Abstract: Remote measurement of temperature variations within polymer process melts is performed by irradiating the melt with a collimated radiation source such as laser light and relating the transmitted radiation to the temperature distribution within the melt. A method and apparatus for temperature profile determination is based upon the variation of light transmittance through the melt as a function of temperature and wavelength of the incident light.

Abstract: A layer of carbon fiber materials sandwiched between two conductive layers provides a tactile feedback sensor which is particularly useful in manipulator systems for robotics and assembly automation.

Abstract: An inverted cone is disposed in a housing having a complementarily-shaped conical portion into which the cone is introduced. Means are provided for introducing thermoset plastic material to be heated, into the housing at the base end of the cone so that the material flows through the region defined between the cone and the housing. Means are provided for heating the region between the cone and the housing and for removing the heated plastic material from near the tip of the cone. There is also preferably provided a mixing chamber near the tip of the cone to ensure uniform thermal and mechanical mixture of the plastic material. The present invention provides uniform heating of the material being processed.

Abstract: In pultrusion processes in which resin/fiber composites are heat cured, nonuniformities in heating can result in lamination defects and other problems in the molded product. The problem of uniform heating for curing becomes more critical as the thickness of the mass being molded and cured increases. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, heating uniformity problems are solved by employing an apparatus and method in which the mass to be cured is heated in an electromagnetic field to ensure thorough and uniform curing temperatures throughout the thickness of the mass. The present invention preferably employs a pair of electromagnetic wave generators operating either in phase or 180.degree. out of phase depending upon the dielectric properties of the material being cured and also upon the thickness of the mass being cured.