Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool for forming an article in a molding operation has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material, with a particulate material bonded to the body. The body provides a forming surface for forming the article. The particulate material, or the particulate material and the tool body collectively provide a duct for conveying a fluid for transfer of heat with the forming surface. In another embodiment, the tool has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material with a cavity and the particulate material is disposed within the cavity. A heat transfer material is disposed in the cavity bonding the particulate material to the tool body. Methods for manufacturing such tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lockable lift assist assembly includes a piston assembly moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. A valve assembly is coupled in movement together with the piston assembly. The valve assembly is configured to selectively alter a flow of a hydraulic fluid through a fluid communication path established within the valve assembly to control movement of the piston assembly.

Abstract: An example damper assembly includes a tube, a piston assembly axially moveable relative to the tube between an extended position and a retracted position, and a material encapsulating a first fluid. The piston assembly is configured to compress the first fluid using a second fluid.

Abstract: A tool 100 having a forming surface 102 being formed from a contiguous material 101 and including, within the contiguous material 101 into which the forming surface 102 is operatively resident, a cylinder 150, 170 or other selectively movable member which may be selectively used to remove an object from the tool 100.

Abstract: A tool for forming an article in a forming operation is provided with a plurality of individually formed laminate sheets that are aligned, stacked and assembled to collectively form a tool body, each having a coefficient of thermal expansion. A series of the laminate sheets has a plurality of apertures coaxially formed therethrough. A plurality of pins collectively have a coefficient of thermal expansion and sized to be received within the plurality of apertures the plurality of pins extending through at least a plurality of the laminate sheets and collectively extend through the series of the laminate sheets. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the pins is higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the laminate sheets such that the laminate sheets and pins expand to secure the pins within the apertures to maintain the laminate sheets in stacked alignment while being heated to form the tool.

Abstract: A methodology 40 for producing a laminated tool 10 having desired dimensional accuracy. The tool 10 is produced by the use of several sectional members, such as sectional members 14, 16 which are selectively coupled and which are measured. The measurement is used to determine whether to selectively press these previously coupled sectional members 14, 16 to ensure that their coupled arrangement has a desired dimensional accuracy. Additional measurements and needed pressing operations are accomplished each time a new sectional member is added to the previously coupled sectional member combination.

Abstract: A method 10 and a laminated tool 31 which is created by the method 10 and which is formed by the selective coupling or attachment of sectional members, such as members 14, 16. The formed tool 31 includes a finished surface 36 which is formed by the selective deposition of material 30 onto surface 22.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and a method 50 for the creation of a tool 40. The apparatus 10 and the method 50 allow for dynamic measurement of the tool 40 as it is being created and further allows for the use of positive feedback to increase the likelihood that the produced tool will be structurally similar to a certain model. The apparatus 10 and method 50 further allow sections of varying thicknesses to be used and provide a technique to create surfaces which further increase the likelihood that the produced tool will be structurally equivalent to a desired and modeled tool.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for forming an article in a molding operation. The tool includes a first layer with a forming surface for forming the article. The first layer is formed from a first material having a hardness or corrosion resistance sufficient for the forming operation. The second layer is affixed to the first layer for collectively forming a tool body. The second layer is formed from a second material having different material properties than that of the first material, and the second material has sufficient structural integrity for withstanding stresses of the tool body during the forming operation. A tool is also disclosed having a series of laminate sheets collectively providing a portion of the tool body. Another sheet is affixed to the laminate sheets with a homogenous forming surface for forming the article in the molding operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool for forming an article in a molding operation has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material, with a particulate material bonded to the body. The body provides a forming surface for forming the article. The particulate material, or the particulate material and the tool body collectively provide a duct for conveying a fluid for transfer of heat with the forming surface. In another embodiment, the tool has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material with a cavity and the particulate material is disposed within the cavity. A heat transfer material is disposed in the cavity bonding the particulate material to the tool body. Methods for manufacturing such tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool 10 which is made by a method which efficiently allows internal passageways, such as passageway 50, which are at least partially circumscribed by thermally conductive material 103, to be formed in the tool 10, thereby allowing for enhanced cooling characteristics and allowing decreased cycle time and a reduced likelihood of damage to the formed object.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing a distributor position in a multi-level marketing business. The system includes: a multi-level distribution channel, having a distributor position and a management position that forms a business organization; an inclusion instrument configured to include an entity as a distributor in the distributor position; and a promotion instrument configured to promote the distributor from the distributor position to the management position in exchange for a user-selectable option of consideration.