Abstract: One embodiment can provide an apparatus. The apparatus can include a robotic arm, a pair of jaws coupled to the robotic arm configured to grip a fabric piece at a pair of predetermined locations, a force sensor coupled to the jaws and configured to measure a tension force applied to the fabric piece by the jaws, and a control module configured to control movements of at least one jaw based on the measured tension force, thereby allowing the fabric piece to be stretched.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software and techniques are disclosed for morphing a generic virtual boundary into a patient-specific virtual boundary for an anatomical model. The generic virtual boundary comprises one or more morphable faces. An intersection of the generic virtual boundary and the anatomical model is computed to define a cross-sectional contour of the anatomical model. One or more faces of the generic virtual boundary are morphed to conform to the cross-sectional contour of the anatomical model to produce the patient-specific virtual boundary. In some cases, the morphed faces are spaced apart from the cross-sectional contour by an offset distance that accounts for a geometric feature of a surgical tool.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray security inspection machine that has a machine housing defining an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected, a conveyor belt for conveying the article, two rollers for receiving and moving the conveyor belt, and a conveyor belt tracking device positioned along the path between the two rollers. The conveyor belt tracking device has a mounting bracket for mounting the conveyor belt tracking device to the inspection machine and a guide frame with an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion and lower portion are spaced apart from each other and the conveyor belt passes through the space between the upper portion and lower portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing composite stringers from a composite laminate comprising a male mould, a main caul plate, two fixed female mould halves, two secondary movable caul plates and a retention device. The main caul plate is located below the male mould, the female mould halves are located at both sides of the main caul plate and the secondary movable caul plates, each of them located respectively over each one of the two female mould halves. The male mould, the main caul plate, the two female mould halves and the two secondary caul plates are non-developable surfaces. The retention device keeps each secondary movable caul plate at a predetermined distance of its respective female mould half.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing hemispherical sections for a golf ball includes a mold plate and a movable insert. The mold plate includes a first surface. The movable insert includes a second surface. The movable insert is connected to the mold plate. The first surface of the mold plate and the second surface of the movable insert may move relative to one another during molding of a hemispherical section for a golf ball.

Abstract: A device for producing pipes made of thermoplastic with annular transverse profilings with a cross section in the form of undulation peaks and undulation troughs has half-molds, which complete one another pairwise along a straight mold section to form a closed mold, which can be moved in a movement direction. Projecting into the mold is an extrusion tool, which has a nozzle support body. To produce an adequate seal between the half-molds and nozzle support body, the latter is covered with exchangeably attached hollow half-shells, which form a cylindrical external face.

Abstract: An earplug shaping device compresses a compressible earplug prior to insertion of the earplug into a user's ear canal. The device includes a first member and a second member which rotate with respect to each other. The outer surface of the first member and inner surface of the second member define a space that decreases in size as the first and second members rotate with respect to each other, thereby compressing the compressible earplug. Various embodiments of the earplug shaper employ a ratchet mechanism permitting substantially only one direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention features the present invention features a tablet including at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, wherein the shape of said tablet includes at least one major face wherein: (i) the peak penetration resistance at the perimeter of said major face of the tablet is at least about 10% greater than the peak penetration resistance at the center of said major face; and (ii) the tablet disintegrates in the mouth when placed on the tongue in less than about 30 seconds, and a machine and method for manufacture of such tablet.

Abstract: A press, an automated loading system for a press and related methods are provided including a loading system having a first assembly configured to carry a reaction cell to an anvil of a press base and a second assembly configured to assist in positioning and orientating the reaction cell on the anvil. In one embodiment, the first assembly may include a trolley displaceable along a guide member to carry the reaction cell to the anvil. The first and second assemblies may each include guide members that are displaceable relative to the anvil that are configured to position the reaction cell at a desired location and orientation on the anvil. In one embodiment, each of the guide members include arms that engage distinct sides of a cubic reaction cell. A clearing mechanism may also be incorporated to clear the surface of the anvil during operation of the system.

Abstract: A press die is provided which includes a lower die having a lower core and an upper die having an upper core, the upper die includes moving blocks installed movably in a first horizontal direction and a bending shaft installed to the moving blocks, and the bending shaft presses a plate against a side surface forming portion of the lower core as the moving blocks move in the first horizontal direction, thereby enabling the plate to be deformed in the first direction.

Abstract: In a molding method and an apparatus for the method, a base material is placed on mounting portions of bottom support pins, which protrude from a first inner surface of a lower mold in an open state. Pressing portions of top support pins, which protrude from a second inner surface of an upper mold, are brought into contact with the base material. Consequently, the base material is sandwiched between the mounting portions and the pressing portions. Thereafter, pre-forming preferably is carried out. For example, the bottom support pins and the top support pins are lowered toward the lower mold, such that the base material is brought into contact with the first inner surface. Then, the lower mold and the upper mold are closed, and the base material is molded into a molded article.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting material has a die for receiving a compressive force, the die having a shaped-opening for receiving a die insert. The die insert has an exterior shape that is adapted to cooperate with and be received in the opening such that compressive forces impinging upon the die are focused upon the die insert such that tensile forces within the die and impinging upon the die insert are minimized.

Abstract: A translating die apparatus and method for forming a piece of material into a part having complex contours. The translating die apparatus may comprise upper and lower mounts, fixed upper and lower dies fixed to the upper and lower mounts, respectively, and movable upper and lower dies translatably coupled with the mounts and configured to translate laterally toward and away from the fixed upper and lower dies. The piece of material may be placed between the upper and lower dies and one of the mounts may be actuated toward another of the mounts to sandwich the piece of material between the upper and lower dies. Simultaneously, the movable upper and lower dies may translate toward the fixed upper and lower dies, until the movable and fixed dies abut each other when the upper and lower dies are fully pressing the piece of material therebetween.

Abstract: A draw press device may include a lower mold having a lower surface forming portion, a blank holder disposed outside the lower mold, an upper mold having an upper surface forming portion disposed at an upper side slider above an upper side of the lower mold, and a stretching forming portion that performs a stretching when both end portions of the material panel are grasped by a cam operation before shaping or pressing the material panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a mold for making a membrane. A mold may include a cylindrical female portion having a diameter D. The female portion may include a concave face having substantially the same diameter D as the lower portion and a radius of curvature R. The mold may also include a cylindrical male portion having a diameter substantially equal to D. The male portion may have a central cylindrical portion with a height H extending from the lower terminus and a diameter of D-G, wherein G is the annular thickness of a spacing gap extending radially outward from the central portion. The male portion may also have a centered, convex lower face with a diameter of D-G and a radius of curvature R. The mold may also include a tubular body portion support member configured to receive a portion of the female and male portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.

Abstract: A blade for a hockey stick which can readily absorb impact from the puck, and can allow the user to feel the puck on the blade in contrast to conventional carbon fiber blades. The blade can include a blade member integrally formed of composite material having discontinuous fibers bonded within thermosetting resin. The blade member can have a blade periphery surrounding a central blade region. The central blade region can have a plurality of openings arranged in a pattern to form series of elongate criss crossing ribs that extend between and connect different sides of the blade periphery to each other. The fibers in the blade periphery can be in a generally jumbled orientation, and the fibers in the central blade region can be positioned within the ribs in a manner wherein each rib contains a plurality of fibers that substantially extend in said each rib's elongate direction.

Abstract: A device for stretching a plastic ring which comprises pushing means (2) and a loading body (5) which are reciprocally slidable across a plurality of ribs (4) solidly constrained to the pushing means (2), and a plurality of grooves (6) afforded on the loading body (5). The loading body (5) exhibits a first substantially conical portion (7) exhibiting a base (7a), having an external diameter (D) and an apex (7b). The loading body (5) further comprises a second portion (8), contiguous to the first conical portion (7) and exhibiting a proximal end (8a) and a distal end (8b).

Abstract: A molding apparatus for glass molded product includes a mold, a press shaft and a release device. The release device includes a release member, a push bar, and a release action mechanism. The release member has a lower end surface to face an outer peripheral portion of a molding surface of the lower die of the mold. The push bar adjusts a downward pressure given to the release member. The release action mechanism is provided to hold an upper portion of the push bar movably along a shaft direction of the press shaft. The release action mechanism moves the push bar and the release member downward along the shaft direction to release a glass material and the upper die of the mold when the upper die and the lower die are separated after the glass material has been pressed between the upper die and the lower die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacture of a liner of a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end receives a container penetration element thereon.

Abstract: Rotary forming devices and methods of using the rotary forming devices for producing products such as filled and unfilled “pillow” shaped products. In an embodiment, the invention provides a device comprising a housing comprising a die plate defining a plurality of outlets. The housing defines an inlet. A race plate is attached to the die plate. The race plate circumscribes the outlets of the die plate. A forming wheel is rotatably attached to the die plate. A motor assembly is attached to the forming wheel. The motor assembly is constructed and arranged to rotate the forming wheel in a hypocycloid motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device with which it is possible to arrange complicated shapes with considerable differences in height in wood fiber board, and in particular but not exclusively so called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). The deformation of the wood fiber board which can be achieved is known in the art as extrusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.

Abstract: The device for thermoforming a sheet has two molds. The first mold includes a movable plug support plate and heated plugs projecting from the plug support plate, which plugs are spaced a predetermined distance apart. A plurality of induction coils is arranged stationary in an area of the device adjacent to the plug support plate, and the plug support plate has an induction element of inductively heatable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of an angle for connecting a fuselage cell skin to an annular former and/or a stringer inside a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft, the angle taking place by the one-step deformation of an initially planar blank along at least three fold lines in a uniaxial compression molding device. A mounting frame with hinges is arranged in the compression molding device, the blank to be deformed being accommodated along the edges preferably by means of a plurality of peripherally arranged springs. A deformation of the blank into an auto-stabilized angle is possible in one step while simultaneously ensuring interlaminar slide. Due to the constructively conditioned auto-stabilization of the angle, additional components which increase the weight and the assembly effort (so-called “stabilos”) in the connection region between fuselage cell skin, stringers and annular formers inside a fuselage structure of an aircraft are unnecessary.

Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. A carrier mold comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body, and two or more prongs, each prong having a proximal base and a distal end; wherein at least one prong is in partial contact with at least one other prong; wherein the inner surface defines an inner cavity for producing a shaped tampon; wherein the inner cavity is structured to define or mirror the desired shape of the shaped tampon; and wherein the shaped tampon has a length and comprises various perimeters along its length. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming through vias in an integrated circuit package are disclosed. An apparatus is disclosed, having a substrate having one or more bond pad terminals for receiving electrical connections on at least one surface; an encapsulation layer covering the at least one surface of the substrate and having a first thickness; a plurality of through vias extending through the encapsulation layer and positioned in correspondence with at least one of the one or more bond pad terminals; conductor material disposed within the plurality of through vias to form electrical connectors within the plurality of through vias; and at least one external terminal disposed on a surface of the encapsulation layer, electrically coupled to one of the one or more bond pad terminals by an electrical connector in at least one of the plurality of through vias. Package arrangements and methods for the through vias are disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure the prongs of the carrier mold flex to completely or substantially close one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.

Abstract: A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.

Abstract: This invention provides single-step pultrusion processes for producing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) articles that may have variable cross sections and/or non-linear shapes. This unique capability results from the use of two sets of dies to form the article. The first is a set of moving dies connected together to form mating continuous loops of moving die links to: a) draw the FRP material into the apparatus; b) shape the cross section of the FRP material; c) cut the FRP material to the appropriate length; and d) hold the uncut FRP material in position for the next production cycle. The second set of dies forms a guide path mounted on opposing conveyers. The guide path includes heated die segments to define a curing section that may be non-linear. Cycling the moving die links through the curing section and/or cycling the conveyers provides a straightforward method for automated production of finished pultruded articles with unique shapes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a patient-specific surgical implant based on mold system. The apparatus comprises a forming tool and a mold that may be generated using imaging and processing techniques and rapid prototyping methods. The mold apparatus includes at least two non-adjacent surface features for securing an implant forming material (such as a titanium mesh) during the forming process, enabling the implant forming material to be stretched beyond its elastic and thus permanently deformed with the correct patient-specific curvature. The implant may include one or more anatomic surface features for guidance and registration when transferring the implant to a patient.

Abstract: A device for stretching a plastic ring which comprises pushing means (2) and a loading body (5) which are reciprocally slidable across a plurality of ribs (4) solidly constrained to the pushing means (2), and a plurality of grooves (6) afforded on the loading body (5). The loading body (5) exhibits a first substantially conical portion (7) exhibiting a base (7a), having an external diameter (D) and an apex (7b). The loading body (5) further comprises a second portion (8), contiguous to the first conical portion (7) and exhibiting a proximal end (8a) and a distal end (8b).

Abstract: Especially when it is necessary to provide voids (29) for panelling or glazing and a material formed by wood and glue conglomerate particles in one or three layers. These materials are received in separate metering devices that are able to move over a bench, being placed over the mould in accordance with a specific sequence of discharge and movements. It is defined by a fixed perimeter frame (10, 32) with apertures (12, 33) of the dimensions of the door, in which slides, snugly, a first framework (11, 34) and a second framework (14, 35) that can be moved inside the first framework and whose hollow is occupied by a series of pads or blocks (21, 22, 36, 37, 38) that can move independently through the action of respective cylinders (39, 40, 41) in order to occupy the raised position, forming the voids (15, 16, 29) for panelling or glazing, if any. The fixed frame (10, 32) has a moveable interior part (78) for producing oversized doors.

Abstract: A casting mold is provided for forming a biomedical device including an ophthalmic device such as a contact lens. The casting mold includes an anterior mold section and a posterior mold section, wherein one of the mold sections includes a plurality of radially extending ribs and the remaining mold section includes an annular shoulder for engaging an outer end of the ribs to define a mold cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermoforming device that includes a separate forming mold that can be positioned within a pair of primary mold sections to define a separate mold cavity therein. The separate mold cavity can be used to form details on various sections of a formed part that are not present on the remainder of the formed part due to the separation of the sections of the formed part from the remainder of the part due to the sealed engagement of the separate forming mold with the primary mold sections.

Abstract: A mold for molding a lens includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part includes a substantially frustoconical guiding chamber defined therein, and a first molding surface in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber. The second mold part includes a main body having a substantially frustoconical protrusion with a substantially cylindrical recess defined therein. The substantially frustoconical protrusion has a second molding surface in the substantially cylindrical recess. The substantially frustoconical protrusion is configured for inserting into and matingly engaged in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber of the first mold part, thus aligning the first molding surface with the second molding surface.

Abstract: A device for the production of confectionery, in particular, pralines, in moulds, with at least one upper die which may be lowered relative thereto, mounted on a die plate whereby the die plate has a flexible mounting.

Abstract: A mold for molding a product in a cavity formed by closing the mold is provided. The mold includes a first half; a second half; and a plurality of aligning members which contact respective outer circumferential surfaces of a first die of the first half and a second die of the second half, at least in three directions, when the mold is closed. At least one of the aligning members is moved toward the outer circumferential surfaces of the first die and the second die, and then each of the aligning members sandwiches the first die and the second die, which enables a center axis alignment between the first die and the second die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould system (1) for manufacturing a container (500), whereby the mould system (1) includes a movable mould half (10) and a stationary mould half (20), which mould halves (10 and 20) are located opposite to each other, the mould system (1) enabling the manufacture of the container (500), which comprises a bottom (57) pressed from a cardboard blank, walls (59) connected to the said bottom (57), and a rim (50) that is at least partly cast of plastic, connected to the upper edge of the walls (59) and encircles the walls, whereby the mould half (10) that is movable with respect to the stationary mould half (20) includes at least a core plate (4) provided with a core (41), a plate-like seal ring (5), which is movable with respect to the (41), comprises a seal surface (5a) and surrounds the core (41), and a collar ring (6), which is movable with respect to the core (41) and the seal ring (5) and can be fitted between the same, and the stationary mould half (20) includes at least a mould p

Abstract: A molding apparatus is configured by a first, a second sliding die, a first, a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: A molding method involves a first and a second sliding die, a first and a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: In a mold, at least a first half includes an insert member forming a cavity surface on one end side; a body member having an insertion part into which the insert member is inserted; and an insert member fixer interposed between the insert member and the insertion part, for holding the insert member. The insert member fixer is made of a shape memory alloy, and presses and holds the insert member when the insert member fixer restores its memorized shape, to make a center axis alignment of the insert member with respect to the body member.

Abstract: A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding. The stent is recrimped on the balloon after removal from the mold to increase retention of the stent on the balloon.

Abstract: This invention relates to tooling (1) for manufacturing by means of stamping parts made of thermoplastic material from a blank of the said material, comprising a hollow die (2) delimited by a bottom (20), side walls (21a, 21b, 21c) and an opening (22) opposite the bottom, and a raised punch (3) designed to cooperate with the die via the opening (22). The tooling comprises at least one mobile element (4) adapted to cooperate with at least one recess (23) placed in the bottom and/or side walls of the to die, the recess allowing the passage of one part of the blank that is to be bent using the mobile element.

Abstract: A soap holding device includes a base member having a first grid pattern with a plurality of apertures and a co-mating cover member having the capability of being lowered telescopically downwardly into the base member as a soap bar becomes smaller with use. The cover member also includes a second grid pattern with a plurality of apertures and an imprinting portion for imprinting designs onto the soap bar after every use when the cover member exerts pressure thereon to produce the capability of better skin exfoliation and deep cleansing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding composite material with a selectable uniform predetermined temperature during most of the curing time. The mold apparatus has two cooperating and complementing mold bed assemblies hingedly mounted to each other and movable between two extreme positions, open and closed. A composite inner skin and outer skins sandwich a spacer in between. The spacer member includes interconnecting passages throughout. An outer perforated composite skin member covers the spacer member. A source for pressurized gas is applied to the mold assemblies when in the closed position. A predetermined cooperative temperature is selectably used to uniformly control the curing characteristics of the first and second skin members as the pressurized hot gas or air forced to pass through the outer skin and the spacer member adjacent to the inner skin thereby exposing the form being molded to a uniform temperature gradient.

Abstract: A film profile forming device includes a supporting table, a screw coupled to the supporting table in a perpendicular direction, a motor arranged on an end of the screw for rotating the screw, a guiding base having a screw hole engaged with the screw being driven by the screw for dispersing force and moving in the perpendicular direction, a lower base fixed under the supporting table, and a upper base glidingly arranged between the supporting table and the lower base. The upper base is brought by the guiding base and moves to and fro in the perpendicular direction to close or away from the lower base.

Abstract: Apparatus for making variously shaped pastry shells includes an annular baking ring supported on a horizontal lower plate to define an upward-facing female die. A gasket is disposed between the baking ring and the plate. An upper plate is positioned above and parallel to the lower plate, and includes a downward-facing male die configured to be inserted concentrically into the upper end of the female die and thereby define a die space having a flat floor and annular, vertical side walls between the dies. An annular collar is disposed concentrically about the male die and resiliently supported on the upper support plate such that, when the two plates are urged toward each other, the collar seals the upper and lower ends of the die space, and a volume of pastry dough disposed in the cavity of the female die is formed into a pastry shell conforming to the die space.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing tire's annular member having a stretch mainly in radial direction by use of simple devices and simple way of pressing with high precision and easiness, as to produce tire product in high quality with no fluctuation of mass and/or uniformity, comprising: a first mold including a profile mold having an annular recess; a second mold which faces the first mold; and an extruder that continuously extrudes a rubber body into the recess of the profile mold. Concurrent with such extruding, the profile mold is rotated by one turn so as to charge the rubber body into the annular recess in a manner as annularly continuous. Then, the first and the second molds are brought abut each other so as to press the rubber body between the profile and second molds; thus shaping the rubber body into a shape defined by the profile mold.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for patterning a workpiece includes a first support member for supporting the mold, a second support member arranged opposite to the first support member, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the mold and the work together using the support members to pattern the workpiece. In this structure, either the surface of the first support member for supporting the mold or the surface of the second support member for supporting the workpiece is smaller in area than both surfaces of the mold and the workpiece.