Abstract: A blower with improved P-Q characteristic provides a reduction in noise by sucking air inside through slits provided in an annular wall, wherein the blade thickness near a blade end s is progressively reduced toward the front end, and the location F of the maximum thickness gradually moves back toward a blade trailing edge side u2 so as to make the blade advance angle near the front end larger than in other locations. In addition, the width of a slit is made wider in sections near a spacer than in other sections. Alternatively, notches are provided in the outer perimeter of annular plates near the spacers so as to reduce the radial length of the annular plates. This arrangement improves the P-Q characteristic and reduce noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a ski (1) comprising at least one binding-raising zone (5) formed by an extra thickness of the structure of the ski forming a projection in the region of the zone of the runner (2). Such a ski has a groove (12) let in over at least a portion of the length of each of its lateral faces, said groove (12) being located between the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5) and the edge (9) of the ski.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding three-dimensional articles having interstitials. The article has elongate elements and interstitials between the elongate elements. The interstitials may extend entirely through the article, or intercept only the periphery of the article. The article may be formed by injection molding, using two or more mold segments, each having elongate members. The mold segments are separated from each other in a separation direction. The separation direction is parallel to the elongate members of the mold segments and/or the elongate elements of the article. The method and apparatus according to the present invention is useful for making a static mixer, heat exchanger or similar article.

Abstract: A process of making a casting includes the steps of designing a mold (1010), fabricating the layers (or laminations) of the mold (1020), stacking and assembling the laminations into a mold (1030), producing a casting (1060) and demolding the casting (1070). If necessary, a derived mold can be made (1040, 1050) prior to producing the casing (1060).

Abstract: A method of forming a concrete retaining wall block having a front face and an opposed back face in a front fact up position. The method includes inserting a plurality of tines of a horizontal core puller into a plurality of holes in the bottom of a mold such that the a plurality of tines are positioned to form a dovetail slot and chamfers in the back face of a concrete retaining wall block; and pressing and vibrating a semi-dry concrete mix feed into the mold with a head to form a concrete retaining wall block having a relief stamped in its front face and to form the dovetail slot and chamfers its back face. The method allows the dimensions of the concrete retaining wall block to be exact and consistent from cycle to cycle of the method.

Abstract: Injection molding method and apparatus for ejecting a molded plastic article from a mold. A lifting structure and/or step is provided with a lifting portion which is configured to contact substantially one half of an end of the molded plastic article along a line substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction. Since the molded plastic article is lifted by its end, the article does not have to be solidified at its interior, thus allowing earlier removal of the article from the mold, reducing cycle time. A tapered surface forms an acute angle with respect to the lifting portion to form a tight seal with the mold, preventing leakage. Preferably, the neck ring engages only an outer circumferential portion of the molded plastic article during a majority of a mold opening stroke.

Abstract: A plunger rod for a syringe in is of integrally injection molded plastic construction having an elongated body with a coaxial end portion. An external thread extends around the end portion for threaded receipt into a plunger tip that is slidably received in a syringe barrel. A flat extends chordally across the end portion of the rod body interrupting the external thread. The plastic, of which the plunger rod is molded, is gated into the mold for the plunger rod at the flat that extends across the rod end portion, leaving a gate mark or vestige on the flat. Gating of the plastic material into the portion of the mold that forms the threaded end portion of the plunger rod achieves improved flow and improved filling of the external thread, while employing a simple and economical mold construction. The gate vestige does not interfere with threading of the plunger rod end portion into the plunger tip.

Abstract: In a wheel for a motor vehicle, the existing hollow spaces are filled with residual cores. These cores are made of a metallic foam or are of shell-shaped bodies or shell-shaped bodies filled with metallic foam. The cores are arranged in closed and open hollow spaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a part (108, 200, 300), comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A process for the hot moulding of articles (L) made of thermoplastic material includes the steps of: heating at least one plate of thermoplastic material (L) to a plasticizing temperature; compressing the heated plate (L) between two moulding surfaces (14, 16), set opposite one another, of a pair of half-moulds (10, 12); and forming, by injection moulding, at least one component (22) anchored to a surface of the plate (L), while the plate is being compressed between the moulding surfaces (14, 16).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of interconnected vials with a mold. The mold includes a first slide and a second slide. The method comprises contracting the first slide and the second slide so that a plurality of cavity profiles linked together by a plurality of arms is formed. A plurality of core pins is placed within the plurality of cavity profiles so that the core pins are freestanding. A plastic fluid is injected about the plurality of core pins to form a plurality of interconnected vials. The plurality of interconnected vials are removed from the plurality of core pins. The plurality of interconnected vials are placed into a holder tray and a liquid is injected into the vials. The open ends of the vials are heat sealed in order to encapsulate the plurality of interconnected vials. The steps of heat sealing include applying heat, measuring the temperature applied, and measuring the time the heat is applied.

Abstract: A process for the production by a moulding process of a micro-cellular or non-cellular elastomeric polyurethane skin layer or, more generally, to a process for the production of a composite comprising a first layer shaped part, which is made by a moulding process from a polyurethane reaction mixture, and a second layer shaped part which is adhered to the first part to form the composite. In order to avoid the use of release agents on the back side of the first layer shaped part, and thus the negative effect on the adhesion of the second layer shaped part, and the penetration of reaction mixture on this back side between the slides (9-10) of the mould, the mould surface (4) is covered on the back side of the moulding with a removable flexible covering, such as a film (12) or a membrane, with a removable rigid pre-shaped covering or with a permanent non-stick coating layer.

Abstract: Plastic panels which are useful as automotive interior trim panels, interior door panels and the like decorative and structural panels, are made by a method which provides an underturned edge onto the panel. The method includes positioning blanks into a mold cavity over top of a mold ring. The blanks are secured to the mold ring and the blank is secured to the mold cavity via a vacuum. The two piece mold is mated together and a substrate is injected into the mold cavity. The cavity is opened, the ring is lifted and the formed part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: In a rear holder-attached connector (1), a relatively-thick protective rib (10) with a width (B) projects outwardly from opposite sides of a housing (2), and is disposed between upper and lower terminal receiving chambers (3). This width (B) is larger than a width of rear holders (20a, 20b), and this rib (10) protects the rear holders (20a, 20b) so that these rear holders, provisionally retained on the housing (2) within a metal-mold assembly, will not be discharged from the metal-mold assembly to drop, and will not be disengaged from the housing even upon contact with another housing. The provision of the protective rib (10) also serves to provide a good flow of a resin poured from the rear side of the housing (2) during the molding operation, and therefore thin partition walls, forming the terminal receiving chambers (3), can be positively molded, thereby enhancing the yield of the molded housings.

Abstract: A connector (1) with rear holders, which connector comprises a housing (2) having a plurality of terminal housing chambers (3), and the rear holders (20a) and (20b) which are laid across the housing (2) and temporarily and regularly retained in the housing. One of the rear holders (20a) and (20b) includes a retaining hole (22) and a retaining pawl (23). On each side of the housing exist a temporarily retaining projection (4) having a tapered surface (5) over the whole of its surface, and a tapered retaining step (6). A stooping contact face (7) is also provided on the surface of the rear end portion of the housing (2).

Abstract: Device to produce polyurethane articles (37) covered by a film (19), including a mold (30) comprising a female part (13) and a male part (12) defining a molding cavity (18) inside which polyurethane material (24) is able to be injected. The device also comprises, in association with the perimeter edge of said female part (13), means able to exert a connection function in substantial cooperation with the zone of discontinuity between said female part (13) and said male part (12). The means comprise a movable annular ring-nut (22) including a first position (22a) to load a segment of said film (19) in order to insert said segment inside the mold, and a second position (22b) at least partly overlapping on the perimeter of said female part (13) in order to cooperate with said female part (13) during the molding of said polyurethane material (24).

Abstract: A method of sealing a bore, such as the threaded bore of a fastener, wherein the sealing element is preferably formed in place. The preferred sealing element is formed of a heat softenable plastically deformable material, such as a thermo-plastic resin, which is heated and deformed radially in the bore into a mechanical interlock with the bore inside the surface, such as thread. In the preferred method, a plunger or ram is driven into the sealing element which is supported on a die element in the bore. In the most preferred method, the ram simultaneously heats and deforms the sealing element, sealing the bore opening. The preferred female fastener element includes a generally tubular body portion having an axial bore which may be threaded adjacent one end. The sealing element seals the opening to the bore and the opposite end may be sealed with a disk spaced from the threads and forming a chamber.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing cellulosic structures, e.g., for use in expandable-collapsible electrode assemblies for diagnostic and/or therepeutic electrophysiology devices, are disclosed. One such preferred method includes providing a mandrel having a head portion and a neck portion, the head portion having an outer circumference greater than the neck portion, dipping the mandrel into a cellulosic substance, curing the cellulosic substance, and separating the mandrel from the cured cellulosic substance.

Abstract: A helical gear is disclosed that is formed by an injection molding process in which the mold cavity is formed of mirror finished hardened stainless steel. The helical gear is disclosed in a gear box that entirely encase the gears, and may be integral with the housing of the toy. Furthermore, an “L” axle for gears is disclosed that provides a straight shaft portion that extends through the axle bearing aligned with the centerline of the gear and a bent portion that is seated in a slot recess in the wall of the gear box.

Abstract: An undercut release component having an end configured for molding a part having an undercut is disclosed wherein the configured end disengages from the molded undercut by traveling in a 3-axis path. A process for providing undercut release in a mold is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite solid surface article which includes a molded overlay composed of a solid surface material fabricated in a mold; an underlay core material composed of a polymeric material molded onto the overlay but which only covers a center portion of the overlay so that peripheral edges of the overlay are not covered by the underlay core material; and solid surface edge component of additional solid surface material at the edge of the underlay core material, and a method of making the composite using a removable liner.

Abstract: The device is formed of a strand of flexible material that is helically coiled in the form of a preformed elongated member having adjacent coils removably bonded together. In using the device, the preformed member is embedded in concrete when in a wet state with one end of the preformed member extending at or close to the surface of the concrete. After the concrete has solidified, the end of the preformed member is pulled to break the bonds between adjacent coils to lengthen and reduce the diameter of the member to allow the strand to be removed from the concrete to form an aperture in the concrete from the surface.

Abstract: A container is made in two stages from material such as thermoplastics that is deformable when heated. In the first stage a preform (1) is injection moulded, the mould parts easily releasing a tubular body (2) with a closed end. In the second stage the still heated preform (1) is blow moulded, possibly with some preliminary mechanical stretching, the blow pin being applied to the open end. The closed end of the body is stretched over a multi-part section (7, 8) of the mould which shapes the base of the container into an indent with an undercut formation, the cross section being generally omega-shaped. The multi-part mould section has a central tapered core (8) surrounded by an array of segments (7), the core (8) being fully inserted to spread the segments (7) for moulding, and being retracted to allow the segments (7) to close up and release the container after moulding. The divisions (12) between segments (7) produce ribs in the indent which provide added strength.

Abstract: The invention generally discloses an apparatus and method for removing threaded, molded articles from an injection mold. A cam system and linear drive/following gear mechanism engages a finely resolved retraction of a threaded mold core, under substantially full mold clamp pressure, prior to rotational disengagement of the core from the molded article. The invention also describes a system for the reduction of galling that may otherwise occur when mold components experience relative rotation with respect to each other. Moreover, the invention describes an apparatus and method for substantially reducing periodic maintenance checks and interruptions in production.

Abstract: A casting mould made of porous material for forming sanitary appliances, including a plurality of profiled parts which are coupled together to define a casting cavity mould said parts being separable from each other for removing a formed appliance from the mould, means for introducing a slip into the mould cavity at least one insert member cooperating with said mould parts to form at least one undercut region in said appliance, wherein said at least one insert member is associated with one of said mould parts by way of a support unit located inside the casting cavity and comprising two mutually movable members, one of which is fixed and secured to one mould part, and the other movable member supports said at least one insert member and is able to move between a first, casting position in which it arranges said at least one insert member in the configuration which enables it to shape said at least one undercut region, and a second, removal position in which it disengages said at least one insert member from sa

Abstract: A method of forming a resin composite part utilizing a mold surface for mitigating post-cure machining of the resin composite part. The method provides for forming a resin preform having a peripheral geometry similarly sized and configured as a configuration of the mold surface. The mold surface is sized and configured to receive the resin preform. The resin preform is then cured to form the resin composite part with the resin composite part being confirmed to the configuration of the mold surface for mitigating post-cure machining of the resin composite part.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: A cable tie having a locking head and a strap terminating in a tip is formed by injecting plastic material into a mold cavity defined by a first mold part that includes a head region defining a portion of the head and a second mold part that includes a tip region defining a portion of the tip. Upon initial separation of the mold parts a portion of the head is retained in the head region of the first mold part and a portion of the tip is retained in the tip region of the second mold part. Upon further separation of the mold parts, the tip is still retained in the tip region of the second mold part and the head is removed from the head region of the first mold part. Subsequently, the tip of the cable tie is ejected from the tip region of the second mold part.

Abstract: A process for the production by a moulding process of a micro-cellular or non-cellular elastomeric polyurethane skin layer or, more generally, to a process for the production of a composite comprising a first layer shaped part, which is made by a moulding process from a polyurethane reaction mixture, and a second layer shaped part which is adhered to the first part to form the composite. In order to avoid the use of release agents on the back side of the first layer shaped part, and thus the negative effect on the adhesion of the second layer shaped part, and the penetration of reaction mixture on this back side between the slides (9-10) of the mould, the mould surface (4) is covered on the back side of the moulding with a removable flexible covering (12), with a removable rigid pre-shaped covering or with a permanent non-stick coating layer.

Abstract: A method of injection molding a part having two undercut regions using a two-part mold. A combined pin-in-a-sleeve extends into the cavity in each of the mold parts in order to form a bore in a part to be molded in that cavity. Each pin provides a portion shaped to form an undercut region in the bore. The pins abut each other. After an injection molded part is made, the mold opens a limited and discrete distance to allow the molded part to be released from the hold of the mold cavity. Then, the mold opens fully for the continuation of a multi-step operation to pull the pins out of the undercut regions.

Abstract: A method for molding a cam ring which is provided on the peripheral surface thereof with convex cams whose shape in a developed view is non-linear, the cams overlapping each other at the ends thereof as viewed in the axial direction of the cam ring. The method includes setting first and second cylindrical split molding dies so that cam forming surfaces thereof are located in a normal molding position; and upon completion of a molding operation, rotating the first and second cylindrical split molding dies relative to each other and relative to the molded cam ring, in a direction of an angle not greater than the minimum angle defined between a tangential line on each corresponding the front and rear cam surfaces and the plane including the axis of the cam ring, to thereby part the first and second cylindrical split molding dies from the molded cam ring.

Abstract: The invention generally discloses an apparatus and method for removing threaded, molded articles from an injection mold. A cam system and linear drive/following gear mechanism engages a finely resolved retraction of a threaded mold core, under substantially full mold clamp pressure, prior to rotational disengagement of the core from the molded article. The invention also describes a system for the reduction of galling that may otherwise occur when mold components experience relative rotation with respect to each other. Moreover, the invention describes an apparatus and method for substantially reducing periodic maintenance checks and interruptions in production.

Abstract: A method of forming an article of manufacture which includes an undercut therein comprises the steps of providing a tool, removably positioning at least one consumable form adjacent to the tool, providing settable material from which to mold a finished part, molding the material onto the tool and on the form so as to encapsulate the form within the material to thereby form an undercut therein, allowing the material to set to form the finished part and separating the tool from the finished part and the encapsulated form. A method is also provided for forming articles of manufacture of various configurations utilizing a single generic tool by repeating the steps with differently shaped forms removably affixed to the single generic tool in different locations to produce a plurality of finished parts of varying configurations with the single generic tool.

Abstract: The production of pouch-shaped or pot-shaped parts is undertaken in two steps. In the first step, a film located above a die is pressed by a stamp into a cavity that reproduces the part and is subsequently pressed apart in the lower region of the cavity by deformation of the stamp in this region. The device has a rubber-like stamp that expands out on all sides once it has reached the bottom wall of the cavity and causes the film to conform to the shape of the cavity. The stamp is preferably designed in two parts, wherein a stamp insert is guided within a stamp guide and the stamp insert then has at least one deformable region. For removal of the formed film, provision is made that the die can be swung open.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly forming a cementitious panel. A cementitious mixture is introduced into a mold configured to provide the desired surface appearance and profile of the cementitious panel. The cementitious mixture is then subject to an accelerated curing process by applying microwave energy to the cementitious mixture for a predetermined time period. After a relatively short resting or cooling period, the resulting cementitious panel is ready to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a plurality of containers being interconnected with linking arms. The apparatus includes a first member and a manifold member, operatively attached to the first member, for channeling a plastic fluid to an insert. The insert contains a first slide and a second slide. The first slide and second slide will have an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the contracted position defines a plurality of interconnected cavity profiles. The second member will have a first end that contains a plurality of core pins. A piston is adapted to the second member for reciprocating the second member into engagement with the insert so that the first slide and second slide are moved to the contracted position. During the reciprocating motion, the plurality of core pins are received in the cavity profiles. The apparatus will further comprise a heater for supplying a heat to the fluidized plastic.

Abstract: A mold for producing a product with internal flutes is provided. The mold includes a mold body that defines a cavity and a shaft in proximity to the cavity. A pin assembly is receivably engaged in the shaft of the mold body. The pin assembly includes a pin with a grooved portion that has at least one helically shaped groove, a sleeve surroundingly disposed about a portion of the pin, and means to allow rotation of the pin. A gap is defined in between a portion of the walls of the shaft of the mold body and the grooved portion of the pin and the gap is partially terminated by a portion of the sleeve. A method of molding is also provided.

Abstract: A cable tie having a locking head and a strap terminating in a tip is formed by injecting plastic into a mold cavity defined by first and second mold parts. The first mold part includes head and tip regions respectively defining portions of the head and the tip. The first and second mold parts define a strap region for forming a portion of the strap that extends between the head and the tip. Upon initial separation of the mold parts, portions of the head and the tip are retained in the head and tip regions of the first mold part and a portion of the strap is retained in the second mold part to thereby remove the tip and the head from the second mold part and portions of the strap from the mold parts. Upon further separation of the mold parts some previously retained portions are thereby removed.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an injection-molded support of polymeric material having a cylindrical portion having an axis and an end, an annular groove for a sealing ring located proximate to the end of the cylindrical portion and defined by a base surface, a sealing surface and a ring-retaining surface, the sealing surface being farther from the end of the cylindrical portion than the ring-retaining surface. The base surface, a sealing surface, and either a seat portion for a flange formed in a separate molding step that provides the ring-retaining surface of the groove or the entirety of a flange that provides the ring-retaining surface of the groove are formed by a cavity of a mold part that separates from the support in the direction of the axis of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim panel for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes the steps of loading a trim blank into a cavity of a mold and loading an edge of the trim blank on a movable slide of the mold. The method also includes the steps of depositing a molten thermoplastic material onto a core of the mold and partially closing the mold. The method further includes the steps of moving the slide into a channel of the core, completely closing the mold, and forcing the molten plastic material into a down-turned flange area of the mold to form the interior trim panel with a down-turned flange.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method of injection, compression or otherwise molding a closure having projections extending inwardly from a skirt of the closure includes a plurality of slides for movement obliquely with respect to an inner mold core. A ring contacts the closure and surrounds the slides. Movement of the ring relative to the mold core results in the movement of the closure which moves the slides to disengage recesses on the slides. The recesses are used to form the projections on the closure. The ring contacts the closure and advances the closure away from the mold core. The projections seated within the recesses on the slides move the slides obliquely relative to the mold core and ultimately disengage the recesses from the projections thereby releasing the closure from the mold. The movement of the slides is independent from the movement of the ring so that complicated mechanisms for movement of the slides are not required according to this invention.

Abstract: The invention generally discloses an apparatus and method for removing threaded, molded articles from an injection mold. A cam system and linear drive / following gear mechanism engages a finely resolved retraction of a threaded mold core, under substantially full mold clamp pressure, prior to rotational disengagement of the core from the molded article. The invention also describes a system for the reduction of galling that may otherwise occur when mold components experience relative rotation with respect to each other. Moreover, the invention describes an apparatus and method for substantially reducing periodic maintenance checks and interruptions in production.

Abstract: A one-piece self-draining container and method and apparatus for forming same. The container includes a body and a finish wall extending upwardly from a body opening. The finish wall surrounds a dispensing spout which extends above the top of the wall. A frustoconical web joins the finish wall and the dispensing spout to form a drain apron gutter channel having a relatively steeply inclined cone angle. A drain opening is defined adjacent the channel for draining fluid from the channel into the container body. A removable cap having a depending skirt defining a thread which mates with an internal thread on the container wall to thereby threadably engage and close the container. The method is performed on the type of extrusion-injection blow molding machine as generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,804,654 as modified in accordance with the invention to form the web wall in situ with a frustoconical configuration of uniform cross sectional thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wholly blow molded light weight bumper system which provides a double walled vertical blow rib for mounting the bumper to a vehicle and a method for making the same. A first surface projects from one of the molds and is perpendicular to the first and second mold halves. In association with the first surface a second surface is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. To create the vertical rib the second surface is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The second surface thereby pinching the inflated thermoplastic material between the first surface creating a double walled vertical rib substantially perpendicular to the parting line.

Abstract: A method for making an electrode balloon is disclosed. The method includes the steps of filling a mold cavity with a polymer and heating the polymer to a temperature to cure the polymer. The balloon is particularly suitable for use in a surgical procedure for ablating tissue in the uterus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a plastic component with at least a first and second set of integrally molded castellations for retaining an O-ring therebetween; the component therefrom; and further embracing a method and apparatus for forming such a plastic component comprising one or more filtration windows with filtration material outwardly of the castellations.

Abstract: A molding apparatus has a pair of slide inserts which are laterally movable into and out of engagement with the other mold components. The lateral movement of the slide inserts is provided by a slide mechanism having a driving rack, a pair of drive pinions at either end of the driving rack, two pairs of driven racks and a plurality of slides connected to the driven racks. The driven racks of each pair are parallel and spaced from one another, engaging opposite sides of a pinion and thereby being driven in opposite directions by rotation of the pinion. The molding apparatus is more compact than conventional devices having slide inserts, eliminates the use of slide retainers, eliminates obstructions between the mold plates when the plates are separated, and can cycle faster than conventional devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device to form a bung in which a piece (1) is provided that features a protrusion (2) designed to define said bung, said protrusion (2) constituting a conduit (3) equipped with a previously closed first end, with said piece in place in an enclosure (5); said piece (1) is released from said enclosure (5) using relative driving means (6) of one in relation to the other and said previously closed end is unplugged using cutting means (7) operated, directly or not, by said driving means (6). The invention concerns also a fabrication mold for a hollow body, such as a tank, provided with a bung, equipped with the above-described device.

Abstract: A molded closure having an auxiliary thread for removal of an incomplete closure from a molding cavity, the molded closure including a helical auxiliary thread projecting inwardly from a cylindrical wall portion of the closure to provide engagement between the closure and the molding core, so that the closure may be threadably removed from the molding cavity by threadably disengaging the molding core from the molding cavity after an incomplete run of the fabrication process. A molding assembly with which the auxiliary thread may be formed in a molded closure is also provided.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.