Abstract: Methods and systems for producing three-dimensional images of a scene using relief textures include modeling surfaces in a scene with one or more relief textures. Each relief texture is projected onto its basis plane based on a desired viewpoint to produce a pre-warped image. Each pre-warped image is projected onto one or more polygons used to model the scene.

Abstract: A user, through the use of an input device, provides signals indicative of x,y and z coordinates to a host central processing unit (CPU). The x,y and z coordinates provided by a user correspond to a desired viewpoint for the display of an object stored in an original data image memory. A graphics CPU is coupled to the host CPU for receipt of the x,y and z coordinates as well as to the original data image memory. The graphics CPU is further coupled to a program memory as well as two display buffers, each of which of comprises a bit map of points on the display. The graphics CPU, executing a rendering program stored in the program memory, renders (writes) the data comprising the object for the viewpoint corresponding to the x,y and z coordinates provided by the user.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus having a central body from which rigid arms extend to remote switches. The arms are pivotally connected to the central body and the remote switches to allow the apparatus to be folded for storage in an upright, free-standing position. Each arm has as member a sequence of numbers by which the players can keep score.

Abstract: A board game which comprises a board on which objects can be placed by participating players. An electrically powered sensor/indicator device is mounted to the board, the device incorporating electronic logic circuitry and indicator elements connected to the logic circuitry. A plurality of triggering devices are electrically connected to the logic circuitry. The triggering devices are operable by players of the game and the logic circuitry is actuatable by the triggering devices to electrically operate the indicator elements to signify a player who has first operated one of the triggering devices.

Abstract: An injection molding machine which is capable of injecting both thermoplastic compounds and glass loaded thermosetting polyester compounds, wherein the machine is capable of rapid conversion from its thermoplastic configuration to its thermosetting configuration, and vice versa. The machine comprises an elongated charge forming barrel having a rearward thermoplastic feed opening, which is customarily supplied by pelletized thermoplastic material from a vertical feed hopper, and a thermosetting material feed opening extending into the barrel at a position forwardly of the thermoplastics feed opening. When processing thermoplastics materials, a conventional, fully flighted plasticizing screw is installed in the barrel so that the pelletized material is conveyed forwardly from the rear feed opening, and plasticized for subsequent injection. During thermoplastics processing, the thermosetting feed opening is plugged.

Abstract: An injection molding machine which is capable of injecting both thermoplastic compounds and glass loaded thermosetting polyester compounds, wherein the machine is capable of rapid conversion from its thermoplastic configuration to its thermosetting configuration, and vice versa. The machine comprises an elongated charge forming barrel having a rearward thermoplastic feed opening, which is customarily supplied by pelletized thermoplastic material from a vertical feed hopper, and a thermosetting material feed opening extending into the barrel at a position forwardly of the thermoplastics feed opening. When processing thermoplastics materials, a conventional, fully flighted plasticizing screw is installed in the barrel so that the pelletized material is conveyed forwardly from the rear feed opening, and plasticized for subsequent injection. During thermoplastics processing, the thermosetting feed opening is plugged.

Abstract: Both a method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a cyclically operated injection molding machine such that uniform, high quality molded articles are repeatedly produced from plasticized synthetic resinous material. The method and apparatus include integration of a sensed injection pressure with respect to time from the beginning of an injection stroke until plasticized material in a mold reaches a predetermined pressure. The integration defines a work index which is compared with a preset allowable range. If the work index lies outside the preset range, an adjustment is made to the back pressure acting on the plasticizing screw during the plasticizing portion of the subsequent molding cycle. The apparatus is permitted to make a predetermined number of adjustments in the back pressure after which a suitable indication is made that the molding apparatus is out of control itself.

Abstract: Both a method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a cyclically operated injection molding machine such that uniform, high quality molded articles are repeatedly produced from plasticized synthetic resinous material. The method and apparatus include integration of a sensed injection pressure with respect to time from the beginning of an injection stroke until plasticized material in a mold reaches a predetermined pressure. The integration defines a work index which is compared with a preset allowable range. If the work index lies outside the preset range, an adjustment is made to the back pressure acting on the plasticizing screw during the plasticizing portion of the subsequent molding cycle. The apparatus is permitted to make a predetermined number of adjustments in the back pressure after which a suitable indication is made that the molding apparatus is out of control itself.

Abstract: A molding system for producing articles of mottled appearance includes a plasticizing unit having an inner bore which communicates with a mold cavity. A feed screw is mounted within the bore and is connected to fluid-actuated motors for rotary and translational movement within the bore. A spreader device is positioned in a heated part of the bore ahead of the feed screw. The screw is rotated to feed and soften molding materials of diverse coloration and is subsequently translated to push the materials through the spreader device such that final plasticization occurs. A bridging conduit is provided between the rotary and translational motors to divert a controlled amount of fluid from the latter to the former during a pushing operation, to rotate the screw forwardly at a controlled rate or to hold pressure on the screw to prevent backward rotation or to limit the amount of backward rotation.

Abstract: An injection mold includes a stationary platen carrying a pair of stationary die sections, a movable platen carrying a pair of movable die sections, and a pair of floating die sections disposed between the movable and stationary die sections. The respective floating and stationary die sections are mutually configured to define a pair of die cavities which are arranged for alternate communication with an injector unit. The floating die sections are selectively connectable to their associated movable and stationary die sections to expose one of the die cavities for article ejection, while maintaining the other die cavity closed for continuing a curing stage.

Abstract: A screw for injection molding of synthetic resinous material having a tendency to abrade and score the injection molding apparatus is provided along a substantial length of the feed section with a substantially undercut screw flight. An average particle of synthetic resinous feed stock material may pass between the undercut screw flights and a cooperating barrel without squashing. The undercut screw flights are effective to provide a controlled feed pressure for the particulate material entering the downstream portion of the screw.

Abstract: A molding system for producing articles of mottled appearance includes a plasticizing unit having an inner bore which communicates with a mold cavity. A feed screw is mounted within the bore and is connected to fluid-actuated motors for rotary and translational movement within the bore. A spreader device is positioned in a heated part of the bore ahead of the feed screw. The screw is rotated to feed and soften molding materials of diverse coloration and is subsequently translated to push the materials through the spreader device such that final plasticization occurs. A bridging conduit is provided between the rotary and translational motors to divert a controlled amount of fluid from the latter to the former during a pushing operation, to rotate the screw forwardly at a controlled rate or to hold pressure on the screw to prevent backward rotation or to limit the amount of backward rotation.