Abstract: A positioning aid for a magnetic device used for positioning a shuttering means, the magnetic device being movable between a position of use, in which said magnetic device is in contact with a ferromagnetic shuttering support, and a position of non-use, in which said magnetic device is spaced apart from the shuttering support, said positioning aid comprising at least one retaining device relative to which the magnetic device is supported against a holding force of said magnetic device, and further comprising at least one elastic support unit for producing a lifting force against said holding force so as to hold the magnetic device in the position of non-use.

Abstract: A mold assembly for producing masonry blocks and adapted for use in a masonry block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates, each liner plate having a major surface, the liner plates positioned within a mold box and configured such that the major surfaces form a mold cavity having a desired form, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable between a retracted position and a desired extended position toward an interior of the mold cavity. A gear drive assembly selectively coupled to the at least one moveable liner plate and configured to move the at least one moveable liner plate between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the gear drive assembly is positioned substantially external to the mold box when the at least one moveable liner plate is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of multi-layered concrete moulded bodies in a moulding machine comprising a moulding insert having a plurality of mould cavities. Relief structures are arranged in the lateral walls of the mould cavities and are dimensioned in such a way that projections formed on the moulded body when the filled concrete material is compacted engage in the relief structures, thereby creating sufficient retaining force for compensating the net weight of the moulded body and enabling the moulded bodied to be extracted from the mould cavities as a result of additional demoulding forces and causing elastic deformation of the projections without any material being cut off from the projections.

Abstract: A molded disc substrate obtained by injection molding is rotated at high speed before the molded disc substrate has solidified, and a gas is also made to flow in an outward radial direction along a bottom surface of the molded disc substrate while the molded disc substrate is rotating, and the rotation is stopped after the molded disc substrate has solidified. Thus, a disc substrate with little warping is obtained in a short time.

Abstract: A device is provided for transferring a pattern to an object. The device may be used for transferring a pattern, such as micro- or nanostructures, from a stamp to an object. In accordance with one embodiment, the device comprises a first contacting means with a receiving surface for the stamp and a second contacting means with a receiving surface for the object. The device may further include a pressing means that is adapted to operate at least one of the contacting means for contacting the stamp with the object. One of the contacting means may include a base and a holder. The holder has a first end which defines one of the receiving surfaces and a second opposite end which is pivotally connected to the base in such a manner that the stamp and the object are automatically placed in a parallel position when contacting each other.

Abstract: Sanitary wares are pressure-cast on a single mold machine comprising a bed and two platens associated with the bed, each one supporting a respective mold half; one of the two platens is translatable along the bed in a longitudinal direction, whilst the other incorporates a tilting platen carrying the respective mold half and is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the accessibility to the mold halves and to the casting are improved and therefore the operations of demolding the green wares and transferring them to successive stages of manufacture are much facilitated, as also is the procedure for changing the mold.

Abstract: A baking system that allows the user to create a three-dimensional cake having the form of a bride and groom, or man and woman. The substantial part of the human forms is accomplished by a molding process using cake, candy or chocolate. Utilizing 2 piece pans; having a removable outer rim with spring action hinges, locking spring action clasps, and corresponding pan insets to complete the process. The pan insets are specifically designed to become the interior support system for the cake structure. The entire cake is molded, baked, poured, and stacked prior the removal of the outer rims of the pans. Fitted, plastic snap-on storage lids are included, enabling the user to bake the cakes in advance, and keep them fresh until ready to assemble and decorate. The system offers the flexibility of easy creation, easy storage, easy assembly, and easy transportation of the completed assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching a hole former to a mold assembly for use in the formation of cast materials such as concrete and the like. The apparatus comprises a hole former assembly attached to a bracket. The bracket is held in a stationary position by a magnet assembly that is remotely located from the hole former. The magnet assembly is comprised of a plurality of magnets encased in a metal casing. An expendable blister pack can be provided to fit on the outside of the casing to facilitate removal of the magnetic assembly from the cast member.

Abstract: A stress-release mold is described for casting thermosetting compositions especially compositions designed for consumer use. At least one wall of the mold includes a stress-releasing-element characterized by having a more flexible region or regions than the remaining wall or walls of the mold and wherein the stress-releasing-element includes a region of lower curvature at least partially surrounded by a region of higher curvature. The stress-release mold greatly reduces or eliminates surface defects caused by shrinkage of thermosetting compositions as they cools. A system is also described that includes the inventive mold containing a thermosetting composition wherein the mold also serves as all or part of the package for the composition.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a groove pattern in a light-guiding plate for obtaining high luminance and decreasing processing time, thereby improving yield. The device has a tool unit including a tool guide and a head which is further provided with heating plate disposed below the tool unit; a stamper disposed under the heating plate; and a plurality of cutting tools extending from a lower side of the stamper at fixed intervals, for forming a plurality of groove patterns in a surface of the light-guiding plate.

Abstract: A plug baffle device for installation in a coolant passage within a mold, the plug baffle device having its coolant-encountering blade mechanically attached to a base member, and methods for making such plug baffle device. Advantages include acceptance of greater torque and less susceptibility to damage from high torque. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the base member includes an extension portion facilitating mechanical engagement and providing other substantial advantages.

Abstract: A device for removing an injection-molded substrate with attached sprue from an injection mold having half-molds, in particular a substrate for optical data carriers, includes a lever that can swing in and out of a position between the half-molds of the injection mold and is constructed to include a substrate retaining mechanism with a substrate retaining member with a recess or an opening sized to hold the substrate and configured to receive the sprue with a pass fit. The substrate retaining member secures the substrate in place as the lever swings in and out of the open half-molds. An injection molding machine using the device is also described. The substrate can be quickly demolded and the sprue removed in a single operation without producing dust in the mold.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold comprising a first mold half which works in conjunction with a second mold half for forming ophthalmic devices wherein said first mold half comprises at least one changeable cassette comprising inserts for forming said ophthalmic devices. The mold is particularly well-suited for use in an injection molding machine.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks that is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly comprises a plurality of liner plates and a gear drive assembly. Each liner plate has a major surface and the liner plates are configured such that the major surfaces form a mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable. The gear drive assembly is selectively coupled to the at least one moveable liner plate and is configured to move the at least one moveable liner plate in a first direction toward an interior of the mold cavity by applying a force in a second direction different from the first direction, and to move the liner plate in a direction away from the interior of the mold cavity by applying a force in a direction opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold for forming a contact lens comprising an overflow collector, which causes the overflow reactive mixture to be accumulated, and not to spread out as it would upon the typically flat surface of a prior art mold. This invention further provides a method of preventing the formation of contaminating pieces of overflow reactive mixture comprising the step of: preventing the overflow reactive mixture from spreading out on the mold.

Abstract: A mold shim or insert is disclosed, which is placed between the surface of a forming mold or mold magnet and a fastener strip that is to be molded into a foam object. The mold shim compensates for the variability of the mold surface and provides a more even surface for the fastener strip to seal against —thereby preventing fouling of the strip's fastening elements during the molding process. Alternative embodiments of the invention are not used with a fastener strip, but instead have engaging members on their non-mold-proximate surface for engaging clips or wires which are thereby embedded into the foam object during the molding process.

Abstract: The apparatus is a contamination free stamper holder for molding discs for information storage. The stamper, the disc part of the mold holding the pits and grooves to be formed on the molded plastic, is held within the mold by one or more magnets that are completely enclosed within non-magnetic material. The wall thickness of the enclosing material between the magnets and the stamper is limited so that there is no significant loss in magnetic attraction.

Abstract: An optical lens molding apparatus includes a cylindrical mold, a first mold core, a second mold core and a correctional ring. The first and the second mold core have a columnar shape and are disposed inside the cylindrical mold to form a cavity. Furthermore, the first and the second mold core have a planar portion at the end surface facing the cavity. The correctional ring is disposed on the planar portion of the second mold core. The correction ring corrects any face tilting of the molded optical lens due to the tilting of the first mold core. The present invention also provides a precision molding apparatus for forming precision parts.