Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions mounted adjacent each other along a seam and a mechanism for creating holes at the seam. In some embodiments, first and second punches are used to create one hole underneath the container's handle. In some embodiments, a third mold portion is used to create a rose surface and create a plurality of holes therein.

Abstract: Methods and equipment for forming beveled edge(s) around the core opening in a concrete block are disclosed. The formation of the beveled edge(s) minimizes feathering along the block edges that are beveled as the block is stripped from a mold. Any feathering that does occur is shifted away from the bottom surface of the block to allow the block to lay flat on other blocks when dry stacked in a wall.

Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A method of making a microfluidic device by providing first and second substrates and forming a first frit structure on the first substrate and a second frit structure on the second substrate and consolidating the first and second substrates together, with frit structures facing, so as to form a consolidated-frit-defined and consolidated-frit-surrounded recess between said first and second substrates, where the second substrate has at least one pre-formed through-hole therein, and where forming a second frit structure includes forming a frit layer within said through-hole covering the interior surface of the through-hole to a thickness sufficiently thin to produce, on consolidating the substrates and the first and second frit structures together, a through-hole having an interior surface of consolidated frit continuous with the consolidated frit surrounding the recess.

Abstract: Curved surfaces of a preform of thermoplastic adhesive provide improved regulation of heating and exclusion of gas as surfaces to be bonded are heated and pressed against the thermoplastic adhesive preform. Particulate or filamentary materials can be added to the thermoplastic adhesive for adjustment of coefficient of thermal expansion or further increase of heat transfer through the adhesive or both. The preform is preferably fabricated by molding, preferably in combination with die-cutting of a preform of desired volume from a web of approximately the same thickness as the completed bond.

Abstract: A molded plastic structure (100) can include an in-mold decoration (112) having at least a first illumination feature (108) positioned at a first portion (142) of the molded plastic structure. The molded plastic structure also can include a first substrate (114) positioned proximate to the in-mold decoration, and a substantially optically clear or translucent second substrate (116) positioned proximate to the in-mold decoration. The second substrate can extend from the first portion of the molded plastic structure to a second portion (144) of the molded plastic structure. The second portion can be distal from the first portion. A separation layer (320) can be positioned between at least a portion of the first substrate and at least a portion of the second substrate. The separation layer can backscatter a substantial portion of light incident on at least a first side of the separation layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing products from material which is thermoplastically deformable, as from plastic, comprising:—a mold (2) with at least one mold cavity (3);—in the or each mold cavity (3) at least one slide (8);—movement means for moving each slide (8);—closing means for opening and closing the mold (2);—feed means for introducing, with the mold cavity (3) closed, said material in at least substantially plastic condition into the or each mold cavity; wherein the movement means (9) for moving the slide (3) are arranged for moving said slide forward at a relatively high speed relative to the movement speed of the mold parts upon opening and closing thereof, from a position at least partly retracted from the mold cavity, such that said material, as a result, is displaced in the mold cavity for obtaining the filling thereof, preferably at a speed high such that adiabatic heat development occurs in the or each mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for making abrasion-resistant composites is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of providing a fibrous sheet containing a high density of relatively short staple fibers having a decitex under 6.6; needle-punching the staple layer and applying an adhesive containing layer; followed by the application of heat and pressure to the composite to form a thin consolidated and abrasion-resistant back-face layer on the composite. Preferably, the adhesive layer is penetrated by the needled fibers during the needling step and the product is shrunk in area by 20-50% before the consolidation step. Also optionally, the consolidated layer is abraded or perforated to create micro-pores that are permeable to gases and capable of containing liquids under low-to-moderate pressures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disc cartridge for enclosing an optical disc rotatable therein. The disc cartridge includes an upper shell connected to a lower shell. The upper shell includes a center portion, a window portion surrounding the center portion and a frame surrounding the window portion. The upper shell is formed using a two-shot injection molding process in which a window portion is injection molded and a center opening is formed in the window portion. The center portion and the frame are formed substantially simultaneously by injection molding a common material within the center opening and around the perimeter of the window portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment a mold for creating a molded-in-color vehicle panel is provided. The mold may have at least first and second mold members, each having a forming surface for forming a portion of the vehicle panel. One mold member is translatable relative to the other to collectively receive a heated resin with a molded-in-color to form the vehicle panel. At least one punch is provided within one of the first or second mold members. The at least one punch is actuatable to extend through the one forming surface of and is actuatable to extend through a nest to nest in the other forming surface for forming an aperture through a partially cooled vehicle panel.

Abstract: Described are in-mold coated products such as vehicular components, in-mold coating methods, and in-mold coating compositions, involving the use of aqueous acrylic copolymer dispersions, desirably self-crosslinking.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for preparing and separating biological analytes. In one embodiment, one or more filtration devices or filter plate wells can be formed by clamping a filter sheet between first and second plates having at least one connecting cavity. First and second moveable core pins positioned on opposed sides of the sheet can be moved to remove portions of the sheet. A molten plastic can be injected to fill the volume between the cores and cavities and to form a liquid-impermeable sleeve wall or walls, each being separately sealed at the bottom to the perimeter of the sheet portion, each having liquid permeable regions of said removed and sealed sheet portion, and each remaining open at the top. Various exemplary configurations for filtration devices or filter plate wells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of venting a rotational mold at a predetermined condition by actuating an actuating venting assembly pierces the shell of the molded article and introduces a passageway to relieve pressure during the molding cycle. The actuating venting assembly enables a tactical methodology for venting such molds.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the production of polyarylene sulfide based resin, wherein in washing a polyarylene sulfide based resin with a mixed solvent of an aprotic organic solvent and water in a softened or molten state, the polyarylene sulfide based resin partially dissolved in the washing liquid is recovered, to be specific, the polyarylene sulfide based resin dissolved in the washing liquid is precipitated, separated and recovered by cooling the washing liquid after washing and/or adding water to the washing liquid, and it is reused. According to the present invention, capable of being provided is a process for the production of polyarylene sulfide based resin in which the polyarylene sulfide based resin formed by polymerization is scarcely lost in washing the above resin with a solvent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to form a plurality of apertures in a panel made from a meltable foamed plastic material. The apparatus has a movable panel support device for supporting said panel and a heating array. The heating array has a plurality of heating elements mounted to a support frame. The heating array is disposed opposite to the panel support device. Each of the heating elements is adapted to emit sufficient heat to melt the foamed plastic material when a panel is positioned proximate the heating elements. A driving mechanism is provided for moving the panel support device toward and away from said plurality of heating elements. The panel supporting device moves a panel supported thereon, towards and away from the plurality of heating elements and during them movement melts a plurality of apertures in the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions mounted adjacent each other along a seam and a mechanism for creating holes at the seam. In some embodiments, first and second punches are used to create one hole underneath the container's handle. In some embodiments, a third mold portion is used to create a rose surface and create a plurality of holes therein.

Abstract: A method of producing tight bezel fits between automotive interior panels and their mating subcomponents. The method includes forming at laminate preform, injection molding a substrate layer behind the laminate preform to form a molded automotive interior panel, and forming an opening in the molded automotive interior panel. The method further includes post embossing the molded automotive interior panel adjacent a perimeter of the opening to produce an embossed interface between the molded automotive interior panel and a mating subcomponent installed in the opening, thereby producing a tight bezel fit between the molded automotive interior panel and the mating subcomponent installed in the opening. Alternatively, the method includes utilizing a vacuum wrapped automotive interior panel with the embossing step described above. The invention also provides for an automotive interior panel including a tight bezel fit between the panel and mating subcomponents, formed by the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: A hollow plastic product with a substantially tubular section, two open ends and a thread at the outside of one end of the product is manufactured by injection molding a plastic product with a substantially tubular section, an open end, a closed end and a thread at the outside of the closed end. An inner core of the core mold part is retracted from within the end of the mold cavity in which the thread is formed so that when the molded product is removed from the cavity mold part, the neck is compressed to partially occupy the region vacated upon removal of the inner core, whereby the thread is removed without damaging the thread. Removal of the molded product from the core mold part is at least helped by injecting compressed air into the closed end of the product. The closed end is then opened.

Abstract: A blow molding system for forming a hole through a blow molded article includes a mold that houses an outer core pin and a pin support. During the blow molding process, a compression area is created in the mold. After the compression area is formed, the outer core pin and the pin support cooperatively cut out a portion of the compression area during the blow molding process. After the mold is opened, the cut-out portion of the compression area can be removed to expose the hole.

Abstract: An injection molding method and an injection mold used therefor are provided, in which a molded product free from burrs, whitening and gate marks can be obtained with a simple structure mold, and it can adequately serve the needs for multicavity molding as well. In the injection molding method, molten resin material is introduced and charged into a resin reservoir and a molding cavity of an injection mold, where a depth of the resin reservoir is larger than a thickness of a communicating portion. A cut punch is moved, when a portion of the resin material in the resin reservoir is still molten, to push the molten resin in the resin reservoir back from a gate into a runner so that the cut punch not only closes the communicating portion but also cuts a resin solidified portion in the resin reservoir away from a resin molded product in the molding cavity at the communicating portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for use in manufacturing a composite part includes molding a composite part on a lay-up tool, machining a sacrificial portion of a first surface for securing a first hardware device with the composite part while the part is on the lay-up tool and cutting the part forming a peripheral edge while the part is on the lay-up tool. The method can further include positioning the first hardware device in contact with a machined interface of the composite part and machining the part including drilling a plurality of positioning holes through the hardware device and the part while the part is on the lay-up tool. The machining can include machining the sacrificial portion creating a machined interface and positioning the hardware device on the machined interface.

Abstract: A method for blow molding bottles having a hole formed in a molded interior recess extending from a top face of a bottle neck includes the steps of: (i) providing a mold having a neck forming cavity with an end flange surface therein; (ii) disposing a parison of molten material within the mold; (iii) introducing pressurized fluid into the parison to expand it against the mold walls, thereby forming a final shape of the bottle; (iv) forming the interior recess in the bottle by advancing a recess forming rod through a hole in the end flange surface and into the neck forming cavity; and (v) creating a dispensing hole in the interior recess by advancing a punch through a hole in an end face of the recess forming rod.

Abstract: A hollow plastic product with a substantially tubular section, two open ends and a thread at the outside of one end of the product is removed from a core mold part by closing the threaded end of the molded product and injecting compressed air into the molded product to loosen the molded product from the core mold part. The threaded end of the product is closed by attaching a closure having a matching thread onto the threaded end.

Abstract: A method for making a foam sheet having ventilation holes includes the steps of: (a) preparing first and second molds, each including lower and upper mold parts separably closed to each other so as to define first and second mold cavities for the first and second molds, respectively, and providing the second mold with a plurality of pins extending into the second mold cavity, the second mold cavity being larger than the first mold cavity; (b) placing a foamable blank into the first mold cavity; (c) foaming the blank in the first mold cavity; (d) placing the blank foamed in step (c) into the second mold cavity, and piercing the blank through the use of the pins; and (e) foaming the blank to form a foam product within the second mold cavity while being pierced by the pins.

Abstract: An optical recording medium-manufacturing apparatus which is capable of reducing wear of a cut-forming blade section used for forming a cut in a resin layer, without increasing the component costs of the apparatus. An ultrasonic horn includes a hollow-cylindrical cut-forming blade section for being pushed into a resin layer formed on one side of a disk-shaped substrate, thereby forming a circular cut in the resin layer. A control section controls motion of the ultrasonic horn caused by a moving mechanism. The control section causes the ultrasonic horn to be pushed in to the resin layer while causing ultrasonic vibration thereof to thereby form the cut, and while maintaining a state of ultrasonic vibration of the abutment section and a pushed-in state of the cut-forming blade section, causes the punching blade section to be pushed into the disk-shaped substrate, to form the central hole.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle, comprising a support structure provided with a padding having a seating surface. The support structure comprises a plurality of first layers of high-rigidity composite material having an opening formed centrally therein and a second layer of composite material with a rigidity less than that of the first layers, fixed to the latter along a superimposed surface covering the opening so as to form an elastically yielding zone which is preferably located in the prostatic and ischiatic zones of the seat of the saddle.

Abstract: Polymer foams having a good balance of high sound absorption, low thermal conductivity and generally low water absorption are disclosed which are obtainable by perforating (i.e., hole punching) a polymer foam having a moderately large cell size (1.5 mm to 4 mm) and an open content not greater than 40 percent to increase the open cell content of the foam by at least about 10 percent relative to the non-perforated foam, the polymer foam matrix preferably made of a thermoplastic foam, such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin, a high melt strength (HMS) polypropylene resin (PP), or a blend of an HMS PP resin and an LDPE resin, optionally containing a cell size enlarging agent such as glycerol monostearate, an antioxidant, carbon black and/or flame retardant additives, using a volatile organic compound, e.g. isobutane, as blowing agent.

Abstract: Mold apparatus for molded wood strand three-dimensionally carved articles of manufacture using at least one hole punch comprised of a base and a funnel shaped hole-defining portion having a funnel angle of 20 degrees or greater to vertical for producing molded holes at angles of 20 degrees or greater to vertical, to facilitate insertion of items such as a T nut within the molded hole in an assembly-line like fashion.

Abstract: An assembly disposed within a mold for forming openings in a plastic part includes a punch pin and a backing pin having faces disposed flush with a surface of a mold cavity. The backing pin is disposed opposite the punch pin. The punch pin is driven into the completed plastic part removing material to form an opening. The waste material is driven into a bore housing the backing pin. The backing pin recedes into the bore to accept the waste material. Upon ejection of the plastic part the waste material ejects from the mold cavity as the backing pin moves back to a position flush with the surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: To provide manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein and a mold for implementing such method, which reduce the time required for manufacturing, do not leave shavings in the gap between the outer tube and the inner tube, and offer highly accurate hole positioning. The manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein pertaining to the present invention uses a mold in which a punch is located in at least one of the split mold halves that form the outer circumferential surface, an indentation is formed by drawing the punch into the mold, and fluid pressure is applied between the outer tube and the inner tube of the double tube located within the mold to form a hole in the circumferential wall of the outer tube via such indentation. Furthermore, the punch is placed in the mold in a watertight fashion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foamed plastic article includes disposing a release film on a mold surface of a mold cavity. At least a portion of a bushing is inserted through the release film to form an aperture in the release film. The bushing defines an inlet for foamable material. The mold cavity is then sealed. The foamable material is then injected into the mold cavity through the inlet, wherein the foamable material is conformed to the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mold for forming wood flakes into a molded wood flake part including a top mold die and a bottom mold die. The top mold die includes a punch for forming a hole in the part, and the bottom mold die includes a punch receiving aperture. The punch includes a tapered upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion for forming the hole in molded parts of varying thicknesses. The punch includes a tapered upper section defining an upper opening of a first radius in a top surface of the molded part and a cylindrical lower section defining an opening of a second radius in a bottom surface of the molded part. The cylindrical lower portion is sufficiently long that the bottom opening in the hole in each part formed will have the same second radius.

Abstract: A method for weakening a portion of a web includes moving a web in a machine direction between at least a first location and a second location, wherein the second location is positioned downstream of the first location, forming a line of weakness in the web at the first location, wherein the web has a first tensile strength across the line of weakness, and weakening the line of weakness at a second location, wherein the web has a second tensile strength across the line of weakness after the line of weakness is weakened at the second location and wherein the first tensile strength is greater than the second tensile strength.

Abstract: A molded wood flake or strand part (14) is shown, having a densified and/or thinner perimeter surrounding a hole (15) in the part. The method of making such part includes narrowing the mold cavity surrounding the hole, and/or providing a hole punch (17) with a shoulder which projects beyond the surface of the mold, to further compress the wood flakes or strands near the hole.

Abstract: A thin film keypad includes a retainer sheet and a plurality of keycaps molded onto keycap attachment regions on the retainer sheet such that the keys are mechanically secured to the retainer sheet. The retainer sheet is made of a thin film material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, and each keycap attachment region includes at least a hole and/or at least one retainer anchor portion. The keycaps are molded from a plastic material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The thin film material is placed in a molding tool and the plastic material is injected into a keycap mold cavity such that the plastic material flows through the holes and/or around the retainer anchor portions, thereby anchoring the keycaps to the retainer sheet.

Abstract: An improved method for embossing expanded graphite sheet material including removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a FCBGA (Flip-Chip Ball-Grid-Array) package without causing mold flash is proposed, which is characterized by the forming of a dummy pad over the back surface of the substrate to allow the portion of the solder mask formed over a vent hole in the substrate to be substantially raised to an elevated flat surface where a groove is then formed to surround the exit of the vent hole. During a molding process, when the encapsulation material infiltrates to the exit of the vent hole, it can be confined within the groove in the elevated flat surface over the dummy pad, thereby preventing it from flashing to nearby solder-ball pads.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shell element (13) for an electronic device, said shell element (13) having a front part(5) and at least one part that is angled in relation to said front part (5). The shell element (13) further comprises a formed sheet (6) that constitutes at least a part of the outer surface of said front part (5) and at least a part of said at least one part that is angled in relation to the front of the shell element (13). The method comprises the steps of first forming a sheet (1) to a desired shape including a part that is angled in relation to a front part (5) and then injection molding a plastics material on the back of the formed sheet (6). At least one opening (7) is provided in the angled part of the formed sheet (6) before the plastics material is injection molded on the back of the formed sheet (6) and the at least one opening (7) is left open during the injection molding of the plastics material on the back of the formed sheet (6).

Abstract: A continuous loop polishing pad that is reinforced by a reinforcing filler and a method for fabricating the polishing pad are described. The reinforced polishing pad is constructed by a sub-layer and a top layer, wherein the sub-layer defines an inner diameter of the polishing pad and contains a reinforcing filler with an aspect ratio of at least 10 oriented substantially in a circumferential direction of the continuous loop polishing pad. The top layer is laminated to the sub-layer with a top surface defining an outer diameter of the polishing pad, while both the sub-layer and the top layer are formed of a polymeric material. The invention further describes a method for fabricating the reinforced polishing pad in a continuous loop.

Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological arrays, biological microarrays, and methods of using the arrrays and microarrays to detect the amount and/or presence of a biological molecule in a biological sample. Biological arrays of the invention comprise a solidified, sectionable matrix comprising a plurality of wells disposed therein and one or more biological samples disposed within the plurality of wells, which biological arrays optionally comprise an internal standard preparation and/or an orientation marker. Sections or slices of the biological arrays are mounted on a planar substrate surface to form cellular microarrays of the invention. In alternative cellular microarrays of the invention, the matrix material is a temperature-sensitive material removable from the microarray leaving cellular biological material on the substrate surface.

Abstract: Method of production of molded wood strand three-dimensionally curved articles of manufacture using at least one hole punch comprised of a base and a funnel shaped hole-defining portion having a funnel angle of 20 degrees or greater to vertical for producing molded holes at angles of 20 degrees or greater to vertical, to facilitate insertion of items such as a T nut within the molded hole in an assembly-line like fashion.

Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: To provide manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein and a mold for implementing such method, which reduce the time required for manufacturing, do not leave shavings in the gap between the outer tube and the inner tube, and offer highly accurate hole positioning. The manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein pertaining to the present invention uses a mold in which a punch is located in at least one of the split mold halves that form the outer circumferential surface, an indentation is formed by drawing the punch into the mold, and fluid pressure is applied between the outer tube and the inner tube of the double tube located within the mold to form a hole in the circumferential wall of the outer tube via such indentation. Furthermore, the punch is placed in the mold in a watertight fashion.

Abstract: A method for making aerated concrete blocks includes dispensing materials for making aerated concrete into a mold and allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body. The body may be divided into an array of blocks which are then cured. At least one passageway may be formed in each block, such as by drilling. The drilling may include drilling a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block, and each passageway may have a circular cylindrical shape. The passageways permit easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and facilitate positioning of blocks during construction of a wall to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in aligned passageways. The positioning of the passageways in each of the blocks may assist alignment of adjacent passageways, especially at wall corners.

Abstract: A method for medical balloon fabrication comprising the steps of securing a balloon with a mold by inflating it and then enlarging the inner diameter of the balloon. The devices of the invention comprise a fixture with a mold configured to hold the inflated balloon and a drill that can be centered with the mold to enlarge the inner diameter of the balloon.