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 film forming composition including a film forming substance having amphiphilic molecules and being dispersed in a gel-like carrier having a non-liquid state below about 20.degree. C. The carrier stabilizes the film forming substance, and inhibits diffusion of moisture and oxygen into the composition. This minimizes deterioration of the film forming substance, and also minimizes undesirable formation of agglomerations of such substance. When the composition is applied to a surface, an ultra thin substantially continuous film of substantially uniform thickness forms spontaneously and attaches to the surface. The excess composition is then washed away.

Abstract: This specification discloses a mold for use for press-molding an optical element, characterized in that at least the molding surface of a mold base material is coated with an a-C:H film containing 5-40 atom % of hydrogen therein and having a film density of 1.5 g/cm.sup.3 or more, and with hard carbon film containing 0-5 atom % of hydrogen therein and having a spin density of 1.times.10.sup.18 spin/cm.sup.3 or less and a film density of 1.5 g/cm.sup.3 or more.

Abstract: A mould for an injection moulding apparatus, the moulding including at least two mould parts which mate to form the mould cavity and which separate to permit removal of the moulded article, each mould part including a relatively rigid body having an abutment face which abuts with an abutment face of the other mould part when said parts mate, the body of at least one mould part including a recess in its abutment face which is filled with a resilient material defining a portion of said mould cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming extruded pasta shapes. The apparatus is a die plate having a plurality of orifices wherein the die plate is heated, e.g., to a temperature of at least about 130.degree. F. (about 54.degree. C.), and preferably about 160.degree. F. (about 71.degree. C.) A coating is provided on only a portion of the interior surface of each orifice such that heat transfer to the paste is substantially inhibited in a given orifice until the cross section of the orifice has reached its smallest value.

Abstract: A composite mold that facilitates the fabrication, in a single curing step, of composite articles having opposing sets of stiffening members disposed in combination with a main structural panel. The composite mold provides for simultaneous co-curing of the opposed stiffening members in combination with the main structural panel. The composite mold includes a rigid mold assembly and a "T" mold assembly, which, in combination, define a rigid lay-up surface for the prepreg laminates forming the main structural panel. The rigid mold assembly includes rigid members that act as reactive surfaces for cure pressures, and removable end and wedge members for assembling/disassembling of the rigid mold assembly, "T" mold assembly combination. The "T" mold assembly is operative during the cure process to generate the pressure required to cure the legs of one set of the stiffening members.

Abstract: The production of high precision molds and castings for dental prosthesis and the like is enhanced with a casting ring and sprue former base constructed of a clear expandable thermoplastic. The ring and base are telescopically interlockable with each other to define a vessel containing a mold form strategically disposed therein so that as investment solution poured throughout is able to cure without detracting from the precise measurements of the mold form to provide a true mold from which precisely dimensioned castings are formed.

Abstract: A multilayered insulated mold structure is provided. An insulation layer provided on each of the mold cores retains heat at the molding surface, thereby increasing surface quality of the finished part. The insulating layer has a varying density across its thickness so as to have a low density center region and high density surface regions. By having a relatively low denisty, the center region of the insulating layer has a low thermal conductivity. Thus, the insulating layer may be made from the same material as the core and still have an acceptable insulating value. The use of the same material for adjacent layers reduces the potential of delamination of the layers. The multilayered mold is compatible with passive or active heating of the molding surface.

Abstract: This relates to a mold for rebonding polyurethane and like plastic foam to form selected shapes. A typical shape may be a back or a seat member for an article of furniture. The mold is improved in that the bottom mold member, which is particularly designed in accordance with the desired configuration of the shape, has been formed of epoxy which is readily moldable at a low cost. The mold is also improved by providing the base plate of the mold with a ramped floor which facilitates the drainage of condensate from a lower steam chamber. The configuration of the ramped floor allows for quick removal of the condensate and serves to reduce the volume in the steam chamber thereby minimizing pressure build-up in the steam chamber. This results in lower steam pressures being used during the curing process and for a shorter curing operation. The lower steam pressure also avoids leakage of steam and water from the epoxy mold.

Abstract: This invention provides a hot forming mold made of xonotlite group materials such as xonotlite, or wollastonite made therefrom which are known as a heat-resisting materials. By hot pressing these materials to high bulk density e.g., 0.6 to 2.20, a mold suitable for use in hot forming, having increased bending strength and hardness can be efficiently made. Such molds are made by filter pressing an aqueous slurry of xonotlite, then drying the pressed product to remove moisture at a temperature less than about 700.degree. C., and then cutting out the mold for use in molding plastic, glass and the like. By heat treating this mold product at a temperature of about 700.degree. to 1200.degree. C. the mold so produced can be subjected to machining and can be used as a mold for superplastic forming aluminum, titanium and the like.

Abstract: A nickel shell for molds formed by nickel vapor deposition having incorporated therein a combination steel parting line and manifold and a plurality of heating and cooling lines operatively connected to the manifold for the flow of heating or cooling fluid therethrough, said heating and cooling lines, and other mold components such as injection nozzles and mold vents, being encapsulated within the nickel shell.

Abstract: A method and device for fabricating posts made of concrete having a polygonal cross-section includes the steps of providing and opening an integral liner, applying backing panels to the liner, holding the panels together with a hooping means, and pouring and hardening concrete in the integral liner. The liner is collapsible and preformed to open in the shape of a right prism with an internal section identical to that of the post to be manufactured. Backing panels made of cardboard or plastic material support the external faces of the liner and entirely cover the external faces of the liner. At least one of the backing panels is adhered to an external face of the liner. A hooping means holds the liner and the backing panels assembled in mutual contact during the use of the device.

Abstract: A multiple cavity mold for lipstick products includes a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle has an inner cavity and an outer surface that is exposed such that a coolant, which is circulated about the receptacle, causes a cosmetic melt contained therein to solidify.

Abstract: When molding shaped articles such as contact lenses from monomeric mixtures containing silicone monomers and hydrophilic monomers, the wettability of the resulting article is improved by using a mold material produced from a resin comprising a copolymer of an alpha, beta, olefinically saturated mononitrile and at least one comonomer to enhance melt processability.

Abstract: In order to increase the performance of a mold of thermosetting resin, metal powder is dispersed in the resin mold which has a dense and voidless structure. The mold may be mounted on a back-up member of metal. In this case, the bonding between the mold and the back-up member is much assured when metal balls are contained in the mold near the back-up member. Furthermore, the mold may be electrically metal-plated. In this case, the mold is coated with a conductive plastic paint before being subjected to the electric metal plating in an electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A flexible form is presented. The flexible form may be shaped to produce the desired contour of concrete or other plastic material in the construction of various structures and is held in place by a plurality of positioning brackets. The flexible form is made of two or more parts, an outer part which provides durability and wear resistance and an inner part which provides the desired flexibility and is protected by the outer part. The parts are assembled in such a manner that each flexes independently of the other parts.

Abstract: A mold for the manufacture of non-round glass shapes and method for making such molds. In molds for glass blowing and pressing, especially for producing non-round shapes where molten glass must be in contact with the mold for an extended time, an economical, heat resistant mold adaptable to any shape is produced by mixing defined ratios of water, hydraulic compound and amorphous fused silica to form a pourable composite mixture which is shaped into a mold by placing the mixture on or in a master pattern and curing the mixture at room temperature and then at elevated temperature.

Abstract: The spacer comprises a body made from a single piece of metal of hollow form having a U-shaped transverse section. The concave part of this section faces towards the rear and the front face of the hollow body correspondiung to the base of the U forms the moulding wall of the spacer. A bent metal inner sleeve provides a free space of small thickness which has a U-shaped cross-section in which circulating water cools the moulding wall over its entire length. The space also comprises lateral parts in contact with the lateral walls of the hollow body.

Abstract: The frame of a mould comprises at least one rigid transverse structure element disposed in a zone which is substantially distant from the ends of the frame. The transverse element comprises two end parts between which are disposed support beams of the lateral moulding walls. Jacks each fixed on an end bearing part of the structure element are connected via their movable rod to the beam in zones which are distant from the longitudinal ends of the beam. The jacks make it possible to achieve both the displacement of the walls between their opening and closing positions and the clamping of the mould. Restriction of the clamping stresses is provided by the structure element. The bending moment of the beams remains low since the points of application of the stresses on the beams are distant from the ends of these beams and chosen as a function of the clamping conditions of the mould.

Abstract: A system for molding concrete articles such as paving stones, including a rack having opposing first and second vertical walls that have corresponding rails, and trays that include article molds adapted to receive concrete for curing, the trays being sized and constructed to slide on the rails.

Abstract: A concrete form with provision for draining excess water and air from wet concrete by placing fabric over a grid on the support portion of the form. A patterned surface of increased hardness results from use of the form. One embodiment results in concrete with a completely smooth surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mold for producing glass articles comprising a glass-made mold base, an intermediate layer formed by a silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride film, and an uppermost layer formed by a carbon film. Since the mold for producing glass articles exhibits an excellent bonding between the glass-made mold base and the uppermost layer formed by the carbon film, peeling of the uppermost layer can be prevented. Therefore, the function of the uppermost layer as an adhesion-prevention layer against the glass to be molded can be exhibited for a long time, causing an economic advantage since the life of the mold can be lengthened. In addition, since the maximum surface roughness of the working surface of the mold can be reduced and the surface shape accuracy can be maintained, a molded glass article exhibits excellent surface accuracy without optical defects.

Abstract: Concrete forms utilizing a concrete form liner including a two-sided fabric having a different range of pore sizes on one side compared to the opposite side. In one embodiment, a microporous coating, such as an ethylene-vinyl chloride microfoam dispersion, is placed on one side of a porous fabric to controllably reduce the pore size of the fabric on that side to between 0.2 to 20 microns. The coated fabric is used in combination with a support and a grid to form a concrete casting system wherein the coated side of the fabric is placed directly in contact with the concrete. The microporous coating stabilizes the surface fibers of the fabric thereby reducing the tendency of the fibers to stick to the concrete. The pore size of the coated side of the fabric must be small enough to substantially keep all concrete particles from passing through the fabric, but sufficiently open to permit the passage of water and air.

Abstract: A formwork for a draft tube which includes ganged precast forms, each precast form corresponding to a curved segment of the draft tube. The precast forms are molded with continuous side plates extending thereabout and anchored in the precast concrete form and projecting beyond the surface opposite to the contact surface to provide a flange. A fastening means for attaching adjacent forms with a space therebetween to allow for stripping. A method includes determining the outline of the inner surface of the draft tube and dividing it into segments and preparing molds to make precast forms corresponding to each segment. The precast forms are assembled and shored to provide the draft tube ganged formwork, and concrete is poured about the draft tube formwork and is cured. The precast forms are stripped from the set concrete structure and reused in another draft tube formwork.

Abstract: A shovel is disclosed which is preferably a play shovel for use by a child or adult for making a molded head and neck of any desired character or object such as a storybook or cartoon character in the sand. The shovel includes a bottom spade portion and a middle handle portion and a top head portion. The head and handle portions have walls forming a mold cavity opening at the back. The head portion has inner and outer surfaces having features of the head of a character formed thereon.

Abstract: A transparent elastomeric mold 30 capable of precisely reconstituting the buffer coating surrounding an optical fiber 54. The inventive elastomeric mold 30 is disposed to shape a buffer coating applied to an optical fiber in accordance with the dimensions of a master fiber 32. The mold 30 includes an elastomeric slab 38 for substantially confining the buffer coating within a channel 48 having a cross-sectional dimension substantially identical to that of the master fiber 32. The slab 38 includes an inner surface 50 which defines the channel 48 along a longitudinal axis L. The inventive mold 30 may also include an arrangement of arm members 34, 36 for flexing the elastomeric slab 38 in order to open the channel along the longitudinal axis L.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a foam piece adapted for use in concrete casting, the foam piece having a front surface, a back surface, and edges, the assembly further comprising a flexible, non-permeable plastic film surrounding the foam piece. In one aspect of the invention, the plastic film surrounding the foam piece is heat shrunk. In another aspect of the invention, the foam piece defines a block out for use in concrete casting. The assembly may include a wood beam in a groove in the foam piece, which beam can receive nails so that the assembly can be secured to a concrete casting form. The plastic film allows the foam piece to be easily removed from hardened concrete and reused.

Abstract: A plastic mold (A, B) for rotational molding are disclosed. The plastic mold, used in lieu of a conventional metal mold, is constructed from a fiber (52) reinforced thermoset plastic resin (50) having a heat distortion point above the melt point of the thermoplastic polymeric material from which an article is molded. Metal (64, 70, 74) or other dissimilar material may be used to provide different coefficients of heat transfer at preselected portions of mold (A, B). The entire mold may include a thermal coefficient modifier to increase the heat transfer rate of the mold uniformly over the entire mold in addition to the preselected portions.

Abstract: A plastic-model kit having a plurality of components containing at least one die sheet for molding having cavities therein and at least one thermoplastic resin having a low softening temperature, the die sheet and the thermoplastic resin being packed together in a unitary package. The thermoplastic resin can be softened, by dipping in hot water, for example, at about 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and the softened resin can be cast by hand or by a simple tool into the cavities on or through the molding die sheet and then cooled at ordinary temperature (that is, 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.) to form various shaped and sized pieces for the plastic-model kit. Ornaments or decorations having a three-dimensional or roughly three-dimensional visuality such as for dolls, human models, animal models, building models, ship models, car models, airplane models, and the like can be assembled from the plastic-model kit.

Abstract: A flexible reinforced concrete form line is provided which includes a plurality of elongated cuttable strips which are sized and embedded within the textured surface of the flexible form liner. The cross-sectional shape of the strips is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the textured surface of the liner except smaller so that the thickness of the elastomeric material making up the liner is substantially constant throughout resulting in consistent expansion and contraction of the liner during setting of the concrete. The strips can be suspended within the liner during the elastomeric molding process or the strips can be directly attached to the plywood form backing sheet prior to the molding process. The total quantity of elastomeric material making up the liner can be greatly reduced which, in turn, reduces the weight of the overall form.

Abstract: A process and equipment for making seamless composite tubes. Composite material is applied on a mandrel which includes an inflatable bladder and inserted in a single piece mold. The bladder is pressurized for pressing the composite material against the mold wall for molding and curing thereof. In order to prevent seizing of the tube by the mold and thus allow easy removal of the cured tube, the mold is composed of a composite of resin impregnated carbon fiber material wherein the carbon fiber material has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion along the length thereof and is oriented at an angle of between about 15 and 40 degrees relative to a radial plane of the mold. In order to eliminate the use of inefficient and inconvenient cure ovens, a heat generating element is disposed internally of the mandrel for curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible composite tool particularly adapted for composite molding and the composite tool made by this method. The method includes dissolving a B-staged fluoroelastomer in a suitable solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or toluene to form a fluoroelastomer solution. A fabric is then coated with the fluoroelastomer solution. The solvent is evaporated and the impregnated fabric is sandwiched between unreinforced sheets to form a reinforced tooling material. The reinforced tooling material is laid up with alternating layers of unreinforced fluoroelastomer and then cured to form a composite tool which is stable through multiple thermal cycles. In addition, an elastomer tool can be provided with detail cavities shaped to accept separately formed detail structures, with each cavity including extra reinforcement in order to locate the details to close tolerances without extensive hand positioning or use of adhesives. The tool is useful in molding composites and is reusable.

Abstract: An improved mold for forming foam products is provided with replaceable mold inserts which can be inserted into a mold block. The mold inserts have a cavity in which the product is foamed. The mold inserts are formed from a stick resistant material. Cap members having vent channels provided therein are adapted to fit into the mold insert. The number and size of vent channels is determined by the desired size and density of the molded foam product.

Abstract: A unitary, molded, concrete stabilizing base for refuse cans and the like, and method and apparatus for its manufacture are described. The base takes the form of a concrete annulus having a right-triangular cross section and an inner diameter dimensioned freely to receive a frusto-conical refuse can having a base diameter within a range of predetermined diameters. The inner cylindrical surface and the outer frusto-conical surface of the toroid smoothly are joined in a substantially rounded way. In use, and in the presence of lateral forces incident upon the installed refuse can, e.g. crosswinds, the base and the can cooperate by the impingement of their inner and outer surfaces to resist the tendency of the refuse can to tip and spill its contents. In a modification, the effective height of the base is increased by stacking the base atop a concrete annular platform of substantially equal diameters, thereby increasing further the range of refuse can base diameters that securely can be accommodated.

Abstract: Segments of tire tread are utilized as patterning elements to produce elastomeric form liners useful for creating designs on poured concrete structures. The segments of tire tread are arranged in the interior of an open-faced mold box, and liquified elastomeric material is poured into the mold box and allowed to solidify. An elastomeric form is then separated from the mold box. This form may be used itself as a form liner, but is preferably used as a mold to produce further generations of forms and form liners. The form liners are used to line the interior of a concrete form, and the tread patterns are thereby imparted to the surface of the resulting concrete structure.

Abstract: Anisotropic rare-earth permanent magnets characterized in that an aggregate of a plurality of blocks, to each of which anisotropy is imparted, is formed using powders of magnetic material containing rare-earth elements, and the adjoining blocks are powder-metallurgically bonded together under pressure into one piece; a method of making anisotropic rare-earth permanent magnets by molding anisotropic blocks by magnetic-field molding, arranging, aggregating and sealing a plurality of blocks in a bag, and cold hydrostatic pressing the aggregate of blocks in the absence of magnetic field; and a suitable metal mold for magnetic-field molding anisotropic permanent magnets of a relatively large size.

Abstract: Gasket used in a fabrication method, wherein a methylmethacrylate prepolymer or a mixture of unsaturated monomers, whose main constituent is methylmethacrylate, or the unsaturated monomer or monomers themselves is (are) introduced into a mold comprised of two parallel plates separated by said gasket, and the mold is brought to a temperature sufficient to complete or carry out the polymerization. The gasket consists of a core of plasticized poly(vinylchloride), said core being sheathed by a thin layer of thermoplastic polymers chosen from among propylene polymers and saturated polymers, said thermoplastic polymer being capable of retaining its elasticity at temperatures ranging from 20.degree. to 120.degree. C. and having a melting or softening point higher than 115.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making a high load tool having a hard body of plastic material with compression plates on opposites sides to compress and strengthen the body. The method includes the steps of inserting passage forming pipes into a container and retaining the passage forming pipes in predetermined locations. Epoxy resin is poured into the container to cover the passage forming pipes and then the epoxy resin is cured. Elongated rods are inserted into the passage forming pipes and a pair of load spreader plates are placed at opposite ends of the elongated rods. Threaded bolts are advanced on at least one end of the elongated rods to move the spreader means towards one another and to compressively load the body.

Abstract: A mold for slip casting comprising a compact formed out of a mixture having an organic matter and powders, the organic matter being capable of being extracted by supercritical fluid and the powders being incapable of being extracted by the supercritical fluid, and furthermore, a method for slip casting comprising a compact formed out of an organic matter capable of being extracted by supercritical fluid and having a melting point of 0.degree. to 150.degree. C. The organic matter is any one selected from the group of methyl carbonate, t-butyle alcohol, stearic acid stearyl alcohol and paraffin.

Abstract: A porous, open-pore, hardened, plastic mold for shaping a ceramic article by any of various ceramic shaping methods. The mold is prepared by subjecting a water-in-oil emulsion to hardening in the desired mold shape without breaking the emulsion and then drying the hardened, shaped mold. The emulsion has incorporated in it any of sodium disilicate or disodium tetraborate to accelerate the shaping of the ceramic article in the mold. The emulsion may also have incorporated in it any of microbeads of glass, barite, quartz powder and powdered polymers to reduce the pure volume and increase the mechanical strength of the porous, open-pored hardened, plastic mold.

Abstract: For manufacturing a glass article for precision-optical purposes, a preform is provided which is unwrought relating to the desired shape of the glass article to be manufactured and exhibits within the surface areas serving for the formation of optical effective planes a high surface quality. The preform is pressed at a sufficiently high temperature in a mold, the function layers of which, serving for the formation of the optical suitable planes are hard and wear resistant, optionally containing hard nitrides and/or carbides, being mechanically unwrought structureless thin layers coated by cathode sputtering, for example, on a working surface of the basis of the mold. At the beginning of the pressing process, the preform and at least one of the function layers of the mold exhibit a difference in temperature amounting at least to 30 K, but less than a value where inhomogeneities in and/or surface defects on the glass molding may be produced.

Abstract: This specification discloses a mold for use for press-molding an optical element, characterized in that at least the molding surface of a mold base material is coated with an a-C:H film containing 5-40 atom % of hydrogen therein and having a film density of 1.5 g/cm.sup.3 or more. Other mold coating films also disclosed are a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film with an intermediate carbide layer between the film and the molding surface, and a hard carbon film containing 0-5 atom % of hydrogen therein and having a spin density of 1.times.10.sup.18 spin/cm.sup.3 or less and a film densisy of 1.5 g/cm.sup.3 or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to shuttering elements for use in building construction. The shuttering elements are of a synthetic plastics material and define a rectangular shuttering wall, peripheral side walls and engagement and locking formations whereby a plurality of similar shuttering elements can engage one another and be locked in their engaged configuration, to form an extended shuttering wall of a shuttering structure. A complete shuttering structure defining a building structure to be constructed can then be erected by placing engaged shuttering elements in an opposing configuration, link rods providing for opposing walls of the shuttering structure to be engaged. A shuttering structure so formed can then be filled with a settable material in order to form the required building structure.

Abstract: A mould for an injection moulding apparatus, the mould including at least two mould parts which mate to form the mould cavity and which separate to permit removal of the moulded article, each mould part including a relatively rigid body having an abutment face which abuts with an abutment face of the other mould part when said parts mate, the body of at least one mould part including a recess in its abutment face which is filled with a resilient material defining a portion of said mould cavity.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a glass mold having opposed principle surfaces, the mold being generally transparent to infrared radiation, with one of the principle surfaces for receiving moldable materials. A stand supports the mold. Infrared heaters are positioned approximate to the opposite surface of the mold. An infrared radiation reflector is positioned behind the infrared heaters so as to reflect infrared radiation back toward the mold.

Abstract: A method for rotational molding a thermoplastic article using a mold made of a fiber reinforced thermoset resin which has a heat distortion point above the melting point of the thermoplastic material. Metal or other materials may be used to provide different coefficients of heat transfer at preselected portions of the mold. The entire mold may include a thermal coefficient modifier to increase the heat transfer rate of the mold uniformly over the entire mold in addition to the preselected portions.

Abstract: A shaping mole including a container section which is to receive a water-containing ceramic composition and which is defined by a non-permeable mold or a combination of a non-permeable mold and a permeable mold. A part of a shaping surface of the non-permeable mold is made of a material having a contact angle of not less than 80.degree. for water. A process for shaping ceramic articles by using such a mold is also disclosed, which including, the steps of preparing a water-containing ceramic composition comprising a ceramic powder containing a sintering assistant, a shaping assistant, and water, pouring the water-containing ceramic material into the shaping mold, pressing the ceramic composition, and releasing the molding from the mold. The water-containing ceramic material is prepared by using at least a gelatinizable water-soluble binder as the shaping assistant.

Abstract: Epoxy tooling which inherently expands and contracts with temperature changes for making parts of metal or plastic has elongated rods extending through guide tubes within the tooling and compression washers or plates on opposite sides thereof. These compression devices for strengthening the tool can be selectively adjusted toward and away from one another using nuts threaded on the rods for varying the compression load on the tooling in accordance with varying tool operating loads, working temperatures and amounts of expansion or contraction. Epoxy tools for molding plastics are heated and expanded to a working temperature and then compressively loaded in selected areas prior to molding operations to prevent tool stress cracking or epoxy tools for metal stamping are compressively loaded and supported in selected areas of high tensile stress and operated at room temperatures for high load metal stamping without fracture.

Abstract: A mould assembly for moulding ice sculpture having (i) complementary mould members (1,2) of low thermal conductivity material, the complementary mould members being releasably mated together via complementary peripheral flanges (3,4) secured together by nuts (8,14) and bolts (19,11), defining an open topped mould cavity; (ii) a water impervious flexible mould liner (18) conforming to the interior of the cavity and including a split region (19) around at least part of its periphery, having mating portions, each of the mating portions having extended (20,21) lips adapted to be sealingly clamped togehter between adjacent mould members; (iii) a thermally insulating cover adapted to close the open top of the mould cavity, wherein the improvement lies in the provision of: (a) perforations (15) thorough the mould members at regions corresponding to protuberant parts and (b) providing thermal insulation (16) to the mould assembly at regions corresponding to narrow parts of the ice sculpture to decrease the rate of fr

Abstract: Tooling for solid propellant casting consisting essentially of a shaped, filled polymer or copolymer article having an outer layer of cured polyvinyl butyral. The casting tooling is used extensively throughout the solid propellant industry to mold or form the solid propellant grain of rocket motors. The cured polyvinyl butyral layer provides improved mold release properties to the tooling.