Abstract: A polymer injection molding system in one embodiment includes a manifold comprising internal flow conduits configured for conveying polymer in a fluidic tate. The manifold may be part of a hot or cold runner type molding unit. An injection nozzle fluidly coupled to the flow conduits interfaces with a mold cavity and is configured to inject polymer therein to form a molded article. The nozzle has a tubular valve body defining a central axial passage which receives a movable elongated valve pin. The valve pin is linearly movable to stop or permit polymer injection from the nozzle. The valve pin is further rotatable via a rotary drive mechanism to induce shear on the polymer. This maintains the polymer in its flowable fluidic state between molding cycles to prevent polymer cold slug formation within the nozzle which can disrupt flow resulting in incompletely formed articles.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing systems and methods for printing 3D objects.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing systems and methods for printing 3D objects.

Abstract: A polymer injection molding system in one embodiment includes a manifold comprising internal flow conduits configured for conveying polymer in a fluidic state. The manifold may be part of a hot or cold runner type molding unit. An injection nozzle fluidly coupled to the flow conduits interfaces with a mold cavity and is configured to inject polymer therein to form a molded article. The nozzle has a tubular valve body defining a central axial passage which receives a movable elongated valve pin. The valve pin is linearly movable to change the nozzle between open and closed positions for discharging or stopping polymer flow therefrom. The valve pin is further rotatable about its axis to induce shear on the polymer. This maintains the polymer in its flowable fluidic state between molding cycles to prevent polymer cold slug formation within the nozzle which can disrupt the flow resulting in incompletely formed articles.

Abstract: A polymer injection molding system in one embodiment includes a manifold comprising internal flow conduits configured for conveying polymer in a fluidic state. The manifold may be part of a hot or cold runner type molding unit. An injection nozzle fluidly coupled to the flow conduits interfaces with a mold cavity and is configured to inject polymer therein to form a molded article. The nozzle has a tubular valve body defining a central axial passage which receives a movable elongated valve pin. The valve pin is linearly movable to change the nozzle between open and closed positions for discharging or stopping polymer flow therefrom. The valve pin is further rotatable about its axis to induce shear on the polymer. This maintains the polymer in its flowable fluidic state between molding cycles to prevent polymer cold slug formation within the nozzle which can disrupt the flow resulting in incompletely formed articles.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing systems and methods for printing 3D objects.

Abstract: Controllable electrorheological fluid composite structure elements incorporate electrorheological fluids as a structural component between opposing fluid containment layers to form at least a portion of any variety of extended mechanical systems such as plates, panels, beams and bars or structures including these elements. The electrorheological fluid is operatively contained in a region between the containment layers and has complex shear and tensile modulus properties which vary with the electric field applied thereto. A variable power source is utilized to create an electric potential between the layers of the structure element to create the electric field. An alternative power source may include the use of a piezoelectric material layer. In order to maintain the insulation and spacing between the containment layers, a fabric or separating layer having an open mesh is provided which permits the transportation of electrorheological fluid in the region between the layers.

Abstract: An applicator 10 for crease setting composition comprises an applicator body 12 having at one end thereof a nozzle 14 for applying a crease setting composition to a crease line and at the other end thereof an inlet 26 for compressed air for forcing the composition out of the nozzle 14. Guidance projections 18, 42 are mounted beneath the body so as to guide the applicator nozzle 14 and cause it to deliver composition accurately into the crease. Guidance projections 18, 42 is operatively connected to a valve 2 in the compressed air circuit such that when the guidance projections 18, 42 contacts the garment to be treated pressure is applied to the composition and when the guidance projections are removed from the garment to be creased pressure is removed from the composition.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing applicator for crease setting compositions comprises a support 16, a reservoir 12 slidably mounted on the support 16, an applicator nozzle 14 connected to the reservoir 12 to deliver fluid therefrom, and a bearing element 40 movable relative to the support 16 between retracted and advanced positions capable of effecting slidable movement of the reservoir respectively towards and away from the support 16 when so moved. A rotatable member 18 is mounted on the support and is geared to a piston arrangement 32, 34 for urging fluid from the reservoir 12 through the nozzle 14. The nozzle 14, bearing element 40 and the periphery of the rotatable member 18 are aligned on the same side of the applicator. When the applicator is not in use a combination of the pressure within the reservoir 12 and gravity cause the bearing element to move the reservoir into the retracted position thereby relieving the pressure in the reservoir and preventing oozing of crease setting composition from the nozzle 14.

Abstract: A strand break-out device for preventing the formation of the fault yarns due to strand breakage when two unspun fibrous strands are spun on a common twisting spindle. A member (24) has pins (38) forming a passage means to which the strands converge during travel to the spindle and on which the strands may bear to apply force to the member. The member is pivotally mounted on a support (28) so that it may move freely on the support between limits of displacement from a mean, stable disposition. If a strand breaks the force applied by the remaining strand moves the member beyond the respective limit whereupon the member moves to a further position wherein the pins distort the path that the remaining strand would otherwise take. This distortion is such as to cause the remaining strand to break.

Abstract: A durable crease is formed in a textile article by applying a flexible casting compound in a preformed crease using a non-rotary applicator in conjunction with a structure for guiding the applicator along the crease. A screw driven piston within the applicator dispenses the compound in response to applicator travel.