Abstract: In an example, a cubic press is described having press bases with spacers disposed between adjacent press bases. Sets of two or more tie bars are also disposed between adjacent press bases. The tie bars are placed in a state of compression while the spacers are placed in a state of compression. During operation, the press bases may become displaced relative to one another such that additional tension is experienced by the tie bars while the amount of compression experienced by the spacer is reduced. The tie bars exhibit a relatively small cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the spacer.

Abstract: A molding device which can heat molding portions of dies by a simple structure while guaranteeing the durability of the molding portions of the dies, and a method of molding a product using the molding device are provided. A molding device 100 includes a first die 110 and a second die 120 for molding a product PR to be molded. The first die 110 and the second die 120 have a first molding portion 111 and a second molding portion 121 formed at central portions of the surfaces which face each other. Each of the first molding portion 111 and the second molding portion 121 has a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the surface shape of the product PR. Thermal/electrical insulators 113 and 124 are provided around the first molding portion 111 and the second molding portion 121 of the first die 110 and the second die 120.

Abstract: In a tire vulcanizer configured to perform opening and closing of a mold using an efficient ball screw shaft or the like, a top mold mounting member holding a top mold is lifted and lowered by rotating the ball screw shaft with a driving mechanism to vertically lift and lower a ball nut, and the lifting and lowering of the top mold mounting member is stopped by fixing the ball screw shaft by the de-excitation of an electromagnetic brake connected directly to the ball screw shaft, independently from the driving mechanism. According to such a structure, the opening and closing of the mold can be stopped, even if abnormality of the driving mechanism or the brake occurs.

Abstract: A mold monitoring apparatus for an injection molding machine captures an image of a cavity portion of an opened mold, and determines the state of the cavity portion by means of image processing. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit, an image capturing unit, and an image processing unit. The light emitting unit projects onto the cavity portion light rays other than visible light rays. The image capturing unit includes an image sensor for capturing reflection light rays that travel from the cavity portion to the image sensor via a filter for blocking visible light rays. The image processing unit determines the state of the cavity portion on the basis of an image signal output from the image sensor and through image processing.

Abstract: A mold-clamping control method for an injection molding machine includes the steps of detecting a value of a monitor item in a monitor region predetermined in relation to a mold closing operation in a mold clamping step; performing emergency processing when the detected value exceeds a threshold value; and performing an automatic setting operation. This automatic setting operation includes the steps of periodically detecting the value of the monitor item in the monitor region at predetermined sampling intervals to thereby obtain detection values in sampling order; repeating the step of periodical detection for each of a predetermined number of shots; obtaining threshold values and torque limit values for individual places of sampling order, on the basis of the detection values, by use of predetermined arithmetic expressions; and storing the obtained threshold values and torque limit values for control use.

Abstract: A mold-clamping control method for an injection molding machine includes the steps of detecting a value of a monitor item in a monitor region predetermined in relation to a mold closing operation during the course of a mold clamping step; differentiating the detected value in order to obtain a differential detection value; and performing emergency processing when the differential detection value exceeds a threshold value. The monitor item may be torque or velocity of a servomotor for performing a mold closing operation.

Abstract: The value of a monitor item is detected in a monitor region predetermined in relation to a mold closing operation during the course of a mold clamping step. Emergency processing is performed when the detected value exceeds a threshold value. There are preset an anomalous-state mold opening velocity higher than a normal-state mold opening velocity on the basis of which mold opening control is performed in a normal state, and an anomalous-state-velocity end position at which mold opening control based on the anomalous-state mold opening velocity is ended. Mold opening control based on the anomalous-state mold opening velocity is performed in a portion of the monitor region ranging from a point corresponding to time when the detection value has exceeded the threshold value, to a point corresponding to the anomalous-state-velocity end position.

Abstract: An injection mold that is capable of producing a final molded component that meets designed optical properties is designed and produced efficiently by measuring shape errors, which adversely affect the optical properties, of at least one of a surface shape of a cavity of a first molding part and a molded component produced by using the first molding part, by reducing at least one of wavelength components of the shape errors, by generating processing information that is used to produce a second molding part that is used to mold the final molded component.

Abstract: In a foreign-object detection method for an injection molding machine, a trial mold closing operation is first performed. During the trial mold closing operation, a physical value related to mold closing operation is periodically detected in a monitor region, and a maximum deviation between the detected physical value and a preset theoretical value is obtained. The thus-obtained maximum deviation is added to a preset reference value to thereby determine a threshold value to be used for foreign object detection. During an actual mold closing operation, the physical value related to mold closing operation is periodically detected in the monitor region, and a deviation between the detected physical value and the determined theoretical value is calculated. A foreign object is judged to have been caught, when the deviation is in excess of the threshold value.

Abstract: A wireless image processing method and device for utilization in combination with a machine vision system, preferably a part-forming machine, wherein a wireless communicator delivers images to a host computer that can analyze the data and determine functionality to the manufacturing process, wherein the host computer can incorporate wireless components, wherein wireless signals can be sent and/or received to input/output modules to control the processes, and wherein the input/output modules can affect said control wirelessly, thereby minimizing and/or eliminating physical cabling and wiring constraints to enable smaller implementations, increased analysis capabilities, and improved price/performance ratios. Alternatively, an image analyzing means may be integrated with an image capturing means, wherein a control signal can be wirelessly communicated to affect the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for protecting a mold of a servo-driven type mold clamping unit comprises the steps of (a) changing the torque output of the power source generated by a servo-motor subject to the position of a movable die of the mold, and (b) comparing the values set in an encoder of the servo-motor with signal received by the encoder when the movable die is in displacement so as to detect the presence of any foreign objects in the mold for determination of normal/abnormal handling control.

Abstract: A mold monitoring apparatus for an injection molding machine captures an image of a cavity portion of an opened mold, and determines the state of the cavity portion by means of image processing. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit, an image capturing unit, and an image processing unit. The light emitting unit projects onto the cavity portion light rays other than visible light rays. The image capturing unit includes an image sensor for capturing reflection light rays that travel from the cavity portion to the image sensor via a filter for blocking visible light rays. The image processing unit determines the state of the cavity portion on the basis of an image signal output from the image sensor and through image processing.

Abstract: A part-forming machine having an infrared vision inspection system and a method for verifying the presence, absence and quality of molded parts therein wherein an infrared vision system is utilized. At least one infrared sensor is used in conjunction with a part-forming machine, wherein the infrared sensor takes an image of the part and/or mold based on infrared radiation emitted by the part/mold. Based on the infrared image, the part-forming machine responds thereto by activating ejectors and reimaging the part/mold, or continuing with the next molding step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injection mold hot runner control devices and more particularly to an injection molding control device which eliminates the conventional control cables to improve the quality of feedback signals received by the controller and the safety of the environment in which such systems are used. The present invention utilizes a signal processor to convert analog signals received from the mold temperature sensors into a digital feedback signal in the vicinity of the mold and to transmit such feedback signal to a receiver connected to a controller at a location remote from the mold. The mold controller processes the feedback signal and generates a corresponding control signal. The control signal is transmitted from the remotely located controller to the controlled device, typically the mold heaters.

Abstract: A skip-eject system for an injection molding machine includes an electronic camera for acquiring an actual image of an open mold after a part ejector has operated and a controller for comparing such actual image with an ideal image of the open mold with no part in the open mold. If a comparison of the actual image with the ideal image indicates that a part is no longer in the open mold, the controller outputs a close mold signal to close the mold and start injection molding of a new part. However, if the comparison indicates that the part is still in the open mold, the controller outputs an ejection signal to actuate the ejector to cycle again. This sequence continues until a comparison of an actual image of the open mold with the ideal image indicates that the part is no longer in the open mold.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling mold activity of a molding machine is disclosed and includes a clamping device for positioning a movable mold platen on a carrier device and relative another platen, for forcefully engaging the movable mold platen with the another platen and on the carrier device, for sustaining forceful engagement of the movable mold platen with the another platen and the carrier device, and for breaking the movable platen from the another platen and the carrying device. The movable mold platen includes a movable mold half and the another platen includes another mold half. The system also includes a manner for determining an adjustable starting position of the clamping device and movable mold platen. A manner for adjusting the adjustable starting position for achieving greater accuracy of the adjustable starting position for the clamping device and the movable platen is provided. The manner for adjusting includes a mechanism for actuating the clamping device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically molding defined three-dimensional foam cushions. The apparatus comprises means for preparing a bag from plastic film material and for enclosing a foamable composition in the plastic bag, means for concurrently aligning a mold with the plastic bag and the bag preparing means, means for placing the bag containing the foamable composition into the aligned mold as the foamable composition begins to form foam, and means for maintaining the bag in the mold until the foamable composition has substantially finished forming foam in a shape conforming to the mold.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing multi-layered preforms from inserts is provided. The system comprises a device for molding the inserts into the multi-layered preforms and a mechanism for arranging the inserts used in forming the preforms into proper position for subsequent relocation to the molding device. A first loading station is provided for receiving the inserts from the mechanism for arranging, wherein the inserts are properly positioned for the molding device when located with the first loading station. A second loading station is also provided along with a mechanism for moving the inserts from the first loading station to the second loading station. A device for relocating the inserts from the second molding station to the molding device is used. A device for detecting if the inserts are at least one of present and absent during movement through the system is also provided.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence and absence of inserts at various stages in a molding system which includes at least a first insert loading station, an insert shuttle plate, an insert relocation device and a molding station including mold cores. The system comprises a device for detecting the presence and absence of the inserts on the insert shuttle plate while the inserts are being moved from the first station to the insert relocation device via the insert shuttle plate. If one of the inserts is detected as absent an indicator thereof is actuated. The device is further for detecting the presence and absence of the inserts on the insert shuttle plate after the inserts have been removed from the insert shuttle plate via the relocation device. If one of the inserts is detected as present, an indicator thereof is actuated.

Abstract: A loading elevator for a multi-platen press is provided with a pusher which simultaneously transfers a number of transport plates loaded with stampings to the press. After press operations are completed, the plates are unloaded by an extractor to an unloading elevator. The pushing and the unloading of the plates are automatic, with sensors provided to halt the loading and unloading in the event of excessive resistance to the movement of any one of the plates. A plurality of sensors are provided in the pusher and in the extractor, one sensor there for each of the plates. Each sensor is connected to halt the operation on recognition by the sensor that an express resistance exists and if desired to provide a signal that the halting has taken place.

Abstract: A system for confirming proper release of a molded article fron an injection molding machine and for determining the quality of this article. The system includes a first video camera for monitoring an outer surface of a male mold half and providing image data indicative thereof, a second video camera for monitoring an inner surface of a female mold half and providing image data indicative thereof, and a control unit. The control unit includes a memory for storing reference image data and image data provided by the first and second cameras and a comparator for comparing the provided image data and the stored reference image data to confirm release of the molded article and to determine the quality of the article. The presence or absence of residual resins on the outer surface of the male mold half and on the inner surface of the female mold half is also determined.

Abstract: Insole feeding apparatus for a molding press having an insole receiving cavity to receive insoles from a support structure that carries dual trays which hold insole supplies alternately positionable to allow insoles to be picked out of a tray and placed in the mold cavity. The mold press is provided with an insole kicker plate subject to positional adjustment in the cavity in accordance with an operator teach device capable of locating the kicker plate in the mold cavity for producing molded insoles having desired style and size characteristics. The apparatus is made to follow a desired method in which kicker plate adjustments can be stored in a computer memory for rendering the molding press capable of accommodating various insole and size production runs.

Abstract: A photoelectric monitor for a mold comprises a pair of securement members secured to opposite sides of a molding zone of a mold and provided with holes which are matched one-to-one with each other across the molding zone, two sensor blocks secured to a molder as spaced apart from the mold and including light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements, a controller connected to each of the sensor blocks, optical fibers each having its one end detachably connected to the light-emitting element of one of the sensor blocks and its other end detachably connected to one of the securement members through the hole, and optical fibers each having its one end detachably connected to the light-receiving element of the other sensor block and its other end detachably connected to the other securement member through the hole.

Abstract: A method for rotationally molding synthetic resin dolls using an automatic control mechanism, a mold holding mechanism, a robot mechanism having a mold cover opening and closing means, a mold releasing means for releasing a molded product from the mold, mold release detecting and cleaning means; a raw material charging means, and a heating and cooling means. The method includes detecting the mold release of the molds opened by the mold holding mechanism and cleaning the molds. Quantitatively charging a raw material of thermoplastic synthetic resin into the mold in a solid state and closing the cover. Inserting the mold into a heating furnace of a heating mechanism and rotating the mold to form a synthetic resin molten skin layer on the inner wall of the mold. Once the layer is formed the mold is moved into a cooling chamber of a cooling mechanism and the skin layer is solidified while continuing to rotate the mold. When the layer is solidified the mold is moved to the mold releasing unit.

Abstract: An injection molding machine uses a servo motor (M) as a drive source of a mold clamp mechanism (2) and includes a mold protecting function. An NC control unit (4) for driving the servo motor (M) has a torque limit function, and performs torque limit when a mold is discriminated to have reached a preset mold protection start position, based on a detection output from a position detector (P). The NC control unit (4) further has a display unit (10). When a predetermined period of time elapses before the mold reaches a preset mold contact position, beginning from a point in time at which the mold reaches the preset mold protection start position, an alarm display is generated by the display unit (10).

Abstract: This relates to a blow molding machine of the type for blow molding large articles such as containers of the one gallon to five gallon size from a parison in the form of an extruded plastic material tube. The machine is of the rotary type and has a plurality of stations each carrying a mold unit of which one half is fixed and the other is mounted for radial movement between open and closed positions. The main shaft of the machine is of a large diameter and is tubular so that the necessary manifolding for gas and coolant supplies may be readily incorporated in the main shaft in an entirely different manner from that heretofore utilized. Also, among other features of the machine, is the provision of hollow spokes which serve not only to support outer mold halves for radial movement, but also serve as manifold accumulators for the necssary operating gases.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus including a barrel for holding molten plastic material, a first passage connected at one end with the barrel for receiving hot plastic material from the barrel, a second passage connected with the other end of the first passage for receiving molten material from the first passage for supplying the material to a mold, a cylinder, a third passage connected at one end with the cylinder and connected at its other end with the second passage, a piston in the cylinder, movable by pressure means in one direction to maintain pressure on molten material in the cylinder, the third passage and the second passage, and movable by pressure means in the other direction to exert a suction action in the cylinder, the third passage and the second passage for drawing molten material in the second passage back into the third passage and the cylinder, and a valve means.

Abstract: A parts sensing device for use in the operation of parts forming equipment to sense the presence or absence of parts, the parts sensing device comprising at least one optoelectronic sensor positioned to sense the presence or absence of at least one newly formed part, operably coupled to a control means which determines at least one of whether all parts have been sensed as present and whether all parts have been sensed as absent.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a first member in a first position relative to a second member comprises a linkage system connecting the first and second members and drive means for articulating the linkage system for moving the first member relative to the second member. A fluid link is provided for locking the first member in position relative to the second member wherein the fluid link is actuated upon sensing the first member approaching the first position.

Abstract: The disclosed frozen confection machine is provided with a series of mold bars each of which contain a plurality of cavities for containing confection material which is frozen in said cavities. The machine is provided with a mechanism for inserting sticks into the partially frozen confection material, means for defrosting the exterior of the cavities to facilitate removal of the frozen confections and a selectively operable device responsive to the inadvertent retention of confection material in one or more cavities to remove the retained confection material by inverting the mold bar and spraying hot water into the cavities to remove the confection material. Moreover the confection machine provides laterally opposed to chains circulating in a closed path in which one reach of the chain, the working reach, associated with filling, freezing, stick insertion and confection removal devices and a return reach.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed using a robot to load and unload precut pieces of sheet molding compound and the like between an upper die and a lower die of a sheet molding press.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine comprising a sweetened paste kneading device that supplies an extrusion group constituted by two telescopically coupled, vertical tubular blocks, namely a first fixed tubular block and a second movable tubular block closed at the bottom by an extrusion plate which, with the said tubular blocks, defines a variable volume chamber; and a conveyor that supplies baking tins in succession to the overhead said extrusion group.When the variable volume chamber is full of paste, "piped" or "poured in" biscuits are created with, in the first instance, the volume of the said chamber maintained constant and, in the latter, firstly a decrease and then a volumetric increase. When the paste is "piped", the separation from the said extrusion plate of the ropes of extruded paste is achieved with the use of cutting means, while for "poured in" paste, it occurs through breakage caused by the decompression of the paste in the said chamber.

Abstract: Sensor arranged to detect the proper placement and quantity of one or more inserts in the cavity of an injection molding machine. The sensor is preferably formed of a spring-biased plunger through one of the cavity shells. A photodetector monitors the movement of the plunger as the cavity-forming shells are closed and activates an alarm signal if the plunger movement is excessive before detection of proper mold closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a continuous slide fastener stringer, including a plurality of longitudinally spaced rows of injection-molded coupling elements secured to a stringer tape along a longitudinal edge thereof with a plurality of element-free portions between the successive rows of the injection-molded coupling elements, includes a fixed feeler disposed on one of a pair of relatively movable mold members adjacent to a leading mold cavity therein for detecting a trailing end of the injection-molded coupling elements, and a movable feeler disposed on the one mold member downstream of the fixed feeler at a distance substantially equal to the length of the element-free portions of the stringer. The movable feeler is driven by a driving mechanism to selectively project or retract from a mold surface of the one mold member in interlocking relation with a feed mechanism which intermittently feeds the stringer tape by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An inlet gas pressure passageway is associated with the movable mold section of a molding press and terminates at and therefore in the plane of the surface of said movable mold section which confronts the surface of the fixed mold section of the press. An outlet gas pressure passageway is associated with the fixed mold section and terminates at and therefore in the plane of the surface of said fixed mold section in alignment with the inlet passageway opening. Air or other gas under a predetermined superatmospheric is applied to the inlet passageway for delivery to the outlet passageway, and the latter is connected to a pressure switch operable at said predetermined gas pressure to effect application of high hydraulic closing pressure to the movable mold section.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the retention of non-ejected parts in the cavity of a plastic molding machine and inhibiting the operation of the molding machine in response thereto. The apparatus employs a set of photocells coupled via associated fiber optic cables to a comparator. The retention of a molded part subsequent to the completion of a molding cycle is indicated by the interruption of a light beam generated by at least one of the photocells. The optical signal is processed by the comparator and associated circuitry so as to activate a mold inhibiting relay.

Abstract: Plastic molding apparatus is disclosed for forming a series of molded connector bodies along a molded strip segment. By repeating the molding cycle, an additional strip segment is simultaneously molded and joined to a previously made strip segment, so that repeated cycling of the molding machine provides a molded continuous strip interconnecting a series of molded bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing frozen confections of the type including sticks projecting from a block of frozen confection material including a plurality of detachable mold strips and a screw conveyor arrangement for indexing the mold strips through a closed rectangular path in a horizontal plane with the mold cups of the mold strips opening upwardly. The conveyor includes cradles to which the mold strips are individually and pivotally mounted, a rectangular arrangement of tracks for guiding the cradles through the rectangular path of travel, and several conveyor screws which are driven continuously for propelling the cradles along the tracks. The conveyor screws have screw grooves therein adapted to cause the cradles to dwell under a confection filler, a stick inserter, a confection extractor and mold cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: Plastic molding apparatus is disclosed for forming a series of molded connector bodies along a molded strip segment. By repeating the molding cycle, an additional strip segment is simultaneously molded and joined to a previously made strip segment, so that repeated cycling of the molding machine provides a molded continuous strip interconnecting a series of molded bodies.

Abstract: A protection system for monitoring the operation of a part molding machine which ejects the part from the molds after successful completion of the molding process. A plate is disposed beneath the mold for receiving the parts after they are ejected. A transducer mounted on the plate provides a spectrum of signals having different frequencies when the part impacts the plate. The amplitude of these signals at particular frequencies depend upon the part being made by the machine. A frequency generator is used to selectively provide a reference frequency signal associated with the particular part being made. A tone decoder compares the reference frequency signal with the signals from the transducer and provides an output signal if the amplitude of the transducer signals at the reference frequency exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A visible image of an apparatus including a movable element to be watched is formed on the CRT of a television by means of an industrial television camera. One or more photosensors are provided on the face plate of the CRT to receive light from the image of the apparatus. When the movable element of the apparatus is moved from an original position, the output of the photosensor is changed. This, it is electrically detected whether or not the movable element exists in its given position by watching the output level of the photosensor.

Abstract: A laser detection system for detecting parisons or portions of parisons remaining on cylindrical core pins at an ejection station. Injection molding of tubular parisons around cylindrical core pins occurs at a molding station; cooling the parisons while supported on the core pins occurs at a cooling station; and then, axially stripping the parisons from the core pins occurs at an ejection station. The parison stripping step is accomplished by a horizontally reciprocable carriage which is selectively moved into and out of vertical alignment with a set of core pins and parisons positioned at the ejection station. Sectional gripping members on the carriage are radially closable when in alignment with the parisons, to grasp the parisons for their axial removal from the core pins upon the horizontal displacement of the carriage.

Abstract: This invention is an improved apparatus for detecting residue that is left on a core rod of injection blow molding apparatus after blown articles have been stripped from the core rods at a pick-off station, and before the core rods are delivered to an injection station. The detecting apparatus moves in a straight line across a row of core rods extending from the face of an indexing head and while the core rods are stationary.

Abstract: An injection molding machine providing a stationary and a movable mold plate, each supporting one mold half, a drive means for the movable mold plate to close the mold and a rear end piece constituting a thrust from the drive means at the closing of the mold. Damage to the sealing surfaces of the mold due to objects stuck between the mold halves is eliminated by preventing a closing pressure from being applied to the mold if an object is located between the sealing surfaces all with a high degree of sensitivity without jeopardizing the rigidity or operational reliability of the machine.

Abstract: A system for controlling a molding machine utilized to mold food products on a stick. The system incorporates fluidic logic elements that are responsive to signals generated by the piston position in actuation cylinders so that the system control is dependent on the process condition, rather than on timing or other indirect process control methods. The fluidic logic elements command the actuating cylinders through air piloted valves, in a wholly pneumatic system. The control system is continuously recycled with minimal delay between cycles unless a failure of the system to produce a complete and dispensed produce is sensed. The dispensing of the product is positively determined by a fluidic sensor and a logic control circuit that determines that the product has dropped into and through a sensing airstream. If a malfunction is detected the machine shuts down and will not restart unless the start-stop control is cycled, so that the machine may be safely serviced.

Abstract: In a pressure moulding machine, particularly a die casting machine, detection of locking together of the die parts by the applied pressure is effected by detecting the resulting mechanical stretch in the machine frame; the die parts are opened and closed together by an air motor associated with a hydraulic motor that damps the opening and closing movement of the dies, the die parts being locked together by the hydraulic motor; full closing of the die parts is determined by applying pressurized air to bores therein and to a controlling pressure switch, the pressure switch not being operable if air is leaking from the bores.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a first member in a first position relative to a second member comprises a linkage system connecting the first and second members and drive means for articulating the linkage system for moving the first member relative to the second member. A fluid link is provided for locking the first member in position relative to the second member wherein the fluid link is actuated upon sensing the first member approaching the first position.