Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ice maker comprising: an ice tray, an ice making compartment and a heating compartment, wherein the ice tray can be switched between the ice making compartment and the heating compartment to realize ice making and heating for ice unloading, and there is no need to arrange a heater on the ice tray. The present disclosure also discloses a refrigerator, comprising a door body on which the ice maker as described above is disposed, wherein an ice outlet of the ice maker communicates with a distributor on the door body, thus facilitating ice taking without opening the door body. The present disclosure also discloses a refrigerator, comprising a refrigerating compartment in which the ice maker as described above is disposed, wherein the ice making compartment of the ice maker communicates with a freezer compartment or a cold air outlet of an evaporator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric module having a hot side and a cold side, where a heat sink is coupled with the hot side of the thermoelectric module and a cold sink is coupled with the cold side of the thermoelectric module. A gasket is disposed between the heat sink and the cold sink and extends around a portion of the thermoelectric module. A vapor barrier is attached to and covers an outer surface of the gasket to prevent water vapor from penetrating the outer surface of the gasket.

Abstract: A system for forming thin-wall pre-cast concrete forms and structures, using vertical casting and slip-form techniques to partition wet concrete into separate thin-wall sections, the system being particularly useful for fabricating pre-cast concrete column forms having a composition and vertical consistency substantially the same as the integral poured concrete core of the finished concrete column.

Abstract: A form and process for casting concrete blocks, each having at least one side textured. The blocks are cast in cavities which have a resilient insert on at least one side for imparting texture to the blocks. After the cast blocks are cured, the form is inverted and placed on a support surface. At least the side having the resilient insert is moved laterally away from the block and the form is lifted to leave the block on the support surface. The textured side can release from the form despite deep grooves and crevices simulating natural stones.

Abstract: A casting mold including a first form having a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls defining a first casting space. The casting mold further including a second form having a base and a wall extending from the base to define a second casting space. The second form is stackable on the first form portion such that the first and second casting spaces can be filled with a casting material when the second form is on the first form. The second form includes a port defining access into the first casting space such that the casting material can be disposed into the first casting space through the port.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insert apparatus for a mold for manufacturing structural units. The insert apparatus includes a carrier for operatively engaging a portion of the mold, and is in communication with a face or an object having an engagement design portion thereon. The face is in operative communication with the carrier, and the engagement design portion extends into or out of the cavity of the mold. Methods of manufacturing such a structural unit, methods of retrofitting an existing mold for manufacturing such a unit and novel and improved structural units are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of patterning metallic building elements, and also to a metallic building element, where the measuring accuracy achieved can lie in the sub-micrometer range. Starting from a silicon master or original that can be etched to sub-micrometer precision and then plated with a metal, such as nickel (3), on the silicon surface, there can be produced a nickel shim where precision and surface fineness can lie in the sub-micrometer range. Subsequent to removal of the silicon master, a photo-sensitive material (5) can be used in liquid form or in film form to create mould cavities (9) that reach down to the nickel shim. These cavities can then be metal-plated to provide a building element (8) of higher precision in three dimensions.

Abstract: A method for treating the surfaces and edges of a block to mimic the appearance of natural stone. The apparatus and method can treat up to four sides of a block, can be adjusted to provide varying degrees of surface and edge treatment, and useful in high volume block production equipment. Blocks are produced having a natural, weathered appearance without the damage, breakage, dust, or expense associated with conventional splitting and tumbling methods.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing partially expanded bodies with a PVC-based embryo cellular structure comprising the steps of filling a plurality of molds (1) with a paste containing PVC, loading these molds (1) onto a press provided with heating and cooling means designed to subject the paste to the combined action of an increase in pressure and variation in temperature, expansion of the paste inside the molds (1) and consequent forming of partially expanded bodies with an embryo cellular structure. In accordance with the present invention, during the expansion step, a step involving transfer of a first excess amount of paste from a main compartment (4) of the mold (1) to a secondary compartment (5) of the mold (1) takes place.

Abstract: A mold for expanded moldings capable of efficiently forming small-sized products in high-yield includes a vessel-shaped lower mold and an upper mold covering the lower mold. A partition wall is disposed protrusively from the bottom surface of the upper mold, and the partition wall divides the inside of the mold into a plurality of small cavities. A clearance of approximately 1 to 10 mm is defined between the partition wall and the base of the lower mold.

Abstract: A mold for producing a masonry unit with a roughened texture side surface having a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a block of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a wedge-shaped lower lip located along the lower edge of at least one of the side walls, and extending into the mold cavity, the lower lip having grooves formed therein which are oriented at an oblique angle to the general direction of movement of concrete fill material through the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

Abstract: A novel food service package for containing a frozen concentrate for use in quick blending a drink of individual proportion is disclosed. The food service package of the present invention has a number of equally sized compartments with formed channels separating the compartments. Channels are formed under the dividers in the bottom of the package to provide a large surface are for rapid heat exchange so as to quickly temper the frozen concentrate in the package. A raised dome region is formed in the center of the package for rapidly dispersing the product dispensed from a single nozzle into each of the compartments. A gutter formed in each divider causes the dispensed concentrate to overflow from the compartments so as to rapidly self-level in the package.

Abstract: A novel food service package for containing a frozen concentrate for use in quick blending a drink of individual proportion is disclosed. The food service package of the present invention has a number of equally sized compartments with formed channels separating the compartments. Channels are formed under the dividers in the bottom of the package to provide a large surface are for rapid heat exchange so as to quickly temper the frozen concentrate in the package. A raised dome region is formed in the center of the package for rapidly dispersing the product dispensed from a single nozzle into each of the compartments. A gutter formed in each divider causes the dispensed concentrate to overflow from the compartments so as to rapidly self-level in the package.

Abstract: A stackable ice tray and bin assembly includes an ice cube forming tray having an annular outer rim with an associated upper ledge, as well as a matrix of ice cube defining cavities arranged within the confines of the annular outer rim. Each of the cavities is defined by a base and upstanding side walls, with the side walls of adjacent cavities being formed with a generally V-shaped passage that fluidly interconnects the adjacent cavities. Positioned within the passage is a dam member over which fluid from one cavity must flow to reach the adjacent cavity. The bottom of the tray is formed with a plurality of seating units, each of which includes inner and outer shift limiting elements and an abutment member. The seating units enable the tray to be stacked upon an identically constructed, lower tray with the abutment member of the upper tray resting upon the upper ledge of the lower tray and the inner and outer shift limiting elements extending about the annular outer rim of the lower tray.

Abstract: Wax candles are stored and transported in containers shaped similarly to the candles. The ambient temperature may cause the candles to partially or completely melt and hence lose their shape. When the ambient temperature eventually lowers, the candles will resolidify in the containers in their initial shape, and thus spoilage is prevented. A plurality of containers may be connected to form a candle storage tray, and several trays may be stacked atop one another in a storage container such as a basket.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for forming concrete border stones has a unitary generally rectangular body with contiguous opposed longitudinal side walls, opposed outwardly curved end walls at each end thereof, an open bottom end, an apertured top wall, and an interior vertical wall extending transversely between the longitudinal side walls. The walls circumscribe generally rectangular longitudinally adjacent cavities for receiving concrete therein and generally rectangular openings in the top wall define generally rectangular longitudinally adjacent openings at an upper end of the cavities. An opening through a lower portion of the interior vertical wall joins the lower portion of adjacent ends of the cavities together. In a preferred embodiment the vertical wall is disposed closer to one end wall than the other to form a longer generally rectangular stone shape and a longitudinally adjacent shorter generally rectangular stone shape.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a multi-pack container assembly having at least four containers joined together by a cross or plus shaped frangible web. The method includes the steps of providing at least one male mold member and at least one female mold member, disposing the mold members so as to define at least four container cavities separated by a cross or plus shaped web cavity, injecting the cavities with a plastics material to form the multi-pack container assembly, and releasing the multi-pack container assembly from the mold members. Preferably, the method is used to form multi-peck containers, such as yogurt or pudding containers, where each individual container can be easily separated from the multi-pack container assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connected forming and controlled stacking of material having a form (12). The form (12) includes at least two molds (14) connected to each other by a web (16). The introduction of material into the form (12) results in the material generally assuming the shape of the molds (14) and the web (16). As a result, when the material is pressed out of the molds (14), the material is held together in the preselected position by the resultant web (16). This enables the stacking of material on top of each other in a controlled and certain manner since the forms pressed from the molds (14) will retain their chosen spaced apart distance and fall consistently and uniformally on top of each other until such time as the desired height of stacked material is achieved.

Abstract: A water filling assembly for ice trays including a reservoir disposed in water delivering relation to each of a plurality of vertically stacked ice trays within a housing wherein the reservoir and trays are cooperatively structured to successively fill each of said trays from an uppermost one in the stacked array to a lower most one upon the selective passage of liquid from said reservoir to said trays.

Abstract: A hybrid laminar flow nacelle for housing an engine of an aircraft includes an outer annular cowl having a leading lip and radially spaced and axially extending annular outer and inner forward surface portions which merge at the leading lip. The nacelle incorporates a suction bleed system between the surfaces and a tailored outer surface geometry shape for producing reduced friction drag laminar flow over the outer cowl at cruise operation of the aircraft and producing separation-free flow over the inner surface of the cowl at off-cruise operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fiber reinforced slab gel for use in electrophoresis including a box shaped casing having a first groove at the center of an inner lower end surface, and a cover having a second groove for hermetically closing an open area of the casing. A plurality of slab gel forming plates are laminated in the casing with fiber reinforced cores interposed between adjacent slab gel forming plates. An aqueous solution of an organic monomer is poured into the casing through a pouring pipe in the cover and the monomer is polymerized to form the gel slabs. Air in the casing is vented to the outside when the monomer is introduced into the casing.

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.

Abstract: A disposable plastic container for ices comprising a pair of substantially equally shaped films of a thermoplastic synthetic resin laid one upon the other and welded or adhered to each other. They are joined only partly to define therebetween a liquid inlet which is closed after a liquid for forming ices has been introduced therethrough, and a plurality of compartments each capable of holding the liquid therein and allowing it to be frozen at a low temperature. The films define a joined edge portion surrounding all of the compartments and provided with a plurality of notches which enable the films to be torn across the compartments, so that the frozen products which have been formed in the compartments can be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for making a foamed article having a laminated structure comprises providing a mold having a cavity therein and a rib vertically mounted from a bottom of the cavity and having a predetermined height to establish at least two blocks on the bottom, and pouring a foamable liquid compositions into the respective blocks in amounts which permit one of the foamable liquid composition to cover the other foamable liquid composition upon foaming whereby the resulting foam has a laminated structure whose boundary between the foamed layers made of the respective foamable liquid compositions is smooth and agreeable to the touch.

Abstract: An ice maker with a flexible wall bag supported on a planar cooling surface and having a plurality of water compartments for molding ice cubes. The planar cooling surface is in direct thermal communication with a thermoelectric refrigeration unit for freezing water contained in the ice mold bag. The cooling surface may be the bottom of a cooling tray cooperating with an insulated housing to define a freezing chamber for receiving the ice mold bag. The refrigeration unit is mounted on the bottom wall of the cooling tray. The insulated housing includes an insulated door for access into the freezing chamber and may comprise integral front, rear and side walls. The insulated housing and cooling tray are detachably supported within a cabinet for housing the refrigeration unit. The flexible walls of the ice mold bag are of a material that is easily ruptured for removal of individual ice cubes and may include additional means to facilitate wall rupture.

Abstract: A book mold for producing a plurality of flat footwear soles simultaneously includes opposed top and bottom molds, each of which includes a pair of mold cavities; and an intermediate mold defined by a plate connected to one end of the bottom mold by a piano hinge. The intermediate mold is closed on the bottom mold, and the top mold is clamped on the intermediate mold using a clamping cylinder. Thermoplastic material is injected into the mold cavities through a port defined by a square slot in the intermediate mold, resulting in a large sprue in the intermediate mold. The soles remained attached to the intermediate mold, and when the mold is opened all soles are removed rapidly.

Abstract: An improved ice cube making and storing system including an ice cube tray, a container for storing and/or serving ice cubes, and a lid for the container. The ice cube tray includes a plurality of separate freezing compartments for forming ice cubes, and incorporates a liquid drain arrangement so that excess water may be removed from the freezing compartments before the tray is transferred to the freezer. The lid may be used as a support for the liquid-filled ice cube tray, to catch any liquid overflow or spillage during filling or transfer to the freezer. The ice cube tray fits directly onto the open end of the ice cube container, so that ice cubes are ejected directly into the container from the tray.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00707 Sec. 371 Date Sept. 7, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Sept. 7, 1979 PCT Filed Sept. 7, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO80/00673 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 17, 1980A combination bed concrete casting apparatus (20, 122 or 200) which allows either a single relatively wider elongated slab (116 or 200) or at least two relatively narrower elongated slabs (46 and 48 or 206 and 208) to be manufactured. A casting bed is divided longitudinally along the bottom wall into sections (34 and 36 or 202 and 204) which are movable transversely relative to each other. An elongate removable intermediate form (44 or 214) is positionable between the casting bed sections in a generally parallel relationship with the side form walls to form an intermediate wall. When it is desired to cast a single concrete member (116 or 200) extending all the way from one side form wall to the other, the intermediate form (44 or 214) is removed and the casting bed sections are moved closely adjacent one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould of the type shown in FIG. 3. The mould for packaging desserts, particularly ice-cream cake with coating syrup, is in the form of a cup comprising an opening through which the dessert is introduced into and removed from the mould. The mould comprises a first compartment near the opening which defines a first space and which is intended to receive a product solid at the storage temperature and a second compartment which defines a second space below the first space and which is intended to receive a syrup liquid at the storage temperature. The second compartment comprises several cells distributed in the base of the cup, each of the cells communicating through an opening with the first compartment and being separated from the other cells by walls simultaneously acting as stiffeners for the mould.

Abstract: A flexible tube container has a plurality of cells linearly disposed along the length of the tube. The cells are defined by a plurality of segmented weld lines, each segmented weld line extending the width of the tube. Each segmented weld line permits fluid communication between the various cells in the container and the formation of individual frozen confections within each of the cells upon freezing of the fluid therein. Dispensing of an individual frozen confection is easily done by bending the tube along any segmented weld line, which detaches an adjacent cell containing an individual frozen confection and immediately permits sanitary consumption of the frozen confection while it is hygienically protected within the detached cell.

Abstract: An ice cube tray comprising a body of plastic or pressure die cast material or sheet metal having generally relatively thin uniform thickness throughout, and a top wall with at least the central portion thereof having a flat top surface. The flap top surface has a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings and a bottom wall and side walls extending downwardly from the edges of each opening to define a cavity. Each bottom wall is arcuate in a transverse direction. Depressions are provided in the top wall at the juncture of the bottom walls or side walls to form water level control surfaces to maintain the water level to form an ice cube whose top surface is at or below the center line forming the said arcurate wall.

Abstract: A method of recovering tin from tin dross consisting of positioning a barrel having an apertured bottom and charged with a supply of the tin dross upon a partitioned collecting tin mold, with the components thus arranged being placed into a furnace for subjecting the components and tin dross charge to a temperature approximating 700.degree. F for a time duration approximating 5 - 6 hours and allowing the developed molten free tin to flow downwardly of the barrel and through the apertures thereof and into and between the partitions of the collecting tin mold, and withdrawing the collecting tin mold for cooling before removing the cast tin bars therefrom. The apparatus aspect relates to the design of the barrel and collecting tin mold.

Abstract: This invention relates to the making of negatives intended for the production of bodies which contain cavities of predetermined shapes.The term "negative" signifies a disposable core member, for example as used in some molding techniques such as the lost wax process. The negative at least partly matches the cavities which latter form two independent systems of regularly distributed intersecting channels with the channels in any one same system intercommunicating via ducts which are themselves regularly distributed.

Abstract: A donut maker for home use is disclosed which provides perfectly cooked and formed donuts having excellent taste and appearance characteristics notwithstanding the complete elimination of conventional deep fat frying of the donuts. The preferred device includes a base and openable lid section each having a pair of annular metallic concave walls disposed for cooperatively defining a pair of enclosed donut-shaped cooking chambers, along with a heating element for heating quantities of donut batter confined within the chambers; two corresponding sets of oil flow apertures are provided in the lid for allowing flow of cooking oil into the chambers during heating of the batter, in order to give the finished donut products a desirable crust and true donut flavor. In preferred donut-making procedures, cooking oil is introduced into the chamber during initial stages of cooking, whereupon the oil and cooking-generated steam are displaced from the chamber as the batter cooks and rises.

Abstract: A baking pan insert that is especially adapted for the baking of cupcake and the like and is adapted to allow the baker to fill each cupcake with a differing filling while the same are already in the pan.

Abstract: A bread pan for baking a plurality of joined miniature loaves of bread, each pan having spaced upwardly extending dividers therein to divide the pan into sections, each divider having a recess formed along the upper edge thereof. A lid is provided which comprises a frame adapted to fit over the edges of the pan with a plurality of transverse spacer members therein aligned over the dividers with a downwardly extending portion thereof extending into each recess and terminating short of the bottom thereof leaving a space to form a pull-apart joinder between the miniature loaves of bread along the bottom lengthwise edge of each loaf. The upper edges of the spacers extend above the baking compartments to prevent the dough from contacting while the loaves are being baked, thereby providing a plurality of miniature pull-apart loaves of uniform shape and weight.