Abstract: A molded multi-layer article has an interior layer contained within inner and outer layers. The article is molded by co-injecting the inner, outer, and interior layer materials into a mold defining a cavity. The interior layer material is caused to flow along a steam line offset from the zero velocity gradient of the combined material flow in a manner so that the interior layer material flow stream does not flow along or cross the zero velocity gradient yet has a greater flow velocity than the average flow velocity of the combined flow front. These methods and apparatus can mold four or more multilayer articles at once, each having an interior layer extending throughout 95% or more of the sealable portion of the article. The interior layer of a resultant article can extend throughout 99% or more of the sealable portion of the article.

Abstract: A first mold has a core passage, and first and second cavities in fluid communication with each other at the core passage. A second mold has first and second nozzles therein that inject first and second resins to the first and second cavities, respectively. The core member is slidable within the core passage to provide or block the fluid communication between the cavities, and has a third nozzle therein to inject a third resin to the core passage. The first and second resins are injected into the cavities. The core member is moved to block the fluid communication between the cavities, before injecting the first and second resins is completed. The third resin is injected while moving the core member to provide the fluid communication, after injecting the first and second resins is completed. The molds are separated, thereby yielding a single molded product, such as a vehicle door trim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to closures for mating with containers having a threaded finish. The closures comprise a flange and a skirt downwardly depending therefrom. The skirt includes a deformable element formed of a different material than that of the flange and skirt and disposed on an interior surface. The deformable element inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the container, and accordingly deforms upon mating the closure with the container. The container threads impress threads into the deformable element to form threads on the closure. The deformable element is formed of a suitable material. The closures of the present invention provide for the use of high-speed press-on capping equipment.

Abstract: A feedblock including a first packet creator that forms a first packet including a first plurality of polymeric layers, the first plurality of layers including at least four first individual polymeric layers; and a second packet creator that forms a second packet including a second plurality of polymeric layers, the second plurality of layers including at least four second individual polymeric layers, wherein the first and second packet creators are configured such that, for each packet creator, respective individual polymeric layers of the plurality of polymeric layers are formed at approximately the same time. The feedblock may include a packet combiner that receives and combines the first and second primary packets to form a multilayer stream. In some examples, at least one of the first and second primary packets may be spread in the cross-web direction prior to being combined with one another.

Abstract: Method for molding a multi-component manufactured product through injection of plastic materials in a mold comprising on the inside one or more movable parts, characterized in that the movable parts are moved into a first configuration in which at least two distinct mold cavities are made in the mold, plastic material is injected into each of the two distinct mold cavities to form two components of the manufactured product, the movable parts are moved into a second configuration, in which they make at least a third cavity in the mold the walls of which at least partially consist of the two components already injected, plastic material is injected into the third mold cavity to form a third component of the manufactured product that is thus welded to the first two.

Abstract: The mold for in-mold coating formation is one including a mold main body 30 having, provided thereinside, a mold cavity 5 permitting injection molding of a resin molding with coated surface and a coating material injecting unit 50 capable of injecting a coating material to an area corresponding to the coated surface of the resin molding, within the mold cavity 5, in which a groove portion 3 of 0.3 to 1 mm width (W) is provided on the peripheral edge 15 of the mold, and in which the angle (?1) made by the inner circumferential surface 25 of the mold and the mold-opening-side internal wall surface 27 of the groove portion 3 is in the range of 30° to 70°.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes supporting plates, molds coupled to the supporting plates, and a coupling guide device to guide the coupling of the molds and the supporting plates. The coupling guide device includes a first coupling guide recess and a first coupling guide protrusion provided at center portions of the molds and the supporting plates so as to be coupled to each other, and a second coupling guide recess and a second coupling guide protrusion provided at the molds and the supporting plates, spaced apart from the first coupling guide recess and the first coupling guide protrusion, so as to be coupled to each other. The second coupling guide recess is formed lengthwise in a direction toward a periphery from the center portions of the molds and the supporting plates.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.

Abstract: A superabrasive grain setting apparatus for arranging superabrasive grains on a surface of a manufacturing mold used in manufacturing a grinding tool includes a grip and raising mechanism for gripping the mold in a horizontal state and for turning the mold to a vertical state. A six-axis control robot is composed of a base arm mechanism with three controlled axes and a wrist unit with three controlled axes attached to the base arm mechanism. A superabrasive grain supply device has a grain storage for storing the superabrasive grains and a grain separation mechanism for separating the superabrasive grains in the grain storage one by one to a suction position. A suction nozzle is detachably mounted on an endmost arm of the robot and provided with a bent nose portion for drawing a grain of superabrasive to a nozzle end thereof at the suction position.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the assembly of a tire component like an Off the Road tire shoulder wedge, it is proposed to extrude this component with a high tack compound coating at its periphery by using a dual extruder which otherwise can extrude the tire component with a first high tack compound coating on one side, combined with an assembly for the extruder comprising a splice bar, a holder and a die which are designed to provide a channel deriving and guiding a portion of the high tack compound of the extruder to the stream of compounds before extrusion through the die, on a side opposite to the first coating, thereby providing a coating at almost the whole periphery of the component.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing a three-dimensional body consisting of individual solidified layers, whereby a coating material is disposed on one of a carrier plate and an already-solidified layer of the body in a first layer thickness by slidably withdrawing a bottom plate of a storage container filled with the coating material, thereby allowing coating material to descend from the storage container onto the carrier plate or already-solidified layer of the body. The first layer thickness of the coating material is then reduced to a lesser second layer thickness by re-inserting the bottom plate through the coating material disposed on the carrier plate or already-solidified layer. The coating material is then solidified at predetermined locations in order to generate a desired layer contour of one solidified layer of the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a container including introducing an indicia material into an injection stream between an inner layer and an outer layer to form a preform. The method further includes shaping the preform into a container such that the container defines visual patterning along at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A mold and a method for producing two-color injection-molded parts involves simultaneous injection of two kinds of molding material, in which a pressure difference between two kinds of molding materials is induced so that one of the molding materials is infiltrated into and bonded to the other molding material during solidification. The method for producing two-color injection-molded parts may include simultaneously injecting a first material and a second material to a first gate and a second gate to be filled in a first cavity and a second cavity, and closing the second gate such that the first molding material, which is not solidified, pushes a slide mold provided between a first mold block and a second mold block using a holing pressure of the first gate and is infiltrated into an unsolidified layer of the second molding material and solidified.

Abstract: A biaxially drawn, blow molded bottle characterized in that vertical connecting zones having no intermediate layer and having substrate layers welded directly with each other are formed in parallel in a circumferential direction and in a plural number along an axial direction of the bottle and are disposed on both right and left sides of each intermediate layer segment to be formed in this height range, and that horizontal connecting zones having no intermediate layer and having substrate layers welded directly with each other are also formed in parallel in an axial direction and in a plural number along a circumferential direction of the bottle and are disposed on both upper and lower sides of each intermediate layer segment to be formed, thus allowing the intermediate layer to be segmentalized in the circumferential and axial directions by both the vertical and horizontal connecting zones.

Abstract: This mould is of the type including a moulding cavity (10), and at least one panel (16, 18, 20) which is for separating the cavity into at least two moulding compartments (24, 26) and which is movable, between a position for separating the two compartments (24, 26) and a rest position, through an opening (22) which is provided in a wall (12) of the cavity (10). The mould further includes at least one shutter (32, 34) which is movable between an open position, in which the shutter (32, 34) is disengaged from the opening (22), and a closed position, in which the shutter (32, 34) closes at least a region of the opening (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for potting membranes. The apparatus may include a mould for receiving ends of the membranes, means for forming a first layer of a curable resin material around the ends in the mould, and means for applying a second layer of a flexible resin material to the first layer prior to full curing of the first layer. The flexible resin material may be chemically reactive with the curable resin material to form an adhesive bond therebetween. A potting sleeve may be positioned within the mould. A centrifuge may receive the curable resin and/or the flexible resin material upstream of the mould.

Abstract: A multilayer window guiderail is disclosed. The window guiderail includes a rail portion having an outer edge, a rail surface and an opposing rear surface. The rail portion includes a core and an integral rail cover layer disposed on the core. The core includes a first polymer material and the rail cover layer includes a second polymer material. An apparatus for making a multilayer guiderail includes a plurality of die portions having respective cavity portions. The cavity portions are configured to define a die cavity having the shape of the guiderail, at least one of the die portions being a slidable die portion and at least one of the die portions being a fixed die portion. The parting surface of the slidable die portion is configured for sliding translation of its parting surface over the parting surface of the fixed die portion along a translation path.

Abstract: Die assembly (21, 22), which includes slide die halves (23, 24) and can define a primary molding section (21a, 22a) and a secondary molding section (22b, 23b) adjacent to the primary molding section according to the positions of the slide die halves, are used. After a preformed film (10) is inserted into the primary molding section, a first resin material has been injected into the primary molding section so as to mold a first part (11), and then a second resin material is injected into a secondary molding section (22b, 23b and 23a, 24a) including a part of the surface of the film of the first part as a joint surface (10a), by which a second part (12a, 12) that is joined to the first part via the joint surface is molded.

Abstract: A laboratory test tube is formed between male and female mold elements by injection of molten plastic material. The female element has a bottom element formed by first and second alternating complementarily shaped wedges. At least the second wedges are able to move under the pressure of the molten plastic from a rest position to an operative position in order to form slits which allow air, but not molten plastic, to exit from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for preparing dental restorations from ceramic or polymeric material to achieve color and opacity gradients simulating natural dentition, wherein an ingot of ceramic or polymeric material is entirely or partially forced through a system of channels in a press mold into a mold cavity in the press mold, wherein the mold cavity corresponds to a dental restoration.

Abstract: An in-mold coating method providing a mold having a specifically formed auxiliary cavity and an in-mold coating formation method which employs said mold, so that it is possible to prevent a coating material from leaking out of the mold, thereby shortening the molding formation cycle, and making it possible to manufacture a molded product having a stabilized quality. In addition, by using a mold having a specifically shaped sub-cavity, there is provided a still further in-mold coating formation method which can keep mold temperature at a relatively low value, cause the coating material to cure at a predetermined temperature and within a predetermined time period thereby shortening the molding formation cycle, improving the productivity, improving the physical properties of a coating layer, thus obtaining a good molded product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1; 1?) and a method for casting an edible product from a castable mass (M), particularly a fat mass such as chocolate. The casting device (1; 1?) comprises a mass container (2; 2?) for receiving the castable mass (M) and a metering unit (3, 4; 3?, 4?) having nozzles (32; 32?) in a fluid connection with the interior of the mass container. The metering unit (3, 4; 3?, 4?) has a nozzle block (3; 3) having nozzles (32; 32?) on the side facing away from the mass container (2; 2?) and a valve block (4; 4?) having at least one valve (42; 42?) on the side facing the mass container (2; 2?), a metering chamber (7; 7?) being delimited between the nozzle block (3; 3?) and the valve block (4; 4?) and having a metering chamber volume (V) that can be changed by a relative motion between the nozzle block (3; 3) and the valve block (4; 4?).

Abstract: An in-mold coating apparatus providing a mold having a specifically formed auxiliary cavity and an in-mold coating formation method which employs said mold, so that it is possible to prevent a coating material from leaking out of the mold, thereby shortening the molding formation cycle, and making it possible to manufacture a molded product having a stabilized quality. In addition, by using a mold having a specifically shaped sub-cavity, there is provided a still further in-mold coating formation method which can keep mold temperature at a relatively low value, cause the coating material to cure at a predetermined temperature and within a predetermined time period thereby shortening the molding formation cycle, improving the productivity, improving the physical properties of a coating layer, thus obtaining a good molded product.

Abstract: A multilayer gypsum board forming device, and a gypsum additive delivery system in which additives are delivered to one or more layers of a multi layered gypsum board panels, including engineered polymers, includes at least one additive assembly connected in-line with a first gypsum delivery receptacle for providing an additive fluid feed into the stream of a first gypsum slurry being transported through said first gypsum delivery receptacle for homogenously adding an additive to the first gypsum slurry, and a second gypsum delivery receptacle transporting a second gypsum slurry, in fluid communication with the mixer providing the first gypsum slurry, having a different set of characteristics from those of the first gypsum slurry. At least one outer surface including a polymeric compound or wax emulsion additive entrained therein essentially encases the core gypsum within two facing layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recycling a recovered polycondensation polymer which comprises a process wherein a recovered polycondensation polymer is supplied in a molten state to a polymerizer having a porous plate, and then after ejecting the polycondensation polymer through pores of the porous plate, the polymerization degree of the polycondensation polymer is increased under a reduced pressure or in a reduced inert gas atmosphere while dropping the polycondensation polymer along a supporting body.

Abstract: A method and plant for the introduction of a liquid into a molten mass under pressure. Such a method and plant are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for the formation of a coating layer on a cable element having at least one conductor, the layer having an extruded thermoplastic polymer forming a continuous phase incorporating a dielectric liquid, and are useful, for example, in the production of an electric cable for the transportation and/or distribution of electrical power. The method includes the steps of bringing the liquid to a predetermined pressure greater than the pressure of the molten mass; feeding the liquid into a plurality of storage tanks, and injecting the liquid into the molten mass at an injection pressure equal to the above-mentioned predetermined pressure by means of a plurality of injectors in respective fluid communication with the plurality of storage tanks.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine for two-material molding including two sets of injection units 11, 12 that plasticize different resin materials and injection-fill the materials, a mold clamping unit is a hydraulic mold clamping unit that mold-clamps three sets of die plates 2, 3, 9 simultaneously, a movable die plate opening and closing unit 14 is a movable die plate opening and closing unit driven by an electric motor, a rotational die plate opening and closing unit 15 is a rotational die plate opening and closing unit 14 driven by an electric motor, and a rotating unit for the rotational die plate 9 is a rotation driving unit driven by an electric motor attached to a reversal pedestal 7.

Abstract: A cascade injection molding system includes a plurality of nozzles each having a valve rod driven by a piston cylinder drive, for injecting melt into the mold cavity. A throttle check valve is located within a pressurizing medium line to regulate nozzle operation. The method includes injecting the melt at feed orifice using a needle valve-controlled needle valve nozzle associated with each feed orifice into the cavity of the molding tool. The needle valve nozzles is opened at different times by controlling the opening speed and the injection pressure at the feed orifices, via the corresponding piston-cylinder drives for the needle valve nozzles. The pressurizing medium discharge from the piston cylinder is throttled for at least one of the piston-cylinder drives when the nozzle is opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device serving both to lay thin layers of powder and to compact them, the device being suitable for being located inside an apparatus containing a powder or powder mixture while it is subjected to the action of a laser. The device comprises a circular cylinder (12) provided with a longitudinal groove (15) formed in an outside surface of the cylinder (12). The cylinder also has a surface (12a) adapted to compact the powder that has been deposited on a deposition zone. By moving the cylinder in rotation and translation, the powder is brought to and deposited on a tray, on which the powder is then compacted by rotating the cylinder in the opposite direction. The invention enables very thin layers of ceramic or metallic powder to be laid in accurate and uniform manner inside a sealed thermal enclosure at a temperature lying between ambient temperature and about 1200° C.

Abstract: A structural cementitious panel, produced by a multi-layer process including providing a moving web; b. one of depositing a first layer of loose fibers upon the web and c. depositing a layer of settable slurry upon the web; d. depositing a second layer of loose fibers upon the slurry; e. embedding said second layer of fibers into the slurry; and f. repeating steps c. through e. until the desired number of layers of settable fiber-enhanced slurry in the panel is obtained. Also provided are an apparatus suitable for producing structural cementitious panels according to the present process, and a structural cementitious panel having multiple layers, each layer created by depositing a layer of settable slurry upon a moving web, depositing fibers upon the slurry and embedding the fibers into the slurry such that each layer is integrally formed with the adjacent layers.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for forming a nonwoven web are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more sources configured to dispense a first fluid flow stream comprising a fiber and a second fluid flow stream also comprising a fiber. The apparatus also includes a mixing partition downstream from the one or more sources, where the mixing partition is positioned between the first and second flow streams from the one or more sources. The mixing partition defines one or more openings that permit fluid communication between the two flow streams. The apparatus also includes a receiving region situated downstream from the one or more sources and designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream.

Abstract: A coinjection molding apparatus includes at least one manifold having a first manifold melt channel and a second manifold melt channel. A hot runner nozzle is located between the manifold and a mold gate. The nozzle has melt channels communicating with the first manifold melt channel and the second manifold melt channel. A valve has a movable valve member for increasing and decreasing flow of melt in one of the melt channels of the nozzle. The valve member receives a pressure force from the melt. An actuator provides a control force to the valve member. The valve member moves in response to a difference between the pressure force and the control force.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-resin composite article is provided. The method comprises providing at least one fiber preform in a mold; injecting a plurality of resins into the at least one fiber preform at a plurality of locations on the at least one fiber preform; and forming at least one transition region along a mutual contact surface between the resins. Each of the at least one transition regions is defined by a gradual transition in composition from one of the resins to another of the resins. A multi-resin composite article is also provided. The article comprises: at least one fiber preform; a plurality of resins, wherein the at least one fiber preform is infused with the resins; and at least one transition region extending along a mutual contact surface between respective ones of the resins. A system for manufacturing such a multi-resin composite article is also provided.

Abstract: An extrusion-based injection molding system is designed for use in food processing applications. Interior surfaces, such as the barrel exit line and/or fill line, of the system may be coated with a friction-reducing agent.

Abstract: A coinjection molding apparatus includes a manifold, a nozzle body coupled to the manifold, a sleeve disposed within the nozzle body and defining an outer melt channel between the sleeve and the nozzle body, a pin disposed within the sleeve and defining an inner melt channel between the pin and the sleeve, and a nozzle tip having an alignment portion contacting the sleeve. The sleeve is actuated to open and close melt communication of the outer melt channel and a cavity gate. The pin is actuated to open and close melt communication of the inner melt channel and an opening of the sleeve. The alignment portion aligns the sleeve with the cavity gate along the actuated range of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing dental restorations from ceramic or polymeric material to achieve color and opacity gradients simulating natural dentition, wherein an ingot of ceramic or polymeric material is entirely or partially forced through a system of channels in a press mold into a mold cavity in the press mold, wherein the mold cavity corresponds to a dental restoration.

Abstract: Balloons for medical devices, particularly balloon angioplasty catheters, which have hybrid compliance curves in which growth rate slows at higher pressures are made from block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding structure, amongst other things.

Abstract: A mould is provided for the injection molding of a plastic piece that includes at least two adjacent parts of two compatible plastic materials, assembled to one another by welding or gluing, of different types and/or colors. The mould includes a mould cavity defined by at least two non-planar walls and at least one retractable wall movable between extended and retracted positions, dividing the mould cavity into at least two compartments supplied separately with plastic. When extended, a non-linear edge of the retractable wall cooperates with a wall of the mould cavity in a play-free manner. The retractable wall includes panels joined in at least the extended or retracted position, movable in relation to one another so they can modify the shape of the non-linear edge of the retractable wall to adapt it to the shape of a second wall of the cavity in the retracted position.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: An actuator for a hot runner has a piston and a valve pin holder threadably connected to the piston. The piston can be translated by fluid pressure and rotated by an electric motor. The valve pin holder is rotationally fixed, and therefore moves along the thread when the piston is rotated. A valve pin connected to the valve pin holder moves in response to fluid pressure and also in response to the electric motor rotating the piston.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for manufacturing a detergent bar, the bar comprises a first distinct zone comprising a first component and at least a second distinct zone comprising a second component. In an injection step, the first and second components are injected into the mould cavity via nozzle means having a first orifice through which the first component is injected. The second component is injected through a second orifice of the nozzle means. The first and second components solidify in the cavity to form the bar. The interface between the zones may be non-planar and/or such that the zones cannot be separated by a unidirectional cut. The first and second zones may respectively comprise detergent and a benefit agent. The first and second zones may differ in texture.

Abstract: A loader device for a hopper-fed processing machine has a top plate pivotally secured to a bottom plate. The plates are attached between the processing equipment throat and the material hopper, or vacuum receiver/reservoir. As the top plate pivots upon the other, ports that extend through the plates control the flow of material from the hopper into the throat of the machine. The pivot design, a purge funnel, and a drain tube are additional features that save time, labor, and make switching of processing material quick and convenient without the use of tools.

Abstract: A system and a method for two-shot molding a crash pad, in which a passenger side air bag (PAB) door region is more flexible than other regions is disclosed. The system includes a first resin supply unit, a second resin supply unit, a temperature sensor mounted on a predetermined position of a mold, adjacent to a target material interface, and a controller for controlling a time at which to supply the second resin into the passenger side air bag region based on a detection signal from the temperature sensor. This system is cost effective and can maintain a uniform interface between different types of materials.

Abstract: A multilayer-molding method includes the steps of mixing at least one thermoplastic resin selected from a plurality of types of thermoplastic resins with a bubble-nucleating agent and a foaming gas, injecting the plurality of types of thermoplastic resins into a mold cavity such that the thermoplastic resins are layered in the mold cavity, and then, after increasing the volume of the mold cavity, foaming the at least one thermoplastic resin mixed with the bubble-nucleating agent and the foaming gas. The multilayer-molding method is characterized in that the foaming gas is supplied at a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more but less than 1.0 MPa to at least one injection-molding machine selected from a plurality of injection-molding machines, and that the thermoplastic resin plasticized in the injection-molding machine is mixed with the foaming gas.

Abstract: A method of injection molding at least one part in a single mold having therein at least one cavity, the method comprising providing first and second injection molding devices, using the first injection molding device to inject material into the single mold, and thereafter using the second injection molding device to inject material into the single mold.

Abstract: An apparatus produces a resin product which includes a first resin layer partially covered with a second resin layer so that a boundary line between the first and second resin layers is visible from the outside.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling both isolated and dense patterns to be accurately patterned onto a wafer are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an illumination system that is suitable for use as a part of a projection tool includes an illumination source and an illuminator aperture. The illuminator aperture has a center point and an outer edge, and also includes a first pole and a second pole. The first pole is defined substantially about the center point, and the second pole is defined substantially between the first pole and the outer edge of the first pole. The illumination source is arranged to provide a beam to the illuminator aperture.