermal conductivity than a base material. The low thermal conductivity part includes a porous member made of a glass material lower in thermal conductivity than the base material, and impregnated with the base material. A first material is interposed at least partly between the porous member and the base material in the low thermal conductivity part, wherein the first material is water-soluble, and has a higher melting point than the porous member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bite-sized ices, composed of natural ingredients and specially formulated with various Superfoods and everyday health boosters, a method for processing, and apparatus for packaging the same. The present inventive composition preferably comes in multiple flavors; each flavor preferably comprising a unique ingredient profile. The ingredients are mixed using a thermal process involving a hot fill hold such that the composition and the packaging are sterilized at the same time. The packaging allows the composition to be sold shelf stable and to be a freeze and eat product, thereby providing convenience to the consumer.

Abstract: A mold for forming a coated intramedullary (IM) nail can include a tubular member having an insertion end and an opposite end. The tubular member can comprise a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis between an outer surface and an inner surface. The sidewall can define at least one threaded inlet port therealong. The tubular member can be configured to receive the IM nail therein. The tubular member can be further configured to locate a flowable material against the IM nail within the inner surface.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a cylindrical master mold assembly having a cylindrical patterned component with a first diameter and a sacrificial casting component with a second diameter. The component with the smaller radius may be co-axially inserted into the interior of the component with the larger radius. Patterned features may be formed on the interior surface of the cylindrical patterned component that faces the sacrificial casting component. The sacrificial casting component may be removed once a cast polymer has been cured to allow the polymer to be released. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A mandrel for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure from a composite material. The external surface of the mandrel can at least partially correspond to the inner surface of the three-dimensional structure. The mandrel can include a plurality of expandable particles configured to increase responsive to a threshold condition. The mandrel can be configured to crack responsive to a triggering condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing conformal shielding are disclosed to provide electromagnetic interference shielding of circuit components mounted on a circuit board. A print mold stencil is provided with one or more conductive shielding walls disposed within the stencil before its application to the circuit board and detachable therefrom, and also configured to encompass the circuit components. In this manner a shielded compartment volume is defined by walls of the print mold stencil and one or more of the conductive shielding walls, and may be easily and quickly applied to the circuit board to encompass the components for shielding. A conformal shielding layer is then formed from a molding material disposed in the shielded compartment volume that encompasses the components, as well as a conductive layer disposed on the outer surface of the material, and coupling of the shielding walls with a ground plane in the circuit board.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices adapted to ease manufacture of composite articles (e.g., ceramic composite articles), particularly composite articles which include a hollow feature are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a consumable core formed to be disposed within an inner portion of a composite precursor, the consumable core adapted to convert into an infiltrant during a manufacturing process and infiltrate the composite precursor.

Abstract: A method of making an endovascular prosthesis comprises the steps of applying a first layer of polymer to a portion of a deformable matrix, contacting a stent with the polymer to deform the matrix, applying a second layer of polymer over at least a portion of the stent and first layer, solidifying the layers of polymer to form the endovascular prosthesis, and removing the matrix.

Abstract: A concrete structure kit comprising a dry powdered concrete mixture contained within a shaped container or packaging is provided. In use, the packaged dry concrete mixture is placed in a desired location, water is added to the dry mixture in an appropriate amount, and the concrete is allowed to set in the shape of the container. After the concrete has hardened, the container may be removed from the outside of the concrete structure and discarded. In a second embodiment, a modular concrete mold system is provided, which includes a series of interlocking pieces having various shapes, such as straight sides, curved sides, corners, acute and obtuse angles, and the like. This arrangement allows a user to form a concrete mold into a variety of different shapes, as desired.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a resin-molded body for a hollow structure having a cavity and an opening connecting the cavity and the outside. The method includes the steps of: creating a hollow core corresponding to the shape of the cavity; creating an outer mold corresponding to the external shape of the hollow structure; setting the core in the outer mold and injecting a fluid of a soft-resin material into the space between the outer mold and the core; demolding a soft-resin-molded body together with the core from the outer mold after the soft-resin-molded body is formed by curing the soft-resin material, applying an external force to the soft-resin-molded body to deform the soft-resin-molded body so as to break the core into fragments; and discharging the fragments of the core through the opening of the soft-resin-molded body to the outside.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure, using a mandrel that is later removed from the composite structure, involves production of a mandrel by depositing a particulate mixture, including an aggregate and a binder, into a mold and removing the mandrel from the mold. The mandrel may be treated while still in the mold by heating, curing with an agent, microwave energy, or by some combination thereof. Once finished, the mandrel can be used in manufacturing polymer and/or composite components. The mandrel can also include materials that can be easily removed from the finished composite structure by water, shakeout, chemically dissolving, or by some combination thereof. The mandrel can be a self-expanding mandrel, and can be used in a process or system for the manufacture of composite structures.

Abstract: The invention provides water-soluble salt cores which are produced by compacting a mixture of water-soluble salts and a binding agent, under pressure and subsequently subjecting them to heat-treatment. The binding agent is an inorganic phosphate or a mixture of inorganic phosphates having a proportion of between 0.5 and 10 wt. % of the mixture.

Abstract: An article produced using, among other techniques, free-form fabrication having a binder matrix and particles can be supported during a temperature processing, such as burn-out of the binder matrix, with a support composition to maintain geometry and/or alleviate changes in geometry of the article. The support composition can take a variety of forms such as foams, two phase materials, plastic powders, carbon powders, etc. The support material is sacrificed during the thermal processing, such as through decomposition. Such a decomposition can occur when the support composition evolves into a carbonaceous structure. The support composition can also oxidize to a gas, melt, or vaporize, among other types of sacrificial action.

Abstract: A mold assembly and method of forming a surgical implant from bone cement. The method has the steps of connecting a plurality of mold segments to approximate the size of a patient implant. Each mold segment has an open channel. The method may further include aligning the channels of connected mold segments, positioning a centralizing holder on a reinforcement member, mixing bone cement, pouring at least some bone cement through the channels and into connected mold segments, fitting the reinforcement member into the mold segments, curing the bone cement; and removing the cured surgical implant.

Abstract: A battery device includes a battery cell constituted by a secondary cell, a case that houses the battery cell, and a battery-side positive electrode terminal and a battery-side negative electrode terminal electrically provided in the case and connected to the battery cell. The battery device further includes a temperature detecting unit that detects the temperature of the battery cell, a temperature control unit that heats and/or cools the battery cell when an electric current is supplied thereto, and a current control unit that divides, according to the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit, an externally-supplied charging current supplied from the outside via the battery-side positive electrode terminal and the battery-side negative electrode terminal into a first current supplied to the battery cell and a second current supplied to the temperature control unit.

Abstract: The article and corresponding method include a casting fixture for a part of a skin formulation applicator which is otherwise difficult to cast. The casting fixture includes a central cup section and two opposing tear-away sections. A rigid base portion of an applicator tip assembly is mounted into an upper rim of the cup section and liquid silicone material is poured into the volume defined in the cup section portion beneath the base portion. The silicone cures and bonds to extending elements from the base portion, providing a firm connection between the cast tip portion and the base portion. When the combined part is ready for use, the tear-away sections are removed by the user, which results in an easy ejection of the part, which can then be installed by the user in the formulation applicator.

Abstract: A method for forming interconnects onto attachment points of a wafer includes the steps of providing a mold with a plurality of cavities having a predetermined shape, depositing a release agent on surfaces of the cavities, filling the cavities with an interconnect material to form the interconnects, removing the release agent from the mold, and attaching the interconnects to the attachment points of the wafer. An adhesive layer can optionally be deposited in addition to the release layer. The adhesive layer can be used, for example, to bond the chip to a package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a biodegradable piece for medical use including the steps of: a) preparing a mixture including glycerol and sebacic acid, b) pouring said mixture into a one-piece mould made of elastic material, c) placing the mould containing said mixture on a support, d) placing the support into a chamber with controlled temperature and vacuum level until a polymer having the desired consistency is obtained, e) removing the support from the chamber and allowing it to cool down to room temperature, and f) removing the piece thus obtained from the mould.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: A former, process for making same, process for using same, and resulting pavement-like site, where the former is a one-time use structure made of wood fiber or paper pulp molded into a rigid shape and defining a plurality of hollow peak-like structures extending from a base sheet. Each peak is substantially closed at its extremity away from the base sheet and open at the extremity at the base sheet. This former is used for installing combination pavement and dirt/gravel surfaces such as those known under the tradename Grasscrete®.

Abstract: A tool assembly including a male tool including an inner shape tool including a bag having a connection connectable to a depressurization source for providing a vacuum in the bag such that beads therein form a body of firm cohesion providing the inner shape tool rigid. The male tool further includes a flexible, hollow curing support arranged around the rigid inner shape tool, the inner shape tool is arranged to be removable from the flexible, hollow curing support by rupturing the vacuum.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for covering a cylindrical roll core with an elastomeric material, the roll core having a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface for receiving the elastomeric material thereon, the apparatus comprising a pair of opposed vertically aligned rotatable chucks for receiving and securing the roll core therebetween for rotation of the roll core about its longitudinal axis, the chucks holding the roll core vertically stationary, a dispenser for helically winding a length of flexible tape around the roll core from the bottom to the top thereof in spaced apart relation to the roll core's outer surface to form a containment sheath defining an annular space between the outer surface and said tape, said tape being wound in response to rotation of the roll core by the chucks, a mixing head for discharging the elastomeric material into the annular space concurrently with the space's formation as the flexible tape is wound around the roll core, a support for the dispenser

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular articulating cement spacer mold for forming a temporary implant. The modular spacer mold includes a head component mold defining a first opening, a head connector positioned within the first opening of the head component mold, a stem component mold defining a second opening, and a stem connector to fit within the second opening of the stem component mold to mateably engage the head connector. Related kits and methods of forming a temporary implant are provided.

Abstract: A void former or dowel sleeve adapted to be encapsulated in a hardened mass of concrete, which is collapsible upon the application of a tensile force longitudinally thereof to remove the void former from the concrete and provide a void for a load transferring dowel.

Abstract: A mold assembly for making concrete blocks includes a billet of foamed polystyrene having flat upper and lower surfaces, and having apertures produced by a CNC milling machine. The apertures are bounded by perimeter walls of varied contour orthogonally disposed to the flat surfaces of the billet. The bottom surface of the billet is secured to a flat rigid floor panel. Blocks are produced by pouring concrete into the aperture, allowing the concrete to harden, then breaking the polystyrene away from the blocks formed within the apertures.

Abstract: Systems for constructing sand structures. The system comprises a plurality of mold blocks that can be assembled together such that their inner surfaces combine to form a internal cavity in the shape of a desired sand structure. There is also an external support used to retain the mold blocks in their assembled position. Sand is packed into the internal cavity formed by the collective internal surfaces of the mold blocks to form the sand structure. There may be a plurality of tiers of assembled mold blocks for constructing complex sand structures and there may be a mechanism to aid the user in grasping a mold block to facilitate the removal of the mold block to uncover the completed sand structure and there may also be some interlocking of adjacent mold blocks together. Once filled, the mold blocks are removed, thus creating the sand structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein too is a method of forming an integral casting core comprising adding a disposable insert to a metal core die; disposing a slurry into the metal core die; wherein the slurry comprises ceramic particles; firing the slurry to form a integral casting core; and removing the disposable insert from the integral casting core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite core die comprising a reusable core die; and a disposable core die; wherein the disposable core die is in physical communication with the reusable core die; and further wherein surfaces of communication between the disposable core die and the reusable core die serve as barriers to prevent the leakage of a slurry that is disposed in the composite core die.

Abstract: A mould 10, 30, 40 particularly for use in food preparation comprising a base 11, and a collar 12 having a continuous wall 14 that upstands from the base with a lower edge 16 of the collar abutting the base 11. The mould may be for single use with the base and the collar being formed from fibreboard and in a particular form the collar wall incorporates a releasable connection to enable opening of the collar. In one form, the collar includes tabs 25 that extend from the lower edge 16 and retaining means (18, 19, 31) which are operative to retain the tabs in relation to the base so as to retain the lower edge 16 of the collar in proximity with the base. The mould further includes in one form an insert 19 which is locatable within the mould cavity 17 and in another form a support arrangement (29, 42, 43) is provided to support the collar wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble salt cores for die casting, said salt cores being produced by compressing, and then sintering, a mixture of water-soluble salts. According to the invention, there are between 4 and 5 parts by weight of borax, between 2 and 3 parts by weight of magnesium, and between 0.5 and 2 parts by weight of graphite or talc, in the mixture, for 100 parts by weight of salt. The compression is carried out under a pressure of between 300 and 900 N/mm2.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and appartus for forming a biomedical device, such as an ophthalmic lens, wherein the biomedical device is formed with a mold part which is water soluble.

Abstract: The current invention discloses moisture resistant foundation pier block forms constructed from corrugated plastic. Means for holding sections of reinforcing bar can be included and at least one preferred embodiment of the invention includes means for securing the form in its desired location at a construction site. The forms of the current invention are light weight and can be easily assembled at a construction site or at a remote location. Sections of reinforcing bar can be inserted in at least one preferred embodiment of the invention during assembly and the forms can then be folded into a flat configuration for storage until needed. The forms disclosed in the current invention can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore do not have to be removed from the pier blocks after the concrete has dried.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for rapidly fabricating a robust 3-dimensional silicon-mold for use in preparing complex metal micro-components. The process begins by depositing a conductive metal layer onto one surface of a silicon wafer. A thin photoresist and a standard lithographic mask are then used to transfer a trace image pattern onto the opposite surface of the wafer by exposing and developing the resist. The exposed portion of the silicon substrate is anisotropically etched through the wafer thickness down to conductive metal layer to provide an etched pattern consisting of a series of rectilinear channels and recesses in the silicon which serve as the silicon micro-mold. Microcomponents are prepared with this mold by first filling the mold channels and recesses with a metal deposit, typically by electroplating, and then removing the silicon micro-mold by chemical etching.

Abstract: The sealed container filled with liquid is designed for making ice. It comprises a tray having a peripheral wall closed on one side by a base and defining on the other side an opening for extracting the ice. The container comprises a seal for sealing the tray, which is sealed above the opening. The base has a deformation protruding inside the tray, which defines externally a transverse groove extending from one edge of the base to the other and opening at each of its extremities on the peripheral wall of the tray, this base having two ridges extending on both sides of the groove.

Abstract: The element has at least one porous permeable impression surface, on which the clay slip is deposited. A drainage system for the slip fluid is provided having a relatively thin, empty or porous chamber in the form of a slab which is incorporated into the body of the mould element itself, is disposed within the range of drainage action of the impression surface, and has a degree of porosity greater than the front part of the body delimited between said thin chamber and the impression surface, evacuation means connected to said thin chamber being provided to evacuate the drained fluid collected by the chamber. In particular, said thin chamber is disposed substantially parallel to the impression surface at a relatively short distance therefrom.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: An anchor having an internally threaded first opening, a body, a first end on the body threaded to fit the first opening, a second end on the body, configured to fit an opening in the wall of the mold for extending a first length of the body into the wall, a second opening in the second end extending toward the first end, and a protrusion in the second opening configured for receiving a tool for transferring rotational force about an axis through the first end and the second end for withdrawing the body from the anchor. The protrusion is recessed the first length from the second end. An annular member extends radially from the body, one axial end of the protrusion is at the axial position of the annular member.

Abstract: An insert is provided for forming a void in precast concrete that includes a tube defined by a wall and having a plurality of formed, longitudinally spaced-apart ribs that project radially outwardly from an outer surface of the wall. A plurality of corresponding recesses are defined in an interior surface of the wall. A plurality of score lines are positioned between the ribs so that the tube may be adjusted in length to meet the particular requirements associated with a specific design of precast concrete. At least one removable cap is positioned in an open end of the tube so as to prevent concrete from entering the tube during casting. A method for forming a void within a precast concrete structure is also provided in which the tubular sleeve assembly is positioned within a form containing uncured concrete, and one or more of the score lines are cut so as to adjust the length of the tube.

Abstract: The sealed container filled with liquid is designed for making ice. It comprises a tray having a peripheral wall closed on one side by a base and defining on the other side an opening for extracting the ice. The container comprises a seal for sealing the tray, which is sealed above the opening. The base has a deformation protruding inside the tray, which defines externally a transverse groove extending from one edge of the base to the other and opening at each of its extremities on the peripheral wall of the tray, this base having two ridges extending on both sides of the groove.

Abstract: A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided as are methods of making such a mold via the infusion of a castable liquid formulation through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale master mold. Upon casting and demolding, the porous metal substrate is embedded within the cast formulation and projects a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. The plastic structure provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate, which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved, leaving the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a ribbed structure with fiber-reinforced composite material is provided. A mold for the structure is prepared having a mold surface. Non-hardened resin containing reinforcing fibers are placed on the mold surface of the structure mold. A mold for a rib is formed by using a material containing biodegradable polymers. Non-hardened resin containing reinforcing fibers are laminated on the rib mold, and then the rib mold is placed in a predetermined position on the non-hardened resin containing the reinforcing fibers tin the mold surface of the structure mold. The non-hardened resins are hardened and the rib mold is biochemically degraded wherein in the hardening of the resins, the resin hardened on the rib mold and the resin hardened on the mold surface of the structure mold are united with each other.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A new mold solves problems that arise from differential changes in geometry inherent to casting metal in a ceramic mold, by control of the internal morphology between the surfaces of the mold that face the casting, and that face the external environment. Layered fabrication techniques are used to create a ceramic mold. For example, an internal geometry composed of a cellular arrangement of voids may be created within the mold wall. Structures may be designed and fabricated so that the ceramic mold fails at an appropriate time during the solidification and/or cooling of the casting. Thus, the casting itself is not damaged. The mold fails to avoid rupture, or even distortion, of the casting. A thin shell of ceramic defines the casting cavity. This shell must be thin enough to fail due to the stresses induced (primarily compressive) by the metal next to it and partly adherent to it.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ready-for-use frozen or refrigerated sweet dough which is prepared from flour, sugar, a leavening agent and fat, and which is provided in a form that includes grooves, score lines, or a combination thereof, to facilitate separation of the dough into pieces that can be baked into individual bakery products such as cookies, muffins, brownies, or other pastries. The invention also relates to a method for providing individually baked products comprising the steps of providing an uncooked dough sheet or block which has separable portions of predefined shape, separating one or more portions from the sheet or block and then baking the portions to obtain individually baked products. The shapes of the portions are defined by grooves, score lines or combinations thereof and the portions are separated from the sheet by breaking them along the grooves or score lines.

Abstract: An electromechanical device includes a first frame having a first aperture therein, a second frame suspended in the first frame wherein the second frame has a second aperture therein, and a plate suspended in the second aperture. A first pair of beams support the second frame along a first axis relative to the first frame so that the second frame rotates about the first axis. A second pair of beams supports the plate along a second axis relative to the second frame so that the plate rotates about the second axis relative to the frame. The first and second axes preferably intersect at a 90° angle. A first actuator provides mechanical force for rotating the second frame relative to the first frame about the first axis. A second actuator provides mechanical force for rotating the plate relative to the second frame about the second axis. Accordingly, the plate can be independently rotated relative to the first axis and the second axis. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compliant cantilevered three-dimensional micromold is provided. The compliant cantilevered micromold is suitable for use in the replication of cantilevered microparts and greatly simplifies the replication of such cantilevered parts. The compliant cantilevered micromold may be used to fabricate microparts using casting or electroforming techniques. When the compliant micromold is used to fabricate electroformed cantilevered parts, the micromold will also comprise an electrically conducting base formed by a porous metal substrate that is embedded within the compliant cantilevered micromold. Methods for fabricating the compliant cantilevered micromold as well as methods of replicating cantilevered microparts using the compliant cantilevered micromold are also provided.