This invention relates generally to an apparatus for casting a portion of a tire or other article of manufacture, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a gate design, that has a plunging nozzle with a waste reservoir for separating off-ratio material before it enters the cavity that forms a portion of the tire or other article of manufacture. The design may further include a passage that connects the runner to the waste reservoir as-well as an air vent that allows trapped gas or air to exit the waste reservoir as it fills with waste material, a valve that is operative!'/associated with the passage for closing and opening the passage at appropriate times, and a nozzle constructed from two independently translating components for initially introducing material into the waste reservoir and subsequently into the runner.

This invention relates generally to an apparatus for casting a portion of a tire or other article of manufacture, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a gate design that has a circular runner and concentric channel or waste reservoir for separating off-ratio material before it enters the cavity that forms a portion of the fire or oilier article of manufacture. The design may further include a passage that connects the runner to the waste reservoir as well as an air vent that allows trapped gas or air to exit the waste reservoir as it fills with waste material, a valve that Is operative!) associated with the passage for closing and opening the passage at appropriate times, and a nozzle for initially introducing material into the waste reservoir and subsequently into runner.

A kit for preparing a cured article may include first and second casting compositions configured to form a curable composition, and an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into the curable composition. The additive delivery composition includes a liquid carrier and at least one additive. The liquid carrier may include one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylate. A mold assembly for preparing a cured article may include a first mold body defining a first mold chamber and a groove surrounding the first mold chamber. The mold assembly further includes a second mold body defining a second mold chamber and a tongue surrounding the second mold chamber. The tongue is receivable into the groove to secure the first and second mold bodies. The first and second mold chambers together define a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition.

An optical lens casting gasket, wafer, and system and method that provides for more efficient formation of optical lenses employing optically functional wafers.