Abstract: Position detection of a target sheet is facilitated without requiring a register mark. A connectable disposable wear article having a crotch portion M including a center in a front-back direction LD, a ventral side part F extending forward from the center in the front-back direction LD, and a dorsal side part B extending backward from the center in the front-back direction LD, connecting portions 83 to be detachably connected to an outer surface of the ventral side part F being provided on both side portions of the dorsal side part B, a target sheet 20 to which the connecting portions 83 are connected being provided on the outer surface of the ventral side part F, in which a whiteness of all corner portions 21 on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the target sheet 20 is 80% or more.

Abstract: Printers are disclosed. An example printer includes a build controller to access metrics of a layer on a work area and to select a dosing profile from a plurality of dosing profiles to fuse the layer based on the metrics.

Abstract: An assembly to connect together first and second sheet members. The assembly includes a pressure device that applies pressure to the sheet members while the sheet members are in an overlapping arrangement and positioned on a support platform. A sensing system that includes one or more thin film pressure sensors detects the positions of the leading and trailing edges. A connection device connects the members together in an overlapping arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a film quality in the production of a plastic film, comprising the following steps: —determining a first temperature (10) of a film material (1) of the plastic film during a transport of the film material (1), in which the film material (1) is cooled along a conveying direction (2) of the film material (1). The invention further relates to a film machine (50) comprising a device for monitoring a film quality in the production of a plastic film.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the real time inspection of additive manufacturing deposits using infrared thermography. Various embodiments may enable the measurement of material properties and the detection of defects during the additive manufacturing process. Various embodiments may enable the characterization of deposition quality, as well as the detection of deposition defects, such as voids, cracks, disbonds, etc., as a structure is manufactured layer by layer in an additive manufacturing process. Various embodiments may enable quantitative inspection images to be archived and associated with the manufactured structure to document the manufactured structure's structural integrity.

Abstract: Method for calibrating an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layer-wise selective solidification of building material with the step of generating an substantially periodic first modulation pattern in a first sub-area of the build area, the step of generating an substantially periodic second modulation pattern in a second sub-area of the build area, wherein in the overlap zone, the first modulation pattern and the second modulation pattern form an substantially periodic superposition pattern, whose period is larger than the period of the first modulation pattern and the period of the second modulation pattern, the step of detecting the superposition pattern, and the step of determining the deviation of the position of the superposition pattern on the build area from a reference position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods provide a visual representation to users of data collected from a three dimensional manufacturing process, such as an additive manufacturing (AM) process. In an embodiment, a user device receives process data associated with a three dimensional manufacturing process, transforms the process data into visualization data compatible with a computer-aided design specification, receives a Boolean query, and then renders, in response to the Boolean query, a visual depiction on a display screen of at least one aspect of the three dimensional manufacturing process and/or the three dimensional manufacturing apparatus and/or a object being manufactured.

Abstract: A method for placing an oven (12) for heat-treating preforms (13) into standby, including: a device (16) for conveying the preforms (13); at least one heating lamp (22); at least one heat-accumulation element (24, 26); and an electronic unit for controlling the heating lamps (22), characterized in that the method includes, in series: a first switching-off step (E1) which is triggered when a stop in production is determined, and in which the heating lamps (22) are completely switched off; and then a second temperature-maintaining step (E2) which is triggered after the first step (E1), and in which the heating lamps (22) are activated at a predetermined intensity in order to reheat the accumulation elements (24, 26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser processing method comprising the steps of attaching a protective tape 25 to a front face 3 of a wafer 1a, irradiating a substrate 15 with laser light L while employing a rear face of the wafer 1a as a laser light entrance surface and locating a light-converging point P within the substrate 15 so as to form a molten processed region 13 due to multiphoton absorption, causing the molten processed region 13 to form a cutting start region 8 inside by a predetermined distance from the laser light entrance surface along a line 5 along which the object is intended to be cut in the wafer 1a, attaching an expandable tape 23 to the rear face 21 of the wafer 1a, and expanding the expandable tape 23 so as to separate a plurality of chip parts 24 produced upon cutting the wafer 1a from the cutting start region 8 acting as a start point from each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing three-dimensional objects by laser sintering is provided, the object is formed by solidifying powder material layer by layer at locations in each layer corresponding to the object by means of laser radiation, wherein an IR-radiation image in an applied powder layer is detected, characterized in that defects and/or geometrical irregularities in the applied powder layer are determined on the basis of the IR-radiation image.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical film includes providing a molding machine. The molding machine includes a hopper, a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, and a UV light source. The first and second cylindrical rollers are located at two opposite sides of a narrow outlet of the hopper and positioned at substantially a same height just below the narrow outlet. Thereafter, a UV-curable material is provided into the hopper, and flows out from the narrow outlet of the hopper. The UV light source is turned on toward the UV-curable material. Furthermore, the first and second cylindrical rollers are rotated to directly press the UV-curable material when the UV-curable material is cured.

Abstract: Methods for producing contact lenses from a polymerizable composition are provided. The methods generally include providing a carrier carrying a plurality of molds each of which contains a polymerizable composition. A chamber is provided which contains a light source providing light to the chamber effective to facilitate polymerization of the polymerizable composition. The molds in the carrier are exposed to the light in the chamber. During this exposing, the light source is monitored, for example, using digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) technology.

Abstract: A molding machine for manufacturing an optical film includes a hopper, a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, and an ultraviolet light source. The hopper defines a narrow outlet. The first cylindrical roller is rotatable around its central axis parallel to the narrow outlet. The second cylindrical roller is a transparent hollow structure rotatable around its second central axis. The first central axis is parallel to the second central axis at the same level. The first and second cylindrical rollers are located at two opposite sides of the narrow outlet and below the narrow outlet, and define a gap therebetween to feed the raw material. The ultraviolet light source is located in the second cylindrical roller. An emission direction of the ultraviolet light source is orientated toward a space between the narrow outlet and the second cylindrical roller.

Abstract: Objects are sorted according to specific gravity by illuminating the objects with near-infrared light with different wavelengths. Measurement of the light absorbed by each object at the different wavelengths permits a dry matter content of the object to be determined. Specific gravity can then be determined using a predetermined correlation between dry matter content and specific gravity. A sorting mechanism responsive to determination of specific gravity by the controller separates the food objects into at least two different groups corresponding to different specific gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing plastic containers, where the plastic containers are produced from aplastic material such as recycled plastic. The plastic preforms are heated in a heating unit and expanded into plastic containers in an expansion device. An infrared absorption degree of the plastic material or of the plastic preforms produced from said plastic material is then examined at least once in the course of the production process. From this examination conclusions can be drawn with respect to the quality of the preforms and their behavior when they are being heated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the curing process during the manufacture of composite laminates and components. The apparatus including a temperature controlled vessel such as an autoclave in which the material is placed during curing and an infra-red temperature measuring device such as a camera located remotely from the component to measure the temperature of at least part of the material during curing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the detection of marked components of a composite article. The present invention relates to detecting the presence, position, concentration and/or distribution of one or more components in a composite article, and to registration inspection of a composite article using infrared radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, infrared blockers, such as absorbing infrared blockers, are incorporated into the component of interest in the composite to increase the visibility of the marked component during inspection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and inspecting plastic containers. The apparatus may comprise a blow-molder comprising a plurality of molds and spindles for forming a plastic container from a preform. The apparatus may also comprise an inspection device, located in the blow-molder, for inspecting the plastic container after formation by the blow-molder.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for non-invasive measuring of binder mix loading of glass fibers for monitoring production of construction insulation product, such as roofing and wall insulation. The process utilizes visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy; and, is particularly advantageous when utilized in an on-line production processing following binder mix loading of glass fibers and prior to curing treatment of the binder mix loaded glass fibers. Such spectroscopic analyses can be carried out on a static or moving support substrate. The blend is then conveyed to and through curing treatment to form insulation product. The blend is exposed to VIS-NIR radiant energy, and a radiant energy sensor collects resulting data as to absorption following penetration of the VIS-NIR radiant energy. The spectroscopic instrumentation is calibrated to determine to facilitate accuracy; and, can be used to verify load following curing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing plastic containers, where the plastic containers are produced from a plastic material such as recycled plastic. The plastic preforms are heated in a heating unit and expanded into plastic containers in an expansion device. An infrared absorption degree of the plastic material or of the plastic preforms produced from said plastic material is then examined at least once in the course of the production process. From this examination conclusions can be drawn with respect to the quality of the preforms and their behavior when they are being heated.

Abstract: A sensory system and method for optimizing the cycle time of a part-forming process, wherein the temperature status of a molded part is ascertained and utilized to enable minimization of mold close time.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing three-dimensional objects by laser sintering is provided, the object is formed by solidifying powder material layer by layer at locations in each layer corresponding to the object by means of laser radiation, wherein an IR-radiation image in an applied powder layer is detected, characterized in that defects and/or geometrical irregularities in the applied powder layer are determined on the basis of the IR-radiation image.

Abstract: Calibrating visual (VIS) and near infra red (NIR) spectroscopic instrumentation for quantitative measurement of resin-loading of prepared wood materials, as moving in an assembly-forming line, for subsequent pressing under heat and pressure for manufacture of engineered-composite wood product. Feedback of measured data of resin-loading, during in-line assembly operations, enables maintaining consistent resin-loading and optimizes resin usage. Calibration of VIS/NIR spectroscopic instrumentation can be carried out on equipment simulating in-line movement of pre-established reference-source test-samples; or, can be carried out during on-line movement of wood-material test samples. The developed calibration method removes absorptive effects at wavelengths for constituents other than resin, such as the moisture content of the wood-materials and of the resin, while maintaining accurate and prompt VIS/NIR spectroscopic measurements of resin-loading in a continuous assembly line.

Abstract: A roll to roll microreplication apparatus is described. This apparatus forms a microreplicated article including a web having first and second opposed surfaces. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, first nip roll and first coating die; the first coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate first side and the web substrate is disposed between the first patterned roll and first nip roll. The first nip roll touches the web substrate second side and the first patterned roll touches the web substrate first side. The apparatus includes, a second patterned roll, second nip roll and second coating die, the second coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate second side and the web substrate is disposed between the second patterned roll and second nip roll. The second nip roll touches the web substrate first side and the second patterned roll touches the web substrate second side.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing a three-dimensional object is provided, with which process or device the object is produced by layer-wise solidification of a pulverulent material by sintering of the material at the points corresponding to the cross-section of the object by means of the action of radiation energy. The process comprises the application of a layer of the pulverulent material onto a substrate or a previously sintered layer, pre-heating of the pulverulent material to a working temperature below the temperature at which the powder is sintered and sintering of the material at the points corresponding to the cross-section of the object in the layer, wherein a step of controlled heating of an applied powder layer and of determining the quantity of heat taken up by the powder per (FIG. 3) temperature interval for at least two temperature intervals is carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and inspecting plastic containers. The apparatus may comprise a blow-molder comprising a plurality of molds and spindles for forming a plastic container from a preform. The apparatus may also comprise an inspection device, located in the blow-molder, for inspecting the plastic container after formation by the blow-molder.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process.

Abstract: A system is provided for high volume print-forming of structures made up of multiple separate layers. A support bed is provided which has multiple steps arrayed thereon at different heights. Substrate blocks rest upon each of the steps. A printing process is utilized to print material from which the structures are to be formed down onto the substrate blocks. This printing process prints different layers onto each of the substrate blocks. The substrate blocks then move to a different step on the support bed and the printing process is repeated. Each support block has a partial structure thereon which receives its next successive layer in each printing cycle until the partial structure becomes a completed structure by having each of its layers sequentially printed thereon. Subsystems are provided for moving the substrate blocks upon the support bed and for properly holding and aligning substrate blocks upon the support bed.

Abstract: A stretch blow molding system that condition preforms such that the temperature distribution within the cross-section of each preform is optimized prior to blow molding operations is provided. The system has a temperature measurement and control system capable of directly monitoring both the outside as well as inside surface temperature of preforms at different stages of transport throughout the thermal conditioning section of the system.

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 apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of a web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll; a second pattered roll; and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 microns, and preferably at least 20 microns.

Abstract: Method for spectroscopically monitoring resin applied to a planar surface of veneer-wood sheets during travel in an assembly line. Spectroscopic instrumentation for monitoring applied resin is calibrated by measurements of predetermined resin applications to reference-test-samples, so as to provide a pre-determined relationship enabling monitoring of applied resin, during commercial production of a veneer-wood product using the visible light spectrum and near infrared extending to 2500 nm. Monitoring of selected radiation absorbance by the applied resin is carried out by spectroscopic measurement of non-absorbed electromagnetic radiation, as reflected back by the wood-veneer matrix; selected wavelengths are utilized for determining average resin-weight per designated surface area of a sheet.

Abstract: Process for calibration of spectroscopic instrumentation for non-invasive monitoring of resin-loading of furnish-type wood materials, such as particles or fibers for particleboard or medium density fiberboard, respectively. Selection of ranges of wavelengths within a 350 nm to 2500 nm region by providing selection of spectrometers and sensors for wavelength ranges of 350–1000 nm, 1000 to 1800 nm, 1000 to 2500 nm, and 400 to 2200 nm, for use by engineered-wood manufacturing installations. Resin-loaded wood material is exposed to selected VIS/NIR energy and monitored as it moves on-line in relation to calibrated spectroscopic instrumentation; a sensor collects non-absorbed radiation energy reflected by the wood materials. Measurements are processed, in relation to pre-established calibration data, to determine whether the resin-loading is within manufacturing objectives; monitoring and feedback are used to maintain desired specifications.

Abstract: Method for spectroscopically monitoring resin applied to a planar surface of veneer-wood sheets during travel in an assembly line. Spectroscopic instrumentation for monitoring applied resin is calibrated by measurements of predetermined resin applications to reference-test-samples, so as to provide a pre-determined relationship enabling monitoring of applied resin, during commercial production of a veneer-wood product using the visible light spectrum and near infrared extending to 2500 nm. Monitoring of selected radiation absorbance by the applied resin is carried out by spectroscopic measurement of non-absorbed electromagnetic radiation, as reflected back by the wood-veneer matrix; selected wavelengths are utilized for determining average resin-weight per designated surface area of a sheet.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: Calibrating near infra red (NIR) spectroscopic instrumentation for quantitative measurement of resin-loading of prepared wood materials, as moving in an assembly-forming line, for subsequent pressing under heat and pressure for manufacture of engineered-composite wood product. Feedback of measured data of resin-loading, during in-line assembly operations, enables maintaining consistent resin-loading and optimizes resin usage. Calibration of NIR spectroscopic instrumentation can be carried out on equipment simulating in-line movement of pre-established reference-source test-samples; or, can be carried out during on-line movement of wood-material test samples. The developed calibration method removes absorptive effects at wavelengths for constituents other than resin, such as the moisture content of the wood-materials and of the resin, while maintaining accurate and prompt NIR spectroscopic measurements of resin-loading in a continuous assembly line.

Abstract: Process for calibration of spectroscopic instrumentation for non-invasive monitoring of resin-loading of furnish-type wood materials, such as particles or fibers for particleboard or medium density fiberboard, respectively. Selection of ranges of wavelengths within a 350 nm to 2500 nm region by providing selection of spectrometers and sensors for wavelength ranges of 350-1000 nm, 1000 to 1800 nm, 1000 to 2500 nm, and 400 to 2200 nm, for use by engineered-wood manufacturing installations. Resin-loaded wood material is exposed to selected VIS/NIR energy and monitored as it moves on-line in relation to calibrated spectroscopic instrumentation; a sensor collects non-absorbed radiation energy reflected by the wood materials. Measurements are processed, in relation to pre-established calibration data, to determine whether the resin-loading is within manufacturing objectives; monitoring and feedback are used to maintain desired specifications.

Abstract: Method for spectroscopically monitoring resin applied to a planar surface of veneer-wood sheets during travel in an assembly line. Spectroscopic instrumentation for monitoring applied resin is calibrated by measurements of predetermined resin applications to reference-test-samples, so as to provide a pre-determined relationship enabling monitoring of applied resin, during commercial production of a veneer-wood product using the visible light spectrum and near infrared extending to 2500 nm. Monitoring of selected radiation absorbance by the applied resin is carried out by spectroscopic measurement of non-absorbed electromagnetic radiation, as reflected back by the wood-veneer matrix; selected wavelengths are utilized for determining average resin-weight per designated surface area of a sheet.

Abstract: A method for marking a product for detecting unauthorized imitations of the product, in particular of electrical switchgear equipment and the like. A color imprint is applied to an outer or inner surface of a housing of the switchgear or the like. The color imprint contains pigments that can be detected only by special methods, for example infrared examination and the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved method of heating or tempering foils and an associated device including an arrangement for measuring the temperature, based on the following features: a separate arrangement is provided for heating the foil edges; the foil edge heating arrangement comprises an infrared radiator device (21) and a hot air heating device (29); and the infrared radiator device (21) and the hot air heating device (29) can be controlled or set at different heating output values.

Abstract: A drawing system in which a thickness and degree of orientation of an oriented film or the like is maintained in a uniform manner under a condition of a high speed, shortened is a time required from a time when a molding material is charged in an extruder and drawing started until a time when a film is taken up on a take-up apparatus, and a high quality film or the like is produced at a high speed and besides, a probability for a not-oriented or oriented film or the like to be broken down during drawing is reduced. A thickness and degree of orientation of a film are independently measured in thickness gauges and a film orientation measuring apparatus in a continuous manner after longitudinal drawing or lateral drawing and measured values are input to a computer.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects with enhanced control of the temperature of the build environment. A modulated control signal is supplied to a heating element based on a difference between a desired build temperature and a detected temperature. The modulated signal result in the heater supplying, on average, more energy to the build chamber when the temperature difference is large and supplying, on average, less energy to the build chamber when the difference is small. The detection of the build chamber temperature may occur at one or more locations. If multiple locations are used, the detected temperatures may be averaged, or otherwise combined, to derive a single difference value that will be used to control the heater.

Abstract: A rotational molding apparatus that utilizes stationary temperature sensors, e.g., infra-red thermometry (IRT) sensors, for continuously monitoring the temperature of the molds during rotation.