Abstract: The problem of wet-cast concrete products getting stuck or being uncontrollably ejected from a flexible mold during demolding is solved by moving the flexible mold through a passage, defined by both a mold-receiving surface and a rotatable mold-support distanced therefrom, while moving an edge of the flexible mold along an unsmooth path that includes at least one sharp point.

Abstract: A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.

Abstract: A modular mold system for manufacturing a shell part of an oblong composite structure having a longitudinal direction from a fiber reinforced matrix material. The modular mould system includes a number of mold sections, which are adapted to being assembled to an assembled mold part. The number of mold sections includes a first mold section having a first molding surface with a contour that defines a surface of a first longitudinal part of the shell part and a first end section; and a second mold section having a second molding surface with a contour that defines a surface of a second longitudinal part of the shell part and a second end section; which, when the modular mold system is assembled to the assembled mold, the second end section of the second mold section abuts the first end section of the first mold section.

Abstract: An assembly for molding and demolding hardened cementitious products comprises a flexible mold and a demolding apparatus. The flexible mold has a top side with separate openings for receiving cementitious material therein for hardening thereof, an opposite closed rear side and a perimeter. The apparatus for demolding the hardened cementitious products from the flexible mold comprises a conveyor, a holding member, a clamp, and a movable member. The conveyor conveys the flexible mold. The clamp grips a portion of the perimeter. The holding member engages the mold. The movable member moves the clamp and the clamped portion of the mold about the holding member thereby disengaging the flexible mold from the cementitious material.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for manufacturing high density magnetic media is disclosed. A flexible mold having a very low modulus of less than about 4 GPa is made on a rigid support. The mold nano-imprints a resist material on disks for hard disk drives. The flexible mold may comprise a perfluoropolyether with urethane acrylate end groups with a low surface adhesion from which the cured resist is easily released.

Abstract: A collapsible bladder has flexible outer walls and at least one strut inside the enclosure. The strut is connected to the outer walls and controls the shape into which the enclosure may be collapsed.

Abstract: A device for accurately dosing cosmetic pastes in multicolour form on a base for the production of a cosmetic product for make-up, comprising a base element adapted to house a base, a mould which moves at least between an opening position and a closing position, said mould having at least one partition which divides a surface thereof facing the base element into at least two compartments, a peripheral element provided with walls which define an opening with shape similar to the perimeter shape of the mould and in which the mould is at least partially housed when it is in said closed position, said peripheral element being provided with at least two channels which run into said opening and protrude into it at least partially, the device providing means adapted to prevent the gluing of said cosmetic paste at least to the wall of the mould facing the base element.

Abstract: A device and a method for the production of lipstick leads made of paste-like masses where, the device includes a chamber, a flexible mold part and a mold holder, and the flexible mold part is arranged in the chamber and paste-like mass is poured into the flexible mold part and can at least partially solidify in the flexible mold part and the at least partially solidified paste-like mass is removed with a removal device while elastically expanding the flexible mold part, and the mold holder is arranged for at least some of the time and at least partially in the chamber for holding part of the flexible mold part, so that the mold holder is moved relative to the flexible mold part, and the chamber can be filled with a heat transfer medium before and/or during the filling of the flexible mold part, and a negative pressure expands the flexible mold part in the chamber to remove the paste-like mass.

Abstract: A method of making scrolls is provided that includes providing a tape having a first side and second side wherein the first side of the tape is has an adhesive disposed thereon and the second side of the tape has a release coating disposed thereon, affixing the adhesive to a solid surface, buff-coating exfoliatable particles on the release side of the tape to form a coating; and peeling the tape from the solid surface at an angle. The coating separates from the release side of the tape and curls inwards to form scrolls. The scrolls can include graphite. Also provided is a continuous method of making scrolls and an apparatus.

Abstract: A method of making an endovascular prosthesis comprises the steps of applying a first layer of polymer to a portion of a deformable matrix, contacting a stent with the polymer to deform the matrix, applying a second layer of polymer over at least a portion of the stent and first layer, solidifying the layers of polymer to form the endovascular prosthesis, and removing the matrix.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed that includes a body, the body having a face, and a plurality of conduits located in the body, each conduit deformable in response to a change of pressure within the conduit, the deformation of the conduit configured to cause a deformation of the face.

Abstract: A three-dimensional stereolithography apparatus includes a stage, a support mechanism to support a film so that the film is opposed to the stage, a pressing mechanism, a supply mechanism, an irradiation unit, a movement mechanism, and a control mechanism. The pressing mechanism presses at least a linear area of the film so that the linear area closest to the stage is formed in the film. The supply mechanism supplies a light-curing material into a slit area formed between the stage and the linear area. The irradiation unit irradiates the light-curing material supplied into the slit area with laser light through the pressing mechanism and the film. The movement mechanism moves the stage and the pressing mechanism relatively to the film, to form one cured layer of the light-curing material. The control mechanism controls a distance between the stage and the linear area of the film, to stack the cured layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a lens molded in a cavity between posterior and anterior mold sections and adhered thereto. A post is configured to support a flange of the posterior section while the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin applied to an outer concave surface of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface rests on the post. A collar unit with gas channels presses against a flange of the anterior section while blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.

Abstract: A minute convexo-concave pattern forming method includes: transferring a minute convexo-concave pattern of a mold to a resist layer of a transfer substrate where a resist layer is formed on a substrate and curing the transferred minute convexo-concave pattern; and after curing the transferred minute convexo-concave pattern, peeling the transfer substrate and the mold, the peeling step including: pressurizing a substrate back surface side of the transfer substrate with a peripheral part of the transfer substrate being fixed to bend the transfer substrate in a curved shape and starting peeling of the transfer substrate and the mold with a bending of the transfer substrate; and peeling a part of the minute convexo-concave pattern of the transfer substrate not peeled in the first peeling step by gradually decreasing a pressure for a pressurization so as to undo the bending of the transfer substrate.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a composite material part that includes a resin matrix reinforced by fibers and having a recessed shape with a small opening, whereby the device includes a mold whose shapes are adapted to those of the part to be produced, a compacting membrane and at least one shim that is placed in the recessed zone between the part and the compacting membrane whose function is to transmit the pressure exerted by the compacting membrane to the surfaces of the part that is in contact with the shim. The shim can be expanded and is able to occupy a first state before polymerization in which it occupies a low volume so as to allow its insertion into the recessed zone, and a second state, in particular during polymerization, in which it occupies a larger volume so as to exert pressure on the surfaces of the recessed zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using stamps to print or mask materials on a substrate service. In one particular embodiment, the systems and methods include a microcontacting stamp that has a plurality of rigid posts each having a resilient pad at its distal end. Each post is fitted within an aperture located in a guide plate such that the post may move longitudinally within the guide plate. The guide plate includes a variety of apertures that typically are aligned with the wells of a microtiter plate. The apertures extend typically through the entire thickness of the guide plate. On one side of the guide plate is a resilient member that extends over one or more of the apertures thereby holding the post in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a structure made up of at least two bodies in a cavity of a mold defining the structure.

Abstract: A collapsible bladder has flexible outer walls and at least one strut inside the enclosure. The strut is connected to the outer walls and controls the shape into which the enclosure may be collapsed.

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: Provided is a method of manufacturing an all-in-one type light guide plate. The method includes: fabricating a master including a plurality of inverse-prism shape structures; forming an elastic mold by applying an elastomer on the master; and fabricating the all-in-one type light guide plate, on which a plurality of inverse-prism shape structures are integrally formed, by applying a light transmissive material on the elastic mold.

Abstract: Foam filling a cavity in a joint between insulated pipe lengths by wrapping a fibre reinforced plastic mold sheet around the cavity or applying a casing around the cavity, with a securing element supplied on the mold sheet to resist separating movements of the ends of the mold sheet or one or more flexible tensile members wrapped around the casing, to resist ballooning of the casing on expansion of a foam filling introduced into the mold or into the casing.

Abstract: An assembly for molding and demolding hardened cementitious products comprises a flexible mold and a demolding apparatus. The flexible mold has a top side with separate openings for receiving cementitious material therein for hardening thereof, an opposite closed rear side and a perimeter. The apparatus for demolding the hardened cementitious products from the flexible mold comprises a conveyor, a holding member, a clamp, and a movable member. The conveyor conveys the flexible mold. The clamp grips a portion of the perimeter. The holding member engages the mold. The ovable member moves the clamp and the clamped portion of the mold about the holding member thereby disengaging the flexible mold from the cementitious material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a lens moulded in a cavity between posterior and anterior mould sections and adhered thereto. A post is configured to support a flange of the posterior section whilst the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin applied to an outer concave surface of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface rests on the post. A collar unit with gas channels presses against a flange of the anterior section whilst blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.

Abstract: A helical tool (1?, 1?) having a rigid outer helical support surface (2) is used as support for a non-rigid material for producing a hollow elongated member onto and as an integral part with a surface member (3) in manufacturing of a surface member having at least one hollow elongated stiffening member integral therewith.

Abstract: Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a lens moulded in a cavity between posterior (21) and anterior mould (22) sections and adhered thereto. A post (30) is configured to support a flange (20) of the posterior section whilst the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin (40) applied to, an outer concave surface (29a) of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens (10) drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface (29a) rests on the post. A collar unit (50) with gas channels (53) presses against a flange (200) of the anterior section whilst blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring (11) formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.

Abstract: A molding tray and system for making molded structures using a moldable material. The molding tray includes an outer tray and a resilient inner mold fitted therein. The outer tray includes a hole in a bottom wall thereof to provide access to a bottom face of the inner mold such that pressure may be applied to the bottom face through the hole so as to dislodge a molded structure.

Abstract: The one handed ice cube tray is an ice cube tray with a large opening that works like a hand that holds the front edge of a kitchen counter top to secure that end of the ice cube tray to allow one hand to twist or flex the ice cube tray and hold it flexed to ensure the ice cubes remain elevated to allow the other free hand to take out the desired amount of ice cubes.

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

Abstract: An ice making device that is capable of more easily and conveniently separating ice from ice trays through a simple manipulation and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. The ice making device includes a support frame for rotatably supporting at least one ice tray, at least one manipulation button mounted to the support frame such that the manipulation button can be moved forward and backward, and an interlocking unit for rotating the ice tray with respect to the support frame according to the movement of the manipulation button.

Abstract: The method comprises differentiated separation of the strips holding the silicone cores with respect to the honeycomb produced, by simply curving one of the strips corresponding to one of the faces of the honeycomb and by progressive action of pulsed magnetic fields in the other of the strips holding the silicone cores, progressively separating the honeycomb and preventing breakages in the walls of the same. In a device equipped with an alignment of electromagnets which act on the strip bearing the elastic cores to be separated and which exert an action of pulsed magnetic fields on the same, progressively separating the strip from the honeycomb.

Abstract: A system and method of separating a cast concrete product from a mold is provided. The system includes a rotating drum arrangement, a catch arm attached to rotate with the drum arrangement, and a mold having at least one cavity to form the concrete product. The mold includes a lead end opposite a trail end relative to a sequence of engagement by the rotating drum arrangement. The mold further includes a grab bar inserted through the mold. The rotating catch arm is configured capture the grab bar in a manner so as to cause the mold to wrap around the drum arrangement and separate the concrete product from the mold.

Abstract: A demolding apparatus for removing molded building products from a mold has a conveyor assembly to advance the mold in a machine direction. A removal mechanism contacts a dislodged portion of the molded building product and applies a dislodging force to the dislodged portion of the molded building product.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imprinting method includes applying a resist to a substrate, imprinting a stamper on which protruded patterns are formed against the resist applied to the substrate, forcing a distal end of a peeling wedge into a part between the substrate and the stamper, and introducing a gas between the substrate and the stamper to peel off the stamper from the substrate, in which a gap between the substrate and the stamper is made larger than a thickness of the resist at a part into which the distal end of the peeling wedge is forced.

Abstract: An ice making device that is capable of more easily and conveniently separating ice from ice trays through a simple manipulation and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. The ice making device includes a support frame for rotatably supporting at least one ice tray, at least one manipulation button mounted to the support frame such that the manipulation button can be moved forward and backward, and an interlocking unit for rotating the ice tray with respect to the support frame according to the movement of the manipulation button.

Abstract: An antistatic silicone rubber mold-making material is provided. This mold-making material comprises a silicone rubber composition which is curable by an addition reaction, and which contains an ionically conductive antistatic agent. The article produced by curing this antistatic silicone rubber mold-making material retains the insulator performance and the article exhibits excellent antistatic properties. Also, the article can be colored as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating a mold from solidified imprinting material that includes creating deformation in the template in which the mold is included. The deformation is sufficient to create a returning force that is greater than an adhesion forced between the solidified imprinting material and the mold. For example, the deformation may result from a pressure differential created between the mold and a side of the template disposed opposite to the mold. In this manner, the distortion may be undulations in the template of sufficient magnitude to contact a substrate upon which the solidified imprinting material is disposed.

Abstract: A tool assembly including a male tool including an inner shape tool including a bag having a connection connectable to a depressurization source for providing a vacuum in the bag such that beads therein form a body of firm cohesion providing the inner shape tool rigid. The male tool further includes a flexible, hollow curing support arranged around the rigid inner shape tool, the inner shape tool is arranged to be removable from the flexible, hollow curing support by rupturing the vacuum.

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: In imprint lithography, a mold having a pattern of projecting and recessed regions is pressed into a moldable surface on a substrate. The thus-imprinted moldable surface is permitted to at least partially harden to retain the imprint, and the substrate and mold are separated. In accordance with the invention, the substrate is separated from the mold by bending laterally distal regions (regions away from the center toward the edges) of the mold transversely away from the interface and transversely restraining the substrate. The mold can then be easily separated from the substrate by transverse displacement. The separation can be facilitated by providing a mold having a lateral dimension that on at least two sides extends beyond the corresponding lateral dimension of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate can have a greater lateral extent than the mold, and the mold can be restrained. The distal regions of the substrate can be bent in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A form for casting concrete blocks and other products having a resilient insert defining a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support or frame for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the block is removed from the insert either by inverting the form to allow the block to fall from the insert or by lifting the block from the insert. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support with at least one generally flat flexible strap so that at least a portion of the insert is allowed to move a limited distance relative to the support and to deform to release the block. One end of each tether strap is embedded in the insert. After the cast block is separated from the insert, the insert is returned to a position wherein it is supported for casting another block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing stiffened structures (1) in composite materials formed by an outer skin (2) and a plurality of stiffeners (3) the cross-section of which has a closed shape delimiting an inner opening (6), comprising the following steps: a) providing a shaping jig (34); b) providing auxiliary male jigs (36) with inner cavities (32) reinforced (33) along their length, coated by membranes (37) suitable for curing; c) providing stiffeners (3); d) arranging the stiffeners (3) in the jig (34) and in their inner openings (6) the auxiliary male jigs (36); e) laminating the outer skin (2); f) curing the stiffened structure (1) with high temperature and pressure; g) removing the auxiliary male jigs (36) after reducing their section (41); h) separating the cured stiffened structure (1) from the jig (34), the design of the inner cavities (32) including their reinforcement (33) and the capacity to maintain or reduce their section by the application of overpressure or underpressure resp

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a concrete block in form having a resilient insert forming a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the form is inverted. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support so that at least a portion of the insert can fall a short distance from the support. The weight of the cast block sufficiently deforms the insert to allow the block to fall free from the insert. When the form is again inverted to its upright position, the insert falls back into the support and returns to its original shape.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to strip off a stamper stuck on a resin layer for groove formation during the manufacture of an optical disc from the resin layer without imparting damage or the like to the stamper. The present invention achieves this object by having the steps of bringing about a state in which the stamper protrudes from a substrate by a predetermined width, rotating the substrate with the back surface of the disc-shaped substrate attracted and held, elevating rollers capable of rolling relative to a contacting surface contacting with the protruding portion simultaneously with the rotation, and continuously applying a force working in a direction to separate the protruding portion from the substrate in the circumferential direction of the stamper.

Abstract: A molding device is provided that includes outer and inner rubber molds that define a space therebetween for forming a column. Inserted within the inner mold is an elongated rigid member. A multisectional housing surrounds the outer mold and includes a plurality of sections that in a molding mode are secured together by fasteners. Once the column has been molded between the outer and inner molds, the fasteners are released allowing the sections of the housing to be relaxed or removed from around the outer mold. This permits the outer mold to expand or move slightly outwardly and in response to that outward movement, the pressure or force on the molded column lying between the outer and inner molds is reduced. This facilitates the extraction of the column from between the outer and inner molds.

Abstract: In order to make a granulated substance (G) of an aerated foodstuff, such as granulated meringue, said substance having an outer surface that appears continuous to the naked eye, an alveolar (18) structure (12) is provided, and a liquid precursor of the aerated foodstuff (for example, the so-called “meringue foamed mixture” in the case of meringue) is introduced (20, 22) into the cavities (18) of the structure. Consolidation of the precursor introduced into the cavities (18), obtained, for example, via heating (24), leads to the formation, in the aforesaid cavities (18), of respective particles of granulate (G), which are finally extracted from the cavities (18), typically exploiting the deformation of the material constituting the alveolar structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating and using a removable, inflatable mandrel of shape memory polymer for use in manufacturing composite parts including the steps of providing a processed pre-form of shape memory polymer, replicating a mold with the shape memory polymer, using the mold as a mandrel in the creation of composite parts, and removing the shape memory mandrel quickly and easily from the part without damage to the finished part.

Abstract: Device for demolding concrete products (10) which mainly consists of a drum (8) that can be driven while rotating, and of means (17, 21) which make it possible to guide a mold (9) for concrete products (10) round the drum (8), characterized in that the device (1) comprises a shaft (11) extending at a certain distance from and parallel to the drum (8), and which is provided with at least one protrusion (12) at its girth which can remove the formed concrete products (10) while the mold (9) is being guided round the drum (8).

Abstract: In imprint lithography, a mold having a pattern of projecting and recessed regions is pressed into a moldable surface on a substrate. The thus-imprinted moldable surface is permitted to at least partially harden to retain the imprint, and the substrate and mold are separated. In accordance with the invention, the substrate is separated from the mold by bending laterally distal regions (regions away from the center toward the edges) of the mold transversely away from the interface and transversely restraining the substrate. The mold can then be easily separated from the substrate by transverse displacement. The separation can be facilitated by providing a mold having a lateral dimension that on at least two sides extends beyond the corresponding lateral dimension of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate can have a greater lateral extent than the mold, and the mold can be restrained. The distal regions of the substrate can be bent in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An impression device for food items. More particularly, the present invention is a stamping device designed to create images upon a variety of foods for decoration and/or marketing purposes. The stamper device of the present invention has the general appearance of a traditional rubber stamp, with large knob at the top to quickly adjust the depth of embossings. Small wings beside the knob provide an instant feature for orientation and comfortable ergonomic grip. The device provides both an emboss-only mode, and emboss-and-cut simultaneously mode, much in the manner of a cookie cutter. A simple snap means located at the bottom of the device functions to change such modes. Under the base of the device is a “socket set” style snap-in stamping die. As is the case with the roller device, the stamper device may be utilized for: 1) standard messages and images; 2) snap-in letters, which allows the user to assemble his or her own custom message; or 3) custom logos, messages, and images.