Abstract: Methods and systems for use in automating or assisting umpiring of a baseball or softball game are described herein. A location of a strike zone is determined based on video images of a batter standing next to home plate captured by a camera. Locations of a ball traveling towards the batter, and locations of the bat being held by the batter, are autonomously tracked using computer vision based on video images captured by at least two cameras having different positions. Additionally, there are autonomous determinations of whether a location of the ball intersects with the strike zone, and whether the batter made a genuine attempt to swing the bat at the ball, and based one at least one of these determinations, there is an autonomous determination of whether a “strike” or a “ball” occurred. Additionally, an indication of whether a “strike” or a “ball” occurred is autonomously output.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an injection system to create a reduced density polymeric component uses a resin/blowing agent mixture, an injection molding machine having an injection molding screw positioned in a screw section, accumulators, a hydraulic pump, multiple molds, and a cooling system. Coolant is directed into each mold. The injection molding screw is rotated moving the mixture proximate to a receiving portion of the screw section. The injection molding screw is incrementally displaced to one of a plurality of successive injection positions each injecting a portion of the mixture into one of the molds by operating the hydraulic pump and discharging the accumulators. The accumulators are recharged after each injection molding screw displacement using the hydraulic pump. The injection molding screw is displaced and the accumulators recharged for each of the successive injection positions, each defining a stage for filling the molds in a single operating cycle of the injection system.

Abstract: A polymeric molded device having an exemplary use as a structural or reinforcing member for a vehicle includes a co-extruded multilayer film. The multilayer film includes at least a clear layer, a color layer joined to the clear layer, and a bulk layer joined to the color layer. The multilayer film is thermoformed into a structural shape. A foam layer is bonded to the bulk layer by injection or extrusion molding. The film and the foam layer, when bonded, form the structural member. The co-extruded multilayer film can also include the foam layer before thermoforming.

Abstract: A method for forming energy absorbing components for motor vehicles includes mixing a polymeric resin and blowing agent combination. The combination is heated to liquefy it. A mold for receiving the liquefied combination is cooled. The liquefied combination is injected into the mold in less than 1.5 seconds and preferably in 0.5 seconds or less.

Abstract: A method for forming energy absorbing components for motor vehicles includes mixing a polymeric resin and blowing agent combination. The combination is heated, liquefied, and pressurized. A mold for receiving the liquefied combination is pre-cooled. The liquefied combination is injection molded in the mold to form the energy absorbing component.