Abstract: Provided is a deposition apparatus that has a metal evaporation source for depositing a reflective layer, a pigment evaporation source for depositing a coloring layer, and a plasma polymerization source (electrode) for depositing a protective layer disposed inside a single vacuum processing room. By carrying out a step of depositing the reflective layer, a step of depositing the coloring layer, and a step of depositing the protective layer in the common vacuum processing room, processes can be simplified and an operation time can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tire includes making at least one semi-finished elementary product of elastomeric material and depositing it in adjacent turns on a toroidal support. Making the at least one elementary product includes extruding the elastomeric material through an extruder head including a bushing defining a tapered extrusion channel. An extruder includes a chamber, at least one helical screw disposed in the chamber, and the extruder head. The head includes an outer tubular body attached by one end to the chamber, a bushing disposed inside the body to define the tapered extrusion channel, and a die disposed inside the body. A ratio of an area of the inlet section to an area of the outlet section is greater than 5:1 and less than 100:1 and a ratio of a diameter of the inlet section to a length of the bushing is greater than 0.1 and less than 1:1.

Abstract: A method for molding an optical attenuator having a unitary lens portion and supporting portion includes the steps of: providing a mold having cavity and core elements which together define a space in which the optical attenuator can be molded including a movable core pin having a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion, and a core pin motor coupled to the core pin for adjusting the thickness of the lens portion; injecting a suitable polymer into the space to form the optical attenuator; separating the cavity and core elements to extract the optical attenuator from the mold; optically measuring the thickness of the lens portion; and providing a signal indicative of the thickness of the lens to a controller having an output coupled to the core pin motor, the controller providing a signal to the core pin motor specifying any movement necessary to retain the thickness of the lens portion within a desired range before repeating the injecting step.