Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing integrated circuit packaging using a mold plunger with position compensation in a manufacturing setting. In an embodiment, a compensating mold plunger, which may be used during the manufacture of an integrated circuit package, engages a die set on a carrier and within a bushing. This may be done to inject a mold compound on top of the die/carrier. If the bushing that is housing the die/carrier tandem is misaligned with the plunger in any lateral direction, the amount of pressure may be compromised. A compensating mold plunger includes a flexible portion that allows for the head of the plunger to properly engage the die/carrier despite any possible misalignments. Further, different die/carrier combinations may also be used with a compensating mold plunger because the pressure and force applied may be uniform inside a bushing despite the contents of the bushing.

Abstract: [Problem] To suppress the deviation of a synthetic resin to be fed to a metal mold and to enable the to-be-compression-molded synthetic resin to be easily molded into a shape of a pre-molded article that is to be molded. [Means for Solution] A female mold 31 includes a moving rod 34 and female mold body 33 surrounding the moving rod 34, the female mold body 33 forming a cavity 33a that is opened upward, the moving rod 34 moving up and down between a normal position and an elevated position above the normal position, and when a synthetic resin 8 is to be fallen down from the a synthetic resin cutting/holding unit 14, the moving rod 34 moves to the elevated position so that the synthetic resin 8 falls down on the upper surface of the center member.

Abstract: The present invention features the present invention features a machine for the production of a solid dosage form including: (a) a die platen having one or more forming cavities each having an inner wall, a first opening at the surface of one side of the die platen, and a second opening at the surface on the opposite side of the die platen; (b) one or more first forming tools each adapted to move into one of the forming cavities through the first opening of the forming cavity; (c) one or more second forming tools each adapted to move adjacent to one of the second openings or into one of the forming cavities through the second opening of the forming cavity; (d) at least one first RF electrode operably associated with the one or more first forming tools, the one or more second forming tools, or the inner wall of the one or more forming cavities; and (e) at least one second RF electrode operably associated with the one or more first forming tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press device for manufacturing tablets from a mixture of at least one component, comprising: first means (7) for controlling a first punch, the first control means (7) comprising a compaction cam (9) for displacing the first punch (3) into a compaction position, said compaction cam (9) comprising a cam path on which said first punch (3) is capable of being displaced, the cam path comprising a planar portion (90) substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first punch (3), the planar portion (90) extending over an angular section comprised between 5° and 170° for maintaining the first punch (3) in a compaction die (2) at a fixed axial compaction position during a determined compaction maintaining time, second means (7) for controlling a second punch, the second control means (8) also comprising means for maintaining the second punch in said die at a fixed axial compaction position at least during said compaction maintaining time, so as to maintain, during said compaction-mainta

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming moulded bodies from a mouldable mass comprising a matrix grid (19) in which at least one receiving chamber (21) is accommodated, and at least one tool (17, 18) with which the mouldable mass can be pressed into the receiving chamber (21). Said claimed device is characterised in that the tool (17, 18) can be displaced along a guide path (3A, 3B) that comprises a moulding section (A), in which a constant pressure is exerted upon portions of the mouldable mass on the strip by the tools (17, 18), said mass being disposed in the receiving chamber (21). The invention further relates to a method for forming moulded bodies, in which a mouldable mass is formed and is guided to at least one receiving chamber of a matrix grid (1).

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic containers (13) extrudes a plastic tube into opened movable mold parts (5, 7, 9). The main mold parts (7) form the container main part (18). The bottom parts are closed to close and weld the tube bottom end. The tube (3) is widened by a pressure gradient acting on it, forcing the tube against the wall of the mold parts (7, 9) to form the container. The mold parts are then moved into the position to open the mold for removal of the formed container (13). The container bottom is made in the form of a cup-like bottom part (19) axially extending into the container main part (18) by the bottom part being everted into the interior of the container (13) to form a bottom elevation (31).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming moldable bodies (57) from a moldable mass by means of a matrix grid (19), in which at least one cavity (21) is formed by lateral limiting elements (20), and at least one tool (17, 18) which compresses the moldable mass into the cavity (21). The inventive device is characterized by a compression partition (38) that can be displaced on the matrix grid (19) for portioning the moldable mass. Said compression partition (38) comprises lateral limiting elements (39) that correspond to the lateral limiting elements (20) of the matrix grid (19). The invention also relates to a method for forming moldable bodies (57) consisting of forming a moldable mass and guiding it to a matrix grid (19) such that it rests on the front face (45) of the lateral limiting elements (20) of the matrix grid (19).

Abstract: A device and a method for forming a ceramic ferrule blank are provided. A shaped wire (2) is disposed in a mold cavity (1) for form a blank, a knock pin mold (4) is disposed in a lower opening of the mold cavity (1), an axle hole (5) for the shaped wire (2) to pass through is opened in the knock pin mold (4), two punching half dies (6) and corresponding half die press heads (7) are disposed over the mold cavity (1), a wire groove (8) for receiving the shaped wire (2) is opened on a side of the half die press head (7), one end of the shaped wire (2) is fixed over the knock pin mold (4), and the other end is clipped by a wire clip unit (9).

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film showing 10 marks/m2 or less of adhesion marks and having an in-plane retardation value (Re value) of 0 to 200 nm and a retardation value along the thickness direction (Rth value) of 30 to 500 nm. The cellulose acylate film shows favorable optical uniformity and can provide an improved liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A press machine 10 includes a die 12 with a through hole 12a that defines a cavity, a first press surface 14a and a second press surface 16a for pressing a magnetic powder 18 loaded in the cavity, and magnetic field generating means for applying an aligning magnetic field to the magnetic powder 18 in the cavity. At least one of the first and second press surfaces 14a and 16a has a region made of a material having a Vickers hardness that is higher than 200 but equal to or lower than 450. In pressing the powder under the aligning magnetic field, the press machine 10 minimizes the disturbance in the orientation of the powder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing powdered material provides for processing a volume of powdered material to be dispensed so that density of the processed material is modified to substantially uniform density, and further for distributing multiple dosages of the powdered material in a time-efficient, precise manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for compression molding sealing liners in premade closure shells includes a shell loader for presenting premade closure shells in sequence, a mold charge placement device for placing charges of liner material into the premade shells, and a vertical wheel molding machine for receiving the closure shells in sequence from the loader and compression molding the mold charges to form sealing liners within the closure shells. The vertical wheel molding machine preferably includes a wheel mounted for rotation around a horizontal axis and a plurality of angularly spaced molds disposed around the wheel. Each of the molds preferably includes a first mold segment and a second mold segment disposed radially outwardly of the first mold segment. One of the first and second mold segments, preferably the second mold segment, includes a nest for receiving a premade closure shell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a permanent magnet molding apparatus and has as an object an improvement in productivity and reliability thereof.

Abstract: A machine for imprinting patterns onto uncured concrete in an elongated bed includes a frame for positioning the finishing machine over the bed. A lower patterning unit suspended from the frame is movable backward and forward of the concrete bed and a press assembly moves the pattern in and out of contact with uncured concrete on the elongated bed.

Abstract: A compression molding machine includes a wheel mounted for rotation around a horizontal axis and a plurality of angularly spaced molds disposed around the wheel. Each of the molds includes a first mold segment and a second mold segment disposed radially outwardly of the first mold segment. Each of the second mold segments is movable radially with respect to the associated first mold segment between a radially inner closed position with the first mold segment for compression molding a plastic article, and a radially outer open position spaced from the associated first mold segment for removing a molded article from the mold and placing a mold charge into the mold.

Abstract: A powder compacting apparatus (1) has a top plate (3), a die plate (9) and a bottom plate (12), combined with each other as follows. The top plate (3) holds upper punches (4) in place by punch holders (5), and the die plate (9) firmly grips a die holder (8) holding dies (7). The bottom plate (12) keeps lower punches (11) in place gripped by clamps (32) so that an amount of powder fed into each die (7) is compacted to give a consolidated powder piece. The die plate (9) is composed of an upper part (9a) and a lower part (9b) so that the die holder (8) is sandwiched by and between the parts (9a, 9b), in such a manner that these parts cooperate with each other to secure each die (7) in position.

Abstract: A block forming apparatus comprises a frame, a compression case and compression bodies. The compression case is movably engaged with the frame in a manner enabling movement of the compression case along a longitudinal reference axis of the compression case. The compression case has a compression body receiving passage extending between opposed end faces thereof along the longitudinal reference axis. The compression case includes a media fill opening within an upper wall thereof and a block discharge opening within a lower wall thereof. The media fill opening and the block discharge opening are each communicative with the compression body receiving passage. The compression bodies are movably mounted within the compression body receiving passage of the compression case in a manner enabling movement of said compression bodies along the longitudinal reference axis of the compression case.

Abstract: To manufacture a multi-core press-coated molded product efficiently and in a single step from molding materials, namely, powder or granular particles, a punch has been devised that is characterized in that the punch, consists of a center punch whose tip portion is split into two or more parts, and an outer punch enclosing the outer perimeter of the center punch, and whose tip portion fills the gap at the tip portion of the center punch, with both the center and outer punches being slidable and manipulatable for compression operation the method of manufacturing a multi-core press-coated molded product using the punch of the invention as compression molding means for at least the upper punch and preferably for both the upper and lower punches, and a rotary compression molding machine therefore is also discribed.

Abstract: A powder compacting method includes the steps of: providing a powder material; loading the powder material into a cavity; uniaxially pressing the powder material, which has been loaded into the cavity, between two opposed press surfaces, thereby obtaining a compact, wherein at least one of the two press surfaces is deformed elastically under a compacting pressure when contacting with the powder material in the cavity; and unloading the compact from the cavity. According to this powder compacting method, even when the powder material has a non-uniform fill density distribution, a compact with a uniform density distribution can be obtained at a high productivity.

Abstract: A method of producing a plastic molded object, including preparing a mold assembly including a cavity that forms a surface of the plastic molded object with a transfer surface of the cavity, a slide cavity piece including a sliding surface and a molding surface forming at least a part of one surface of the plastic molded object, and a metallic mold that slidably holds the slide cavity piece, heating the mold assembly to a temperature lower than a softening temperature of a molten resin, filling the cavity with the molten resin, cooling the molten resin to a temperature lower than the softening temperature of the molten resin, wherein the cooling includes contracting a volume of the molten resin, and sliding the slide cavity piece toward the molten resin by a contact-force of the molding surface with the molten resin, thereby compensating for contraction of the volume of the molten resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus which is a rotary press that allows mass production of a molded product consisting of a plurality of molded parts part of whose at least two molded parts faces outside of the molded product, wherein at least the upper punch and preferably both the upper and lower punches is/are split into a plurality of split punches, the rotary press comprising means for moving each of the plurality of split punches and means for allowing manipulation of the plurality of split punches for at least two of compression operations, a first molding material supply-charging unit for supplying and charging a first molding material into a space in the die formed above the tip portion of the lower punch or formed by the tip portions of the split punches of the lower punch, a second molding material supply-charging unit for supplying and charging a second molding material into a space formed above and/or around the first molding material in the die, a precompression molding unit

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for the control of a rotary tablet forming machine (10) where a rotor (12) is capable of being rotated by means of a drive unit (24), the rotor (12) including at least one matrix (14) with allocated upper punches (18) and lower punches (16) and a pressing force (PK), acting on the press mass (26) filled into the one matrix (14) at least, is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating small compacts of formulations of a drug candidate, and a method for determining if a drug candidate, alone or in a formula mix, is suitable for dry granulation by a roller compactor based on physical measurements generated in part from such small compact.

Abstract: The subject is to manufacture molding with core efficiently and at one time from molding material such as powder granule. To this end, a method for manufacturing molding with core was invented, which method uses compression molding means, that comprise a die, and upper and lower punches, where at least the upper punch, preferably both the upper and lower punches, have a double structure consisting of a central punch and an outer punch surrounding the outer periphery of the central punch, both the central punch and the outer punch being capable of performing sliding motions as well as compressing operations. This method includes steps of separate supplying of molding materials for core and molding material for outer layer, a compression molding step of the molding material for core and/or the molding material for outer layer, and a compression molding step of the whole molding with core. The invention also provides a rotary compression molding machine, used for execution of the method.

Abstract: A portable single station method and apparatus for compressing a quantity of freshly dug soil into building blocks by an enclosed system which provides a linear process for receiving and compressing the quantity of soil and for ejecting the formed, compressed building blocks. The system includes a stationary chamber equipped with an internal adjustable cavity in which the desired block is formed and a pair of opposing pressure heads capable of moving toward and away from each other in unison or independently to receive, compress, and eject the building blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for forming a miniature tablet using a predetermined compression force in a rotary tablet press. The predetermined compression force can be in the range of about 50 to about 2,000 Newtons, preferably less than about 500 Newtons. In one embodiment, the predetermined compression force is applied using an adjustable ramp for moving a lower punch upwardly towards a downwardly moving upper punch wherein the miniature tablet is formed in a die receiving the lower punch and the upper punch. The height of the adjustable ramp is accurately controlled to precisely provide the predetermined compression force for forming the miniature tablet. It has also been found that breakage of punch stems formed on the lower punch can be reduced by providing a reinforced portion of the punch stem below the slender portion of the punch stem which enters a bore of the die wherein the miniature tablet is formed.

Abstract: A tablet-making apparatus comprising die supports and guide supports fixed upon a base, plunger guides supported by the guide supports, a die having an opening through which powder may be charged, two plunger rods with opposing faces, the rods being horizontally disposed and reciprocally received within the die, and a means for activating the reciprocal movement of the plungers whereby, a tablet may be formed within the die and between the opposing plunger rod faces and then moved to a position to be gravitationally discharged.

Abstract: A tablet-making apparatus comprising die supports and guide supports fixed upon a base, plunger guides supported by the guide supports, a die having an opening through which powder may be charged, two plunger rods with opposing faces, the rods being horizontally disposed and reciprocally received within the die, and a means for activating the reciprocal movement of the plungers whereby, a tablet may be formed within the die and between the opposing plunger rod faces and then moved to a position to be gravitationally discharged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a press and mould apparatus for moulding cementitious articles comprising a precast mould and a press head having a pressing surface and being moveable between precast mould engaging and disengaging positions, wherein the pressing surface comprises a coating of deformable and resilient material such as urethane. Also disclosed is a process for moulding building blocks. This process comprising filling a precast mould with material, such as concrete, this is to be pressed; and pressing the material with a pressing surface comprising a deformable and resilient coating so as to solidify the material into a green shape ready for cutting.

Abstract: Continuous molding apparatus includes a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a molding portion, a supporting portion, and ram portions for moving mixture through the apparatus. The molding portion is formed by portions of the supporting frame and mold faces of the ram portions, which act in concert to load, compress, transport, and deliver the molded product. Charge volume is determined by the controlled distance between front and rear ram portions when in position under the raw material supplying portion. The molded material receives the compression force along the positive and negative directions of the horizontal axis on its wear faces. The ability to use the apparatus on a continuous basis allows unlimited production runs and permits the apparatus to be self-cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating small compacts of formulations of a drug candidate, and a method for determining if a drug candidate, alone or in a formula mix, is suitable for dry granulation by a roller compactor based on physical measurements generated in part from such small compact.

Abstract: The eccentric press for pressing of machined parts out of powdery material using a drawing-off procedure, comprises a driving motor, an actuation for an eccentric pinion gear with a worm drive shaft as well as at least two columns, one tie-bar and a press mechanism with a pressing mold, wherein the motor (2) is accommodated in front of, above or in the vertical axis beside the worm drive shaft (3) and wherein the oil pump (6) is essentially arranged on the same level as the worm drive shaft (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to compact parts with an undercut out of powder material having an upper die moveable relative a lower die, at least one upper punch associated with the upper die for relative movement therebetween, at least two lower punches associated with the lower die for relative movement therebetween, the lower punches defining a lower cavity with the lower die for filling with the powder material when the dies are in an open position, the upper die contacting the lower die in a closed position for movement of one of the lower punches towards the upper die so as to transfer the powder material towards the upper die and then to compact the powder material between the upper and lower punches with said dies in the closed position so as to produce the part; the dies moveable to an eject position for ejection of the compacted part.

Abstract: A multiply-acting powder metal press is disclosed for making green form double helical gear compacts. The press has inner and outer lower punches, and an upper, outer punch. The upper and lower outer punches have left hand and right hand external helical profiles as chosen to produce a desired helical gear. The punches co-operate with left hand and right hand helical dies carried by the press about the punches. The helical faces require that the dies rotate relative to the punches during operation. A cam and roller mechanism may drive this rotation. The compact forming process commences with an open position in which powder is introduced to a vacant lower die cavity. The upper portions of the press advance downward to close the cavity. All parts of the press except the lower inner, or transfer, punch then move downward at the same speed to transfer powder to the extremities of the cavity. When transfer is complete both lower punches may be stopped, while the upper punches continue to advance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the manufacture of tablets or compacts with at least two compacting tools which in each case can be moved in relation to one another and at least one template interacting with these and with a filling arrangement to feed the tabletting material into the template. In accordance with the invention, the compacting tools movable in relation to one another are aligned horizontally.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaped panel from a continuous length of an expanded mat. The method includes transporting an expanded mat on a conveyor. The conveyor includes side chains and a plurality of spaced apart slats, which extend transversely between the side chains, on which the expanded mat is supported. The side chains and the plurality of slats define a plurality of openings in the conveyor. A length of the expanded mat is confined and shaped between a male mold and a female mold by moving the male mold and the female mold into mating relationship through one of the plurality of openings in the conveyor.

Abstract: Composite polymeric articles, which may be in layer or film form, comprise a larger portion of a polymer which is water soluble at 20.degree. C. against a smaller proportion of a polymer which is substantially water-insoluble at that temperature. For example, a layer product may have a thin layer (e.g. less than 5 microns) of insoluble polymer superimposed on a thicker layer (e.g. at least 20 microns) of soluble polymer. Both polymers are conveniently polyvinyl alcohol, which is non-toxic and useful in a number of domestic applications, e.g. as a diaper backing sheet. The insoluble portion gives water resistance but negligible mechanical strength; the soluble part gives the mechanical strength. On dissolution of the soluble portion, the insoluble portion disintegrates mechanically. Articles may be made by co-extrusion or by molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a building block by molding under pressure a mixture of a hydraulic binder such as plaster, an inert filler such as sand, and water, by passing a mold (50) through various stations, including a station (A) for filling the mold with a measured quantity of the mixture (56), a station (B) for installing a mold top plate (38), a station (C) for compressing the mixture in the mold, a station (D) for keeping the top and bottom plates (38, 40) in place in the mold, a station (E) for withdrawing the top plate (38), and an unmolding station (F).

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to compact parts with an undercut out of powder metal, including a pair of dies linearly moveable relative to one another and then phased, and an associated linearly displaceable pair of punches to produce said parts with said undercut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a powder metallurgy article comprising two or more individually compacted layers is described. The apparatus includes a number of powder deposition means for depositing powder into at least one die cavity, the number of powder deposition means corresponding to at least the number of different powder compositions in an article being compacted, a die assembly having a female die body which is moveable with respect to a first press ram, a mechanically driven second press ram, means for driving said second press ram, control system means for controlling the relative positions and movements of said female die body, said first press ram, said second mechanically driven press ram and said powder deposition means such that they operate in synchronism, characterised by said control system means including an angle counter having proportional drive means from the press apparatus such that one cycle of the angle counter corresponds to a required number of press compaction strokes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved press for pressing a compressible material such as a deformable plastic material with a fluid under pressure from a fluid pressure source. The press incorporates a press cylinder having a press cylinder bore for removably receiving a sleeve defining a sleeve bore. The sleeve bore is adapted to receive the compressible material between a first and a second forming tool. The fluid from the pressure source is applied to the first and second forming tools to press the compressible material therebetween.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for connecting a multitude of axially extending punches to a rotatable punch drive plate in a rotary press having a die plate supported for rotation in a given plane and forming a multitude of die cavities. Each of the multitude of punches is supported for axial reciprocating movement in an associated respective one of the die cavities, and the drive plate engages the punches and has a generally flat shape extending at an angle to said given plane, and rotation of the die plate and the drive plate reciprocates the punches in the die cavities. The connecting assembly connects each punch to the punch drive plate for limited swinging movement to maintain the punch axially aligned with the associated one of the die cavities as the die plate and the drive plate rotates.

Abstract: An apparatus for making earthen blocks and having a hopper, structure for loading the hopper with a compactible material, structure for verifying that the hopper is filled to a predetermined level, structure for moving the hopper to a mold cavity and emptying the contents into the mold cavity, a first press having a first punch to be forced into the mold cavity to compress the material therein and a second press having a second punch that is held in a fixed position until a predetermined force is exerted by the first press, whereupon the second punch follows movement of the first punch.

Abstract: A rotary powder compression machine with a horizontal turntable for compressing powder placed into a compression bore between an upper and a lower compression rods. An ultrasonic sensor monitors the amount of powder deposited upstream of the open feed shoe in the rotation direction of the turn-table.

Abstract: In a press forming apparatus for forming spiral parts, a plurality of first connecting rods are mounted on a lower end of a divided core divided from a die in shifting relation to each other in a winding direction of vortex. The plurality of first connecting rods are supported by a vertically movable core plate, while a plurality of second connecting rods are mounted on a lower end of a lower punch in shifting in position relation to each other. The second connecting rods extend respectively through bores in the core plate, and are supported by a lower punch plate movable vertically and arranged below the core plate. Further, the first and second connecting rods extend through a stationary block. The stationary block is arranged between the die and the core plate, for restricting downward movement of the lower punch and the divided core.

Abstract: A press for compressing a food material includes a support frame, a die plate rotatably supported by the support frame and forming a multitude of die cavities for receiving the food material, and a food supply device conducting the food material to the die cavities from a source of the food material. The press further includes a first punch assembly rotatably supported the support frame, located on a first side of the die plate, and including a multitude of first punches for axial reciprocating movement; and a second punch assembly rotatably supported by the support frame, located on the second side of the die plate, and including a multitude of second punches supported for axial reciprocating. Each of the first and second punches is aligned with one of the die cavities of the die plate.

Abstract: Pressing apparatus comprising a die made up of a number of segments defining a cavity in which metal swarf is compacted to form a billet. The die segments are held together by one or more sleeves housed in a housing which is mounted on a pedestal which pivots between a first position in which the cavity is aligned with one or more rams which are advanced into the cavity to compact the swarf, and a second position in which the cavity is aligned with gripping devices which grip the ends of the die segments and separate them radially to release the billet after a jacking device mounted on the housing is actuated to move the sleeves in the axial direction and release the die segments. One of the gripping devices may comprise a cylindrical bore through which an empty tube can be fed into the cavity and the other gripping device may similarly comprise a cylindrical bore through which the billet can be fed after it has been ejected from the die cavity.

Abstract: A press is provided for simultaneously pressing and piercing an object. The piercing means moves from a sheathed to unsheathed position in response to compressive pressure. The piercing means are normally biased in the sheathed position by a bias means. Methods and apparatus for piercing an object are disclosed. The press can be used to produce a pierced dispensing device having a compression coating by (a) charging to a die mold a quantity of powder to be compressed; (b) delivering to the die mold an unpierced dispensing device core; (c) charging to the die mold an additional quantity of powder to be compressed; and (d) substantially simultaneously (i) compressing the elements within the die mold to produce a compression coating, and (ii) piercing the compression coating. The compression coating can comprise, for example, a loading dose or a semipermeable membrane.