Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling hydrogen supply in manufacturing memory devices are described. An example apparatus includes: a first capacitor disposed above a substrate; a hydrogen supply film above the first capacitor; a second capacitor above the hydrogen supply film; and a barrier film between the hydrogen supply film and the second capacitor. The hydrogen supply film provides hydrogen and/or hydrogen ions. The barrier film is hydrogen-impermeable.

Abstract: The current inventive technology described methods and apparatus for the production of a helium-free balloon having customizable reflective features.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to injection mold components, and more specifically an injection mold material flow channel configured with at least one fin projecting inwardly from an inner surface of the melt channel. An injection molding insert may be made for insertion within a flow path of an injection mold components and include a substantially tubular body defining a channel; and at least one fin projecting inwardly from an inner surface of the channel.

Abstract: A method of and fixture for molding a product with an embedded ring. A system for molding a ring into a product including a rotational molding mold with an opening formed in the rotational molding mold sized to fit a ring. A fixture is removably couplable to the ring, wherein the ring and the fixture when coupled are removably couplable in the opening. The fixture is removed from the ring after the ring is molded into a product. A method of manufacturing a product with an embedded ring includes: coupling a ring to a fixture; clamping the fixture and the ring in an opening in a mold top; clamping the mold top to a mold bottom; rotomolding a product; unclamping the fixture from the mold top; uncoupling the fixture from the ring; unclamping the mold top and the mold bottom; and removing the product from the mold.

Abstract: A mold (30) for a wind turbine component (10) is described. The component comprises a plurality of elements having different respective heat capacities. The mold comprises an inner mold layer (38) defining a mold surface (40) for supporting the plurality of elements, heating means (44) disposed beneath the mold surface, and a heat distribution layer (46) adjacent to the heating means. The mold has one or more first regions (34) configured to support elements of the component having relatively high heat capacity, one or more second regions (36) configured to support elements of the component having relatively low heat capacity, and one or more transition regions (35) defined between the first and second regions. The heat distribution layer in one or more transition regions of the mold is configured to enhance heat transfer within the distribution layer to one or more first regions of the mold.

Abstract: The current inventive technology described methods and apparatus for the production of a helium-free balloon having customizable reflective features.

Abstract: A shape forming system according to one embodiment includes a mold assemblies; a heating unit; a pressing unit; a cooling unit; an isolation chamber configured to accommodate therein the heating unit, the pressing unit, and the cooling unit arranged in parallel with each other; and a conveyance unit configured to move the plurality of mold assemblies each of which is arranged on a plate provided in each of the heating unit, the pressing unit, and the cooling unit to thereby convey the mold assemblies in sequence.

Abstract: A method of protecting a layered coating on a length of pipe for subsea use includes applying an edge finisher to the coating to encase an edge of the coating by fusing the edge finisher with the coating or by molding the edge finisher at an edge of the coating. Where the coating and the edge finisher are of thermoplastics such as PP, fusing can be achieved by injection molding the edge finisher or by welding a discrete edge finisher component to the edge of the coating. Mirror welding may be employed for this purpose, with a hot plate being interposed between the edge of the coating and the edge finisher.

Abstract: A mold for the rotational molding of manufactured articles of plastic material includes two half-molds, one of which is provided, on its surface, with an insert-holding device comprising a rod with a first end passing through the wall of the half-mold at a respective passage channel and axially movable for projecting inside the mold. The mold also comprises a first pneumatic circuit able to apply a predetermined pressure, positive or negative, inside the mold. At least one insert-holding device is operatively connected to a second pneumatic circuit able to apply a predetermined pressure, positive or negative, and is internally provided with a plurality of means to apply the predetermined pressure at the passage channel, so that at the insert-holding device the same predetermined pressure value which generates inside the mold by the first pneumatic circuit is applied.

Abstract: A method for producing ferro-chrome alloys comprising a stoichiometric charge and stoichiometric slag calculation step, a step of making the plant and the crucible furnace operate at normal regime, steps of casting the metal and the slag, a step of collecting the molten metal in suitable modular molds made from spheroidal graphite cast iron, a step of removing the ingots contained in the molds with suitable pincer means, a step of collecting the slag in suitable nonrefractory bells or ladles, characterized in that the metal-slag separation takes place directly inside the furnace and in that said castings of metal and slag take place in successive steps so as to allow the drawing off of the liquids in the amounts formed between one casting and the next.

Abstract: A mold for forming a porous article can include a first material having a first thermal conductivity and a second material having a second thermal conductivity different from the first thermal conductivity. The first material may be at least partially embedded within the second material and configured to create regions of different thermal conductivity in the body, such as configured to create distinct nucleation regions within a material formed within the mold. A method for forming a porous article can include providing a slurry within a mold and freeze-casting the slurry to form a ceramic article having a burst-like distribution of porosity. A porous article according to embodiments herein can include a burst-like distribution of porosity.

Abstract: The invention comprises a concrete form. The concrete form comprises a first panel having a first primary surface for contacting plastic concrete and a second primary surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first panel is made from a rigid plastic sheet or a metal sheet; and a second panel spaced from the second primary surface of the first panel, wherein the second panel is made from a rigid plastic sheet or a metal sheet. The concrete form also comprises a layer of insulating material disposed between the first panel and the second panel. A method of using the concrete form is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a concrete form. The concrete form comprises a first mold for concrete and a second mold for concrete, the first and second molds being in thermal communication with each other. The concrete form also comprises thermal insulating material substantially surrounding the first and second molds but not between the first and second molds. A method of using the concrete form is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite components. A tool is present for use in manufacturing composite components. The tool comprises an encapsulation layer having a shape, an insulation layer on the encapsulation layer, and an isolation layer on the insulation layer. The isolation layer has an outer surface capable of contacting a composite material laid up on the outer surface. The insulation layer is capable of insulating the encapsulation layer from heat applied to the composite material. The encapsulation layer is capable of maintaining a shape with the composite material laid up on the isolation layer during a curing process to form a composite component from the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for purifying silicon using directional solidification. The apparatus can be used more than once for the directional solidification of silicon without failure. The apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to make silicon crystals for use in solar cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing the upper and lower portions of two-part tire molds with an expansible opening to provide clearance for the insertion of green tires, in particular large green tires of the sort used on industrial or off-road vehicles. The tire mold according to the present invention provides a segmented tire mold wherein a plurality of circumferentially arranged segments which contribute to the shaping of the circumferential tread portion of a tire. The sidewall rings and the tread segments may include internal cavities which house insulating material.

Abstract: An environment servo type clean metal casting mold has a casting mold body with an ingate. The casting mold body includes a cold bottom mold plate and a peripheral mold plate that is connected with the cold bottom plate. The peripheral mold plate is provided with a vertical temperature break servo device. The temperature of the vertical temperature abrupt servo device contacting with the cooling metal varies in the vertical direction, hence the liquid metal has rapid heat emission, crystallization and solidification.

Abstract: A frozen comestible maker suitable for home use includes single or multiple molding cavities for forming frozen comestibles, a heat exchanger for maximizing the heat transfer away from the fluid that is being frozen in the molding cavities, a refrigerant solution with a depressed freezing point in contact with the heat exchangers, a base container to seal the refrigerant solution from the fluid that is being frozen, and a bezel piece to retain spills and aid with handling. The refrigerant solution is captured between the molding cavities and the base container. One or more sticks, a drip cup, and an extraction tool may be provided with the frozen comestible maker for preparing and extracting shaped frozen comestibles, such as ice pops and popsicles, therefrom.

Abstract: A mold core for molding and controlling the temperature of a hollow structure comprises an electrically non-conducting or only slightly conducting inner area and an electrically conducting outer area and two electrical contacts accessible from outside for applying a voltage, wherein the thickness of the outer area is constant or is specifically varied. A method for producing a mold core comprises molding a first body to form an inner electrically non-conducting or only slightly conducting area of the mold core and applying molding material to the first body to form an outer electrically conducting area of the mold core and attaching two electrical contacts accessible from outside for applying a voltage, wherein the thickness of the outer area is constant or specifically varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers having at least one blow mold, within which the plastic preforms may be expanded into plastic containers is described. The blow mold has at least two blow mold parts which are movable relative to each other, including an application device which is movable relative to the blow mold, in order to apply pressure onto the plastic preform for the expansion thereof; wherein at least one area of the blow mold may be tempered. The apparatus has a tempering body which may be separated from the blow mold in its entirety for tempering the area of the blow mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite components. A tool is present for use in manufacturing composite components. The tool comprises an encapsulation layer having a shape, an insulation layer on the encapsulation layer, and an isolation layer on the insulation layer. The isolation layer has an outer surface capable of contacting a composite material laid up on the outer surface. The insulation layer is capable of insulating the encapsulation layer from heat applied to the composite material. The encapsulation layer is capable of maintaining a shape with the composite material laid up on the isolation layer during a curing process to form a composite component from the composite material.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube along its entire length at the same time and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for inhibiting heat transfer through lateral sidewalls of a support member positioned beneath a crucible in a directional solidification furnace. The systems and methods include the use of insulation positioned adjacent the lateral sidewalls of the support member. The insulation inhibits heat transfer through the lateral sidewalls of the support member to ensure the one-dimensional transfer of heat from the melt through the support member.

Abstract: A mold for fabricating containers made of thermoplastic material by blow-molding or stretch-blow molding a blank, which mold has a seat situated at the opening in the molding cavity for the purpose of receiving the rim of said blank, and cooling means for cooling said rim and, between said cooling means and the impression of the shoulder of the cavity of the mold, said mold has thermal insulation means for breaking a thermal bridge. The cooling circuit for cooling the rim is etched in a lid that is mounted around the opening of the cavity of the mold, and this etched portion rests in leaktight manner on a piece that acts as a thermal insulator.

Abstract: A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter at least one time, and positioning the balloon with the stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold, or within a sheath, in two stages as the stent is restrained from radially expanding. The method may include crimping the stent onto the balloon one or two times during processing. The method increases retention of the stent on the balloon catheter following sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for purifying silicon using directional solidification. The apparatus can be used more than once for the directional solidification of silicon without failure. The apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to make silicon crystals for use in solar cells.

Abstract: Tools of plastics processing machines are cooled over their surface and/or at particular points as soon as compound supply is finished. Heat is thus suitably withdrawn from the shaped compound, ensuring the fastest possible cooling and shortening cycle times. The invention relates to a closed, coolant-filled cooling system for tools of plastics processing machines having at least one compressor, a supply pipe, a tool region to be cooled and a discharge pipe, the supply pipe being connected to the outlet of the compressor and the discharge pipe being connected to the inlet of the compressor, while at least one open end of the supply pipe plunges into at least one bore arranged in the tool region to be cooled, and an open end of the discharge pipe is sealed to this bore. The supply pipe and the discharge pipe may be combined in a coaxial pipe with the supply pipe arranged in the centre and the discharge pipe enveloping the supply pipe.

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 mould housing for apparatuses for expanding plastic containers has at least two mould parts which can be assembled together and which in an assembled state have an interior space for accommodating the plastic container that is to be expanded. The housing has at least one insulating element which can be placed against an outer wall of at least one mould part. The insulating element has a curved profile, wherein the curvature of the insulating element is matched to a curvature of the outer wall.

Abstract: A mold assembly has two mold half shells each having an outer and inner wall for defining the shape of a container to be formed. Two mold half carriers each have an inner wall overlaying and spaced from a corresponding mold shell outer wall for supporting the shells in the assembly. At least one insulating pad is sandwiched between the inner wall and the corresponding outer wall and is secured to one of the inner wall and the outer wall. The pad supports the outer wall in non-contacting and buffering relation relative the carrier inner wall. Each pad may be secured in a recessed seat in the respective wall. Pads may be secured in recessed seats having a depth less than the thickness of the pad. Pads absorb mold operational forces to reduce wear, reduce conduction from shell to carrier and facilitate the use of different-sized shells with one carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing frozen comestibles including a container having an interior portion holding a refrigerant solution, and a mold insert attached to the container. The mold insert includes a base, molding cavities extending therefrom, and a heat exchanger in communication with the molding cavities. The mold insert is received within the container such that the molding cavities are housed within the interior portion of the container and the heat exchangers are submerged within the refrigerant solution. The molding cavities include exposed openings that receive fluids to be frozen. When the refrigerant solution is at a sufficiently cool temperature, the fluids freeze into a shaped frozen comestible.

Abstract: Device for moulding containers, in particular bottles, from a thermoplastic material such as PET by blow-moulding or stretch blow-moulding of heated preforms, such moulding device comprising at least one mould comprising at least two mould halves respectively comprising two supports and two mould blocks defining a joint plane in the closed position of the mould, each mould block comprising a shell) in which an impression is made partly forming the moulding cavity and a shell-holder fixed to said respective support of the mould block, characterised in that at least one removable spacer is provided between said shell and said shell-holder, as a result of which the dimensional characteristics of the moulding cavity can be modified without the need for intervention on the supports and the shell-holders.

Abstract: A molding apparatus can include a primary mold, a stripper, and a swinging member. The swinging member can comprise a molding surface defining an undercut portion of a molded item. The swinging member can directly contact or attached to the stripper and the primary mold. To facilitate removal of a molded item, the swinging member can withdraw through a hole in the primary mold as a direct result of a motion of the stripper to pull the molded item off the primary mold. The molded item can then be easily removed.

Abstract: A mold includes a first mold half, a second mold half opposite to the first mold half, and a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator includes a high temperature conductive portion, a semiconductor electricity-generating portion, and a low temperature conductive portion. The high temperature conductive portion is positioned in contact with the first mold half and configured to conduct heat from the first mold half to the semiconductor electricity-generating portion. The low temperature conductive portion is exposed to the air. The semiconductor electricity-generating portion is sandwiched between the high temperature conductive portion and the low temperature conductive portion, and positioned in contact with the high temperature conductive portion and the low temperature conductive portion; the semiconductor electricity-generating portion is configured for forming a voltage difference.

Abstract: In the casting of a single crystal component, such as a turbine blade, by the lost wax casting technique, one or more ceramic pieces are positioned on a wax pattern at locations corresponding to parts of the cast component where relatively quick solidification of molten metal may occur during casting. A coating is subsequently formed around the wax pattern to define a mould, whereupon the wax is removed to leave the one or more ceramic pieces within the formed mould.

Abstract: A method for varying a radius of an optical quality surface of a casting mold formed in a tooling cavity, the tooling cavity at least partially defined by an optical tool having an optical quality surface of a given radius, includes imparting a compressive stress within the optical quality surface of the casting mold to predictably decrease the radius of the optical quality surface of the casting mold.

Abstract: A light guide plate mold is configured for manufacturing a light guide plate having a number of microstructures. The light guide plate mold includes a substrate and a number of heating members. The substrate defines a number of grooves therein. The heating members are respectively received in the grooves. Each heating member has a height less than a depth of the corresponding groove. The grooves and the heating members cooperatively define a number of receiving spaces for forming the microstructures of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form (ICF) panel reinforcement is disclosed. The ICF comprises a main panel, a reinforcement on the main panel for stiffening the main panel, a spacer retention element integrated in the reinforcement for securing a spacer to the panel, and a first opposing panel opposite the main panel and having a first opposing spacer retention element integrated therein for securing the spacer to the first opposing panel. The ICF panel reinforcement is particularly useful at high stress locations in ICF systems, such as at T-wall intersections.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for use in a concrete floor system, incorporating a foundation footing, for a building, a foundation footing or a concrete floor system including the apparatus and a method of construction of such a concrete floor system, wherein the apparatus includes a moulding for a foundation footing, including: a first wall section, a second wall section and a bottom section; said sections being connected together to present a substantially u-shaped cross-section, and wherein the first wall section is taller than the second wall section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice-cube tray for the making of ice-cubes, wherein the ice-cube tray has a material at least regionally which is provided with one or more additives by means of which the heat conductivity is increased.

Abstract: A clear ice cube tray includes an inner box having a plurality of holes formed through a bottom thereof, and the inner box is received in an outer box with a gap defined between the bottom of the inner box and the inner end of the outer box. The inner box is congruent in shape with the outer box. A heat isolation housing includes a space therein for accommodating the inner box and the outer box. The water is filled in the inner box and the outer box, and frozen from a surface of water in the inner box. The bubbles in the water are then pushed into the gap through the holes so that ice cubes made in the inner box is clear.

Abstract: A pan is for making baked products. The pan comprises an upper surface and a plurality of receptacles for receiving batter. Each receptacle has one or more side walls extending from a bottom wall to the upper surface.

Abstract: An ice-making tray includes an attachment part; a metal tray part; a heater for heating the tray part; and at least one heater guide. The tray part is formed as a separate body from the attachment part. The heater guide is made of metal and comes into contact with the heater and the tray part. The heater guide is attached to the attachment part to hold the heater, and transmits heat of the heater to the tray part.

Abstract: There are provided a molding method and a molding apparatus for an optical element, which are capable of heating or cooling a material in a mold with a symmetrical temperature distribution that corresponds to the shape or the optical performance of an optical element to be molded. In a method for molding an optical element, comprises subjecting a mold to a heating step, a press-molding step and a cooling step, the mold comprising a top mold, a bottom mold and a body mold; the method comprises bringing the mold in contact with a mold stage (heat transfer member) to heat or cool in at least one of the heating step, the press-molding step and the cooling step, the heat transfer member having a substantially symmetrical temperature distribution.

Abstract: A metallic, reusable mold with one or more wells. The mold is kept within a cryostat at low temperature. The mold is removed from the cryostat and a tissue specimen is placed into a well within the mold. An embedding medium is added to the well around the tissue specimen. A pre-chilled chuck is then placed against the well opening. The mold with tissue specimen, embedding medium and chuck are returned to the cryostat and the specimen is frozen into a block. The mold and contents are removed and hot water poured against the mold releasing the block with attached chuck from the well. The chuck with attached block is then available for sectioning or other processing.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a container has two modular mold half shells that are adapted to be surrounded by mold half carriers. Each modular mold half shell has an upper body mold section and at least one lower body mold section. The upper body mold sections of the mold half shells are releasably secured in vertical registry with the mold half carriers. The upper body mold sections have upper inner walls defining an upper cavity whose shape corresponds to an upper portion of the container to be formed. The modular mold half shell have at least one lower body mold section and preferably multiple interchangeable lower body mold sections that are releasably secured with the upper body mold section. The lower body mold sections have lower inner walls defining a lower cavity whose shape corresponds to a lower portion of the container to be formed.

Abstract: A hot fill hot fill mold assembly has two mold half shells and two mold half carriers for supporting the mold half shells. The shells each have an inner wall that defines the shape of at least a portion of the container to be formed. Each shell has outer wall surface portions and a plurality of spaced apart slotted grooves extending between the outer wall surface portions that define open air spaces recessed from the outer wall portions. The mold half carriers have a carrier inner wall that overlays in contacting and thermal conducting relation the outer wall surface portions of a corresponding one of the mold half shells and overlays the spaced apart slotted grooves to create thermal buffering open air pockets between the mold half shells and the mold half carriers so as to reduce the thermal conduction away from the mold face and improve hot fill container formation.

Abstract: A conduction member having conduction path for injecting molten molding material within a mold space is fitted to one of a pair of mold bodies which form the disc-shaped mold space. A first heat suppressing member for suppressing heat within the conduction path from being transmitted to the one of the mold bodies is disposed between the conduction member and the one of the mold bodies. Further, a second heat suppressing member is disposed at a position opposite to the first heat suppressing member at the time of mold-clamping the pair of the mold bodies.

Abstract: An molding apparatus useful for molding polymer compositions includes a substrate; a first insulating layer having an electrical resistivity of at least about 1010 ohm-centimeters and thermal conductivity of about 0.2 to about 5 watts/(meter-kelvin); a heating element; a second insulating layer having an electrical resistivity of at least about 1010 ohm-centimeters and a thermal conductivity of at least about 5 watts/(meter-kelvin); and a first molding layer having a specific heat capacity of about 100 to about 2,500 joules/(kilogram-kelvin), and optionally, a second molding layer. The apparatus provides rapid heating and cooling of the mold surface. The apparatus may be employed for rapidly molding articles having desirable surface characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the plastic sheathing of connections, which are produced by circular weld seams, of a pipeline comprising steel pipes which are provided with a factory-fitted plastic insulation and are reinsulated in the region of the circular weld seam by injection molding, having a split injection mold, which can be connected to an injection-molding fixture and, in the region of the weld seam, can be laid and secured, in the manner of a sleeve, around the steel pipes in such a manner that the injection mold in each case covers the end of the factory-fitted plastic insulation of the two steel pipes which have been welded together, the injection mold having an internal diameter, at least in the axial region between the factory-fitted plastic insulations, which corresponds to the external diameter of the plastic sheathing which is to be produced in the region of the weld seam and having an internal diameter, at its ends, which corresponds to the external diameter of the factory-fitted pla