Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for on-line measurement of the polymer melt temperature, comprising: on-line measurement of ultrasonic sound velocity c of melt in an injection molding process, on-line measurement of melt pressure P in the injection molding process, and obtaining melt temperature T in the injection molding process by formula (1). The present disclosure also discloses an apparatus for on-line measurement of the polymer melt temperature. The method and the apparatus provided in the present disclosure may enable on-line and in-situ characterization of the melt density and further enable on-line quantitative measurement of the melt quality. Compared with infrared measurement methods, the method provided herein is significantly reduced in cost, which is of great significance to theoretical researches of crystallization process and shear heating.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a screw inserted in an injection cylinder and configured to be movable in an axial direction of the screw, a motor configured to move the screw, a torque detection unit configured to detect a torque of the motor, a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the screw, a motor drive control unit configured to drive the motor to thereby advance the screw to a foremost position in a direction of injection, a processor, and a memory. The processor and memory are configured to determine that unmelted resin remains inside the injection cylinder if the torque of the motor becomes equal to or greater than a limit torque while the screw is advancing to the foremost position.

Abstract: Connector paddle cards are provided with an improved wiring connection geometry that reduces impedance mismatch. One illustrative embodiment is a printed circuit board having, on at least one surface: edge connector traces arranged along a first edge for contacting electrical conductors in a socket connector; an outer set of electrodes arranged parallel to a second edge for attaching exposed ends of sheathed wires in a cable (“outer wires”); and an inner set of electrodes arranged parallel to the second edge for attaching exposed ends of sheathed wires in a cable (“inner wires”), with the electrodes in the inner set being staggered relative to the electrodes in the outer set.

Abstract: A leveling device for leveling a feeder platform relative to a die table of a tablet compression machine to a desired distance, the leveling device comprising a top plate, a bottom plate, and at least three distance sensors; the top plate and the bottom plate are attached and the top plate has a top plate surface and a proximate feeder platform surface; the bottom plate has a die table engaging surface and the at least three adjustable distance sensors are mounted in a non-linear fashion on the proximate feeder platform surface; the die table engaging surface and the proximate feeder surface are essentially flat and are parallel to the each other and the die table engaging surface and the proximate feeder surface are sized such that when mounted on the tablet compression machine the die table engaging surface is parallel and proximate to the die table and the proximate feeder platform surface is approximately parallel and proximate to the feeder platform.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for determining whether a molded product is defective by sensing a surface temperature of a mold or the molded product in a contact type or a non-contact type using an infrared ray, without inserting a temperature sensor in the mold. In an injection mold robot transfer apparatus that includes absorption tools for absorbing a mold and transferring a molded product after determining whether the molded product is defective, the apparatus includes a support bar for fixing the absorption tools and including a vertical recess, a crossbar fixed by the vertical recess of the support bar, a forward and backward shaft fixed by the crossbar, a bracket fixed by the forward and backward shaft, and a temperature sensor fixed on the bracket.

Abstract: One-piece article obtained by injection molding, with at least one injection point, said article comprising a main body (20), having a body volume defined by the space within a surface forming an outer envelope, and at least one hook (21), preferably a field of hooks, obtained from the same molding of the main body of the molded article, the hook or each hook having a stem of longitudinal axis and a catching part projecting laterally from the stem, characterized in that the volume of the hooks is substantially smaller than the volume of the body, i.e at least 100 times smaller, preferably at least 1000 times smaller, for example between 100 000 and 100 000 000 times smaller, than the volume of the body, and in that the width, or smallest transverse dimension, of the stems, measured transversely to the longitudinal axis, is smaller than the thickness of the main body, measured along the longitudinal axis of the stems.

Abstract: A system for making PET objects including a means for reacting a first PET precursor and a second PET precursor to produce a PET melt; a means for flowing the PET melt to a valve having at least two outlets; a means for flowing the PET melt from at least one of the at least two outlets to at least one die forming line and one pelletizing (cutter) line. A means for controlling individually the mass flow of the PET melt in each of the at least two system lines independently of the other and a means for forming the PET objects from the PET melt. The control scheme is a combination of a feed forward system as well as a feedback loop. The entire control scheme is part of the overall system PLC. The fine tuning of the pressure at the outlet of the die forming loop is controllers to less than +/?1 bar to obtain maximum control of formed part.

Abstract: An optical lens mold includes a mold body, a magnetic fluid, a plurality of thermocouples, a plurality of electromagnets, a controlling unit and a power source. The mold body defines a plurality of injection chambers and a cooling channel surrounding the plurality of injection chambers. The magnetic fluid contains magnetic particles and flows in the cooling channel. The thermocouples are capable of sensing temperatures of the plurality of injection chambers correspondingly. The electromagnets are positioned above the cooling channel corresponding to the plurality of thermocouples. The plurality of thermocouples and the plurality of electromagnets are connected to the controlling unit via the power source, the controlling unit is capable of the comparing the standard temperature value with temperature values sensed by the plurality of thermocouples, and maintaining the temperature of the plurality of injection chambers in a normal state.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes an injection molding machine and a data management device. The injection molding machine includes an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality of a pressure on a resin in an injection cylinder, and the data management device includes a data storage unit that stores abnormality detection data on the resin pressure, including a resin pressure value obtained when the abnormality of the resin pressure is detected by the abnormality detection unit and the time and date of detection of the abnormality. Further, the injection molding machine includes a data analysis unit that analyzes the abnormality detection data and a determination unit that determines whether or not to output an alarm, based on the result of analysis of the abnormality detection data.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) apparatus including a processing unit, a base and a printing head is provided. The processing unit is configured to read and process digital 3D model information. The base is coupled to and controlled by the processing unit. The base includes a plurality of heating regions. The processing unit is configured to selectively heat at least one of the heating regions according to the digital 3D model information. The printing head is disposed above the base. The printing head is coupled to and controlled by the processing unit to dispense a thermal melting material layer-by-layer on the heated heating region to form a 3D object related to the digital 3D model information.

Abstract: The imprint apparatus presses resin disposed on a substrate and a mold to each other to form a resin pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a driving device configured to move the mold and the substrate relatively to apply a pressing force between the mold and the resin, a measuring device configured to measure a position of at least one of the mold and the substrate, a detector configured to detect the pressing force, and a controller configured to control the driving device. The controller is configured to control the driving device using the position as a controlled variable in a first period, and to control the driving device using the pressing force as a controlled variable in a second period after the first period.

Abstract: A pin having a light guide for an injection mold includes an outer sleeve having a hollow portion, an inner sleeve fixed to the hollow portion of the outer sleeve, a bundle sleeve fixed to a hollow portion of the inner sleeve, a bundle fiber fixed to a hollow portion of the bundle sleeve. A leading end portion of the bundle sleeve has a substantially cone-shaped caulked portion. A portion of the hollow portion of the inner sleeve which is brought into contact with the cone-shaped caulked portion of the bundle sleeve has a tapered shape that coincides with the shape of the portion of the bundle sleeve. A shoulder portion is formed at a rear end portion of the hollow portion of the outer sleeve and a rear end of the inner sleeve is engage with the shoulder portion.

Abstract: A hot runner nozzle structure includes a tubular nozzle and at least one temperature measurement component. The tubular nozzle has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface defining a flow channel. The tubular nozzle has portions defining at least one thru-hole interconnected the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. The temperature measurement component has a base and a sensor connected to the base. The base is fixed in the thru-hole. The sensor has a tip protruding beyond the inner wall surface and exposed in the flow channel.

Abstract: An extrusion machine with improved structure, comprising an internally hollow extrusion cylinder, at least one heating element associated with the extrusion cylinder, at least one cooling fan which engages the outer surface of the extrusion cylinder, and at least one temperature probe which is inserted in the extrusion cylinder, the temperature probe facing the cavity of the extrusion cylinder and the temperature probe being adapted to be in direct contact with the extrusion material contained in the cavity of the extrusion cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for volumetric reduction of polymeric material and in particular synthetic polymeric textile materials. Such materials are typically used in hospital operating rooms and have material memory meaning that they re-expand after compression. Consequently they are difficult to process as waste material. The present invention is a method and apparatus for thermally compacting a polymer comprising a first and second heated surface inclined downwardly towards each other and providing with a passage at their lower ends through which melted polymeric material may pass.

Abstract: An exemplary injection molding apparatus includes a first mold defining a passage therein, a second mold engaging with the first mold, working fluid received in the passage of the first mold, and a thermal conductive member engaged in the first mold and thermally interconnecting the first mold and the working fluid. The first mold and the second mold cooperatively define a molding chamber therebetween adapted to receive injected molten material therein. The thermal conductive member transfers heat from the first and second molds to the working fluid when the first and second molds are hotter than the working fluid, and transfers heat from the working fluid to the first and second molds when the working fluid is hotter than the first and second molds.

Abstract: A system and method for patterning a substrate includes a mold holding fixture for holding a mold with nanostructures and a substrate holding fixture for holding a substrate having a molding surface, a stage assembly has two or more independent axis movements for moving either the mold or the substrate therein, a contact force sensor sensing a contact force between the mold surface and the molding surface, a chamber for holding the mold and substrate and for the applying of a pressure inside that is higher or lower than atmospheric pressure, a pressure regulator and a manifold for changing the pressure inside the chamber, a door on the chamber housing provides for selectively allowing the substrate and the mold to pass there through, and means to divide the chamber into two fluidly separate sub-chambers.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus includes: a support member which supports the mold; a substrate stage which supports the substrate; a detector which detects a force applied to the mold; a mechanism which forms a space for removing the mold supported by the support member, between the support member and the substrate stage, and a controller. The controller determines a release force required to detach the mold from the cured resin, based on a detection result from the detector, compares the determined release force with a first threshold value, and causes the mechanism to form the space if the determined release force is larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A method for use in forming a molded part includes providing a mold having a cavity and a movable pin, injecting a moldable material into the cavity, biasing the movable pin to maintain an end of the movable pin in contact with the moldable material in the cavity during the curing of the moldable material and until the moldable material is cured, and monitoring movement of the biased movable pin during curing of the moldable material in the mold. Also disclosed is a sensor engageable with an end of a movable pin of a mold for monitoring the forming of a moldable part, and systems employing the same.

Abstract: A catheter die is provided and includes a device layer defining a cavity and including a piezoresistive pressure sensor operably disposed proximate to the cavity and an insulator having an opening and being disposed on an upper surface of the device layer such that a portion of the piezoresistive pressure sensor is exposed through the opening. The catheter die further includes an insulation layer bonded to a lower surface of the device layer and first and second bond pads, the first bond pad being electrically coupled to the portion of the piezoresistive pressure sensor via the opening and the second bond pad being disposed on the insulation layer.

Abstract: A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes a lower mold portion including a lower face plate configured to provide a lower relief corresponding to a first side of the tire. The lower mold portion also includes a plurality of lower projections extending from the lower face plate and configured to correspond to cavities in the first side of the tire, wherein the lower projections taper as the lower projections extend from the lower face plate, and wherein at least some of the lower projections are hollow. The system further includes an upper mold portion configured to be coupled to the lower mold portion. The lower mold portion and the upper mold portion are configured to be coupled to one another, such that a hub associated with the tire provides a seal between the lower mold portion and the upper mold portion.

Abstract: A device for sizing and cooling an extruded flat product made of plastic material includes at least two main rolls and a polishing stack including a plurality of rolls arranged in tandem and disposed downstream of the main rolls. An adjustable sizing nip is disposed between all of the adjacent respective rolls. The sizing nip is adjustable so as to pinch the flat product during an extrusion process to a greater or a lesser extent.

Abstract: A catheter die is provided and includes an elongate body having first and second opposing end portions and an end face at the first one of the first and second opposing end portions. The elongate body defines a cavity within the first end portion with an interior facing surface of the cavity disposed to extend alongside at least a portion of the first end face. At least one or more piezoresistive pressure sensors are operably disposed proximate to the cavity.

Abstract: A system for making PET objects including a means for reacting a first PET precursor and a second PET precursor to produce a PET melt; a means for flowing the PET melt to a valve having at least two outlets; a means for flowing the PET melt from at least one of the at least two outlets to at least one distribution manifold, each of the at least one distribution manifold having at least two distribution lines; a means for controlling individually the mass flow of the PET melt in each of the at least two distribution lines independently of the other of the at least two distribution lines; and a means for forming the PET objects from the PET melt.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism having: a drive; a shaft connected to the drive; an eccentric hub that is driven to rotate by the shaft; a fixed support structure that supports the eccentric hub such that the eccentric hub can rotate; and a moving support structure that is connected to the eccentric hub such that the moving support structure is driven substantially linearly based on rotational motion of the eccentric hub and serves to clamp an object between the moving support structure and a fixed structure adjacent to the moving support structure. A clamping system is provided having, a single drive; a shaft connected to the drive; and a plurality of clamping mechanisms.

Abstract: A sintering machine includes: a die configured to accommodate a processing object, and having a hole that extends from an outer side surface of the die toward inside of the die; a pressurizing member configured to apply a pressure on the processing object in the die; and a heating section configured to heat the processing object in the die.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating a dimple on a golf ball comprises the positioning of a runner and gate in a mold in a location where it is desired to form a dimple. A polymer is injected into a mold cavity in the mold. A cutter is placed adjacent the mold. When the cutter is actuated to cut the polymer, a pocket is formed between the cutter and the polymer in the mold, thereby creating a dimple on the molded golf ball.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold cavity (26), an ejector pin (30), and a sensor (42). The ejector pin has a first surface (48) exposed to the cavity and a second surface (40) not exposed to the cavity. The sensor (42) is in communicative contact with the ejector pin second surface (40). The sensor (42) is capable of sensing pressure in a mold cavity (26) through the ejector pin (30). The molding apparatus may include a hollow ejector pin (108) with a first end (120) facing the mold cavity (26). A sensor (104) embedded in the hollow ejector pin first end (120) senses a mold cavity parameter. A signal line (112) from the sensor (104) is routed through the hollow ejector pin (108).

Abstract: A clamping mechanism having: a drive; a shaft connected to the drive; an eccentric hub that is driven to rotate by the shaft; a fixed support structure that supports the eccentric hub such that the eccentric hub can rotate; and a moving support structure that is connected to the eccentric hub such that the moving support structure is driven substantially linearly based on rotational motion of the eccentric hub and serves to clamp an object between the moving support structure and a fixed structure adjacent to the moving support structure. A clamping system is provided having, a single drive; a shaft connected to the drive; and a plurality of clamping mechanisms.

Abstract: An injection molding comprises: a fixed mold; a movable mold which is capable of contacting to and separating from the fixed mold; and an injection unit which supplies molten resin to a space formed between the fixed mold and the movable mold when being pressed to a non-molding face of the fixed mold. The injection unit comprises: a nozzle portion which injects molten resin to the space formed between the molds; an injecting portion which applies molten resin pressure toward the space formed between the fixed mold and the movable mold though the nozzle portion; a heater and a temperature sensor provided on the nozzle portion; and a heater and a temperature sensor provided on the injecting portion, and detection accuracy of the sensor of the nozzle portion is higher than that of the injecting potion. There is thus provided an injection molding machine capable of manufacturing optics with high accuracy without considerable cost-up by realizing stable and highly accurate injection.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plastic molded collated fastener assembly includes a conveyor for carrying a plurality of fasteners in a horizontal plane defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a preheater for preheating the plurality of nails and a plastic collation molding station. The molding station includes injection nozzles for applying molten plastic to the upper surface of the fasteners and to the lower surface of the fasteners. The station further includes forming wheels including a holding section to, in cooperation with the conveyor, secure the fasteners. The wheels include a forming section to mold the molten plastic to the fasteners to form a collation having a collar encircling the fasteners' shanks and a connecting portion extending between the collars. The apparatus includes at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the fasteners and collations and at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the forming wheels.

Abstract: A heating element for metallic plastic injection nozzles with a tubular hollow metal body (2), which surrounds the nozzle body of an injection molding device in a heat-transmitting manner. The hollow body has an outer and/or inner jacket surface with one or more grooves (3, 4), extending in a thread-like manner at least in some sections, with inserted tubular heating body structure (with a heating body or bodies) (5). The heating body structure has electric terminals (6, 7) projecting away from the hollow body (2). In addition, a thermocouple, with a sensor tip (9) is in thermal contact with the material wall (15) of the plastic injection nozzle (17) in an end area of the tube wall, is arranged in a guide groove (4).

Abstract: A device for vulcanizing vehicle tires uses a heating press and an internal bladder that is supplied with vaporous heating medium. In order to assure that the measurement of the vulcanization temperature is effected at the relevant locations of the internal heater, there is provided a temperature sensor in the form of a radiation thermometer or pyrometer that is disposed in the bladder cavity. The pyrometer takes an indirect temperature measurement for at least one location on the interior wall of the bladder by measuring a radiant energy emitted from the interior of the bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic containers includes a heating module that heats plastic preforms and a moulding module for moulding the preforms into containers. The heating module includes a first transport unit that transports the preforms during the heating and a first interface. The moulding module is downstream of the heating module in the transport direction and includes a blow moulding unit for applying a flowable medium onto the preforms for expansion thereof, a second transport unit that transports the preforms during the expansion, and a second interface. The first and second interfaces allow a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the modules such that the moulding module may be disposed on the heating module and at least one further module integrated between the heating and moulding modules. The further module treats the preforms following the heating and prior to the moulding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection molding unit for an injection molding machine for processing plastics, comprising an electro-mechanical dosing motor (D) for rotating a worm conveyor (11) during dosing of the plasticizable material, and an electro-mechanical injection motor (E) for the axial movement of the worm conveyor (11) relative to a plasticization unit (10). The injection motor (E) comprises a spindle drive having a spindle (16). The axes of the dosing motor (D) and of the injection motor (E) are aligned with one another. Due to the spindle (16) of the injection motor (E) being rigidly connected to the rotor (12) of the dosing motor (D) and due to the fact that the dosing motor (D) can be blocked by a braking means in a direction of rotation, an alternative compact, energy-saving injection molding unit is created.

Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of the temperature of a plastified plastic material at the exit of an extruder, characterised in that the function of the sound, velocity in dependence of the temperature is measured and memorised for at least one plastified plastic material, the sound velocity is measured during the extrusion of the plastic material, and the respective temperature is determined from the velocity measurement values and the function.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection unit (1) of an injection molding machine which is arranged movable relatively to a machine base (2) of the injection molding machine in an axial direction (A), wherein the injection unit (1) comprises a base body (3) at which a screw cylinder (4) is arranged, wherein a screw (5) is arranged rotatable and axially movable in the screw cylinder (4), wherein the screw (5) is connected with a drive element (6) at one of its axial ends which can rotate the screw and can also move it in axial direction (A) and wherein the drive element (6) comprises a gear element (7) which is movable in axial direction (A) as well as an actuator (8) which is in engagement with the gear element (7) and with the base body (3) and which can perform a translational movement in axial direction (A).

Abstract: A computer based detecting system that detects a defective tire assembly during the curing process is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors connected to a processor of the computer system and further connected to each hose that is connected between a tire assembly inside an autoclave, and an external manifold of the autoclave. The processor receives data input from each of the temperature sensors and decodes the data to determine the current temperature of each sensor and simultaneously calculates the average temperature of all the temperature sensors connected. The processor compares the temperature reading of each station with the average temperature and notifies should the difference between the temperature average and temperature sensor reading equal or is greater than a selected temperature deviation.

Abstract: A measuring device for an injection molding system for ascertaining a batch-specific characteristic number of a plasticized plastic includes a flow channel which is situated between a plasticizing unit of an injection molding machine and an injection molding tool, a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor and a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor being situated along the flow channel. The flow channel has a taper between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: A device (20) comprising a pressure measurement surface (28) functionally attached to a proof body (22) and a rigid component (30), functionally attached to the proof body (22), the measurement surface (28) forming a surface of the rigid component (30). In addition, the device comprises a support (38), functionally separated from the proof body (22), of generally annular shape, housing the rigid component (30) and a flexible mass (40) radially inserted between the support (38) and the rigid component (30) such that the contour of the measurement surface (28) is bounded by the flexible mass (40), this flexible mass (40) adhering to the support (38) and to the rigid component (30).

Abstract: A method of measuring the wall temperature of a container blank, including the following operations: inserting a temperature probe into the blank in motion, upon completion of the operation of heating the blank in an oven; maintaining the probe in the blank in motion for a predetermined time; making a temperature measurement by the probe maintained in the blank without contact with the inner wall of the blank; and storing the temperature or the temperature profile thus measured.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a transfer device rotatable at a speed to transfer a dose of plastics from a supply device to a forming device of said dose, a control device that is suitable for varying said speed in a substantially continuous manner between a minimum value and a maximum value being associated with said transfer device.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining at least one parameter value for the operation of a blow molding machine, a filling machine, and/or a labeling device, and having at least one measuring element for determining the at least one parameter value and a preform dummy, and disposing the at least one measuring element in and/or at the preform dummy.

Abstract: A method for use in forming a molded part includes providing a mold having a cavity and a movable pin, injecting a moldable material into the cavity, biasing the movable pin to maintain an end of the movable pin in contact with the moldable material in the cavity during the curing of the moldable material and until the moldable material is cured, and monitoring movement of the biased movable pin during curing of the moldable material in the mold. Also disclosed is a sensor engageable with an end of a movable pin of a mold for monitoring the forming of a moldable part, and systems employing the same.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a melt channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source. A nozzle having a nozzle channel is coupled to the manifold for receiving the melt stream from the manifold melt channel. The nozzle includes a heater. A mold cavity is in communication with the nozzle channel, the mold cavity for receiving the melt stream from the nozzle channel through a mold gate. A temperature sensor is disposed at the manifold for use in adjusting the heater of the nozzle or for use in adjusting a heater of an inlet body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive unit, in particular for an injection unit or an ejector of an injection molding machine, comprising a stroke spindle device with a spindle and a spindle nut, and a prestressing device for prestressing the spindle that is dischargeable in a displacement phase of the stroke spindle device and is chargeable when the spindle is driven in the opposite direction, wherein the stroke spindle device and the prestressing device are supported by the same component, and wherein a load measuring device is provided for measuring the load acting on the spindle, which senses the forces acting on the component.

Abstract: A temperature control system (100) includes a heating system (1), a cooling system (2) and a control unit (3). The heating system has a heated fluid. The heated fluid is heated by a solar energy for increasing the mold temperature. The cooling system has a cooled fluid. The cooled fluid cools for decreasing the mold temperature. The control unit controls the heating system and the cooling system to be opened or closed.

Abstract: Method and device for inactivating a microbiologically contaminated mass containing solid particles. The method includes mixing the mass containing solid particles with a gelatinizing agent, transporting the mixed mass of solid particles and gelatinizing agent through a shaping device structured so that the mixed mass, at least in one area, is shaped to form a lamellar volume with a layer thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, and impinging the formed lamellar volume of the mixed mass with accelerated electrons.

Abstract: A Blow-mold assembly for the manufacturing of containers, comprising: A mold having a sidewall defining a mold cavity and provided with a channel for the circulation of a heating or cooling fluid, said channel having, on an outer face of the mold, an fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; A plug provided with a fluid supply line and a fluid discharge line; Wherein said mold and said plug are provided with complementary connection elements configured to provide removable connection of the plug to the mold with simultaneous connection of the supply line to the inlet port and connection of the discharge line to the outlet port.

Abstract: A method for the measurement of the temperature of a plastified plastic material at the exit of an extruder, characterised in that the function of the sound, velocity in dependence of the temperature is measured and memorised for at least one plastified plastic material, the sound velocity is measured during the extrusion of the plastic material, and the respective temperature is determined from the velocity measurement values and the function.