Abstract: Provided herein is a multipurpose tool configured to provide multiple tools and functions for a user according to a specific activity or sport. Embodiments may provide a tool including a frame configured to define a plurality of tools disposed about a perimeter, where the frame defines at least one recess disposed about the perimeter, where at least one recess is configured to hold an earbud headphone. The frame of the tool may define a cavity at least partially surrounded by the perimeter, where the cavity may be configured to removably engage a separable and independently operable device. The cavity may be configured to removably receive a multipurpose tool. The tool may further include a gate biased into engagement with the frame, where the cavity is fully encircled by the frame and the gate, and access to the cavity through the frame is provided by opening the gate.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, an output shaft supported by the housing for rotation about an axis, a battery terminal selectively operable to receive a DC power supply from a battery, and a receptacle selectively operable to receive an AC power supply from an AC power source. The power tool further includes a motor operable in a first power mode, in response to receipt of the DC power supply, to rotatably drive the output shaft, and also operable in a second power mode, in response to receipt of the AC power supply, to rotatably drive the output shaft. The power tool also includes a mechanical interlock movable between a first position in which the interlock inhibits the flow of the AC power supply to the motor and a second position in which the interlock inhibits the flow of the DC power supply to the motor.

Abstract: An electric oscillating tool which actuates a tool around a spindle is provided. The electric oscillating tool comprises a motor, the spindle which is driven by the motor, and a driving transmission member which transmits a rotational output of the motor to the spindle. The driving transmission member includes an eccentric moving member, a driven arm, a spindle connecting arm, and a pin which connects the driven arm and the spindle connecting arm in a relatively rotatable manner. The eccentric moving member comprises an eccentric shaft which moves eccentrically around a rotational shaft of the motor, a first bearing, and a second bearing.

Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a bit tool having a bit storage member for housing a plurality of bits. The member includes an exterior which is at least partially transparent. A light assembly extends around the bit storage member and selectively illuminates the bit storage member to reveal the bits. According to another aspect, the tool has a pushrod for operatively selecting bits and a locking assembly that may be actuated for selectively coupling the pushrod and a respective one of the bits together to operate the tool. According to a further aspect, there is provided a ratcheting handle assembly which includes at least one catch member operatively connected to and linearly moveable relative to an inner core. A selector member actuates respective ones of the catch members for selectively causing the handle assembly to ratchetly drive the inner core in forward and reverse positions.

Abstract: A hand tool is provided with a mechanism which permits the handle of a hand tool to be adjusted through a wide array of angles relative to the implement to which it is attached to accommodate different sized users and uses of the tool. Further, a quick connect apparatus permits any of a plurality of hand tools to be connected to a single handle.

Abstract: A robot cleaner and a method of performing a human care using the same. Specifically, the robot cleaner can include a main body with a cleaning module, a driving unit to move the main body, one or more cameras to generate image information on a management object, a communication unit to communicate with an external communication device and transmit the image information to the external communication device, and a control unit to recognize the management object and control the robot cleaner such that the management object is included in the image information while following a position change of the management object.

Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user while using a tool that include a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; an arm support pivotally coupled to the harness for supporting a user's arm; and a tool mount on a free end of the arm support for receiving a tool such that the tool is manipulatable by a hand of user's arm supported by the arm support. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the arm support and/or the tool mount for at least partially offsetting a gravitational force acting on the user's arm and/or the tool received on the tool mount.

Abstract: A gear mechanism, including: a first gear; and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are arranged at an inclination angle to form a first meshing region and a second meshing region. Multiple tooth tip portions of the first gear and multiple tooth tip portions of the second gear are each formed to be held in contact with each other at one point in the first meshing region. Multiple recessed portions of the first gear and multiple recessed portions of the second gear are each formed to conform to a passing region extending along movement of one of the multiple mating tooth tip portions at the time of moving in the second meshing region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a mobile platform within an environment may be provided. A number of first type of data streams and a number of second type of data streams may be generated using a plurality of data systems. A probability distribution may be applied to each of the number of second type of data streams to form a number of modified data streams. The number of first type of data streams and the number of modified data streams may be fused to generate a pose estimate with a desired level of accuracy for the mobile platform with respect to an environment around the mobile platform.

Abstract: A robot having the motion style of a character defined by animation data obtained from an animation movie or computer animation data files. The robot is generated using a robot development method that obtains animation data for a character walking or performing other movements. The character may be humanoid, and the method includes developing a bipedal robot with a lower portion having a kinematic structure matching the kinematic structure of the lower portion of the animation character as defined in the animation data. A control program is generated for the robot such as by using trajectory optimization. The control program may include an open-loop walking trajectory that mimics the character's walking motion provided in the animation data. The open-loop walking trajectory may be generated by modifying the motion of the character from the animation data such that the Zero Moment Point (ZMP) stays in the contact convex hull.

Abstract: An arrangement for motorized assistance in movement of manually movable components of medical apparatuses is provided. The arrangement includes at least one torque sensor that is arranged in a drivetrain of a movable component of a medical apparatus. The at least one torque sensor detects the moments occurring in the drivetrain in a stationary state and in motion. Using an evaluation unit, the torque detected by the at least one torque sensor may be compared against a predefinable first threshold value. The first threshold value is predefined according to a possible position of the movable component. The arrangement includes a drive unit, by which the drive of the drivetrain may be provided with motorized assistance when the first threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: The robotics apparatus includes an f1-actuator for driving a first link, an f2-actuator for driving a second link, an actuator for simultaneously driving both links, and a CPU for controlling those actuators. The CPU sets a driving-force command value to an e3-actuator to a predetermined set value. Moreover, the CPU calculates a driving-force command value to the f1-actuator based on the driving-force command value and a target joint angle for a first joint. The CPU calculates a driving-force command value to the f2-actuator and a target joint angle for a second joint. It achieves a control for allowing a distal end of a second link to track a target trajectory and stiffness control at the distal end of the second link with a smaller number of driving sources than that of a conventional 3-pair 6-muscle manipulator.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for operating mobile automated workstations in a workspace including a workpiece is disclosed. A computer device defines an exclusionary volume having an outer exclusionary surface at least partially surrounding a mobile workstation that is operably disposed in the workspace. The computer device receives data from at least one sensor and determines the location of the workstation and humans within the workspace based on the data. The computer device activates an indicator and alters the motion of the workstation after detection of a human breaching the exclusionary volume or exclusionary surface.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises a hardware segment and an actuator to adjust a position of the segment within a range of positions. The device also comprises an encoder to rotate about an encoder axis responsive to the actuator adjusting the position. The device also comprises data storage that includes a dataset indicating offset angles between a reference configuration and a plurality of configurations of the encoder. The device also comprises a controller to cause the actuator to adjust the position to an end of the range of positions, responsively identify a range of encoder positions of the encoder that corresponds to the range of positions of the segment, modify the dataset such that the reference configuration corresponds to an end of the range of encoder positions, and determine a mapping between the offset angles indicated by the modified dataset and the range of positions of the hardware segment.

Abstract: A robot includes an angular velocity sensor that detects the vibration of a robot. A control device allows the robot to perform a trial operation and acquires the measurement result measured by the angular velocity sensor during the trial operation as vibration information and analyzes the acquired vibration information based on maker evaluating information that is stored in a database. In the maker evaluating information, vibration information and the operating speed appropriate to the installation situation of the robot at which the vibration information is measured are associated with each other. Then, the robot is operated at an operating speed selected based on the analysis result of the vibration information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing landmarks to facilitate robot localization and visual odometry are provided herein. At least one area of a physical environment in which a robotic device resides may be determined to include surfaces that lack sufficient discernable features to determine a location of the at least one area. Instructions may responsively be provided to the robotic device for the robotic device to provide a material in respective patterns onto one or more surfaces of the at least one area. Instructions can responsively be provided for the robotic device to provide the material in respective textures as well. The respective patterns or textures may include sufficient discernable features to determine a location of the at least one area, and the material may remain on the one or more surfaces for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for carpet drift estimation are disclosed. In certain implementations, a robotic device includes an actuator system to move the body across a surface. A first set of sensors can sense an actuation characteristic of the actuator system. For example, the first set of sensors can include odometry sensors for sensing wheel rotations of the actuator system. A second set of sensors can sense a motion characteristic of the body. The first set of sensors may be a different type of sensor than the second set of sensors. A controller can estimate carpet drift based at least on the actuation characteristic sensed by the first set of sensors and the motion characteristic sensed by the second set of sensors.

Abstract: A robotic joint assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a rolling flexure joint joining the first structural member to the second structural member to provide at least one degree of freedom between the first and second structural members. The rolling flexure joint includes first and second flexible hinge members each having one end secured to the first structural member and an opposing end secured to the second structural member. The first and second flexible hinge members cross one another between the first and second structural members.

Abstract: A method for replacing an operation box and gloves for the same is provided, the operation box comprises a housing, a glove, a first sealing member, a second sealing member and a cover plate; the housing comprises a chamber, at least one operation window disposed on a side wall of the housing; the first sealing member is configured to seal the glove outlet edge portion and the side wall; the second sealing member is disposed on an inner surface of the side wall of the housing; the cover plate is disposed inside the chamber, the cover plate and the second sealing member are configured to jointly seal the operation window.

Abstract: A folding knife comprising a handle which includes a left cover and a right cover that are separated from each other by a space and that are connected to each other by at least one pin; a blade configured to rotate around an axle extending between the left cover and the right cover, the blade defining a means for attachment spaced apart from the axle by an offset distance; a helical torsion spring surrounding the pin, the spring having a first end that is fixed to the handle and a second end that is free to move in relation to the handle; and a connecting element that connects the free end of the spring to the means for attachment on the blade.

Abstract: A device for trimming hair comprising a housing (3) and a head portion (9) with a cutting blade assembly (10), wherein the head portion (9) is rotatably mounted to the housing (3) and a comb attachment (20) is releasably attachable to the device to extend over the cutting blade assembly (10), the device further comprising a locking means (30,50) configured to fixedly engage the head portion (9) with the housing (3) when a comb attachment (20) is detached from the device such that the head portion (9) is prevented from rotating relative to the housing (3) and configured to disengage the head portion (9) from the housing (3) when a comb attachment (20) is attached to the device such that the head portion (9) is rotatable relative to the housing (3).

Abstract: A personal grooming apparatus includes a handle defining a central longitudinal axis, first and second blade sets mountable relative to the handle with each blade set including a stationary blade member and a movable blade member, and a drive mechanism disposed within the handle and operatively coupled to the movable blade members of the first and second blade sets. The drive mechanism is operable to cause corresponding reciprocating movement of the movable blade members relative to the stationary blade members of each of the first and second blade sets. The second blade set may be releasably mountable to said first blade set. The first and second blade set each may include a housing for at least partially accommodating respective stationary and movable blade members.

Abstract: To minimize the risk for injuries due to hooked hair catching teeth, but still have a reasonable hair-cutting efficiency, a cutting unit (107) for a hair-cutting device (100) having two blades (202, 206) moving relatively to each other with at least one of the blades (202, 206) being toothed is proposed, wherein at least some teeth (208) have a larger cross-sectional area (CA) at their free end (210) than at their end (212) making the junction with the blade (206), wherein the larger cross-sectional area (CA) is 0.32 mm2 or more and wherein the shape of the larger cross-sectional area (CA) is such that the tooth (208) surface oriented to face the surface (305) with hair (301) to be cut when cutting has a larger distance to the middle axis (M) than the equivalent surface of the blade-side-end (212).

Abstract: A pocket safety saw that can be carried by a detention officer or psychiatric personnel without fear that it could do harm to another patient, inmate or guard is described. The pocket safety saw may be used to quickly cut down a suicidal patient or detainee from a hanging suicide attempt. An exemplary pocket saw comprises a handle, a saw portion, saw support, and safety saw element. A safety saw element is a saw element that will not cut human skin when pressed and reciprocated against the skin. The safety saw element may be used to cut fibrous material such as rope, cord, fabric and the like. A pocket safety saw may have one or more frangible features that cause the safety saw element to fracture when removed from the saw support. A frangible feature may be a removed portion of a safety saw element.

Abstract: A nesting device for manufacturing a profile combination. The device includes: a nesting bed; a nesting base; and a rotating positioning device. The rotating positioning device includes a saddle, a first gas cylinder, two steady rests, and two rotators. The nesting bed is fixed on the ground. The nesting base is disposed and is horizontally movable on the nesting bed. The saddle is disposed on the nesting base and is horizontally movable on the nesting base. The saddle is connected to the first gas cylinder, and the first gas cylinder drives the rotating positioning device to move on the nesting base. The two steady rests are oppositely fixed on the saddle at a certain interval. The rotator is arranged inside each steady rest and is rotatable in relation to the steady rest. Each rotator includes: a square hole, and a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: Vacuum release systems that allow rapid, uninterrupted flow of a liquid through a first opening in a container when the container is inverted are disclosed. The vacuum release systems include a hole punch and can be secured to the outer surface of the container. When the liquid-filled container is inverted, pressure is applied to the hole punch to form a second opening in the side of the container. The second opening releases the vacuum by allowing air to flow into the container, which, in turn, allows rapid, uninterrupted flow of the liquid through the first opening in the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in semiconductor, microfluidic and analysis devices. It concerns a method of introducing a structure, such as a hole or cavity or channel or well or recess or a structural change by providing a controlled electrical discharge.

Abstract: A reset spring device for a one-log splitter single-action hydraulic cylinder comprises a spring guide, reset spring, bearing, curved transmission lever, and guide seal. The spring guide has a first end and second end, the reset spring housed within the spring guide, the bearing housed within a portion at the first end, the spring abutting the bearing, the guide seal disposed at the first end of the guide, the transmission lever positioned outside the spring guide and engaged with the bearing. The transmission lever having a curved protrusion operably engaged through a longitudinal opening on the spring guide and through a groove on the bearing. A push plate is connected to the lever. During operation, when a cylinder is pushing forward, the lever compresses the spring through the bearing; and when a handle is released, the log splitter ceases operating, the cylinder is reset by each reset spring device.

Abstract: A vibration drive assembly comprising two rotary servo motors and an electronic motor controller electrically coupled to the servo motors and configured to regulate the motors and operate them in synchronism with one another at a predetermined rotational speed. Two articulated drive trains are connectable between the servo motors and mold assembly vibrator shafts of a concrete product molding machine and are configured to mechanically transmit rotational motion from the servo motors to the vibrator shafts when the mold assembly is in an elevated vibration position with the vibrator shaft axes coaxially aligned with rotational servo motor axes. The drive trains remain connected between the servo motors and vibrator shafts when the mold assembly is in a rest position below the vibration position, with the vibrator shaft axes axially mis-aligned with respect to the servo motor axes.

Abstract: A method resumes an interrupted process for sawing a workpiece into wafers using a wire saw that includes advancing a wire web into existing sawing kerfs of the workpiece with a forward movement of the sawing wire with a first speed in the presence of a liquid sawing medium until the wire web or workpiece has reached a position corresponding to the interruption of the wire sawing process. The sawing wire is moved in defined time intervals by a forward movement of a particular length with a second speed and a backward movement of another length with a third speed, where the backward length is less than the forward length and the forward and backward movement correspond to a cycle. The wire length that is unwound during the forward movements is increased until the length during the forward movement corresponds to the length of the forward movement before the interruption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing colored plastics molding compositions with aqueous liquid colors, where an aqueous liquid color is added to a molten plastics molding composition. The present invention also describes a system for conducting the said process.

Abstract: A kneader/stirrer includes two rotary shafts extending parallel to each other in the processing chamber, and first and second regular triangular impellers mounted to the respective rotary shafts. The first impellers are located at the same axial positions as the respective first impellers. The impellers are fixed to the respective rotary shafts at points offset from the centers of the respective impellers in a predetermined direction by a predetermined distance such that when the two rotary shafts rotate in the same direction at the same speed, each pair of first and second impellers are eccentrically pivoted, with one apex of one of the pair of impellers kept in contact with or in close proximity to the contour of the other impeller, thereby scraping off polycondensation resin (material to be processed) adhered to the other impeller.

Abstract: A method for controlling the particle size of deposited fine particles in a fine particle production method is provided. The method introduces a fluid to be processed between at least two processing surfaces, which are disposed facing each other and are advancible and retractable, at least one of the two processing surfaces rotating relative to the other, to deposit fine particles in the thin fluid film formed between the two processing surfaces. The particle size of the fine particles is controlled by controlling the temperature of the fluid that contains the separated fine particles. The temperature control can be accomplished by providing a temperature adjusting apparatus and a jacket in the flow channel or receptacle for the fluid after outflow and controlling the temperature of the fluid that contains the deposited fine particles.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a liquid ejection head including: a substrate; an ejection orifice forming member having an ejection orifice on the substrate; and a surface layer having a recess that has a bottom portion communicating with the ejection orifice and an opening held in contact with an outside and having a width larger than a width of the ejection orifice, the surface layer being formed on the forming member, the method including: forming a first resin layer serving as the forming member by applying a negative photosensitive resin composition A onto the substrate; forming a second resin layer as the surface layer by applying a negative photosensitive resin composition B having sensitivity lower than sensitivity of the composition A onto the first resin layer; subjecting the first and the second resin layers to pattern exposure collectively; and subjecting the first and the second resin layers to development collectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a platen for a molding press for encapsulating semiconductor dies on a substrate, the platen comprising: a first mold chase having a first mold chase surface; the platen being operable to cooperate with a further platen having a second mold chase with a second mold chase surface to clamp a substrate, which is held against a substrate-facing surface relating to either the first or second mold chase surface, between the first and second mold chase surfaces to define at least one mold cavity with respect to the substrate; wherein the platen further comprises a rotational mounting device on which either the first or second mold chase is rotatable about at least one axis passing through the center of the substrate-facing surface to adjust the relative arrangement of the first and second mold chase surfaces. Also disclosed is a molding press comprising the platen, and the further platen cooperating with the platen.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive anti-reflection article with a sufficient anti-reflection property by using an anti-reflection article manufacturing mold plate manufactured at low cost. In a method of manufacturing an anti-reflection article manufacturing mold plate used to manufacture an anti-reflection article provided with an anti-reflection surface in which minute convex portions or minute concave portions are densely arranged and a gap between the adjacent minute convex portions or minute concave portions is the shortest wavelength or less of a wavelength band for anti-reflection, the method of manufacturing an anti-reflection article manufacturing mold plate includes: molding an uneven shape on a surface of a receptive layer by causing an anti-reflection surface of another anti-reflection article to come into pressure-contact with the surface of the receptive layer including a curable base; and curing the receptive layer in which the uneven shape is molded.

Abstract: This invention comprises a self-supporting, temperature-stable, indicia-bearing laminate of at least one layer of a non-oriented polyolefin film having an indicia array and a layer of a non-oriented polyolefin support film. The indicia layer laminate is formed by printing a carrier sheet with at least one layer of a printing ink comprising a mixture of particulate polyolefin, indicia material and a polyolefin-compatible resin. The polyolefin support film is printed as a layer over the indicia layer with a mixture of a polyolefin and a polyolefin-compatible resin. The printed layers are cured into non-oriented films, forming an indicia transfer. The transfer is used by removing the indicia-bearing laminate from the carrier sheet and applying the laminate to the inside surface of a rotational mold where it melts and fuses into the outer wall of a polyolefin product during the formation of the product in the rotational molding cycle.

Abstract: A compression device, means for controlling the compression device, a drum having an inner chamber, means for rotating the drum, and first and second delivery devices for delivering first and second materials into the inner chamber of the drum while the drum is rotating. The compression device compresses the first and second material in the inner chamber of the drum while the drum is rotating about the center of the drum in response to the means for controlling the compression device. The apparatus may include a stirring device; and a means for controlling the stirring device; wherein the stirring device is configured with respect to the drum so that the stirring device can be moved up and down to a desired depth within the drum and rotates within the inner chamber of the drum to stir the first and second materials in the drum while the drum is rotating.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process of recycling fiber-reinforced polymeric material including the following steps: a) crushing the material so as to reduce it into fragments; b) mixing the material obtained in the previous step with a liquid adhesive; c) pouring the mixture obtained in step b) into a mold; d) applying a pressure. In particular, the mixing step b) is carried out by nebulizing some adhesive and simultaneously stirring the particles of the fiber-reinforced polymeric material so that a thin layer of adhesive will deposit on the surface of basically each particle of the fiber-reinforced polymeric material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An apparatus molds sheets of thermoplastic material, thermoset plastic material and other similar molding materials into various desired shapes and contours. The apparatus has a molding surface that supports the thermoplastic sheet, thermoset plastic sheet or other similar material to be molded where the molding surface is adjustable vertically to a variety of different shapes and contours enabling the apparatus to form the molding material into panels having different shapes and contours.

Abstract: A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite component comprising an unfoamed polymer phase and a foamed phase, and to a process for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing a foam molded product in which a foam molded product (1A, 1B) is formed by integrally adhering together a foam body (2) that is formed by the foaming of a foaming raw material, and an air-permeable component (3) using an apparatus for manufacturing a foam molded product (1A, 1B) that is provided with a cavity (23) between a plurality of mold components (21, 22, 31) that is defined by respective cavity surfaces (21a, 22a, 31a) of the mold components (21, 22, 31).

Abstract: A laminar structure (1) for providing foam within cavities such as those in automobile pillars and rails is provided comprising a metal foil (4) having a central section (2) and two end sections (3, 4), the central section carrying a foamable material (5) and the end sections being securable to the flanges (8, 9, 15, 16) of the cavity forming members (7, 14). The cavity containing the foam after foaming is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are roll fed air heated flotation ovens and related thermoforming systems, assemblies, and machines that enable the corrugation-free expansion of a gas impregnated thermoplastic web passing through an oven chamber (without use of a pin-chain assembly), as well as to related methods. In an embodiment, a gas impregnated thermoplastic web is conveyed and expanded through an elongated air heated oven chamber, wherein the elongated oven chamber includes a plurality of downwardly directed heated air nozzles positioned at regular intervals along and within the upper portion of the oven chamber, and a plurality of upwardly directed heated air nozzles positioned at regular intervals along and within the lower portion of the oven chamber, but staggered apart from the downwardly directed heated air nozzles such that the gas impregnated thermoplastic material web undulates in an up and down wavelike fashion, thereby minimizing sagging, bagging, puckering, and/or buckling of the web.

Abstract: A fitting for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding and an associated method of use. The fitting includes a base, a sealing washer, a sealing nut, and an inner nut. The fitting is adapted such that it may be reused many times without failing and without causing damage to the fitting, the mold or any resulting hardened resin.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a position of an actuator piston driving a valve pin in an injection molding system. The apparatus includes an actuator housing having a body portion, surrounding an axial bore, of a substantially non-magnetic and/or magnetically permeable material, a piston, movable within the axial bore for driving a valve pin, the piston including a magnetic member generating a magnetic field such that axial movement of the piston in the bore modifies the magnetic field according to the position of the piston relative to a detection position, and a magnetic field detector attached to an exterior surface of the body portion at the detection position for detecting the magnetic field associated with the position of the piston and generating an output signal determined by the piston position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for calibrating and cooling a film or sheet of plastic which comprises at least two cooling or calibrating rolls (1), the rolls being followed by a downstream cooling zone (7). According to the invention, it is in this case provided that the downstream cooling zone (7) comprises pairs of rolls (2, 3, 4) arranged one behind the other. The invention also relates to a method for calibrating and cooling a film or sheet of plastic which comprises the steps of: introducing a film coming from a slot die into the nip between two cooling or calibrating rolls (1), polishing the film (5) between the two cooling or calibrating rolls (1), cooling the film (5) in a cooling zone (7).

Abstract: A method for transporting preforms in the area of a machine for blow-molding thermoplastic containers along a sorting device configured as a roll sorter. A sensor arranged at the sorting device senses a preform passing through its detection area and generates a sensor signal that transmitted to a control system, which evaluates the sensor signal and generates a control signal as a function thereof. A process parameter of the sorting device and/or of a conveying device upstream of and supplying preforms to the sorting device is adjusted as a function of at least one of the control signals. A sensor senses a section of the sorting device and generates a signal that contains data on a gap between a pair of preforms being transported successively passed this sensor. The control signals for adjusting a process parameter of the conveying device and/or of the sorting device are dependent on gap data.