Abstract: Device for producing silicon blocks for photovoltaic applications, comprising a container for receiving a silicon melt with a base wall and at least one side wall, means for reducing the diffusion of impurities from at least one of the walls of the container into the silicon melt, wherein the means for reducing the diffusion of impurities comprise at least one covering element for the at least partial covering of at least one of the walls of the container.

Abstract: An object is formed on a component with a positive flash shut-off during insert molding operations. The mold has a base with a cavity and a port that delivers a liquid to the cavity. The base has a component support structure for supporting the component and pockets formed on opposite sides of the cavity. The pockets are slightly spaced apart from the cavity by thin partitions. Inserts located in the pockets and are formed from a polymer. Both the partitions and inserts comprise the component support structure. The inserts have a dimension that is smaller than that of the base and partitions so as to form a compression fit around the component to reduce or eliminate flash down the component during the molding process.

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

Abstract: An ingredient preparation device (100, 200) is disclosed and may include one or more of an openable ring (110), a non-openable ring (210), a removable panel (10), and an optional tamper (190). One or more optional shaped inserts (180) may be used within the ring. An ingredient preparation device (100, 200) of the invention may be utilized alone or with one or more additional ingredient preparation devices of the invention. Methods of preparing one or more ingredients to make products such as foods or non-food items using such a device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pie mold and method of making a pie crust that includes a rigid base and a flexible lid. The rigid shallow base includes a bottom plate and a side wall that forms a cavity of a size to correlate to a conventional pie or tart pan. The lid is placed atop the base to cover the dough-filled cavity and then the filled pie mold is chilled. Once the dough is sufficiently chilled, the dough is transferred to a conventional pie plate for baking. The pie mold may further include one or two optional non-stick liners that are positioned atop the bottom plate and upon which or in between which the dough is shaped. The liners are used to transfer the chilled and shaped pie dough to the pie pan, and peeled off prior to placing the pie dough into the pie pan and/or baking the pie crust.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing pylon segment precast concrete parts of a pylon of a wind power installation. A formwork is provided and the formwork is filled with concrete. A material of low viscosity is applied as an equalization layer to a flange of the precast concrete part.

Abstract: In a propeller fan, a plurality of blades for blowing are coupled together with a space in a rotational direction kept therebetween, and a coupled region has a form for performing the blowing according to the rotation thereof. This structure provides a propeller fan greatly contributing to energy-saving properties and resource-saving design.

Abstract: A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A mold blocking member is provided for use in a vent bore of a mold for the manufacture of rubber products. The mold blocking member has a tubular hollow body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a cap having an outer dimension greater than the diameter of the tubular body, wherein the cap has at least one undercut forming a opening, wherein the opening is positioned to be adjacent the mold surface.

Abstract: A mold blocking member for use in a vent bore of a mold for the manufacture of rubber products is provided. The mold blocking member has a tubular hollow body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a cap with an inner portion surrounded by a recessed annular portion, wherein the inner portion is connected to the recessed annular portion by a sidewall, wherein the sidewall has one or more slots therein. The slots opening has a width dimension in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.6 mm and a thickness in the range of about 0.03 mm to about 0.15 mm. It is preferred that the inner portion is flat and recessed with respect to the outer rim of the first end.

Abstract: A brick assembly may include a molded brick having a planar surface and at least one magnetic attachment for magnetically securing the brick assembly to a ferromagnetic surface. A mold assembly for manufacturing a brick assembly may include a mold chamber and at least one magnetic attachment seat or a hinged metal door. A method for manufacturing a brick assembly may include using a mold assembly, a mold material, and at least one magnetic attachment.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold that can prevent molten metal from leaking out of it as well as from leaking onto a parting plane. The mold according to this invention comprises: a lower mold comprising a concave portion, having the shape of a product, into which the amount of molten metal required to produce a casting is poured; and an upper mold comprising a convex portion having the shape of a casting, and forming a cavity that molds a casting, when the upper mold overlaps the lower mold; and wherein a structure is formed so as to have certain clearances between the lower mold and the upper mold such that the molten metal is prevented from leaking onto the parting plane that is formed where the upper mold and the lower mold overlap, when the casting is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a formed article forming an upper surface of a forming material comprised of a thermosoftening substance into a desired shape by positioning the forming material on a forming surface of a mold and heating the forming material to a temperature permitting deformation to bring a lower surface of the forming material into tight contact with the forming surface. The forming is conducted while an exposed portion on the forming surface side of the mold upon which the forming material has been positioned is covered with a covering member. The present invention further relates to a covering member and a forming apparatus. According to the present invention, formed articles with a desired shape can be formed with high accuracy by preventing the contamination of upper surface of forming materials by foreign matter during forming.

Abstract: A one-piece apparatus for making ice glasses using a regular glass. The apparatus is shaped like a cylindrical nipple with a dome-shaped head that gradually widens until it turns into a round base with a protruding rim around its circumference. The apparatus is used with a regular glass with a uniform rim, and the freezing action takes place with the regular glass upside down. Use of the apparatus is simple and efficient. First, a regular glass is filled with water. Then the apparatus is inserted into the regular glass so that the nipple is facing the bottom of the glass. Next, the regular glass is turned upside down, with the apparatus in it, and placed in the freezer. After the water has frozen, the apparatus and the regular glass are separated and an ice glass is obtained.

Abstract: A concrete poured wall corner slab saver and form attachment device that includes a slab saver corner piece and an elongated form attachment device with a longitudinal aperture along an interior of its length. The form attachment device is configured at one end to be partially insertable through spaced-apart apertures in the stem portion of the slab saver corner piece and its opposite end is configured to extend and partially contact both a form board and one side of the corner piece which is in contact with the form board. The longitudinal aperture is size to insert a fastener, such as a nail, for engaging the combined slab saver corner piece and form attachment device to the form board.

Abstract: A molded mat comprises male and female connectors that are configured to exhibit improved connectivity when engaged with connectors of an adjacent mat. A method of molding the mat includes providing specially placed vents in the mold to form the increased density portions of the mat. The mat can also include additional recesses formed in the underside of the mat so that the mat can be cut to a smaller size without losing its ability to connect with other mats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder insert for inserting into a casting mold used for casting metals, comprising a feeder body 1, which extends along a longitudinal axis 13 of the feeder and has a feeder cavity 2, comprising a bottom side that can be inserted into the casting mold and a top side 7 that is situated opposite the bottom side. According to the invention, an energy absorbing device (8, 9) is provided on the top side 7 of the feeder body 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for casting a metal by pouring molten metal into and around a casting assembly, where a riser containing a sleeve is a component of the casting assembly. The process comprises (a) inserting a riser insert into the cavity of the riser containing the sleeve, and (b) then allowing molten metal to flow into the cavity of the riser containing the riser insert. The density of the riser insert is such that the riser insert floats on the surface of the molten metal when the molten metal enters the cavity of the riser and provides a thermal barrier to reduce heat loss from the riser. The sleeve is shaped such that the riser insert will not be forced out or float off of the riser cavity when the metal is poured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a reproducible uniform concrete test cylinder using a standard concrete test cylinder mold. Concrete is poured into the concrete test cylinder mold to a point where the poured concrete extends above a top portion of the concrete test cylinder mold. A cap having at least one radial trough and at least one excretion hole is placed on the top portion of the concrete test cylinder mold. The cap is manually pressed and rotated against the top portion of the concrete test cylinder mold thereby channeling excess concrete through the radial troughs for excretion through the excretion hole in the cap. In addition, the radial trough smoothes the surface of the poured concrete within the concrete test cylinder mold. Prior to the initial set of the concrete in the concrete test cylinder mold, the cap is rotated upon the top portion of the concrete test cylinder mold in order to separate the cap from the poured concrete within the concrete test cylinder mold.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved mould for casting a standard Magnesium ingot. The mould is constructed so as to minimize the surface area of the molten Magnesium which is exposed to the surrounding air. This significantly reduces the reliance on costly or harmful gases typically used in the casting process. The vertical mould which is internally tapered, has an open top and a closure at the bottom thereof. The ingot is easily removed from the mould when said closure is opened. The mould is adapted for use as part of an automated process employing a cyclic conveyance system for efficiently producing Magnesium ingots from recycled scrap Magnesium.

Abstract: A mold for producing a silicon ingot having a layered structure comprising an inner silica layer containing at least one layer in which a fused silica powder with a particle size of 100 &mgr;m or less and a fine fused silica sand with a particle size of 100-300 &mgr;m is bonded with a silica binder, and an outer silica layer containing at least one layer in which a fused silica powder with a particle size of 100 &mgr;m or less and a coarse fused silica sand with a particle size of 500-1500 &mgr;m is bonded with a silica binder.

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 sealing structure is disposed between a metal-casting ingot mold bottom portion and a bottom plate to prevent the leakage of molten steel between the mold and plate. A clay rope disposed in a closed configuration corresponding to the bottom of the ingot mold is affixed to the cardboard sheet with an adhesive system. Overlapping portions of the cardboard sheet are grasped to position the clay rope directly under the ingot mold, and the mold is lowered onto the bottom plate. Hot glue (or pressure sensitive adhesive tape and/or white glue) holds the clay rope on the cardboard sheet. The clay rope is offset at a central portion of the sheet to allow folding of the sheet for transport.

Abstract: The space between the open bottom mold and the supporting stool used for casting ingots is sealed by placing a thin wall steel tube between the mold and the stool. The weight of the mold partially collapses the tube causing the surfaces of the tube to conform to both the surfaces of the mold and the stool, thus forming a seal.

Abstract: A plug for closing the opening in the bottom of a top pouring ingot mold is comprised of a preformed plug body having top and bottom ends and an outer peripheral surface providing a contour generally corresponding with that of the mold opening to be plugged. The lower portion of the outer peripheral surface is provided with a coating of a thermally curable sealing composition having a heavy paste-like consistency, and the plug body and coating are enclosed in a heat shrinkable plastic film. In use, the plug is pushed into a plug opening in the bottom of an ingot mold which generally is hot from a previous casting operation, the plastic film disintegrates, the sealing material is squeezed so as to spread and fill the space between the mold opening and plug body, and the heat of the mold cures the sealing material to secure the plug in place and seal the peripheral space between the plug body and mold opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing ingot mold caps is provided in which a shaped opening in a chill element is lined with a pre-formed refractory/ceramic fiber pad and metal is cast in the lined opening around a cored lift engaging means.

Abstract: A method of sealing a joint between component parts of a metal mould for metal casting comprises applying in the area where the seal is desired an elongated sealing element and a compressible cover separating the sealing element from each of the surfaces to be sealed together. The method is especially useful for sealing the joint between an ingot mould for steel ingots and a base plate for the mould.

Abstract: A light weight ingot mold mat for receiving molten metal is formed from sheets of metal compatible with the molten metal. The sheets have closely spaced holes therein throughout most of their area so that they are very light and easily crumbled to form a honeycombed structure. The mat is placed on the mold stool and absorbs the force of the molten metal and chills it so that it freezes sufficiently to seal the joint between the stool and mold. The mat is melted and absorbed into the ingot.

Abstract: A hot top consists of a number of sheets of insulating fibrous material. The principally vertical walls of the hot top consist of a number of sheets located close to and joined to one another. When the hot top is placed in an ingot mould, these sheets cover the upper part of the ingot mould walls. The hot top has an upper confinement consisting of one or more sheets of insulating fibrous material which cover the opening formed by the vertical sheets. One or more containers holding additives used in casting are arranged in the space under the confinement. In one preferred embodiment, the walls of the hot top, the upper confinement of the hot top and the hot top containers holding additives form a single unit matched to the dimensions of the ingot mould, so that in a preferred embodiment, the unit is assembled before the hot top is inserted into the ingot mould.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing ingot mold caps is provided in which a shaped opening in a chill element is lined with a preformed refractory fiber pad and metal is cast in the lined opening around a cored staple.

Abstract: A laminated plate assembly (17) for protecting the mold stool (11) or bottom (125) of an ingot mold (10 or 100) during the pouring of molten metal therein, the assembly comprising spaced-apart plates (20, 21 and 22) secured together by embossments (24) or the like.

Abstract: An ingot stool of the type upon which steel is poured comprising a rectangular slab of cast iron having a top, bottom and sides with the top having its center portion cut out, a precast ceramic stool insert adapted to fit in snug relationship with center cut out portion of the stool, at least two vertical recesses formed within the ceramic stool insert adapted to receive a nut and at least two bolts passing through the bottom of the stool and threaded into the nuts located within the vertical recesses and ceramic plugs adapted to fill the vertical recesses after the nuts have been engaged with the bolts.

Abstract: A vertical, open-ended ingot mold assembly including a mold stool having a relieved portion machined in its base which machined relieved portion has a cavity therein produced by erosion during casting. The useful life of the mold stool is prolonged by providing a quantity of metal particles to fill the cavity and having a plate positioned over the cavity and metal particles, which plate is secured within the cavity by a ring that is within the relieved portion of the mold stool. This ring protects the periphery of the machined relieved portion from erosion during casting and also prevents the plate and metal particles from mingling with the cast metal. For each successive casting operation, the eroded cavity is filled with metal particles and a new plate is positioned thereover. Alternately, the use of metal particles may be avoided by using only a plate of a thickness sufficient to protect the remainder of the mold stool from erosion.

Abstract: A flexible insert arrangement for an electrical connector mold for supporting leads extending therefrom and closing the mold end is disclosed and includes a flat resilient body having one or more lead-accepting depressions normal to the body across one edge thereof and an arrangement actuable as the mold halves are closed on one another for deforming the body to temporarily displace the body resilient material about each electrical lead extending from the mold to complete the formation of an insulating material-accepting connector forming cavity.

Abstract: In bottle top molds a plug is used as a closure for the opening in the top wall of the molds through which the molten metal is poured. The surface of the opening tends to become eroded by the molten metal flowing into the mold and, as a result, the plug no longer forms an effective closure rendering the mold unusable. To prolong the useful life of the mold, a ring-shaped member is secured to the top wall of the mold in register with the opening and covering the eroded surface. The ring-shaped member is configured to receive the plug so that it continues to form a closure for the mold.

Abstract: A cast iron ingot mold base member containing an integral refractory insert which has been formed into the base member during its casting.

Abstract: A ceramic refractory mold protection device for an ingot mold having a flat top surface with a hole therethrough includes a shank portion which fits in the hole an integral head portion which is adapted to rest on the flat top surface and cover the impact area onto which steel is teemed. The head portion extends between 1 and 3 inches from the shank and is between 3/4 and 2 inches high. After the steel is poured and the ingot stripped from the mold, the protective device is removed from the mold and replaced by a new one for the next pour.

Abstract: A casting chill mold is provided for producing elongate metal ingots having a length to diameter ratio in excess of 10:1 in which the wall thickness of the mold is substantially no greater than that required to enable the walls to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the melt upon the occurrence of thermal stress. Preferably the mold is surrounded by a spaced supporting framework contacting the outer surface of the mold at spaced discrete small area points of contact.

Abstract: An improved ingot mold base member comprising a cast iron base with a refractory insert disposed within its face. The refractory insert is positioned within a cavity in the cast iron base and attached with Z-shaped anchors, said anchors contacting a groove in the side of the insert and fastened to the bottom of the cavity. A channel between the edge of the refractory insert and the edge of the cavity is filled with a plastic refractory.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for use with a permanent mold in casting operations includes a cover plate having an upwardly and a downwardly facing surface. In place on the permanent mold, the downwardly facing surface defines the upper limit of the mold cavity. At least one pipe extends through an opening in the cover plate with its lower end in the plane of the downwardly facing surface of the cover plate. An annular recess located in one of the downwardly facing surface of the cover plate or the lower end of the pipe, encircles the lower end of the pipe radially outwardly from its opening. A breaking core can be incorporated as a part of the lower end of the pipe or it can be formed as a separate member. The pipe can be used only to feed additional molten metal into the mold as the poured metal starts to solidify or it can be used both to pour the molten metal into the mold cavity and then to provide the additional feed as the metal solidifies.

Abstract: The use of hot tops on ingot and similar molds in which steel, steel alloys and other molten metal are teemed and cooled to a solid state is avoided and the use of topping compounds in such operations eliminated or substantially reduced by the provision of a removable and reusable cover covering the top of the mold cavity wherein the cover comprises elements combined into a single unit arranged to be set atop the mold and completely cover the metal, at least one of said elements having a heat-reflecting surface over the undersurface thereof for reflecting heat downwardly onto the metal in the mold to retard the cooling of the metal while the space or spaces between the elements provide insulation.

Abstract: A moulding for the heat retention of feeder head top surface in casting molten metals is based on a mixture consisting of charcoal and a binder, and said charcoal is laminated with directional properties in the laterial direction. If circumstances require, the moulding may contain at least one component selected from the group consisting of thermo-expansible materials, organic binders and organic fibrous materials, and further when occasion demands it may be coated with a shell containing fibrous materials and a binder.

Abstract: An improved ingot mold base member comprising a cast iron base with a refractory insert disposed within its face. The refractory insert is positioned within a cavity in the cast iron base and attached with Z-shaped anchors, said anchors contacting a groove in the side of the insert and fastened to the bottom of the cavity. A space between the edge of the refractory insert and the edge of the cavity is filled with a plastic refractory.

Abstract: An ingot mold has been devised which instead of utilizing a full protective thickness or section of sand within the spacing between a metal core bar and a metal flask, employs a refractory lining for the flask and a refractory coat for the bar that respectively have a cross extent or thickness that occupies a greater portion of the spacing than the casting sand. The casting sand is utilized as a minimum inner thickness to define the casting mold and as imposed between the refractory lining and coat.

Abstract: A method for repairing eroded bottoms of ingot molds by forming a casting space in the bottom of the mold at the point of erosion, the casting space having an hour-glass type shape, placing the ingot mold on a molding platform so as to close off the bottom of the casting space with a refractory material, placing a protective layer of a compactable refractory material about the interior of the mold and introducing to the casting space an alumino-thermic material and then igniting said alumino-thermic material such that the weld metal from the reaction thereof completely fills the casting space. Methods for repairing the bottoms of closed bottom as well as plug bottom molds are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of securing a patch of resilient material to a surface, in which method the patch is applied to the surface so as to form a curved clearance between itself and the surface, pressure is applied to press the central region of the patch against the surface, and the edges of the patch are subsequently secured to the surface. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the method, which apparatus includes a fluid pressure ram and means for supporting this in relation to the surface to enable the pressure to be applied to the patch. Means are provided for securing the terminal portions of the patch to the surface during application of pressure by the ram.

Abstract: A composite pallet for forming the lower end of a concrete pipe cast in a vertical position includes a concrete base having an annular portion shaped to form the end of the pipe. An outer annular steel ring is bonded to the base around the outer periphery of the annular portion of the concrete base, and an inner annular steel ring is bonded to the base around the inner periphery of the annular portion. The two rings are more chip-resistant than the concrete base. The outer ring is shaped to receive one end of an outer cylindrical form, and the inner ring is shaped to receive one end of an inner cylindrical form so that an annular cavity is formed between the two cylindrical forms for casting the concrete pipe.