Abstract: A method of controlling a slot die comprises positioning actuators of the slot die with a controller according to a first set of discrete settings, operating the slot die by passing an extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot with the actuators positioned according to the first set of discrete settings, and while passing the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, changing the positions of the actuators with the controller to create patterned features in the extrudate.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device is formed by additive fabrication, the optical device having an optical surface with a surface roughness on the order of less than 10 microns. A method is provided for making an ophthalmic device including an optical surface having a surface roughness of less than 10 microns by depositing on a stage in a first relative position a first lamina of particulates having a size less than 10 microns and in select configurations less than two microns and certain configurations less than one micron, and, synergistically stimulating the first lamina of particulates to form a first solidified layer.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to which the object is built layer-wise by solidification of a building material, wherein a test specimen is built which is excited to oscillate after being built and wherein natural frequencies of the oscillations are determined.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive instrument panel for eliminating distortion in an area of vibration welded air bags comprises: providing a weld fixture including at least one pre-stressor protrusion; placing the at least one pre-stressor protrusion against an instrument panel; generating a force to press the weld fixture against the instrument panel to create compression in a first surface of the instrument panel where the weld fixture contacts the instrument panel and to create tension in a second surface of the instrument panel, the second surface opposite to the first surface; and vibration welding an air bag chute to the instrument panel such that a weld bar of the air bag chute is welded to the second surface of the instrument panel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to which the object is built layer-wise by solidification of a building material, wherein a test specimen is built which is excited to oscillate after being built and wherein natural frequencies of the oscillations are determined.

Abstract: To provide a method of making a film of organic material excellent in moisture barrier property and/or oxygen barrier property and also to provide an electronic device excellent in long term stability, in which the film obtained by such film making method is utilized to form a protective film for protecting an electronic device, and particularly an organic electronic device, to avoid deterioration of the performance, which would otherwise be brought about by moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere. The film is formed by depositing and solidifying, on a substrate, an evaporant formed by irradiating a liquid crystal polymer capable of exhibiting an optical anisotropy with pulsed laser.

Abstract: A process of co-extrusion of a thin electrode sheet with a thin electrolyte polymer sheet directly onto a current collector sheet for a lithium polymer battery.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the operating state of a curable composition utilizes an acoustic wave or signal transmitted into a container holding the composition. In one embodiment, characteristics of a reflected component of the acoustic signal are measured and correlated to pre-determined values indicative of one or more operating states, or degrees of curing, of the composition. In another embodiment, characteristics of a transmitted component of the acoustic signal are measured and correlated. The characteristics include, for example, the speed of sound through the curable composition or the attenuation of the acoustic signal reflected by or transmitted through the composition.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform and an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform. The system also includes a processor configured to estimate at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave and to use the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a honeycomb fired body includes transporting the honeycomb fired body along a transportation line, and inspecting the honeycomb fired body for a crack during the transporting step.

Abstract: Defects within structures formed by deposition processes can be relatively expensive, particularly as previously non-destructive testing was performed only once the component had been formed. By in-situ continuous or intermittent sequential non-destructive testing, early notice of defects can be provided. Such early notice may allow rejection of the part-formed component, correction of the errors causing the defect, or through an auto-correction process adjustment of the deposition devices or otherwise to improve component quality. Generally, deposition processes provide for provision of a layer of material which is consolidated in order to form an object component through use of a consolidation device. By providing a non-destructive testing device which either continuously inspects the layers of consolidated component or sequentially inspects the object component, it is possible as indicated to provide an early identification of defect problems within a formed object component.

Abstract: An apparatus for formation of a three dimensional object comprising a sealed container; an electron beam subsystem capable of directing energy within said container; a positioning subsystem contained within said container; a wire feed subsystem contained within said container; an instrumentation subsystem electronically connected to said electron beam subsystem, positioning subsystem, and wire feed subsystem; and a power distribution subsystem electrically connected to said electron beam subsystem, positioning subsystem, wire feed subsystem, and said instrumentation subsystem.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes an injection mold, a mold injector, and means for monitoring the injection mold process using acoustic energy. The injection mold includes a cavity for receiving an injection mold material, such as a polymer as injected via the mold injector. The monitoring system includes an acoustic energy generator, an ultrasonic crystal, and an energy monitoring device. The acoustic energy generator produces continuous acoustic energy to be non-invasively applied to the injection mold as the polymer is delivered into the mold. The energy monitoring device monitors changes in dynamic parameters of a resulting continuous resonant frequency established by the acoustic energy generator through the ultrasonic crystal. The ultrasonic crystal serves also as a transducer to receive an output signal from the mold to be delivered to the energy monitoring device.

Abstract: Microencapsulation methods and products are provided. The method includes forming, at a first temperature, a emulsion which comprises aqueous microdroplets, including the agent (e.g., a magnetic material or drug) and a cross-linkable matrix material (e.g., a protein such as albumin), dispersed in a hydrophobic continuous phase comprising an oil and an oil-soluble surfactant, the first temperature being below the temperature effective to initiate cross-linking of the matrix material, and then heating the emulsion to a temperature and for a time effective to cause the matrix material to self-crosslink, to form microparticles comprising the agent encapsulated by the crosslinked matrix material.

Abstract: A process of co-extrusion of a thin electrode sheet with a thin electrolyte polymer sheet directly onto a current collector sheet for a lithium polymer battery.

Abstract: Floor coverings and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle floor covering includes a barrier layer of polymeric material and a sound-absorbing backing layer bonded to the barrier layer. The barrier layer exposed surface includes various aesthetic and/or functional features. The barrier layer has variable thickness. Thicker portions are formed by adding additional layers of barrier material to selected portions prior to molding.

Abstract: The current invention, Supercritical Antisolvent Precipitation with Enhanced Mass Transfer (SAS-EM) provides a significantly improved method for the production of nano and micro-particles with a narrow size distribution. The processes of the invention utilize the properties of supercritical fluids and also the principles of virbrational atomization to provide an efficient technique for the effective nanonization or micronization of particles. Like the SAS technique, SAS-EM, also uses a supercritical fluid as the antisolvent, but in the present invention the dispersion jet is deflected by a vibrating surface that atomizes the jet into fine droplets. The vibrating surface also generates a vibrational flow field within the supercritical phase that enhances mass transfer through increased mixing. Sizes of the particles obtained by this technique are easily controlled by changing the vibration intensity of the deflecting surface, which in turn is controlled by adjusting the power input to the vibration source.

Abstract: A flexible, vapor permeable, liquid impermeable composite fabric comprising a ultraviolet light stabilized and thermally stabilized microporous-formable polyolefin barrier layer extrusion laminated to an ultra-violet light stabilized and thermally stabilized polyolefin nonwoven fabric, the composite of which has been incrementally stretched to induce sufficient moisture vapor transmission characteristics while maintaining adequate resistance to water penetration, and methods of making the composite. This composite may be further laminated to one or more layers of either woven or nonwoven materials offering strength and environmental resistance characteristics sufficient for various outdoor applications including covers and building construction products. Embodiments of the above mentioned components have been shown to offer improved liquid resistance, environmental stability, and abrasion resistance as compared to existing commercially available materials.

Abstract: A system for controlling the manufacture of dimensionally varying tubular members extrudes a continuous tube with a lumen from an extrusion machine. The extrusion machine has a melt pump, which regulates the flow rate of the melt through the extrusion head. The extrusion head forms a melt flow and introduces air pressure within the melt flow to form the lumen of the tubing. An air pressure regulator controls the pressure of the air introduced through the extrusion head. A puller supplies tension to the tubing as it is extruded through the extrusion head. The system uses a diameter gage and/or a wall thickness gage to measure the change in the wall thickness of the tubing as a function of its length. Further, the system uses a laser to gage the profile of the tubing.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extruded film tube and supplying said tube to a collapsing and roller assembly includes a die for extruding a molten material in the form of a tube which is in a molten state below a frost line and in a solid state above the frost line. A blower system supplies and exhausts cooling air to and from an interior portion of the tube, and is regulated by a valve. At least two sensors are provided, one below the frost line for sensing the position of said tube, and one located proximate the tube in a position above said frost line. The upper sensor is used for sensing the position of the tube prior to collapsing and flattening it. A controller receives feedback signals from both sensors and controls operation of the valve.

Abstract: An efficient process is described for making rubber tube segments, such as lathe-cut gaskets or conveyor roller covers, by cross-head extrusion of uncured rubber onto an axially aligned string of mandrels. Each mandrel in the string is separated from its two neighbors by respective spacers. The outer diameter of the extruded tube is kept within precise tolerances by making a non-contact measurement of the outer diameter at the output from the extruder and using the measured diameter to control the extrusion process. The extruded tube is cut into segments by a cutter that acts responsive to a spacer sensor and that makes the cuts between the mandrels. In one version, the extruded tube is conveyed through a curing oven by apparatus that only contacts and supports the tube adjacent ones of the spacers.

Abstract: An improved blown film extrusion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an annular die for extruding a film tube. At least one tube position transducer is provided and located adjacent to the extruded film tube. The tube position transducer transmits interrogating pulses to the extruded film tube and produces a position signal corresponding to a detected position under the extruded film tube. A bubble position control system is provided for receiving and processing the position signal. A valve is provided for varying a quantity of air within the extruded film tube in response to the bubble position control means. This urges the extruded film tube to a desired position. The apparatus further includes a collapsing frame assembly for receiving the extruded film tube and collapsing it. The collapsing frame assembly includes several frame boards. Typically, two opposing main boards and two opposing side boards are provided.

Abstract: A blown film extrusion apparatus and method is provided including a tube position transducer transmits interrogating pulses to the extruded film tube and produces a position signal corresponding to a detected position under the extruded film tube. A bubble position control system is provided for receiving and processing the position signal. The apparatus further includes a collapsing frame assembly for receiving the extruded film tube and collapsing it. A position transducer is provided for detecting the position of at least one of the frame boards. At least one board position actuator is provided for adjusting the position of at least one of the boards. A board control system is provided for receiving the board position information from the board position transducer and for providing control signals to the board position actuator to maintain at least one of the boards in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing thermoplastic tubes from hollow thermoplastic sleeves by a variety of different manufacturing processes. The machine is a single apparatus having an indexing table with a plurality of mandrels for holding hollow thermoplastic sleeves for the purpose of transporting the same around a closed manufacturing path. The manufacturing path of the machine is a series of stations which are mechanical devices for carrying out the manufacturing steps necessary to produce tubes from thermoplastic blank sleeves. The stations of the manufacturing path are modular so that they may be removed, added or rearranged; may be optionally connected to a process logic controller and may optionally have sensors for information feedback to the PLC device.

Abstract: A mold clamping control apparatus (49) capable of accurately generating mold clamping force is provided.

Abstract: A food product molding machine of the type utilizing a hydraulically driven feed ram to move food product into the cavities of a reciprocating mold plate includes a ram speed control system operated with a pump supplemented by variable flow control from an accumulator. The system also includes a feed ram pressure release feature at the end of each mold plate fill cycle to reduce component wear and improve product quality.

Abstract: A process and device for the stable widthwise regulation of the bulb angle in connection with the extrusion of sheets of heat-sensitive plastic (2) in an extrusion device with a calender opening formed by two intake rollers (3, 2) and a traversing measuring device (7) provided according to the calender slot by altering positioning elements on the extrusion device. At least two traversing measurements of a parameter correlating with the bulb angle are started consecutively on the heat-sensitive plastic sheet synchronously with the positioning of one of the two calender rollers. Like measurement conditions therefore exist and the deviation of the measured values obtained on the basis of the measurements in relation to specified expected values is used to regulate the bulb angle over its width by altering a setting element on the extrusion device.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tube of plastics material in which a longitudinally travelling tube is progressively diametrically expanded in internal fluid pressure in an expansion zone between an upstream plug and an expandable downstream plug. Expansion of the tube is controlled in response to parameters which directly or indirectly indicate variation in the relative velocity at which material is delivered to and removed from the expansion zone, such as detecting upstream velocity, early expansion diameter, axial force on a sizing device or the tube diameter just before the expansion zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed hollow mold sections having first and second molding membranes which define a mold plenum therebetween. Each mold section can be filled with a substantially noncompressible, thermally conductive fluid. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the thermally conductive fluid. Sensing of various parameters during the injection and curing processes of the molding fluid, for example pressure, flowrate, temperature and filling of the plenum can be used to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding biodegradable material into a flexible, pliable and non-brittle structure, the extrusion die including: a cylindrical mandrel; a cylindrical outer ring positioned concentrically around the mandrel; an annular extrusion orifice between the mandrel and the outer ring; and a flow control device which controls flow of biodegradable material through the extrusion die, wherein the flow control device comprises a mechanism which translates the outer ring to adjust the width of the annular extrusion orifice, and wherein the flow control device further includes a flow control channel upstream of the extrusion orifice which throttles flow of the biodegradable material through the die.

Abstract: An injection molding machine [10] for molding plastic parts by injecting a molten plastic through a plurality of valve gates [31] into a mold cavity by reciprocation of a helical screw [16]. A linear position sensor [34] positioned on the machine to detect the position of the helical screw [16] and control the opening and closing of the gates [31] based on the detected position of the screw [16]. A computer is in communication with the valve gates and the position sensor to monitor the position and activate the opening and closing of the valve gates [31]. A pressure transducer is associated with the mold cavity and in communication with the computer [32] as an alternate or additional method for controlling the opening and closing of the valve gates [31].

Abstract: The present invention is to produce a ceramic green sheet with an even thickness. By supplying a ceramic slurry to a slurry room comprising a slurry coater, contacting a carrier film to the fringe part of an opening of the slurry room with pressure so as to close the opening, and moving the carrier film along the opening in the state, a ceramic green sheet made from the slurry can be formed on the carrier film. At the time, based on the actual flow rate data on the actual flow rate of the slurry measured by the flow meter and the actual thickness data on the actual thickness of the green sheet measured by the film thickness meter, appropriate flow rate data on the appropriate flow rate of the slurry to be supplied for obtaining a green sheet with a desired thickness are sought in an appropriate flow rate data calculating means so that the flow rate of the slurry is controlled by the flow rate controlling means based thereon.

Abstract: An extrusion system utilizes single or tandem extruders and a mixer-cooler to extrude a foamable extrudate through a die in a sealable chamber. The foamable extrudate is shaped and calibrated within the chamber. The die is mounted on the end of a gel tube projecting through a gland seal in a fixed bulkhead forming the upstream end of the chamber. The gel tube and mixer-cooler are mounted on a movable carriage, movement of which may be used to adjust the die with respect to shaping and calibrating equipment inside the chamber. The mixer-cooler achieves a selected narrow range of uniform viscosity of the melt at the die depending on the size of the product and density. The chamber is preferably a vacuum chamber producing low density foams. The product exits the chamber to atmosphere on a continuous basis through a submerged orifice in a water baffle immersion seal.

Abstract: A molding machine with a movable molding element and at least one stationary molding element and guides to guide the movable molding element relative to the at least one stationary molding element. At least two laser light beam generators are mounted on one of the stationary or movable molding elements, and at least two laser light beam reflectors are mounted on the other of the stationary or movable molding elements at similarly spaced locations in order to receive and reflect a laser beam generated by one of the laser light beam generators.

Abstract: To obtain simultaneous filling of all cavities (K1-K4) in multicavity injection moulds, the mould cavity pressure (p) patterns in all cavities (K1-K4) are detected and the times (t1-t4) measured from the beginning of filling till a suitably chosen reference pressure (pR) is reached for each cavity (K1-K4). By interventions in the individual heating systems of the individual hot runners (5), the temperatures in these are altered to bring the measured times of the individual cavities more in line.

Abstract: An energy efficient general purpose injection molding employs a hydraulic drive for injection and clamp machine functions and an electric drive for screw recovery. Both drives use AC "squirrel cage" induction motors under vector control. Speed command signals for the vector controls are generated by the machine's controller utilizing state transition and predictive signal techniques to account for motor and motor/pump response latencies. Hydraulic drive efficiency is improved by varying motor speed/pump output to match cycle requirements to retain hydraulic drive advantages for mold clamp and injection functions while improving the electric drive performance for screw recovery.

Abstract: Rapid prototyping methods and apparatuses that produce structures made of continuous-fiber polymer-matrix composites without the use of molds. Instead of using molds, the composite structure is fabricated patch by patch in layers or wraps, using a two- or three-axis stage connected to a rapidly-reconfigurable forming surface, and a robot arm to position the evolving composite structure, which are both programmable devices. Because programmable devices are included, i.e., a robot and a two- or three-axis stage connected to the reconfigurable forming surface, the control program needed to produce a desired shape can be easily modified to automatically generate the desired shape from an electronic model (e.g., using a CAD/CAM system) of the desired (predetermined) shape.

Abstract: A water-soluble thermoplastic composition for three-dimensional modeling comprising poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) is disclosed. The composition in the form of an extrudable object may be extruded by an extrusion apparatus in a programmed pattern onto a base as a ribbon of liquified polymer to create a support structure for a prototype object or to create a water-soluble polymeric element.

Abstract: Cure of the binder used to produce a lignocellulosic composite material in a press is monitored by (1) inserting a transmitter probe and a receiver probe into the composite-forming mixture at parallel points; (2) passing an ultrasonic signal from the transmitter probe through the composite-forming mixture to the receiver probe; (3) measuring the pulse velocity of the ultrasonic signal; and (4) comparing the measured pulse velocity to that of a standard (i.e., velocity of pulse through a composite article in which the binder is completely cured). When the measured velocity and the velocity of the standard are equal, the composite article is removed from the press. This technique is particularly useful for monitoring the commercial production of composite and engineered wood products.

Abstract: The correlation between an injection stage and an injection speed initially set in an injection condition file is graphically displayed on a display screen. A modification section is set by assigning a starting point and an end point on the graph. Then, the shape of a segment which connects the starting point and the end point is selected and assigned, out of those of a straight line and a circular arc. Thus, a section between the two points constitutes one new injection stage. In this new injection stage, moreover, the injection speed is not always a constant value, and can be optionally set so that it linearly increases or decreases or changes along a circular arc in this section.

Abstract: A method for injecting a plastic material into a mold cavity to precisely fill the mold cavity under low pressure and to avoid packing the mold cavity with plastic material. The plastic material is injected into the mold cavity at a rate sufficient to maintain an unbroken melt front and to avoid any spraying or splashing of the plastic material within the mold cavity. After an initial unbroken melt front is established, the rate at which the material is injected is increased in proportion to the size of the melt front. After a predetermined amount of the material has entered the mold cavity, the material is injected based upon a rate-dominated control algorithm which maintains the unbroken melt front. Once the mold cavity has reached a pre-determined level of fill, the rate-dominated control algorithm is changed to a pressure-dominated control algorithm to prevent overrunning the end point of the mold process and to eliminate splashing and associated backflow problems.

Abstract: A method for injecting a plastic material into a mold cavity to precisely fill the mold cavity under low pressure and to avoid packing the mold cavity with plastic material. The plastic material is injected into the mold cavity at a rate sufficient to maintain an unbroken melt front and to avoid any spraying or splashing of the plastic material within the mold cavity. After an initial unbroken melt front is established, the rate at which the material is injected is increased in proportion to the size of the melt front. After a predetermined amount of the material has entered the mold cavity, the material is injected based upon a rate-dominated control algorithm which maintains the unbroken melt front.

Abstract: An apparatus has an extrusion head for extruding a bead of a liquified material at an extruded pump flow rate, an extrusion head motor for driving the extrusion head at a variable head velocity, a pump for providing liquified material to the extrusion head, and a control for providing control signals to both the extrusion head motor and the pump. The control signals control operation of the extrusion head and the pump so that the head velocity is slaved to an estimated profile of the extruded pump flow rate divided by a predetermined bead cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A computer-controlled ultrasonic cleaning system (10) that is designed to clean various articles ranging from integrated-circuit silicone wafers and hard disk platters to small mechanical components. The system (10) utilizes an electronic system which operates in combination with a computer (12) and software (14) to activate a plurality of crystal transducers (32). The crystal transducers (32), which are located on the lower surface of a cleaning tank (40) convert electrical energy, supplied by the electronic system, to acoustic/mechanical energy with a conversion efficiency near 80 percent. The system software includes a program that automatically calibrates the system and corrects crystal-to-crystal deficiencies to maintain the system (10) in a peak operating condition.

Abstract: In the production of thin film that is extruded onto a cooling roller and then fed through a further treatment station such as stretching roller station, it may become necessary to stop the extrusion if a fault is present in the further treatment station. In order to avoid stopping the extrusion, a detour station with a roller set is positioned between the extrusion station and the further treatment station for detouring extruded film in response to a detected fault in any system component, except the extruder, whereby the extrusion can continue while the film is supplied to some other use while its supply to the further treatment station is interrupted. The detouring roller set includes at least one guide roller and a press-on roller that is automatically movable, for example by a piston cylinder device into a working position in response to a fault signal.

Abstract: A method for setting up a program profile in the control of an injection speed of injection molding machines where a dwelling phase switching position Pc, a filling stroke L or an injection starting point Ps, a maximum speed ratio Rvm and a initial speed ratio Rvs to the maximum speed mentioned in the specification of the molding machine, and an initial speed period ratio Rps to the filling stroke L or the injection starting position Ps are inputted to a profile setting means; in the profile setting means, the dwelling phase switching position Ps and the filling stroke L or the injection starting position Ps are directly set up according to the inputted values; and the maximum speed Vmax, the initial speed Vs and the initial speed period are set up by automatic computing using the maximum speed ratio Rvm and the initial speed ratio Rvs and the initial speed period ratio Rps as parameters; thereby all aspects of the profile are set up automatically.

Abstract: A method of controlling lateral wandering of flattened tubular plastic film in gauge distribution apparatus in which gauge distribution is effected by passing a flattened tubular plastic film around at least one turning bar whose position with respect to the film is varied. The method comprises adjusting the position of a turning bar in response to a signal from the sensor which senses the position of one of the side edges of the flattened film before it is wound on a storage roll. When lateral wandering of the flattened tubular film is sensed, the position of the turning bar is varied until the sensor detects that the film has returned to its desired path.