Abstract: In some examples, a catheter flaring device includes a housing and a pin. The housing includes an interior surface defining a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a catheter having an entry port and engage an exterior surface of the catheter proximate the entry port. The pin is configured to be advanced into the entry port of the catheter to increase a cross-sectional dimension of the entry port. Flaring the entry port may help reduce catching of a medical device on the entry port of the catheter during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A planting device includes an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell has a closed first cavity therein. The inner shell is disposed in the first cavity. The inner shell is formed with a second cavity having an opening. The second cavity is filled with soil. Plant seeds are placed in the soil. The opening of the second cavity is sealed with a first water-permeable layer. A side wall of the first cavity, opposite the opening of the second cavity, is a seepage layer. A retaining wall is provided around an outer side of the seepage layer to form a water storage trough. A method for manufacturing the planting device is provided. The planting device enables plants to grow out of the shell from a closed cavity, reducing the soil pollution to the environment and the impact on human health. It is convenient for planting, just watering.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing integrated circuit packaging using a mold plunger with position compensation in a manufacturing setting. In an embodiment, a compensating mold plunger, which may be used during the manufacture of an integrated circuit package, engages a die set on a carrier and within a bushing. This may be done to inject a mold compound on top of the die/carrier. If the bushing that is housing the die/carrier tandem is misaligned with the plunger in any lateral direction, the amount of pressure may be compromised. A compensating mold plunger includes a flexible portion that allows for the head of the plunger to properly engage the die/carrier despite any possible misalignments. Further, different die/carrier combinations may also be used with a compensating mold plunger because the pressure and force applied may be uniform inside a bushing despite the contents of the bushing.

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

Abstract: A mold system for forming a multilevel block is disclosed which comprises a multilevel mold box insert for forming a multilevel block, a mold box frame adapted for receiving therein the multilevel mold box insert, a multilevel plunger assembly, and a press head plate adapted for receiving thereon the multilevel plunger assembly.

Abstract: A male mould element includes a cooling circuit having first passage elements obtained in a first component of the male mould element and second passage elements obtained in a second component of the male mould element, the first passage elements and the second passage elements being distributed around a longitudinal axis of the male mould element so that there exist a plurality of angular positions of the first component relative to the second component in which the first passage elements are in fluid communication with the second passage elements.

Abstract: A curved surface forming device for an adjustable segmented mold board with square rams, consisting of an upper group and a lower group of adjustable molds (4) whose height can be adjusted, and a loading mechanism. The adjustable molds (4) are arranged in the loading mechanism and at least one group of adjustable molds (4) can move up and down under the drive of the loading mechanism. The upper group and the lower group of the adjustable molds (4) are respectively provided with M×N and (M?1)×(N?1) square rams (1) capable of swinging. The upper and the lower square rams (1) are arranged in an interlaced manner in both transverse and longitudinal directions. The square rams (1) are composed of a square plate (a) and the sphere (b) with the pressure imposition surface being a plane or a curved surface. The curved surface forming device can eliminate the crumpling and deformation generated in the board punching, reduce dents and improve processing quality.

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 mold system for forming a multilevel block is disclosed which comprises a multilevel mold box insert for forming a multilevel block, a mold box frame adapted for receiving therein the multilevel mold box insert, a multilevel plunger assembly, and a press head plate adapted for receiving thereon the multilevel plunger assembly.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine including an apparatus which successively positions block mold trays into the mold box of the molding machine with the apparatus pushing a molded block from the mold box as an empty mold tray is moved into the mold box. The machine also includes a magazine-like structure which has empty tray molds stacked therein.

Abstract: A press with a pressure chamber and a lid. The chamber is filled with a substantially incompressible medium and the medium at least partially encloses an elastomeric pressure vessel. The vessel is filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the fluid.

Abstract: Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded.

Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing integrated circuit packaging using a mold plunger with position compensation in a manufacturing setting. In an embodiment, a compensating mold plunger, which may be used during the manufacture of an integrated circuit package, engages a die set on a carrier and within a bushing. This may be done to inject a mold compound on top of the die/carrier. If the bushing that is housing the die/carrier tandem is misaligned with the plunger in any lateral direction, the amount of pressure may be compromised. A compensating mold plunger includes a flexible portion that allows for the head of the plunger to properly engage the die/carrier despite any possible misalignments. Further, different die/carrier combinations may also be used with a compensating mold plunger because the pressure and force applied may be uniform inside a bushing despite the contents of the bushing.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded.

Abstract: A catalyst unit may include a carrier, a channel opening portion through which exhaust gas passes, a skin portion that is formed along a circumference and integrally formed with the channel opening portion, and a skin addition portion that is formed with a second thickness on an outside surface of the skin portion. A fabrication device of the catalyst unit may include a container, a masking member, and an elastic member, wherein plugging material flows through opened channels and does not contact the masking member. A manufacturing method of the catalyst unit may include covering the masking member and inserting plugging material into an opened channel. A channel corresponding to a dead zone is plugged and the catalyst coating layer is not formed in the plugged channels, thus reducing the cost of the catalyst.

Abstract: A mold assembly having a mold cavity formed by liner plates, at least one being moveable, an actuator having an actuator axis, and a force multiplier formed by first and second drive elements, the first drive element positioned off-axis from the actuator axis and in mechanical communication with the moveable liner plate, the second drive element operatively coupled to the first drive element, and the actuator configured to provide a first force having a first magnitude in a first direction along the actuator axis to the second drive element which moves the first drive element and the moveable liner plate in an extending direction, wherein a magnitude of a force applied to the moveable liner plate resulting from compression of dry cast concrete in the mold cavity that is required to move the moveable liner plate in a direction opposite the extending direction is greater than the first magnitude.

Abstract: A tool for use in bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.

Abstract: A punch of a compression molding machine is configured to be assembled with no use of any tool and achieves reduction in time necessary for the assembling process. The punch includes a punch tip member, a holder provided, at a distal end thereof, with a projection projecting radially outward, a cap having a disengagement inhibiting portion engaged with the projection of the holder so as to inhibit the projection from inserted thereinto and extracted therefrom in the axial direction, and a rotation inhibiting member engaged with the holder and the cap attached with the punch tip member so as to inhibit axial rotation of the cap relative to the holder.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a water barrier in unsolidified roof tile preforms. The inventive device comprises a molded piece with a recess as well as a die. The molded piece is disposed above the end of a roof tile perform, whereupon all or part of the rear edge of the roof tile perform is pressed upward by means of the die. The roof tile perform is then dried.

Abstract: A method of making an aircraft component is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a mould (1) for the receipt of a material (3) from which the aircraft component is to be made providing the mould with said material providing an intensification tool (14) in spaced relationship to the mould and heating the material, tool and mould so that the tool expands and applies pressure to the material and so as to form the component and wherein the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a first direction is matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the first direction, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a second direction is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the second direction, the tool being provided with at least one contacting surface for contacting the material and through which pressure is applied to the material, the expansion of the tool in the second direction causing the at least one cont

Abstract: A press includes a pressure chamber filled with a substantially incompressible medium that at least partially encloses an elastomeric vessel filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the same fluid. Method and systems employing the press are also disclosed.

Abstract: A press includes a pressure chamber filled with a substantially incompressible medium that at least partially encloses an elastomeric vessel filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the same fluid. Method and systems employing the press are also disclosed.

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: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a water barrier in unsolidified roof tile preforms. The inventive device comprises a molded piece with a recess as well as a die. The molded piece is disposed above the end of a roof tile perform, whereupon all or part of the rear edge of the roof tile perform is pressed upward by means of the die. The roof tile perform is then dried.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a member, such as a column. The invention comprises inner and outer molds that are spaced apart forming a cavity for receiving a viscous material for making the member. A core is inserted within the inner area of inner mold when the viscous material is initially disposed within the mold. Once the material attains a gelled state, an extraction member is inserted within the inner area. A vacuum is applied to the inner area that causes the flexible inner mold to separate from the material and conform to the extraction member allowing for removal.

Abstract: A mold assembly including a plurality of mold components configured to form a mold cavity having a desired shape, at least one of the mold components having a notch configured to form a set-back flange in a masonry block formed in the mold cavity, the notch having a depth. The mold assembly further includes a moveable flange plate and a drive assembly configured to extend the moveable flange plate into and retract the moveable flange plate from the notch within a desired range of distances so as to adjust the depth of the notch.

Abstract: A method of making an aircraft component is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a mould (1) for the receipt of a material (3) from which the aircraft component is to be made providing the mould with said material providing an intensification tool (14) in spaced relationship to the mould and heating the material, tool and mould so that the tool expands and applies pressure to the material and so as to form the component and wherein the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a first direction is matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the first direction, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a second direction is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the second direction, the tool being provided with at least one contacting surface for contacting the material and through which pressure is applied to the material, the expansion of the tool in the second direction causing the at least one c

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thin-walled parts made of molding material by moving a first and an additional shaping tool relative to one another. According to the inventive method, a hollow space of the first shaping tool or another part that is inserted into the first shaping tool is filled with pourable molding material, and a thin-walled zone made of molding material is created between an exterior wall area of the additional shaping tool and an interior wall area of the shaping tool by moving the first and the additional shaping tool relative to each other so as to partially displace the molding material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wafer scale package including at least one substrate having replicated optical elements. The method uses two substrates, at least one of which is pre-shaped and has at least one recess in its front surface. Optical elements are replicated on a first substrate by causing a replication tool to abut the first substrate. The second substrate is then attached to the first substrate in an abutting relationship in such a way that the optical element is contained in a cavity formed by the recess in one of the substrates in combination with the other substrate. Thereby, a well defined axial distance between the optical elements and the second substrate is achieved. Consequently, well defined axial distance between the optical elements and any other objects attached to the second substrate, e.g. further optical elements, image capturing devices, light sources, is also established.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel mandrel using a used mandrel, a method of use thereof and a production method thereof. The mandrel of the present invention has an inner layer formed from a thermoplastic resin composition containing an age resister and an outer layer made from a thermoplastic resin which covers the outer circumference of the inner layer. Preferably, the mandrel of the present invention is used for forming a rubber hose and preferably, the inner layer of the mandrel of the present invention is made from a thermoplastic composition obtained by pulverizing a used mandrel for forming a rubber hose.

Abstract: A mold capable of preventing deterioration of the mold even when a material for spherical members is harder than that for the mold, and capable of aligning the center axis between an insert member and a body member thereof with high accuracy even when a pressure of resin filling is applied. The mold has an insert member with a cavity surface, and a body member for supporting the insert member from outside via a plurality of spherical members. Tubular liners harder than the spherical members are provided between the body member and the spherical members and between the insert member and the spherical members.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the production of compacted powder elements. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the improvement of tooling for powder compaction equipment, and the processes for making such tooling. The improvement comprises the use of a ceramic tip or similar component in high wear areas of the tooling, particularly center pins. Moreover, the use of such ceramic components enables reworking and replacement of the worn tool component.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a compression molding device (1) with a tool (3) generating at least a part of the work-piece geometry. At least one pressure measuring means (5) and/or at least one pressure space (4) is located directly below the work-piece associated surface (3.3) of the tool (3). Besides this, the work piece (3) selectively exhibits at least one first part (3.1) which is a tool template generating the shape of the work piece and a second part (3.2) forming the base body, wherein a measuring strip (6) is provided between the tool template (3.1) and the base body (3.2). As an optional refinement, the measuring strip (6) is an elastic intermediate layer with a smaller modulus of elasticity than the base body (3.2).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the production of compacted powder elements. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the improvement of tooling for powder compaction equipment, and the processes for making such tooling. The improvement comprises the use of a ceramic tip or similar component in high wear areas of the tooling, particularly center pins. Moreover, the use of such ceramic components enables reworking and replacement of the worn tool components.

Abstract: The punch coated with Cr-Dopé-N is advantageous as a punch for preparing tablets containing an acidic substance or an adhesive substance and is excellent in corrosion resistance and releasing property.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a reinforced plastics material part from a drapable sheet (6) by means of a mold (1) comprising a first portion (2) and a second portion (3) that are movable relative to each other. The method comprises the following steps: placing the sheet on the first portion (2) of the open mold; pressing the sheet (6) against said first portion (2) at one or more locations by means of one or more pushers (8) mounted on the second portion (3) of the mold and movable relative to said second portion; closing the mold (1) and compacting the sheet (6); and trimming the portion of the sheet that projects from the join plane (15) after the mold (1) has been closed, and unmolding the part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap for use in manufacturing a curved hose on a mandrel. The cap is a cylinder with a wall, a base, and an opening. The cap has an open groove in the wall extending from the opening towards the base. A mandrel with a curve located near the end of the mandrel is inserted into the cap, the mandrel projecting from the cap groove. The cap enables the manufacture of a curved hose with a short straight end adjacent to a curve.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of ring-shaped bodies of concrete, such as pit linings, pipes or the like. The apparatus includes a liftable and lowerable exterior mold, a mold space radially limiting the mold core toward the inside, at least one shaking device for introducing vibrations into the filled-in concrete, a bottom faucet closing the mold space at the bottom for shaping the lower centering end of the ring-shaped body, an upper mold faucet for shaping the upper centering end of the ring-shaped body. The apparatus also comprises an upper ring-shaped collar and a liftable and lowerable, rotatable pressure head and includes a coupling device which is provided with at least two clamping units distributed on the circumference of the pressure head, the motor-operated clamping jaws of said clamping units engaging the ring-shaped collar of the mold faucet.

Abstract: A resinous die for press-shaping a blank material into a desired configuration, which comprises a die member and a mating punch, both having respective shaping portions. Each shaping portion is formed of an epoxy resin layer provided at portions thereof where a relatively low surface pressure is applied, and a plurality of reinforcing pieces provided in an embedded fashion at portions thereof where a relatively high surface pressure is applied, for reinforcing the shaping portion. This arrangement imparts increased durability to the shaping portion and hence the die while keeping the cost of manufacture of the die to a minimum.

Abstract: A powder pressing apparatus comprises an upper punch, a lower punch and a die. A compact is formed by pressing a powder loaded in a cavity formed by the upper punch, the lower punch and the die. At least either one of the upper punch and the lower punch has a contacting surface for contact with the compact, formed with grooves. The compact adhering to the upper punch or the lower punch may be sprayed with a liquid such as water. Thereafter, the compact adhering to the upper punch or the lower punch is removed therefrom. Preferably, the grooves should be formed by milling at least at an end portion of the contacting surface, the contacting surface should have a surface roughness Ra=0.05 &mgr;m˜25 &mgr;m, the powder should have an average grain diameter of not greater than 1 &mgr;m, the grooves should be formed at an interval of 0.1 mm˜2.0 mm to a depth of 0.2 &mgr;m˜100.0 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A reduced mass unitary cartridge with internal fluid intensification for an ultra-high pressure, high-temperature, fluid driven press apparatus capable of reaching pressures in excess of 35 kilobars and temperatures above 1000 degrees centigrade, useful in the production of such high-pressure products as diamond, polycrystalline diamond, cubic boron nitride, and like superhard materials.

Abstract: A plunger assembly (10) for a glass container forming machine of the I.S. type, the plunger assembly having a plunger (12) that is open it one end and is non-threadably secured at its open end to a free end of an annular cylinder rod (14) that operates to reciprocate the plunger relative to a blank mold of the forming machine. A perforated cooling air inlet tube (20) is positioned within the plunger, and the free end of the air inlet tube is held against a free end of an annular extension (22) of the cylinder rod, an opposed end of which is threadably received in the cylinder rod, by a split locking ring (30) an inwardly facing recess (36, 38) of which traps a radially outwardly extending flange (40) of the plunger to axially position the plunger relative to the split ring. The split ring abuts an endless ring (24) and is axially positioned thereagainst by a flange (44, 46) of the split ring that is received in a recess (42) of the extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming compression-molded products from powdered or granular material, such as tablets, includes a die having a cylindrical die cavity, and a pair of punches for compressing the material between opposing end faces of the punches within the die cavity. One or both of the punches is formed from a cylindrical punch body which is rigid, and a deformable tip attached to the working end of the punch body and made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber, urethane, silicone, or the like. The deformable tip facilitates release of a product from the punch.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing head surfaces of dies cooperating with cylindrical press rolls for rotary presses. To avoid the high Hertzian stresses occurring dies for rotary presses during the interaction of the die head and the press roll, the present invention provides for designing instantaneous surface lines of the press roll extending through the instantaneous contact points between the head surface of the die head and the press roll under the action of the press roll on the die head as a set of continuously consecutive contact lines on the head surface of the die head by a tool.

Abstract: A method for leveling and compacting candle wax using is a small, hand held, plastic and wood device to pack or tamp the surface wax of a larger diameter (4') glass-jar candle to an even level.

Abstract: In a grindstone for fabricating a mold which has optical fiber engagement portions of an optical fiber guide block used for aligning optical fibers, two main grinding surfaces are provided to form the optical fiber engagement portions contacted with the sides of the optical fibers and a tip end portion which is contiguous to the two main grinding surfaces and which has a contour contained within a predetermined area. The predetermined area has a triangle shape which is defined by two tangent lines along the two main grinding surfaces and a preselected line drawn between two points determined on the two main grinding surfaces. The two points are decided in accordance with a predetermined formula.

Abstract: A mill is described for compacting agricultural fibrous matter, such as straw or other agricultural waste, into a structural board. The board is useful as a dominant part of a load bearing and insulating panel replacing many of the load bearing and insulating structures typically used to make small buildings, such as houses. The mill includes many features not found in previous mills of this type, including not only a packer to place material in front of an oscillating ram head as is known, but a precompactor arrangement to regulate the volume of material fed to the packer. Another feature incorporated into the mill to aid in achieving a consistent density is a pressure offset mechanism which adjusts the rate of core formation. The mill has a modular design to facilitate replacement of those components subjected to significant wear.