Abstract: An ice making device includes an ice tray, an ice separating mechanism which is a mechanism structured to take out ice pieces from the ice tray, a drive part structured to drive the ice separating mechanism, and a frame which supports the ice tray and the drive part. The frame is provided with a water passage part which guides water supplied from an outside to the ice tray, and the frame is attached with a water supply adaptor which is a water passage member separately provided from the water passage part for supplying the water to the water passage part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cap comprises molding the cap in a cavity of a mold, the cavity formed by a plurality of members. The cap is released from the mold, including: a stage wherein there is a relative axial shift of a first member forming a portion of the mold cavity along an inner diameter surface of an upper sidewall and dosing tube relative to a second member forming a portion of the mold cavity along an underside of an upper web.

Abstract: A modular mold for making a hollow ice brick includes an external mold (1) and a mold core (2). The external mold (1) is a container that is formed by a bottom plate (11) and an enclosure wall (12) and that has an opening at the top thereof. The mold core (2) is located on the bottom plate (11) of the external mold (1). The bottom plate (11) and the enclosure wall (12) of the external mold (1) as well as the mold core (2) are spliced by modular mold sheets (3). The ice making mold adopts a modular design, is spliced by mold sheets and can be quickly assembled, and molds of different shapes and sizes can be formed according to requirements of a user. The formed mold includes the external mold (1) and the mold core (2); after a liquid is added in the external mold (1), a hollow ice brick can be formed when the external mold (1) is placed in a cold place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge comprising the steps of: providing an ammunition cartridge mold comprising a bottom portion having a primer recess extending into the bottom portion adapted to receive a primer, a flash hole positioned in the primer recess through the bottom surface; side walls extending from the bottom portion to a nose end aperture, wherein a propellant chamber is formed between the nose end aperture and the bottom surface; injecting a metal composition into the ammunition cartridge mold to form a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge; and removing the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge from the ammunition cartridge mold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing pressware are provided. In one or more embodiments, a method for producing pressware can include producing a pressware product between an upper forming die and a lower forming die contained within a forming die assembly, retracting at least a portion of the upper forming die from the pressware product, and ejecting the pressware product from the lower forming die while feeding a web material between the upper forming die and the lower forming die. The method can also include cutting a segment of the web material to produce a substrate, and pressing the substrate between the upper forming die and the lower forming die to produce another pressware product.

Abstract: Methods and system for creating spacing between insulated stator coils include a spacing device with an expandable container. The expandable container is positioned and expanded between stator coil end portions in order to create a space between the insulated stator coil end portions. Insulating elements are placed in the space created between the stator coil end portions, and the expandable container removed.

Abstract: Methods of making molded objects, such as composite ammunition casings for firearms, are disclosed. Apparatus for performing methods of making molded objects, such as composite ammunition casings for firearms, are also disclosed. Molded objects, such as composite ammunition casings for firearms, are further disclosed.

Abstract: A formation aid, for use in the forming of receptacles in a swimming pool, includes a three-dimensional body having an essentially conical shape. The three-dimensional body of the formation aid includes a narrow end, for placement near an interior edge of the swimming pool during formation of the swimming pool; and a wide end, for placement remote from the interior edge of the swimming pool, in order to form a receptacle.

Abstract: Top and bottom ferrous carrier plates have a plurality of pairs of mating window cavities. Pairs of mating nonferrous pre-molded inserts with mating mold cavities snap into mating window cavities with a rubberized retainer ring therebetween to create floating mating pre-molded insert molds in multiple material carrier plate assemblies. Liquefied material is dispensed through pot bushings and plungers in each top pre-molded insert. The liquefied material flows though gate openings located in each insert top surface filling the mold cavities. The liquefied material then solidifies to its permanent shape in the mold cavities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing that are scaleable and de-scaleable based upon the production requirements of the customer's manufacturing facility. Systems and methods for mobile and/or modular manufacturing positioned at or near a customer's production facility that are scaleable and de-scaleable based upon the production requirements of the customer's manufacturing facility. The systems and methods of manufacturing may include identifying a customer's production requirements at the customer's production facility, designing a manufacturing cell based upon the identified production requirements, delivering components for the manufacturing cell to a location at or near the customer's production facility, assembling the components to form the manufacturing cell at the location, and training operational personnel to operate the manufacturing cell. The systems and methods may comprise using a modular preform mold system.

Abstract: A coating system includes a coating device, a suction device, and a conveyor system. The coating device includes a first holding device including a first surface, a second holding device including a recess and opposite to the first holding device, an o-ring positioned on the first surface. The first holding device couples to the second holding device and a component is held on the first surface. A forming cavity is surrounded by the component, the recess, and the o-ring. Glue is injected into the forming cavity and is formed films over the component.

Abstract: A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.

Abstract: A pair of mold cores (51, 52) for molding an undercut portion (P1) in a holder (30) installed inside a movable mold (13) are connected to and supported by a retaining piece (40) which is moved in the demolding direction, and at the time of demolding, the respective mold cores (51, 52) are guided by guide means (33, 34) from the molding position, where they are contacted with each other, to the mold release position, where they are separated from each other, being moved from one end side to the other end side of the retaining piece (40), in the mutually opposite directions so as to pass each other in the back and forth direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a removable metalized conformal shield for a circuit substrate having at least one circuit component includes: forming a cast representing the circuit substrate having the at least one circuit component; preparing a metalized conformal shield using the cast; applying the metalized conformal shield to the circuit substrate; measuring an output of the circuit component of the circuit substrate; removing the metalized conformal shield from the circuit substrate; and adjusting the circuit component based on the measured output.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles includes providing a template that has a plurality of discrete surface portions, each discrete surface portion having a surface geometry selected to impart a desired geometrical property to a particle while being produced; depositing a constituent material of the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles being produced onto the plurality of discrete surface portions of the template to form at least portions of the particles; separating the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles comprising the constituent material from the template into a fluid material, the particles being separate from each other at respective discrete surface portions of the template; and processing the template for subsequent use in producing additional at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of silicone rubber molds is covered by a holder structure which has a flanged body, a handle extending from one side of the body, and an anchor structure extending from the other side of the body into the interior of the mold. The anchor structure has an enlarged outer end which engages with and tends to hold the frozen confection onto the handle for removal from the mold, and while the confection is being eaten.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for potting an electrical module. In one embodiment, the method includes placing the electrical component in a potting mold, wherein the potting mold comprises an interior topology that matches a topology of one or more components of the electrical module, filling the potting mold with a potting compound and curing the potting compound over the electrical module.

Abstract: A graphite crucible for processing silicon includes a bottom wall including a bottom wall interior facing surface. A plurality of side walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall, each side wall including a side wall interior facing surface. A contact point is provided on the side wall to prevent upward movement of the crucible during ingot removal. The side walls have a coefficient of thermal expansion perpendicular to the solidification direction that is less than 95% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon processed therein. Also, the side walls and the bottom wall have a thru-plane thermal conductivity from about 90 to about 160 W/m·K at room temperature.

Abstract: A system for continuous casting of melt-cast products such as soaps, detergents and the like comprising: i) a substantially vertically disposable mould unit to favour solidification/casting of the melt cast composition during an upstream motion through the mould unit; ii) the mould unit operatively connected at it's lower end to a supply source of the melt-cast composition; iii) means for controlling the temperature of the melt in the mould unit to achieve the desired solidification and shaping during traverse of the melt from the bottom of the mould towards the top thereof, which is adapted to eject the formed cast product.

Abstract: A molding tray and system for making molded structures using a moldable material. The molding tray includes an outer tray and a resilient inner mold fitted therein. The outer tray includes a hole in a bottom wall thereof to provide access to a bottom face of the inner mold such that pressure may be applied to the bottom face through the hole so as to dislodge a molded structure.

Abstract: An expandable molding insert apparatus and corresponding method are provided. The insert apparatus may be expandable between a first uncompressed position with a first diameter and a second compressed position with a second, larger diameter due to axial decompression and compression, respectively, of the insert apparatus. For example, the insert apparatus may include an inner rod, an outer jacket, and a compression member. The compression member may be configured to provide axial compression to the outer jacket, such that the outer jacket may be adjusted between a first uncompressed position with a first outer diameter and a second compressed position with a second, larger outer diameter. The insert apparatus of the present disclosure facilitates withdrawal of the insert apparatus from a molded component, requires a minimal number of mechanical components, and provides for ease of actuation when the insert apparatus is utilized during a molding process.

Abstract: Depanning devices and methods of using the depanning devices are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device comprising a rotatable support and a grid attached to the support. The grid comprises one or more movable gates and defines one or more passages. The device can further comprise a tray defining one or more recessed portions. The tray is removably attachable to the rotatable support.

Abstract: A system and method of separating a cast concrete product from a mold is provided. The system includes a rotating drum arrangement, a catch arm attached to rotate with the drum arrangement, and a mold having at least one cavity to form the concrete product. The mold includes a lead end opposite a trail end relative to a sequence of engagement by the rotating drum arrangement. The mold further includes a grab bar inserted through the mold. The rotating catch arm is configured capture the grab bar in a manner so as to cause the mold to wrap around the drum arrangement and separate the concrete product from the mold.

Abstract: An ice mold includes a container having a bottom surface, a pair of end walls, a pair of sidewalls and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. The bottom surface includes a plurality of integral ridges with integral grooves formed therebetween that extend from one end wall to the other. Preferably, the sidewalls and end walls extend outwardly slightly relative to a vertical plane to facilitate removal of an ice block. The open top is bordered by a lip having an inverted U-shaped cross-section that may be grasped to lift or contort the container.

Abstract: A four-sided open top forming mold body for material such as snow or sand having peripheral walls with in-turned flanges at a bottom thereof, a mold bottom adapted to rest against the in-turned flanges, inter-engaging edge portions of the bottom and configurations on the walls retaining the bottom in place until application of a force sufficient to overcome the retention whereby the bottom can push the molded material out of the mold, and the bottom can be re-snapped into position at the bottom before another material molding, the mold body adapted to receive an open ended receptacle such as a sandbag having a greater length than the height of the mold such that the receptacle open end can be closed when the receptacle is filled with material to the top of the mold.

Abstract: A concrete block mold division plate for front-face-up block molding. The division plate fits into a channel formed in each of the side walls of the mold. A plurality of fasteners secure the division plate within each channel and to the side walls of the mold. The division plate operates in conjunction with an optimized dry cast concrete mixture to provide acceptable control of the flatness and parallelism of the top and bottom surfaces of the blocks.

Abstract: A form for casting concrete blocks and other products having a resilient insert defining a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support or frame for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the block is removed from the insert either by inverting the form to allow the block to fall from the insert or by lifting the block from the insert. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support with at least one generally flat flexible strap so that at least a portion of the insert is allowed to move a limited distance relative to the support and to deform to release the block. One end of each tether strap is embedded in the insert. After the cast block is separated from the insert, the insert is returned to a position wherein it is supported for casting another block.

Abstract: A mold separating device includes a base with a driven member and a driving member rotating on the base. The driven member has a first through hole in it, and the base has a second through hole in it. The through holes receive a first mold and a second mold. The first through hole is coaxial to the second through hole. A cavity is defined in an inner wall of the driven member. An ejector is elastically fixed in the cavity and can be expelled from the cavity. A separator is disposed on a front portion of the ejector. A rotatable shaft is fixed in the driving member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a concrete block in form having a resilient insert forming a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the form is inverted. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support so that at least a portion of the insert can fall a short distance from the support. The weight of the cast block sufficiently deforms the insert to allow the block to fall free from the insert. When the form is again inverted to its upright position, the insert falls back into the support and returns to its original shape.

Abstract: An individual ice cube handling device is disclosed comprising an ice tray and a decorative flag. The ice tray includes a plurality of compartments having a retaining collar formed therein located at a central, inferior position of each compartment. A staff portion of a decorative flag coaxially engages the retaining collar so that, when water is added to the compartments and frozen therein, the decorative flag extends beyond the superior surface of each frozen cube so as to provide a means of removing individual ice cubes from the tray, a means of hygienically handling the cubes, and a means of displaying a decorative or informative banner. The staff is shaped and configured as a tapered rod so as to facilitate removal of the decorative flag from the ice when desired.

Abstract: A form for casting concrete blocks and other products having a resilient insert defining a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support or frame for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the block is removed from the insert either by inverting the form to allow the block to fall from the insert or by lifting the block from the insert. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support with at least one generally flat flexible strap so that at least a portion of the insert is allowed to move a limited distance relative to the support and to deform to release the block. One end of each tether strap is embedded in the insert. After the cast block is separated from the insert, the insert is returned to a position wherein it is supported for casting another block.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A lipstick making device includes an elastic mold device having a mold cavity for filling and molding a lipstick element, three or more curved mold pieces movably disposed above the elastic mold device for forming a hole in the mold pieces when the curved mold pieces are moved radially inward and toward each other, and for receiving the lipstick material to form a root portion of the lipstick element. The root portion of the lipstick element may be exposed when the curved mold pieces are moved away from each other for allowing the slide of the lipstick housing to be easily and readily engaged onto the exposed root portion of the lipstick element.

Abstract: An improved sucker pin bushing for an injection mold is disclosed. In various preferred embodiments, the improved sucker pin bushing maintains much of the configuration of a conventional sucker pin bushing, namely a body portion and a head portion having a larger diameter than the body portion. A shoulder is formed where the body portion meets the head portion. However, the need for a jam screw or other retaining means is eliminated by the present invention by the inclusion of threads on the head portion of the bushing.

Abstract: An angle pin roller guide is disclosed. A slide has at least one angle pin receiving hole for receiving an angle pin. Adjacent to the angle pin receiving hole is at least one pair of roller bearings mounted in the slide. Movement of the angle pin in a first direction imparts a force on the roller bearings, which results in a corresponding movement of the slide in second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Two or more sets of roller bearings can be staggered relative to the movement of the angle pin such that the corresponding movement of the slide varies with the degree of stagger between the sets of roller bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for degating is provided for separating excess molding material from encapsulated electronic packages while the electronic packages are located in a molding system. At least one holding device is coupled to a mold of the molding system, which is located such that excess molding material is molded onto at least a portion of the holding device during molding. A locking feature on the portion of the holding device locks the excess molding material such that the holding device may hold the excess molding material molded onto it to forcibly separate the excess molding material from the encapsulated electronic packages after molding.

Abstract: A concrete form with a keyway with an opening between opposing keyway lips together with a base that fits through the keyway opening and rotates without restriction in the keyway such that a portion of the base rests behind the keyway lips so when it is pulled as a clamp or tie is exercised to secure a stake to the form the base is secured tight against the form front. The concrete form further has at least one brace wall extending between intermediate the keyway back wall and the form back. Form end connectors securable in form ends are provided that join two forms aligned end to end.

Abstract: A stress-release mold is described for casting thermosetting compositions especially compositions designed for consumer use. At least one wall of the mold includes a stress-releasing-element characterized by having a more flexible region or regions than the remaining wall or walls of the mold and wherein the stress-releasing-element includes a region of lower curvature at least partially surrounded by a region of higher curvature. The stress-release mold greatly reduces or eliminates surface defects caused by shrinkage of thermosetting compositions as they cools. A system is also described that includes the inventive mold containing a thermosetting composition wherein the mold also serves as all or part of the package for the composition.

Abstract: An object may be colored to indicate draft angles of a pull direction at various locations of the object. The coloration advantageously employs a color map specifying a color spectrum for a range of trigonometric values of the draft angles.

Abstract: A structure of foaming die for forming a generally inverted-L-shaped headrest, which is designed to receive and enclose an incomplete headrest unit comprising a hollow trim cover assembly of a generally “inverted L” shape having a horizontal upper portion and a vertical head support portion, and at least one headrest stay extending vertically from the horizontal upper portion. This die structure includes die surface portions workable for receiving and enclosing a whole of the hollow trim cover assembly. A movable die element is movably provided so as to be movable toward and away from an operative position where the movable die element is normally set to receive a back cover surface region of such head support portion, thereby allowing the movable die element to be moved away from the operative position and thus allowing a resulting headrest to be removed from the die subsequent to a foaming process.

Abstract: An improved mold is provided for forming concrete blocks wherein the mold is of the type that has at least one wall having a plurality of spaced projections extending inwardly from the wall into a block material forming cavity. The at least one wall further includes a lip at a bottom of the wall extending inwardly into the cavity with the lip having an inwardly extending lip extension disposed along its bottom. The improvement includes having the lowermost projections in abutment with a top surface of the lip, and a vertical inner surface of each projection being coplanar with an upper vertical inner surface of the lip.

Abstract: A device for releasing and removing flexible synthetic material elements from a molding surface, comprising a molding surface on which the elements are arranged, a unit for gripping the elements that can be actuated from a lower position, in which it is in contact with the element, to an upper position, the grip unit comprising a tubular body that has a vertical axis and, in a downward region, an edge for compressing, in the lower position, the peripheral region of the element onto the molding surface, forming thereat a region that forms a seal with the surface, the molding surface being provided with a blower for conveying a stream of air under the element in order to release it from the molding surface.

Abstract: As a part of the manufacture of concrete products, such as concrete pipe, manholes and the like, the joint rings applied during the casting process much be removed. The invention relates to a joint ring removal system in which a vertically oriented concrete product, containing a joint ring, is gripped to hold the product stationary while a joint ring pulling force is applied. Then, a shocking force is applied laterally to the joint ring to free it from the concrete joint. The amount of pulling force applied to the joint ring is less than that required to separate the joint ring from the concrete while the shocking force is applied in a direction transverse to the pulling force so that no harmful tensile shocking forces are transmitted to the concrete joint. The pulling force on the joint ring is variably applied and timed with the shocking force.

Abstract: A method and tool for removing modular concrete forms from underlying rigid concrete are disclosed. The tool includes a lever end, a fulcrum, and a claw end having a notch particularly adapted to engage a knob that protrudes from a surface of the modular concrete form. The method includes engaging the claw end of the tool with the knob, abutting the fulcrum against rigid concrete adjacent the modular form, and exerting a force on the lever end in the direction of the adjacent rigid concrete.

Abstract: A method and tool for removing modular forms from underlying rigid concrete are disclosed. The tool includes a lever end, a fulcrum, and a claw end having a notch particularly adapted to engage a knob that protrudes from a surface of the modular form. The method includes engaging the claw end of the tool with the knob, abutting the fulcrum against rigid concrete adjacent the modular form, and exerting a force on the lever end in the direction of the adjacent rigid concrete. Alternatively, the tool can include a head having a projection to engage a slot defined in a modular form.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink which includes the steps of filling molten ink into a mold cavity defined by a first die and a second die of a mold, allowing the ink to cool down and solidify in the mold cavity, and heating at least one of the first and second dies for re-melting the surface of the ink pellet to facilitate its removal from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided. The retaining wall block includes top, bottom, front, back, first side and second side surfaces. A tongue set is provided on the top surface of the block and a groove in the bottom surface of the block. The tongue set includes a rear-facing surface set that includes first and second curved sections. A block form for forming retaining wall blocks is also provided. A face form for placement on the bottom surface of a block form is also provided. A method of molding retaining wall blocks with a form having hinged doors is also provided. A method of using a face form for forming two blocks of reversed front surface ornamentation is also provided.

Abstract: A method and tool for removing modular concrete forms from underlying rigid concrete are disclosed. The tool includes a lever end, a fulcrum, and a claw end having a notch particularly adapted to engage a knob that protrudes from a surface of the modular concrete form. The method includes engaging the claw end of the tool with the knob, abutting the fulcrum against rigid concrete adjacent the modular form, and exerting a force on the lever end in the direction of the adjacent rigid concrete.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly forming a cementitious panel. A cementitious mixture is introduced into a mold configured to provide the desired surface appearance and profile of the cementitious panel. The cementitious mixture is then subject to an accelerated curing process by applying microwave energy to the cementitious mixture for a predetermined time period. After a relatively short resting or cooling period, the resulting cementitious panel is ready to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A freezer tray unit that houses removable inserts with various cavity shapes. This unit can be used to make ice in an unlimited number of shapes, by simply changing the inserts. This unit is made up of several kit contents. The quantities required for one kit are the body (1), slotted rod (1), bottom tray (1), releasers (8), and inserts (8). The unit utilizes two mechanisms for ice removal. One mechanism removes ice from individual inserts. Features responsible for this mechanism are the insert guard, slotted rod, releaser, and bottom tray. Another mechanism removes ice from all the inserts simultaneously. The ice removal features utilized in this mechanism are the insert guard, ice guard, slotted rod, and releaser. The inserts can be utilized independently in refrigerators for effective space management. Also, the inserts may be utilized for making baked products in ovens.