Abstract: A method of manufacturing injection molded articles is disclosed, the method comprises steps of providing an injection molding apparatus having a pressure sensor, determining a relationship between injection pressure and intrinsic viscosity of a molten polymer for the injection molding apparatus, injection molding an article using the injection molding apparatus, determining an intrinsic viscosity of the article based on the injection pressure of the injection molding step in accordance with the relationship using a converter, and modifying or intervening in the operation of the injection molding apparatus.

Abstract: An extension for a heating element includes a bracket for a quartz lamp within a furnace of a blow molding machine. The extension includes a base that is coupled to the furnace where the extension directs the heating element toward an end of a preform. The extension may include a parabolic lens to provide controlled and directed heating of the end of the preform to optimize material distribution upon blow molding.

Abstract: A stretch rod for a blow molding machine is disclosed, the stretch rod having an elongate member having spaced apart ends and a generally conically-shaped end formed on an end of the elongate member. The end has a tip having a first radius of curvature, a first portion adjacent the tip having a second radius of curvature, a second portion adjacent the first portion having a third radius of curvature, and a third portion adjacent the second portion fixing the end to the elongate member having a fourth radius of curvature.

Abstract: An extension for a heating element includes a bracket for a quartz lamp within a furnace of a blow molding machine. The extension includes a base that is coupled to the furnace where the extension directs the heating element toward an end of a preform. The extension may include a parabolic lens to provide controlled and directed heating of the end of the preform to optimize material distribution upon blow molding.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a container manufacturing machine include a thickness monitor (10) for determining an average wall thickness of containers produced by the machine. The system uses the average wall thickness to adjust machine control to change operation of the machine and adjust the quality of the containers being produced. The system also responds to feedback from pneumatic devices (104), heaters (103), mechanical devices and temperature sensors (108, 109) to determine corrections to be made to the machine operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers (20) includes a columnator (26) and sound detector (24) responsive to a defect sound of pressure fluid escaping from a container being formed in a mold cavity (14). The columnator is effective to filter the defect sound from ambient noise. An output signal generated by the sound detector is processed to generate a control signal used to reject a defective container. Preferably, the open end of the columnator is positioned between 20° and 150° from the preform loading station in a rotary platform (12) blow molding machine.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to create memorable identities for entities. These identities consist of two to three word phrases that are assigned to entities whenever there is a need to enhance recall of these entities for identification purposes. This method specifies the syntax for these phrases consisting of a noun preceded by one or two adjectives and requires that such phrases elicit vivid, remarkable, and often nonsensical, ideations. This method enhances the ability of individuals to recall such memorable phrases and therefore assists in the identification of the entities to whom these identities are assigned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers. It has been discovered that by sonically monitoring the production of a plastic blow molded container, the occurrence of a hole in the wall of the container being formed by a blow molding operation will produce a detectable noise signal. The noise signal is caused by the flow of pressure fluid through the hole. The flow of pressure fluid is caused by the pressure differentiating between the inside and the outside of the container being produced. The noise signal is of an amplitude and frequency readily recognizable from the ambient background noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers. It has been discovered that by sonically monitoring the production of a plastic blow molded container, the occurrence of a hole in the wall of the container being formed by a blow molding operation will produce a detectable noise signal. The noise signal is caused by the flow of pressure fluid through the hole. The flow of pressure fluid is caused by the pressure differentiating between the inside and the outside of the container being produced. The noise signal is of an amplitude and frequency readily recognizable from the ambient background noise.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board or card including at least one passage in at least one of the layers of the circuit board or card for preventing the diffusion of heat throughout the circuit board or card during the securing or removal of components in plated through holes in the circuit board or card by the heating of the plating material to a temperature above a melting point of the plating material.