Abstract: A robot control device includes a camera configured to be attached to a display device carried by or put on an operator and capture an environment surrounding the operator to generate an image of the environment; and a processor configured to slow down or stop motion of a predetermined robot included in the environment when the predetermined robot is not displayed on the display device, when only a portion of the predetermined robot is displayed, or when a ratio of a region representing the predetermined robot to a display area of the display device is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method includes presenting a virtual representation of an environment of a robot, receiving a first user command to control the robot within the environment, rendering a predicted version of the virtual representation during a period of latency in which current data pertaining to the environment of the robot is not available, updating the predicted version of the virtual representation based upon a second user command received during the period of latency, and upon conclusion of the period of latency, reconciling the predicted version of the virtual representation with current data pertaining to the environment of the robot.

Abstract: A method includes providing a virtual representation of an environment of a robot, the virtual representation including an object representation of an object in the environment. The method further includes receiving manipulation input from a user to teleoperate the robot for manipulation of the object. The method also includes alerting the user to an alignment dimension based upon the manipulation input, receiving confirmation input from the user to engage the alignment dimension, and constraining at least one dimension of movement of the object according to the alignment dimension.

Abstract: A method includes providing a virtual representation of an environment of a robot. The virtual representation includes an object representation of an object in the environment. The method further includes determining an attribute of the object within the environment of the robot. The attribute includes at least one of occupancy data, force data, and deformation data pertaining to the object. The method further includes receiving a user command to control the robot to move with respect to the object, and modifying a received user command pertaining to the representation of the object based upon the attribute.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to robot perception extensibility. In certain aspects, a robot maintains perception data that represents its understanding of its surroundings. The perception data relates to a variety of objects and comprises information generated by a variety of components, such as sensors and software processes. In order to extend the perception capabilities of the robot, an extensibility interface is provided, which enables an extensibility device to annotate objects and to provide new objects to the robot based on the additional perception data generated by the extensibility device. As a result of incorporating the objects from the extensibility device into the perception data of the robot, the additional perception data of the extensibility device is available to software executing on the robot without requiring the additional effort typically necessary to extend the capabilities of such a device.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning robot including a light source module, an image sensor and a processor. The light source module projects a line pattern and a speckle pattern toward a moving direction. The image sensor captures an image of the line pattern and an image of the speckle pattern. The processor calculates one-dimensional depth information according to the image of the line pattern and calculates two-dimensional depth information according to the image of the speckle pattern.

Abstract: A method for the control of a robot assembly having at least one robot. The method includes acquiring pose data from an object arrangement having at least one object, which data has a first time interval; determining modified pose data from the object arrangement, which data has a second time interval that is larger or smaller than the first time interval, or is equal to the first time interval, on the basis of the acquired pose data; and controlling the robot assembly on the basis of said modified pose data.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a movable object in space includes a marker which is to be applied to the object. The marker has a surface which is subdivided into a plurality of individual fields. The fields each have a statistical noise pattern. The system also includes an image capture unit which is remote from the object and is arranged to capture an image of the marker. The system further includes an image evaluation unit which stores a reference image of the noise patterns and is designed to locate at least one of the fields in the currently captured image of the marker by comparison with the reference image in order to determine a current position of the marker in space. There are corresponding methods for determining a position the object.

Abstract: A feeling deduction unit 100 deduces a user's feeling. An internal state management unit 110 manages an internal state of an object and an internal state of a user on the basis of the deduced user's feeling. An action management unit 120 determines an action of the object on the basis of the internal state of the object. An output processing unit 140 causes the object to perform the action determined by the action management unit 120.

Abstract: A companion robot is disclosed. In some embodiments, the companion robot may include a head having a facemask and a projector configured to project facial images onto the facemask; a facial camera; a microphone configured to receive audio signals from the environment; a speaker configured to output audio signals; and a processor electrically coupled with the projector, the facial camera, the microphone, and the speaker. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to receive facial images from the facial camera; receive speech input from the microphone; determine an audio output based on the facial images and/or the speech input; determine a facial projection output based the facial images and/or the speech input; output the audio output via the speaker; and project the facial projection output on the facemask via the projector.

Abstract: A mobile phone robot is able to perform multi-touch operations on a mobile phone. A fastener holds a mobile phone stationary relative to the mobile phone robot. A first robot arm subsystem controls location and timing of contact of a first stylus tip with a touchscreen or a keyboard of the mobile phone. A second robot arm subsystem controls location and timing of contact of a first stylus tip with a touchscreen or a keyboard of the mobile phone. A camera subsystem is oriented to capture images displayed by the mobile phone. Control circuitry controls the first robot arm subsystem and the second robot arm subsystem. The control circuitry processes the images captured by the camera subsystem to detect text displayed within the image and to detect layout of the image. The control circuitry performs speech to text translation to receive commands from a user to perform multi-operations touch that are performed by the first robot arm subsystem and the second robot arm subsystem.

Abstract: Provided is a robot, including: a controller; a plurality of actuators mechanically coupled to an end-effector mount; a first set of end-effectors magnetically coupled to the end-effector mount; and a sensor adjacent an interface between at least some of the first set of end effectors and the end-effector mount, wherein: the end effectors are magnetically coupled to the end-effector mount with magnetic couplings that decouple in response to less than 200 Newtons of force being applied to distal portions of respective end effectors in a direction opposing movement of respective end effectors driven by at least some of the actuators, and the sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of a given end effector decoupling and indicate which end effector in the first decoupled.

Abstract: A non-contact handling tool (8) for picking up an object (3), the tool comprising an ultrasonic transducer (10) extending between a reflective side and a picking side configured to emit ultrasounds forming, in a near field area of the picking side, an excess-pressure wave, and a fluid suction system configured to suction a fluid towards the picking side, forming in said near field area an under-pressure. The fluid suction system comprises at least a fluid suction channel (30) disposed in the ultrasonic transducer. The transducer has a height defined between the picking side and the reflective side corresponding to a half wavelength of the ultrasounds generated in the transducer.

Abstract: A ring frame holding mechanism holds under suction a lower surface of a ring frame when the ring frame is set at a target position, by using a positioning unit. In positioning the ring frame, air is discharged through a suction cup in a table to thereby form an air layer between the upper surface of the table and the lower surface of the ring frame. This air layer brings the ring frame and the suction cup into a noncontact state and also depresses the suction cup downward so that the upper end of the suction cup becomes flush with the table. Accordingly, the ring frame can be floated over the suction cup, so that the ring frame can be easily moved horizontally. That is, the ring frame can be easily set to the target position and the occurrence of improper positioning can be suppressed.

Abstract: A mounting head includes a first air passage and a second air passage through which air is capable of flowing; a first valve configured to switch air flowing through the first air passage between positive pressure and negative pressure; a second valve configured to switch air flowing through the second air passage between positive pressure and negative pressure; a common air passage configured to communicate with the tool, through which air to be supplied to the tool is capable of flowing; and a third valve configured to selectively cause the first air passage or the second air passage to communicate with the common air passage.

Abstract: A joint structure of a manipulator includes: swiveling members that are coupled so as to be able to swivel via a rolling contact; shafts that constitute bending joints between the swiveling members and that are parallel to each other; pulleys that are rotatably supported about the shafts; and a connector attached to the shafts so as to be able to swivel about longitudinal axes of the shafts. The connector includes supports that are disposed on axial ends of the shafts so as to sandwich the pulleys therebetween in a direction of the longitudinal axis, and a beam that extends in between the supports to couple the supports to each other.

Abstract: A selectively flexible extension tool includes a line assembly; and a plurality of sequentially arranged links, the line assembly operable with the plurality of sequentially arranged links to move the plurality of sequentially arranged links between a slacked position and a tensioned position, the plurality of sequentially arranged links spaced from one another when in the slacked position to allow the plurality of sequentially arranged links to pivotably move relative to one another, the plurality of sequentially arranged links pressed against one another when in the tensioned position to rigidly fix the plurality of sequentially arranged links to one another.

Abstract: A remotely controlled packable robot includes a chassis with a top surface and a bottom surface, a motive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis, an open channel under the robot defined by the chassis and the motive subsystem, a camera assembly, and a robot arm including a rotatable shoulder, an upper arm pivotable with respect to the shoulder, a forearm, an elbow between the upper arm and the forearm, a wrist connected to the forearm, and a gripper attached to the wrist. A rearward arm base member mount between the chassis and the rotatable arm shoulder is pivotable with respect to the chassis to store the arm underneath the robot in the open channel. A forward camera assembly base member mount for the camera is pivotable with respect to the chassis to store the camera assembly underneath the robot in the open channel. Another camera mount is for retaining the camera assembly on the shoulder of the robot arm. A novel power distribution subsystem is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting tool includes a handle and a cutting head with an embedded tool having multiple operative surface portions, the embedded tool consisting of a single unitary metal piece, the multiple operative surface portions thereof including a cutting edge and a tape splitter portion, the embedded tool being molded or otherwise secured within the cutting head such that the tape splitter portion distally extends from the cutting head and a portion of the cutting edge is exposed. The embedded tool includes a top flat surface section which is part of and defined by an uppermost structural reinforcing portion of the single unitary metal piece; and the tape splitter portion is recessed in relation to the uppermost structural reinforcing portion relative to the cutting edge of the blade.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a body having a handle portion and a head portion, the handle portion having a plurality of recesses formed in the handle portion. Each of the recesses is capable of receiving at least one replacement blade. A grip is pivotally attached to the handle portion and configured to be positioned in an open position or a closed position, the grip in the open position providing access to the at least one replacement blade. A blade carrier is pivotally coupled to the body, the blade carrier having a post and being rotatable between a closed position and an open position. An active blade is received by the post of the blade carrier such that the post extends into an opening of the active blade.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing with a blade carrier configured for holding a blade, and a handle coupled to the housing via an engagement interface configured to allow a user of the cutter apparatus to selectively interfit together the housing and the handle in multiple different cutter apparatus configurations, wherein the engagement interface includes a coupler configured to permit the housing and the handle to be repositioned further apart in a housing/handle reconfiguring mode in which the coupler permits the handle to be rotatably repositioned in relation to the housing or vice versa while substantially limiting longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the handle.

Abstract: An adaptor for a shaving cartridge is provided. The adaptor is provided with a frame, a first shaving aid, and a second shaving aid. The frame includes a first wall and an opposite second wall. The first wall and the second wall extend along and define a longitudinal axis. The side walls extend from the first wall to the second wall, where the first wall has a first opening. The first and second shaving aids are releasably connected, respectively, to the first and second side walls of the frame. The first and second shaving aids are mounted on the shaving cartridge in a first position by being moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Cutting edges of shaving blades disposed in the shaving cartridge are uncovered and accessible through the first opening formed in the first wall when the adaptor is mounted on the shaving cartridge.

Abstract: An adaptor for a shaving cartridge is provided. The adaptor is provided with a frame, a first shaving aid, and a second shaving aid. The frame includes a first wall and an opposite second wall. The first wall and the second wall extend along and define a longitudinal axis. The side walls extend from the first wall to the second wall, where the first wall has a first opening. The first and second shaving aids are releasably connected, respectively, to the first and second side walls of the frame. The first and second shaving aids are mounted on the shaving cartridge in a first position by being moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Cutting edges of shaving blades disposed in the shaving cartridge are uncovered and accessible through the first opening formed in the first wall when the adaptor is mounted on the shaving cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaving razor. The shaving razor includes a handle having an elongated body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The proximal end has a cartridge connection mechanism and a razor cartridge connected to the cartridge connection mechanism. The elongated body has a first section nearest the proximal end and a second section nearest the distal end and a movement member connecting the first section to the second section. The movement member includes a unitary member having a central core extending along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced apart projections extend outward from the central core and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central core. Adjacent projections are spaced apart from one another to form open slots between adjacent projections.

Abstract: A method for cutting a pipe made of thermoplastic material including, in combination, the following steps: feeding a continuous pipe made of thermoplastic material; localised and circumferential heating of a first localised axial portion of the pipe for a predetermined time using a heating unit; cutting without removal of chippings, using a cutting unit, of the first heated axial portion, to obtain a piece of the pipe; localised and circumferential heating of a second localised axial portion of the pipe, for a predetermined time, the second axial portion being placed at a predetermined distance from the first portion.

Abstract: A cutting device of cutting a soft honeycomb mold body in a cutting direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the honeycomb mold body. A cutting device has a wire, a tension supply part and a pair of ultrasonic generators. The wire has a contact part which is stretched and in contact with the honeycomb mold body when the honeycomb mold body is cut. The tension supply part supplies tensile to the contact part when the honeycomb mold body is cut. The pair of ultrasonic generators have respective vibrator terminals arranged in contact with the contact part of the wire. The ultrasonic generators generate ultrasonic vibration in the cutting direction and supply the generated ultrasonic vibration directly to the wire.

Abstract: Mobile assembly for cutting wood includes a base supported by wheels, and a plurality of posts extending upwards from the base. A frame is removably coupled to a distal post and a proximal post. The frame configured to pivot relative to at least one of the distal and proximal posts when coupled thereto, the frame configured for positioning at different heights along the at least one of the distal and proximal posts. An arm is supported by the frame, the arm configured for sliding about, and parallel to, the frame. The arm includes a chainsaw attached to a distal region of the arm.

Abstract: An example technique includes extruding, by a tow deposition device, on a tow-by-tow basis, respective impregnated tows of a plurality of respective impregnated tows to form a layer of material on a major surface of a substrate. Each respective impregnated tow includes at least one ceramic fiber and a curable resin coating the at least one ceramic fiber. The example technique includes curing the curable resin to form a cured composite component. An example system includes a tow deposition device, an energy source, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to control the tow deposition device to extrude, on a tow-by-tow basis, respective impregnated tows of a plurality of respective impregnated tows to form a layer of material, and is configured to control the energy source to cure the curable resin to form a cured composite component.

Abstract: A method and system for forming vertical wall construction units in one or more provided forms provides environmentally-manageable construction with reduced labor burden over existing non-traditional construction techniques. The method is a method of operation of the system, which includes a programmable controller, a reciprocating tamper head, a positioner that is guided to position the tamper head, and a filling mechanism for introducing loose material to a form in pre-determined layer volumes to provide loose material for individual layers of the prefabricated vertical construction unit. The programmable controller operates the filling mechanism to introduce the loose material for the current layer, then operates the three-axis positioner to guide the reciprocating tamper head over a horizontal cross-section of the form at a height determined for the current layer and along a program-determined path to compact the current layer.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing mortar has a screw conveyor for conveying dry material, such as a mixture of sand and cement, from a storage vessel to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has an inlet end, adapted to receive dry material from an outlet end of the screw conveyor, an outlet end for dispensing wet mortar, and a water feed between the inlet and outlet ends for delivering a metered flow or quantity of water into the mixing chamber. A mixing device within the mixing chamber mixes the dry material and water and controls passage of material from the inlet to the outlet end. The outlet end is located above said inlet end so the dry material falls under gravity from the outlet end into the mixing chamber, maintaining separation between the dry material in the screw conveyor and the wet material in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automatic processing irrigation truck for concrete pier for bridge pier, and includes a body plate, a bottom plate is fixed on the end surface of the body plate, and a storage block is fixed on the right side of the end surface of the bottom plate. A processing mechanism is provided in the storage block, and the processing mechanism includes a stirring cavity with an opening facing upward. The agitating chamber is used for containing concrete. The agitating chamber is provided with a rotatable drive shaft. Ten ten agitating rods are evenly fixed on the drive shaft. The device can be used for bridge pier during transportation. The processing of concrete, by means of stirring and spiral circulation, can not only make the processing fully, but also prevent the subsequent layering of the concrete, ensure the quality of the concrete, and use spiral transportation when needed.

Abstract: A method of recycling a mixed plastic waste comprising plastics having different melting temperatures includes conveying the mixed plastic waste through an extruder such that at least some of the higher melting point plastic is passes through the extruder without melting and is present in the extrudate as solid material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing fiber composite parts from a raw fiber tow to a finished composite part in a single continuous process are provided. The apparatus includes a continuous tow, a preheater/spreader to receive and spread the tow, an injection molding die downstream from the preheater/spreader to form an extrudate filament, a cooler downstream from the injection molding die, a forming die downstream from the cooler to pultrude and shape the cross-section of the extrudate filament, a preformer downstream from the forming die to heat and cut the extrudate filament to create preforms, a compression mold downstream from the preformer to form a finished fiber composite part, and a pick-and-place system to continuously pick each preform from the preformer and place each preform into the compression mold.

Abstract: A method of reprocessing a fiber composite part to form a preform is provided including determining a location having a longest stretch of continuous, unidirectional fibers in the part, determining an axis generally closest to and parallel to the fibers at the location, suspending the part from an anchor point within a heated cavity, heating the part to a temperature above a glass transition temperature and below a melting temperature of the resin of the part, and applying at least one force vector to the composite part, the sum of such vectors being parallel to the axis, wherein fibers of the part realign in a direction generally parallel to the sum of the force vectors, and wherein the composite part yields in the direction of the at least one applied force vector to provide a preform.

Abstract: A method and system for thermal forming an object. A mold is provided, a shape of which corresponds to a desired shape of the object. A material is inserted into a heating area, and the material is heated using a plurality of independently controllable heat sources that heat different areas of the material. The heated material is then disposed over or into at least a portion of the mold so as to deform the material. The deformed material may then be trimmed so as to form the object.

Abstract: Provided are a manufacturing method of a plate precursor having a plurality of needle-like protrusions and a manufacturing method of a microneedle array, which make it possible to manufacture a plate precursor within a short period of time. A manufacturing method of a plate precursor having a needle-like protrusion includes: a preparation step of preparing a cutting tool including at least one blade conforming to an external shape of the needle-like protrusion, and a base material; and a cutting step of cutting the base material by rotating the cutting tool about a tool axis of the cutting tool and revolving the cutting tool around an axis of the needle-like protrusion to be formed on the base material to form the needle-like protrusion having a shape conforming to a shape of the cutting tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder tool and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bladder tool comprises an elastomeric inner layer substantially defining an inner cavity of the elastomeric bladder tool, an elastomeric outer layer substantially defining an outer surface of the elastomeric bladder tool, and a permeable middle layer positioned between the elastomeric inner layer and the elastomeric outer layer. The permeable middle layer has greater permeability than both the elastomeric outer layer and the elastomeric inner layer to allow for evacuating of gases that have entered the permeable middle layer.

Abstract: A method for casting a ring-shaped plastic frame comprises providing two mold parts, wherein at least one of the two molds parts includes at least one ring-shaped seat. Positioning a rotor disk between the two mold parts where the rotor disk comprises at least one annular recess. Engaging a mold core with at least a portion of each of the two mold parts. The mold core comprises at least one casting channel configured to attach at one end to a supply of plastified plastic. Inserting at least one mold insert into the at least one ring-shaped seat. A mold volume is defined by the at least one mold insert, the mold core and an edge of the at least one annular recess, wherein the mold volume is configured to fluidly connect with the at least one casting channel to receive plastified plastic to form a plastic frame.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding process for large parts and particularly to novel rotating elbow piping configurations used to precisely deposit prescribed amounts of thermoplastics or thermoplastic composites into large compression molds.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating a bowling pin includes placing a pin in a mold; injecting a molten plastic material into the mold to encapsulate the pin; and cooling the mold to produce a finished bowling pin wherein. The plastic material includes 80% to 60% of nylon and 20% to 40% of ion resin. Preferably, the ion resin is zinc ion resin.

Abstract: A method for injection molding of plastic materials into a cavity of a mold by means of a molding apparatus including at least one injector having a pin valve displaceable between a fully closed position and a maximum opening position, and vice versa, in a controlled fashion in respect of its position and speed. In the opening displacement from the fully closed position to the maximum opening position, the pin valve is initially moved at a first speed and subsequently at a second speed, where the first speed is the highest opening displacement speed of the pin valve.

Abstract: An injection molding device and related method includes a mold plate with at least one pocket having at least one discharge opening to discharge melted plastic from the pocket into at least one mold cavity interconnected to the pocket and a nozzle including a housing, which during operation is interconnected to the pocket. Per discharge opening a needle is arranged displaceable in an axial direction in the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the needle closes the thereto related discharge opening and is thereby preventing melted plastic from flowing from the pocket into the at least one mold cavity. In the open position, the needle releases the discharge opening such that melted plastic flows from the pocket into the at least one mold cavity. Furthermore, a melt channel is discharging into the pocket to supply melted plastic into the pocket.

Abstract: A finishing/covering element for a component in a vehicle passenger compartment has a front surface facing, in use, the inside of the passenger compartment and a rear surface facing, in use, the component on which the finishing/covering element is fitted; the finishing/covering element is manufactured by moulding a thermoplastic material in a mould, which has a first and a second forming surface facing one another; the first forming surface forms the outline of the front surface and is embossed so as to form a corresponding embossing on the front surface, without further treatments and/or coating operations and/or processing on the front surface after the moulding; at the same time, the moulded thermoplastic material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane reinforced by reinforcement fibres.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a manifold for use in plastic injection molding, the method comprising additive manufacturing a melt distribution structure onto a manifold base plate, wherein the manifold base plate comprises a critical assembly feature.

Abstract: A method includes placing a package structure into a mold chase, with top surfaces of device dies in the package structure contacting a release film in the mold chase. A molding compound is injected into an inner space of the mold chase through an injection port, with the injection port on a side of the mold chase. During the injection of the molding compound, a venting step is performed through a first venting port and a second venting port of the mold chase. The first venting port has a first flow rate, and the second port has a second flow rate different from the first flow rate.

Abstract: A mold includes: a fixed mold including a first mold plate; a movable mold including a second mold plate; and a molding cavity by combining the fixed mold and the movable mold with each other. At least one of the first and the second mold plates includes: a nest in a stepped pillar shape, the nest including a large diameter portion engaged in the insertion hole, and a small diameter portion in which a transfer surface to form an optical function surface of a molded product is formed; and an outer-diameter forming member in a stepped cylindrical shape, the outer-diameter forming member including a cylindrical portion arranged around the small diameter portion of the nest, and engaged in the insertion hole, and a flange portion in which a transfer surface to form an outer diameter portion of the molded product is formed.

Abstract: An injection mold including a gate and a cavity, where the injection mold is configured such that a weld portion is formed inside the cavity by injecting molten resin containing reinforcing fibers from the gate into the cavity; a cavity surface of the injection mold has a ridge portion 140, which protrudes into the cavity, in a vicinity of an end portion on a downstream side in a resin flow direction of the cavity; and the ridge portion is distanced from the weld portion in a direction intersecting a weld extending direction of the weld portion, and extends in a direction intersecting the weld extending direction.

Abstract: An injection mold including a gate and a cavity, where a weld portion is formed inside the cavity by injecting molten resin containing reinforcing fibers from the gate into the cavity, the injection mold has a resin reservoir open to the cavity, and in a first cross section along an opening end surface 110S of the resin reservoir 110 to the cavity, a distance CLD between a width center line CL11 of the resin reservoir and a width center line of the cavity, which is measured along a perpendicular line n12 of the width center line CL12 of the cavity, changes at least in part along the width center line of the cavity.

Abstract: A molding machine configured to achieve space saving and simplification of the hydraulic circuit. Provided is a molding machine configured to form a molded body by closing, in a state where a parison is disposed by injecting molten resin between first and second molds capable of being opened and closed, the first and second molds and maintaining pressure applied to the first and second molds. A hydraulic circuit to conduct oil for generating hydraulic pressure; the flow adjustment valve, a pressure adjustment valve, and a path control valve included in the hydraulic circuit; and a multi-functional valve unit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an injection molding apparatus comprises: a first mold section comprising a first molding surface, wherein the first mold section is configured for attachment to a presser; a second mold section and disposed opposite the first mold section, a thermoelectric device disposed in one of the first and second mold sections and in thermal communication with at least one of the first and second mold surfaces; an electrical control system disposed in electrical communication with the thermoelectric device; the presser in mechanical communication with the first mold section and configured to move at least one of the first and second mold sections toward the other to define a molding space; and an injector for introducing a material to be molded into the molding space.