Abstract: An egg apparatus has a top shell and a bottom shell designed to attach and detach to one another and when attached, the shells form a sealed internal cavity, the top shell having at least one aperture and the bottom shell having a tray for receiving an egg, the bottom shell is designed to receive water which can be heated to cook the egg; and a pop valve designed to fit within the aperture of the first shell and allows steam to escape while keeping the water inside the internal cavity formed by the two shells.

Abstract: A ball is provided forming an inside structure of the snow person, the ball having an inner and outer surface. The ball is a unitary work piece that is free and unconnected to other work pieces. An adhesion surface is disposed on the outer surface of the ball, the adhesion surface provided with nodules that extend away from the surface of the ball to adhere snow while the ball is rolled. Light units are integrated into the surface of the ball and having light emitting portions that extend away from the surface of the ball. A light output of the light units is selected to transmit light through a layer of snow. Connections between the light units situated within the ball connect the light units together.

Abstract: A climbing element has a through-opening running from a visible side to a rear side. A reinforcing element is arranged on or in the through-opening and has a passage opening arranged concentrically with the through-opening, wherein one end of the reinforcing element forms a screw head counterhold. Either the reinforcing element is composed of a counter-holding element having the screw head counterhold and a tubular rivet protruding from the rear side into the through-opening, or the reinforcing element is a single element, the underside of which is pressed into the plastic of the climbing element on the visible side of the climbing element, with an upper side of the reinforcing element being at least partially covered by the plastic.

Abstract: Described is a mould (1) for making a temporary prosthetic component for a knee in an operating room comprising: a first half-mould (10); a second half-mould (20) which can be coupled to the first half-mould (10) for forming a moulding chamber (C) for a temporary prosthetic component made of medical cement; and elements (30) for fixing the first half-mould (10) to the second half-mould (20). Each fixing element (30) has a rod (31) configured for connecting the first half-mould (10) to the second half-mould (20) and defining a weakness neck (32) configured to allow a facilitated breakage of the rod (31).

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a complex hollow article from a flexible polymer material. The method includes using an additive manufacturing system to form a precursory structure that is formed from a build material and phase change material, melting and removing the phase change material, injecting uncured liquid flexible polymer material into a cavity defined by the build material, curing and solidifying the flexible polymer material, and cracking and removing the build material from the flexible polymer material to provide the hollow article.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of ice cream shaping, in particular it is relating to a heated tool to imprint a pattern a frozen confectionery product, and especially a heated tool that melts away a channel of an outer coating layer of a frozen confectionery, thereby creating a peelable frozen confectionery product. It is an object of the present invention to provide a shaping tool that is suitable for making cleaner grooves in frozen confectionery products. We have found that a shaping tool that comprises of at least one heated element provides a molten channel in the outer surface of a frozen confection.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for compensating for shrinkage of a polymeric material in a mold during curing operations. Embodiments of the method include providing a mold comprising a molding cavity defining an interior mold volume separated from an exterior environment and introducing a volume of polymeric material into the molding cavity. Such methods further include impeding the development of a void in the volume of polymeric material by, either: isolating the volume of polymeric material within the molding cavity from the exterior environment, or reducing the interior mold volume of the molding cavity to at least substantially consume a volume of polymeric material shrinkage. Such methods further include curing the polymeric material to form a molded polymeric form.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device has a bone-replacement contour that replicates a healthy bone surface contour. An exterior surface of the device has elution pores. Interior surfaces of the device define a reservoir that is spaced inward from the exterior surface. The reservoir stores a therapeutic agent delivery medium impregnated with a therapeutic agent. The interior surfaces further define elution channels communicating the reservoir with the elution pores to convey a therapeutic agent from the reservoir to the exterior surface. A solid therapeutic agent delivery medium is stored in the reservoir, and is biodegradable under the influence of synovial fluid.

Abstract: When an elongate glove, such as a nitrile glove for a glove box, is made on a porcelain mold having a hand-defining portion, having an arm-defining portion, which extends from the hand-defining portion and which has an overall length at least two or more times the overall length of the hand-defining portion, having a substantially conical sub-portion, which flares upwardly and outwardly, when the porcelain mold is oriented in a dipping orientation, substantially the entire exterior of the porcelain mold is sandblasted before the porcelain mold is dipped successively into a bath containing a coagulating agent and into a bath containing a latex, then allowed to dwell in the bath containing the latex until enough of the latex coagulates to form a wet latex film on the porcelain mold, and then withdrawn with the wet latex film formed thereon from the bath containing the latex.

Abstract: A pillar slab system using precast concrete pillar slabs for constructing a pillar, pergola or other stone structure comprises a body comprising at least four sides. Each exterior side surface comprises at least one simulated stone face. At least first and second side surfaces also have at least one simulated joint defining a visual separation between simulated stone faces. The simulated joints in the side surfaces are disposed at different horizontal positions, so that when one pillar slab is stacked on an identical pillar slab in a different orientation, the simulated joints in adjacent surfaces are vertically staggered relative to one another to avoid obvious repeating patterns and provide the appearance of a natural stone construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making frozen food products from a fruit puree, i.e. a flowable banana meat or a flowable blend of fruit meat and other edible ingredients. A composition that includes peeled bananas and at least one antioxidant may be mixed in a mixing device at ambient temperature and under less than one atmosphere of pressure, forming the puree. The temperature of the puree is reduced to a semi-frozen state by passing the puree through a heat exchanger. The semi-frozen puree is then formed into food products with a pre-determined volume, shape, and weight by a molding or extrusion process. Sticks, if desired, may be inserted, and the shaped puree is then frozen to solidified cores. The solidified cores may be coated with chocolate and treated with other edible toppings and then packaged.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular articulating cement spacer mold for forming a temporary implant comprising a mold first portion, a mold second portion, and a ventilation forming surface feature on an interior surface of at least one of the mold first portion or the mold second portion. The first mold portion and the second mold portion have corresponding interior surfaces that form a cavity therebetween.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for mass producing cooked, cooled egg products having a grill fried egg appearance. One device includes a portion for positioning whole, intact, shelled eggs positioned laterally across and above a cooking mold conveyor, and a portion for cracking the eggshells and depositing the eggs into cooking molds on the conveyor. Some devices and methods include an egg yolk splitter for rupturing the egg yolk sac to deposit a whole egg having a ruptured egg yolk into each mold. Other devices and methods include irregular shaped egg molds for providing a mass produced cooked egg having a natural, irregular shaped outlines and/or surfaces. Devices and methods according to the present invention can be used to produce irregular, outlined shaped cooked egg products including whole eggs, formulated eggs, or eggs made from scrambled egg mixes.

Abstract: A single piece mould for shaping fruits of growing plants, with a continuous profile forming an envelope equipped with a longitudinal opening including in the same a system for closing and opening the mould by way of clip. This closing clip has a special design which prevents its opening when the growing fruit exerts pressure from within. The design of the clip has an extension that allows for easy opening when an external force is exerted on the same.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: A mosaic-style art kit is provided. The art kit includes a frame, modeling material, and a guide sheet. The frame includes a peripheral surface operably configured to overlie the guide sheet, and a mosaic-style internal structure having partitions forming cavities for receiving and retaining the modeling material. A front side of the frame is placed on the guide sheet such that the mosaic-style internal structure is aligned with a design on the guide sheet. The design thereby instructs a color of modeling material to be inserted into each cavity of the internal structure. The modeling material is inserted accordingly, and the frame and guide sheet are separated to produce a mosaic-style art product.

Abstract: A skin substitute membrane includes a surface on one side including a groove-shaped depressed portion and a planar portion, the depressed portion having a cross section having a chamfered V-letter shape, the surface having an arithmetic mean roughness Sa of more than or equal to 10 ?m to less than or equal to 50 ?m. The depressed portion has a width of more than or equal to 50 ?m to less than or equal to 500 ?m and a depth of more than or equal to 30 ?m to less than or equal to 150 ?m. A spectral transmittance for light of more than or equal to 290 nm to less than or equal to 400 nm in wavelength is more than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to casting-mold imprints and synthetic reproductions of serous membranes for tissue engineering and organogenesis. The imprints and synthetic membranes disclosed herein may be composed of distinct biocompatible polymers, which provide a mechanism for separation. Further disclosed herein are methods for making imprints and synthetic membranes that mimic natural scrous membranes.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an otoplastic device is described. In said method, a model of the auditory canal of an individual is made, then a thin film is placed over the model, and said thin film is used for making an accurate copy of the model in a deep drawing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.

Abstract: A skin substitute membrane includes a surface on one side including a groove-shaped depressed portion and a planar portion, the depressed portion having a cross section having a chamfered V-letter shape, the surface having an arithmetic mean roughness Sa of more than or equal to 10 ?m to less than or equal to 50 ?m. The depressed portion has a width of more than or equal to 50 ?m to less than or equal to 500 ?m and a depth of more than or equal to 30 ?m to less than or equal to 150 ?m. A spectral transmittance for light of more than or equal to 290 nm to less than or equal to 400 nm in wavelength is more than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 100%.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a visual display structure having a fade resistant surface finish. The visual display structure is three-dimensional and may be used to recreate a naturally occurring structure, such as rocks, coral or vegetation. The visual display structure may also be used to produce a scenic element, such as an underwater castle, sunken ship or ruins. The visual display structure is created by providing a base, a binder over the base, and crushed glass particles to the binder. The crushed glass particles may be selected from a plurality of colors and are arranged so as to imitate the naturally occurring structure and its surface features. Once the crushed glass particles are applied to the base, thereby assuming the shape of the base, the visual display structure is ready for use. The visual display structure may be exposed in part to an underwater environment as, for example, a component in a theme park attraction.

Abstract: An ear fitting piece for creating an ear impression and a method for creating an ear impression. In order to allow the creation of an ear impression at low cost, the ear fitting piece for creating an ear impression has a liquid, which has a first state in which it can be shaped and a second state in which it is solidified, a soft rubber sleeve, which encloses the liquid, and an activating device, which is designed to cause a change of state from the first state to the second state of the liquid. A further change of state from the second state to the first state of the liquid can be caused by heating.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a corner-shaped simulated stone product has a mold cavity configured to imprint a stone texture on at least a first side face and a front face of the corner-shaped product. The mold also provides a back face with a desirable molded interior angle. The mold cavity can have a flexible edge around a perimeter of the mold cavity to impart a textured surface to a second side face of the corner-shaped product.

Abstract: A method of forming custom shaped injection molded parts from elastomeric materials includes using a rapid prototyping system to create a rigid, hollow, mold. The mold has a relatively thin, breakable, side wall. Elastomeric material can be injected into the mold and cured. The mold can then be broken to extract a cured elastomeric part.

Abstract: A mold assembly and method of forming a surgical implant from bone cement. The method has the steps of connecting a plurality of mold segments to approximate the size of a patient implant. Each mold segment has an open channel. The method may further include aligning the channels of connected mold segments, positioning a centralizing holder on a reinforcement member, mixing bone cement, pouring at least some bone cement through the channels and into connected mold segments, fitting the reinforcement member into the mold segments, curing the bone cement; and removing the cured surgical implant.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis is adapted to massage a patient's chest so as to encourage circulation of interstitial lymph fluid. A breast form member has a front portion that has a shape corresponding to a human breast and a back portion. A protrusion member extends from the back portion. The protrusion member defines at least one protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The protrusion is disposed so that when the breast prosthesis held against the patient at a preselected location, the protrusion will massage the preselected location, thereby encouraging circulation of interstitial lymph fluid.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a molding device having one or more braces supporting a scaphal mold. The one or more braces and the scaphal mold are adapted to retain the helix and the helical rim of a misshaped ear within a space defined between the one or more braces and the scaphal mold, and to maintain a substantially correct anatomical shape of the helix and the helical rim.

Abstract: A former, process for making same, process for using same, and resulting pavement-like site, where the former is a one-time use structure made of wood fiber or paper pulp molded into a rigid shape and defining a plurality of hollow peak-like structures extending from a base sheet. Each peak is substantially closed at its extremity away from the base sheet and open at the extremity at the base sheet. This former is used for installing combination pavement and dirt/gravel surfaces such as those known under the tradename Grasscrete®.

Abstract: In order to produce a coating having an attractive, velvet-like or suede-like appearance for a substrate by application of a liquid plastic dispersion to the die surface 3 consisting of hydrophobic plastic and subsequent solidification of this plastic material, a die is used whose surface 3, according to the invention, has a gloss of less than 2.2 according to DIN 67530 at an angle of incidence of 60° and is provided with microscopically small well-like indentations 4.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular articulating cement spacer mold for forming a temporary implant. The modular spacer mold includes a head component mold defining a first opening, a head connector positioned within the first opening of the head component mold, a stem component mold defining a second opening, and a stem connector to fit within the second opening of the stem component mold to mateably engage the head connector. Related kits and methods of forming a temporary implant are provided.

Abstract: The form liner of the present invention simulates a natural stone wall having a random pattern. The form liner comprises an outer edge and a surface that is contoured to resemble a plurality of stones held together by an adhesive substance. The outer edge of the form liner has six connection regions made up of multiple linear segments. No two adjacent connection regions are connected at a ninety degree angle and no linear segment of the fifth connection region lies along the same linear path as any linear segment of the sixth connection region.

Abstract: In a plant for producing thin articles in the form of a slab, manufactured with a mix (M) based on agglomerate stone or ceramic material, the mix is distributed in a thin layer on a support (90) using a distributor (100) comprising a hopper (120) and an underlying extractor belt (150). Means (132, 151) are provided for preventing interruption of the article production cycle, required to eliminate the incrustations resulting from contact of at least part of the hopper (120) and/or the extractor belt (150) with the mix.

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

Abstract: A process is described for making gourd molds useful in the production of decorative ceramic and other articles which bear the textures of the gourd interior. Articles produced may also serve as models for use in the manufacture of production molds. Steps in making the gourd molds include selection, cutting, and removal of pulp; steps in using the gourd molds include treating with a release agent, casting, and removal of the gourd mold from the molded article.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: A contoured wall and method is disclosed for creating the contour and appearance of a wall formed from individual assembled units such as stones. The wall is formed from a plurality of mating form liners each having a reciprocal contoured surface to that of the desired stone wall. The wall is formed from hardenable construction material such as concrete poured between two mold members with the form liners attached to at least one of the mold members. Each of the form liners has a lateral relief mold face adapted to provide a molded surface having the contour of a stone wall. Each lateral relief mold face of the form liners has a latticework non-linear mortar-forming interlocking portion surrounding stone-forming recessed portions. The form liners are positionable in a plurality of arrangements wherein the interlocking portions and recessed portions along the mating edge of each form liner mate along mating edge of the adjacent form liner to form a continuous lateral relief mold face.

Abstract: An expanded propylene vehicle passenger restraint. The restraint includes a back portion, seat portion and side portions integrally joined together. A removable back insert is mounted to the back portion and a leg separator is mounted to the seat portion. The method of producing the restraint includes the step of scanning the configuration of the restraint into a router for shaping a solid plastic piece in accordance with the configuration.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant is formed from a sheet of moldable material such as a polymer or a bioresorbable material using an instrument. The material is heated above its glass transition temperature so that it can be formed into the desired shape of the implant. Then the material is cooled below its glass transition temperature to harden the material such that it retains the implant shape. During surgery, a surgeon can form implants to fit unique orthopedic applications by using instruments having various internal and external mold forms between which the sheet of moldable material can be rolled, wound, pressed or drawn.

Abstract: A process for making an artificial mineral or ceramic panels that can be used in gas fireplaces. The process uses a screen mold having simulated pattern elements to impart a realistic exterior surface to the article. A slurry of mineral fibers is injected under pressure into the mold forcing excess water therethrough leaving the fibers impinged within the mold. The article thus formed is dried in an oven and can be processed for additional decorative coatings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the forming of artificial leaves and flower petals, especially for use as a craft item, includes a male form for forming an armature for the leaf or petal and a female mold for generating the leaf or petal body. A flexible wire is wrapped about the male form to form an armature with an extending stem. The armature is removed from the form and placed in the mold. The mold is then filled with a film-forming casting material, such as a polyvinyl acetate. Upon cure, the artificial leaf or petal is removed from the mold. The leaf or petal may be combined with other leaves or petals similarly formed to form an artificial floral arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the forming of artificial leaves and flower petals, especially for use as a craft item, includes a male form for forming an armature for the leaf or petal and a female mold for generating the leaf or petal body. A flexible wire is wrapped about the male form to form an armature with an extending stem. The armature is removed from the form and placed in the mold. The mold is then filled with a film-forming casting material, such as a polyvinyl acetate. Upon cure, the artificial leaf or petal is removed from the mold. The leaf or petal may be combined with other leaves or petals similarly formed to form an artificial floral arrangement.

Abstract: A cement mold for use in forming a temporary orthopedic implant used in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The cement mold includes a first mold to define a first portion of the temporary implant and a second mold to define a second portion of the temporary implant. A coupling mechanism joins the first mold to the second mold such that the cement mold is substantially sealed to define the temporary implant. The cement mold further defines an input port which is operable to receive a delivery nozzle to supply antibiotic loaded bone cement within an inner sidewall of the cement mold. At least one ventilation port is defined by the cement mold which is operable to vent trapped air upon filling the cement mold with the antibiotic loaded bone cement through the input port. The cement mold further includes a removal mechanism which is operable to assist in tearing and separating the cement mold from the temporary implant.

Abstract: A climbing hold for mounting on a front face of a climbing wall with a fastener. The climbing hold includes a hold body and a reinforcing sleeve. The hold body has an exterior portion adapted to support a climber and a substantially planar mounting face adapted to engage the front face of the climbing wall. The reinforcing sleeve is secured within the hold body and has first and second ends with an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough adapted to accommodate the fastener for mounting the climbing hold to the climbing wall. The reinforcing sleeve substantially isolates the hold body from fastening forces that result from mounting the climbing hold to the climbing wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing ice figures as well as a device for this purpose. A device in accordance with invention (901) is provided with at least two cooling bodies (905, 906) facing one another, and these are washed by water inside a container (902). The cooling bodies are cooled to below the freezing point of water by means of a refrigeration compressor (904) using coolant so that ice layers (918, 919) form on each cooling body (905, 906), and grow onto one another and then contact one another, so that the two ice layers freeze together, so that a single-piece ice figure is produced, where the completion of the single-piece ice figure is detected for example with a sensor (922). Once the single-piece ice figure is completed it is detached from the cooling bodies (905, 906) and removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the forming of artificial leaves and flower petals, especially for use as a craft item, includes a male form for forming an armature for the leaf or petal and a female mold for generating the leaf or petal body. A flexible wire is wrapped about the male form to form an armature with an extending stem. The armature is removed from the form and placed in the mold. The mold is then filled with a film-forming casting material, such as a polyvinyl acetate. Upon cure, the artificial leaf or petal is removed from the mold. The leaf or petal may be combined with other leaves or petals similarly formed to form an artificial floral arrangement.