Abstract: Two molds (102, 104) are provided formed of semiconductor material. The molds (102, 104) have substantially planar working faces (108, 110) into which recesses (106, 112) are formed. In use the molds (102, 104) are pressed together with the working faces (108, 110) opposed so the recesses (106, 112) form mold cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of manufacturing seamless gaskets using expanded intercalated graphite worms, in which an annular die cavity has a central column with a charge inlet in a perimeter wall. Expanded intercalated graphite worms communicate from a source through the charge inlet in the annular die cavity for depositing a charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms within the die cavity. An upper pusher is movable from a first position distally spaced from an open end of the die cavity to a second position within the die cavity for compressing a first charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms. A lower pusher is movable from a first position to a second position during the compressing of the first charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms in the die. The upper pusher causes the lower pusher to move to the second position, so that a second charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms is received in substantially the same volume as the first charge.

Abstract: A coil of tubing can have either adjacent tubes or tubes with a space therebetween. To hold the tubes in place a material such as an adhesive can be placed across the top of the coil, on the bottom of the coil or both to hold the coil in place. The material can also envelope the coils such that the coils are banded. The coils may have a length of a straight portion of tubing prior to the coil beginning and an angled portion on the inside diameter for inserting or extracting a product in the tubing which may be similarly retained. The tubing may be coiled by insertion between two templates. The templates have injection ports for inserting material to hold or encase the tubing. Thus the tubing may be inserted in the templates, a material to hold the tubing in the coiled position inserted and the coiled tubing removed from the templates ready for use in their coiled position with the material on the tubing holding the tubing in the coiled position.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for producing non-planar parts using compaction molding compounds (CMC) comprises a mold having a cavity which receives CMC therein, the mold including a movable platen assembly having at least two plates movable in substantially parallel directions to compact CMC placed in the cavity, and an actuating mechanism which moves the plates simultaneously at different respective velocities such that the CMC is substantially uniformly compacted into a non-planar shape with a predetermined, substantially uniform density.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: A molding die includes a pair of molding die members for forming a molding cavity that molds molded products and a holding member that holds therein the molding die members slidably, wherein a pressure-transfer medium supplied to the clearance between the molding die members and the holding member makes the molding die members to be slid and held in the holding member while the molding die members and the holding member are on the non-contact state.

Abstract: An apparatus that receives packaging containers and a mixture of powdered chemicals and compresses the powder into the containers at a pressure sufficient to form a solid of the powder yet not so high as to rupture the container. The apparatus is computer controlled and fully automated. The apparatus mixes a batch of chemicals in powder form, apportions a quantity of the mixture into the container and compresses it into a solid. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a mold instead of the container for receiving the mixture portion, presses the portion into the mold and then the mold is rotated in a vertical plane to discharge the molded portion.

Abstract: A method for making a double-sided microlens mold and microlens array mold is described which utilizes a spinning half radius diamond cutting member operated in a plunge cut in a technique similar to milling to cut the optical surface into a diamond turnable material. The method can be used to make high sag lens molds with high accuracy. Microlens array molds can be made with a high degree of uniformity and a nearly 100% fill factor.

Abstract: Two molds (102, 104) are provided formed of semiconductor material. The molds (102, 104) have substantially planar working faces (108, 110) into which recesses (106, 112) are formed. In use the molds (102, 104) are pressed together with the working faces (108, 110) opposed so the recesses (106, 112) form mold cavities. The molds (102, 104) only contact each other in the plane of the working faces (108, 110).

Abstract: A rotary tableting press includes a turret with upper and lower carousels in which upper and lower punch assemblies are removably supported. The upper and lower punch assemblies include punch casings having a central opening and a punch slidably received in the central opening of the casing. The upper and lower punches are normally biased away from one another. Rollers are positioned on the tablet press and adapted to engage the punches to direct the upper and lower punches toward one another to compress material placed between the punches to form a tablet.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-piece golf ball provided with a core material and an outer layer molded on the surface of the core material, which comprises the steps of: i) simultaneously molding a pair of semispherical outer-layer-pieces that are composed of a composition containing semi-vulcanized rubber; ii) inserting a separately molded core material between the pair of outer-layer-pieces, and bringing the mouths of the pair of outer-layer-pieces into contact; and iii) vulcanizing the rubber contained in the outer-layer-pieces by press molding to obtain an outer layer that comprises a rubber composition on the surface of the core material.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a wax pattern in the shape of a golf club head includes a plurality of outer molds coupled together to defined a cavity and an inclined tunnel therein, with a plurality mold cores received in the cavity and a supporting member received in the inclined tunnel, in order to form a wax pattern which has an opening formed in an inclined front face thereof. Furthermore, both the tunnel and a parting plane between the mold cores make such a compensatory angle with horizontal surfaces of the outer molds that the opening of the wax pattern may be delimited by a peripheral wall perpendicular to a front face of the wax pattern.

Abstract: A compression molding apparatus including a top mold base, a top mold insert removably mounted in the top mold base, a bottom mold base, and a bottom mold insert removably mounted in the bottom mold base. The top and the bottom mold bases are pressed together to compress a molding material inserted between the top and the bottom mold inserts to compression mold a desired part. The top and bottom mold inserts are removed and replaced with different top and bottom mold inserts to compression mold a different part.

Abstract: A device for shape-forming at least one recess in a film-type material features a die with at least one opening, at least one shaping stem that can be introduced into the opening to create the recess by shape-forming, and a clamping facility for holding the film-type material fast between the clamping facility and the die. Counter-stems which are displaceable at least within the die openings are situated in the die, whereby shape-forming regions of the shape forming stems and the counter-stems for clamping the film-shaped material are, at least in part, superimposed on each other.

Abstract: A thermal pressure die for pressing and heating a trim cover assembly for automotive seat into a desired uneven configuration, the trim cover assembly having a decoratively finished outer surface with aesthetic solid or projecting decorative patterns defined thereon. A protection element of elastic and heat insulation property is provided on an uneven die surface of the die which is to be brought into pressing contact with such decoratively finished outer surface of trim cover assembly. Hence, the solid or projecting decorative patterns on the trim cover assembly outer surface are protected by the protection element against any deformation due to pressure and heating generated in the thermal pressure die.

Abstract: A mold for a golf ball comprises an upper portion (1) and a lower portion (3). A large number of projections (7) for dimple formation are provided on a cavity surface (5) of each of the upper portion (1) and the lower portion (3). A parting surface (8) of the upper portion (1) and the lower portion (3) has a concavo-convex shape. The parting surface (8) includes a first horizontal plane (13), a second horizontal plane (15) and an inclined surface (17). Circumferential central angles &phgr; of the first horizontal plane (13) and the second horizontal plane (15) are 55 degrees or less. A total value &Sgr;&phgr; of the circumferential central angles &phgr; is 30 degrees to 330 degrees. An inclination angle &agr; of the inclined surface (17) to a horizontal direction is 10 degrees to 60 degrees. A central angle &thgr; between the horizontal planes (13) and (15) and an equator (E) is 1 degree to 8 degrees.

Abstract: A mold structure of an extrusion tool for extruding and sealing a connector is disclosed. The mold structure is capable of being inserted into a mold supporting seat for receiving a coaxial cable; the mold structure clamping the coaxial cable. The mold structure has the following components. A seat is installed with a hole for receiving a coaxial cable. A chuck passes through the seat so that the chuck can move toward or leave away from the coaxial cable along an axial direction. A movable element is installed at one side of the seat for control an extent of movement of the chuck moving toward the coaxial cable along an axial direction. Thereby, the chuck moves toward or leaves from the axial direction; and the coaxial cable is clamped and fixed by a sufficient force.

Abstract: A press to form a composite acetabular allograft cup for use in hip replacement surgery is disclosed. The acetabular cup formed by the press comprises bone cement and cancellous bone chips. The press includes a two-piece mold for forming the acetabular cup. The mold is removable from the press and may be available in many different sizes to accommodate a range of patients. A screw-type compression means is utilized to force the acetabular cup into the desired shape. A compression gauge allows the operator to monitor the pressure applied as the acetabular cup is formed to prevent excessive crushing of cancellous bone chips. Breaking jaws are used to separate the acetabular cup from the upper portion of the mold after the bone cement has set and the acetabular cup is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stiffening a panel provides a composite waffle stiffener and the method for constructing the stiffener. A plurality of fabric plies pre-cut to a selected pattern are laid on a tool having a waffle configuration, the plies overlapping each other to maintain continuity of the structure. The resulting waffle stiffener is then bonded to a panel requiring stiffening. The stiffener is flexible and may be bonded to curved panels. Holes in the stiffener allow access to the volume between the stiffener and the panel for minimizing volume loss within, for example, a wing structure containing fuel and for ventilating air or moisture trapped in the volume.

Abstract: A hamburger patty making system including a housing having a central aperture extending therethrough. The housing has a channel extending inwardly thereof in communication with the central aperture. A press is coupled with respect to the housing. The press includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly coupled with the housing. The press includes an upper container portion disposed over the central aperture of the housing in a lowered orientation. A lower container portion is removably received within the central aperture of the housing. The lower container portion includes a cup portion adapted for being seated within the central aperture. The cup portion has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The closed lower end has a central opening therethrough. A piston is removably coupled with respect to the lower container portion. The piston includes an upper circular plate. The plate is seated on the closed lower end of the cup portion.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasonic rotary forming food products is provided. The system includes a first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel including a first cavity for receiving a food product and a second rotary wheel. The first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and said second rotary wheel rotate such that food product within the first cavity contacts the second rotary wheel to form an individually-formed food product. The food product passes from the first cavity to form a single formed food product. The system also includes a food product delivery system for delivering food product to the first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and the second rotary wheel. The second rotary wheel may also be an ultrasonically activated rotary wheel having cavities formed on the outer circumferential edge of the wheel. The food product delivery system may include a single food product delivery tube that simultaneously delivers food product from the same stream, droplet, or line to both rotary wheels.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes an upper mold tool having an upper-most mold half, a lower mold tool having a lowermost mold half, and an intermediate mold tool having a first auxiliary mold half cooperating with the uppermost mold half and a second auxiliary mold half cooperating with the lowermost mold half. In a first molding step, the intermediate mold tool is positioned between the upper and lower mold tools to form a first mold cavity between the upper and intermediate mold tools and a second mold cavity between the intermediate and lower mold tools. In this molding step upper and lower material layers are individually pre-molded in the two cavities. In a second molding step, the intermediate mold tool is moved laterally away, and the upper and lower mold tools are moved directly into molding cooperation with each other. Thereby, the separately pre-molded upper and lower material layers are brought together, laminated, bonded, and molded to produce a finished, two-layered molded component.

Abstract: Biodegradable, recessed molded receptacles (18) are produced by baking a baking composition between upper and lower baking molds (22, 24) in one baking operation to form a plurality of molded receptacles (18) in a coherent sheet structure (12) having an unbroken surface and containing the molded receptacles (18) which are subsequently separated from the sheet structure (12).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a press and mould apparatus for moulding cementitious articles comprising a precast mould and a press head having a pressing surface and being moveable between precast mould engaging and disengaging positions, wherein the pressing surface comprises a coating of deformable and resilient material such as urethane. Also disclosed is a process for moulding building blocks. This process comprising filling a precast mould with material, such as concrete, this is to be pressed; and pressing the material with a pressing surface comprising a deformable and resilient coating so as to solidify the material into a green shape ready for cutting.

Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a three plate mold for forming golf ball cores having dual parting lines. The mold comprises top, center and bottom plates, each having at least one mold insert with each insert having a cavity therein. The three cavities collectively form a spherical shape for molding a golf ball core. Upon the cores being formed, the center plate holding the cores, is lifted and rotated to a juxtaposed position against a stripping plate, whereby the cores are mechanically separated from both the mold and overflow flashing.

Abstract: A method of producing an information recording medium having enhanced planarity with high productivity, comprising steps of processing a surface of a disk substrate by satin-like finishing, heating and pressing the disk substrate through compression using a stamper having relief shapes so as to transfer the relief shapes to at least one satin-like finished surface of the disk substrate, forming a recording layer on the relief shape surface of the disk substrate, and forming a coating layer on the recording layer, and a production apparatus for the information recording medium, and an information recording medium produced by the method of producing.

Abstract: A mold for casting a cover for a golf ball is disclosed herein. The mold is composed of a first mold half and a second mold half. Each mold half has an internal hemispherical cavity and a plurality of recesses in flow communication with the internal hemispherical cavity. The recesses are preferably concave on one side of the parting line and convex on the opposing side of the parting line. Preferably, the mold assembly is utilized to mold a polyurethane cover on a golf ball precursor product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for making golf ball cores. The method includes using an inspection system during preform formation to measure the perform. The measurements are used to determine the measured perform volume and compare it to a standard preform volume. The method also includes using mold with pairs of self-aligning half-molds. The apparatus for inspecting the preforms comprises a non-contact measuring device, such as a camera. The self-aligning half-molds each include an upper surface with an angularly offset portion. When the offset portions mate during mold closure, the half-molds move with respect to one another.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a mold for molding a substrate comprising upper and lower mold parts, said mold being provided with one or more guide grooves in a predetermined position within the opposing internal surfaces of the upper and lower mold parts to receive one or more guide members, and being interposed between the internal surfaces at the predetermined position to maintain the vertical and horizontal alignment positions constant. A substrate having a pattern corresponding to the predetermined patterns with high precision in vertical and horizontal positions on both upper and lower sides thereof is molded by pressing simultaneously one or more of the guide members received in the guide grooves and the molding material charged in a space defined by the opposing internal surfaces.

Abstract: Mold press apparatus for use in the manufacture of molded articles, particularly starch-bound containers and other articles. The mold press apparatus includes a planar array of female mold halves and a corresponding planar array of male mold halves. The planar array of mold halves remain substantially coplanar throughout the process of selectively mating and separating the male and female mold halves. When used to manufacture molded articles from aqueous starch-based compositions, the molds are equipped with venting means, such as vent holes and/or a vent gap, which allow for the escape of water vapor from the mold cavities defined by the mated male/female mold pairs. A suction removal system may be used to remove the molded articles from the mold press apparatus, typically from the female mold halves. The demolded articles are deposited on a conveyor system equipped with individual nests for each article.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism are selective heated and cooled. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for making a golf ball. Two cups are molded from an elastomer separately from a center. The cups are molded on both sides of a center mold plate with hemispherical protrusions having a channel circumventing the protrusions to capture excess cup material. The material in the channel aids in centering of the hemispherical cavity and allows the reduction or elimination of reinforcing polymer material. The protrusions force the elastomer cup material into cavities in outer mold plates on either side of the center mold plate, thus forming cups with cavities. The solid or fluid-filled center is placed within the cup cavities, and the cups are joined, preferably by raising the temperature of the mold above the cure activation temperature of the cup material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing cheese, suitable in particular for producing crumbly cheese. Cheese molds are filled with curd, are subsequently closed with a lid and are pressed, whereafter the obtained cheeses are removed from the cheese molds. Prior to removing the cheeses from the cheese molds, however, the cheese molds still filled with cheese are heated.

Abstract: A hands free tortilla forming machine for molding dough balls into a tortilla shell. The forming machine includes a forming portion, a linkage mechanism, a vertically extending hinge block, and a foot pedal which can be mounted to a moveable cart. The forming portion includes a base having an upwardly facing forming surface and a base having an downwardly facing forming surface. The vertically extending hinge block beings mounted relative to the base and having a first end facing the base and a second end opposite to the first end. The rear end of the push member includes a lever arm which protrudes from its rear end and which is pivotally interengaged with the hinge block at a hinge point. This provides for relative rotation of the push member relative to the base about a member axis between an access position and a formed position. The lever further includes a second pivot spaced from the first pivot which interengages with the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A mold assembly designed for casting a layer for a golf ball is disclosed herein. The mold assembly has two halves that each hold a plurality of mold inserts. Each mold half is composed of a carrier base, a carrier plate, a retainer plate and a plurality of mold inserts. The multiple component aspect of each mold half allows for a more efficient transfer of heat during a casting process. Preferably, the mold assembly is utilized to mold a polyurethane cover on a golf ball precursor product.

Abstract: A pair of unvulcanized half outer layer bodies are formed by metallic molds provided with first mold having a hemispherical convex portion and second mold having a hemispherical concave portion. A vulcanized inner core is put into either of half outer layer bodies, and a pair of half outer layer bodies are paired up to form a preparatory form which is to be vulcanization molded in metallic molds for vulcanization molding.

Abstract: A press that subdivides and shapes an amorphous food article into a plurality of discrete items having a particular shape, such as a hamburger patty, a decorative cookie, a biscuit, a ravioli, a turnover and the like. The press simultaneously forms a plurality of discrete items into a particular shape wherein each item has a uniform thickness. The press has a base and an opposing lid that are capable of moving toward each other in order to create a compressive force therebetween. A mold sheet and compression sheet are attached to the base and the lid, respectively, so that the mold sheet and the compression sheet are adjacent to each other. The mold sheet has a plurality of flanges protruding therefrom. The flanges act as a cutting edge for separating a compressible food article into a plurality of discrete items. Preferably, the flanges are formed in a shape to create an ornamental periphery in the discrete items.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hybrid treatment into which CVI treatment and PIP treatment are combined. A dense matrix is formed around a ceramic fiber by the CVI treatment, and a gap in the matrix is infiltrated/filled well with the matrix by the PIP treatment, so that hermetic properties are enhanced. Moreover, when a volume ratio of the matrix by the CVI treatment in the total matrix is set to about 5% or more, about 80% or less, fine cracks are present in the matrix by the PIP treatment, so that a binding force of the ceramic fiber is weakened, and Young's modulus can be reduced. As a result, a thermal stress is alleviated and a resistance to thermal shock is enhanced.

Abstract: In connection with the moulding of tiles and bricks, for example for paving etc., use is made of moulding equipment comprising an under-part (16) with moulding cells (18) corresponding to the shape of the tile or brick, and an upper-part (2) with tubes (6) which support downwards-extending pressure plates (8) corresponding substantially to the shape of the moulding cell, and such that the pressure plates (8), in the forming of the items by vertical displacement of the under-part (16), are fed down through the moulding cells (18).

Abstract: An isothermal golf ball core molding platen is characterized by the use of isobars for even temperature distribution across the surfaces of the platen. The platen is formed of metal and includes first channels which receive heating elements for heating the platens. Isobars are arranged in second channels adjacent to the first channels. The isobars include an outer sheath defining an evacuated chamber and an inner metallic wick. The isobar is charged with working fluid which changes phase with the application of heat. The phase change provides higher speed heat transfer to eliminate temperature gradients within the platen.

Abstract: A dough press machine for flattening a quantity of dough. The dough press machine comprises a housing having lower and upper platens attached thereto. Releasably attached to the lower platen is a mold which defines a peripheral edge. The mold is sized relative to the lower platen such that the lower platen protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the mold. The quantity of dough is placable onto the mold, with the movement of at least one of the lower and upper platens toward the other facilitating the compression of the quantity of dough between the upper platen and the mold and the movement of a portion of the quantity of dough over the peripheral edge of the mold into contact with the lower platen.

Abstract: A molding die includes a pair of molding die members for forming a molding cavity that molds molded products and a holding member that holds therein the molding die members slidably, wherein a pressure-transfer medium supplied to the clearance between the molding die members and the holding member makes the molding die members to be slid and held in the holding member while the molding die members and the holding member are on the non-contact state.

Abstract: A substantially continuous method for forming a structural panel of indefinite length is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing a settable mixture, conveying the mixture in a flowable state to a load chamber, progressively forcing the mixture from the load chamber through an inlet toward an outlet of an open ended mold chamber by a compression device at least partially curing the mixture within the mold chamber, resisting movement of the mixture through the mold chamber until a predetermined consolidation pressure or density within the mold chamber is achieved, subsequently allowing movement of the mixture through the mold chamber in response to further mixture being forced through the inlet by the compression device, and allowing the mixture to cure, thereby progressively forming a structural panel of substantially indefinite length.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to compact parts with an undercut out of powder material having an upper die moveable relative a lower die, at least one upper punch associated with the upper die for relative movement therebetween, at least two lower punches associated with the lower die for relative movement therebetween, the lower punches defining a lower cavity with the lower die for filling with the powder material when the dies are in an open position, the upper die contacting the lower die in a closed position for movement of one of the lower punches towards the upper die so as to transfer the powder material towards the upper die and then to compact the powder material between the upper and lower punches with said dies in the closed position so as to produce the part; the dies moveable to an eject position for ejection of the compacted part.

Abstract: A thermoformer apparatus having a press driving upper and lower platens by respective pairs of servo motors, each pair driving four toggle linkages to stabilize the platen against the forming pressures. Linear bearings are provided on four corner posts for precision guiding of the platen motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making food articles such as chocolate articles. The method comprises providing first and second surfaces with cavities that are capable of alignment, depositing a first food in the form of a solidifiable liquid into the cavities of the first surface, depositing a second food in the form of a solidifiable liquid into the cavities of the second surface, aligning the cavities by moving the first and second surfaces toward each other, thus contacting the first food in the first cavities with the second food in the second cavities, and separating the aligned cavities to obtain food articles, wherein the first food comprises a first part of each food article and is joined to the second food which comprises a second part of each food article. The invention also relates to an apparatus for this purpose.

Abstract: A method for molding a closed profile member such as a sealing gasket, sequentially comprising a static step of molding a series of contiguous segments of an unprocessed strip with two ends. Each segment is moved substantially over its own length so that it is replaced by the following segment once it has been molded, and the final segment is made by juxtaposing, connecting and molding the two ends of the unprocessed strip together. A mold with two mold tools operative along part of its length is used to carry out the method. A temperature gradient is generated so that the temperature at the mold ends is 25-35.degree. C. lower than the temperature at the center. The mold is part of a fixed or portable device including mold heating means and means for exerting pressure on the unprocessed strip.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a glass container and an apparatus therefor capable of providing the container by pressing of a glass substrate using a die while keeping the glass substrate uniformly heated and softened. The glass substrate is heated while being kept lifted from a lower mold of a forming die and then subject to integral forming by the forming die. This permits the glass substrate to be integrally formed into the glass container in the form of a finished product, resulting in the number of steps and time required for processing being reduced.

Abstract: A method for position at least one pair of opposing half-molds in a compression mold that has opposing plates that are compressible towards each other. The method includes placing a shim of a curable material between a first one of the plates and at least one of the half-molds. The mold is closed by compressing the plates towards each other to align and fully contact opposed surfaces of the opposing half-molds in an aligned position. Closing the mold also deforms the shim. The shim is cured in the closed mold to retain the half-molds in the aligned position relative the plate to which they are mounted once the mold is opened. A frame member is preferably attached to the plate, and the half-molds are placed within cavities in the frame member such that half-molds can move vertically therein, but are retained laterally.

Abstract: Known fabrication apparatuses, including patterned pinch rollers, molds, etc., are adapted to create articles having a shape characterized by more than six faces of identical size and shape, and by members extending outwardly in three orthogonal dimensions, the articles each including at least a pair of faces which intersect to bound a concave region, each article including a plurality of such concave regions. In certain embodiments, vibrational energy (e.g. ultrasonic or microwave energy) is utilized to aid in article formation.