The present invention relates to a hitch step that may be secured to a vehicle in a hitch receiver, and a method of manufacturing the same, that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention provides a multi-step pressurization method that produces a strong, compact hitch step that is cost effect to manufacture.

The separating device comprises: an actuating device (8) translatable along a first axis (A1) between a retracted position and a separated position, at least one separating element (28, 60) translatable along a second axis (A2) between a retracted position and a separated position, a transfer device (26) connecting the actuating device (8) and the separating device (28, 60).

The transfer device (26) comprises at least two links (46), rotatable relative to one another and relative to the actuating device (8) and the separating element (28, 60), and a guide element (36) receiving said links (46), said links being moved along a movement path by the actuating device (8) and moving the separating element (28, 60).

The ejection device comprises: a pushing device (14) translatable along a first axis (A1) between a retracted position and an ejection position, an ejection element (28) translatable along a second axis (A2) between a retracted position and an ejection position, a transfer device (26) connecting the pushing device (14) and the ejection device (28).

The transfer device (26) comprises at least two links (44), translatable relative to one another and relative to the pushing device (14) and the ejection element (28).

The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which performs an imprint process of forming, by using a mold, a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate, including an obtaining unit configured to obtain electric charge information on an amount of first electric charges charged on a first surface of the mold on a side of the substrate by releasing the mold from the cured imprint material on the substrate, a supply unit configured to supply second electric charges having a polarity opposite to that of the first electric charges to an electrode arranged on a second surface of the mold on a side opposite to the first surface, and a control unit configured to control, based on the electric charge information, an amount of the second electric charges supplied from the supply unit to the electrode.

In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative.

Some embodiments of the invention provide methods that can create large area complex patterns for nanoimprint molds without or with very litter of the use of the charged beam or photon beam direct-writing of nanostructures. Some embodiments of the invention use (i) Fourier nanoimprint patterning (FNP), (ii) edge-guided nanopatterning (EGN), and (iii) nanostructure self-perfection, and their combinations.

A system includes a mandrel contoured to define a tapering tubular shape of a workpiece cured on the mandrel and a demolding tool. The demolding tool is configured to remove the workpiece from the mandrel after the workpiece is cured on the mandrel and cut longitudinally. The demolding tool is configured to remove the workpiece from the mandrel by deforming a first end of the workpiece to at least partially disengage the first end of the workpiece from a first end of the mandrel, and subsequently, deforming a second end of the workpiece to at least partially disengage the second end of the workpiece from a second end of the mandrel. The first end of the workpiece may have a first cross-sectional area that is smaller than a second cross-sectional area of the second end of the workpiece.

A foaming method and apparatus for products comprising a frame (T) on which a first containment jig mould (1) is supported, at least one foaming unit, and a loading trolley (20) provided with a controlled conveyor (21) for transferring said components from an inlet line (Li) inside said containment jig (1), wherein it includes at least a second containment jig (10) arranged above said first containment jig (1) constrained to the same fixed frame (T), a removal trolley (30) arranged on the side opposite said loading trolley (20) with respect to said containment jigs (1, 10), between said containment jigs (1, 10) and an outlet line (Lu), wherein said loading trolley (20) and removal trolley (30) are vertically movable, by means of respective controlled lifts (22, 32), between a lower position and one or more service positions in which they are arranged adjacent to said jigs (1, 10).

A molding device and an injection molding method thereof are provided. The molding device includes a first mold, a second mold and a sealing ring. The first mold includes a first body and at least one slide. The at least one slide is movably and detachably disposed on the first body, and has an undercut. The injection molding method includes operations of: engaging the first mold with the second mold of the molding device; filling a mold cavity defined by the first mold and the second mold with a gas, wherein the gas is blocked by the sealing ring disposed between the first mold and the second mold; injecting a molding material into the mold cavity; and opening the first mold and the second mold of the molding device.

A re-useable, easily removable tool pin features a non-stick outer surface with a harder inner core configured to be gripped by a removal tool for extraction of the tool pin, without damage, from a mold and from composite plies that may have cured in contact with the tool pin. The tool pin prevents insertion into the mold such that the extractor tool is not attachable to the tool pin. A system includes the tool pin, a mold for forming a molded part, the mold having holes for insertion of tool pins, and an extractor tool adapted to grip the tool pin for removal from the mold and molded part. The extractor tool can be ergonomically designed for easy removal of the tool pin by hand. Such tool pins are adapted for production of parts from composite materials in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, transportation, agricultural, and energy.