Abstract: A powder removal assembly for removing powder from a part produced by additive manufacturing, including a process chamber including an outlet, a powder removal device coupled to the process chamber and configured to remove particles from the process chamber, a particle sensor coupled to the outlet, the particle sensor being configured to monitor an amount of particles passing through the outlet as a function of time, and a control system communicatively coupled to the particle sensor and the powder removal device. The control system is configured to automatically activate and deactivate the powder removal device in response to a change in a rate of the amount of particles passing through the outlet as a function of time, passing a threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additively manufactured part (the “AM part”) is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chamber, a support surface within the chamber, one or more nozzles within the chamber, a tank positioned below the nozzles, and a diverter positioned between the nozzles and the tank. The support surface may be configured to support the AM part and may have one or more openings configured to allow the fluid to pass through the opening(s). The nozzles may be configured to spray a fluid at the AM part, and the spray may be an atomized or semiatomized spray of the fluid. The diverter comprises an umbrella or a diverter shield and diverts sprayed fluid from directly impacting the fluid being collected in the tank, whereby foaming of the fluid in the tank is reduced.

Abstract: In order to separate excess material from an additively manufactured component, spatially resolved structural data on the component are received. On the basis of the structural data, a process for emptying material from the component is simulated, wherein a sequence of emptying poses of the component is determined. For an associated emptying pose: the component is moved into the associated emptying pose in accordance with the simulated emptying process, movement of material is detected by sensors, as a result of a detection of a decrease in the movement of material, a trigger signal is generated, and a movement of the component into a subsequent emptying pose is initiated by the trigger signal, the trigger signal being considered higher priority than the simulated emptying process.

Abstract: A system and method for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional structures, including three-dimensional cellular structures, are provided. The system comprises at least one print head for receiving and dispensing materials, the materials comprising a sheath fluid and a hydrogel, the print head comprising an orifice for dispensing the materials, microfluidic channels for receiving and directing the materials, fluidic switches corresponding to one of the microfluidic channels in the print head and configured to allow or disallow fluid flow in the microfluidic channels; a receiving surface for receiving a first layer of the materials dispensed from the orifice; a positioning unit for positioning the orifice of the print head in three dimensional space; and a dispensing means for dispensing the materials from the orifice of the print head.

Abstract: A laser welding system for welding a component and reducing defects in the weld by ensuring uniform, laminar gas flow over a process area of the system. The laser welding system comprises a laser for welding the component, a platform for supporting the component, an enclosure surrounding the platform, a first actuatable barrier, a second actuatable barrier, an actuator, and a controller. The enclosure includes a plurality of walls, one of the walls having an inlet and another wall having an outlet. The inlet and outlet each having an opening having a cross-sectional area for letting gas flow through. The first and second barriers are configured to modify the cross-sectional areas of the openings when actuated.

Abstract: An unpacking device (4) for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, wherein the unpacking device (4) is formed as a robot (7) having at least three robot axes (A1-A6), especially an industrial robot, wherein at least one unpacking tool (10) is arranged or formed on a robot axis (A6), which is provided for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, or the unpacking device (4) comprises at least one such robot (7).

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, having a blow mould which forms a cavity within which the plastic preforms can be expanded to form the plastic containers, and having an application device which is suitable and intended for acting upon the plastic preforms with a flowable medium in order to expand them, which is suitable and intended for acting upon the plastic preforms with a flowable medium in order to expand them, wherein the application device is placed against a mouth area of the plastic preforms in order to act upon these with the flowable medium. The application device forms at least one first flow channel for the flowable medium, which guides and/or directs at least a portion of the flowable medium to an inner wall of the mouth area in order to temper and, in particular, cool this inner wall.

Abstract: A post-build powder removal system includes a work bed, a platform wall having at least one powder evacuation port, and an evacuation port sealing system operable for selectively closing and opening the powder evacuation port. The platform wall cooperates with the work bed to define a powder chamber. The evacuation port sealing system includes an external sleeve slidingly fitted onto the exterior surface of the platform wall such that the external sleeve is slideable in a first direction closing the at least one powder evacuation port and slideable in an opposite second direction opening the at least one powder evacuation port.

Abstract: A powder-based additive manufacturing installation (10) comprises a powder layering device (14) that can be displaced along a path linking a start zone (A) and an end zone (B). The layering device (14) comprises powder deposition means (18) for depositing powder in a powder deposition zone (D) situated between the start zone (A) and the end zone (B). The installation comprises a cleaning device (40) situated on the path of the layering device (14). The cleaning device (40) comprises a blowing device (42) configured to blow a gas flow onto at least one surface of the powder deposition means (18).

Abstract: A blow nozzle for supplying compressed air to the internal cavity of a preform, the blow nozzle including a tube having a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, the first layer being radially wider and having a larger diameter than the second layer, the second layer being disposed between the first and third layers, and the second layer being radially wider and having a larger diameter than the third, and a plurality of holes disposed on the third layer for directional blowing of the compressed air into the preform, when the nozzle is inserted into a neck opening of the preform and rests in a blow molding position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sintering system for manufacturing a three-dimensional object from sinterable powder. The system comprises a build chamber with a movable floor and four walls, an energy assembly disposed above the build chamber and which comprises at least one energy source adapted to emit an energy beam. The system further comprises a feeding assembly connected to the build chamber for providing sinterable powder to the build chamber and a powder distribution device connected to the feeding assembly for distributing sinterable powder in the build chamber. The build chamber further comprises at least one opening in at least one wall, below which the movable floor can be lowered, and a pneumatic assembly connected to the build chamber for transporting powder away from the build chamber through the at least one opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reclaiming unused powder in a composite-based additive manufacturing process. According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided process and apparatus that use a substrate layer frame inversion mechanism that can flip the substrate over 180 degrees. The excess powder will simply drop into a waste reclaim container for later reuse. An optional mechanical vibrator may be used to completely loosen any remaining powder.

Abstract: There is provided an AM apparatus for an AM process. The AM apparatus has an AM assembly with a build chamber to support part(s) built with a powder, in a build operation. Unused powder accumulates in the build chamber during the build operation. The AM apparatus has a vacuum assembly with duct line(s) in flow communication with the build chamber, and a powder receptacle in flow communication with the duct line(s). The powder receptacle has coupling member(s) allowing the powder receptacle to be reversibly attached to the duct line(s). The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum apparatus coupled to, and in flow communication with, the powder receptacle, via vacuum duct line(s). The vacuum assembly pulls the unused powder from the build chamber to the powder receptacle, and provides an automated removal of the unused powder from the build chamber into the powder receptacle, to avoid manual removal of the unused powder.

Abstract: This invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles, including carpet tiles and broadloom carpet. In particular, this invention relates to tufted floorcovering articles made from the family of polymers known as polyester. Specifically, this invention relates to tufted carpet tile products made from polyester. The polyester carpet tiles meet commercial performance specifications and are fully end-of-life recyclable.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping device includes a melting section configured to melt a material to generate a shaping material, a supply flow channel which is communicated with the melting section, and through which the shaping material flows, a nozzle communicated with the supply flow channel and configured to eject the shaping material, an ejection amount control mechanism provided to the supply flow channel, and configured to control a flow amount of the shaping material to be ejected from the nozzle, a branch flow channel branched from a first partial flow channel as a flow channel between the melting section and the ejection amount control mechanism out of the supply flow channel, and communicated with a second partial flow channel as a flow channel between the ejection amount control mechanism and the nozzle out of the supply flow channel, and a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the shaping material in the second partial flow channel to the first partial flow channel via the branch flow channel.

Abstract: A system includes a build platform having a bottom surface and a top surface. A plurality of apertures receives the build material on the build platform. A vibration generator is coupled to the build platform to vibrate the build platform and move the build material on the build platform. An air handler applies airflow to the build platform in a first airflow mode and a second airflow mode. In the first airflow mode, the build material from the build platform is removed through the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A build module is provided. The build module may include a housing and a build material chamber in the housing to hold build material. The build module may include a build chamber in the housing. The build material chamber may be beneath the build chamber or next to the build chamber. The build chamber may include a moveable support member to receive successive layers of the build material from a build material distributor. The build module may be removably insertable into a build receiver of an additive manufacturing system to allow the additive manufacturing system to solidify a portion the successive layers to be received onto the movable support member.

Abstract: A laser 3D printer presents a tubular compartment; a lifting platform slidably engaged in the tubular compartment; a dispenser for feeding a given amount of powdered material onto the lifting platform; a distributor for distributing the powdered material over the lifting platform; and a laser printing head for sintering the powdered material laid on the lifting platform; the distributor having the shape of a hopper converging downwards and being configured for receiving the powdered material from the dispenser.

Abstract: An unpacking device (4) for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, comprising a suction and/or blower device (12) which comprises at least one suction and/or blower tool (10) with a suction and/or blower tool body (12), wherein the geometric structural design of the suction and/or blower tool body (13) can be or is adapted to at least a partial area of the geometric structural design of an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) to be unpacked.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for producing three-dimensional objects. Said three-dimensional objects may be items used in furniture and component manufacturing. The device includes a machining tool for the machining of workpieces by material removal, a feed mechanism for supplying an additional material, such as a wood material, such as foamed wood, wood flour, sawdust or the like, a metal or mineral paste, or plastic, and an application unit for forming three-dimensional objects from the material supplied by the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A system for separating objects within a stacked powder print bed of nested objects comprises a build box configured to contain the powder print bed. The build box has a build box top and a build box floor. The system further includes an elongated aperture formed in a side wall of the build box, and a de-powdering subsystem configured to mechanically and electrically engage the build box. A separating blade associated with the de-powdering subsystem is configured to be inserted through the elongated aperture and into the powder print bed between a top-most print bed layer of the nested objects and a second print bed layer directly below and contiguous with the top-most layer, thereby forming an isolated powder print bed between the separating blade and the build box top. The unbound powder may be agitated by various techniques and subsequently removed from the objects.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional deposition device, including: a powder supply unit which supplies a powder material; a light irradiation unit which irradiates the powder material with a light beam so that the powder material irradiated with the light beam is sintered or melted and solidified to form a formed layer; a three-dimensional deposition chamber which is sealed from an outside and accommodates the powder supply unit, the light irradiation unit, and a base unit; a gas discharge unit which discharges a gas inside the three-dimensional deposition chamber; and a gas introduction unit which introduces a predetermined gas into the three-dimensional deposition chamber. When the gas discharge unit discharges a gas inside the three-dimensional deposition chamber and the gas introduction unit introduces a predetermined gas thereinto, a predetermined gas atmosphere is formed inside the three-dimensional deposition chamber.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition for a lead storage battery and a lead storage battery using the same are provided. More particularly, the electrolyte composition of a lead storage battery and the lead storage battery using the same improve stratification of an electrolyte without use of a separate mechanical device by using a natural stirring effect caused by a specific gravity difference between a dispersant having a specific gravity of from about 1.02 to about 1.35 and an electrolyte including distilled water and sulfuric acid. Due to the reduction in mechanical components, the electrolyte composition for a lead storage battery and a lead storage battery disclosed herein have enhanced durability compared to conventional batteries.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a shaping part, a powder feeding part that feeds the powder material to the shaping part, a powder storage part that stores the powder material, and a pipe through which the powder material is transferred from the powder storage part to the powder feeding part. The powder storage part is arranged on a lower side of the powder feeding part in the vertical direction. The pipe is provided with a bent part in a transfer section in which the powder material is transferred from a lower side to an upper side in the vertical direction. The bent part stops the falling of the powder material that is present in the transfer section in the middle of the transfer section when the suction is stopped.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an object by laser sintering comprises: (i) selecting a powder comprising a polymeric material having a repeat unit of formula —O—Ph—O—Ph—CO—Ph—??I and a repeat unit of formula —O—Ph—Ph—O—Ph—CO—Ph—??II wherein Ph represents a phenylene moiety; and (ii) selectively sintering the powder to produce the object. It is found that the polymer used can be advantageously recycled and blended with virgin material to produce a blend which has very similar mechanical properties and crystallinity compared to the virgin material. Thus, the polymer may be cost-effectively used in laser sintering.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a midsole includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion.

Abstract: A molding machine, which is operable to mold plastic granules into a plastic piece, includes a machine body, a platform, a heater, and a pressing unit. The platform is installed at the machine body and defines a molding cavity to receive the plastic granules. The heater is installed at the machine body adjacent to the platform. The pressing unit is installed at the machine body and disposed above the platform. The pressing unit includes a pressure cylinder, a telescopic rod driven by the pressure cylinder to extend downward and retract upward, and a pressing plate coupled to the telescopic rod and disposed to correspond in position with the molding cavity, and driven by the pressure cylinder to move relative to the platform.

Abstract: A mold for foam molding which can sufficiently prevent burrs from being formed on a molded product, and a foam molding method using the mold are provided. A groove 6 into which a packing seal is to be fitted is formed in a mating surface 3a of a lower mold 3 so as to extend around a cavity 7. The groove 6 has a deep groove portion 6a which is deeply recessed from the mating surface 3a, and a shallow groove portion 6b which is located on the cavity 7 side with respect to the deep groove portion 6a and which continues to the deep groove portion 6a. A portion of the mating surface 3a that extends from its edge on the cavity 7 side down to the groove 6 has a width “a” of from 0.1 mm to 10 mm. A packing seal 5 has a base portion 5a which is inserted into the deep groove portion 6a, and an overhang portion 5b which continues to the base portion 5a and is engaged with the shallow groove portion 6b.

Abstract: A modular tool for imparting profile characteristics into fluent cementitious material. The tool has an elongated base forming a permanently fixed blade, and at least one handle. The blade is configured to act as a dovetail to which any of several modular blades may frictionally fit in removable fashion. The fixed blade forms a deflector disposed to deflect removed cementitious material away from the handles. Other blades may fit by peg and socket engagement. The tool may have detachable rollers enabling the tool to advance at a controlled elevation along a wall being formed and shaped. A slide block may be arranged to engage the rollers so as to adjust their position on the tool. The tool may have integral bubble levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the implementation of a method for the production of pellets of polyamide 6 or copolyamides. The method can include production of a melt of polyamide 6 or copolyamides by means of polymerization, production of pellets from the melt by means of underwater pelletization into a process fluid, removal of the pellets from a site of underwater pelletization in the process fluid, supply of the pellets in the process fluid to an extraction stage, extraction of low-molecular components as extract, and drying of the pellets after extraction, wherein the underwater pelletization stage and the extraction stage take place using the same process fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for manufacture of three-dimensional models by means of a 3D printing process, whereby a spreader device is used to deposit particulate material in layers on a build platform and the particulate material flow, which occurs perpendicular to the spreading direction, is transferred into containers that are actively cleaned by sliders or brushes at the spreader device. It exploits the fact that particulate material that is moves dynamically can only bridge small height differences. The arrangement can be implemented in a space-saving manner beneath the spreading plane.

Abstract: A three-side adjustable scraper of an extrusion device includes a scraper body arranged on the body of an extrusion device. One side of the scraper body has a knife edge which is attached to the wheel surface of an extrusion wheel of the extrusion device, and the scraper body is adjustably provided with a left side scraper seat and a right side scraper seat. A left side scraper and a right side scraper are respectively arranged on the left side scraper seat and the right side scraper seat, and the knife edges of the left side scraper and the right side scraper are respectively attached to the two sides of the extrusion wheel of the extrusion device. The left side scraper and the right side scraper are additionally arranged, so that materials adhered on the two sides of the extrusion wheel can be scraped off by the scraper.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of injection molding with two molding steps and tools for this method are described. The transfer tool for high-volume manufacturing allows transfer of molded parts from one injection molding tool to another injection molding tool without separating the molded part from runners and without degating. The single step transfer, which can be performed without degating and without separating the molded parts from one another, can reduce cycle time as well as complexity.

Abstract: Mold pieces (105 and 110) for molding a layer of mold compound on the interconnect side of a bumped semiconductor wafer (118) include a primary cavity (117) and secondary cavities (120) into which excess mold compound from the primary cavity (117) flows. The secondary cavities (120) include a plunger (130) that asserts a predetermined backpressure that is equal to a desired mold compound pressure on the mold compound during molding. As most of the excess mold compound in the primary cavity (117) is forced to flow into the secondary cavities (120), this advantageously leaves a relatively thin layer of mold compound on the semiconductor wafer (118), which can then be removed, for example by grinding, in a relatively short time. Mold piece (105) further comprises a movable cavity bar (115) that can be moved away from mold piece (105) after molding and be cooled to detach the molded substrate that adheres to the cavity bar.

Abstract: A semiconductor package molding system includes a press unit, a loading apparatus for loading the first member and the first resin member on the first press apparatus and the second member and the second resin member on the second press apparatus, an unloading apparatus which is adapted to unload a molded first mold from the first press apparatus and a molded second mold from the second press apparatus, and a control unit which is adapted to apply a control signal to the press unit, the loading apparatus, and the unloading apparatus. The press unit includes at least one first press apparatus which is adapted to press a first resin member against a first member to mold a first mold, and at least one second press apparatus which is adapted to press a second resin member against a second member to mold a second mold.

Abstract: An automatic powder recycling apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of isolation elements, an air-blowing device, a powder filtering member, a recycling member and an air-inhaling device. A sealed space is defined within the housing. The air-blowing device is disposed within the sealed space for removing the powder attached on the surface of the finished product. The air-inhaling device is in communication with the first receptacle for allowing the first receptacle to be in a negative pressure state. When the powder on the finished product is removed by the air-blowing device and directed to the powder filtering member by the air-inhaling device, the powder is filtered and blocked by the powder filtering member. When the air-inhaling device is disabled, the powder blocked by the powder filtering member naturally falls down to the recycling member.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a melt-resistant glass fiber product, by applying an insulating material to a glass fiber product comprised of filiform glass fibers so as to substantially coat each of the filiform glass fibers therewith, such that the coated filiform glass fibers render the glass fiber product resistant to heat. In one aspect, such a method comprises forming a wetted mixture including filiform glass fibers and insulating material comprising a fire-retarding solution, wherein the wetted mixture has a solids content of the fire-retarding solution substantially uniformly and thoroughly dispersed therethrough. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Extruders for processing material have a selectively variable extruder volume. The extruders include an extruder barrel containing a bore sized to process 5 to 50 grams of material, wherein the bore has an upstream inlet portion for feeding the material to be processed and a downstream outlet portion connectable to an extruder exit for material processed through the extruder, and at least two recycle channels which differ from one another in at least one of volume, area of cross-section and length. A diverter valve of a flow control system is positioned at the outlet of the extruder for controllably directing material flow from the bore to either the extruder exit or at least one of at least two recycle channels.

Abstract: There is described a method of separating excess lens forming material from a molded ophthalmic lens, in particular a contact lens. After polymerization and/or cross-linking of a lens forming material (P) within a mold cavity (4) of a mold (1) comprising female and male mold halves (2, 3) to form an ophthalmic lens non-polymerized and/or non-cross-linked lens forming material is flushed away from the mold halves (2, 3) with a jet of a fluid flushing medium, such as, e.g., water or a solvent or an inert gas. Subsequently the molded lens is dried. In accordance with the invention the flushing is accomplished with the mold halves (2, 3) still in the closed position. There is also described an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A mold device for injecting a fluid into a container where the mold device comprises a first mold portion having a first mating surface and a second mold portion having a second mating surface. The second mating surface is shaped complementary to the first mating surface. A mold cavity is disposed within the first mold portion and the second mold portion. The mold device further comprises an interlocking mating surface system disposed between or made a part of the first mold portion and second mold portion to define a fluid seal therebetween and align the first mold portion to the second mold portion in at least a first direction.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injector that obtains molten resin by melting resin, and injects the molten resin, a hot runner that is a flowing path of the molten resin, and a temperature rising part that is provided in a part of the hot runner, and increases a temperature of the molten resin to be higher than a melting temperature in the injector.

Abstract: A system for removing trim from sheet dough including a belt defined by an upper edge, lower edge, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, wherein a plurality of brushes extend from the lower edge of the belt at an orientation substantially perpendicular to the lower edge, an idler sprocket in communication with the interior surface of the belt, and a motor configured to rotate the belt about the idler sprocket.

Abstract: A reservoir for catching a portion of overflow of molding material from a non-pneumatic tire mold during molding includes a tubular portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and a flange associated with the proximal end of the tubular portion. The flange is configured to be associated with a surface of the tire mold, such that the tubular portion extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tire mold. The reservoir further includes a reservoir portion configured to be removably mounted around the tubular portion. The reservoir portion includes a base having an aperture configured to receive the tubular portion, and a wall configured such that molding material flowing from the distal end of the tubular portion is received in the reservoir portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are roll fed air heated flotation ovens and related thermoforming systems, assemblies, and machines that enable the corrugation-free expansion of a gas impregnated thermoplastic web passing through an oven chamber (without use of a pin-chain assembly), as well as to related methods. In an embodiment, a gas impregnated thermoplastic web is conveyed and expanded through an elongated air heated oven chamber, wherein the elongated oven chamber includes a plurality of downwardly directed heated air nozzles positioned at regular intervals along and within the upper portion of the oven chamber, and a plurality of upwardly directed heated air nozzles positioned at regular intervals along and within the lower portion of the oven chamber, but staggered apart from the downwardly directed heated air nozzles such that the gas impregnated thermoplastic material web undulates in an up and down wavelike fashion, thereby minimizing sagging, bagging, puckering, and/or buckling of the web.

Abstract: Mandrel supported IV tubing is inserted within a mold of a mold assembly to heat the IV tubing and form a tapered end of the tubing. The tip of the tubing extending beyond the tapered end of the tubing is severed by the mandrel bearing against the mold to lodge the tip in an outlet of the mold. Cooling air is introduced to the mold assembly to cool the mold and to create a flow of turbulent air about the outlet of the mold to extract the severed tips. The turbulent air is exhausted through a channel, pipe and fitting into a collection chamber and causes translation of the severed tip to and into the collection chamber. Sensors may be incorporated to sense the translation of the severed tips.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for transferring a relief pattern on a mold to a resist on a substrate through a compression of the mold against the resist, includes a supplier for supplying the resist between the substrate and the mold, and a recovery unit for recovering the resist.

Abstract: A powder removing apparatus includes a box, a stage moving mechanism, and a powder removing processing mechanism. The box has a main body with an opening and a stage movably provided in the main body. The box is capable of accommodating a molded object and non-bonding powder so as to arrange the molded object, which is formed using powder according to a rapid prototyping technique, on the stage together with the non-bonding powder. The stage moving mechanism is capable of moving the stage upward relative to the main body inside the main body. The powder removing processing mechanism is configured to remove the non-bonding powder existing around the molded object extruded by a driving operation of the stage moving mechanism via the opening.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a device for avoiding the uncontrolled discharge of melt from nozzle apertures of a nozzle plate are provided. The device can include a locking member that is movable in front of the nozzle plate. The locking member can be formed as an extrudate collection member. The locking member can be reciprocable between a production position and a collection position. And melt can be discharged from the nozzle apertures of the nozzle plate in the form of extrudates into a process chamber when the locking member is in the production position and into extrudate collection member when the locking member is in the collection position. The device can also include a melt extraction aperture disposed on the extrudate collection member. The melt extraction aperture can be configured to align with the nozzle apertures in the nozzle plate and a melt extraction channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming desired patterns on ceramic tile from a slurry comprising: a means for preparing a slurry; at least one slurry holding tank for holding at least one type of slurry; at least one pattern forming tray; at least one means for connecting said at least one tank to at least one pattern forming tray and a filter pressing unit; wherein the pattern forming unit dispenses a predetermined type, amount, colors of slurry at a predetermined order into the pattern forming tray to form a desired pattern, said slurry with desired pattern is pressed with the filter pressing unit to form ceramic tiles or slabs with a desired pattern running though its entire thickness.

Abstract: A method for forming a receptacle may include providing a mold having a forming surface and a recessed area defining part of the forming surface, the mold having sections that may be separated to open the mold and closed together to close the mold. A molten plastic parison may be provided into the mold when the mold is open, the mold may be closed and the parison may be expanded against the forming surface so that a portion of the parison enters the recessed area. The portion of the parison within the recessed area may be formed by moving a secondary forming feature relative to the mold and parison to define a mount feature.