Abstract: A method of forming a stacked laminate mold.

Abstract: A mold is disclosed for making rotationally asymmetric contact lenses. The mold comprises a first concave or convex surface that is rotationally asymmetric for forming the surface of the contact lens thereagainst, a second concave or convex surface opposed to the first surface that is also rotationally asymmetric, and a segment of the mold between the first and second surfaces having a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A new technique for efficiently manufacturing jewelry includes the use of a universal frame in combination with a low cost flexible mold. Various inserts can also be used to customize jewelry pieces made using the mold and frame. The material cured in the mold can be cured with ultraviolet light, which penetrates the mold, the mold frame and an arbor, which transmit ultraviolet light to better cure the item being molded.

Abstract: A method and a device manufactures a fastening element with interlocking elements integrated with a backing. The interlocking elements are produced by introducing a thermoplastic into the gap between a pressure roller and a shaping roller. The shaping roller has a screen with cylindrical openings produced by etching, electroplating or a laser so that the finished interlocking elements result exclusively from hardening the thermoplastic, at least in part, in the openings, in the screen. This method allows preparation of the shaping roller at very low cost. In addition, a previously customary second method step in formation of the interlocking elements is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus for molding an elongate annular product such as a pole, the apparatus including two outer mold sections (1) relatively movable to form in a first position a substantially enclosed upright molding cavity and in a second position opening said molding cavity, an upright core member (3) is moveable into and out of said molding cavity and when located in said molding cavity defining an annular molding zone (37) between the core member (3) and the outer mold sections (1), filling means (5) arranged to fill the annular molding zone (37) from below, and end capping means (6) arranged to close an upper end region of the zone (37), the end capping means (6) including a filter membrane adapted to allow fluids to escape through the filter membrane while fine solid particles are retained within the molding zone (37).

Abstract: In a bonded optical disk comprising two base disks which are bonded together by UV-setting adhesive, one or two of the base disks are provided with a projection located inside the adhesive application starting position in order to maintain the distance between bonded surfaces of the base disks at a predetermined thickness for the adhesive layer. A mold for molding above base disks is also provided. The thickness of the UV-setting adhesive is easily held at a predetermined thickness by the projection located inside the starting position. Therefore steady mass production of bonded optical disks with uniform adhesive layer thickness is made possible with easier management of the adhesive layer thickness.

Abstract: A method and system for molding a tissue or substitute tissue product in a mold having an exterior surface, and an interior surface, wherein at least one portion of the interior surface is porous and whose pores are in continuous communication with the exterior surface, and wherein said mold can be fabricated using solid free-form fabrication techniques is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for molding a tissue or substitute tissue product in a mold having an exterior surface, and an interior surface, wherein at least one portion of the interior surface is porous and whose pores are in continuous communication with the exterior surface, and wherein said mold can be fabricated using solid free-form fabrication techniques is disclosed.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing a resin mold has a frame housing a master model corresponding in shape to a product to be molded and having a space defined therein for receiving the ultraviolet-curable resin poured therein around the master model. The frame is made of an ultraviolet-permeable material. When ultraviolet radiation is applied outside of the frame to the frame, the ultraviolet-curable resin in the frame is cured into a resin mold. The resin mold can easily and quickly be manufactured. The resin mold can also reliably be clamped by a clamping jig for producing a high-quality molded product.

Abstract: A new technique for efficiently manufacturing jewelry includes the use of a universal frame in combination with a low cost flexible mold. Various inserts can also be used to customize jewelry pieces made using the mold and frame.

Abstract: A method of forming a stacked laminate mold.

Abstract: For providing a stamper for forming a planar micro-lens array, a stamper is prepared by forming plural concave portions 2 for forming lens portion upon a stamping surface thereof, and a trap portion 3 is provided surrounding said plural concave portions and continuing until an outer edge thereof. Then, onto the stamping surface, on which a release agent 4 is applied, there is applied a high refractive index resin 5, and a glass substrate 6 is pressed onto the high refractive index resin 5 to exude it. With this operation, the high refractive index resin 5 is filled into each of the plural concave portions 2, and any excess is received or accommodated in the trap portion 3, thereby preventing excess resin from being forced outside.

Abstract: A method by which an elastomer is applied to a model (1) with relief marks to be reproduced. The purpose of the elastomer once set is to form a mold membrane (14) and incorporate within its own material the shape of the marks on the model. The mold membrane is then separated from the model and filled with a setting material, and the mold membrane is applied to a support in order to transfer the marks after preliminary pasting.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for forming a molded piece that includes a positive impression of an object, the molded piece comprising a monolithic block that is larger than the object. The apparatus comprises a container in which a negative impression of the object is formed by casting it in a fast-setting flowable compound, and a mold extension that snaps on to the container and provides an additional mold volume that is contiguous with the negative impression. The invention further comprises a mixing apparatus for mixing fast-setting compounds. In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises a cylindrical jar with a screw-on lid. A rod passes through an aperture in the lid and moves axially with respect to the jar. The end of the rod external to the jar is configured as a handle, and the end of the rod internal to the jar is connected to a circular mesh. The circular mesh is oriented parallel to the bottom of the jar and has an outer diameter which is slightly less than the smallest inner diameter of the jar.

Abstract: A device including an injection molding tool for use once or a few times for producing a sinterable ceramic and/or metallic product. The device includes at least one first tool part. At least one second tool part is combinable with the at least one first tool part to form a molding space for the product. The second tool part is produced using a wet composition and is made of a readily worked and form-stable material containing pores and admixed heat-conducting particles. A wet composition-enclosing member can engage the first tool part during the production of the second tool part. A unit can be connected to the at least one second tool part and can be arranged with the at least one first tool part for absorbing internal lateral displacement forces arising during squeezing or injection of an injection molding composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing dentures having a synthetic resin base comprises a flask tank provided with a tank closure which is opened when a flask is brought into and out of the tank and when resin is to be injected into the flask and which is closed when wax is to be removed. The flask tank has a wax pattern heater and is formed with fluid channels adapted to communicate with a resin injecting gate of the flask for successively supplying cleaning hot water, drying air and separating agent to the interior of the flask therethrough.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a molding die having a cavity therein corresponding to the outer shape of a product to be reproduced, and a cast molding device for pouring an ultraviolet curable liquid resin into a cavity of the molding die. An ultraviolet light irradiating device is provided for irradiating ultraviolet light from the outside of the molding die, wherein the ultraviolet curable liquid resin in the interior of the molding die becomes hardened. A transport mechanism is provided for conveying the molding die between the cast molding device and the ultraviolet light irradiating device. Accordingly, an operator is not required to lift and carry the molding die, and the die can be swiftly and easily conveyed by means of the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A frame is provided for firmly securing a dental press holding one or more flasks during preparation of dental prostheses. The frame securely locks the press in position and facilitates tightening of the press to exert pressure on the dental flasks as well as release of the pressure once the procedure is completed. Use of the frame permits a single technician to tighten and loosen the press with a single hand and allows greater tightening of the press to exclude voids and pockets in the finished prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for producing diffractive optic molding tools with improved durability is accomplished by depositing a layer of chromium carbide on a substrate material. This layer of chromium carbide becomes the receptor for a final machinable coating such as electroless nickel. The pattern for the desired diffractive surface is predetermined and a single-point-diamond turning machine is used to cut the negative of this predetermined pattern into the machinable layer to produce the pattern of concentric zones to the required depths. The pattern is then uniformly etched in the machinable layer down into the intermediate layer of chromium carbide resulting in the complete removal of all of the electroless nickel. In that the etching rates of electroless nickel and chromium carbide differ from one another, it is necessary to dimensionally adjust the negative pattern turned into the electroless nickel surface to allow for the different etch rates.

Abstract: A method of making a mold for a given object includes forming a wire stack of elongated wire elements and aligning first ends of the wire elements to define a first end surface of the stack, displacing selected wire elements with respect to the first end surface of the stack by determined amounts in the longitudinal direction of the elements according to a shape of the object to be molded, and then fixing the wire elements of the stack from movement relative to one another after the wire element displacing step. A mold surface for the given object is thus defined according to the first end surface of the wire stack.

Abstract: A mold assembly and sprue configuration for dental investment casting includes a ring shaped casing, a base and a cover all made of resilient plastic material and fictionally engaged with each other. The base includes a raised neck having a top surface with a sighting bead for use in mounting wax forms on the sprue, positioned within the casing. The sprue includes a post for engaging a blind bore in a hub of the base. The cover includes a downwardly extending plug which extends into the body of the casing, and a curved lip with recess for facilitating the pouring of investment solution into the mold. The sprue has three spokes and a ring which are all triangular in cross-section to reduce the amount of metal needed in the precision casting to be made with the invention and also to provide a convenient flat upper surface for mounting wax forms to the sprue.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for making comestible units. The comestible units made in accordance with the present invention can include active ingredients and are capable of dissolving in the mouth of the consumer within several seconds. They are particularly useful as antacids and as delivery vehicles for biologically active ingredients, especially those which are ideally combined with antacid ingredients.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic material containing a diffractive optic pattern therein including embossing a curable plastic material with a diffractive optic pattern by pressing the curable plastic material against a master having a diffractive optic pattern thereon which is coated with a thin layer of a fluorinated silane, having at least one fluorinated alkyl group bonded to an Si atom and at least one alkoxy or halide group bonded to an Si atom, as a release layer. Also, the master coated with the fluorinated silane and cured plastic, particularly epoxy resins, containing diffractive gratings prepared by the method, preferably on a substrate, such as a waveguide.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular tooling system is provided that approximates the contour of a workpiece to be formed by adjusting the height of an array of pins, each of which represents the contour of the workpiece at that point. A flexible sheet is supported by the pins such that movement of the pins into their contoured position adjusts the flexible sheet forming a mold for a composite part to be manufactured. The modular tooling unit is comprised of a hard rubber which functions to lock the array of pins in position. The locking function of the pins is obtained when the pins are rotated in apertures that match the shape of the pins within the hard rubber tooling unit which distorts the shape of the apertures and locks the pin in position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition of polystyrene or polypropylene with at least 0.5% (w/w)of an additive or wetting agent, the article of manufacture comprised thereof, such as a mold for making contact lenses and the mold assembly containing said mold, and the use of such mold so to minimize defects, such as holes, puddles, chips and tears in the lens.

Abstract: Brackets for holding a porous tube in a fixed position in a surrounding production mold material, which production mold is used in non-pressurized slip casting for forming vitreous china products, and to molding systems in combination with the brackets. The bracket is angled to provide first and second leg portions of elongated dimensions. The first leg portion is comprised of a magnetic material for removably adhering to magnets embedded in a case mold section for forming the production mold. Thus, the elongated dimension of the first leg portion corresponds to that which provides an adhering relationship to the embedded magnet. The second leg portion comprises a receptacle for holding a porous tube. In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle is an aperture whereby the porous tube is threaded. In another embodiment, the receptacle is a depression whereby the porous tube snaps into position.

Abstract: Master disks for providing dies in particular for pressing optical disks, methods of manufacturing same, pressing dies obtained from such master disks and optical disks obtained from the latter and such pressing dies, the master disks consisting of a support carrying at its surface a succession of microcups representative of the information to be duplicated and consisting of a hard, conducting material reflecting in the near infrared range and selected from a zirconium, hafnium or titanium nitride or carbonitride, a hard ceramic reflecting in the near infrared range and conducting at the surface only and a hard glass reflecting in the near infrared range and conducting at the surface only.

Abstract: A method for spray forming manufacturing of near-net-shape molds, dies and related toolings, wherein liquid material such as molten metal, metallic alloys, or polymers are atomized into fine droplets by a high temperature, high velocity gas and deposited onto a pattern. Quenching of the atomized droplets provides a heat sink, thereby allowing undercooled and partially solidified droplets to be formed in-flight. Composites can be formed by combining the atomized droplets with solid particles such as whiskers or fibers.

Abstract: A method for making a mottled and patterned pen barrel is disclosed, wherein a tube is preformed to have two ends and an intermediate portion, At least one mold cavity is provided in a mold for forming the pen barrel. A pair of positioning members are sleeved respectively around two ends of the tube, and the positioning members are positioned in the mold cavity so as to center the tube in the mold cavity and so as to create, in the mold cavity, a molding space surrounding an entire peripheral surface of the intermediate portion. A liquid coating composition is poured into the molding space to form a cover integral with the entire peripheral surface of the intermediate portion. Finally, the covered tube is removed from the mold cavity and the positioning members are removed from the covered tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data may be used to make a mold for the article and molding the article from the mold. Alternately, the apparatus may be used to make articles having filled or solid portions. The apparatus preferably includes a base, a processor for defining a mold skin for producing a mold for the three-dimensional article, and a build material dispenser for dispensing build material responsive to the processor to construct the mold skin extending outwardly from the base and defining at least one cavity. Solidifiable fill material is introduced into the cavity to form solid mold portions. The solid mold portions may be separated from the mold skin, and injection molding, for example, used to mold the three-dimensional article. The base preferably includes a thin plastic layer which is penetrable to permit introduction of the solidifiable fill material into the cavity.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite structure such as an aircraft radome includes preparing seamless female support mold/caul plate tooling, and seamless male support mold/vacuum bag tooling. An uncured composite structure is collated on the external surface of the male support mold/vacuum bag tooling, and then transferred to the female support mold/caul plate tooling for curing. The female support mold/caul plate tooling defines the outer surface of the final composite structure, permitting the outer surface of be smooth and of an aerodynamic shape.

Abstract: An optical disk formation member has a center and an outer periphery. A tracking guide groove formation portion and a prepit formation portion are provided on the member. A first land plane on an internal peripheral side of the prepit formation has a depth that is different from a second land plane on the external peripheral side of the prepit formation portion. The second land plane, furthermore, is deeper than the first land plane on the internal peripheral side of the prepit formation portion.

Abstract: An improved method for forming plastic molds for casting articles having an optical surface such as contact lenses employs a plastic tool having an optically smooth surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a mold for forming positive models identical to a positive master has upper and lower mold shells having confronting and contiguous rims lying in respective planes. The shells are dimensioned when juxtaposed to spacedly contain the master. A clamp is engageable with the shells generally at the rims to hold the shells together with the plane of their rims spaced apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying cast parts. A master is provided at least partially formed in the shape of a part to be cast. A slot is then milled into the master, the slot having a mouth and a base, and the slot having a "dovetail" cross-section so that the slot is wider at the base than at the mouth. An expandable plastic tag is inserted into the slot. The tag includes an identification surface with indicia formed thereon. Finally, the master and tag are heated, causing expansion of the tag within the slot to secure the tag within the slot. The tag includes a pair of tabs extending laterally therefrom to secure the tag in the slot prior to heat expansion of the tag.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an optical lens from a polymerizable synthetic material a lens molding assembly is provided including two molding shells and an annular closure member disposed around the molding shells and defining therewith a required molding cavity. The mold is filled with molding material and polymerization of the molding material is at least started. The operations of assembling the mold, filling it and at least starting polymerization of the molding material are conducted in the lens molding assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing three-dimensional articles from a computer aided design includes one or more mold modules, each containing a pin array containing a plurality of pin elements. The pin elements are moveable in response to a data file containing three-dimensional coordinates of the three-dimensional article to be molded wherein the coordinates have a resolution corresponding to the resolution of the pin elements in the pin array. By moving the pins to the various coordinates of the data set, a mold shape is provided for molding the three-dimensional design.

Abstract: A method and mold for making a wheel of a roller skate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart generally axially extending curvilinear paths. A speed skater, traveling a predominately circular course with such wheels properly aligned on such skates, is able to use air moving past the skater to increase skating speed. As air enters the curvilinear paths of the wheel the direction of air flow changes. In this manner, momentum is transferred from the moving air to the spinning wheels, thus increasing the number of revolutions of the wheel and the speed of the skater. The mold may be formed of polyurethane and use flexible fingers to form the curvilinear paths of the wheel.

Abstract: A method for making tubular members, each of which is coated with a decorative layer that has a randomly distributed chip pattern, includes the steps of: (A) preparing tube products, each of which having two ends and an intermediate portion between the two ends; (B) preparing a mold having a plurality of mold cavities; (C) sleeving detachably a pair of positioning members around the two ends of each of the tube products for enclosing and centering the two ends, and placing each of the tube products and the positioning members associated therewith in a respective one of the mold cavities; (D) forming a covering around the intermediate portion of each of the tube products by filling each of the mold cavities with a coating composition containing chips; (E) removing each of the covered tube products and the positioning members associated therewith from the mold, and detaching the positioning members from each of the covered tube products; and (F) machining and polishing the covered tube products, and cutting off

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hollow tool which is used to impart shape to an article. The method comprises: (a) building an outer box around a model of the article; (b) constructing an inner box disposed within and spaced apart from the outer box; (c) applying a fluid laminating agent to an inside surface of the inner box and to the model; (d) removing the inner box after the fluid laminating agent cures to form a solidified shell; (e) supporting the shell so that a space is formed between it and the model; (f) pouring a filling agent into the space, the filling agent bonding to the shell and forming a face that replicates the model; and (g) installing a support structure inside the shell to form the hollow tool, thereby imbuing the tool with the physical characteristics of lightness in weight and durability in shape retention after prolonged exposure to thermal cycling and the thermal characteristics of a uniform heat conductivity over all sections of the tool, regardless of its outside dimensions.

Abstract: A device is provided which is capable of generating a surface that at least partially conforms to the contour of an article. The surface is defined by the ends of a number of threaded members which are supported within a suitable support structure. The threaded members are aligned so as to be substantially parallel to and threadably engaged with each other. As a result, rotation of an individual threaded member will cause that threaded member to be longitudinally moved relative to its adjacent threaded members and the support structure, without displacing an adjacent threaded member. The surface can be readily configured manually or automatically to serve as a die or mold cavity when the entire surface has been generated to conform to the entire contour of the article. Alternatively, the surface can be generated so as to provide a suitable fixture surface for supporting and securing a workpiece during a machining or welding operation.

Abstract: A multilayered insulated mold structure for forming textured articles is disclosed. An insulation layer is deposited on the mold core and a multilayered skin layer is deposited on the insulation layer. The skin is formed of a plurality of sublayers, including a corrosion-resistant phosphorous-rich nickel region on the insulation layer acting as an etchant stop, and an non-corrosion resistant, or etchable, phosphorous-poor nickel region on the corrosion-resistant layer. The upper layer is uniformly textured by selective etching down to a depth terminating at the interface between the layers, but the insulation layer is protected. A method of molding uniformly textured articles is also disclosed, as is a method of making a mold suitable for producing uniformly textured articles and a method for making such a mold surface having bulk imperfections.

Abstract: A mold (100) is constructed by forming a shell (125) having a back surface (127) and a mold surface (126) which defines a mold cavity (150), by forming a shell base (124) about the back surface (127) of the shell (125) so as to define an enclosed cavity (134) between the shell base (124) and the shell (125), and by filling the enclosed cavity (134) with substantially incompressible material (135).

Abstract: The device for forming a variable-shape mold surface includes a plurality of cylindrical and helically threaded rods each having a mold surface defining end. These rods are assembled into a bundle of laterally adjacent rods in which (a) the helical thread of each rod is engaged with the helical threads of the adjacent rods, (b) each rod is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and (c) the mold surface defining ends of the rods define the variable-shape mold surface. Upon rotation, the thread of one helically threaded rod slides on the threads of the adjacent rods to impart longitudinal movement to this rod relative to the adjacent rods and therefore axial movement of the mold surface defining end of this rod, to thereby modify the configuration of the variable-shape mold surface. Each rod has a second end shaped for engagement thereof with a digitally controlled rod rotating tool.

Abstract: A molding mechanism including one pair of molding devices oppositely disposed in a body and each having a casing, and a number of pin elements arranged in matrix form in the casing, a board engaged in one side of the casing, and a bolt threaded through the casing for forcing the board toward the pin elements in order to fix the pin elements in place, whereby, a mold cavity is formed among the pin elements when the molding devices are moved toward an object disposed between the molding devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article supplying tape formed with recess for containing articles therein in a tape-like or plate-like member, and supplying the articles to an automatic assembling machine or a working machine by the tape member, and the specification discloses a mold apparatus for forming the article containing recess in the tape, and particularly a mold apparatus for forming the shape of the recess variably in conformity with the shapes of the articles to be contained therein.

Abstract: A method for preparing a substrate for an information recording medium, which comprises injecting a liquid resin into a mold for cast molding of a substrate for information recording medium having a plurality of units of mold for cast molding having an uneven preformat pattern on the surface arranged therein and solidifying the resin, and a mold for molding of the substrate.

Abstract: Injection molding methods and apparatus for the production of casting molds for toric lenses having ballast oriented properly with respect to the cylinder axis of the toric surfaces. A calibrated rotatable ring mechanism is used within the injection molding body, for producing a slot or other alignment means on the lens casting mold at a point which is offset a predetermined number of degrees from the axis of the toric surfaces being formed in the casting mold. When the casting mold containing a newly cast lens is mounted on a precision lathe, the mating of the slot with a permanent ridge on the lathe spud ensures that the mold seats on the lathe at the same established place each time with respect to the position of the cutting tool. The offset between the toric axis and the position of the cutting tool has already been established, and therefore there is no need for the lathe operator to make any measurements or resetting of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A mold-forming cup has a frustoconical interior tapering in cross-sectional size from the top of the cup to the bottom. A metal master model is mounted generally centrally of the interior of the cup, whereupon the cup is packed with rubber mold material. The mold material is vulcanized and the resulting mold is cut into top and bottom sections such that the master model can be removed. The mold sections are placed back together and inserted into a retaining ring having a frustoconical interior of a size slightly smaller than the size of the interior of the mold-forming cup to accommodate for shrinkage of the mold during vulcanization. The mold is held in the retaining ring under pressure so as to be restrained on all sides during injection of wax into the central cavity of the mold to form a wax pattern of the same shape as the master model.

Abstract: A dental laboratory die tray having first and second side members and a bottom member with the side members being joinable to form a housing with an open top and an open bottom, and with the bottom member being holdable between to the side members to close the open bottom when the side members are in a housing closed position. The side members may be moved away from each other to a partially closed position permitting removal and reinsertion of the bottom member, thereby providing a die tray with a closed bottom for some operations and with an open bottom for other operations.