Abstract: An improved regulator is provided for varying the rotational speed of a screw conveyor arranged to supply material to a variable-volume chamber having a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder. The regulator produces a sum signal proportional to the algebraic sum of positive input signals reflecting the desired degree of chamber filling and the desired discharge volume, and negative input signals reflecting the actual filling volume and the actual degree of chamber filling. This sum signal is converted to a proportional time-dependent signal which is used to adjust the speed of the conveyor. The conveyor speed is increased or decreased by an amount depending on the magnitude and polarity of the sum signal. In use, the regulator practices an improved method of regulating the speed of a conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dual platen press used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for indicating the displacements of both platens and imposing the displacements of the platens on orthogonal axes such that the displacements jointly control the motion of a point which traces a lissajous figure representative of the displacement and relative velocity of the press platens. A second lissajous figure representing the desired platen movements and relative velocity may be superimposed on the first lissajous figure, differences between the first and second lissajous figures indicating deviations from the desired operation of the press. Alternately, a press operator may simply use the first lissajous figure constructed from the actual platen displacements to analyze the operation of the press. The completion of preselected portions of the first lissajous figure may be detected and used to trigger subsequent press operations.

Abstract: Fluid concrete is provided to apparatus which shapes the concrete into a desired form and may stack the finished products for removal by an operator. A concrete receiving portion of the apparatus holds the fluid concrete and discharges selected amounts thereof into a vertically open mold. The mold and the fluid concrete therein are supported during filling by a forming table. A compaction member is inserted into the mold to distribute and compact the fluid concrete therein, after which the mold may be removed from the table and held for vertical movememt by a mold carrier. Withdrawable support plates at the bottom of the mold support the shaped product therein after the mold has been removed from the forming table, with these support plates being selectively withdrawn to allow release of the shaped product from the bottom of the mold. A shaped product stacker is provided beneath the mold in position to receive shaped products released therefrom, and to stack a plurality of such products.

Abstract: A molding press for forming articles from thermoplastic sheet materials comprises a generally hollow, fluid-tight housing, the lower surface of which comprises a flexible gas-tight diaphragm. The housing is movably positioned above a flat base, on which there is placed a mold covered with a softened sheet of thermoplastic material. During a molding cycle, the housing is lowered and interlocked with the base bringing the diaphragm adjacent the mold, and a fluid under pressure is introduced into the housing, causing the diaphragm to exert a uniform force on the thermoplastic sheet and forcing it to assume the contours of the mold. The base is equipped with mechanical and electrical interlock means which cooperate with the housing to insure that the fluid pressure cannot be applied until the housing and the base are safely interlocked and that the housing cannot be separated from the base while fluid pressure is supplied to the housing.

Abstract: In a molding machine of the type wherein a movable die plate carrying a movable mold is moved toward a stationary mold, the movable die plate is locked by a locking member to the tie bars, and then the mold tightening cylinder is operated to strongly urge the movable mold against the stationary mold, the locking member is operated by an electric actuator before the movable mold engages the stationary mold, or while the movable die plate is still being moved toward the stationary mold.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to method for forming a carbon anode block using apparatus comprising a movable mold, a feedbox extendable to a position where it is directly above the movable mold, a stationary bolster encompassed by the movable mold, a vibration means attached to the stationary bolster, and a movable press ram mounted for motion in the vertical plane above the stationary bolster and having protrusions extending from the face thereof. Aggregate used in forming carbon anodes is discharged into the feedbox and the feedbox and mold then move upwardly leaving the aggregate contained within the mold. The feedbox is then removed and the vibration means activated to compact the aggregate by expelling the air therefrom.

Abstract: In an injection moulding machine comprising two relatively movable platens each carrying a mould part, a stop means is provided which, in a first condition, defines a limit to the relative approach movement of the platens, and in a second condition permits further relative approach movement of the platens, means being provided to change the condition of the stop means from the first to the second condition at a predetermined instant after interruption of the relative approach movement of the platens by the stop means.

Abstract: An injection moulding apparatus having an injection mould and a mandrel insertable within the mould is provided with frustoconical co-operating surfaces on the mandrel and mould respectively which are adapted to engage with one another when the mandrel is inserted in the mould. A sliding connection is provided between the mould and its carrier so that the engagement of the conical surfaces can effect alignment of the axis of the mould with the axis of the mandrel. A locking device is provided for locking the mould to the carrier together with a locking control mechanism which releases the locking device as the conical surfaces approach one another and locks the mould to the carrier when the conical surfaces are fully engaged.

Abstract: Access to mold halves disposed on and between opposed stationary and movable platens of a molding machine is facilitated by releasing and at least partially retracting, from the zone between the platens, at least one of a plurality of tie rods extending therebetween. A tie rod is at least partially removed by (1) slidingly translating the movable platen along the tie rods toward the stationary platen, (2) releasing one tie rod from connection with the stationary platen and connecting it to the movable platen, and then (3) slidingly translating the movable platen away from the stationary platen along tie rods remaining connected thereto, to at least partially retract the released tie rod from between the stationary and movable platens.

Abstract: A method of regulating the hardening or setting time of a plastic mass in a mold of an injection molding machine, wherein during a relative movement between two mold halves in the presence of the pressure of the plastic mass the hardening time of the mass is regulated in the mold cavity as a function of the recuperation or recovery of such relative movement.

Abstract: This invention decreases the time of an injection molding machine cycle by cutting off communication between the mold and the source of material as soon as injection is complete, and accumulating material for the next charge during the cooling part of the cycle. Pressure is maintained on the material in the mold, and material is supplied to compensate cooling shrinkage, from an auxiliary cylinder in which a minor amount of hot material is accumulated. After sufficient cooling, runner material is drawn back by suction of the auxiliary cylinder. A three-way valve cuts off the main material supply and puts the auxiliary cylinder in communication with the mold.