Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling a mold flow process using inner (impinge) and/or edge temperature sensors, wherein articles processed in a constraining mold cavity, having a constant melt “shrink” quality, can be obtained even with fluctuations in resin “melt” properties (flowability). At least one temperature-dependent output or “trigger” signal is sampled, and the level of the signal (e.g., temperature) initiates at least one step in the molding cycle. Using a sampling circuit, thermal waveforms are obtained from thermal sensor array data such that if a sequence of melt temperature set-point trigger times fluctuates outside control limits, then the process melt-flow is judged as a hotter/faster melt-flow or cooler/slower melt-flow injection process.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for carrying gum and mints in separate compartments thereof. The gum and mint caddy is preferably constructed with a plurality of compartments, one or more of which are separable from the other so as to allow a user to carry gum, mints or both gum and mints. The caddy includes locking, resealable lids, and an adjustable inner lid and alignment mechanism to allow the gum compartment to be used with a plurality of gum package sizes (e.g., different stick quantities).

Abstract: The present invention is a tape feeding device with splicing capabilities for reliably conveying parts to a pickup location for attachment to a substrate using a pick and place machine, including an extensible carrier tape reel support, a system for sensing the fill state of a carrier tape take-up reel, and a split hub take-up reel design to facilitate the removal of carrier tape therefrom.

Abstract: A combination shovel and lawn rake and, includes a hollow rake handle with a rake head pivotally mounted on its lower end with a multi-point linkage for movement between a rake position and a raised position. A rake control knob near the handle is effective to move the rake head between a rake position and a raised position. A shovel is pivotally connected to the rake handle for movement between a shovel position and a storage position, where spring clips secure the shovel handle to the rake handle in both positions and a release mechanism aids in the release of the shovel from the clips so as to allow a change in its position.