Abstract: Methods and systems for declarative testing using dependency injection are described. In one embodiment, a computing system inspects a first annotation that declares an injection point in source code of a test subject and a second annotation that declares a set of test values to be injected at the injection point. The first and second annotations are metadata in an input domain and are added in a designated place in the source code. The computing system executes a test runner that creates a set of one or more tests during a configuration phase based on the inspection of the source code, including the first and second annotations. Each of the set of tests includes one of the test values injected at the injected point as declaratively provided by the second annotation. The set of tests are to be executed during a run phase.

Abstract: There are provided with rotary encoders 7a and 7b, each detecting a rotation position of each of rotation driving portions 4a and 4b, deviation calculating means 8 that obtains a deviation Ke between an encoder output value Da outputted from one specific rotary encoder 7a and an encoder output value Db outputted from the other rotary encoder 7b, abnormality determining means 9 that compares the deviation Ke with threshold values Ksf and Kss set in advance and determines that the deviation Ke has become the threshold value Ksf or more and/or the threshold value Kss or more, and abnormality output means 10 that outputs at least a determination result of the abnormality determining means 9.

Abstract: A facility for using powder materials to produce a solid product having multiple layers includes a supply of powder material(s), a die for receiving the powder material(s) and shaping the solid product, the die being secured in a reversible manner to a die-holding table secured to the frame of the facility, and translatable upper and lower punches that engage with one another at the die to compress the powder material(s). The lower punch is connected to a system for uncoupling the members that provide the movement thereof, the system having a brake for limiting the downward travel of the lower punch to keep it in contact with the powder material contained in the die when producing the solid product to avoid the generation of additional compression during the receipt of powder material in the die during the intermediate filling phases for each layer of the product.

Abstract: A safety device for an apparatus for compression-moulding objects that includes a moulding carousel provided with a plurality of punches and with a plurality of corresponding moulding elements, each mould element being movable between a first position in which it does not interact with the respective punch and a second position in which it interacts with the respective punch to mould an object. Each punch is associated with an extracting device suitable for extracting from the respective punch a moulded object. The extracting device is driven by a cam track obtained in a fixed frame of the moulding carousel. The cam track includes a cam track portion that is movable between an operating position in which it interacts with the extracting device and a non-operating position in which it does not interact with the extracting device.

Abstract: Recording media press systems and methods of operating such press systems. Press system embodiments include a first die and a second die. The press system further includes a mandrel extending along a longitudinal mandrel axis through the first die. A rod portion of the mandrel to receive a magnetic recording disk to be pressed. The press system further includes a foil holder coupled to the first die. The foil holder to clamp a first portion of an embossing foil to the first die and allow the clamped foil portion to move in a radial direction relative to the foil holder.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of injection molding machines is provided with clamp plates fixed on platens and a plurality of magnet units to generate magnetic force for fixing a mold to the clamp plate fitted on the clamp plates; and the plurality of injection molding machines are provided with a plurality of common connectors having the same structure, each of which is electrically connected to the magnetic unit, a molding machine control unit and a power source device; and the mold fixing system comprises a set of operation control units to be shared by the plurality of injection molding machines, and when a mold is to be exchanged in any of the injection molding machines, the plurality of magnet units are switched to the non-adsorbing state or the adsorbing state via the operation control unit in the state where the operation control unit is connected to the common connector of the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A support apparatus of an injection-molding machine has a neural network that receives test molding data corresponding to molding conditions and a quality value obtained by measuring a non-defective molded article, and that determines a quality prediction function based on the received test molding data. A computer calculates a predicted value of the quality value using the quality prediction function. An input apparatus inputs into the neural network fixed values for the molding conditions except for a selected at least one of the molding conditions, and inputs a target value of the quality value. A graph generator generates a graphical relationship between the selected at least one molding condition and the predicted value. A graph correction unit corrects the graphical relationship generated by the graph generator on the basis of the target value.

Abstract: A system in which gravitation and inertial effects on platen verticality and sagging are compensated by an anti-tilt actuator (68, 70). A hydraulic actuator (68, 70) secured beneath the platen is either set to offset only gravitationally-related sagging of the mold half (60, 62) by providing a compensating upward force (relative to a stable clamp base 80), or otherwise its upward force can be dynamically adjusted also to compensate for swaying or tilting of the mold-platen assembly caused by stroke cylinder (98) operation and related inertia/momentum effects. Preferably, a level sensor (94) measures and communicates a degree of horizontalness/verticality of the platen (48, 50) to a machine controller (88) which, in turn, generates a control signal (87) to cause variation in cylinder pressure in the anti-tilt actuator (68, 70), thereby achieving substantially continuous alignment between the mold halves (60, 62) and reduced component wear.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for the molding of articles made of plastic material with two components by means of a stack-mold press with a first cavity and a second cavity for the injection of the plastic material and the possible compression of the injected plastic material, in which the moulds and the countermolds of the apparatus define respective mutually facing surfaces. Parameters indicating the mutual parallelism between said facing surfaces are detected, and the closing assembly for closing the press is controlled according to the parameters detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electric clamping, which performs a clamping process in parallel with a core-drawing-in process, avoiding damages of molds and core mechanisms and enabling secure clamping.

Abstract: In a toggle-type clamping device that drives by belt driving by a motor, to detect securely a break in a belt using a simple and inexpensive construction. A dog is mounted on a crosshead of a toggle mechanism, a proximity switch is mounted on a rear platen, and arrival of the crosshead at a predetermined position is detected. A position detector is mounted on a motor that drives the toggle mechanism via a belt and a ball screw. When arrival of the crosshead at the predetermined position (a mold touch position or a position at which the mold is open a predetermined distance from the mold touch position) is detected by the position detector, if the dog is not detected by the proximity switch, the clamping device outputs an alarm as an indication that an abnormality such as a break in the belt has occurred.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is operable in a closure position detection mode for detecting closure of a mold on the basis of a change in a physical quantity because of closure of the mold, detecting a position of a crosshead of a toggle mechanism at the time of detection of the closure, and obtaining a closure position of a movable platen at the time of the closure from the detected position of the crosshead. The apparatus is previously operated in the closure position detection mode to store, as a reference value, the closure position at which a target mold clamping force is obtained. In the production operation, the apparatus is operated in the closure position detection mode to obtain an actual closure position (detection value). The mold clamping force is corrected on the basis of a deviation of the detection value from the reference value.

Abstract: In a mold protection method for a mold clamping apparatus, a predetermined mold protection zone is set in a zone in which a mold is closed, and an anomaly such as presence of a foreign object is detected on the basis of a change in a physical quantity in the mold protection zone so as to protect the mold. The method includes the steps of previously setting, as a reference position, a closed position of a movable platen at which a target mold clamping force is obtained; setting an end position of the mold protection zone with respect to the reference position; obtaining, during a production operation, an actual closed position (detected position) of the movable platen; and correcting the end position of the mold protection zone on the basis of a deviation between the detected position and the reference position.

Abstract: In a mold closure position detection method, a mold closure position is detected on the basis of a variation in a physical quantity because of closure of a mold. The method comprises detecting an amount of movement of a movable platen, or a crosshead in the case where the mold clamping apparatus is of a toggle type, during closure of the mold; detecting a variation in the physical quantity because of closure of the mold; obtaining a rate of variation (which encompasses an amount of variation) in the physical quantity to a predetermined amount of movement of the movable platen or the crosshead; and detecting, as a mold closure position, a position of the movable platen or the crosshead when the variation rate reaches a preset ratio.

Abstract: A closure position detection mode is provided so as to obtain a rate of variation (which encompasses an amount of variation) in a physical quantity to a predetermined amount of movement of a movable platen or a crosshead, and detect, as a mold closure position, a position when the variation rate reaches a preset ratio. The mold clamping apparatus is previously operated in the closure position detection mode so as to store, as a reference value, the mold closure position at which a target mold clamping force is obtained. In production operation, the mold clamping apparatus is operated in the closure position detection mode so as to obtain an actual mold closure position (detection value). The mold clamping force is corrected on the basis of a deviation of the detection value from the reference value.

Abstract: A sand-blowing apparatus for a molding machine having a sand-storing tank for storing foundry sand disposed so as to be movable vertically and having an opening in an upper part of the sand-storing tank for supplying sand thereto, a nozzle in a bottom part of the sand-storing tank, a chamber in a central part of the sand-storing tank, and an exhaust valve that communicates with the chamber, a compressed air tank for storing compressed air that is movable vertically located above the sand-storing tank, and having an opening in a bottom part of the compressed air tank for blowing compressed air, a device for moving the compressed air tank toward and away from the sand-storing tank, a valve for controlling the opening and closing of the opening in the bottom part of the compressed air tank, a piston rod connected to said valve that passes through an upper part of the compressed air tank, and a device for raising and lowering the piston rod to thereby open and close the valve, wherein when the compressed air tank

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a cavity half and a core half mounted in stacked relation between a press plate and a movable platen. A plurality of core members are slidably mounted in the cavity half and each is connected to an actuator attached to the cavity half. The actuators project outwardly. Each actuator includes at least two sensing switch units for monitoring the limits of the core position. Each sensing unit is a compact relay switch unit having a rugged housing of a length not to exceed two inches to positively prevent interference with the associated components of the molding apparatus. The relay switch unit includes a pair of fixed contacts mounted within the housing and a movable contact located therebetween. A magnetic unit including a high strength target magnet connected to the movable contact and a weak bias magnet mounted within the housing to control the initial position of the target magnet and the movable contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting whether platens in a mold clamp remain parallel throughout an entire molding process. The apparatus includes a frame, a first platen having a surface orthogonal to a predetermined axis, a second platen having a surface opposing the first platen, the second platen being reciprocatable along the predetermined axis, actuating cylinders for reciprocating the second platen along the predetermined axis, and positions transducers for electromagnetically detecting the positions of a plurality of points on the surface of the second platen.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism includes an aligning mechanism which has a horizontal mounting plate including a number of vertical openings for the number of molds, that is supported by a pair of spaced vertical uprights secured to the section frame top surface. A plurality of aligning cylinders are located in the vertical openings in the horizontal mounting plate and move parallel with the mold holder motion. Each cylinder includes surfaces configured to mate with the clamping surfaces of the mold holders. The axis of one of the aligning cylinders is held but not clamped at the theoretical centerline so it can move to the actual centerline when the mold holders are located at the advanced clamped closed position.

Abstract: A method for injection-molding workpieces in a mold of an injection-molding machine is disclosed. The method provides a means of conducting test cycles during the initial setup of the machine at reduced speed. In a multi-cavity mold all of the workpieces are demolded by means of a handling system having a workpiece carrier system receiving and holding all workpieces in a regular pattern. The workpieces are inspected on the workpiece carrier system for determining whether all of the cavities have been filled with plastic material and whether the workpieces are of a predetermined quality. If this is not the case, the necessary adjustments are made and the test cycle is repeated. If all of the workpieces are of a predetermined quality, the machine is switched to automatic production at high nominal speed.

Abstract: A non-hydraulic injection blow molding machine for making hollow plastic articles. The machine has a parison mold having top and bottom portions for injecting a parison onto each of a plurality of core rods, and a blow mold having top and bottom portions for blowing the parisons into hollow work pieces. The articles are removed from the core rods at an eject station. The core rods are mounted on a turret. The turret rotates to advance the core rods from the parison mold to the blow mold, and from the blow mold to the eject station. The machine has a rotating crank shaft. A translating mechanism translates the rotation of the crank shaft to a vertical reciprocating motion. A clamp beam is connected to the translating mechanism and is actuated by rotation of the crank shaft to move between raised and lowered positions which are separated by a fixed stroke.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides a method of operating a compression plastic molding apparatus which entails substantially continuously monitoring the position of an upper compression cam of the apparatus, against which a rotatably movable mold assembly reacts during operation of the apparatus. By monitoring the position of the compression cam, the system is able to detect excessive loading of the apparatus, such as attendant to depositing of excessive plastic material in the mold assembly. A force determining device, illustrated in the form of a fluid pressure (pneumatic) cylinder, is operatively connected with the compression cam, with the system operating to release pressure in the cylinder in the event that the compression cam is moved in a manner which indicates excessive loading of the plastic mold assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting mold plate information comprises, in a preferred embodiment, detecting external physical indicia (112) identify a mold plate. The external physical indicia (112) are preferably a pattern of holes or absence of holes formed in a corner protrusion (110), attached to the corner of a mold plate (104). The holes or absence thereof represent a binary sequence identifying the mold plate (104). Preferably, the holes are optically detected by detectors (204) mounted in the guide rail (202) of a mold press.

Abstract: In the case of an injection-molding machine with mold-protecting device, every time the machine is started up a predetermined number N of injection-molding cycles are run at a greatly reduced machine speed in order to allow the mold-protecting device to be operated with increased sensitiveness during these cycles. If no trouble occurs during the said N cycles, the machine speed is increased to operating speed, either abruptly or continuously, and the mold-protecting device is either switched off or operated thereafter with adapted sensitivity.

Abstract: A molding apparatus with die-clamping and alignment devices has a stationary die plate for holding a stationary die, a movable die plate for holding a movable die, a device for moving forwardly/rearwardly the movable die plate with respect to the stationary die plate, a fastening device for fastening the movable die plate and the tie bar to each other by hydraulic force when the stationary die and the movable die have been approached to predetermined positions, and a tie bar for clamping the movable die and the stationary die by die-clamping force generated by a die-clamping cylinder, and a primary alignment mechanism provided for at least one junction among junctions between a piston of a die-clamping hydraulic cylinder and the tie bar, between a support plate and the tie bar, and between the movable die plate and a movable die plate support member, in order to permit the two dies to be aligned to each other by a secondary position alignment function, such as a guide pie for aligning the two dies at the time

Abstract: An apparatus for indirectly measuring relatively long, linear distances associated with the operation of an injection molding machine. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention can be used to determine the distance between two machine components or systems that are capable of relative (linear) movement. The apparatus includes a rigid bar that extends over the distance traversed by the components of interest, the bar being oriented at a slight angle relative to the line of movement. Immediately adjacent the bar is a sensing element capable of accurately determining the relatively short distance between the sensor and the bar. It is contemplated that the bar would be associated with one of the machine components and the sensor connected to the other. Given that there is only linear movement between the components, the distance between the sensor and the bar will be proportional to the distance between the two machine components.

Abstract: A molding system including a mold and a molding machine has been adapted to monitor the position of mold element surfaces that move relative to each other to form a mold cavity. The system includes a source of gas under pressure and orifice-forming sensors on a first mold element to direct a flow of pressurized gas from the first mold element. A monitoring system monitors the condition of the gas remote from the first mold element to indicate the spacing between the first mold element and one or more adjacent mold elements as the mold elements move with respect to each other.

Abstract: The biaxial CM casting apparatus utilizes one or more main mold cores having an automatically extensible and retractable plunger or like structure extending laterally into the mold cavity from the one or more main mold cores along an axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process to form one or more openings or other structural changes in the casted concrete which openings or changes extend in the direction of a second axis normal to the casting axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a layer of chocolate on the interior surface of an ice-cream having a cone-shaped mold that is interiorly-cooled by ice-water provided thereto from a bucket, or other source, of ice-water. For forming an interior chocolate coating, liquid chocolate is placed into the interior of the cone, and the cone is then placed onto the cold mold, and centered thereon by the upper end portion of the mold. The cone is allowed to remain there for a short while, while the cold mold-surface solidifies the liquid chocolate, to thereby form the interior layer of chocolate. A stripping device may, if desired, be employed for aiding in the removal of the thus-coated cone from the mold. In the preferred embodiment, the mold is secured directly to the ice-bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a layer of chocolate on the interior surface of an ice-cream having a cone-shaped mold that is interiorly-cooled by ice-water provided thereto from a bucket, or other source, of ice-water. For forming an interior chocolate coating, liquid chocolate is placed into the interior of the cone, and the cone is then placed onto the cold mold, and centered thereon by the upper end portion of the mold. The cone is allowed to remain there for a short while, while the cold mold-surface solidifies the liquid chocolate, to thereby form the interior layer of chocolate. A stripping device may, if desired, be employed for aiding in the removal of the thus-coated cone from the mold. In the preferred embodiment, the mold is secured directly to the ice-bucket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber preforms includes a relatively small motor which is able to power a large fan because the fan is kept in a partial vacuum condition. A duct connects a fan housing to a vacuum box which has an air flow opening therein of relatively narrow width. A shuttle member is horizontally translatable above the vacuum box on a support bed and the shuttle member is divided into air flow channels by baffle plates. Only a small number of air flow channels can pass above the air flow opening at a single time and this serves to keep low pressure in the vacuum box. In addition, a vortex gate is provided in the duct between the fan housing and the vacuum box and serves to restrict air flow through the duct when the pressure within the duct drops below a certain level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting an accurate, clsoe tolerance guidance between relative movable male and female mold elements operable at high speed to mold thin wall articles free of the risk of mold damage due to relatively small occurrences of mold misalignment.

Abstract: The biaxial CM casting apparatus utilizes one or more main mold cores having an automatically extensible and retractable plunger or like structure extending laterally into the mold cavity from the one or more main mold cores along an axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process to form one or more openings or other structural changes in the casted concrete which openings or changes extend in the direction of a second axis normal to the casting axis.

Abstract: A family of circuit boards are molded, each board having its own unique pattern of recessed circuit paths and component insertion through-holes. A different mold is provided for each different member of the family. The two cavity blocks of each mold cavity contain only the holes that are necessary to define the through-hole pattern for that member of the family. A plurality of core pins or wires are provided at the molding site. Only the core pins that are required by the mold in use at the molding site are rendered operative.

Abstract: A molding system including a mold and a molding machine has been adapted to monitor the position of first and second mold surfaces that move relative to each other to form a mold cavity. The system includes a source of gas under pressure and an orifice on a first molding system surface to direct a flow of pressurized gas from the first molding system surface. A monitoring system monitors the condition of the gas remote from the first molding system surface to indicate the spacing between the first molding system surface and an adjacent second molding system surface as the first and second molding system surfaces move with respect to each other.

Abstract: An error detector for various set values is provided which is incorporated in an injection-molding machine of a type controlled by a numerical control unit (1).In order to prevent wrong operations of the injection-molding machine due to setting errors of set values, in the error detector, discrimination means (3) determines whether set values of various items of forming conditions, inputted through input means (14), fulfill requirements related to the items. If the inputted set values fulfill the requirements, they are stored in memory means (6). If not, an alarm is delivered.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming graphite into packing rings utilizes a press to compress the graphite within a movable die. The graphite is supplied to the press by the combination of a turntable-type feeder and a tubular feeder which places increments of the graphite in dies carried by the turntable. The punch has a retractable pin which cooperates with a lower core pin to maintain the interior diameter of the rings as they are formed. The press and turntable are connected for synchronous operation.

Abstract: A method of operating an injection molding machine having a pair of separable mold elements forming a mold cavity therebetween with means for opening and closing the mold elements with means for introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity at a first pressure and for exerting a second pressure on the moldable material as it cures in the cavity. The method controls the molded product and comprises the steps of closing the mold elements and introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity. The separation of the mold elements is measured during the injection of the moldable material and a predetermined separation of the mold elements is detected. Upon detecting the predetermined separation the pressure is changed from the first pressure to the second pressure and the separation of the mold elements is continued. Measurement of mold element separation is continued and the cessation of the increase in the separation of the mold elements is detected.

Abstract: A method of injecting viscous fluid into bread or confectionery is provided. Viscous fluid is drawn by a piston from a hopper through a 3-port valve into the chamber of a first piston cylinder, and after changing the position of the valve the viscous fluid is extruded through a tube and a reciprocally movable nozzle into a product while the nozzle is being retracted.According to the present invention, the relation between the time of retraction of an injection nozzle from bread or confectionery and the stroke and time of extrusion by a piston is adjusted, so that the position, amount, and length of the viscous fluid charged in the product can be freely varied.

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: 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: An injection mold with a female mold portion and a male mold portion has a locking ring which closely surrounds one mold portion and has a beveled inner centering surface coacting in a mold-closed position with a complementarily beveled outer centering surface of the other mold portion for properly aligning the two mold portions with each other. The locking ring and the mold portion surrounded thereby form an assembly mounted on a backing plate by means of bolts screwed into that assembly, the bolts having heads bearing upon spacing sleeves which abut the assembly and are received with some clearance in a bore of the backing plate. The sleeves project from the bores of the backing plate to provide room for one or more Belleville springs acting upon the bolt heads to keep the sleeves under pressure.

Abstract: A tire press has a feature decoupling the mold closing force torque from the platens 3 and 22 supporting the press mold halves 4 and 11 using a spherical seat located between the platens 3 and 22 and the press member supplying the closing force to provide self-alignment of the mold halves 4 and 11 upon closing of the press.

Abstract: An improved rotary injection molding press for plastic parts of the type having a movable platform which indexes one or more manually opened and closed mold blocks to and from different stations on the press. Should an open mold block index from a preparation station to the index station where an injector mechanism injects fluid plastic into closed mold blocks, an actuator detects the open mold block to activate switch means to stop the press. Should a closed mold block index from a cooling station when the injected plastic cools in the mold block to an eject station which ejects the completed part from open mold blocks, a pin disposed in the mold block activates a switch to stop the press. Additionally a protective shroud is provided surrounding the injector mechanism to protect the press operator. Removal of the shroud activates a switch to stop the press.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing croquettes from a source of elastic food mass continuously discharged from a nozzle assembly having a reciprocating chopper controlled by sensors for severing the mass into croquettes, a plurality of conveyors for moving said croquettes through tunnel assemblies for compressing said croquettes into a desired shape and a shaker assembly for breading said croquettes and providing a frictional means for rolling said croquettes through said tunnels.

Abstract: A foam extrusion die and monitoring apparatus, including a pair of adjustable die lip members having opposed, rigid die lips defining therebetween an elongated arcuate die orifice, is characterized by position sensors located along the arc of the die lips to monitor the die opening at such locations. The position sensors include sensing styli mounted for movement with the lip members at respective sensing locations such as at the arc ends and arc centers of the die lips, and provision is made for connecting the sensing styli as by precision push-pull, flexible cables to respective linear variable displacement transformers which provide electrical output signals representative of sensed positions to remotely located monitoring circuitry. The apparatus has particular application in a vacuum extrusion line wherein the extrusion die is located inside a vacuum chamber and thus is inaccessible during extrusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injection molding articles from a thermoplastic or similar material. A plurality of molds are mounted on a turntable and are indexed to selected positions as the turntable rotates about its axis of rotation. Radial slots divide the turntable into sectors, each having a mold thereon. A clamping mechanism is provided which successively deflects each sector slightly from the plane of the turntable in order to precisely align the mold thereon with an injection nozzle and then securely clamps the halves of the mold together while the injection nozzle injects moldable material into the cavity in the mold. Interchangeable cavities with different size and shape characteristics are provided in the injection molds and associated with each mold is a resettable indicator designating the particular type of cavity presently installed in that mold.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing fault conditions in an automatic or semiautomatic machines, such as injection molding machines. The diagnostic system comprises a display panel having a plurality of lights or other visual indicators grouped in sets for the respective subsequences of the machine cycle, and if no fault conditions occur and the machine cycles properly, the sets of lights will be energized in succession so that the operator is continuously apprised of the condition of the machine. If a fault condition should occur, one or more of the lights in the set corresponding to the subsequence that the machine is presently implementing will not be energized, and the pattern of energized lights in that set is coded to the particular fault condition that has occurred. By correlating the code with a fault code listing, the operator can quickly identify the location and nature of the malfunction.

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.