Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys a non-rigid object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact causes a displacement of the feed forward unit. The displacement measures a dimension of the object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys the object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact conditions the object. A distance sensor is positioned over a gap in the feed forward unit to measure a distance to a surface of the conditioned object. The distance measures a dimension of the conditioned object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: In a robot operation apparatus, a motion command generator selects one of combinations of driving axes as an operation object from among preset combinations of the driving axes including at least one of: a driving axis associated with drag operation in a first direction for a touch panel; or a driving axis associated with drag operation in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. If touch operation detected by a touch operation detector is the drag operation, the motion command generator determines whether drag operation is in the first direction or the second direction. The motion command generator generates a motion command to drive the driving axis associated with drag operation in the first direction, if drag operation is in the first direction, and generates a motion command to drive the driving axis associated with drag operation in the second direction, if drag operation is in the second direction.

Abstract: The present application provides a motion simulator apparatus and method of use. The motion simulator apparatus may include an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted to provide at least six degrees of freedom of movement, a user pod for receiving a user and being operatively connected to the anthropomorphic robot arm, and a haptic interface operatively associated with the user pod for providing haptic feedback to the user in correspondence with the movement of the user pod.

Abstract: There is provided a part holding head assembly of a part mounting device including: a rotary head; a spindle configured to rotate in a first direction T with respect to a central axis of the spindle and configured to move in a second direction Z substantially parallel with an extending direction of the central axis of the spindle; a nozzle provided at a first end of the spindle; a raising part configured to move the spindle to in the second direction Z; and a contact detecting sensor configured to sense the nozzle contacting a part or the part held by the nozzle contacting a substrate and configured to generate a contact sensing signal according to the sensing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suction cup used in a vacuum system. The suction cup includes a hollow body, a skirt-shaped pad disposed under the body, and a ring-shaped clamp removably provided in the suction cup to couple the body with the pad. A concave ‘C’-shaped outer surface of the clamp compresses a contact portion of the body with the pad in opposite directions upwards and downwards while surrounding the contact portion, thus coupling the body with the pad.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus (1000) in which a rotary cutter (300) and a fixed blade (350) are used to shear a user's hairs there between during a shaving process. Rotation of the rotary cutter is driven by an electric motor (400). In certain embodiments, the rotary cutter comprises a cutting tube (301) that comprises a plurality of apertures (305) that are defined by cutting edges (307) which form a closed-geometry. In other embodiments, a lubricating element (800) is coupled to the rotary cutter, in further embodiments, the apertures are arranged in a pattern to control the number and selection of apertures that are capable of being active to shear hairs at any one time. In even further embodiments, the fixed blade is integrally formed with the housing of the head; the housing is formed by a plurality of stacked flat plate segments: the rotary cutter is formed by a plurality of stacked flat plate segments; and/or the fixed blade can reciprocate.

Abstract: A shaving device comprising a head assembly having a support member and a blade cartridge. The support member is configured to be detachably coupled to a handle. The blade cartridge has a first and a second face wherein at least one of the first or second faces comprises at least one razor blade. The blade cartridge is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis such that the blade cartridge is pivotable by a user to select one of the first or second faces.

Abstract: A method for shaping a coating on a razor blade is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a razor blade having a tip end defined by at least one tip surface; b) applying a surface coating having a first thickness on at least one tip surface; and c) shaping the applied surface coating on the at least one tip surface to have a second thickness using a centrifuge, which second thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method for shaping a coating on a razor blade, and a razor blade produced using the aforesaid method, are provided. The method includes the steps of a) providing a razor blade having a tip end defined by at least one tip surface and a cutting edge; b) applying a surface coating having a first thickness on at least one tip surface; and c) shaping the surface coating on the at least one tip surface to have a second thickness using a fluid stream, which second thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A reversible object holder. More specifically, the invention relates to a reversible coin holder for securely clamping various sizes of coins.

Abstract: A guide bar (1) for the saw chain (2) of a motor-driven chain saw includes a longitudinal bar base body (3) of solid material having a reversal section (5) and a mounting section (8). A weight recess (11) is formed in a flat side (13) of the bar base body (3). The weight recess (11) extends essentially along the bar base body (3) and is closed by a cover plate (12). A light-weight, torsion-resistant guide bar is produced in that a longitudinal rib (14, 15) supporting the cover plate (12) is arranged in the weight recess (11) and extends in the longitudinal direction (19) of the guide bar (1).

Abstract: A bucket mixing system to aid in mixing a stabilizing agent with a material within an excavator-mounted bucket. The bucket mixing system generally includes a bucket which includes a built-in mixer adapted to mix materials and expel them through a plurality of vents within the lower surface of the bucket. A hydraulic motor is secured to the bucket which drives a drive assembly. The drive assembly is secured so as to rotate a central rod from which a plurality of anchors and mixers extend radially. Auger linkages are interwoven through the anchors and mixers to form a flexible auger configuration. The mixers may rotated bi-directionally to mix materials within the bucket and to expel mixed materials through the vents.

Abstract: A die and method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. In one embodiment, the die includes an impregnation section including an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the roving with the resin, the impregnation zone including a plurality of contact surfaces. The die further includes a perturbation positioned on at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces, the perturbation configured to interact with the roving. In one embodiment, the method includes coating a fiber roving with a polymer resin. The method further includes traversing the coated roving through an impregnation zone to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone includes a plurality of contact surfaces. The method further includes interacting the coated roving with a perturbation positioned on at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a method for processing plastic material with at least one receiving container, wherein at least one mixing and/or comminution tool, rotatable about a rotation axis, is arranged, for mixing and warming the plastic material, and with at least one conveyor for discharging the plastic material from the receiving container, with at least one screw rotating in a housing, where the conveyor is connected, at its material inlet side via an opening which is formed in a side wall of the receiving container, with the interior of the receiving container. An imaginary extension of the central longitudinal axis of the conveyor extends, against the conveyance direction of the conveyor, past the rotation axis of the receiving container, without intersecting this axis, where the longitudinal axis of the conveyor is offset by a separation relative to the radial ray of the receiving container on the discharge side.

Abstract: A method is provided of producing a tooling to be used for manufacturing a rigid panel formed of polymer matrix composite material. The panel is for attachment to a gas turbine engine and has a curved shape which allows the panel to be wrapped around at least a part of a circumference of the engine. The panel has plural electrical conductors and/or fluid passages embedded therein. The tooling is either a mould against which the polymer matrix composite material can be moulded to manufacture the panel, or a pattern from which such a mould can be formed. The method includes: providing a plurality of separate tooling segments, each of which corresponds to a respective region of the curved shape of the panel; and joining the tooling segments together to produce the tooling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for curing curved cylinder-like workpieces (e.g., in the shape of a half or full barrel) made of composite material, such as nacelle honeycomb core composite sandwich structures. These methods enable tailored curing of composite nacelle structures, to significantly reduce capital cost and fabrication cycle time. In lieu of an autoclave or oven, a pressurized ring-shaped cure volume is defined by a partitioned enclosure that mimics the cylinder-like shape of the composite nacelle structure with only limited clearance (e.g., a partitioned enclosure comprising inner and outer concentric cylinder-like walls). A tool (e.g., a mandrel) and at least one composite nacelle structure supported thereon are placed in the cure volume for curing. Integrally heated tooling, optionally in combination with other heating methods, such as infrared heaters, is utilized to provide the temperature profile necessary for cure.

Abstract: A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to method for preparing metallographic samples including the steps of placing a specimen into a mold, inserting an epoxy into the mold, and exposing the mold to an ultraviolet light for a duration of time to create a mounting sample. The mold includes a peripheral wall and a bottom defining a cavity therein. The mold is formed from a material that allows ultraviolet light to penetrate the peripheral wall and bottom into the cavity. The mold includes a material operative to allow an ultraviolet light to penetrate the peripheral wall and the bottom surface into the cavity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial elastic implant for restorative and reconstructive surgery includes two casting steps performed in a casting mold. The mold has at least a cover that is optically and UV transparent. In a first step, a first layer of a first photo-curable material or of a second photo-curable material is cast while forming a meniscus. Using one of two photo masks, the mold is irradiated with UV light to cure the first layer. In a second step, a second layer of either the first or the second photo-curable material is cast onto the cured first layer while forming a meniscus. After irradiating the mold again with ultraviolet light, unhardened photo-curable material is removed from the product by dissolving in a suitable solvent. After additionally irradiating the product with UV light, the product is soaked, separated from the mold, placed in isopropyl alcohol and then vacuum dried.

Abstract: A making method of a plastic toy with adjustable hardness at local positions is provided, including: a) preparing two kinds of plastic latex with desired hardness; b) making a first gel coat layer, adding one kind of the latex into a mold and heating the mold; c) making a second gel coat layer, adding the other kind of latex; d) gel forming of hard latex and soft latex, adding the first kind of latex and then heating again; e) cooling forming and uncovering demolding, carrying out water cooling and carrying out uncovering demolding after the cooling is completed; and 0 gel processing. The present invention solves the problem and meets the requirements of products about inconsistent hardness of various parts, makes the touch feel of the toys closer to that of the human skin, thus ensuring products having better quality, and bringing better realistic feel of the toy to people.

Abstract: An acoustic matching layer where the thickness is defined by a single layer of defined mono-disperse particles. The layer comprises a polymer base in which mono-disperse particles are embedded. The mono-disperse particles can be coated with a solid material that participates in the definition of the acoustic impedance of the layer. The polymer base can include smaller solid particles that participates in the definition of the acoustic impedance of the layer. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing.

Abstract: A plunger is provided. The plunger includes a top plat and a bottom plate coupled to the top plate. A first split ring is provided between the top plate and the bottom plate and is coupled to the top plate. A second split ring is provided between the first split ring and the bottom plate and is coupled to the first split ring.

Abstract: An injection-molding apparatus for article formation. The injection-molding apparatus includes a single mold base supporting at least one grouping of a plurality of shape-forming configuration sets. Each set includes at least one cavity and is shaped for forming one of first-formed, intermediate-formed and last-formed regions of the article in the cavities by a corresponding one of injection-molding shots. Each cavity retains each article region formed by the preceding injection-molding shot(s). The single mold base includes a movable part which moves internally within the single mold base with respect to a stationary part such that relative positions of the shape-forming configurations are advanced for each set to form a subsequent article region in the cavities. Each subsequent injection-molding shot may at least partially over-mold the article region formed in the preceding shot. Each subsequent shot may be prior to full cooling of the article region formed in the previous shot.

Abstract: A molding tool for producing an optical element includes a first mold half, a second mold half separated from the first mold half by a separation plane, a first injection station arranged at the separation plane for shaping a first layer of the optical element, a second injection station arranged at the separation plane in which a second layer can be injected on to the first layer, and a first transport device for transporting the first layer from the first injection station into the second injection station. A third injection station is arranged at the separation plane, and a third layer of the optical element to be produced is injected on to the first layer and/or the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are transported from the second injection station to the third injection station by a separate second transport device.

Abstract: Types of molded articles carried by a carrier are identified and the molded articles are sorted based on image-related information for the molded articles molded based on set operating conditions for injection molding machines and molded article images acquired by an image acquisition unit. It is thus possible to narrow down candidate images in processing in a molded article identification unit, thereby making it possible to construct an injection molding system that has excellent production efficiency with a reduced load on processing in the molded article identification unit.

Abstract: A hot runner nozzle assembly includes a nozzle heater, a hot runner nozzle, a nozzle tip, a nozzle tip seal surrounding the nozzle tip and a connecting element positioned to removably couple the tip seal to the nozzle tip and to create a first contact seal between the nozzle tip and the tip seal and a second annular contact seal between the tip seal and a mold component. The nozzle tip is made or shaped via a sintering process from a metal matrix composite (MMC) material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The tip seal is made or shaped from a ceramic based powder material, having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. In operation this hot runner nozzle assembly provides an improved heat profile and a reduced leakage at the tip area under a wider operating processing window.

Abstract: A tool for the injection molding of plastics parts has two tool halves that can be moved to and from each other. A mold insert is exchangeably provided in at least one of the tool halves. In addition, a mold core is provided which is inserted in the mold insert and secured by a separate securing element.

Abstract: A drive mechanism of an injection molding machine includes a position adjustment part capable of adjusting a relative position between a rear plate and a motor fixing member. The position adjustment part includes a plurality of screw holes formed in the motor fixing member, a plurality of bolts threadedly engaged with these screw holes, and an abutting part that abuts on these bolts. These bolts are rotated to abut on the abutting part, so that the relative position between the rear plate and the motor fixing member can be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for molding amorphous polyether ether ketone including steps of preparing a molten mass including polyether ether ketone, cooling a mold assembly to a temperature of at most about 200° F., and injecting the molten mass into the cooled mold assembly.

Abstract: An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrospinning of core-sheath fibers are provided. The systems and methods achieve optimization of a shear stress that exists at a fluid boundary between core and sheath polymer solutions, by varying certain parameters of an electrospinning apparatus and/or the solutions used therewith.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a die and a mask are provided such that no slots feed directly into the longitudinal skin forming gap between the mask and the die. In a method of forming a die adapted to improve skin uniformity of extruded cellular ceramic substrates a slotted block of die material is provided including central slots adapted to form a cellular matrix of the substrate and peripheral slots located outwardly of the central slots designed to be covered by a skin former mask and adapted to extrude peripheral batch material. An arcuate skin former is cut corresponding to a target shrinkage so as to intersect the slotted block such that skin flow from tangent slots at 90 degree positions of the die is limited to the peripheral batch material.

Abstract: The sealant injector for molding a display frame is provided for extruding the sealant out of the cavity, the large impurity particles could be insulated from the filtrating holes for preventing the mixing particles or the air bubble forcing out from the spray nozzle. The extrusion sealant could be more uniform. The sealant could be coated on the base board with the filtering and forcing. Accordingly, it would increase the continuation, the stability, the strength and the tenacity of the sealant and then improve the rate of good products. On the process of filtering and extruding together, it could reduce the molding time and improve the manufacture efficiency. The present invention also provides a method for injection molding a display frame using the sealant injector.

Abstract: A coextrusion apparatus, a single-layer extrusion apparatus, a retrofit kit, as well as to a method for measuring a layer thickness, for producing a plastic film, and for retrofitting an extrusion apparatus. From the state of the art, it is known to add a detection agent in the form of a fluorescent granulate into the starting material at the extruder, in order to be able to measure the layer thickness of the layer in the film composite produced from this starting material. However, it is proposed to feed in a detection agent only beyond the extruder. This leads to a clearly shorter running time of the detection agent through the system and thereby to clearly faster measurability of changes in the production parameters.

Abstract: A medical stent mold includes a tube having an interior passage sized and dimensioned to receive a stent assembly disposed at least partially about a central portion of a stent balloon. The medical stent mold may also include a housing forming a chamber through which the tube extends. The tube may include a thermally conductive material and may have a body portion that extends within the chamber and an end portion that is proximate the body portion and that extends away from the housing. An inner diameter of the end portion of the tube is greater than an inner diameter of the body portion of the tube. Forced convection may be used to quickly heat and cool the tube. Methods of increasing retention of an expandable stent assembly on a stent balloon and of detecting a leak in a stent balloon are also included.

Abstract: A neck crystallization method includes inserting a core into the neck, heating the neck using a heater group disposed along a transfer direction while rotating the preform on its axis, and transferring the preform along the transfer direction in a state in which the core is inserted into the neck, and cooling the neck of the preform in a state in which the core is inserted into the neck. The heating of the neck includes a first step that drives first heaters positioned on the upstream side in the transfer direction at a first power, and a second step that drives second heaters positioned on the downstream side of the first heaters at a second power that is lower than the first power until the temperature of the neck reaches a crystallization temperature zone.

Abstract: A method for printing a package substrate prior to molding the package substrate into a desired shape. The present teachings include printing an aqueous ink onto a sacrificial carrier to form an ink pattern, and then drying the ink pattern on the carrier. The carrier and ink pattern are aligned with a package substrate and placed into a mold fixture. The ink pattern is transferred to the package substrate within the mold fixture during the molding of the package substrate into the desired shape. The ink pattern may be transferred from the sacrificial carrier to the package substrate using, for example, a dye sublimation (dye diffusion) process.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a rotating member, a switching unit, and a pressing unit. The rotating member is rotatable and has a facing portion that faces a fold section of a sheet. The rotating member rotates so as to switch the facing portion to another facing portion. Each facing portion is provided with a protrusion. A set position of the protrusion in an axial direction varies from facing portion to facing portion. The switching unit rotates the rotating member so as to switch the facing portion that faces the fold section. The pressing unit presses the protrusion of the facing portion against the fold section.

Abstract: Provided is a method capable of producing a retardation film suppressed in biaxiality, having a small Nz coefficient, and having a slow axis in an oblique direction with high production efficiency. The production method for a retardation film of the present invention includes: holding left and right side edge portions of a film to be stretched with left and right variable pitch-type clips configured to have clip pitches changing in a longitudinal direction, respectively; preheating the film; reducing, under a state in which a position at which the clip pitch of the clips on one side out of the left and right clips starts to reduce and a position at which the clip pitch of the clips on another side starts to reduce are set to different positions in the longitudinal direction, the clip pitch of each of the clips to a predetermined pitch to subject the film to oblique stretching; and releasing the clips holding the film.

Abstract: An imprint method includes: before contacting a mold with an imprint material on a target shot region, obtaining relative position of the target shot region with respect to the mold, and performing first alignment between the target shot region and the mold by driving a correction unit configured to correct the relative position of the target shot region; after contacting the mold with the imprint material on the target shot region, performing second alignment between the target shot region and the mold by driving the correction unit; and performing the imprint process on the target shot region after the second alignment. The first alignment includes alignment performed based on a driving amount of the correction unit in the second alignment for another shot region where the imprint process has been performed earlier than in the target shot region.

Abstract: A plastic welding device for the automatic welding of at least three components comprises at least one first tool, at least one second tool and at least one transfer device. A first component is positionable on the first tool. The first and the second tool are movable relative to each other in order to weld the first component with a second component. The transfer device is movable relative to at least one of the tools and with it at least one third component is automatically feedable to one of the tools. In this manner, the at least one third component is weldable with the compound made up of the first and second components via the first and the second tool or via the first or the second tool in combination with the third tool.

Abstract: A method for checking the security of installation of a joining element to be fixed to a component via an adhesive connection, wherein the adhesive is taken from an adhesive receptacle and is curable by exposure to light from a light emitter. The fill level of the adhesive receptacle is monitored and, upon reaching a lower threshold value of the determined level of the adhesive receptacle, a fluid connection device of a second adhesive receptacle having an adhesive fill level which is higher than that of the adhesive receptacle, is actuated to produce a fluid connection having an adhesive output device. The intensity of the light emitted from the light emitter is inspected by at least one sensor and a signal is output upon falling short of a threshold value of the light received by the sensor.

Abstract: Methods of making articles using structured tapes are disclosed. The structured tapes may include a structured template layer having a structured surface and an opposed second surface and an uncured backfill layer, the uncured backfill layer has a lower refractive index than the structured template layer, and the uncured backfill layer has a structured surface conforming to the structured surface of the structured template layer and an opposed second surface. The structured tapes may include a structured template layer having a structured surface and an opposed second surface and an uncured backfill layer, the uncured backfill layer has a higher refractive index than the structured template layer, and the uncured backfill layer has a structured surface conforming to the structured surface of the structured template layer and an opposed second surface. The structure tapes may be laminated via the uncured backfill layer to a receptor substrate to form an article.

Abstract: A method of making a molded article includes the steps of providing a first sheet member and a second sheet member that are made of a fiber composite material and that are different in shape. The method further includes laminating the first and second sheet members into a main body that has a thick region and a thin region having a thickness smaller than that of the thick region and forming and bonding a molded body on the main body by a molding technique so as to obtain the molded article.

Abstract: A 3D printer system that allows a 3D object to be printed such that each portion or object element is constructed or designed to have a user-defined or user-selected material parameter such as varying elastic deformation. The 3D printer system stores a library of microstructures or cells that are each defined and designed to provide the desired material parameter and that can be combined during 3D printing to provide a portion or element of a printed 3D object having the material parameter. For example, a toy or figurine is printed using differing microstructures in its arms than its body to allow the arms to have a first elasticity (or softness) that differs from that of the body that is printed with microstructures providing a second elasticity. The use of microstructures allows the 3D printer system to operate to alter the effective deformation behavior of 3D objects printed using single-material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer is configured to enable the density of material ejected by at least one printhead onto a rotating platen near its circumferential edge to be approximately the same as the density of the material ejected onto the rotating platen near the center of the platen.

Abstract: An additive fabrication method for fabricating three-dimensional objects utilizing vesiculated extrusions, and three-dimensional objects thereof, by feeding a feedstock into an extrusion device, melting the feedstock and extruding a bead that is hollowed, aerated, or made to contain a volume of gas or liquid before solidification, and depositing and aggregating successive sections of the bead. An extrusion nozzle includes a mandrel or a tube for introducing a gas or a liquid into the melted feedstock and for forming the feedstock into an extrusion bead.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a material receiving area for receiving material, a plasticizer, a discharge pump and an auger. The material receiving area receives material to be used to be used in the three-dimensional printing process. The plasticizer includes a heating zone which places the material in shear. The discharge pump controls the flow of the material. The auger extends from the material receiving area through the plasticizer and terminates proximate the discharge pump. The material is maintained under pressure in the discharge pump until the material exits a nozzle provided at the end of the discharge pump for depositing on a build plate.

Abstract: A color three-dimensional (3D) printing apparatus configured for forming a colored 3D object is provided. The color 3D printing apparatus includes a stage, a first printing unit, a second printing unit, a color inkjet printing unit, and a curing unit. The first printing unit is configured for providing the stage with a first material. The second printing unit is configured for providing the stage with a second material, and a gap remains between the first material and the second material. The color inkjet printing unit is configured for providing the gap with a colored pigment. The curing unit is configured for curing the colored pigment to form the colored 3D object, and the colored 3D object is composed of a plurality of colored object units stacked together. A color 3D printing method is also provided.