Abstract: In an injection molding machine that transmits driving force of a mold opening/closing servo motor to a movable platen via a ball screw to move the movable platen with respect to a stationary platen, and thereafter clamps molds by a mold clamping mechanism, provided is a control method capable of detecting a position of the movable platen at a time of continuous molding and correcting the operation start confirming position. In a method for controlling an injection molding machine that transmits driving force of a mold opening/closing servo motor to a movable platen via a ball screw to move the movable platen with respect to a stationary platen, and thereafter clamps molds by a mold clamping mechanism, other control is performed using a position A of the movable platen, the position A being detected by a position sensor at a time of continuous molding, and the position A of the movable platen is corrected.

Abstract: An open circuit voltage estimation device for estimating an open circuit voltage of an electric storage device includes a voltage measurement portion and a controller. The voltage measurement portion measures terminal voltages of the electric storage device. The controller is configured to: control the voltage measurement portion to measure the terminal voltages; store the terminal voltages in association with elapsed time since charge or discharge completion time; calculate a variation in terminal voltage per unit time at predetermined elapsed time since the charge or the discharge of the electric storage device is complete based on the terminal voltages measured by the voltage measurement portion; and estimate the open circuit voltage based on the predetermined elapsed time, the voltage at the predetermined elapsed time, and the variation.

Abstract: A molding process includes the operation of placing insulation material comprising fibers and binder on the fibers in a mold cavity. The molding process further includes the operation of transferring heat to the insulation material to cause the binder to cure.

Abstract: A process for detecting statistically significant changes in energy consumption patterns by monitoring for changes in the parameters to a parametric energy model. Two parametric models of energy consumption are created: the first being a model providing an initial base line of energy consumption, the second being a test model to be compared to the initial base model. Statistically significant changes are detected by using a difference score that compares the parameters of two models along with the uncertainties of each parameter to determine whether the differences in the parameters of each model indicate a statistically significant deviation in the energy consumption pattern.

Abstract: A computerized method for estimating a size of a nanometric part of an inspected article, the method including: (a) acquiring inspection results generated by processing an inspection image which was generated by collecting signals arriving from a portion of the article which includes the part by an inspection system; (b) fitting to the inspection results an approximation function from a group of functions which is related to a response pattern of the inspection system; and (c) determining an estimated size of the part, based on at least one parameter of the approximation function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a metal or ceramic component having regions of differing porosities. The method includes subjecting powder or a presintered precursor to a pressure-assisted pressing and sintering step, using at least one punch for the pressing step. The at least one punch has a contact surface that is intended for making contact with the powder or the presintered precursor and that has a flat outer region and an inner region having a concave recess. After the sintering step, a component is obtained that has a flat outer compacted region having a first porosity and an inner porous region having a second porosity. The component has, on at least one side, a defined transition region between the outer region and the inner region.

Abstract: Providing a method of modifying refractory particles used to produce a casting mold by using a furan resin as a binder, so as to effectively improve a strength of the casting mold and to reduce a required amount of the binder. An artificial aggregate which is artificially produced and which has an apparent porosity of not more than 5% is used as the refractory particles, and the artificial aggregate is subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of 400-1500° C. for not shorter than one hour in a heating atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of not higher than 15%.

Abstract: Optical metrology is used to calibrate the plane-of-incidence (POI) azimuth error by determining and correcting an azimuth angle offset. The azimuth angle offset may be determined by measuring at least a partial Mueller matrix from a calibration grating on a sample held on a stage for a plurality of POI azimuth angles. An axis of symmetry is determined for a curve describing a value of a Mueller matrix element with respect to POI azimuth angle, for each desired wavelength and each desired Mueller matrix element. The axis of symmetry may then be used to determine the azimuth angle offset, e.g., by determining a mean, median or average of all, or a filtered subset, of the axes of symmetry. If desired, an axis of symmetry may be determined for data sets other than Mueller matrix elements, such as Fourier coefficients of measured signals.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an item from a material, which may include elongated fibers and/or stretched broken fibers. The material is placed on a first clamping portion, which is placed on a fixture. A second clamping portion is placed against the material and the first clamping portion and secured together, forming a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is removed from the fixture and placed on a first die portion, having a first profile. A second die portion is also provided, having a second profile. In forming the item, at least one of the first die portion and the second die portion are moved toward each other such that a second surface of the first die portion and a first surface of the second die portion contact and form the material into the item generally replicating the first profile and the second profile.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an item from a material, which may include elongated fibers and/or stretched broken fibers. The material is placed on a first clamping portion, which is placed on a fixture. A second clamping portion is placed against the material and the first clamping portion and secured together, forming a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is removed from the fixture and placed on a first die portion, having a first profile. A second die portion is also provided, having a second profile. In forming the item, at least one of the first die portion and the second die portion are moved toward each other such that a second surface of the first die portion and a first surface of the second die portion contact and form the material into the item generally replicating the first profile and the second profile.

Abstract: Interaction of adsorbing chemicals with a downhole tool presents inaccuracies in the adsorbing chemical measurement and analysis. The principles of the present disclosure provide a method and system of sampling fluids including an adsorbing chemical in a subterranean reservoir. One method may include modeling an interaction between the adsorbing chemical and a downhole tool, applying the model to a measurement of the adsorbing chemical, and adjusting the measurement in response to applying the model.

Abstract: Discrete resource tracking systems (and corresponding methodologies) that collect, tag and store resource consumption and usage values associated with industrial environment processes are provided. The specification can track water, air, gas, electricity, or steam consumption and usage view of a discrete (or batch) processes. Emissions and/or effluents associated with processes and sub-processes can also be collected, tagged and stored as desired. These stored resource consumption and usage and/or emissions and/or effluents data elements can be used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, simulation, planning, forecasting, valuating, optimizing, etc.

Abstract: A seal molding system may include a mold body having a mold inner geometry formed complementary to a fitting outer geometry of a fitting. The mold body may have a mold base formed complementary to a panel surface. The mold body may include an injection hole for injecting sealant into the mold cavity, and a vent hole for venting air and sealant from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method of moulding a composite structure using a tool having a core support section and a plurality of tool sections surrounding the core support section to define a tool surface on which a composite material can be placed, the core support section being selectively retractable from the tool sections. The composite material is laid on the tool surface and enclosed by a flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane. The enclosed composite material is then cured. The flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane is removed after curing. The core support section is retracted from the tool sections, allowing the tool sections to be collapsed inwardly, thereby releasing the cured composite material from the tool.

Abstract: A method for estimating a time at which a pressure window relevant observation occurred relating to an event that occurred in an open borehole penetrating an earth formation includes: receiving with a processor a pressure window relevant observation that provides input to adjusting a pressure window for drilling fluid for drilling the borehole; and estimating with the processor a time window in which a physical parameter, a chemical parameter, or a process that caused the pressure window relevant observation to occur, the time window having a start time and an end time.

Abstract: A measuring device for an oscilloscope provides a decimation unit. The decimation unit provides at least one input, which receives a datastream with a plurality of sampled values from at least one data source. The decimation unit also has at least one output, at which a reduced datastream is output. The reduced datastream is formed from a root-mean-squared value of respectively at least two sampled values calculated by the decimation unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that comprise calibration techniques and associated systems that identify the two-dimensional position, or other alignment or positioning, of sample wells or other calibration objects located in a sample well plate, or other surface or area of interest. In some embodiments, calibration of the plate and/or positioning and/or alignment with respect to detection optics can be performed in multiple stages for two or more dimensions.

Abstract: In a diagnosis method of a control valve, position data representing a position of a control valve, and pressure data representing a pressure difference over a valve actuator, and optionally travel direction of the control valve, is measured during online operation of the control valve. The position data and the pressure difference data are processed to contain data around starting points of a plurality of individual travel movements of the control valve during normal online operation of the control valve. Finally, a valve signature graph of the control valve is determined based on the processed position and pressure difference data, collected at a plurality of points along the travel range of the control valve during online operation of the control valve.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for event stream deviation detection. More particularly, certain example embodiments described herein relate to maintaining short and long-term statistics of an incoming stream of event data. In certain example embodiments, a deviation is calculated based at least in part on the long-term and short-term statistics. The deviation may then be compared to a threshold value. In certain example embodiments, the estimations required for the statistics are done with Kernel Density Estimators (KDEs).

Abstract: A method for determining a dip of a geological structure in a subterranean formation, involves generating, using a 3D resistivity analyzer, a first intermediate result describing the dip of the geological structure based on 3D resistivity data collected from a borehole penetrating the subterranean formation. The method further involves generating, using a borehole image analyzer, a second intermediate result describing the dip of the geological structure based on a borehole image collected from the borehole. The method further involves generating, by a computer processor combining the first intermediate result and the second intermediate result based on a pre-determined criterion, an integrated result describing the dip of the geological structure.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a program for predicting a processing shape formed by a plasma process, including databases for apparatus condition, incident ion, incident radical, actual measurement, material property and surface reaction, as well as a trajectory calculation unit, and a surface shape calculation unit. The trajectory calculation unit calculates the trajectories of the respective ions incident on the surface of the substrate based on information and data obtained from the databases and from measurement data from an on-wafer monitoring sensor. Based on the calculation result by the trajectory calculation unit, the surface shape calculation unit calculates the change of the shape by referring to the data stored in the material property and surface reaction DB.

Abstract: Provided are a device which automatically specifies the elevation and location of a tunnel entrance, and a method thereof. An object entrance for specification of the elevation and/or the location of a tunnel entrance is selected from a map data storage unit. A road link which includes the selected object entrance is designated as an object road link. An elevation of a prescribed region which includes the object entrance is acquired. A boundary is determined between a flat portion and an inclined portion upon the object road link, on the basis of the acquired elevation. The elevation at the determined boundary is specified as the elevation of the object entrance, and/or the determined boundary is specified as the location of the object entrance.

Abstract: A post manufacture method and apparatus for reducing residual stresses present within a component. The component includes a substrate, a polycrystalline structure coupled thereto, and residual stresses present therein. The method includes obtaining a component from a component category, determining a critical temperature and a critical time period for the component category at which the component becomes structurally impaired, determining a heat treatment temperature and a heat treatment time period based upon the critical temperature and the critical time period, and heating one or more remaining components from the component category to the heat treatment temperature for the heat treatment time period. The apparatus includes a heater defining a heating chamber and a molten bath positioned within the heating chamber. The components are placed within the pre-heated molten bath and isolated from oxygen during heating to the heat treatment temperature for the heat treatment time period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dispensers, dispenser components and related methods for reducing or preventing sticking, drying, buildup, clogging, and/or misdirection of carbomer gel based products such as hand sanitizers by incorporating one or more salts, such as sodium chloride, as an additive to the polymer used to make certain pump and nozzle components of dispensers in such a way as to allow the salt crystals to access the polymer surface. The polymer/salt mixture is then formed into the desired dispenser component part by any conventional means, including without limitation, injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding, liquid injection molding, over molding, insert molding and/or blow molding.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a T-shaped composite part by resin transfer molding, includes the following steps: making a preform with a planar stack of plies and with two L-shaped stacks of plies; placing the preform so that the L-shaped stacks meet between two cores of a resin transfer molding tool; inserting and removing fibers through the planar stack in a direction perpendicular or quasi-perpendicular to the planar stack and so that loops are formed inside a portion of the L-shaped stacks which are substantially perpendicular to the planar stack; closing the resin transfer molding tool; injecting a resin into the resin transfer molding tool; and heating the resin transfer molding tool to cure the resin.

Abstract: A compression forming process includes use of a die comprising: a bottom die (10); a punch (20), mobile with respect to the bottom die (10); an air escape route from the bottom die (10). The process comprises following steps: a) inserting a batch of material in a form of small pieces in the cavity of the bottom die, b) nearing the two parts of the die to one another, up to defining a forming chamber, c) supplying heat to the particles of the batch, during step b), by heating the internal surfaces of the chamber of the bottom die and the punch, increasing a degree of fluidity of the particles with growing values over a period of time, starting from a minimum value at the start of step b) up to a maximum amount, at the end of step b).

Abstract: A method of producing a composite panel member, especially a composite panel member having a foam core sandwich structure for an airframe of an aircraft or spacecraft, including: providing at least one fiber reinforcement layer in a panel molding tool; moving or transferring the molding tool to an infusion station that is pre-heated to an infusion temperature and infusing the fiber reinforcement layer in the molding tool with a polymer resin; moving or transferring the molding tool to a curing station that is pre-heated to a curing temperature and curing the at least one resin-infused fiber reinforcement layer in the molding tool to form a composite panel member; and moving or transferring the molding tool to a cooling station that is provided at a cooling temperature and cooling the composite panel member in the molding tool.

Abstract: The process includes a die comprising a bottom die (10) and a male part (20) able to close the cavity in such a way as to define a closed forming chamber (F). The bottom die (10) has an upper mouth that delimits the cavity (15), having an open upper surface substantially open in an upwards direction and a lateral surface internal of the cavity of the bottom die and forming an angle with the upper surface. The male part (20) has a central portion (21) able to close the surface of the cavity (15) and a peripheral edge able to adhere to the upper surface of the upper mouth, such as to realize a closing of the forming chamber only by means of contact along the upper surface, the peripheral edge lacking a vertical surface able to slide snugly contactingly with the lateral surface of the upper mouth (11). The process comprises: inserting a batch of non-spongy/foam thermoplastic material having a greater density than 0.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a molded plastic product having an outer skin and in inner core. The method is particularly suitable for making structural products such as panels or the like from recycled plastic material. The method comprises the steps of: providing a mold having a mold cavity; forming an outer skin from a first plastic material on at least two opposed surfaces inside the mold cavity; forming an inner core from a second plastic material inside the mold cavity; and at least partially curing the plastic materials to form a molding inside the mold cavity via the application of heat. The method is characterised by the subsequent steps of (optionally pre-cooling the molding and then) simultaneously cooling the molding and compressing the molding so as to reduce its size in at least one dimension to a desired dimension of the finished product.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a construct. The method includes obtaining a tool having a cavity, a core, and an articulated section for being moveable within the cavity relative to the cavity and the core. The method further includes placing a construct between the cavity and the core, moving the core relative to the cavity so that the articulated section at least partially initially grips a portion of the construct, and further moving the core into the cavity. The portion of the construct remains gripped by the articulated section in the cavity during the further moving of the core.

Abstract: A frame is injection molded onto a group of panels to form a container. The panels extend at least partially around, and at least partially define, a cavity of the container.

Abstract: In a molding method and an apparatus for the method, a base material is placed on mounting portions of bottom support pins, which protrude from a first inner surface of a lower mold in an open state. Pressing portions of top support pins, which protrude from a second inner surface of an upper mold, are brought into contact with the base material. Consequently, the base material is sandwiched between the mounting portions and the pressing portions. Thereafter, pre-forming preferably is carried out. For example, the bottom support pins and the top support pins are lowered toward the lower mold, such that the base material is brought into contact with the first inner surface. Then, the lower mold and the upper mold are closed, and the base material is molded into a molded article.

Abstract: An apparatus including a hub shell. The hub shell can include a hub body; a first spoke flange; and a second spoke flange. The first spoke flange and the a second spoke flange can include a fiber reinforced plastic. The fiber reinforced plastic can include fibers having a range of lengths between 0.2 and 3 inches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising polylactide and, based on the weight of this polymer, from 17 to 25 wt % of a chain modifier, from 30 to 55 wt % of an elastomeric polymer and from 20 to 45 wt % of a plasticizer. The invention also relates to the method of preparing said composition as well as to the method of manufacturing an article starting from said composition and the article per se.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional flat cocoon product which is lightweight, has a favorable design and yields a highly uniform flat cocoon throughout the entire area thereof. The method of producing a flat cocoon product includes: expanding an expandable/contractible three-dimensional molding die; molding a flat cocoon by causing silkworms to crawl on an outer surface of the three-dimensional molding die and spin a cocoon; and contracting the three-dimensional molding die after the molding of the flat cocoon and extracting the contracted three-dimensional molding die from the flat cocoon.

Abstract: A forming tool assembly and method for forming a cooking element. The forming tool assembly has an upper tool assembly and a lower tool assembly that cooperate to shape the cooking element from an annular cutout.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for manufacturing rubber parts that utilize a high temperature and high pressure molding process. In this method and system, uncured rubber in sheet form is contained within a metallic or other type of rigid mold cavity along with a pressure applicator which expands due to the heating and pressurizes the mold cavity. The pressure applicator may be made from silicone rubber, or other types of rubber exhibiting high coefficient of thermal expansion, and resistance to high temperatures. The assembly of the uncured rubber sheet, the pressure applicator, and the mold is heated to a specified temperature, and the thermal expansion of the pressure applicator consolidates the rubber sheet into the desired form as the rubber cures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: A method for compression molding of poly(arylene ether) powder comprises introducing a powder comprising unheated poly(arylene ether) powder to compaction equipment comprising a compression mold and subjecting the powder in the compression mold to a pressure sufficient to produce an article having a density greater than the unheated poly(arylene ether) powder wherein the pressure is applied at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the poly(arylene ether) powder.

Abstract: To provide an expansion injection molding process, which is freed from the occurrence of swirl marks on the surface of a molded article and by which foamed injection moldings having good appearance can be produced in a short molding cycle and at a low cost; and a mold for expansion injection molding. A movable mold 2 is moved toward a fixed mold 1, whereby a sealing member 6 set on at least one of a pair of facing surfaces of the mold 1 and mold 2 in the outside of a cavity is brought into contact with the other of the facing surfaces or a sealing member 6 set thereon to make the cavity 3 gas-sealed state. While keeping the gas-sealed state, the movable mold 2 is further moved toward the fixed mold 1 with the sealing member 6 compressed, whereby the volume of the cavity 3 is decreased to enhance the pressure in the cavity 3 to a level exceeding the atmospheric pressure. Then, a thermoplastic resin is injected into the cavity 3 of an enhanced pressure.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: Mold system (1) for manufacturing cardboard-based container, comprising movable mold half (10) and stationary mold half (20) located opposite one another. Movable mold half (10), movable with respect to stationary mold half (20), includes at least a core plate (4), a plate-like seal ring (5) movable with respect to the core, and collar ring (6). Stationary mold half (40) includes at least a mold plate (7) provided with a mold cavity (71) and a seal surface (7a). In the mold system (1), an insert (720) can be supported on and detachably attached to the base (71b) of the mold cavity (71) reducing the depth H of the mold cavity by its height h. Container (500) comprises bottom (57) pressed from cardboard blank and wall (59) connected to the bottom and plastic rim (50) connected to the upper edge of the walls.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a pneumatic tire, that does not cause an air-in phenomenon between an inner liner and an insulation or carcass by preventing adhesion of an inner liner to a bladder. The method for producing a pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes the following steps. A green tire using, as an inner liner, a polymer composition in which a polymer component contains 100 to 60% by mass of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer and 0 to 40% by mass of a polyamide-based polymer that contains polyamide in the molecular chain and has a Shore D hardness of 70 or less is prepared. The green tire is mounted in a mold and vulcanized while being pressurized by a bladder. The resultant vulcanized tire is cooled at 10 to 120° C. for 10 to 300 seconds.

Abstract: A process, and related structure, uses conventional palletized compositions to form the elements of a non-textile fabric by coining a single pellet or briquette of a polymer into an individual element in a single forming step. The steps of the process generally include: a) positioning a pellet in or adjacent to a mold cavity, and b) forcing the pellet into contact with the mold surfaces of the mold cavity to plastically deform the pellet to the shape of the mold cavity. The forcing step preferably uses an energy and speed where the pellet superplastically deforms to substantially fill the mold cavity. This process is repeated with the elements being formed in the appropriate order to form a non-textile fabric. The elements thus formed can have a variety of shapes, and can form base units for the formation of the non-textile fabric of two, three or more elements.

Abstract: A method of forming a part with a feature having a die-locked geometry is disclosed herein. A molding tool used in the method includes at least one die having a cavity defined in a surface thereof, and a protrusion formed in the cavity. The method includes disposing a shape memory polymer insert on the protrusion, where the shape memory polymer insert has i) the die-locked geometry as its temporary shape, and ii) a geometry that is removable from the die-locked geometry as its permanent shape. A material is established in the cavity such that at least a portion of the material conforms to the die-locked geometry, thereby forming the part having the feature with the at least one die-locked geometry.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article (22) comprises the steps of providing a tool (26) having a mold surface (24), providing a preform (62), and disposing the preform (62) on the mold surface (24). The method further comprises the steps of heating the mold surface (24) within a first period of time (Tt1), applying pressure to the preform (62) within a first period of time, and maintaining temperature of the mold surface (24) for a second period of time (Tt2). The method further comprises the steps of maintaining pressure for a second period of time, reducing pressure on the composite article (22), cooling the mold surface (24) within a third period of time (Tt3), and removing the composite article (22) from the mold surface (24). The total of Tt1+Tt2+Tt3 is generally no greater than about 30 minutes. A thermal system (20) comprising a heater-subsystem, and optionally, a chiller-subsystem, can be used to heat and cool the mold surface (24).

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system that can be utilized to manufacturing composite structures in a closed cavity mold. The tool system includes a closed cavity tool with spring members that when in compression apply pressure to a preform located within the closed cavity mold. During a curing cycle, the spring members provide substantially constant pressure to the preform, thereby preventing voids and porosity in the cured composite structure. Further, the substantially constant pressure, provided by the spring members, acts to more effectively conform the preform to the geometry defined by a void in the closed cavity mold during the curing cycle.

Abstract: Methods of cyclically heating and cooling an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed herein are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed herein. Such an article may include, for example and without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for producing a resin compact containing an epoxy resin, a curing agent, a curing accelerator and an inorganic filler. The method includes a kneading and crushing process for preparing a first powder material obtained by mixing, heat-melting, kneading and crushing a first component containing the epoxy resin and the curing agent and the inorganic filler, but not containing the curing accelerator; a pulverizing process for preparing a second powder material obtained by pulverizing a second component containing the curing accelerator; a mixing process for preparing a resin composition by dispersing and mixing the first powder material and the second powder material; and a molding process for obtaining the resin compact by compression-molding the resin composition. This makes it possible to obtain a resin compact (particularly, a resin compact for encapsulation) having superior long term storage stability at room temperature, good curable property and fluidity.

Abstract: A method for producing a foamed article including a supporting element, a foam layer, and an upholstery cover applied on said foam layer, comprising the steps of forming said upholstery cover by stitching together a plurality of lengths of upholstery cover, positioning the sewn upholstery cover on a convex positioning surface of a positioning member withholding the sewn upholstery cover on said positioning member by means of a first suction system, setting said positioning member with the sewn upholstery cover withheld thereon by suction in a bottom die of a foaming die, deactivating said first suction system and withholding the upholstery cover on a concave positioning surface of said bottom die by means of a second suction system, extracting said positioning member from said bottom die leaving said upholstery cover positioned and withheld by suction on said concave positioning surface, positioning a rigid supporting element on a plunger of said foaming die and closing the plunger on said bottom die so as to