Abstract: An improved snack food product in the form of resilient, molded, self-sustaining bodies preferably made from a heated mixture comprising a dairy product (cheese, yogurt or pudding), gelatin, fat and water. The product bodies are small and bite sized, having a mass to surface area ratio of from about 0.05-5 g/cm2, which facilitates molding thereof. Preferred food products are prepared by first creating a heated flowable mixture of including cheese, gelatin, fat and water, and depositing small quantities of the mixture into molding depressions formed in powdered starch or a resilient rubber mold; after hardening, the resultant products are separated from the starch or rubber mold and packaged.

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 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: A bag useful for forming ice cubes or the like has a pouch-like fill chamber which may extend across the whole of the width of the bag. The fill chamber has an outlet opening connecting to the interior of the bags which comprises at least two passageways in parallel relationship. An internal seal is provided to isolate the fill chamber from the interior of the bag. The seal may comprise a zip type fastener, or a simple flap valve disposed in each of the passageways. The arrangement facilitates the handling of the bags to permit larger bags that may be filled more rapidly and with little or no air trapped within the bag, in comparison to other known bags.

Abstract: Method for producing pressure die-cast or injection moulded articles having a unit for producing salt grains, a press for forming salt filler cores by compressing the said salt grains, a pressure die-casting machine for making the said articles by injecting a material in the liquid state into a mould having at least one salt filler core, and a salt removal and washing unit designed to remove the salt filler cores that have been trapped within the said articles; the said unit for producing salt grains being designed to atomize a saline solution which is supersaturated with salt into a plurality of drops so as subsequently to cause the salt present in solution/suspension in each drop of solution to solidify into a corresponding salt grain.

Abstract: A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided. One embodiment consists of the infusion of a softened or molten thermoplastic through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale molding tool contacting the porous metal substrate. Upon demolding, the porous metal substrate will be embedded within the thermoplastic and will project a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. This plastic structure, in turn, 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 to leave 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: A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided. One embodiment consists of the infusion of a softened or molten thermoplastic through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a microscale molding tool contacting the porous metal substrate. Upon demolding, the porous metal substrate will be embedded within the thermoplastic and will project a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. This plastic structure, in turn, 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 to leave 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: A core is made of a biodegradable material, reinforcing fibers and non-hardened resin are laminated on the core so as to form a fiber-reinforced composite material. Then, the fiber-reinforced composite material is hardened, and then biochemically active substances, such as microorganisms and enzymes, are brought into contact with the core so that the core is biochemically degraded and removed.

Abstract: An ice cube bag comprises two sheet-shaped foil layers (12, 14; 12′, 14′) defining an outer periphery. A peripheral joint (20, 21, 21a, 21b) extends along the major part of the outer periphery of the foil layers, with the exception of a peripheral area constituting an inlet aperture of the bag (10). Their peripheral joint joins the foil layers together defining an inner chamber which is divided into several ice cube compartments defined by separate joints (22, 23, 24, 25, 29) of the foil layers. An inlet channel extends from the inlet aperture to the inner chamber of the bag hereby allowing admission from the surroundings to the inner chamber of the bag through the inlet channel.

Abstract: A toroidal core is produced on a rim 1 comprising a central portion connecting two annular lateral anchoring zones. The rim has an air passage orifice which can be selectively closed or opened and connected to a source of pressure, to the atmosphere or to vacuum. A conduit 3 passes through the rim and has a valve 30 which can be selectively closed or opened, the conduit extending to an orifice to which a pipeline can be connected by a suitable flange 13. A stretchable membrane 2 is mounted on the radially outer side of the rim and is fastened to it in air-tight manner on anchoring zones over the entire periphery of said rim so as to define a closed space on the radially outer side of said rim between the rim and the membrane. A fluid 6 fills said closed space to overflowing, said membrane being pressed against a mold 5.

Abstract: A cement mold for use in forming a temporary orthopedic implant used in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The cement mold includes a first mold to define a first portion of the temporary implant and a second mold to define a second portion of the temporary implant. A coupling mechanism joins the first mold to the second mold such that the cement mold is substantially sealed to define the temporary implant. The cement mold further defines an input port which is operable to receive a delivery nozzle to supply antibiotic loaded bone cement within an inner sidewall of the cement mold. At least one ventilation port is defined by the cement mold which is operable to vent trapped air upon filling the cement mold with the antibiotic loaded bone cement through the input port. The cement mold further includes a removal mechanism which is operable to assist in tearing and separating the cement mold from the temporary implant.

Abstract: A reinforced box-like structure for forming a void area in a concrete formation. The structure includes a bottom panel having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel base partitions and a top panel having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel top partitions. The base partitions extend across the bottom panel and in a direction normal to the bottom panel, and the top partitions extend across the top panel and in a direction normal to the top panel. Each of the base partitions and top partitions include a plurality of double-thickness walls with a plurality of slots therein and flat top edges between the slots. The structure is assembled by superimposing the top panel over the bottom panel such that the base partitions extend transversely relative to the top partitions.

Abstract: The internally air cooled turbine cast blade is molded with a ceramic core for defining the interior cavity with coolant passages where the ceramic core is configured to fair radially inwardly at the attachment portion of the blade until they form a single wall, parallel to and centered in the blade attachment. The blade is cast in the mold by pouring molten metal into the mold, curing and the core is leached once the metal is cured and the mold removed. Another embodiment includes a metering plate attached to the root of the blade for metering coolant to provide a coolant to gas flow ratio at the film cooling holes.

Abstract: A completely closed and reinforced box-like structure for forming a void area in a concrete formation is constructed of a flat sheet that is scored with a plurality of parallel crease lines and features a side edge reinforcing panel. The reinforcing panel has a plurality of slots thereon. A plurality of interior and end pieces are slit scored so that they may be folded to provide interior and end support units. The support units define a plurality of spaced apart partitions having a plurality of slots and flat support surfaces thereon. The structure is assembled by initially folding the side edge reinforcing panel into a position generally normal to the flat sheet to define a longitudinal rib. The support units are then attached to the longitudinal rib by registering the slots in the partitions in interlocking relationship with corresponding slots on the rib.

Abstract: A mandrel is fitted with a molded sleeve of low-temperature alloy for forming a rigid bulge along the surface of the mandrel. The sleeve is shaped to define the. internal surface of the shell at the bulge. After the mandrel has been so modified with the low-temperature alloy sleeve, it is wrapped with composite cloth containing any thermosetting resin. These resins heat to a known temperature, and permanently set when cured at the set temperature. The curing temperature of the prepreg cloth composite material is lower than the melting point of the low temperature alloy. After curing, the temperature in the curing oven is raised above the cure temperature until it reaches the melting point of the low-temperature alloy, and the alloy liquifies and drains out the drain passageways provided in the mandrel without melting the thermoset resin binder in the fiber cloth as well as leaving the bulge formed by the composite cloth in the shell without obstructing the removal of the mandrel.

Abstract: A water-soluble ceramic core is prepared which can be advantageously used in the die casting, gravity casting, and investment casting of precision aluminum alloy objects. The ceramic core contains: (a) 60 to 70% by weight of alumina (A1.sub.2 O.sub.3) flour; (b) about 15 to 25 by weight of zircon (ZrSiO.sub.4) flour; (c) about 5 to 15 by weight of sodium hydrogen phosphate (Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4); and (d) about 5 by weight of sugar. In preparing the ceramic core, sodium hydrogen phosphate and sugar are first dissolved in water to form a sodium hydrogen phosphate/sugar solution. Then alumina flour and zircon flour are added into the sodium hydrogen phosphate/sugar solution to form a slurry, which is caused to form a precursory ceramic core using an injection molding or slip casting process. After blow-drying the precursory ceramic core is calcined at temperatures between 70 and 800.degree. C.

Abstract: An individual bracket for holding and securing an object to the surface of a construction form for embedding the object in a settable material, such as concrete, and exposing the face surface of the object in the finished construction. The bracket has an outer configuration formed from a plurality of side and end perimeter members that defines a recess that correspond with the outer configuration of the object. The perimeter members have a flat outer surface extending at right angles to the form and an inwardly extending flange which is parallel and in contact with the form. An upwardly curved inner surface extends from the flange to the outer edge of the flat outer surface which forms one-half of a mold to form a grout line when two brackets are connected together. The actual mold can be any shape desired to provide the various types of grout lines.

Abstract: A disposable object form line for use in horizontal casting of building panels from settable material in which at least one side has an exposed face of embedded objects. The object form liner is comprised of a thin support sheet having an adhesive coating on one side. A closed cell plastic grid having ridges which define openings sized to fit the outer perimeter of the intended objects is provided. The grid is adhered to the adhesive coating on the support sheet. Retarder strips may be inserted in each opening to prevent contamination of the face of the object during the pouring process. The form liner is placed in the bottom of a horizontal mold. The objects, such as bricks, are positioned in the openings provided in the layout form liner and the settable material is poured into the mold to form a construction panel. After setting, the panel and disposable form liner are removed from the mold and the liner is stripped from the panel to expose the objects embedded in the surface.

Abstract: The internally air cooled turbine cast blade is molded with a ceramic core for defining the interior cavity with coolant passages where the ceramic core is configured to fair radially inwardly at the attachment portion of the blade until they form a single wall, parallel to and centered in the blade attachment. The blade is cast in the mold by pouring molten metal into the mold, curing and the core is leached once the metal is cured and the mold removed. Another embodiment includes a metering plate attached to the root of the blade for metering coolant to provide a coolant to gas flow ratio at the film cooling holes.

Abstract: A load bearing structure having a set of uniform voids functions to resolve the forces imposed by developing compression in the material having the voids and minimizing the amount of tension developed in the material. The voids are deployed to encompass a matrix of points arranged such that each point is spaced an equal distance from twelve and only twelve adjacent matrix points. If the structure is considered to be composed of a closely packed set of hypothetical rhombic dodecahedra (RD) and the four-edge vertices of each of those hypothetical RDs is truncated, the result will be a set of cubic voids. The center of each of those cubic voids will define the matrix referred to above and the cubic voids will serve to provide the optimum resolution of stress which minimizes the development of tension in the material. One in four of the hypothetical RDs can be eliminated achieving the same force resolution in a structure containing less material.

Abstract: A casting is produced using a non-sand plastic core. The plastic core is made of a thermoplastic resin and set in a casting mold so as to form a cavity in the casting mold. A molten metal such as aluminum is poured under pressure into the cavity to form the casting (product). The plastic core maintains its initial shape during casting. The remaining heat of the casting or the solidifying metal causes the plastic core to melt after the casting so that the molten plastic core is easily removed.

Abstract: A mold assembly and sprue configuration for dental investment casting includes a ring shaped casing, a base and a cover all made of resilient plastic material and fictionally engaged with each other. The base includes a raised neck having a top surface with a sighting bead for use in mounting wax forms on the sprue, positioned within the casing. The sprue includes a post for engaging a blind bore in a hub of the base. The cover includes a downwardly extending plug which extends into the body of the casing, and a curved lip with recess for facilitating the pouring of investment solution into the mold. The sprue has three spokes and a ring which are all triangular in cross-section to reduce the amount of metal needed in the precision casting to be made with the invention and also to provide a convenient flat upper surface for mounting wax forms to the sprue.

Abstract: A disposable bracket for holding and securing an object to the inside surface of a construction form for embedding the object and exposing its face surface in a settable material, such as concrete. The bracket has a plurality of perimeter members that corresponds to the outer edge configuration of the object. The perimeter members include an inwardly extending flange which supports the perimeter edge of the object. The bracket perimeter can be closed or open and can have cross reinforcing members, if desired. The cross-section of the perimeter members making up the bracket can include a curved convex outer surface extending upwardly and outwardly from the flange to a flat surface perpendicular to the flange. The perimeter member forms one half of a grout line mold formed in between adjacent objects embedded in the finished wall. The interior of the perimeter member can be hollow to allow flexure between the outer flat surface and the inner flange supporting the object.

Abstract: A casting is produced using a non-sand plastic core. The plastic core is made of a thermoplastic resin and set in a casting mold so as to form a cavity in the casting mold. A molten metal such as aluminum is poured under pressure into the cavity to form the casting (product). The plastic core maintains its initial shape during casting. The remaining heat of the casting or the solidifying metal causes the plastic core to melt after the casting so that the molten plastic core is easily removed.

Abstract: A method making an affixation member including a body for affixation to a surface of a structure and means for fastening the body to the surface. The fastening means including an interengaging fastener member which has a base secured to the body and a plurality of headed stems arranged on the base. The fastening means is formed by flowing molten material into a base mold, a destructible stem mold and a head mold. The base mold and head mold are separated, and the destructible stem mold and the molded interengaging fastener member are placed within a cavity of a body mold. An affixation member fixedly supporting the interengaging fastener member is molded in the cavity of the body mold. The body mold is separated from the molded affixation member, and the stem mold is destructibly removed from the interengaging fastener member fixedly supported on the molded affixation member.

Abstract: Here is a method of construction of a multi-storey building comprising the following steps: positioning precast side slab walls on the site; each slab wall defining outer and inner wall surfaces with the inner wall surface being inclusive of a plurality of inwardly-extending cavities; positioning one or more precast floor slabs each being of appropriate dimensions for a respective floor of the building; each floor slab having secured thereon or therein one or more retaining means; engaging each retaining means in an adjacent cavity to position the floor slab as required; and securing the so-engaged retaining means such that the respective floor slab is secured relative to the side walls.

Abstract: A load bearing structure having a set of uniform voids functions to resolve the forces imposed by developing compression in the material having the voids and minimizing the amount of tension developed in the material. For the voids to have this function, they must be deployed in a particular fashion. The voids are deployed to encompass a particular set of points. The set of points are such that each point in the matrix is spaced an equal distance from twelve and only twelve adjacent points of the matrix. The distance between the points does not matter as long as all are uniformly distanced in accordance with that rule. If the structure is considered to be composed of a closely packed set of hypothetical rhombic dodecahedra (RD) and the four edge vertices of each of those hypothetical RDs is truncated, the result will be a set of cubic voids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a fastener member having a base and a plurality of headed stems arranged in columns and rows and projecting from the base. The fastener member is formed by injection molding a molten material into a base mold, sacrificial stem mold and head mold, wherein the material is solidified. After the base mold and head mold are removed, the stem mold may be removed to release the fastener member.

Abstract: A cooking utensil has a base portion and a wall portion, wherein at least the wall portion is disposable after a single use. The wall portion includes a score line for irreversibly forming an opening in the wall portion. Tabs may be provided on either side of the score line for facilitating opening of the wall portion along the score line.

Abstract: A freezing mould bag for ices is formed from two plastic foils, and has a segmented inlet channel, two closure valve flaps extending within the interior of the bag, and a constriction which provides a venturi effect closing the bag at the constriction.

Abstract: A molded article is prepared by forming a glass core, treating the glass core to induce residual stresses therein, inserting the core into a mold, injecting resin into the mold, curing the resin, fracturing the core to produce glass particles, and removing the glass particles from the molded article.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding experimental, prototype and replacement parts from rubber materials. The apparatus consists of a mold having walls made from layers of fiberglass cloth and laminating resin reinforced with a mixture of quartz sand and laminating resin; a frangible cellular core made of a two component system polyurethane foam core and a hard outer coating of a quick set resin; a wax; and a release agent. The frangible core is formed by coating the surfaces of a core forming cavity of a core box with the wax to fill in irregularities; buffing the wax coating to provide a smooth finish; applying the release agent over the wax; coating the release agent with the hard quick set resin; and filling the core forming cavity with the two component system polyurethane foam. The frangible core is inserted in the mold, a rubber polymer is injected into the mold and the frangible core is removed from the part by breaking the core into small pieces after the part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: There is provided a reproducible molding die comprising a base structure having an unevenness pattern, and a cleaning layer disposed on the surface of the base structure having the unevenness pattern, wherein the cleaning layer is removable while substantially retaining the unevenness pattern of the base structure. By using above-mentioned molding die, a possible molding residue left in a molding step can easily be removed together with the cleaning layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned shaped article includes the steps of disposing at a prescribed position within a main form for molding the shaped article a projection-bristling form having a support member and a plurality of projections standing upright from the support member, charging a prescribed amount of dry pattern-course material for forming the pattern course of the shaped article into spaces defined by a prescribed number of projections of the bristling form, charging a base-course material for forming the base course of the shaped article into the main form including the remaining space of the bristling form not filled with the pattern-course material, removing the bristling form, causing the charged pattern-course material and base-course material to set into a shaped article, removing the shaped article from the main form and, optionally, sintering the shaped article.

Abstract: There is provided an ice tray that includes a body and a laminated cover that has a plastic coat for securing together the body and the cover. The body includes a plurality of individual cavities for receiving liquid therein. Each wall of each cavity has an upper edge that forms a lip. The cover is sealed along each lip of each cavity to provide a liquid tight seal for each cavity. The body and cover are each, preferably, formed of a single sheet of material. The body is made of pure polyvinyl chloride plastic, and the cover is made of a laminate of polyester and polyamide with adhesive therebetween and the plastic coat on the side of the polyester opposite the adhesive.

Abstract: A container is provided with an outlet opening and an annular insert embedded in the container at the opening. The insert surrounds the opening and includes an inner circumferential surface that is exposed within the opening. The synthetic resin material of the body surrounds the insert except for the inner circumferential surface so that the insert is substantially embedded in the body at the opening. The inner circumferential surface of the insert is threaded to receive an outlet coupling, and seats are defined between the insert and the interior and exterior of the container. A mold is also provided for forming a container within which an insert is embedded. The mold includes an insert assembly having a support and a heat sink which are able to shear free from one another during cooling of the container within the mold.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete forming tube is disclosed, and wherein the tube has a very thin wall of wound paper layers which permit the tube to be collapsed and wound into a reel to facilitate shipment and storage. In use, the desired length is severed from the reel, and the severed length is opened and positioned about a vertically disposed steel reinforcing structure. Concrete is then poured into the opened tube, and the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid concrete causes the tube to assume a circular cross-section and straight vertical configuration. Upon hardening of the concrete, the tube is severed with a knife and removed, leaving a formed concrete column of circular and straight configuration.

Abstract: Destructible cores useful particularly for shaping the internal channels of cast propellant blocks. The cores include at least one elongated element which is shaped, for example by winding, the cohesion of which is ensured by way of a joining material and a portion of which is accessible from the exterior of the component to be cast. In order to obtain quickly cores having a high rigidity, the shaped element is a band which includes interlaced wires having free spaces, the joining material filling the free spaces.

Abstract: A method of removing a core from a molded product in which the core is formed of a particulate inert material, such as sand, bound together by a cured binder of a water soluble carbohydrate alone or mixed with a silicate is disclosed. The silicate is preferably an alkali earth metal silicate, preferably sodium silicate, and the carbohydrate is preferably a saccharide or starch. The binder is cured by heat. The core and molded product are exposed to water, preferably heated water in a bath or steam, to rapidly disintegrate the core and remove it from the molded product.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener member having a base and a plurality of headed stems arranged in columns and rows and projecting from the base. The fastener member is formed by injection molding a molten material into a base mold, sacrificial stem mold and head mold, wherein the material is solidified. After the base mold and head mold are removed, the stem mold may be destructively removed to release the fastener member.

Abstract: The production of high precision molds and castings for dental prosthesis and the like is enhanced with a casting ring and sprue former base constructed of a clear expandable thermoplastic. The ring and base are telescopically interlockable with each other to define a vessel containing a mold form strategically disposed therein so that as investment solution poured throughout is able to cure without detracting from the precise measurements of the mold form to provide a true mold from which precisely dimensioned castings are formed.

Abstract: A method of sealing a concrete joint formed between a pair of concrete castings by creating an injection hole wherein a removable frame member can be attached to the bottom surface of the first concrete casting so as to form obtuse angles with the concrete casting surface. The other concrete casting is then cast around the frame member. The frame member is then removed to form the injection hole of the desired configuration, and sealing material can then be inserted into the injection hole for feeding into, and sealing of, the joint.

Abstract: A plunger (10) for supporting a wall (46) of e.g. a refrigerator door against deformation from an expanding, and hardening foamed plastic (52) on the other side of the wall. An evacuated bag-formed part (18) filled with a particulate material (20), has a surface (42) showing an impression of the form of the wall (46). The plunger (10) is reshapable, so that it can serve as a plunger for walls (46) of different forms.

Abstract: Concrete barrier structures for use in forming holes in concrete slabs or the like can be constructed so as to include a peripheral wall shaped as the frustum of a right circular cone having an upper end and a lower end. A closure is provided to close off the upper end of the peripheral wall. A series of equally spaced, identical upper supports are located on the exterior of this peripheral wall intermediate the ends of this wall. Grooves are provided on the interior of the peripheral wall for accommodating the upper supports on an adjacent, nested barrier structure.

Abstract: A casting mold for use in the manufacture of intraocular/contact lenses. The casting mold comprises a base and a cup-like feature attached to the base. The base has a frusto-conical configuration defined by a first planar circular cross-sectional area taken adjacent to the cup-like feature and a second planar circular cross-sectional area taken at a distance remote from the cup-like feature. The circumferences of the first and second cross-sectional areas respectively form lips. The first cross-sectional area is substantially less than the second cross-sectional area, and the portion of the base defining its side walls extends between the respective lips of the first and second cross-sectional areas and lies substantially within the generatrix of a line connecting the respective lips of the first and second cross-sectional areas rotated about the axis connecting the centers of the first and second cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: Molds for making metallic nuclear fuel rods are provided which present reduced risks to the environment by reducing radioactive waste. In one embodiment, the mold is consumable with the fuel rod, and in another embodiment, part of the mold can be re-used. Several molds can be arranged together in a cascaded manner, if desired, or several long cavities can be integrated in a monolithic multiple cavity re-usable mold.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding core has an outer surface and internal communication passages. One internal communication passage has an inlet opening and at least one discharge opening extending through the outer surface of the core. At least a second internal communication passage has a discharge opening extending through the outer surface of the core and at least one inlet opening. A preform comprises the core with fiber reinforcement material on the outer surface.

Abstract: A mold for slip casting comprising a compact formed out of a mixture having an organic matter and powders, the organic matter being capable of being extracted by supercritical fluid and the powders being incapable of being extracted by the supercritical fluid, and furthermore, a method for slip casting comprising a compact formed out of an organic matter capable of being extracted by supercritical fluid and having a melting point of 0.degree. to 150.degree. C. The organic matter is any one selected from the group of methyl carbonate, t-butyle alcohol, stearic acid stearyl alcohol and paraffin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a container for a fusible material such as gallium. The material is introduced to the container in liquid form and solidifies therein. The body contains two intersecting tear strips making it possible to easily strip the block of solidified material from the container. Each of the tear strips extends past its point of intersection with the other tear strip to maximize the extent to which the container is opened up. The material can thus be removed from the container with minimal handling and risk of being contaminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an otoplastic. An otoplastic is manufactured directly in the ear of a hearing-impaired person in that a deformable envelope is pulled over a die or over a shell or over an overlayed over-shell. This apparatus is then supplied with flowing otoplastic material between the die and the envelope, being supplied therewith in the ear. The envelope expands and assumes the shape of the auditory canal. After hardening or curing of the otoplastic material in the ear of the hearing-impaired person, the envelope and the die are removed and a module of either an in-the-ear or of a behind-the-ear hearing aid is integrated therewith.