Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: An electric circuit apparatus of an injection molding machine includes a connector board which comprises a plurality of connection terminals to which connection wires can be connected, and a plurality of wiring lines each divided into two line segments in order to enable an additional circuit element to be connected to an existing circuit element provided as a standard element. The line segments of each wiring line are electrically connected to a pair of connection terminals. A connection element for short-circuiting or an additional circuit element is selectively connected to the pair of connection terminals.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object in accordance with a computer-aided design of the object in a layer-by-layer but not point-by-point fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing single layer tiles or slabs from a mixture of a granulated stone material having a selected particle size, and from a slurry formed by cement, a quantity of between 0.25 and 0.36 parts by weight of water relative to the weight of cement, and a plasticizer for cementitious slurries, in which the quantity of slurry added is slightly in excess of the quantity corresponding to the void fraction of the granulated material, in forming mould, containing a layer of predetermined thickness of the mixture, to be subjected to a first very short deaeration step under the effect of a very high vacuum and to a subsequent vibration step under a lower vacuum, after which the mould goes on to seeing and hardness steps.

Abstract: Rapid prototyping modeling typically operates by utilizing an ink jet to lay down a thin surface of material as a liquid on a part platform. The material solidifies into a three dimensional object. Computer programs determine the shape of the object, the arrangement of objects and the sequence of objects being built to protect parts of the planarizer roller and planarizer blade of a rapid prototyping machine from erosion.

Abstract: A system for producing disc-like optical data carriers comprises an injection-molding machine for manufacturing a disc-like substrate, and a finishing device for applying a reflective layer to the substrate and for applying a protective layer to the reflective layer. The injection-molding machine and the finishing device are integrated in a single production unit. An optical inspection unit is also integrated in the production unit.

Abstract: A vacuum debulking table for fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg includes a base, a base table mounted to the base, and a platen mounted to the base table. The platen has a frame and the base table includes a vacuum aperture located within the frame. A vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum aperture. The platen includes a heat generator. The table further includes tooling conforming to the frame and a kit to be debulked. A pair of opposing pressurized cylinders is coupled to the base at a first end. A top cover is mounted to the base and attached at a second end of the opposing pressurized cylinders. The top cover includes a flexible bladder. An insulator is mounted to the base table surrounding the platen. An insulation cover blanket is configured to be drawn between the insulator and top cover. An activation switch activates a programmable controller connected to the pressurized actuator control, the heat control and the vacuum control.

Abstract: Hard to fill large-surface-area parts and/or thinwalled configurations of optical lenses and reflective optical elements are among the difficult-to-mold thermoplastic products which require precision replication of the molding surfaces, in micro detail. We combine multiple opposing gates (to reduce the meltflow pathlength) with non-isothermal steps of firstly, heating these mold surfaces (with circulating heat transfer fluids supplied by a hot side supply system, to a temperature setpoint sufficiently high to retard solidification), then secondly, injecting the melt through these opposing gates, then thirdly, rapidly cooling to solidification (by circulating heat transfer fluids of much lower temperature, supplied from a cold side supply system).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating a colorful three-dimensional object in accordance with a computer aided design (CAD) image of the object.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method of use thereof. The molding apparatus has a stationary mold base, and at least one moveable mold core rotatable into and out of a facing relationship with the stationary mold base. When the moveable mold core is in its closed position, it cooperates with the stationary mold base to define a mold cavity. The mold base may be shaped so as to aid in forming a part, or to hold a sheet of material onto which molding material is to be deposited so as to encapsulate the part on one or more edges or surface regions. Structure may also be encapsulated onto the surface of the material during the molding operation.

Abstract: A filament spool used in a rapid prototyping system carries a circuit which maintains data regarding the type and amount of filament on the spool. When the spool is mounted onto a spindle in the rapid prototyping system, the circuit is connected to the electronic control of the system. The data indicating the electronic control of the system. The data indicating the amount of filament on the spool is updated as filament is used by the system.

Abstract: A pin mold and pin bar assembly for use in a methylcellulose capsule-making machine includes a pin bar, an insulating strip, and a pin mold mounted to the pin bar and insulating strip. The pin mold has a shell composed of stainless steel and a copper core. The subject invention also includes a deck plate assembly for use with the pin mold and pin bar assembly. The deck plate assembly includes a deck plate, at least one heating element, a sensor, and a power supply. The deck plate assemblies may be arranged in a kiln section of a methylcellulose capsule-making machine and may be heated to desired temperatures independent of adjacent deck plate assemblies.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided where the article of manufacture comprises a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means therein. The computer readable program code means causes a computer to receive information, establish a molding profile based on the information, operate a molding machine to mold an article according to the molding profile, receive additional information corresponding to detected irregularities on the molded article, establish a modified molding profile based on the additional information received, and operate the molding machine to mold an additional article according to the modified molding profile. The additional information received by the computer which corresponds to detected irregularities on the molded article may be provided by a human operator, by a second computer, or by any other means.

Abstract: This is a proposal of a process and a device for the serial assembly of extrudates with securing elements or the like, where the securing elements or the like are fed to the extrusion tool during the extrusion process. Then they are inserted in said extrusion tool and anchored in the extrudate as a result of the occurring extrusion.

Abstract: A food extrusion assembly and particularly an ice cream extrusion assembly for providing a stream of elongated strands of ice cream or other foods of a predetermined cross-sectional configuration. The extrusion assembly includes a housing structure having a base portion and an upright support structure. A plunger assembly is mounted to the housing and has an activatable shaft and separable plunger head. A container mounting structure is provided to receive an extrusion container in alignment with the movement of the plunger head. The extrusion container has a predetermined pattern of extrusion apertures through its bottom surface. The extrusion container locks into the container mounting structure to permit the activation of a switch and to thereby cause the plunger head to penetrate the extrusion container for ice cream extrusion processing.

Abstract: A method of analyzing factors affecting the product quality performs adjustment of molding conditions for an injection molding machine. Data effective to discriminate the product quality is properly selected, and molding conditions for eliminating a molding abnormality are easily determined for an appropriate adjustment of the molding conditions. First and second principal component axes are defined by obtaining correlation coefficients indicating correlations of variations of plural conditions related to an injection molding operation, and performing a principal component analysis. Points representing dispersion of various conditions with respect to each principal component axis, are plotted on a rectangular coordinate system. The characteristic of variation tendency of data of the various conditions is synthetically evaluated on the basis of the first and second principal components which are most affecting the variation of data of the various conditions.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for controlling a plurality of control variables of at least one electrically powered axle of a processing machine, such as an injection molding machine. Multivariable control means including internal signal processing and date storage means for an open and closed-loop control of phase angle, current input and velocity are dominating process computer means for a lag-free control of the control variables.

Abstract: An electric mold clamping mechanism containing a pair of clamping members is activated by an electric motor. The electric motor operates a threaded piston with acme threads which in turn operate a drive plate to extend and retract the clamping members. The clamping members are used to hold a mold plate in an injection molding machine. The clamping members are pivotally attached to a drive plate mechanism and have a surface which mates with a wedge cam to force the clamping member against the mold plate. The stroke of the clamping mechanism is regulated by an amperage draw on the electric motor. A limit switch is used to terminate the end of the retracting stroke. An indicator light is used to indicate the clamping position of the device.

Abstract: An electric mold clamping mechanism containing a pair of clamping members is activated by an electric motor. The electric motor operates a threaded piston with acme threads which in turn operate a drive plate to extend and retract the clamping members. The clamping members are used to hold a mold plate in an injection molding machine. The clamping members are pivotally attached to a drive plate mechanism and have a surface which mates with a wedge cam to force the clamping member against the mold plate. The stroke of the clamping mechanism is regulated by an amperage draw on the electric motor. A limit switch is used to terminate the end of the retracting stroke. An indicator light is used to indicate the clamping position of the device.

Abstract: There is provided an improved process for partially molding a pad onto an instrument panel by partially covering the surface of a panel main body with a surfacing material, and filling a urethane foam under foaming in the space defined between the panel main body and the surfacing material and a mold used for such purpose. In the process of the invention, a mold consisting of an upper die having a core and a lower die having a cavity wall is used, and possible outward falling down of the edge portion formed along the periphery of the surfacing material is designed to be prevented by supporting members which are arranged retractably in the cavity wall of the lower die at the positions along the line where the edge portion of the surfacing material lies. The supporting members retain the edge portion until the upper die is fully closed with respect to the lower die.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing glass and plastic containers is disclosed which has at least two computers connected by a network or more than one network. Each computer has a local virtual network process which establishes a connection with the other node, notifies that other node when its database(s) are open or closed and establishes a connection of its own database(s) so that a node can transparently communicate with any other node on its network or on any connected network.

Abstract: In the present invention, a preliminary extruding operation is carried out for each section of a movable die moving pattern DA corresponding to the configuration of an article, thereby determining a suitable back pressure at which a desired cross-sectional dimension is obtained. The movable die is secured to a position DA1 corresponding to a side section of the article, then screw revolutions are changed while extruding a molding material. Thus, determined as a suitable back pressure BPO for the side section is a specified value of the back pressures BP at which the molded product has the desired cross-sectional dimension. Likewise, a suitable back pressure for the upper section is also determined, so that a pattern of the suitable back pressures BPO is determined. In view of the time delay, timings of change in an initial setting pattern R1 for the screw revolutions are advanced for periods of times T.sub.11, T.sub.12, T.sub.13 and T.sub.14 from the timings of change in the pattern DA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for bending plastic pipes in which a plastic pipe section is heated at the bending point. The feature of the invention is that the pipe section (4) is first heated in a water bath at about 80.degree. C. and then laid around one or more bending plates (3), depending on the desired shape, whereupon the bending plates are subjected to a heat source (5), for example a hot air blower, and partially heated, depending on the pipe material used, to a maximum of 160.degree. C. for 10 to 15 seconds, whereafter the pipe section is subjected to a first cooling process from inside of the pipe using cold compressed air for 10 to 15 seconds. The pipe section is then placed in a cold water bath.

Abstract: A photo-solidification modeling apparatus and a photo-solidification modeling method, wherein the reliability of an operation for coating the upper surface of a solidified layer with an unsolidified liquid is improved and the time required to carry out the same operation is reduced. To meet the purpose, a clearance is formed between the lower surface of a recoater travelling on a solidified layer and the upper surface of the solidified layer. When this condition is satisfied, an unsolidified liquid is introduced onto the solidified layer by virtue of both the force of the lower surface of the recoater which drags the unsolidified liquid and the nature of the unsolidified liquid entering the clearance. When recesses are provided in the lower surface of the recoater, the liquid adsorbed to the surfaces of the recesses is also introduced onto the unsolidified layer.

Abstract: A curing press for tires or other curable articles, has a fluid inlet line for supplying curing fluid into an inflatable elastomeric bladder mounted within the press cavity for curing a green tire or article in the cavity. The spent curing fluid is removed from the bladder after a curing operation by a pump through an exhaust line. A venturi ejector in the exhaust line causes a vacuum to be created within the bladder as the fluid is being removed during an unload cycle. A vacuum sensor is connected to the exhaust line and if a predetermined vacuum strength is not reached within a predetermined time, which indicates that leak exists, appropriate control circuitry is actuated to prevent loading of the next green tire or article into the press. The invention also incorporates the method for detecting a leak by measuring the strength of the vacuum created upon removal of the spent curing fluid after each curing cycle.

Abstract: In prior art processes of this kind the actual thickness of the extrudate is measured, compared with a reference thickness and the setting regions of an extrusion plant are controlled dependent upon the degree of difference. In order nevertheless to improve the quality of the extrudate in relation to the desired reference thickness, according to the invention the evolution strategy process is used. An increase in the convergence rate can also be attained by taking into account strategy parameters which can be deterministically or stochastically changed, whereby mixing including fixedly settable strategy parameters is also possible. In particular, knowledge of the process can be involved as qualitative process partial knowledge.

Abstract: Improved optical disks for information storage and holographic imaging, and optical lenses and reflective optical elements are among the difficult-to-mold thermoplastic products which require precision replication of the molding surfaces, in micro detail. By heating (with circulating heat transfer fluids supplied by a hot side reservoir) these mold surfaces to a temperature setpoint sufficiently high to retard solidification and premature viscoelastic skinning of the molten thermoplastic injected into the mold cavity, superior quality molded surfaces can be formed by the plastic, which is then rapidly cooled to solidification (by circulating heat transfer fluids supplied from a cold side reservoir).

Abstract: A light weight extruder (20) is suitable for high production, in-line extrusion of flowable materials with high precision in the placement and control of the extruded material. The extruder uses a high torque hydraulic motor (72) to drive a feed screw (88) in dispensing highly viscous but flowable material through an extrusion die (126) of preselected configuration. A plurality of heating bands (114-118) surrounding the barrel (86) of the extruder provide precise control over the material temperature at the point of extrusion. In an alternate embodiment, an injection nozzle (120a) is provided with a plurality of independently controllable extrusion dies (128, 130, 132). The extruder is sufficiently light and manipulable such that it can be mounted on the end of the arm of a robot (122).

Abstract: An expert system for retrieving molding conditions, in which a statistical technique is added to the functions of the conventional expert system, causes of defects are inferred from the records of countermeasures taken and inputted defect occurrence situation, conditions for temporary molding are obtained while repeating test molding, qualitative defects are extracted from defects occurred, a boundary of a region in which defects occur is determined with decision analysis of qualitative defects extracted with the use of the record of countermeasures as above, a condition for molding to eliminate the qualitative defects is determined on the basis of the boundary of region of defects occurrence, quantitative defects are extracted from defects occurred, and molding conditions for eliminating the quantitative defects are determined by performing analysis of variance depending on design of experiment with the quantitative defects extracted from the record of countermeasures, whereby the frequency of experiment is

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sheets of a first material, such as a metal, plastic, rubber, or the like, having a primary tank for heating a second molten material and containing the second molten material to form a surface upon which the first material is floated in a molten state. The temperature of the second molten material is maintained below the melting temperature of the first molten material, and the second molten material has a higher specific gravity than the first molten material. Thus, the first molten material floats upon the surface of the second molten material while it solidifies into a sheet of material, which is then withdrawn from the surface of the second molten material. A hood is disposed over the primary tank to remove fumes and vapors which, when removed, are discharged into water where they condense.

Abstract: A vacuum sizing apparatus with a controlled vacuum is provided. The vacuum is precisely controlled by the use of a variable speed motor driven vacuum pump and a step motor controlled vent valve. An electrical circuit containing a microprocessor coordinates the speed of the motor driven vacuum pump with the position of the vent valve to give precise vacuum control within the vacuum chambers of the sizing apparatus. A closed sump tank contains water for the water system of the apparatus and is maintained at the same vacuum level as the vacuum chambers within the sizing apparatus.

Abstract: There is shown an injection molding apparatus, which comprises a source of a fluid molding material and a molding die into which the molding material is forced under pressure. The apparatus includes a control means for initiating and controlling an injection cycle in which the fluid molding material is injected into the molding die in a particular and predetermined manner. The control means generally comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) which is programmed to receive signals from sensors adapted to sense variable parameters of the injection cycle. The PLC is programmed to generate control signals based upon the signals from the sensors so as to control the variable parameters of the injection cycle. The output control signals of the PLC are coupled through an interface circuit to a servo-control circuit which in turn is operatively coupled to control various parameters of the injection cycle.

Abstract: A tire vulcanizing machine includes a bladder; an upper clamping ring for holding the upper end of the bladder; an upper clamping ring for holding the upper end of the bladder; a first lifting mechanism for vertically moving the lower clamping ring; a second lifting mechanism for vertically moving the upper clamping ring; a loader for holding a green tire so as to surround the bladder extended between the upper and lower clamping rings with the horizontal center plane of the green tire in coincidence with the middle point between the upper and lower ends of the bladder; a third lifting mechanism for vertically moving the loader; and a controller for controlling the operation of the first, second and third lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional model including apparatus for depositing, layer upon layer, a photopolymer material in a selectable configuration and apparatus for curing each photopolymer layer following deposition thereof and prior to deposition thereon of a succeeding layer of photopolymer.

Abstract: A system responsive to coordinate information for automatically providing a three-dimensional physical model of a desired geometry and comprising apparatus for selectably solidifying a solidifiable material on a sequential layer by layer basis characterized in that following selectable solidification of a given layer, the non-solidified portions thereof are removed and replaced by a removable support material which is not solidifiable under the same conditions as the solidifiable material.

Abstract: An injection compression molding method and an apparatus therefor are provided, which are capable of accurately performing a molten resin compression operation during execution of an injection/hold operation or a metering operation, so as to produce high-quality molded products with no substantial variations between these products.

Abstract: A stereolithographic system for automatically generating three-dimensional objects on a layer by layer basis by alternately forming layers of medium over previously formed layers of the object and selectively solidifying successive layers of medium at a surface of a body of the medium whereby the object is formed from a plurality of solidified and adhered layers. The surface of the body of medium is maintained at a desired working surface, for example by detecting its level and relatively adjusting it and the working surface so that they coincide.

Abstract: A calendar for the production of packing sheets has a heated cylinder of large diameter on which a packing sheet is progressively built-up of layers of rubber-fiber mixture during many revolutions and the cylinder and an unheated counter pressure cylinder of smaller diameter mounted in slidable bearings for rotation and for movement toward and away from the heated cylinder. As the packing sheet is progressively built-up on the heated cylinder, its thickness is continuously measured by feeler rollers pressed lightly against the surface of the packing sheet and associated inductive sensors. In a comparison circuit, the values of thickness-indicating signals received from the sensors are compared with the sum of an initial zero value recorded before rubber-fiber mixture is applied to the circumference of the heated cylinder, and a predetermined desired value. When the value of the thickness indicating signal equals the sum of the zero value and the desired value, the calender is stopped.

Abstract: A device for smoothing out the thickness of a sheet of thermoplastic material which includes a sheet die and a heating device which is integrated with the upper die lip of the sheet die. The heating device includes a hollow box filled with a liquid and a bar which projects laterally beyond the endfaces of the hollow box. The inlet and outlet openings of the bar in the hollow box are sealed. Arranged on the underside of the bar are small hot plates which are electrically heated. The liquid in the hollow box serves as a heat transfer medium and typically is an oil having a boiling point higher than 280.degree. C.

Abstract: The centrifugal casting machine for molding parts by centrifugal casting of metals, or metallic alloys, with a low melting point, or of synthetic materials, includes a main framework which supports a carousel which can rotate about a main axis and supports a mold. The carousel is actuated with a rotary motion about the main axis by a motor which is arranged so that the axis of its output shaft substantially coincides with the main axis.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a three-dimensional object (10, 70) from coordinates generated on a computer machine (12) is disclosed wherein the object has improved dimensional accuracy. Control signals (20b) are generated for controlling a servo (20) that controls a reaction or interaction of material (20a) at the coordinate points to form the object while a second servo (22) serves to build up a three-dimensional support system (42) in response to support control signals (22b). Support control signals (22b) are generated at the same time the coordinate points of the design are generated to specify strategic points of the object at which a support environment need be placed in order to insure the dimensional accuracy of the object avoiding warpage or other dimensional distortion. As a support environment, a series of webs (50, 52, 54) or columns (76), or encapsulation (44, 92) may be provided for providing a support environment for the object.

Abstract: An ejection and conveying device mounted in a rotary pressing tabletting machine having matrices supported by a rotating table, whereinto upper punches and lower punches enter and come out, while tablets come out at an ejection station; the device includes a plate fastened to the machine and positioned under the table. Part of the plate is located under the machine's ejection station, while a rotating disk is placed inside a raised border of the plate and has a plurality of hollows whereinto the ejected tablets fall so that the tablets are drawn by the disk up to be positioned above one or more holes made in the bottom of the plate and from which holes discharge channels depart. The tablets pass through the holes and are brought away by the channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a control system and method for curing composite articles such as corrugated fiberglass resin plastic (FRP) panels. An exemplary system of the invention includes a curing oven, at least one infrared pyrometer sensor which is located within the oven curing zone and which provides an output indicating the temperature of the resin being cured, a tractor unit for moving the panel through the oven, and a comparator circuit which adjusts the speed of the tractor unit in predetermined response to sensor output. The invention thereby provides for the detection of the peak temperature or gelation point of resin in the panel, and allows its specific location in the oven to be controlled to optimize the performance and efficiency of the panel production line.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the thickness of film made in a blown film machine having a rotating die, wherein a variable speed motor is used to control the haul-off speed of the film from the machine, by subdividing the die rotation into angular segments, measuring the blown film thickness at a point fixed in space and across each of the angular segments, and calculating an average film thickness for an angular segment, and comparing the measured thickness against a preselected desired thickness, and increasing or decreasing the speed of the variable speed motor to change the haul-off speed to bring the measured thickness into agreement with the preselected thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling large diameter horizontally extruded plastic tubing includes a number of driven endless belts positioned around the path of travel of the extrusion to transport the extrusion while it cools. The belts are individually driven either by hydraulic or electric motors, the speed of travel of each belt is continuously monitored and a feedback system including a microprocessor controls the driving motors so as to maintain the speed of travel of the extrusion at an adjustable controlled value. The belt positions are hydraulically controlled to accommodate tubing of a range of sizes and the level of the hydraulic fluid in its reservoir, its pressure and its temperature are also monitored by the microprocessor. In the event of component fault or failure, the microprocessor returns the affected belt or belts to manual control so that the product line need not be shut down.

Abstract: An extruder temperature controller for an extruder barrel and a method for controlling the temperature of an extruder barrel, includes a device for determining an actual screw speed and for storing a plurality of screw speeds. Each member of the plurality of stored screw speeds has a corresponding stored temperature reset value. The extruder temperature controller has a device for comparing and selecting that compares the actual screw speed to each of the plurality of stored screw speeds and selects a default screw speed. The default screw speed has a smaller deviation from the actual screw speed than any other member of the compared, stored screw speeds. The controller further includes a device for generating a control output driver signal to a heat exchanger. The control output driver signal is the corresponding stored temperature reset value for the default screw speed.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a three-dimensional object (10) from a design created on a CAD machine (14) is disclosed which includes a support (B) which may be indexed along two coordinate axes (X, Y) and a movable dispensing head (A) which indexes along a Z-axis. A fluent material (54) is dispensed or extruded from head (A) and as it is dispensed, the fluent material is subjected to a treatment by treatment sources (D) which cause the fluent material to transform into a fixed solidified state in the form of a three-dimensional object. Fluent material (54) may be a polymeric material which is solidified by an energy beam of ultraviolet light (56) upon dispensing. A shield (E) is provided to shield the dispensing head (A) and strand of material (54) so that the material is treated at the proper time and location to cause it to solidify properly to form the three-dimensional object. In accordance with the method, indexing takes place in desired steps so a dimensionally accurate object is formed.

Abstract: A foil-blowing apparatus has at least one deformable lip defining the annular orifice from which the thermoplastic tube which is blown to form the coil is extruded. The lip can be provided with an array of effectors which, in response to a thickness-profile measuring unit, can radially deform the lip to correct thickness errors. The lip can be under prestress and the radial deformation is effected by measuring the thickness and superimposing a radial force on the prestress.