Abstract: A lipstick making device includes an elastic mold device having a mold cavity for filling and molding a lipstick element, three or more curved mold pieces movably disposed above the elastic mold device for forming a hole in the mold pieces when the curved mold pieces are moved radially inward and toward each other, and for receiving the lipstick material to form a root portion of the lipstick element. The root portion of the lipstick element may be exposed when the curved mold pieces are moved away from each other for allowing the slide of the lipstick housing to be easily and readily engaged onto the exposed root portion of the lipstick element.

Abstract: A reef artifact for simulating a coral reef includes a reef-like formation, which forms a base structure for simulating coral. The reef-like formation also has structures on it that simulate reef organisms. The reef-organism structures enhance the varied and diverse coral-like surface of the reef-like formation. The reef artifact is also configured to be mounted on a sea wall or a sea floor. The reef artifact dampens the force of waves and water currents thereby reducing erosion of the sea wall. The reef artifact also provides a suitable marine environment for microorganisms and small marine animals, thereby creating a diverse marine habitat. In yet another use, the reef artifact is suited for use as a sculpture in a garden or on a patio.

Abstract: A refrigerator/freezer with an ice maker having an ice cube tray in which are formed multiple ice cube recesses. The ice cube tray is movable between a fill position and a harvest position. The ice cube tray has a composite construction comprising a base layer and a top layer, with the base layer being made of a flexible material and the top layer being made of a low friction material. The ice cubes are harvested by deflecting or deforming the ice cube recesses to expel the ice cube therefrom when the tray is moved into the harvest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold for manufacturing a stick, in particular for cosmetic use. The side wall of said mold has zones of weakness for making the mold easier to deform radially, said zones of weakness being obtained by means of recesses formed in the side wall of the mold and extending longitudinally over substantially the entire height of the mold starting from its bottom end.

Abstract: The sealed container filled with liquid is designed for making ice. It comprises a tray having a peripheral wall closed on one side by a base and defining on the other side an opening for extracting the ice. The container comprises a seal for sealing the tray, which is sealed above the opening. The base has a deformation protruding inside the tray, which defines externally a transverse groove extending from one edge of the base to the other and opening at each of its extremities on the peripheral wall of the tray, this base having two ridges extending on both sides of the groove.

Abstract: A compliant cantilevered three-dimensional micromold is provided. The compliant cantilevered micromold is suitable for use in the replication of cantilevered microparts and greatly simplifies the replication of such cantilevered parts. The compliant cantilevered micromold may be used to fabricate microparts using casting or electroforming techniques. When the compliant micromold is used to fabricate electroformed cantilevered parts, the micromold will also comprise an electrically conducting base formed by a porous metal substrate that is embedded within the compliant cantilevered micromold. Methods for fabricating the compliant cantilevered micromold as well as methods of replicating cantilevered microparts using the compliant cantilevered micromold are also provided.

Abstract: An object may be colored to indicate draft angles of a pull direction at various locations of the object. The coloration advantageously employs a color map specifying a color spectrum for a range of trigonometric values of the draft angles.

Abstract: An ice cube tray having a rigid support structure for easy handling and manipulation includes plural ice cube compartments, the ice cube compartments including deformable, flexible bottoms to enable ejection of ice cubes by application of a small force on each ice cube compartment's bottom. The tray may be used with a cover that can be utilized as a server. The tray when used with the cover is spill proof. To use as a server, the tray and cover are turned upside down, the ice cubes are ejected by applying force to the flexible bottoms of the ice cube compartments. Once ejected, the tray is removed to reveal the ejected ice cubes within the underside of the cover. Multiple ice cube trays can be stacked on top of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an icemaker in which an ice cube tray is twisted by rotation of an actuator to easily and effectively release ice from the ice cube tray. The icemaker comprising an ice cube tray formed with cube compartments; an actuator rotating the ice cube tray; and a stopper coming into contact with the ice cube tray being rotated and allowing the ice cube tray to be twisted, the cube compartments being diagonally arranged with respect to a lengthwise direction of the ice cube tray. With this configuration, the present invention provides an icemaker in which an ice is easily released from an ice cube tray and minimally cracked or broken while being released.

Abstract: A flexible tray with partitions for the creation of ice cubes or other solids when frozen which is molded into the side of a flexible and waterproof bag having a (zip-lock)-like closure at one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a member, such as a column. The invention comprises inner and outer molds that are spaced apart forming a cavity for receiving a viscous material for making the member. A core is inserted within the inner area of inner mold when the viscous material is initially disposed within the mold. Once the material attains a gelled state, an extraction member is inserted within the inner area. A vacuum is applied to the inner area that causes the flexible inner mold to separate from the material and conform to the extraction member allowing for removal.

Abstract: Flexible mould intended for the food industry, particularly for baking savoury and sweet pastry and food items, capable of resisting a very wide range of temperatures from approximately −70° C. to +300° C. and manufactured by moulding following the use of hot- or cold-cure silicones, and preferably polymethylsiloxane with a high molecular weight curing at approximately 150 to 160° C., this mould being constituted by a moulding tray (1) provided with moulding cells (2) uniformly distributed over one of its faces or first face and projecting on its other face or second face.

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a flexible container and a supporting structure. The flexible container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, storing and thawing. The container further includes a flange and the supporting structure is engageable with the flange to receive the container. The supporting structure may position the container for freezing and may protect it during transport and storage.

Abstract: An ice cube tray construction (10) for producing cylindrical shaped ice cubes (100) that are dimensioned to pass through the mouth (201) of a beverage receptacle (200) to cool the liquid contents (300) of the receptacle (200); wherein, the tray construction (10) includes an ice cube tray member (20) having an elongated flat rectangular top surface (21) provided with a plurality of circular openings (22) which define the open mouth of a like plurality of cylindrical compartments (23) adapted to produce a plurality of cylindrical ice cubes (100).

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a flexible container and a supporting structure. The flexible container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, storing and thawing. The container further includes a flange and the supporting structure is engageable with the flange to receive the container. The supporting structure may position the container for freezing and may protect it during transport and storage.

Abstract: A mold for making confections mainly includes a main body made of a flexible material and provided at one surface with a recess. The recess may show different shapes and is provided on an inner bottom surface with raised and depressed portions matching with the shape of the recess, dams lower than a top of the recess to divide the recess into several separated areas, and fine engraving ribs lower than the dams to show different curves or straight lines. Materials of different colors are separately poured into the separated areas in the recess to a level lower than the dams, and a binding stratum is formed between tops of the dams and the recess. After the materials and the binding stratum are set to form a molded confection, the main body is inverted and bent upward to separate the molded confection from the mold.

Abstract: An ice mold of the type comprising a tray (10) incorporating a plurality of cavities (11) for ice formation, each two adjacent cavities (11) being separated by a corresponding tray portion (12), at least part of said tray portions (12) being provided with a window (20), which is dimensioned in order to allow the formation and the ascending passage of a convective air current between each two adjacent cavities (11), at least part of the opposite lateral walls (13a) of each cavity (11) being formed by double walls, which are laterally spaced from each other and define a receptacle (30) that will be filled up with water to be frozen and solidified.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for fabricating composite structures is provided that includes first and second tooling portions (110, 120) that are configured to support at least one layer (160) of composite materials during curing to form a composite structure. The apparatus (100) further includes a flexible hinge (140) that is disposed between and couples the first and second tooling portions (110, 120). The flexible hinge (140) couples the tooling portions (110, 120) such that they may be peeled away from the composite material after curing by bending the apparatus (100) at the flexible hinge (140).

Abstract: Apparatus for integrally molding articles with a foam member, including a charger for supplying raw material beads made of resin to a die cavity containing articles for integral molding with foam, a plurality of work piece nozzles each having a nozzle opening in fluid communication with the cavity. At least one of the workpiece nozzles is located at a position corresponding to an opening located in an article located in the die. A plurality of exhaust nozzles for exhausting air from the cavity, the exhausting air beginning with a group of exhaust nozzles at locations maximally distant from the raw material charging port, and groups of exhaust nozzles located successively closer to the raw material charging port, each group in turn for sequentially exhausting air from the cavity, while the port is charging the cavity with raw material beads.

Abstract: A bag useful for forming ice cubes or the like has a pouch-like fill chamber which may extend across the whole of the width of the bag. The fill chamber has an outlet opening connecting to the interior of the bags which comprises at least two passageways in parallel relationship. An internal seal is provided to isolate the fill chamber from the interior of the bag. The seal may comprise a zip type fastener, or a simple flap valve disposed in each of the passageways. The arrangement facilitates the handling of the bags to permit larger bags that may be filled more rapidly and with little or no air trapped within the bag, in comparison to other known bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a member, such as a column. The invention comprises inner and outer molds that are spaced apart forming a cavity for receiving a viscous material for making the member. A core is inserted within the inner area of inner mold when the viscous material is initially disposed within the mold. Once the material attains a gelled state, an extraction member is inserted within the inner area. A vacuum is applied to the inner area that causes the flexible inner mold to separate from the material and conform to the extraction member allowing for removal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising the steps of placing a first portion of a mixture of spring water and distilled water into a first chamber; and freezing the first portion of the mixture inside the first chamber to form a first ice cube. The mixture may comprise about ninety percent distilled water and ten percent pure spring water. The method may include placing a second portion of the mixture into a second chamber and freezing the second portion of the mixture inside the second chamber to form a second ice cube. The first and second chambers may be attached together by a backing. The method may also include sealing the first chamber after placing the first portion of the mixture into the first chamber and before freezing the first portion. The first chamber may be sealed by placing a foil over the first chamber. The method may include removing bacteria from the first portion after placing the first portion into the first chamber and before freezing the first portion.

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite structures is provided that includes providing a skin (20) that has at least one layer (160) of uncured composite material, and providing a flexible hinge tool (100) that has first and second tooling portions (110, 120) coupled with a flexible hinge (140). The first and second tooling portions (110, 120) of the hinge tool (100) each have a molding surface (112, 122), and the tooling portions (110, 120) are configured to form at least a portion of a stiffening member (10). The method further includes laying up at least one layer (160) of uncured composite material on the molding surfaces (112, 122) to form the stiffening member (10).

Abstract: An ice cube storage and dispensing unit having an ice cube tray tray with a plurality of ice cube compartments and a plurality of slits along one of the longitudinal edges. There is a cover is removably secured to the ice cube tray which creates a closed space above the ice cube tray. The cover has an open end. There are a plurality of latches located along the bottom edge of one of the longitudinal side walls of the cover. The latches engage the slits in the ice cube tray to pivotally attach the cover to the ice cube tray. There is a flange located around the bottom edge of the other longitudinal side wall that releasably engages a groove in the other longitudinal edge of the ice cube tray to releasably lock the cover over the ice cube tray. There is a flap in the top surface of the cover near the free end to create a slot and a door at the open end of the cover to seal the space above the ice cube tray. The door is pivotally attached to one of the side walls and has a panel inserted into the slot.

Abstract: An ice bar tray for making various lengths of ice bars for use in different types and sizes of water bags. Each ice bar has a round cross section for ease in inserting into circular water fill openings in a water bag. The ice bar tray includes at least one elongated bar cylinder with a tray handle on each end. The bar cylinder has an elongated cylinder opening in a top of the cylinder for receiving water into a water channel. The water channel has a circular cross section. The water channel is disposed along a length of the elongated cylinder. When the water channel is filled with water and the water frozen, a round ice bar is formed therein. By flexing the ice bar tray, which is made of a flexible PVC plastic material and the like, the frozen ice bar is released outwardly from the water channel and through the cylinder opening. The ice bar is then inserted into the water fill opening in the water bag. The ice bar tray also includes a tray slide with at least one cylinder divider.

Abstract: For use in manufacturing concreted building products in polyurethane molds, a demolding apparatus provides a clamping bar which clamps on to a lip of a mold (22) and is then moved with pivotal arms (32,34) forward and upwardly to effectively strip the edge of the mold (22) form the front end of the respective product (24). The reciprocating mold (22) passes below a roller (66) which moves into engagement with the upper surface of the mold (22) to apply a downwardly directed pressure onto the mold and product, thereby to retain the product (24) on a conveyor (12) and rollers (68), and facilitate stripping of the mold (22) from the product (24). The stripped product (24) moves onto an offtake conveyor (70) and, in the uppermost position of the arm (32,34), the clamping jaws are released to allow the stripped mold (22) to thereafter fall onto the conveyor (70).

Abstract: A freezing mould bag for ices is formed from two plastic foils, and has a segmented inlet channel, two closure valve flaps extending within the interior of the bag, and a constriction which provides a venturi effect closing the bag at the constriction.

Abstract: A method for producing a molded chocolate product having a complicated concaved and convexed decorative pattern thereon involves the steps of: (a) charging a low viscosity fluidized chocolate material into a complicated concaved and convexed decorative pattern portion of an elastic mold in bag form for forming the complicated concaved and convexed decorative pattern of the chocolate product so that air bubbles necessarily incorporated into the low viscosity fluidized chocolate material ascend therethrough so as to be removed, (b) charging an ordinarily tempered fluidized chocolate material into the elastic mold to form a main body of the chocolate product, and (c) solidifying the low viscosity fluidized chocolate material and the ordinarily tempered fluidized chocolate material charged into the elastic mold followed by taking the molded chocolate product out of the elastic mold.

Abstract: A mold (100) is constructed by forming a shell (125) having a back surface (127) and a mold surface (126) which defines a mold cavity (150), by forming a shell base (124) about the back surface (127) of the shell (125) so as to define an enclosed cavity (134) between the shell base (124) and the shell (125), and by filling the enclosed cavity (134) with substantially incompressible material (135).

Abstract: The closure lid is designed as mold on the container body. The volume enclosed by the closure lid and the container body equals at least approximately the volume of the product filled into the container. The edible good is placed in a flowable state into the container body. Thereafter the closure lid which is recessed relative to the upper edge of the container is placed onto the container body and molds the surface of the filled in edible good to attain a predetermined structure. Upon a cooling the edible good attains a solid state in such a manner, that its surface keeps permanently the shape produced by the closure lid.

Abstract: There is provided an ice tray that includes a body and a laminated cover that has a plastic coat for securing together the body and the cover. The body includes a plurality of individual cavities for receiving liquid therein. Each wall of each cavity has an upper edge that forms a lip. The cover is sealed along each lip of each cavity to provide a liquid tight seal for each cavity. The body and cover are each, preferably, formed of a single sheet of material. The body is made of pure polyvinyl chloride plastic, and the cover is made of a laminate of polyester and polyamide with adhesive therebetween and the plastic coat on the side of the polyester opposite the adhesive.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a flexible, heat resistant mold member. The mold member is useful in molding processes such as dip or slush molding. The mold member maintains its structural integrity and may therefore be used as an insert in the article being molded to provide flexible stability at specific locations within the article. The mold member is made of a material which is substantially non-reactive with the molded article. The molded article may be any article made from a plastisol such as a binaural for a stethoscope having single or double lumens.

Abstract: A mould assembly for the manufacture of at least one plaster piece includes at least two parts, one being a support member (21) and the other being a mould member (22), the support member being formed of lightweight rigid material with a lower base surface (23) and at least one upwardly open cavity (24), and the mould member being formed of "rigid" film material having at least one depression (26) to depend into the cavity from at least one integral planar flange portion (27) parallel to the base surface of the support member, the inside (28) of the depression being impressed with mould detail for the plaster piece, and space (29) being afforded between the base surface (23) of the support member (21) and the flange portion (27) of the mould member (22) for accommodating at least dry plaster material for use in moulding the plaster piece.

Abstract: An elastic molding die is composed of an elastomer laminate film, of which the innermost layer is formed of an elastomer not containing fillers. The innermost layer elastomer is preferably an oil-resistant elastomer. Alternatively, an oil-repellent agent may be contained in the innermost layer elastomer. The outer layer may be formed of an elastomer containing fillers. Furthermore, an oil blocking layer can be provided between the inner layer and the outer layer. A master model is dipped in an elastomer solution not containing fillers, heat dried to form a gelled elastomer film, the film is coated with a coagulant, dipped again in an elastomer solution, taken out, gelation treated, and the elastomer film is peeled from the master model to obtain an elastic molding die. In another method, a once-formed hollow elastic molding die is turned inside out, pressed in with a gas to swell, the swollen die is coated with an elastomer solution not containing fillers, heat dried, and turned it again inside out.

Abstract: A patterned tool and method for producing a durable tactile warning surface for sidewalks and other walkways including pouring a concrete base, applying pigmented or colored hardener to the upper surface of the concrete base, stamping the upper surface of the concrete base with the patterned tool including a substantially flat member having a plurality of symmetrically disposed recesses of a predetermined diameter and depth formed on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of corresponding vent channels formed through the substantially flat member in communication with each corresponding recess and curing the concrete base to form a durable tactile warning surface including a plurality of symmetrically disposed raised elements of a predetermined diameter, height and spacing corresponding to the plurality of recesses to produce an uneven surface visually contrasting with adjacent surface areas.

Abstract: A mold assembly (10) for injection molding material including a mold base (12), a clamping plate (14) and a flexible membrane (16). The flexible membrane has a retainer portion (29) engaged within a groove (28) in the mold base, and secured in position clamped intermediate the clamping plate and mold base. The clamping plate and membrane form a mold cavity (54) having a desired configuration for forming the molding material injected into the mold assembly (10). The mold base (12) and flexible membrane (16) form a pressure cavity (56) which is supplied with fluid during the injection of molding material into the mold assembly, to support the flexible membrane (16) in the desired position.

Abstract: An elastic mold consists of a product molding section in which a fluidized charging material is charged and solidified to form a molded product, and a mold holding section formed integrally with a take-out opening which is contiguous to the product molding section and which is smaller in size than the molded product. The take-out opening contiguous to the product molding section and the mold holding section is of uniform thickness and is curved smoothly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for making an electrochemical cell solid electrolyte holder. A layer of solid electrolyte powder or its precursor is formed around an externally screw threaded mandrel. The powder is pressed to form the holder in a green state with internal threads formed by the mandrel. The mandrel is screwed axially out of the green holder, after which the green holder is sintered. In the apparatus there is a mandrel which has external threads, and a flexible sheath. The mandrel is receivable in the sheath to provide an annular space around the mandrel for receiving a powder to be isostatically pressed by the sheath. The space is provided between the sheath and a mould, but can, instead, be provided between the mandrel and sheath, or between two sheaths between the mould and mandrel.

Abstract: A molded and cured concrete paving member for paving driveways, walkways, patios, plazas and the like, comprising portland cement, a coal slag aggregate, water and an acrylic additive. The blend is poured into a non-porous, high gloss polyvinylchloride (PVC) mold in a relative dry mix and is vibrated to drive the portland cement to the bottom of the mold and to suspend the aggregate into chemical suspension. This also drives the lighter weight water to the top of the molding configuration, which top, due to the configuration or orientation of the mold, ultimately becomes the bottom of the paving member. The molding is accomplished while hanging from a frame in a so-called bag mold so that when the concrete expands and contracts in the relatively flexible mold during the hydration curing process a bond of the concrete to the PVC mold is maintained. The non-porosity of the high gloss mold surface and induced vibration pull the portland cement to the bottom of the mold cavity and suspend the aggregate.

Abstract: A stackable, covered ice cube tray apparatus including a base member having four side walls, each side wall having a lower end and a top end, wherein said side walls and bottom wall form a basin for storage of a liquid. The apparatus further includes a cover having a substantially rigid member having a front end, two edges and a rear end, the front end having a handle contiguous thereto. A vertically disposed sealing and prevention channel is positioned contiguous to the top end of the side walls of the basin. The channel compresses an upper channel having means therein to slidably receive the cover and a lower channel having means for the prevention of spilling of liquid when the basin is jostled or tilted. This dual channel system provides both a splash guard and sealing means to substantially eliminate spillage of liquid when the apparatus is moved.

Abstract: A large, curved or spherical shell of reinforced concrete is cast without utilization of supporting framework. A casting formwork is in the form of a thin, suspended membrane that is reinforced with a collar. During construction and transport, the membrane is preliminarily equipped with a reinforcing compression ring.

Abstract: An elastic forming die with an aperture section through which a molding material is charged, including a main mold section in membrane form which acts as a female mold for the molded product; a conical section in membrane form which is connected to the aperture section and expands outwardly in the shape of a cone; and an aperture roll section provided at the outer peripheral edge of the cone section, and a method for manufacturing this elastic forming die. Because the elastic forming die is provided with the conical section which is connected to the aperture section and expands outwardly, the release of the molded product from the mold is extremely easy and the elastic forming die can be used to manufacture molded products such as chocolate, jelly, and the like. The molding method using the elastic forming die features the release of the molded product utilizing said cone section.

Abstract: A vacuum bag including a non-porous material having impressed therein a three-dimensional pattern which defines a plurality of interconnected channels, methods for producing the vacuum bag, molding methods using the vacuum bag, and improved composite articles produced by the molding method, are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for recovering hot-melt materials for reuse in a glue gun includes a flexible mold form mounted in a carrier and having an internal cavity that approximates the dimensions of the preformed hot-melt sticks. In order to change from one type hot-melt material to another, the sticks of the desired material are loaded into the gun while the heated, hot-melt material in the gun is discharged into the mold form. The hot-melt material flows into the mold form and assumes the shape of a conventional preformed stick. After cooling and solidification of the material, the mold form is removed from its carrier and the cooled, cast stick is removed from the mold form for reuse. The mold form is fabricated from a flexible, heat-resistant material, such as a silicone rubber, and includes an elongated tubular portion having a tapered exterior to facilitate removal from its carrier and an internal bore dimensioned to produce a cast stick having the dimensions of the preformed stick.

Abstract: A device is provided to facilitate the dispensing of ice cubes from a flexible plastic ice cube tray having long edge lips. The device, of monolithic construction, has a small chamber for receiving and dispensing ice cubes from separate rows of the ice cube tray, and an adjacent large chamber for receiving and dispensing ice cubes from the entire ice cube tray. The device is provided with engagement rails that slideably engage the large edge lips of the ice cube tray.

Abstract: A method for molding powders comprises the steps of forming a mold support having at least an opening and a cavity, forming a film of latex on inner surfaces of the mold support by pouring the latex from the opening into the cavity of the mold support and discharging a substantial portion of the latex poured into the cavity, forming a thin-wall resilient mold inside the mold support by drying the film of latex formed, charging powders as materials for a compact from the opening into the thin-wall resilient mold, exhausting air out of the thin-wall resilient mold filled up with the powders through the opening and sealing the opening of the thin-wall resilient mold, separating the thin-wall resilient mold filled up with the powders from the mold support, and subjecting the thin-wall resilient mold to a cold isostatic press method treatment.

Abstract: A cover for an ice cube tray includes a top portion for covering the top of an ice cube tray and sidewalls joined to the top portion which permits the top portion to be raised to a position at which the top position is spaced above the tray top. The cover also includes flanges joined to the sidewalls for limiting the distance that the top portion can be raised above the tray top. Once the cover raised to its spaced, or elevated, position and the tray and cover are inverted and canted to an inclined condition, the top portion and sidewalls provide a chute for accepting ice cubes dropped from the tray and for directing the dropped ice cubes off the lower end of the cover.

Abstract: There is provided an ice tray and ice cubes formed therein in which the ice cubes contain embossments. The ice cube tray includes a base having a plurality of cavities. Each cavity has a bottom and a plurality of said walls and preferably the bottom has a surface in the cavity which surface has a protuberance. The ice tray also includes a cover secured to the base. Once a formed ice cube is removed from a cavity, the cavity can not be used to form a new ice cube.

Abstract: A combination medication mold and dispenser. The medication is poured into a multicompartment tray and solidifies into troches. The tray is made of a flexible plastic which can be bent to release the troches individually. The tray has a cover attached with a flexible hinge to protect the troches after preparation. The medication can be prepared and dispensed to the patient in the same container. The covered tray can be held in a sleeve to further protect the medication and hold the cover in place.

Abstract: A container for making ice cubes having a generally prismatic hollow configuration, a front side of which includes rows of truncated pyramidal cavities, the back wall having mutually perpendicular stacking ribs for mating with the cavities of a juxtaposed container, and the top wall having a fill and emptying aperture closed by a screw cap or stopper. The container also has a fill marking on one of the sides and flow channels between the cavities.