Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping and molding material having two sidewalls, two end walls, a bottom and at least one partition. The two sidewalls have grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on an inside surface for receiving a partition and a bottom ledge for retaining the bottom. The inside surface has a plurality of openings sized for receiving holding members and may have a variety of shapes. The bottom is shaped to mate with the shape of the inside surface of the sidewalls. The two end walls include locking mechanisms for holding the various components of the apparatus together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping and molding material having two sidewalls, two end walls, a bottom and at least one partition. The two sidewalls have grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on an inside surface for receiving a partition and a bottom ledge for retaining the bottom. The inside surface has a plurality of openings sized for receiving holding members and may have a variety of shapes. The bottom is shaped to mate with the shape of the inside surface of the sidewalls. The two end walls include locking mechanisms for holding the various components of the apparatus together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping and molding material having two sidewalls, two end walls, a bottom and at least one partition. The two sidewalls have grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on an inside surface for receiving a partition and a bottom ledge for retaining the bottom. The inside surface has a plurality of openings sized for receiving holding members and may have a variety of shapes. The bottom is shaped to mate with the shape of the inside surface of the sidewalls. The two end walls include locking mechanisms for holding the various components of the apparatus together.

Abstract: A long-life pyrotechnic lamp particularly suited for use in a compact, low-cost laser employing a solid-state laser rod which is pumped by the optical radiation of a pyrotechnic lamp employing the direct combustion of a metal in a flowing oxygen-containing atmosphere. The metal is supported on and heated to ignition by a graphite rod. The metal comprises a cylinder having a centered longitudinal bore adapted to receive the rod therein and has its outer surface serrated or finned to greatly increase the surface area. In one embodiment, the fins are helical about the outer surface. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the metal is longitudinally slit. In both cases, the metal is subsequently sliced into segments.