Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting prefabricated concrete products with a substantially horizontal slipform casting process, where the concrete mass is fed in at least one feeding stage to a slipform casting mold compacting and defining the product to be cast, wherein at least one part is embedded in the concrete mass after the at least one concrete mass feeding stage and before the final compaction of the upper surface of the product to be cast.

Abstract: A method of producing a multi-layered confectionery shell and a method of producing a plurality of confectionery shells are provided. The distance the stamp is pressed into the mold cavity in a second phase is shorter than the distance the stamp is pressed into the mold cavity in a first phase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-soluble film (WSF) system with embedded/entrapped water-soluble films (WSF). More particularly, the invention relates to a WSF system with actives embedded/entrapped therein such as to provide precise and desired release of actives there from and its method of manufacturing for diverse applications, in which a variety of substances such as detergents, enzymes, softeners, perfumes, pesticides, fungicides, active ingredients, dyes, pigments, hazardous chemicals, active agents for cleaning laundry, dishes, floorings, walls, furniture, fluffs, pulp, etc., and the like can be so embedded/entrapped for such purpose. The invention further discloses novel online and offline process for the manufacture of such multi-layered WSF with or without liners and of desired shapes to selectively entrap interacting/non-interacting materials and their combinations. The process also provides options for the use of a wide range of raw materials, liners such as paper, film, foil, fabric, etc.

Abstract: A apparatus may be used to cut a dough product having a hole from a dough sheet. The stamping apparatus may have multiple cutting blades, depending from a platen, that are configured for cutting complementary open shapes, in phases, that together form a closed shape defining the dough product periphery. The stamping apparatus may also have a tubular cutting blade depending from the platen, configured to cut a closed shape defining the dough product hole, that is nested within one of the blades that is configured to cut an open shape. The tubular cutting blade may be retractable about a finger contained therewithin that remains in a fixed position in relation to the tubular cutting blade as the blade retracts. Air trapped within the tubular cutting blade, between the finger and a cutout dough piece that does not form part of the dough product, may become compressed during blade retraction. The compression may facilitate ejection of the cutout dough piece from the tubular cutting blade.

Abstract: Methods for forming rotor blades, rotor blade mold assemblies, and cores for rotor blade mold assemblies are disclosed. A method includes providing a first shell substrate on a first mold, providing a generally hollow core on the first shell substrate, providing a second shell substrate on the generally hollow core, and providing a second mold on the second shell substrate. The method further includes flowing a resin into a mold interior defined between the first mold and the second mold.

Abstract: A feedbox for use in an automated dry-cast concrete block machine, including an agitator grid having a plurality of parallel agitator elements disposed parallel to a bottom of the feedbox, a plurality of prongs extending downward toward the bottom of the feedbox from each of the parallel agitator elements, and one or more restrictor elements slideably coupled with a coupling mechanism to one or more of the plurality of prongs which can be slideably adjusted along a length of the one or more prongs.

Abstract: The invention proposes a sealing shell (101) for partially bounding and for sealing a cavity (111), the sealing shell having a foam mold side and a tool carrier side, wherein the sealing shell is made of a material that is compressed when the cavity is closed.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that is used to from a block of cheese having a brand marking. The container has dividers located on an internal side of a sidewall of the container. The block of cheese may be divided into slices of cheese where a slice of cheese has a brand marking.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a mass-distributing device (18) for supplying a mass of foodstuff starting materials suitable for consumption, in particular a meat mass, to one or more mold cavities (44) of a molding member (16) for molding three-dimensional products (46) from said mass. The device (18) comprises a housing (30), which has an open side (38) which can be turned towards the molding member, in which a flexible abutment element (40) for the housing to abut the molding member is arranged. In the housing (30), a through-passage (34) for said mass extends from an introduction opening (32) in the housing (30) to a discharge (36), which discharge opens at the open side (38) of the housing (18).

Abstract: To easily cut CFRP, a metal mold for CFRP component includes a stationary blade that stands still in contact with one surface of a CFRP material made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and a moving blade arranged at a moving blade surface side of the CFRP material, the moving blade surface being a surface at an opposite side to a stationary blade surface, the stationary blade surface being a surface of a side where the stationary blade is positioned, and adapted to cut the CFRP material by being moved from the moving blade surface side to the stationary blade surface side and providing shear force to the CFRP material together with the stationary blade.

Abstract: A three-side adjustable scraper of an extrusion device includes a scraper body arranged on the body of an extrusion device. One side of the scraper body has a knife edge which is attached to the wheel surface of an extrusion wheel of the extrusion device, and the scraper body is adjustably provided with a left side scraper seat and a right side scraper seat. A left side scraper and a right side scraper are respectively arranged on the left side scraper seat and the right side scraper seat, and the knife edges of the left side scraper and the right side scraper are respectively attached to the two sides of the extrusion wheel of the extrusion device. The left side scraper and the right side scraper are additionally arranged, so that materials adhered on the two sides of the extrusion wheel can be scraped off by the scraper.

Abstract: A molding device includes a male die, a master die core, a male die core located between the male die and the master die core, and a cutting mechanism received in the male die core. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting seat and a cutter. The cutting seat defines a latch slot. The latch slot includes a narrow portion and a wide portion communicating with the narrow portion. The cutter includes a plate body received in the narrow portion and a latch shaft located on the plate body. The latch shaft is engaged in the wide portion. When a plastic product is formed and a sprue gate is around the mold cavity, the plate body is configured to cut the sprue gate, and the plate body is movable relative to the cutting seat around the latch shaft, to prevent the plate body from sticking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraping device for a rotary tablet press comprising a scraper that is designed to scrape off material for pressing that is located on the top side of a die plate of the rotary tablet press, the die plate rotating relative to the scraper, and comprising a force-generating apparatus that is designed to press the scraper with a predetermined compression against the top side of the die plate, characterized in that the force-generating apparatus comprises a fluid pillow filled with a fluid that is in contact with the scraper directly or via at least one transmission element in order to press the scraper by the predetermined compression against the top side of the die plate. The invention also relates to a rotor for a rotary tablet press, as well as a rotary tablet press.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gypsum board forming device which provides improved slurry spread. The device includes a forming table with an arcuate or angled profile that promotes a uniform slurry spread. An arcuate or angled hinge plate can also be included to further promote the uniform distribution of slurry prior to an extrusion plate.

Abstract: An automatic powder recycling apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of isolation elements, an air-blowing device, a powder filtering member, a recycling member and an air-inhaling device. A sealed space is defined within the housing. The air-blowing device is disposed within the sealed space for removing the powder attached on the surface of the finished product. The air-inhaling device is in communication with the first receptacle for allowing the first receptacle to be in a negative pressure state. When the powder on the finished product is removed by the air-blowing device and directed to the powder filtering member by the air-inhaling device, the powder is filtered and blocked by the powder filtering member. When the air-inhaling device is disabled, the powder blocked by the powder filtering member naturally falls down to the recycling member.

Abstract: To provide a powder slush molding apparatus and a powder slush molding method that could quickly and stably produce a 2-color molded sheet-like article with high-durability and the like. The present invention is directed to a powder slush molding apparatus provided with a powder slush part (Part A), a mold heating part (Part B), a mold cooling part (Part C), and a coating/demolding part (Part E) for manufacturing the 2-color molded sheet-like article and the powder slush molding method thereof. After a 1-200 ?m thick coating layer consisting of a first resin is coated by a resin coating device in the coating/demolding part, a sheet-like article consisting of a second resin which is different from the first resin is molded on or adjacent to the coating layer consisting of the first resin in the powder slush part.

Abstract: The molding die set includes: a first molding die having a first molding chase, a cavity piece, supported by the first molding chase, movably supported by the first molding chase and enclosing the cavity piece; a second molding die having a second molding chase, a work supporting section biased and supported by the second molding chase and on which a work will be mounted, and a center insert located adjacent to the work supporting section; and a pot being provided to one of the first molding die and the second molding die, the pot feeding resin for molding the work. The second molding die has a thickness adjusting mechanism, which makes the work supporting section absorb thickness variation of the work and brings the work into contact with the movable clamper when the work is clamped with the movable clamper of the first molding die.

Abstract: There is described a method of separating excess lens forming material from a molded ophthalmic lens, in particular a contact lens. After polymerization and/or cross-linking of a lens forming material (P) within a mold cavity (4) of a mold (1) comprising female and male mold halves (2, 3) to form an ophthalmic lens non-polymerized and/or non-cross-linked lens forming material is flushed away from the mold halves (2, 3) with a jet of a fluid flushing medium, such as, e.g., water or a solvent or an inert gas. Subsequently the molded lens is dried. In accordance with the invention the flushing is accomplished with the mold halves (2, 3) still in the closed position. There is also described an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for forming a receptacle may include providing a mold having a forming surface and a recessed area defining part of the forming surface, the mold having sections that may be separated to open the mold and closed together to close the mold. A molten plastic parison may be provided into the mold when the mold is open, the mold may be closed and the parison may be expanded against the forming surface so that a portion of the parison enters the recessed area. The portion of the parison within the recessed area may be formed by moving a secondary forming feature relative to the mold and parison to define a mount feature.

Abstract: A molding device includes a male die, a master die core, a male die core located between the male die and the master die core, and a cutting mechanism received in the male die core. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting seat and a cutter. The cutting seat defines a latch slot. The latch slot includes a narrow portion and a wide portion communicating with the narrow portion. The cutter includes a plate body received in the narrow portion and a latch shaft located on the plate body. The latch shaft is engaged in the wide portion. When a plastic product is formed and a sprue gate is around the mold cavity, the plate body is configured to cut the sprue gate, and the plate body is movable relative to the cutting seat around the latch shaft, to prevent the plate body from sticking.

Abstract: A method for creating a three-dimensional solid freeform fabrication object includes spreading a reactive powder on a substrate, selectively dispensing a core binder in the reactive powder to form a core material, and selectively dispensing a shell binder in the reactive powder to form a shell on the core material.

Abstract: A machine for making cotton candy includes a shell, a sugar-spinning unit and a scraping unit. The sugar-spinning unit includes a heater located in the shell for heating and melting sugar, a bowl located around the heater, a lid located on the bowl, and a primary motor for spinning the heater and the bowl to spin the molten sugar. The scraping unit includes a holder located in the shell, a stopper connected to the holder, a lever pivotally connected to the holder, a first scraper attached to the lever, a second scraper pivotally connected to the holder, a hook connected to the second scraper, a spring for connecting the lever to the second scraper, a difference motor, and a crank including an end connected to a mandrel of the difference motor and an opposite end connected to a pin movably inserted in a slot defined in the lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing at least one container, in particular in ampoule form, made of thermoplastic material, comprising a mould (13) with mould components (15, 17) and with a first calibrating mandrel (19) and a second calibrating mandrel (23), which can move coaxially in relation to the longitudinal direction (21) of the container (1) and in relation to one another, wherein the first calibrating mandrel (19) and the second calibrating mandrel (23) can move in relation to one another, the first calibrating mandrel (19) through the container (1) located in the mould (13) and the second calibrating mandrel (23) from the outer side of the container (1), into a shaping position in which they calibrate a bottom area which forms at least part of a container bottom between the mandrel ends thereof, and comprising a severing device, which has a movable cutting or punching surface (37), in order to sever excess plastic material which forms during the shaping process in interaction with a cutting or bearing edge o

Abstract: A method of filling a mould with a settable material, such as a cementitious mixture, is disclosed. The mould includes a plurality of cavities that open to a top face of the mould, and is suitable for forming building elements, such as pavers, for covering surfaces. The method includes providing an additional volume per unit area of settable material to at least part of selected ones of the cavities, and compacting the settable material in at least part of all of the cavities, including the additional volume per unit area of settable material provided to the selected ones of the cavities, to substantially the same thickness. A mould and a scraper suitable for use in the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming desired patterns on ceramic tile from a slurry comprising: a means for preparing a slurry; at least one slurry holding tank for holding at least one type of slurry; at least one pattern forming tray; at least one means for connecting said at least one tank to at least one pattern forming tray and a filter pressing unit; wherein the pattern forming unit dispenses a predetermined type, amount, colors of slurry at a predetermined order into the pattern forming tray to form a desired pattern, said slurry with desired pattern is pressed with the filter pressing unit to form ceramic tiles or slabs with a desired pattern running though its entire thickness.

Abstract: A process for preparing interior trim components of a motor vehicle from a support having at least two decorative layers, wherein in a first step the decorative layers are heated to a specific temperature range and are e ared b molding, in a second step the decorative layers are trimmed, and in a third step the decorative layers are positioned in mutual orientation and fixed by reduced pressure, and in a fourth step the decorative layers are transferred to a backing mold and molded with component support (1) on the surface opposite.

Abstract: A nozzle structure is mounted in a compression molding machine that compresses using a punch a powder material filled in a die to manufacture a compressively molded product, and sprays a lubricant at least toward a tip of the punch prior to filling the powder material and includes a guide path that guides the lubricant, and a spraying portion that is provided at an end of the guide path so as to communicate therewith and that sprays the lubricant guided along the guide path so as to be substantially aligned with a predetermined straight line intersecting at least in a direction of relative displacement of the punch.

Abstract: A molding tray and system for making molded structures using a moldable material. The molding tray includes an outer tray and a resilient inner mold fitted therein. The outer tray includes a hole in a bottom wall thereof to provide access to a bottom face of the inner mold such that pressure may be applied to the bottom face through the hole so as to dislodge a molded structure.

Abstract: A flash removing punch pin is provided with a rotating mechanism wherein a flange is formed on an upper end portion on an outer circumference side portion of a cutting edge portion, and a plurality of grooves are formed in the axis center direction to the side of a casting part from the flange. An inner portion is slidably inserted into an inner cover, and the inner portion and a processing portion are moved by a spring cylinder in a direction to be separated from each other. The spring cylinder is compressed when the punch pin is in proximity to the casting part, and then the flange of the punch pin contacts a flange portion of the casting part. When the inner portion slides into the inner cover, the processing portion rotates along the axis with the inner portion.

Abstract: There is described a method of removing excess lens forming material from a molded ophthalmic lens (1), such as the peripheral region of a contact lens. In order to form a lens (1) a lens forming material is polymerized and/or cross-linked within a mold cavity of a mold comprising female and male mold halves. The mold is opened by moving the female and male mold halves apart from each other. The formed lens (1) is supported on a carrier (3) such, that a front surface (2) of the lens (1) is exposed. Residues of non-polymerized and/or non-cross-linked lens forming material are removed mechanically by contacting the exposed surface (2) of the formed lens (1) for a period of time of about 0.5 seconds to about 4 seconds, preferably about 0.8 seconds to about 2 seconds, with a cleaner (7) having a hardness which is smaller than that of the polymerized and/or cross-linked lens forming material. There is also described a device (5) for carrying out the method.

Abstract: There is described a method of separating excess lens forming material from a molded ophthalmic lens, in particular a contact lens. After polymerization and/or cross-linking of a lens forming material (P) within a mold cavity (4) of a mold (1) comprising female and male mold halves (2, 3) to form an ophthalmic lens non-polymerized and/or non-cross-linked lens forming material is flushed away from the mold halves (2, 3) with a jet of a fluid flushing medium, such as, e.g., water or a solvent or an inert gas. Subsequently the molded lens is dried. In accordance with the invention the flushing is accomplished with the mold halves (2, 3) still in the closed position. There is also described an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A mold apparatus includes a core having a mold cavity for molding an article, a runner formed at one side of the mold cavity and communicated with the mold cavity by a side gate for allowing molten plastics to flow into the mold cavity therefrom. The core further has an angular projection projected into the side gate for forming a cleft between the article and redundant plastics formed in the runner after the molten plastics become cooling, so that the redundant plastics could be easily and rapidly removed from the article along the cleft.

Abstract: A tablet production apparatus comprising a gas generator G, a lubricant powder discharge means 51 for discharging a lubricant powder into a gas generated from the gas generator G, depending on the supply of the gas from the gas generator G, and mixing the lubricant powder with the gas in dispersed state, a lubricant application means 91 for spraying the lubricant powder discharged from the lubricant powder discharge means 51 and mixed with the gas generated from the gas generation means G in dispersed state, onto each material contacting surface of a die, an upper punch and a lower punch, and an oxygen concentration measuring means 131a for measuring the oxygen concentration of the gas existing near the lubricant application means 91. The apparatus is designed such that the amount of the gas supplied into the lubricant application means is adjusted based on the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration measuring means 131a.

Abstract: A rotary powder compression molding machine configured to compression-mold powder filled in a die bore of a die mounted on a turret between a lower end face of an upper punch and an upper end face of a lower punch, is provided including powder lubricant jet means for jetting powder lubricant, the powder lubricant jet means including: jet nozzles, each of which has a concave surface, faces a respective one of end faces of the upper and lower punches at a respective powder lubricant jet position, and is configured to guide the powder lubricant along the concave surface and jet the powder lubricant in substantially one direction; an air stream providing mechanism configured to jet an air stream to adjacent the lower end face of the upper punch for preventing the powder lubricant jetted from the jet nozzles from scattering upwardly; and a charger device configured to charge the powder lubricant electrostatically upon jetting from the jet nozzles.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a method for transferring infiltrant to a 3D printed article comprising the steps of (i) calculating the amount of infiltrant based in part upon the particulars of the 3D printed articles; (ii) dispensing the calculated amount of infiltrant to a scale from an infiltrant dispenser through a controller; (iii) weighing the dispensed infiltrant during the dispensing; providing the controller with a signal of the weighed dispensed infiltrant; and (iv) automatically stopping the infiltrant dispenser through the controller as the weighed infiltrant reaches the calculated amount of infiltrant.

Abstract: A frame, kit and method for forming a positive impression of an object. The kit includes a supply of impression medium, the frame with a backboard, and a solidifying casting compound. A negative impression is temporarily made in the impression medium, then a casting compound can be poured into the resulting impression so as to form a positive impression which acts as a representative of the body portion being produced.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular articulating cement spacer mold for forming a temporary implant comprising a mold first portion; a mold second portion; a hinge region connecting the mold first portion and mold second portion; and a self-securing device to removably secure and separate the mold first portion and the mold second portion. Other modular articulating cement spacer molds are also provided.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes a mold base plate and a mold. The mold base plate has a bottom plate located in a recess. The mold can be inserted into and removed from the recess and is located on top of the bottom plate. The mold has a first section that is separable from a second section.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: A molding tool is provided for forming solid ink sticks. The molding tool comprises a vessel having at least one sidewall defining a cavity for receiving molten phase change ink material. The molding tool includes a lid for covering an opening over the cavity of the vessel. The lid has an interior surface for at least partially enclosing the cavity. The enclosed cavity has a shape corresponding to at least a portion of an ink stick shape. The at least one sidewall of the vessel and/or the interior surface of the lid are configured to flex to facilitate release of an at least partially solidified ink stick from the cavity.

Abstract: In order to make a granulated substance (G) of an aerated foodstuff, such as granulated meringue, said substance having an outer surface that appears continuous to the naked eye, an alveolar (18) structure (12) is provided, and a liquid precursor of the aerated foodstuff (for example, the so-called “meringue foamed mixture” in the case of meringue) is introduced (20, 22) into the cavities (18) of the structure. Consolidation of the precursor introduced into the cavities (18), obtained, for example, via heating (24), leads to the formation, in the aforesaid cavities (18), of respective particles of granulate (G), which are finally extracted from the cavities (18), typically exploiting the deformation of the material constituting the alveolar structure.

Abstract: Small diameter plastic catheters or tubes are end formed using a glass mould with a cavity having a smoothly-rounded closed end. The end of the mould contacts a heater so that the closed end of the cavity can be heated. The tube is loaded on a hollow, metal pin so that the pin projects from the end of the tube. This assembly of tube and pin is loaded on a carriage and is gripped by spring arms. A weight and pulley arrangement moves the assembly forwardly into the cavity so that the pin initially contacts the closed end of the cavity. The grip on the assembly is set to allow the tube to slide forwardly along the pin when the pin contacts the closed end of the cavity so that the forward end of the tube comes into contact with the heated, closed end of the cavity. The material of the tube flows around the pin, which keeps the end of the tube open. A blower then blows air onto the outside of the mould to cool it and allow the flowed material to harden slightly.

Abstract: The device for conditioning preforms in plastic material comprises a rotating turret (20), having a group of conditioning cavities (22) for inserting preforms, partly through an opening on a first side (A) of the turret and partly through an opening on a second side (B) of the turret. The conditioning cavities (22) which open on the first side (A) are disposed in such a way that for part of their length (L1) they are situated side by side with the cavities which open on the second side (B). In this way the turret becomes more compact. There is also described a conditioning method for the preforms.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing are shown and described. Various embodiments of the invention allow for more precise and controlled delivery of heat to achieve interlayer drying; isolation of the working region from the outside for reasons of cleanliness and in connection with the vapors of organic solvents; better control of the temperature of the working region; better accuracy in the flowrates of binder fluid dispensed; matching of delivered flowrates for multiple dispensers; verification of delivered flowrate or drops; provision for easier changeover of the machine from one powder to another; cleanability; and other needs.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing are shown and described. Various embodiments of the invention allow for more precise and controlled delivery of heat to achieve interlayer drying; isolation of the working region from the outside for reasons of cleanliness and in connection with the vapors of organic solvents; better control of the temperature of the working region; better accuracy in the flowrates of binder fluid dispensed; matching of delivered flowrates for multiple dispensers; verification of delivered flowrate or drops; provision for easier changeover of the machine from one powder to another; cleanability; and other needs.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for air forming an article having a plurality of superimposed fibrous layers. The layers are formed in substantially discrete forming chambers by depositing fibrous material on a forming surface which moves along an arcuate path through the chambers. A first layer is air-formed on the forming surface as the surface moves through the first forming chamber and a second layer is air-formed over the first layer as the surface moves through the second forming chamber.

Abstract: In a rotary compressive molding machine for powder material in which powder material filled in a die hole 41 of a die 4 mounted on a rotary table 3 is compressed and molded between a lower face 5a of an upper punch 5 and an upper face 6a of a lower punch 6, a powder lubricant supplying means LS that supplies the upper face 6a of the lower punch 6, the lower face 5a of the upper punch 5 and the die hole 41 with a predetermined quantity of powder lubricant L prior to filling the powder material comprises a powder lubricant supplying portion LS1 that sends the powder lubricant L, a flow quantity detecting portion LS2 that detects a flow quantity of the powder lubricant L, a retrieved quantity detecting portion LS3 that detects a quantity of superfluous powder lubricant L that has not been used, and a control portion LS4 that controls the powder lubricant supplying portion LS1 by computing a quantity of the powder lubricant L to send out based on a quantity detected by the flow quantity detecting portion LS2 and

Abstract: The present invention is a method of loading a desired amount of powder material into a mold which comprises a tubular body having a bore extending therethrough to define a mold cavity. The method comprises the steps of: providing the mold with a lower press core fitted in the lower end of the bore; bringing the mold with said lower press core fitted therein to a powder filling position; displacing the lower press core relative to the mold so as to determine the depth of the top surface of the lower press core from the top surface of the mold; filling an amount of powder material into the mold and strickling off any excessive amount of powder material to the level of the top surface of the mold; pressing at a desired pressure the amount of powder material in the mold to form a powder compact; and displacing the powder compact with the lower press core relative to the mold so as to bring the powder compact to a desired position in the mold.

Abstract: A screed ski system includes a plurality of circlip saddles supported by corresponding stakes and a plurality of sections of screed ski tubing is snap-fit into the circlip saddles. After screeding of a first layer of aggregate or plastic material, the screed ski tubing and circlip saddles are removed as a unit. The spacers are optionally placed on the stakes, and the screed ski tubing and circlip saddles are placed as a unit on the spacers to facilitate screeding of a second layer of aggregate or plastic material over the first. Some of the screed ski tubing can be flexible to provide an arcuate screed ski.