Abstract: A program controlled machine wherein signals produced in response to execution of programs control operation of machine devices includes a control for storage, retrieval and presentation of audio/video information. The control includes devices for presentation of audio/video information and stored programs including programs for enabling storage of audio/video information files while the machine is in a manual mode of operation and programs for controlling the presentation by the audio/video presentation devices of selected audio/video information from the stored files. The control provides facilities for recording audio/video information and for manually controlled presentation of audio/video information as well as for automatic presentation of audio/video information in response to detection of occurrence of a particular event.

Abstract: A cooling method that involves circulating a liquid coolant through the motor housings and mounting surfaces for electrical/electronic components, such as the electric motors and associated electronic drives, in electric plastic processing machines. Specifically, the motors are provided with a housing having an integral heat exchanger, such as stainless steel tubing cast into a cylindrical aluminum stator housing. The various electrical/electronic components are mounted to the surface of a plate type heat exchanger (chill plate) that is contained within the electrical cabinet for the primary electrical circuitry. In addition, the air within the electrical cabinet is continually circulated over the chill plate to provide a more uniform temperature distribution within the enclosure and minimize condensation on the surface of the plate. The heat generated by the motors and electronics is absorbed from the motor housings and chill plate by the circulating liquid and released through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cooling system which circulates a liquid coolant through motor housings and mounting surfaces for electrical/electronic components. This system is particularly cost effective where there are multiple electric motors and associated electronic drives, as in electric plastic processing machines. Specifically, the motors are provided with a housing having an integral heat exchanger, such as stainless steel tubing cast into a cylindrical aluminum stator housing. The various electrical/electronic components are mounted to the surface of a plate type heat exchanger (chill plate) that is contained within the compartment for the primary electrical circuitry. In addition, the air within the electrical enclosure is continually circulated over the chill plate to provide a more uniform temperature distribution within the enclosure and minimize condensation on the surface of the plate.

Abstract: An injection molding machine utilizing vector controlled AC induction motors in its servomechanism drive systems. Vector controlled AC induction motors provide a cost effective high power drive system which superior performance capabilities. Further system efficiencies are realized when the control is configured to run multiple motors by multiplexing the computer controller circuits for the power sections of each motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for indirectly measuring relatively long, linear distances associated with the operation of an injection molding machine. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention can be used to determine the distance between two machine components or systems that are capable of relative (linear) movement. The apparatus includes a rigid bar that extends over the distance traversed by the components of interest, the bar being oriented at a slight angle relative to the line of movement. Immediately adjacent the bar is a sensing element capable of accurately determining the relatively short distance between the sensor and the bar. It is contemplated that the bar would be associated with one of the machine components and the sensor connected to the other. Given that there is only linear movement between the components, the distance between the sensor and the bar will be proportional to the distance between the two machine components.

Abstract: A machine control permits the selection of input values defining configurations of motors on the machine in desired master-slave relationships. Individual master-slave dependencies may be selectively activated and deactivated. In response to a new commanded velocity for a master motor the control is effective to alter the velocities of all motors dependent therefrom as a function of change of velocity of the master motor and selectable slave ratios.

Abstract: A method for controlling clamping force on an injection molding machine by determining a toggle position at which the molds are in initial contact. That toggle position is determined as a function of a selected clamping force and a selected mold protect force and is effective to produce the desired clamping force when the toggle is fully extended.

Abstract: A plastics molding machine is provided with a control architecture which includes a dedicated programmed logic controller, a real time analog signal processor, an operator interface station, and a general purpose open architecture digital computer. The computer accepts data entered by an operator from a keyboard on the operator station panel, displays information to the operator, performs analysis of process monitoring and control data, and generates commands to the controller. The controller simultaneously controls the real time digital and analog functions of the machine. The analog functions are controlled in response to analog signals from the controller by performing real time closed loop servo control of analog and other machine functions.

Abstract: An injection molding machine utilizing brushless DC motors in its servomechanism drive systems. Brushless DC motors provide a cost effective high power drive system which has the simplicity of control of brush-type DC motors. By utilizing higher resolution encoders and controlling pressure with the servomotor velocity control loop, motor cogging and zero velocity oscillatiions are minimized.