Abstract: A method and apparatus for moulding ice statues using a mould formed of a liquid impervious flexible material which defines a mould cavity having the shape of the statue to be formed and a pair of extending wall portions which are held in a juxtaposed attitude during the freezing process. For demolding, the wall portions are moved apart to increase the cross-sectional size of the mould to allow it to be released from the statue formed.

Abstract: A mold carrier assembly for use with a support housing having a pair of parallel, spaced, horizontally extending bores and located on the top wall of a section frame of an I.S. machine. The quick change mold carrier assembly has a mold support mechanism including an insert for supporting at least one mold half which is mounted on a carrier. First and second parallel round shafts are secured at one end to the carrier with the round shafts extending horizontally in parallel relationship and each of the round shafts have a free end remote from the carrier for slidable insertion into the bores of the housing.

Abstract: A mold box is flexibly mounted to a product forming machine having upper and lower vertically displaceable beams. A feed drawer dispenses concrete material into the mold box while a vibration system vertically vibrates the mold box while dampening horizontal vibration. The vibration system is driven by a single drive shaft that actuates first and second vibrator rods while at the same rotating a counter-weight in a counter-rotating direction. A set of alignment brackets lock the mold box into a predetermined aligned relationship while being mounted in the product forming machine. The bottom side of each mold box is mounted to the product forming machine in the same relative position to reduce machine readjustments. A set of telescoping legs hold the feed drawer assembly variable distances above the mold box. A unitized pallet feeder quickly moves pallets one at a time from an "on-deck" position to a "receiving" position underneath the mold box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete forming system and method permitting a series of stacked concrete slabs to be formed at a work site. The system includes a vertical support member configured to the work surface, concrete form members for defining a desired shape for a concrete slab and horizontal adjustment members for attachment of the form members to the vertical support member. Through use of the system, a series of stacked concrete slabs can be successively poured one on top of the other.

Abstract: A stabilizing in-flight parachute system for an airplane comprising a retractable canopy built into a top portion of a fuselage of the airplane. A parachute is under the canopy, while a framework is attached to the parachute. A device is for winding and unwinding the parachute on the framework. A facility is for retracting the canopy and exposing the parachute. A mechanism is for accelerating deployment of the parachute out from the fuselage of the airplane, when the canopy is retracted.

Abstract: A process for molding dimensionally accurate plastic articles using a low pressure injection molding technique. The process utilizes a two-piece silicone rubber mold having a cavity representative of the shape of the article to be molded. The mold is substantially encased on all sides in a rigid mold box to prevent deformation of the cavity during the molding process (10). The mold box and the encased mold are placed in a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum is drawn on the chamber to evacuate the cavity (20). A predetermined amount of a reactive mixture is simultaneously mixed and injected under pressure into the mold to form the plastic article (30). The amount of material injected is sufficient to fill the cavity but not sufficient to distort the cavity. The chamber is vented (40) and the mold is removed from the mold box (50). The mold is flexed in order to remove the plastic article from the mold (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming surface texture on contoured surfaces includes a laminar, dimensionally stable, flexible mold having an impression of the surface texture to be formed on one side thereof. An adhesive material is provided on the side of the mold opposite that having the impression of the surface texture for adhering the mold to a recipient surface. A plurality of backing strips are provided on the adhesive backed side extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the mold and are individually removable from the mold.

Abstract: A portable concrete molding apparatus for forming concrete structures of a predetermined configuration, either on-site or at a central manufacturing facility. The apparatus includes a trailer having furnace plenum bounded by a pair of fixed walls. Each fixed wall cooperates with a movable wall for forming a mold therebetween. Each movable wall includes a concrete inlet for introducing concrete into the bottom portion of the mold. The fixed and movable walls include push-off valves for ensuring separation of a concrete structure from the mold walls, as the mold walls are separated.

Abstract: A cookie sheet device formed of multiple, closely stacked, heat-conductive, substantially rigid, flat sheets is disclosed, each sheet having a plurality of openings therein adapted to receive removable cookie molds. The sheets are stacked in superposed fashion utilizing a short distance above the next lower sheet sufficient to allow cookies in the lower sheet to rise in normal fashion yet to leave very little excess distance between the top of each cookie and the bottom of the molds inset into the upper sheet. When inserted into a baking oven, the temperature of each set of molds is thus kept substantially the same, allowing for even baking of cookies in each sheet. While more than two sheets may be used, (generally in commercial size batches) the preferred device utilizes two sheets only. The openings in the sheets may be circular or square or otherwise shaped dependent upon the shape of the outside portion of the molds being used.

Abstract: A template apparatus and method for manufacturing replacement windshields for automobiles. The template apparatus comprises a rigid frame, a plurality of support bars extending from the rigid frame, an epoxy splash, means for joining the rigid frame to the epoxy splash, means for maintaining the rigid frame to the epoxy splash, means for introducing the epoxy splash into the window well of the automobile and means for simulating the thickness of a glass sealant for introduction into the window well of the automobile before the final replacement windshield is inserted therein. The rigid frame engages the epoxy splash by a support means attached to the frame comprising adjustable fasteners that are rigidly affixed to the body of the epoxy splash. The epoxy splash is introduced into the window well of the automobile. Once positioned therein, a cementing means is applied to the adjustable fasteners to provide a fixation of the template apparatus.

Abstract: Liquid containment apparatus comprising a metal storage tank mounted within a liquid impermeable, cast concrete vault. An open-topped, reinforced casts concrete vault base includes an internal thermal liner, liquid impermeable membrane, vault seal, tank cradles and support legs. Sloped interior walls, a sump and siphon facilitate liquid and/or condensate removal from the base. A vault cover is integrally cast with the tank and supports a number of projecting fill, vent, gauge, inspection, and siphon standpipes. Chamfered and flanged edges at the cover and lift hooks facilitate cover removal and alignment, and tank inspection. The cover and tank are cast in alignment to one another at an elevated, multi-section molding form having sliding wing sections.

Abstract: A foam molding apparatus with improved seal for sealing the mold lid to the bowl. The bowl and lid include inclined sealing surfaces surrounding the mold cavity with the bowl sealing surfaces being concave and the lid sealing surface being convex. Both the bowl and lid are resiliently supported on frames so that the lid can self align upon the bowl as the convex lid sealing surface engages the concave bowl sealing surface. Adjusting screws are carried by the lid carrier frame and engage the lid to apply pressure to the lid forcing the lid against the bowl sealing surface with the bowl being resiliently carried on a supporting frame allowing the bowl to float relative to the frame to achieve an even pressure distribution about the mold cavity at the sealing surfaces. The lid and bowl are both formed with fluid passages to enable hot water to be circulated through the mold maintaining the mold at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A selectively-flexible, selectively-rigid, reusable, one-piece mold is used to fabricate a composite part having a complex shape on an outer surface of the mold. Disposed within the interior of the shell is a grid-type support truss structure having a plurality of individual support members attached at one end to headers that are attached by clips to the inside surface of the shell at predetermined locations. The support members are locked in place relative to each other by the use of pins placed in holes formed at various locations in the support members. When locked in place in this manner, the shell is stiffened, thereby facilitating the fabrication of the composite part on the mold. When the pins are removed, the shell is allowed to flex, thereby facilitating the removal of the cured composite part from the outer surface of the mold.

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: 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: A frame for supporting a mold for use in manufacturing a product from expanded polystyrene. The frame includes angled corner locking members having longitudinally projecting guide portions located at each end, and longitudinal side members having longitudinally projecting complementary guide portions located at each end. The guide portions and the complementary guide portions are adapted to slidably interfit with one another to form an interlocked engagement. The angled corner locking members and the longitudinal side portions further include recessed portions located on interior facing walls for supporting the mold on the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating the outer surface of an elongated body (10), such as a rod or tube, with a layer of concrete (30) includes a frame structure (21). Pipe or tube sections (10) may be supplied to a tilting device (27) in a horizontal position on a carriage (12) and tilted to a vertical position within the tower-like frame structure (21). The apparatus comprises means (24, 27) for retaining the elongated body (10) in the upright position within the frame structure and an annular mould (26) for surrounding the upright elongated body so as to define an annular space between the elongated body and the annular mould, and concrete may be fed to the annular mould space by feeding means (28, 29). The mould may include an upper funnel-like part, which is rotatable about the axis of the annular mould relative to the remaining part of the mould so as to distribute the concrete mixture peripherally in the annular mould space.

Abstract: A plastic slump cone includes a unitary frusto-conical mold formed of a synthetic resin defining an open base at one axial end and a smaller open top at an opposite axial end for receiving a sample of freshly mixed concrete, in use. A pair of foot pieces formed of synthetic resin are secured to the mold and extend radially outwardly therefrom at the base on opposite sides thereof for holding the mold firmly in place while filling with a sample of concrete. A pair of handles formed of synthetic resin are secured to the mold and extend radially outwardly therefrom intermediate the base and the top and opposite sides thereof for lifting the mold when filled with a sample of concrete.

Abstract: General purpose equipment is provided for supporting bread making products or similar during the process of fermentation and baking of the dough, including as basic unit elements: a tray with side flanges (1), one or more replaceable and interchangeable non stick membranes or molds, perforated, or not, each preformed to the dimensions and shapes of a bread, Viennese bread or pastry piece or pieces to be baked, each of these interchangeable membranes or molds resting, on the tray without being fixed or at least while remaining removable.

Abstract: The vessel includes a small cup (2) made of paper material, having an upper edge (7) formed with a series of folded over peripherally-extending consecutive portions (7a) arranged to define a circumferential engagement groove (9) along the outer edge of the cup, and a laminar support (10) made of stiff paper material and provided with a through hole (10a) to detachably house said small cup at the circumferential groove thereof. Advantageously, the cup (2) is formed with two bun cases (3, 4) introduced into each other upon interposition of a stiff laminar insert (11) disposed intermediate the two bun case bottoms (3a, 4a).

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 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 method for producing concrete paving stones includes slidably mounting paving stone molds in a vertical row in a rack; sliding one mold to a different depth in the rack; filling the mold with concrete; sliding the mold to its original position; and filling the other molds in a similar manner.

Abstract: A casting mold for use in the manufacture of intraocular/contact lenses. The casting mold comprises a base and a cup-like feature attached to the base. The base has a frusto-conical configuration defined by a first planar circular cross-sectional area taken adjacent to the cup-like feature and a second planar circular cross-sectional area taken at a distance remote from the cup-like feature. The circumferences of the first and second cross-sectional areas respectively form lips. The first cross-sectional area is substantially less than the second cross-sectional area, and the portion of the base defining its side walls extends between the respective lips of the first and second cross-sectional areas and lies substantially within the generatrix of a line connecting the respective lips of the first and second cross-sectional areas rotated about the axis connecting the centers of the first and second cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: Three-part vertical stack-up mold apparatus for molding a composite styled wheel wherein the middle mold part is metal disc and rim subassembly operable as metal street wheel when a pneumatic tire is mounted on said rim. The lower mold part has a mold cavity surface to define an ornamental configuration for the outboard face of a plastic body of the composite wheel. An upper mold part urges the wheel into sealing engagement with the lower mold part. The lower mold part includes cores adapted for individual registry with disc air vent openings so as to protrude therethrough into the mold cavity in the closed condition of the mold. The upper mold part includes an expansible lid seal juxtaposed in mold cavity sealing relation to the disc inboard face and the cores in the mold-closed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described which is useful in manufacturing molded optical devices. The apparatus and method provide automatic alignment of the mold elements so that cylinder and prism free lenses are provided.

Abstract: A method is described for indexing a polyform block in which a metal field shaping block is cast to both the cutting tray of a hot wire cutting system and the treatment tray of a radiation therapy treatment machine. The cast metal field shaping block is automatically correctly oriented for treatment. A cooling tray for cooling the casting is also described.

Abstract: A thread of a fluid material for gasket manufacture is deposited onto a non-planar, non-adhesive support sheet (12) from a nozzle (22) that is displaced above the support along a path corresponding to the outline of the gasket, with subsequent curing of the fluid material. The support sheet is prepared by pressing sheet material into a tridimensional shape whereby its surface contains the non-planar outline of the gasket to be manufactured; the shaped support is positioned with respect to a nozzle carried by a manipulator (20) capable of being controlled to move the nozzle with respect to the support along three independent spatial coordinates; and the nozzle is fed with said fluid material while being displaced along said non-planar outline. Preferably, the support sheet is kept flattened by vacuum against an underlying, matching surface.

Abstract: A base is provided including first, second and third adjoining marginal portions and a first stationary upstanding wall is fixedly secured to and projects upwardly from one of the marginal portions. Second and third upstanding walls are provided and pivotally supported along upstanding base edge marginal portions thereof from remote upstanding marginal edge portions of the stationary wall for swinging movement of the remote free upstanding marginal edges of the second and third walls toward and away from closely juxtaposed positions defining a peripherally enclosed upstanding mold cavity above the base between the first, second and third upstanding walls. The lower edges of the second and third walls are disposed in reasonably good sealed relation with the second and third marginal portions of the base. The base defines an upwardly opening socket centrally disposed relative to the cavity and an upstanding reinforcing member is provided and has its lower end received in the socket.

Abstract: A battery type mold assembly in which simple upwardly extending mold members having relief patterns on their major mold surfaces are pivotally mounted on a frame at the lower ends so as to be movable between a closed position in which a mold cavity is formed and an open position in which there is provided for the removal of a molded article therefrom. The assembly is characterized by the presence of carrier members which are, at least initially, adjustable relative to each other and the carrier members are pivotally connected to the mold members.

Abstract: A new and novel process for constructing longitudinal concrete members such as beams by providing a longitudinal sack like mold constructed from a pliable sheet or sheets having an open throat supported by an open rim frame in turn supported by a plurality of inverted "U" shaped supports spaced apart one from another while in a common straight alignment while the supports rest upon an equipment base. The concrete members being either removed from the sack like mold, or the member being a cast in place member with the mold acting as a casing or protective skin. The sack like mold being a hybrid sling because of being provided with a long under loop support on which the loop portion of the true sling rests.

Abstract: A proofer container for use in the baking industry fabricated of high-density material exhibiting substantial imperviousness to environmental contaminants. A unitary structure is provided with a suitably shaped dough-receiving receptacle and is configured to receive and contain a quantity of dough to be proofed, or raised in an intermediate step in the production of baked products. The unitary structure may be provided by use of a typical rotomolding process that is further enhanced by the insertion of a pin extending through an end wall of the mold and extending into the mold cavity to an adjacent section to a location so that the interior of the pin is spaced from the adjacent section by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the walls of the tray to be fabricated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically molding concrete slabs in which a tilted semi-cubical enclosure is provided containing a plurality of plates spacedly positioned from one another such that a cavity is formed between plates in which the slabs are formed. The tilt of the enclosure maintains the plates and spacers in their desired positions during loading and unloading of the enclosure. Within one aspect of this invention the spaced plates are insulation plates having fasteners projecting therefrom into cavities such that when concrete is poured into and permitted to harden in the cavities, the insulation plates will be laminated to the concrete.

Abstract: A bottom pour ingot mould system and more particularly a sprue plate having a plurality of horizontally extending runners therein and a plurality of upstanding guide pads spaced from the horizontal runners to effect positioning of each mould relative to an outlet in a horizontal runner. Molten steel is poured down a vertical runner, after which it moves horizontally then upwardly into the ingot mould.

Abstract: In a plastic or die cast molding machine having opposed stationary and movable platens adapted to receive, mount and support a sectional plastic or die cast molding die having stationary and movable clamp plates, opposed quick change locator clamp assemblies mounted upon the platens, each clamp assembly including a body plate secured to a platen. Laterally spaced index pins project from the body plate for receiving corresponding spaced locator slots in the clamp plates. Longitudinally spaced opposed pairs of plate clamps are adjustably and guidably mounted upon opposite sides of the body plate adapted to receive and retainingly engage opposite sides of a clamp plate.

Abstract: An unsupported form system for ceiling formworks is disclosed which comprises of three elements, i.e. extensible shores, head elements on the top of said shores and form boards to be positioned directly on the head elements. The head elements have flat supports for the boards which, for their part, have an open frame, the edges thereof cooperating with truncated pyramid noses on said supports. The boards may be suspended on the head elements of erected shores from below and may be brought into their horizontal operational position with the next shores once these have been erected. Pivotal levers are used for supporting adjacent boards between those which are supported directly on the head elements which interconnect said shores in pairs.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding concrete wherein a mold has vertical side members which are mounted for rotation about internal axes substantially parallel to sides of said members.

Abstract: A molding tool device for a molding used in an architectural structure, in which a plurality of side frames are squarely arranged on a bed to define a space for a molding of concrete panel or the like.In this molding tool device, some of the side frame or frames detachably mounted on the bed and the remaining side frames are provided so as to be released from the respective side surface of the molding defined by these side frames by means of connectors each provided thereon with a link mechanism for connecting the side surface of the side frame to the bed, so that the molding can be readily released in an erected state of the bed.

Abstract: Portable ice making container apparatus is provided for making blocks of ice. An inner container is used to receive water which is to be frozen to form a block of ice. A larger outer container is provided to receive and support the inner container therein. Support posts are provided at the bottom of the outer container to position the bottom of the inner container a short space above the bottom of the outer container. Flanges are disposed at the tops of both containers to interconnect the containers for the purpose of maintaining them in a nested, spaced-apart relationship. A cover member has walls constructed to fit snugly against the walls of the inner container to enclose the top of the inner container. The walls extend downward to a common bottom to form a recess for containing fluid to warm the bottom of the cover member. The outer container includes receptacles at the corners for receiving fluid to be dispersed throughout the space between the inner and outer containers.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for molding plastic decorations. The assembly includes a support plate for the mold frame and holding fixtures which are positionable to provide a snap-in and snap-out holding relation with the mold frame. The assembly is adapted for use in manufacturing perfume-release plastic decorations which resemble stained glass miniatures.

Abstract: During positioning of the cylindrical, open ended, outer member relative to a point on a slab form, a cap member may be used to cover the top and support a location determining member. The length of the outer member is adjustable to the thickness of the concrete layer to be poured. A cylindrical inner member, with a closed bottom and an open top, is inserted into the outer member. As the concrete is poured, it is received in the inner member and forms the test core. After the concrete sets, the inner member is removed, resulting in a hole in the concrete. The cap member is alternatively adapted to close the bottom of the outer member, prior to mounting the outer member on the form, to permit the hole to be subsequently filled, if the form has been removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding ceramic ware includes a support table having a horizontal axis of rotation with a plurality of molds attached to opposed surfaces of the table for orientation in the vertical upright and vertical inverted positions. A fluid molding material is poured into the mold when in the open upright position and is permitted to set up to the extent of forming a shell and then inverted to pour the remaining molding material from the mold, while molds on the opposed surface are disposed in the upright position for receiving mold material.

Abstract: Cast multifocal lenses are produced from ledged casting pieces molded from a master die having a molding surface made up of juxtapositioned die components each precision surfaced to a curvature and finish corresponding to a multifocal surface desired to be cast upon a lens and relatively prearranged according to desired height and position of cast lens ledging.

Abstract: A mold comprises a base, a split die and a plunger. The base has longitudinal shoulders with resilient elements, and sloping surfaces which form an upwardly flaring nest adapted to accommodate a vertically movable die. The side walls of the die have their sloping surfaces in contact with the sloping surfaces of the longitudinal shoulders and, together with the die end walls, are placed around the die bottom. Provided between the base and the die are means for lifting the latter and means for supporting the die bottom in the raised position after the die has been lowered. Such die construction makes it possible to reduce the time required for its assembly and disassembly, as well as for detaching the finished abrasive segment from the die walls.

Abstract: A device for finishing a wet plaster surface is disclosed. The device of the present invention comprises a finishing tool holder which includes a handle engaging lower end. An upper end of the holder broadens to a planar fan shape, and the upper end is notched to create a step. A filler piece complementary to and substantially filling the notch is inserted therein. A threaded fastener proximate a lower end of the notch secures a lower end of the filler piece to the handle. A pair of spaced apertures near the upper end of the holder are aligned with a pair of spaced apertures in the filler piece, and a pair of threaded fasteners engage the aligned apertures to secure a variety of surface finishing tools to the holder. The surface finishing tools which are directly attachable to the handle include an elongated brush, a variety of trowels with various widths and edge forms, and a circular or star-shaped cup.

Abstract: A method and assembly for molding plastic optical lenses. The mold assembly comprises an annular retainer ring supporting a pair of generally disc shaped mold parts urged toward each other by a resilient force while separated by one or more gaskets, preferably including at least one soft gasket of uniform thickness between its inside and outside diameters which has the property of softening at elevated temperatures. When the cavity formed between the mold parts and bounded peripherally by the gaskets is filled with a resin formulation in the form of a liquid which then polymerizes when raised to an elevated curing temperature, shrinking and becoming hard and insoluble at room temperature, in the process the softening of the gasket permits the mold parts, under the action of the resilient force, to move towards each other to maintain contact with the formulation as it shrinks and hardens.

Abstract: A molding machine is disclosed which can be used in the manufacture of concrete building elements. A method for the molding of concrete modular units using the disclosed concrete molding machine is also provided. The molding machine is constructed of vertical walls joined to form a single outer frame which is moveable up and down by means of expandable joints such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders which allow positioning and vibration of the outer frame. To said outer frame are attached horizontally expandable joints which support at least two mold sides which can be placed in abutment by the action of the expandable joints so as to form the continuous sides of a mold. The bottom side of the sequentially assembled mold is provided by a metal plate to which the aforesaid sides are lowered or attached.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for positioning and suspending paraphernalia in a dental negative mould comprising a pair of pins insertable into the mould along the buccolingual midline of the tooth to be made detachable from the remainder of the dental cast or model. The paraphernalia articulates with the pins and is precisely positionable in the mould due to unique structure of the jig assembly and paraphernalia, or tooth die forming member, which permits movement of the latter along or rotation about three different axes.

Abstract: A granular polyurethane cellular medium for absorbing water-borne, water insoluble hydrocarbons, method for its preparation and production system. The granular medium is formed by prereacting polyisocyanate or a prepolymer with a linear monohydric alcohol to form a prepolymer. This prepolymer subsequently is reacted with a polyol and blowing agent within a flexible sheet bun mold. Following molding of the bun within the flexible sheet, the bun is transferred to a comminution stage within a predetermined time period whereupon it is granulated. The material is fabricable at low cost and under a broad range of environmental conditions permitting flexibility in selecting the site for production of the material. The material exhibits an unusually high affinity for the water-borne contaminant hydrocarbons, does not absorb water and lends itself to low-cost production procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming molded ice sculptures includes a selection of molds fabricated of form retaining, flexible, resilient plastic material. Each mold includes holes in the base thereof through which supporting wires are placed. The mold is inverted, base up, within a box slightly larger than the mold, with the wires impinging on the box and supporting the mold. The mold is filled with water and frozen. Thereafter the mold is removed from the box, the wires removed from the mold and the mold stripped from the frozen sculpture.