Abstract: An ice making assembly within an appliance with a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a lower portion and an upper portion. The assembly includes a rotatable shroud within the housing with a first slot in air communication with the inlet, and a second slot in air communication with the outlet. A thermoelectric device with a top side and a bottom side, and having a heat sink on the bottom side between the first slot and the second slot. An ice tray disposed above and thermally connected with the top side, a barrier wall within the housing and in contact with the shroud between the lower portion and the upper portion.

Abstract: A mold system and method for forming a casting article for investment casting is disclosed. The mold system includes a mold for receiving therein a selected core chosen from a plurality of varied cores. The mold includes a plurality of separable mold portions that are coupleable together to create the mold and configured to form a sacrificial material from a sacrificial material fluid about the selected core. At least one selected separable mold portion of the plurality of separable mold portions includes a set of varied interchangeable versions of the at least one selected separable mold portion. Each varied interchangeable version of the selected separable mold portion is configured to accommodate a different core of the plurality of varied cores. A number of systems for controlling a temperature of the mold are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mold system includes an upper mold and a lower mold. The upper mold and the lower mold include a base plate having a lower surface and an upper surface. At least one protrusion extends a first height from the lower surface of the base plate to a distal end wall and defines a mold cavity accessible through an opening of the lower base plate. One or more bosses extend a second height from the distal end wall, and at least one support leg extends a third height from the lower surface of the base plate to a terminal end. At least one socket is formed on the upper surface of the lower base plate adjacent the at least one support leg. The mold system is operable between a storage configuration and a molding configuration by rotating the upper mold relative to the lower mold.

Abstract: A tooling mandrel for manufacturing a composite structure may include a mandrel body having a fluid passage network formed within the mandrel body for passing a fluid medium through the mandrel body. The fluid passage network may have a passage cross-sectional area shaped to promote thermal conductance between the fluid medium and the tooling mandrel and cause a change in a mandrel cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing interlocking, dry-cast concrete retaining wall blocks in an upright orientation comprises a mold box comprising two side walls joined to end walls to define a mold cavity, a top face, and a substantially open bottom face. Partitions configured to define a space between adjacent blocks or a space between a block and a side of the mold box extend parallel to the side walls of the mold box substantially from the top face into the mold cavity, to form first transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces the blocks which do not include any undercut portion that would impede removal of the mold box in a substantially vertical direction. At least one removable insert comprises insert members which, when positioned in the mold box beneath the partitions, form remaining transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces, the remaining transverse portions including at least one undercut portion.

Abstract: An ice cube producing unit including an ice cube tray having at least two ice cube compartments, a lid which is suitable for being mounted on the tray to seal water or other liquid inside the at least two ice cube compartments. The ice cube producing unit further includes a displacing arrangement connecting the tray and the lid and having two positions: a first position where the lid is held in a position where it abuts the ice cube tray to seal the contents of the at least two ice cube compartment inside the compartment and a second position where the lid is held in a position where it is separated from the tray so that ice cubes formed in the tray can leave the tray.

Abstract: Methods for producing an optical element having a cured layer with a concavo-convex structure are described. Such a method includes: forming a composition layer on a base material by using a composition containing a polymerizable compound and a photo initiator; forming a pattern formative layer by pressure-contacting a mold; and forming the cured layer having the concavo-convex structure by photo-curing the pattern formative layer, wherein the polymerizable compound contains (a) a urethane (meth)acrylate monomer, the composition contains 0.005 to 0.5 part by mass of the photo initiator with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable compound, and the cured layer has a film thickness of the concavo-convex structure within a range of 0.5 mm to 1 cm.

Abstract: A mobile autonomous printer includes a body, a plurality of hollow arms extending outwardly from the body, a pump system in each of the plurality of hollow arms, wherein the pump system in each of the plurality of hollow arms is switchable to extrude or take in material, and a vessel disposed within the body for mixing materials prior to deposition. Articulation of the hollow arms provides for mobility of the mobile autonomous printer. A method of building a structure includes printing portions of the structure using a plurality of printers and embedding the plurality of printers into the structure. The printers embedded in the structure may function as a network of switchable pumps. Distinct conduits constructed into the structure supply chemically reacting constituents of the material that forms the structure.

Abstract: An inflatable ice making assembly for making ice cubes includes a shell, which has a first end that is open and a second end that is closed. The shell is resilient and impermeable. First panels and second panels, which are resilient, are coupled to and positioned in the shell to defines a plurality of air conduits. The first and second panels extend between opposing sides of the shell and are alternately positioned between a top and a bottom of the shell. Each first panel and an adjacently positioned second panel define a sleeve that is configured to add water. First recesses positioned in the first panels and second recesses positioned in the second panels define pockets that are configured to shape cubes of ice. A lid is couplable to the shell to close the first end. The shell is configured to be twisted to free the cubes from the pockets.

Abstract: An ice maker for fitting into a door of a cooling or freezing device includes an ice-making tray which is arranged to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, has a plurality of ice-piece-making cavities and a side wall arrangement which extends upwards beyond the ice-piece-making cavities and runs along the periphery of the tray. The ice maker further includes a drive unit for driving the ice-making tray in rotation about the axis of rotation. At least one slot is formed in the side wall arrangement and passes through the side wall arrangement over its entire wall thickness. Alternatively or in addition, at least a portion of the side wall arrangement is made of a different material than a bottom tray part on which the ice-piece-making cavities are formed. Both measures improve the twistability of the ice-making tray for breaking frozen ice pieces away from the tray.

Abstract: An ice maker having a housing defining an interior volume, with an ice tray rotatably coupled with the housing and horizontally suspended across the interior volume thereof. The ice tray has ice wells, defined along the bottom by a bottom surface and the sides by an interior surface of at least one containment wall, wherein the containment wall has an upper portion, including a top surface of the containment wall and the interior surface adjacent the top surface. The upper portion of the containment wall has an insulating layer applied thereto. A tray for use in the ice maker and method of manufacturing the tray are also provided.

Abstract: A bituminous composition is used as an adhesive binder. The bituminous composition has at least one acidic additive of general formula (I): R—(COOH)z in which R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based chain having from 4 to 68 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 54 carbon atoms, more preferentially from 4 to 36 carbon atoms and z is an integer ranging from 1 to 4, preferably from 2 to 4.

Abstract: A vial access device, includes a body having a projecting annular skirt that is elastically deformable, for engaging a complementary shaped neck of a vial. A tubular spike extends coaxially within the annular skirt for introducing into the vial, and a tubular connector protrudes from the body on the side opposite to the annular skirt and in fluid communication with the tubular spike. The tubular spike and the annular skirt are arranged, respectively, within a first and a second part, distinct from each other, and of which the first part is permanently joined to the body and the second part is connectable to the first part through an irreversible coupling.

Abstract: An ice cube tray assembly having an insulating box, a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The insulating box having a base and an upstanding structure, with a cavity. A top surface has an inner and outer perimeter, with the inner perimeter defining the opening of the cavity. The lower chamber includes an upper deck portion and container structure depending therefrom. The upper chamber includes a top wall and an inner container structure depending from the top wall. The upper and lower chambers are positioned in sealing engagement.

Abstract: A simulated stone or brick column or retaining wall is made up of rows of masonry blocks of generally trapezoidal configuration arranged in end-to-end relation to one another in each row, each block including a recessed portion being aligned with one another in each row and each block having textured wall surfaces simulating the appearance of brick or stone along one or more wall surfaces arranged in different configurations without the necessity of interlocking the blocks together.

Abstract: A device for cooling and flavoring a beverage having a tube with a closed first end and an open second end. Between the first and second end is a plurality of openings. A cap is removably attached to the open end. A cover strip is attached to the cap and extends into the tube such that as the cap is rotated in relation to the tube, the cover strip selectively covers and uncovers the plurality of openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen comestibles including a base having a plurality of apertures formed within said first site thereof, and a plurality of molds attached to or formed integrally with the base. Each of the molds includes a receiving surface and an opening aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base. Each of the molds is moveable between a first position, in which a substantial portion of at least one mold is positioned within the interior portion of the base and said receiving surface forms a molding cavity that is adapted to receive a comestible to be frozen, and a second position, in which a substantial portion of the mold extends outwardly from the first side of the base and the receiving surface of the mold is exposed externally.

Abstract: A modular mold system for manufacturing a shell part of an oblong composite structure having a longitudinal direction from a fiber reinforced matrix material. The modular mould system includes a number of mold sections, which are adapted to being assembled to an assembled mold part. The number of mold sections includes a first mold section having a first molding surface with a contour that defines a surface of a first longitudinal part of the shell part and a first end section; and a second mold section having a second molding surface with a contour that defines a surface of a second longitudinal part of the shell part and a second end section; which, when the modular mold system is assembled to the assembled mold, the second end section of the second mold section abuts the first end section of the first mold section.

Abstract: An assembly for molding and demolding hardened cementitious products comprises a flexible mold and a demolding apparatus. The flexible mold has a top side with separate openings for receiving cementitious material therein for hardening thereof, an opposite closed rear side and a perimeter. The apparatus for demolding the hardened cementitious products from the flexible mold comprises a conveyor, a holding member, a clamp, and a movable member. The conveyor conveys the flexible mold. The clamp grips a portion of the perimeter. The holding member engages the mold. The movable member moves the clamp and the clamped portion of the mold about the holding member thereby disengaging the flexible mold from the cementitious material.

Abstract: A means to prepare bone cement pellets comprising bone cement paste which hardens through hydration a flexible mold mat having pellet cavities on both sides and a scraper for pasting the bone cement paste in to the pellet cavities where the paste is allowed to harden.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating an infected implant area of a knee joint comprises surgically accessing the implant area, and inserting a tibial component into the tibia using an antibiotic-impregnated material. A femoral component is formed that is configured to interact with the tibial component by stable knee joint articulation and motion. The femoral component is formed of an antibiotic-impregnated material using a mold. The femoral component is attached to the femur using an antibiotic-impregnated material, and the tibial component is interfaced with the femoral component to form a stable temporary knee joint capable of reducing the spread of infection while permitting movement of the knee joint.

Abstract: A cement block mold which includes a base, a top cap and a flexible sidewall strip. The base has an upstanding peripheral sidewall with a single slotted engagement. The top cap has a downwardly extending peripheral sidewall with a single slotted engagement. The flexible sidewall strip having a first engagement at a first end and a second engagement at a second end. The sidewall strip is secured in position by bending the sidewall strip to form one of a circle or an oval, and then engaging the first engagement and the second engagement with the slotted engagement of the base, and then engaging the first engagement and the second engagement with the slotted engagement of the top cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen comestibles including a base having a plurality of apertures formed vithin said first site thereof, and a plurality of molds attached to or formed integrally with the base, Each of the molds includes a receiving surface and an opening aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base. Each of the molds is moveable between a first position, in which a substantial portion of at least one mold is positioned within the interior portion of the base and said receiving surface forms a molding cavity that is adapted to receive a comestible to be frozen, and a second position, in which a substantial portion of the mold extends outwardly from the first side of the base and the receiving surface of the mold is exposed externally.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of silicone rubber molds is covered by a holder structure which has a flanged body, a handle extending from one side of the body, and an anchor structure extending from the other side of the body into the interior of the mold. The anchor structure has an enlarged outer end which engages with and tends to hold the frozen confection onto the handle for removal from the mold, and while the confection is being eaten.

Abstract: A means to prepare bone cement pellets comprising bone cement paste which hardens through hydration a flexible mould mat having pellet cavities on both sides and a scraper for pasting the bone cement paste in to the pellet cavities where the paste is allowed to harden.

Abstract: An ice tray in accordance with the present disclosure has an ice cavity formed on a first side for receiving water and creating an ice cube and a water cavity formed on a second side, the water cavity adjacent the ice cavity such that when warm water is poured in the water cavity, heat transfers to the ice cavity and melts the ice cube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating a beveled needle or a blade. The method employs a side wall surface of an angled post as a base to control beveled tip geometry. The invention provides needles, microneedle arrays, blades and microblade arrays with sufficient sharpness and toughness.

Abstract: A mosaic-style art kit is provided. The art kit includes a frame, modeling material, and a guide sheet. The frame includes a peripheral surface operably configured to overlie the guide sheet, and a mosaic-style internal structure having partitions forming cavities for receiving and retaining the modeling material. A front side of the frame is placed on the guide sheet such that the mosaic-style internal structure is aligned with a design on the guide sheet. The design thereby instructs a color of modeling material to be inserted into each cavity of the internal structure. The modeling material is inserted accordingly, and the frame and guide sheet are separated to produce a mosaic-style art product.

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: There is provided a food container for use in freeze storage of a food portion. The food container comprises a body defining a compartment for receipt of the food portion; a sealing lid for reversible sealing of the compartment; and provided to the body, one or more connectors, each connector arranged for reversible mating connection to a mating connector provided to a second body of a second similar food container.

Abstract: A flexible mold for a smoking device having a cup-shaped outer wall, a cup-shaped inner wall, and a third cup-shaped wall. The outer wall has a continuous sidewall connected to a bottom wall containing a central opening. The sidewall of the outer wall extends from the bottom wall of the outer wall to an open end and contains an opening in the sidewall spaced between the bottom end and the open end. The inner wall has a continuous sidewall, a cover closing one end. The sidewall of the inner wall is attached to the bottom wall of the outer wall surrounding the central opening. The third wall has a continuous sidewall and a closed end. The sidewall of the third wall is connected to the sidewall of the outer wall surrounding the opening in the outer wall. The closed end abuts a surface of the inner wall.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and containers for forming ice units. Embodiments relate to a container for forming ice units, the container including an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving fluid. The body portion including an exterior wall defining an interior volume; one or more compartments along the length of the body, one or more constricted sections along the length of the body and separating compartments; a first end; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends are in fluid communication with at least one of the compartments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a visual display structure having a fade resistant surface finish. The visual display structure is three-dimensional and may be used to recreate a naturally occurring structure, such as rocks, coral or vegetation. The visual display structure may also be used to produce a scenic element, such as an underwater castle, sunken ship or ruins. The visual display structure is created by providing a base, a binder over the base, and crushed glass particles to the binder. The crushed glass particles may be selected from a plurality of colors and are arranged so as to imitate the naturally occurring structure and its surface features. Once the crushed glass particles are applied to the base, thereby assuming the shape of the base, the visual display structure is ready for use. The visual display structure may be exposed in part to an underwater environment as, for example, a component in a theme park attraction.

Abstract: A flexible mold for a smoking device having a cup-shaped outer wall, a cup-shaped inner wall, and a third cup-shaped wall. The outer wall has a continuous sidewall connected to a bottom wall containing a central opening. The sidewall of the outer wall extends from the bottom wall of the outer wall to an open end and contains an opening in the sidewall spaced between the bottom end and the open end. The inner wall has a continuous sidewall, a cover closing one end. The sidewall of the inner wall is attached to the bottom wall of the outer wall surrounding the central opening. The third wall has a continuous sidewall and a closed end. The sidewall of the third wall is connected to the sidewall of the outer wall surrounding the opening in the outer wall. The closed end abuts a surface of the inner wall.

Abstract: The one handed ice cube tray is an ice cube tray with a large opening that works like a hand that holds the front edge of a kitchen counter top to secure that end of the ice cube tray to allow one hand to twist or flex the ice cube tray and hold it flexed to ensure the ice cubes remain elevated to allow the other free hand to take out the desired amount of ice cubes.

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: The baking tin comprises a hollow part (1a) made of a flexible material having a side wall (3) whose upper end defines an opening (5), and a rigid reinforcement (7). Another annular or disk-shaped reinforcement (11?) is linked to the bottom (2), close to the join with the side wall (3).

Abstract: A molding tray and system for making molded structures using a moldable material. The molding tray includes an outer tray and a resilient inner mold fitted therein. The outer tray includes a hole in a bottom wall thereof to provide access to a bottom face of the inner mold such that pressure may be applied to the bottom face through the hole so as to dislodge a molded structure.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to form masonry siding products is provided. The apparatus includes a mold having a mold bottom and a plurality of mold walls defining a mold cavity. A mold carrier is configured to support the mold bottom and the mold walls. The mold carrier has a first member that extends upwardly from a base member and a second member that extends upwardly from the base member. The first member forms an internal first angle of about 90° with the base member. The second member forms an internal second angle in a range of from about 100° to about 110° with the base member. The internal first angle formed by the first member and the base member and the internal second angle formed by the second member and the base member are configured to allow for easy removal of the mold from the mold carrier.

Abstract: A flexible, silicone mold having a container and a peripheral rim that defines an opening to the container. Grasping zones are disposed along the rim and the grasping zones have sufficient dimensions to permit control of the geometry of the rim and also to permit control of the horizontal positions of the two grasping zones.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a corner-shaped simulated stone product has a mold cavity configured to imprint a stone texture on at least a first side face and a front face of the corner-shaped product. The mold also provides a back face with a desirable molded interior angle. The mold cavity can have a flexible edge around a perimeter of the mold cavity to impart a textured surface to a second side face of the corner-shaped product.

Abstract: A mold 10, 30, 40 particularly for use in food preparation comprising a base 11, and a collar 12 having a continuous wall 14 that upstands from the base with a lower edge 16 of the collar abutting the base 11. The mold may be for single use with the base and the collar being formed from fiberboard and in a particular form the collar wall incorporates a releasable connection to enable opening of the collar. In one form, the collar includes tabs 25 that extend from the lower edge 16 and retaining means (18, 19, 31) which are operative to retain the tabs in relation to the base so as to retain the lower edge 16 of the collar in proximity with the base. The mold further includes in one form an insert 19 which is locatable within the mold cavity 17 and in another form a support arrangement (29, 42, 43) is provided to support the collar wall.

Abstract: A system and method of separating a cast concrete product from a mold is provided. The system includes a rotating drum arrangement, a catch arm attached to rotate with the drum arrangement, and a mold having at least one cavity to form the concrete product. The mold includes a lead end opposite a trail end relative to a sequence of engagement by the rotating drum arrangement. The mold further includes a grab bar inserted through the mold. The rotating catch arm is configured capture the grab bar in a manner so as to cause the mold to wrap around the drum arrangement and separate the concrete product from the mold.

Abstract: A mold device including a body having a hollow, three-dimensional shape with at least one opening therein; the body being made from a material having a malleable characteristic, and having an axis extending vertically there through, wherein the inner surface of the body is, optionally, topographically contoured, with an upper limit of about five hundred (500) thousands of inch, has a reusable means for releasably positioning a wick stand.

Abstract: A form for casting concrete blocks and other products having a resilient insert defining a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support or frame for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the block is removed from the insert either by inverting the form to allow the block to fall from the insert or by lifting the block from the insert. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support with at least one generally flat flexible strap so that at least a portion of the insert is allowed to move a limited distance relative to the support and to deform to release the block. One end of each tether strap is embedded in the insert. After the cast block is separated from the insert, the insert is returned to a position wherein it is supported for casting another block.

Abstract: A flexible mud pan or trough constructed from a structurally supporting material, within which is held a volume of a viscous and settable compound. Upon setting and drying of remnants of the compound not applied, the pan is collapsed or otherwise folded/twisted, causing the flaked remnants to be forcibly disengaged from the flexible surfaces of the pan, the pan subsequently returning to a pre-existing physical configuration reconditioned for future use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a concrete block in form having a resilient insert forming a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the form is inverted. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support so that at least a portion of the insert can fall a short distance from the support. The weight of the cast block sufficiently deforms the insert to allow the block to fall free from the insert. When the form is again inverted to its upright position, the insert falls back into the support and returns to its original shape.

Abstract: A molding device is provided that includes outer and inner rubber molds that define a space therebetween for forming a column. Inserted within the inner mold is an elongated rigid member. A multisectional housing surrounds the outer mold and includes a plurality of sections that in a molding mode are secured together by fasteners. Once the column has been molded between the outer and inner molds, the fasteners are released allowing the sections of the housing to be relaxed or removed from around the outer mold. This permits the outer mold to expand or move slightly outwardly and in response to that outward movement, the pressure or force on the molded column lying between the outer and inner molds is reduced. This facilitates the extraction of the column from between the outer and inner molds.

Abstract: Presently described are (e.g. flexible) molds, methods of making such molds, as well as methods of making microstructured articles. In particular, the present invention is directed to molds suitable for making ceramic microstructures on a substrate using a mold.

Abstract: A powered fishing line casting system utilizing compressed air is provided to cast a projectile provided with fishhooks and bait, and to which the fishing line to be cast is attached, to greater distances than could be achieved using conventional casting methods. The system includes a hollow launch tube sized to accommodate insertion of the projectile. A reducer is disposed adjacent to one end of the launch tube and is adapted to receive a flow of compressed gas from an accumulator tank and to discharge a stream of high-velocity air that impinges upon the projectile disposed within the launch tube in order to launch the projectile. A manually-operable valve is interposed between the reducer and the accumulator tank to control the flow of air to the reducer. Spaced-apart front and rear support legs provide stable support for the system during and between launches of a fishing line carrying projectile.