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 10 and a method for creating the tool 10 which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members 12, 16, and which includes at least one cooling channel 14. In one embodiment, each sectional member 12, 16, which is to be used to form the at least one cooling channel 14, has respective indented channels 18, 20. Channel 18 of member 12 registers with a unique one of the channels 20 of member 16 to which member 12 is coupled, thereby forming the unique cooling passage 14. Other embodiments are disclosed which also provide desired cooling paths 14.

Abstract: A tool, such as tools 10, 50, 100 having voids, such as voids 18, 20 which may be selectively and substantially filled with copper or some other conductive material, such as material 30, effective to allow heat to be dissipated from a tangible item formation surface, such as surfaces 14, 54, 104. Also, a methodology to produce such tools 10, 50, 100 is presented.

Abstract: A tool 10 having at least one internal passageway, such as passageway 40, 42, 44 which may provide a vacuum onto the tangible item formation surface or portion 17, which may provide pressure to the tangible item formation surface or portion 17, or which may provide cooling to the tool 10. In alternate embodiments of the inventions, the number and types of such internal passageways 40, 42, 44 may be “mixed and matched” to allow a tool 10 to be built to meet a variety of dissimilar needs and operations. Such a tool may be built by the use of a lamination process.

Abstract: A tool (10) having improved heat transfer characteristics and a method for cooling a tool (10) which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members (12–17) Each selected sectional members (16) include an outer contour (19), while each of the sectional members (12–17) includes at least one coolant passage (14). These coolant passages (14) cooperatively form a coolant manifold (18) which is a predetermined distance from contours (19). An amount of coolant 40 is passed through manifold (18) to cool tool (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and a methodology 200, 350 for producing a tangible item 120 by the use of a plurality of sectional members, such as sectional members 10 and 14. In one embodiment, each sectional member 14 includes a protuberance 16 and these protuberances are selectively nestled to allow the various sectional members 14 to be connected and to cooperatively form a tangible item, such as tangible item 120. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a first sectional member includes an opening 12 which receives a protuberance 70 from another sectional member. Other sectional members may thereafter be coupled to this assembly by the use of nestled protuberances, thereby allowing the coupled sectional members to cooperatively create a tangible item.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which may selectively form and/or cool an item, such as an automotive fuel tank 300. Such cooling is accomplished in a highly efficient manner.

Abstract: A tool 10 and a methodology for creating the tool 10 in which welded joints are used to secure pairs of adjacent sectional members, such as sectional members 12, 14 in order to cause the created tool 10 to have a desirable physical attributes and a desirable and relatively long operative life.

Abstract: A tool is provided for forming an article in a molding operation with a body formed with a forming surface for forming the article. A heat transfer material is mounted to the tool body, spaced apart from the forming surface, and formed from a material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity that is greater than that of the tool body. The heat transfer material and/or the tool body collectively provide a duct for conveying a fluid for heat transfer with the forming surface. Another tool is disclosed for forming an article in a molding operation with a tool body formed from a plurality of laminate sheets of a first material. The tool body includes a forming surface and a cavity. A heat transfer material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity greater than that of the first material is disposed within the cavity for transferring heat from the forming surface.

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 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 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 tool 10 and a method 50 for producing a tool 10 by laminatingly forming a pre-tool or undersized object 16 and then casting a second material 74 unto the pre-tool 16, thereby forming the tool 10 and allowing the tool to have the superior characteristics associated with the lamination strategy while concomitantly reducing, minimizing, and/or eliminating undesired finish surface features.

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 method for forming a tool 10 and a tool 10 which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members, such as members 12, 16, which are placed upon a heat resistant surface 20. A sealing material 24, such as copper in a solid molecular state, is placed around the periphery of the tool 10. The copper in a solid molecular state 24, the heat resistant surface 20, and the tool 10 are placed within a heat source which transforms the copper in a solid molecular state 24 into liquid which flows within the gaps, such as gap 41 and within knife edges 26, 28 which exists within the tool 10. After the copper 24 cools, the cooper 24 reinforces and strengthens the tool 10.

Abstract: An apparatus and a methodology 200, 350 for producing a tangible item 120 by the use of a plurality of sectional members, such as sectional members 10 and 14. In one embodiment, each sectional member 14 includes a protuberance 16 and these protuberances are selectively nestled to allow the various sectional members 14 to be connected and to cooperatively form a tangible item, such as tangible item 120. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a first sectional member includes an opening 12 which receives a protuberance 70 from another sectional member. Other sectional members may thereafter be coupled to this assembly by the use of nestled protuberances, thereby allowing the coupled sectional members to cooperatively create a tangible item.

Abstract: A method for forming a tool 10 and a tool 10 which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members, such as members 12, 16, which are placed upon a heat resistant surface 20. A sealing material 24, such as copper in a solid molecular state, is placed around the periphery of the tool 10. The copper in a solid molecular state 24, the heat resistant surface 20, and the tool 10 are placed within a heat source which transforms the copper in a solid molecular state 24 into liquid which flows within the gaps, such as gap 41 and within knife edges 26, 28 which exists within the tool 10. After the copper 24 cools, the cooper 24 reinforces and strengthens the tool 10.

Abstract: A method for forming a tool 10 and a tool 10 which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members, such as members 12, 16, which are placed upon a heat resistant surface 20. A sealing material 24, such as copper in a solid molecular state, is placed around the periphery of the tool 10. The copper in a solid molecular state 24, the heat resistant surface 20, and the tool 10 are placed within a heat source which transforms the copper in a solid molecular state 24 into liquid which flows within the gaps, such as gap 41 and within knife edges 26, 28 which exists within the tool 10. After the copper 24 cools, the cooper 24 reinforces and strengthens the tool 10.

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.