Abstract: A machining apparatus has a frame, a magazine holding a plurality of tools, a loader capable of moving the tools between the magazine and a primary transfer position, first and second tool holders each displaceable horizontally and vertically on the frame, and a transfer arm carrying a grab. Each of the tool holders can move into and out of a respective secondary transfer position for switching a tool, one of the tools is removed from the magazine with the loader and moved by the loader into the primary transfer position, then the one tool is transferred position to the grab of the transfer arm. This arm is them pivoted to move the one tool in the grab from the primary transfer position into one of the secondary transfer positions, and then the tool at the one secondary transfer position is transferred from the grab to the respective holder.

Abstract: In a tool changer configured so that a turret is turned to index a desired tool to be changed, the front and rear surfaces of the turret are covered individually by covers. These covers are each formed in the shape of a truncated cone. Chips and a cutting fluid dropped onto an upper part of the cover that covers the rear surface of the turret flow away from a gap between the covers along a slope of the cover concerned, so that they can be prevented from getting into the turret through the gap.

Abstract: A multi-tool adaptor which enhances overall performance of the multi-tools on which the adaptor is intended and the punch presses with which the multi-tools are desired to interface. The intermediary components relating to the functioning of the multi-tool involve one area of consideration regarding the adaptor design. Another area of consideration for the adaptor design involves the manner by which the stripper plate is operably coupled to the punch holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective covering comprising a plurality of substantially L-shaped protective covering segments (2, 16) comprising a cover leg (3, 17) and a support leg (4, 18) which are arranged relative to one another in such a way that they are telescopically slidable with respect to one another, wherein the cover legs (3, 17) of adjacent protective covering segments (2, 16) each come to bear on one another thus forming an overall substantially closed surface, and comprising at least one band-shaped or web-shaped flexible connecting element (5, 31) which connects the support legs (4, 18) of the protective covering segments (2, 16) with each other so as to at least transfer a tensile force.

Abstract: A machine tool having a machine frame which has a stand and a machine sub-structure, a workpiece carrier arrangement which can be moved on linear guides, and a machining unit which is arranged on the stand. The machining unit can be moved along at least one coordinate axis and comprises an exchangeable cutting tool. The linear guides and the linear drives of the workpiece carrier arrangement are covered by longitudinally continuous, stationary cover elements and are thus protected against chip deposits.

Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a roller tool for roughening a friction ring of a brake disk, the roller tool including a roller body including inner and outer ends and a casing surface positioned there-between, the inner end differing in cross-section dimension than the outer end, the casing surface including thereupon one or more protrusions for contacting the friction ring. The roller tool may further include a support frame supporting the roller body. The support frame may include a short leg connected to the outer end of the roller body and a long leg connected to the inner end of the roller body.

Abstract: A tool grinder is disclosed which includes a variable speed DC motor having an output shaft, and a cutter wheel mounted on the output shaft and having a precision coating of prone superabrasive particles. The grinder preferably further includes a motor controller for governing a rotational speed of the motor between 100 rpm and 2000 rpm. This minimizes the surface speed of the cutter wheel and the friction heat generated by contact of the workpiece with the cutter wheel. The precision coating of prone superabrasive particles minimizes rubbing contact between the cutter wheel and the workpiece during material removal from the workpiece. The cutter wheel preferably has a first cutting surface parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel and one or more additional cutting surfaces perpendicular to the axis of rotation, at another angle to the axis of rotation, or both.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a platen, a polishing head, a magnetizable polishing pad, and an electromagnetic component. The magnetizable polishing pad is disposed between the polishing head and the platen. The electromagnetic component is configured for fastening the magnetizable polishing pad on the platen.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing pad suitable for planarizing at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates. The polishing pad is a cast polyurethane polymeric matrix formed from an isocyanate-terminated molecule and a curative agent. The cast polyurethane polymeric matrix contains 4.2 to 7.5 weight percent fluid-filled microspheres in the isocyanate-terminated molecule. The fluid-filled-microspheres is polymeric and has an average diameter of 10 to 80 ?m and the polishing pad having a conditioner sensitivity (CS) of 0 to 2.6.

Abstract: A work surface is ground by moving a grinding wheel, on an outer periphery of which a helical dressed groove having no intersection is formed, in a first direction being tilted with respect to a forward direction. Then, the work surface is ground by moving the grinding wheel in a second direction which is tilted with respect to a backward direction. When the grinding wheel is virtually moved for grinding in the forward direction, an extending direction of a virtual grinding trace formed by the dressed groove transcribed and the first direction are tilted in mutually opposite directions with respect to the forward direction. An absolute value of a tilt angle of the first direction is smaller than that of the extending direction of the virtual grinding trace. Rotation directions from the forward direction to the first direction and from the backward direction to the second direction are opposite.

Abstract: A device for replacing sanding elements of a polishing device includes a first support, a second support, a feeder assembly, a suction assembly, a first pushing assembly, a second pushing assembly, and a clamping assembly. The feeder assembly includes a receiving member configured to receive the sanding elements, and a supporting member positioned below the receiving member. The suction assembly includes a suction member configured to draw a sanding element from the receiving member, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the suction member. The first pushing assembly is configured to receive the sanding element from the suction member and transport the sanding element to the polishing device. The clamping assembly is configured to attach an unused sanding element to, and detach a used sanding element from, a manipulator of the polishing device, and the second pushing assembly is configured to separate the sanding element from the clamping assembly.

Abstract: Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond include encapsulating diamond particles and a hydrocarbon substance in a canister, and subjecting the encapsulated diamond particles and hydrocarbon substance to a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form inter-granular bonds between the diamond particles. Cutting elements for use in an earth-boring tool includes a polycrystalline diamond material formed by such processes. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements.

Abstract: A hand tool assembly in one embodiment includes a pair of pivotable jaws, a first jaw mounted component, and a second jaw mounted component. The first jaw mounted component includes a first mounting portion that removably mounts the first jaw mounted component on a first of the pair of pivotable jaws. The second jaw mounted component includes second mounting portion that removably mounts the second jaw mounted component on a second of the pair of pivotable jaws. A first working surface of the first jaw mounted component and a second working surface of the second jaw mounted component define a channel when the first working surface is placed in direct opposition to the second working surface. The channel is complementary to the outer surface of a tubular work-piece and is configured to hold or work the work-piece when the pivotable jaws are pivoted to a clamped position.

Abstract: A hand operated hydraulic press pliers tool is provided comprising an upper stationary handle having a fixed serrated upper jaw portion forming the front end of the stationary handle and a tubular portion forming the rear end of the stationary handle. A serrated lower jaw is pivotally attached to the stationary handle and disposed opposing the upper jaw portion. A hydraulic cylinder assembly is centrally disposed within the upper stationary handle and pivotally attached at one end within the tubular portion of the upper stationary handle near the rear of the handle, and the front end of the cylinder assembly pivotally attached to the lower serrated jaw between the lower jaw pivot handle attachment point and the serrated portion of the jaw. A lower tool handle is pivotally attached to the cylinder assembly yoke that is the front end of the pump assembly.

Abstract: Device for screwing and unscrewing bolts/nuts including a lever, two jaws mounted between two side plates, with spacers guiding and holding the components together, the lever rotates a certain angle around an axis moving the two jaws inward to clutch the bolt head/nut or outward to release the bolt head/nut.

Abstract: A selectively attachable tool stand is described. The stand can be attached to the head of a tool and enables the tool to be positioned on a work surface or the ground while maintaining a desired orientation for the tool head. The stand can also be removed or detached from the tool. The stand also supports the tool in an inclined orientation which can occur during use of the tool. The tool stand can be used with a variety of tools including manually operated crimp tools.

Abstract: A nailer is provided for securing planks to a subfloor in tight places with fasteners. A fastener ejection channel made in the nailer is formed in between a pair of first and second guide plates spacedly mounted parallel to one another. The first guide plate defines a planar inner end portion having an ovoidal slot and an outer end portion defining a transverse arcuate first flange. The second guide plate defines an arcuate second flange extending away from the first guide plate and generally parallel to the first flange. An elongated straight push rod is mounted partially nested at an inner end in the ovoidal slot. The bottom portion of the push rod is movable along the fastener ejection channel between first and second limit positions.

Abstract: A grout removal tool incorporates a case (12) carrying a reciprocating motor (20) and having an external contoured finger grip (14). A drive shaft (28) extends from the motor to engage a chuck drive rod (30). A cooling piston (40) is concentrically carried by the drive shaft for reciprocating motion. A chuck (18) is attached to the chuck drive rod for removably constraining a carbide tipped bit (16).

Abstract: A tool with a transmission assembly having a reduction gearset and a speed selector. The speed selector has a member, an actuator and a shifter assembly. The member is movable between a first position, in which the member is non-rotatable, and a second position in which the member is coupled to a planet carrier of the reduction gearset for common rotation. The actuator includes a pivoting yoke and a follower that is coupled to the yoke. The follower engages the member so as to be axially movable with the follower. The shifter assembly has a selector switch, a switch fork, and a pair of springs. The selector switch is slidable between a first switch position and a second switch position. The shift fork is slidably coupled to the selector switch and receives the yoke. The springs cooperate to bias the shift fork relative to the selector switch into a neutral position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool having working field illumination disposed in a housing-having an illumination mechanism and a transparent element which allows the light from the illumination mechanism to be led out toward the working field. A light beam can be deflected between the illumination mechanism and the transparent element. According to the invention, the transparent element forms a region of the housing.

Abstract: Devices for maintaining crawler alignment on complex-shaped blades and for enabling the blade crawler to traverse over trailing edge protrusions. Using ball and socket bearings or air pads in place of alignment wheels, the crawler will be able to track along complex-geometry rotor blades, propellers and other airfoils. Using an oversized-diameter roller, a semi-flexible roller, or a dual-roller follower arrangement, the crawler will be able to traverse over trailing edge protrusions.

Abstract: A motion target generating apparatus calculates the time series of motion accelerations of a base body 2 and the distal end portion of each of movable links 3 and 4 of a robot 1 at a plurality of times after a current time such that the value of a predetermined evaluation function is minimized in a range in which a joint motion constraint condition of each of the movable links 3 and 4 of the robot 1 is satisfied. Based on the calculated values of the motion accelerations at an initial time, new desired motion accelerations of the base body 2 and the distal end portion of each of the movable links 3 and 4 are determined. The desired value for controlling each joint of the robot 1 is determined on the basis of the desired motion accelerations.

Abstract: Described herein is a robot for testing touch-sensitive displays. The test robot may have a test surface holding a touch-sensitive display. The test robot may also have a first robotic unit that can translate in only two dimensions relative to the touch-sensitive display, where the first robotic unit secures a first plurality of finger units. The test robot may also have a second robotic unit that can translate in only the two dimensions relative to the touch-sensitive display, where the second robotic unit secures a second plurality of finger units. The test robot may also have a control unit controlling the first robotic unit, the second robotic unit, the first plurality of finger units, and the second plurality of finger units.

Abstract: A robot includes an angular velocity sensor installed to a second horizontal arm and for obtaining the angular velocity of the first horizontal arm with respect to a base, and suppresses the vibration of the first horizontal arm by driving a first electric motor based on the angular velocity of the first horizontal arm. In the robot, an electric wire to be connected to a second electric motor incorporated in the second horizontal arm and electric wire to be connected to the angular velocity sensor are laid around through a wiring duct having end portions coupled respectively to the base and the second horizontal arm, disposed outside the first horizontal arm and outside the second horizontal arm, and having a passage leading to the inside of the base and the inside of the second horizontal arm.

Abstract: A control method, and a robot controller implementing the method, is provided that adapts human motions to floating-base humanoid robots with time warping techniques. The method of modifying a set of reference motions modifies the timeline of a reference motion so as to speed up or slow down one or more of the motions or motion segments. Through the use of time warping, the velocity and acceleration profiles of the motion are changed to turn an infeasible motion into a feasible one. The optimal time warping is obtained through a generalized motion feasibility index that quantifies the feasibility of a motion considering the friction constraint as well as the center-of-pressure (CoP) constraint. Due to the use of the motion feasibility index, the proposed motion adaptation method taught herein can be applied to motions on arbitrary terrains or with any number of links in contact with the environment.

Abstract: A robot and a control method thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps: receiving a manual control command from a remote control device, and accumulating a duration of issuing the manual control commands; estimating an estimated moving velocity corresponding to the manual control command; detecting a surrounding environment of the robot and generating an autonomous navigation command based on the surrounding environment; determining a first weighting value associated with the manual control command based on the duration, the estimated moving velocity and the distance to obstacles; determining a second weighting value associated with the autonomous navigation command based on the first weighting value; linearly combining the manual control command and the autonomous navigation command based on the first weighting value and the second weighting value to generate a moving control command; and moving based on the moving control command.

Abstract: A robot control device controls the operation of a robot including a trunk that is rotatable around an axis, first and second robot arms that are provided at the trunk and rotatable with respect to the trunk, and first, second, and third inertial sensors. In an operation in which the second robot arm is brought into a stationary state and the first robot arm is rotated around the axis from the stationary state and moved to a target position, the robot control device makes B/A<0.27 satisfied when a maximum value of the amplitude of the angular velocity of the trunk around the axis before the first robot arm reaches the target position is defined as A, and a maximum value of the amplitude of the angular velocity of the trunk around the axis after the first robot arm has reached the target position first is defined as B.

Abstract: A force detector includes a first base part, a second base part, and a pressure detection unit provided between the first base part and the second base part and including a piezoelectric element that outputs a signal in response to an external force, wherein the pressure detection unit has a first member having a portion in contact with the first base part, a second member having a portion in contact with the second base part, and a third member connecting the first member and the second member, a first longitudinal elastic modulus of at least a part of the first member is lower than a third longitudinal elastic modulus of the third member, and a second longitudinal elastic modulus of at least a part of the second member is lower than the third longitudinal elastic modulus of the third member.

Abstract: An apparatus (01) configured for identifying numbers for layers having objects thereon within a container (02), the objects being accommodated in the container and arranged in layers. the apparatus comprising: an optical fiber sensor (10) configured for detecting presence or absence of the objects from layers within a detecting range; a support frame (20) configured for carrying the optical fiber sensor (10); a guide rail (60) configured for defining a moving direction of the support frame (20); a motor (40) and driving mechanism (30) configured for driving the optical fiber sensor to move along the guide rail; and a controller (50) connected with the optical fiber sensor (10) and the motor (40), wherein the controller (50) is at least configured for obtaining the numbers for the layers having objects thereon according to a moving distance of the support frame (20), in the case that the presence of the objects is detected by the optical fiber sensor (10).

Abstract: A robot system for successively taking out bulk stacked workpieces of the same type, wherein a hand of a robot comprises: a base part attached to an arm, a cylinder device with a cylinder and a piston rod, and a gripping part attached to a front end part of the piston rod. The robot system further comprises a fluid pressure adjusting device which adjust a fluid pressure inside of the cylinder, a movement detecting device which detects a retracting movement of the piston rod, and a judgment device which judge if the hand is gripping a designated number of workpieces, based on a magnitude of fluid pressure inside the cylinder and detection results of the movement detecting device.

Abstract: A device which prevents a gear from ending up being damaged while enabling the gear to be more easily and suitably gripped is provided. A gear gripping device 10 comprises a pawl which is provided to be able to move so as to approach a circumference of a gear G and which can engage with a gear groove which is formed at the circumference of the gear, a first drive part 18 which drives the pawl to abut against the circumference of the gear G, a second drive part 20 which makes the gear G rotate in the circumferential direction of the gear G, and an engagement detection part 50 which detects if the pawl has engaged with the gear groove.

Abstract: A case, in which an inner bottom surface is formed, and a chuck tool in which a lower surface is formed are provided. The inner bottom surface is a concave surface. The lower surface is a concave surface. An elongated member chucking apparatus changes an orientation of an elongated member inside the case to a predetermined orientation with respect to the chuck tool by sandwiching the elongated member between the inner bottom surface and the lower surface. The elongated member is held by the chuck tool in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An arm member has: a first rod and a second rod each of which has a rod side joint portion which is assembled with the counterpart joint portion; and a connecting member which interconnects the two rods. The assembled state of the rod side joint portion with the counterpart joint portions is released by separating the two rods from each other for a predetermined distance or more. The connecting member includes: a first connecting piece disposed on the first rod; a second connecting piece disposed on the second rod; a spring member which is installed between the two connecting pieces and biases the two rods in directions to approach each other; and a regulating member that regulates displacement of the two rods in the departing directions, so that the distance between the two rods becomes less than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A robot according to an embodiment includes a lower arm, an upper arm, a wrist, and an actuator that rotationally drives the wrist. The upper arm is connected to the lower arm rotatably about a first rotation axis. The wrist is connected to the upper arm rotatably about a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. The actuator is disposed so that a rotation axis of the actuator is perpendicular to the second rotation axis and is attached to the upper arm so as to extend in a direction of the first rotation axis.

Abstract: A robotic arm includes a first link and a first joint. The first link has internal link cables extending from one end to an opposed end thereof. The first joint is operably connected to the first link at one end thereof. The first joint has a hollow drive shaft, an off axis drive 121 and a first joint motor and first joint internal cables extending through the hollow drive shaft. The link cables and the first joint cables are operably connected. The robotic arm may further include a second joint operably connected to the first link. The second joint module has an active side, a passive side with electronic connectors, second joint internal cables, and a second joint motor and the active side is mechanically connected to the link and the electronic connectors of the passive side are operably connected to the link cables.

Abstract: A robot includes a base. A rotation base is coupled to the base and rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the base. An arm includes a base end that is coupled to the rotation base and that is turnable relative to the rotation base about a turning axis that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis. A balancer is coupled to the rotation base and the arm to provide force to between the rotation base and the arm. To a first attachment portion, one end of a jig is attachable to restrict displacement of the balancer in an axial direction. The first attachment portion is disposed at a coupling portion where the balancer and the arm are coupled to each other. To second attachment portions, another end of the jig is attachable. The second attachment portions are disposed at a predetermined distance from the rotation base.

Abstract: A shaving demonstration apparatus having a rotatable support surface. A drive unit is operatively connected to the rotatable support surface. A fixture is spaced apart from the rotatable support surface. A first shaving razor has a first handle mounted to the fixture. A first blade cartridge unit is mounted to an end of the first handle. The first blade cartridge unit contacts the rotatable support surface.

Abstract: A blade cover may include a cover body defining an interior volume, the cover body being configured to receive a cutting implement within the interior volume, a recess is disposed in the cover body, and a slot is disposed through the recess, the slot defining an opening into the interior volume, wherein the slot is configured to receive at least a portion of a blade of the cutting implement and the recess is configured to expose at least a portion of the blade of the cutting implement.

Abstract: A continuous-type automatic label separating apparatus is formed of a frame, a driving device, and a label separating device. The frame includes a feeding port and a discharging port. The driving device is mounted to one side of the label separation device. The label separation device is formed of a rotary shaft, a combination-type cutter unit, and an adjustable nail unit. The combination-type cutter unit is installed to the rotary shaft. The adjustable nail unit surrounds the combination-type cutter unit. A label-separation interval is formed between the combination-type cutter unit and the adjustable nail unit. The combination-type cutter unit includes a circular or polygonal cross-section. The adjustable nail unit includes label separating bolts. Each of the label separating bolts includes an adjustable fixed needle. The adjustable nail unit also includes a slide rail formed of concavities and convexities opposite to the concavities.

Abstract: A groove cutter for floor sheets capable of being operated without using a ruler and can cut a seam, which is created when sheets are laid sequentially on the surface of floor base with an adhesive agent, so that a groove formed along the seam can bridge over both adjacent sheets, comprising a front part, a middle part, a rear part, wherein the front part has a thin guide plate, which is to be inserted into the seam and guides the tool along the seam when pushing the tool forward, at the front end, and at least one blade to cut a concave groove at the seam part of the sheet, which is provided behind the guide plate so as to be detachable, and a stabilizing member provided at the rear part, which is to be inserted into the concave groove, to stabilize a direction of movement along the seam.

Abstract: A spacer may include a spacer body configured to be connected to a cable tie tensioning and severing tool, the cable tie tensioning and severing tool being configured for installation of a cable tie, the cable tie including a head and an elongated tail extending from the head, wherein the spacer is configured to space the head of the cable tie away from the cable tie tensioning and severing tool such that a portion of the tail protrudes from the head upon the tail being severed by the cable tie tensioning and severing tool.

Abstract: A cutter that is used for dividing a processed product using ultrasound energy. The cutter includes a blade that has least one blade wing, the blade wing narrows at a front side towards a cutting edge, and that is adjoined at a rear side by a blade back. The blade back has a first side surface and a second side surface opposing one another. A mounting surface is provided on the first side surface of the blade back, and on the mounting surface a first end piece of at least one curved, coupling element is welded, and a second end piece of the mounting surface has a connecting member that is connected to an energy converter that supplies ultrasound energy to the blade.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for cutting boards into two board pieces, even ending one of the board pieces at a first side while travelling transversely on a conveyor and even ending the other board piece at a second side of the conveyor.

Abstract: Masonry units, such a blocks, are fabricated in a sequential process, using improved mold structures, such as within a production corridor of a corresponding fabrication system. A compressible masonry feedstock or formulated material, which can be de-agglomerated before use, is filled within a block mold having releasable elements. The feedstock or formulated material is then compressed within the mold structure. The compressed workpiece can be further processed, such as for any of final height adjustment, the establishment of a surface feature, or to remove cores. The block mold, having releasable elements or sides, such as using hinges or springs, is released from the formed block, wherein the formed masonry unit can be removed for curing, and wherein the block mold can be reused to fabricate a subsequent masonry unit.

Abstract: A mixer drum driving device includes a mixer drum, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, an auxiliary hydraulic pump for rotating the mixer drum for mixing by supplying pressure oil to the hydraulic motor independently of the hydraulic pump, and a direct-current brush motor for driving and rotating the auxiliary hydraulic pump. In the case of rotating the mixer drum for mixing, the mixer drum is driven and rotated by driving only the auxiliary hydraulic pump by the direct-current brush motor.

Abstract: A dual spiral mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide material contained in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete vehicle mixing system, the assembly includes dual spiral mixing fins extending transversely along a drum mixing space attachable to the inner surface of a mixing drum. The fins are provided with a plurality of spaced large openings for allowing mixed concrete and charged ingredient materials to migrate along a drum mixing space through the openings in both a forward and rearward direction. The fins also have a plurality of spaced small openings that accommodate the passage of cleanout materials along a drum mixing space. A plurality of strut members are attached to forward portions of the mixing fins and adapted to be fixed to the front interior surface of a mixing drum.

Abstract: Previously, in order to produce a dimensionally stable fused-quartz hollow cylinder, an output cylinder having a centre axis would have been prepared, said output cylinder being produced by means of a bore having a boring bar, said bore rotating about a horizontal axis of rotation, and by means of a boring head that has an internal bore and is fixed to said bore in a torsionally rigid manner, wherein the boring head adopts a continually changing boring head position that is continuously ascertained by means of a measuring device and is returned to a target position in the event of any deviation. The design outlay is high, however. The problem addressed by the invention is therefore that of providing a cost-effective method for producing a dimensionally stable fused-quartz hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A bracket is described for clamping a mould to a supporting structure. The bracket includes a first part and a second part for attaching to the mould and to the supporting structure, respectively, or vice versa. The first and second parts are connected together and configured to provide constrained relative movement along a first axis to accommodate thermal expansion of the mould relative to the supporting structure in a first direction parallel to the first axis. The first and second parts of the bracket are connected via an articulated joint that allows the first and second parts to pivot relative to one another without moving the first axis such that the bracket can independently accommodate misalignments between the mould and the supporting structure.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes at least one upper body mold half and one lower body mold half, with the upper and lower body mold halves cooperatively presenting a body cavity and being configured to define an exterior shape of a body of the parison. The tooling additionally comprises at least one upper neck mold half and one lower neck mold half, with the upper and lower neck mold halves cooperatively presenting a neck cavity and being configured to define an exterior shape of a neck of the parison. The tooling further comprises an upper thermal barrier plate positioned between the upper body mold half and the upper neck mold half and a lower thermal barrier plate positioned between the upper body mold half and the upper neck mold half.

Abstract: A method of making a vacuum fused-particle mold involves bringing the outer surface of a flexible bladder into contact with a master part; drawing a first vacuum between the flexible bladder and the master part to cause the flexible bladder to conform to its shape; placing a quantity of particles inside the compartment in sufficient quantity and distribution to cover at least a portion of the inner surface of the flexible bladder that conforms to the shape of the master part; sealing the mold compartment with a rear bladder; drawing a second vacuum on the mold compartment to hold the quantity of particles in place; removing the first vacuum to release the master part; and maintaining the second vacuum on the compartment to retain the shape of the flexible bladder. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.