Abstract: A gauging system includes a source of pressurized fluid, one or more fluid outlet means, each including a fluid line connecting the source of pressurized fluid with a fluid orifice that is located to measure small gaps and distances between the elements of a machine or die, and one or more pressure transducers connected to measure the pressure in each fluid line. One or more adjustable valves are provided between the source of pressurized fluid and each fluid line. A computer measures the transducer output to determine the distance between mold elements. The valve or valves include a threaded male member having an inlet at one end and a frustoconical surface with openings passing through it at the other, and a threaded female member having a channel in one end and an outlet in the other joined by another frustoconical surface.

Abstract: A molding system including a mold and a molding machine has been adapted to monitor the position of mold element surfaces that move relative to each other to form a mold cavity. The system includes a source of gas under pressure and orifice-forming sensors on a first mold element to direct a flow of pressurized gas from the first mold element. A monitoring system monitors the condition of the gas remote from the first mold element to indicate the spacing between the first mold element and one or more adjacent mold elements as the mold elements move with respect to each other.

Abstract: A molding system including a mold and a molding machine has been adapted to monitor the position of mold element surfaces that move relative to each other to form a mold cavity. The system includes a source of gas under pressure and orifice-forming sensors on a first mold element to direct a flow of pressurized gas from the first mold element. A monitoring system monitors the condition of the gas remote from the first mold element to indicate the spacing between the first mold element and one or more adjacent mold elements as the mold elements move with respect to each other.

Abstract: A nozzle for a gap measuring system includes a short outlet passageway defined by a smooth, cylindrical wall terminating in an outlet orifice and having an entrance orifice surrounded by a wall portion that is substantially perpendicular to the outlet passageway. As fluid flows through the nozzle, it encounters the surrounding wall portion at the entrance of the short outlet passageway of the nozzle which constricts the fluid flow upon entry into the short outlet passageway of the nozzle. As a result of the nozzle geometry, the fluid exits the nozzle outlet with a higher velocity, lower pressure and decreased turbulence. The incorporation of such a nozzle into a gap measuring system can produce an increase in the reliability and accuracy of distance determinations nearly ten times that which was previously attainable with prior nozzle inserts.