Abstract: A method of controlling a robot includes the steps of calculating a torsional angular velocity of an arm using a difference between an angular velocity detected by a gyro sensor and an angular velocity in a gyro sensor coordinate obtained from information detected by a first encoder and a second encoder, calculating a correction amount of a sensitivity error of the gyro sensor using a variation in the torsional angular velocity, and correcting sensitivity of the gyro sensor using the correction amount of the sensitivity error.

Abstract: A corpus curation method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, include mapping a kinematic motion of a robot to a granular feature of an item in the corpus and answering a user question using the mapped kinematic motion embedded in an answer by the robot.

Abstract: A controlling unit obtains an error in position and orientation of each joint of a robot. The controlling unit uses an error component in a driving direction of an actuator included in the error in position and orientation ui of the joint to obtain a first correction quantity, to obtain a residual error excluding the error component in the driving direction of the actuator from the error in position and orientation of the joint, and to obtain—an error in position and orientation of the end point of the robot based on the residual error of each joint. The controlling unit uses the error in position and orientation of the joint based on the error in position and orientation of the end point of the robot to obtain a second correction quantity ?qi, and uses the first correction quantity and the second correction quantity to correct a joint instruction value.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot having a drive arrangement with at least one drive includes determining an actual velocity of the robot, determining a target velocity for the robot, and determining a damping drive parameter based on a difference between the target velocity and the actual velocity. The target velocity is determined based on at least one of a predetermined maximum velocity, a predetermined minimum velocity, or a first distance of the robot from at least one predetermined boundary. The drive arrangement of the robot is then controlled based on the damping drive parameter.

Abstract: A method for determining a step path involves obtaining a reference step path for a robot with at least three feet. The reference step path includes a set of spatial points on a surface that define respective target touchdown locations for the at least three feet. The method also involves receiving a state of the robot. The method further involves generating a reference capture point trajectory based on the reference step path. Additionally, the method involves obtaining at least two potential step paths and a corresponding capture point trajectory. Further, the method involves selecting a particular step path of the at least two potential step paths based on a relationship between the at least two potential step paths, the potential capture point trajectory, the reference step path, and the reference capture point trajectory. The method additionally involves instructing the robot to begin stepping in accordance with the particular step path.

Abstract: A robot simulation device, by which a calculation of a cycle time and a simulation of a human intervention-type robot system can be easily carried out with less effort by an operator. The simulation device has: an operation distributing part which distributes a plurality of operations to the robot and the human, based on a weight of an article to be worked in each operation, a conveying distance of the article, and a required time in each operation; a program generating part which generates a motion program for the robot and the human based on a result of distribution of operations obtained by the operation distributing part; and a cycle time calculating part which executes a simulation of the motion program and calculates a cycle time of the motion program.

Abstract: The problem of picking tightly-pack generally uniformed products such as rubber bales in a bin is solved by sequentially selecting each one of the products based on the products depths in the bin, using a robot with a tool to grip each selected product, and moving on an output station each gripped product considering its position relative to the gripping tool. A first sensor system is used to determine the product depths in the bin. The sensor system can be mounted on the robot tool or be positioned above the bin. The position of each gripped product in the gripping tool is achieved by analyzing an image of the gripped product in the gripping tool.

Abstract: A laminate is directly transferred from a first robot arm that carries the laminate from a bonding chamber to an overlapping chamber, to a second robot arm that carries out the laminate from the overlapping chamber to the outside.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tactile sensor for detecting a clamping force includes an ultrasonic detector and a sensing layer, and the sensing layer includes a first soft layer and a second soft layer, and the first soft layer has plural spherical microstructures arranged in contact with the ultrasonic detector, so that after a pressure is applied to the sensing layer, the ultrasonic detector generates an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave signal, and the signal is provided for identifying the contact area of the spherical microstructures and deriving the force exerted on the tactile sensor.

Abstract: An example device includes a first flexural element, a second flexural element, a first rigid component and a second rigid component. The rigid components have a fixed height that axially offsets the first flexural element from the second flexural element. The first rigid component is coupled to the first flexural element at one or more connection points on a first plane and coupled to the second flexural element at one or more connection points on a second plane. The second rigid component is coupled to the first flexural element at one or more other connection points on the first plane and coupled to the second flexural element at one or more other connection points on the second plane.

Abstract: A safety control device for releasing an operation of a machine, in particular a robot, includes an input device for detecting a manual contact, in particular a finger contact. The safety control device has a retaining device for securing the input device to a finger, in particular a fingertip, of an operator, in particular in a frictional manner, and/or a signaling means for outputting a signal, in particular an optical, acoustic, tactile, thermal, and/or electric signal, if a contact force detected by the input device is smaller than a specified upper minimum value and/or for outputting a signal, in particular the same signal or a different signal, in particular an optical, acoustic, tactile, thermal, and/or electric signal, if a contact force detected by the input device is greater than a specified lower maximum value.

Abstract: Provided a transfer tool including a substantially strip-shaped frame, a wrist-side slider to be attached to a wrist of a robot, provided on one side of the frame in a thickness direction in a manner capable of moving along a longitudinal direction of the frame, a workpiece-side slider provided on another side of the frame in the thickness direction in a manner capable of moving along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and a distal-end swing shaft attached to the workpiece-side slider, where the distal-end swing shaft includes a workpiece support section supported by the workpiece-side slider in a manner capable of swinging around an axis line extending in a width direction of the frame, the workpiece support section being for supporting a workpiece, and an actuator attached to the workpiece-side slider, the actuator being for causing the workpiece support section to swing.

Abstract: The system includes at least two industrial robots, each with a wrist and an auxiliary arm connected to the wrist by a respective first swivel joint, and a control unit for joint control of said robots; it further includes a crossbar connected at one end thereof to the auxiliary arm of one robot, and at another end thereof to the auxiliary arm of another robot, by a respective second swivel joint, the crossbar having at least two crossbar portions, each attached to the auxiliary arm of one robot and each arranged to carry a tool for picking workpieces, and the crossbar portions being linked to each other through a shifting arrangement such as to be displaceable one with respect to the other in their longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a magnet gripper system, comprising: a gripper base comprising a magnetically attractive face; at least two slide plate retaining systems; and two or more slide plates wherein at least one of the slide plates is movably cooperated with each of the at least two slide plate retaining systems such that the slide plates are configured to move between a retracted position with the slide plates retracted relative to the face of the gripper base and an extended position with the slide plates extended relative to the face of the gripper base with an end of each of the slide plates being positioned further from the face of the gripper base when in the extended position than when the slide plates are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A robot with an animated segment including a generally cylindrical structural frame. The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart plastic ribs that each have a curved or arcuate body that is arranged to be convex relative to a central axis of the structural frame. A first end of each rib is pivotally coupled with a lower ring, and a second end of each rib is pivotally coupled with an upper ring. A flexible outer covering is positioned over the structural frame and is attached to one or more of the ribs. This provides a robotic segment that is animated with an organic feel and natural movement by providing an actuator in the robot segment that is operated by a controller to move one or both of the rings such as linearly along a central axis of the structural frame (e.g., toward and away from the other ring).

Abstract: A knife guard having a multi-step locking mechanism is disclosed. Specifically, a knife guard comprising an elongated sheath, a first fastener, and a first movable flap is disclosed. The elongated sheath defines a first cavity for a knife blade and has a first opening in communication with the first cavity. The first fastener is secured to the sheath body. The first movable flap extends from the sheath body and is movable over the first opening for partially covering the first opening. The first movable flap has a distal end connectable to the first fastener for forming a multi-step lock.

Abstract: This invention has the aim to assist the cutting of a cake, pizza or other similar foods through a battery-powered laser device, which shows the cutting path to get equal portions of a cake, pizza or similar foods; the laser light beam displays a cutting line through which a knife, or other tool pass to cut a equal number of portions according to a user's need.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cutting device (1) for reducing the width of a ready-made roller blind blank (28) comprising a roller tube onto which a fabric has been wound. The cutting device (1) comprises a mandrel (13), which is adapted to be inserted into and hold an end to be cut of the roller tube, and a knife arrangement, which is adapted to circumferentially cut first the fabric wound on the roller tube and then the roller tube on the mandrel (13) such that the width of the ready-made roller blind blank (28) is reduced. The invention also concerns a ready-made roller blind blank (28), which comprises a roller tube, onto which a fabric has been wound and which is adapted to be cut by means of a cutting device (1) according to the invention. For this the roller blind blank (28) comprises a disposable wrapping, which bears a visible measurement scale along at least one end portion of the roller blind blank (28).

Abstract: An insert assembly is received in a recess on the outer surface of a rotary cutting cylinder. The insert has a hole for a slug ejector pin which is slidingly engagable with the insert. The hole is arranged on the insert to communicate with a through hole in the recess that extends into the interior of the cylinder. When the slug ejector pin is inserted in the pin hole, the pin proximal end is received in the recess hole adjacent to the compressible core and the pin distal end projects from an outer surface of the insert. When the pin is assembled with the insert and the insert is assembled with the cylinder, the pin proximal end operatively engages the compressible core when the pin retracts into the pin hole of the insert and the pin proximal end operatively engages the insert when the pin projects from the pin hole.

Abstract: A cutting table for cutting out a fiber preform obtained by three-dimensional weaving and having two portions that are connected together by at least one zone of non-interlinking and that present outlines of different shapes, includes a tabletop provided with a recess for receiving one of the portions of the fiber preform to be cut out. The fiber preform is capable of laying flat in the access. The cutting table further includes sacrificial plates for interposing between the portions of the fiber preform for cutting out and for being fastened to the tabletop. The sacrificial plates are capable of covering partially the recess of the tabletop while being fastened to the tabletop. The cutting table also includes a cutting template configured to be pressed against a portion of the fiber preform that is positioned outside of the recess, and a device for applying compacting pressure against the cutting template.

Abstract: A lumber handling method identifies the existence and direction of crowning in dimensional lumber and automatically orients the board and specifies a cutting direction prior to a saw cutting the board into one or more board segments to be used in a structural board assembly, such as in a truss or a wall panel. Crowning is a curve that occurs along a narrow convex edge of a board, wherein the curve is about an axis that is perpendicular to the board's widest face. In some examples, a board's crown is detected by a row of photoelectric sensors. In some examples, the method involves calibrating the sensors by passing a straight board past the sensors. In some examples, the convex and/or concave edges of the board are marked.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer processor having a plurality of input data devices, a plurality of output data devices, and a plurality of sensors; and a mechanical assembly integrated with the computer processor to reposition a piece of wood lumber based on software code executing in the computer processor. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes eliciting and receiving into the computer processor data parameters from a first human user; obtaining incoming data points about the lumber from the plurality of sensors; processing and storing the data parameters; comparing the incoming data points to the data parameters to obtain comparison results; and, based on the comparison results, (1) rejecting the lumber to a preprogrammed position, (2) feeding the lumber into a saw assembly as positioned, or (3) repositioning the lumber to a more optimal position prior to feeding the lumber to the saw assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a hand held planer (1) for planing a work piece surface comprising a planing tool (41) disposed between a first base (20) and a second base (30,31), the planer (1) being configurable so that it can be moved by hand along the work piece surface with the first base (20) leading and the first (20) and second (30,31) bases guiding the planer (1) along the work piece surface and the planing tool planing off a thickness of the work piece, wherein at least one (30,31) of the bases is an adjustable base such that at least a portion (31) thereof is removable or movable between a position that provides an operable lengthened configuration and a position that provides an operable shortened configuration such that a length of the adjustable base in guiding contact with the work piece surface is reduced or eliminated in the shortened configuration compared to the lengthened configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a composite sandwich panel having a core formed of a plurality of cells extending vertically between a first skin and a second skin. The method includes creating at least one first strip and a second strip from a temporary material, each strip having at least one cavity having a succession of aligned half-cells, lining the cavity of the first strip with a fibrous ply, assembling the first strip and the second strip by interlocking the cavity of the first strip with the cavity of the second strip and trapping the fibrous ply therebetween, and trimming excess temporary material of the entirety of the strips formed during the preceding assembly step so as to form a new cavity which forms a succession of aligned half-cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of a reinforced slab-shaped building element (E) having a length (L), a width (W) and a thickness, said slab-shaped building element (E) comprising an upper concrete plate anchored to a lower concrete plate with a top surface and a bottom surface, said upper concrete plate being cast from relatively higher strength concrete laid out upon said top surface, said lower concrete plate being of a less strong concrete, said lower concrete plate including a base contiguous with a plurality of raised portions integral therewith, said raised portions being spaced apart in the direction of said length (L) and said width (W), said plurality of raised portions defining between them a network of recesses, at least some of said recesses including reinforcing bars (R), said raised portions and said recesses together defining said top surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for scanning a retrieved geological core sample to produce a digital file representing the core sample. Then the digital file is transmitted to a three-dimensional printer that can execute the digital file to make a geologically, chemically, and structurally equivalent replica of the retrieved geological core sample. The three-dimensional printer can optionally combine a base geological material with one or more additives or with an inert binding agent layer by layer as three-dimensional pixels. The replica core sample can then be used for testing or for other purposes at a greatly reduced cost than retrieving multiple actual core samples. Further, the replica core sample can be reproduced at virtually any location rather than transporting an actual core sample.

Abstract: A slurry distribution system can include a feed conduit and a distribution conduit in fluid communication therewith. The feed conduit can include a first feed inlet and a second feed inlet disposed in spaced relationship thereto. The distribution conduit can extend generally along a longitudinal axis and include an entry portion and a distribution outlet in fluid communication therewith. The entry portion is in fluid communication with the first and second feed inlets of the feed conduit. The distribution outlet extends a predetermined distance along a transverse axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The slurry distribution system can be placed in fluid communication with a gypsum slurry mixer adapted to agitate water and calcined gypsum to form an aqueous calcined gypsum slurry.

Abstract: A diameter expansion drill bit used to expand the diameter of a part of a prepared hole bored in a frame by grinding includes: a cutting-blade portion that has a plurality of separate cutting-blade portions; a cutting-blade holding portion that slidably holds the plurality of separate cutting-blade portions in a radial direction; and a shank portion that supports the cutting-blade holding portion. The plurality of separate cutting-blade portions is arranged in a peripheral direction and arranged over a plurality of stages in a shaft direction, and the plurality of separate cutting-blade portions of the respective stages is caused to slide by a centrifugal force resulting from rotation so as to spread to an outside in the radial direction with respect to the cutting-blade holding portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a long-bladed bolster 1, comprising a substantially planar cutting body 2 having one edge formed as a blade 3 of sufficient length so that the blade 3 is arranged in use to be positioned substantially centrally on a concrete masonry unit (CMU) to enable the block to be divided without the bolster 1 requiring repositioning, the bolster having a striking body on a second long edge of the cutting body opposite to the cutting blade configured to receive repeated blows from a striking implement in use and to transmit these through the cutting body to the blade and the bolster having an integral handle that extends from the cutting body and/or striking body of the bolster substantially centrally along the length of the cutting body 2 and substantially orthogonally to the plane thereof.

Abstract: An element for a co-rotating twin screw processor, the element having a lead ‘L’ and at least one continuous flight helically formed thereon and, wherein the flight transforms at least once from a first non-integer lobe flight into a second non-integer lobe flight in a fraction of the lead ‘L’ and transforms back to the first non-integer lobe flight in a fraction of the lead ‘L’.

Abstract: A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite such that the temperature at the inner plane is less than about 130° C. forming an moldable, uncured composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of bi-component binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers, the bi-component fibers containing a core and a sheath. The core contains a polymer having a melting temperature of at least about 180° C. and the sheath contains a polymer having a melting temperature less than about 180 ° C. A process for forming a molded, cured composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer and a molded cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system fabricating composite preforms includes a layer assembly stage with a first stage for receiving new layers, such as layer N; and a second stage for holding up to K layers, such as layers N?1 to N?K. An interlayer reinforcement insertion mechanism inserts interlayer reinforcements Q through layer N and the layers N?1 to N?K, using a first layer spacing between layer N?K and layer N-K?1 in a completed layer stage. Following the interlayer reinforcements Q insertion, the layer assembly stage transfers the layer N?K to the completed layer stage; closes the first layer spacing, bringing layers N?K and N?K?1 into contact; and transfers the layer N to the second stage. The system repeats this cycle of receiving new layers, inserting interlayer reinforcements using layer spacings between the second and completed layer stages, closing these layer spacings, and transferring layers to construct composite preforms with arbitrary numbers of layers.

Abstract: Microneedle devices have projections that are generally sharp and elongated and designed to disrupt the upper layer of the skin, cause micro-indentations, or pierce the skin. High density arrays are produced using micro-fabrication or micro-molding techniques. The assembly of individual needles does not lend itself to the production of high density arrays. A method of forming microneedle arrays is disclosed which comprises attaching a plurality of microneedles to a substrate, and building up a 2-dimensional microneedle array by wrapping layers of the substrate around a core or folding the layers repeatedly back upon themselves. The arrays are capable of needle densities with a pitch within the range of needle radius plus several micrometers to millimeters.

Abstract: A method and/or system for forming a micro-truss structure in an essentially arbitrary shape. A mold that has a transparent portion, and having an interior volume in the desired shape, is filled with photomonomer resin. The material for the transparent portion of the mold is selected to be a material that is index-matched to the photomonomer resin. The filled mold, placed into a bath of transparent fluid index-matched to the transparent portion of the mold, and illuminated, from outside the fluid, through a photomask, with collimated light. The collimated light travels through the photomask forming beams of light that enter the transparent fluid, propagate into the mold, and form a micro-truss structure in the shape of the interior volume of the mold. The micro-truss structure may then be removed from the mold, or part or all of the mold may be left adhered to the micro-truss structure, forming covering face sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a digital fabricating method for constructing 3D structures, comprising the following steps: (a) precursor consist of monomers and photo-initiator is introduced into reaction cell; (b) exposing the precursor to the DLP projector for several times to gain an inhomogeneous sheet; (c) swelling the sheet in solvent to gain 3D structure. The disclosure provides a simple and easy way to produce precise 3D structure.

Abstract: An internal release agent includes at least one phosphodiester represented by the following general formula (1). In the formula, R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, which is optionally substituted with at least one hydroxyl group, and R3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. A plurality of R3's may be the same as or different from each other. M represents a hydrogen atom, an ammonium ion, an alkali metal ion, or a monovalent/divalent alkali earth metal ion, and n is an integer of 1 to 60.

Abstract: A flexible mat forming system may include an elongate, rotatable drum having a plurality of transverse rows of mold cavities about an outer periphery thereof, an elongate hopper positioned adjacent the drum, the hopper shaped to receive a hardenable paste and deposit the hardenable paste along a facing row of the plurality of transverse rows of mold cavities, a spool assembly for feeding a sheet of mesh material between the hopper and the facing row, and a retaining plate extending partially about the outer periphery of the drum and positioned on a downstream side of the elongate hopper, the retaining plate spaced sufficiently close to the outer periphery to retain the mesh material against the outer periphery of the drum and the hardenable paste within the mold cavities adjacent the retaining plate.

Abstract: A compacting and injection mold for a fiber preform is for use in fabricating a turbine engine guide vane out of composite material. The mold includes a shell forming a trough that is to receive the fiber preform and that is closed in leaktight manner by bottom and top covers, compacting blocks arranged inside the trough each having a surface pressing normally against a surface of the fiber preform that is to be compacted, and closure blocks arranged inside the trough. Each closure block has a surface pressing normally against a surface of a compacting block and does not have a surface in contact with the fiber preform.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an emergency lamp switch is provided. The method includes printing a symbol on a film using inks of a plurality of colors and injection-molding an emergency lamp switch body on a symbol print surface of the film. The symbol print surface is transferred to the emergency lamp switch body and the film from the emergency lamp switch body is removed.

Abstract: A microbubble creating method using a forming machine for creating microbubbles by: installed a microbubble generating member in a mold, feed screw or barrel for enabling a perforated tip of the microbubble generating member to be surrounded by the applied fluid polymer so that when a high pressure high temperature gas is delivered through the perforated tip of the microbubble generating member, microbubbles are created with well mixed with the fluid polymer, and the expected foamed polymer product is thus obtained after cooling.

Abstract: A microbubble creating method using a forming machine for creating microbubbles by: installed a microbubble generating member in a mold, feed screw or barrel for enabling a perforated tip of the microbubble generating member to be surrounded by the applied fluid polymer so that when a high pressure high temperature gas is delivered through the perforated tip of the microbubble generating member, microbubbles are created with well mixed with the fluid polymer, and the expected foamed polymer product is thus obtained after cooling.

Abstract: A blemish free surface is formed on the cavity side of a set of mold or die blocks, said set consisting of a core side and a cavity side, by use of a softer alloy on the core side as contrasted to the cavity side so that, during plastic injection molding, the core side will wear at the parting line in preference to the cavity side whereby erosion of the set occurs on the core side in preference to the cavity side leaving the cavity side erosion free.

Abstract: An injection molding machine with an injection system and a clamping system. The injection system may include a removable injection module defining a portion of the material flow path. The injection module may include all of parts that come in contact with the material between the material source and the mold. The injection module may include a valve arrangement movable between a fill position to load the injection module with material and an inject position to eject material from the injection module into the mold. The actuators for the injection module may be supported on the machine rather than the injection module. The clamping system may include a platen linear actuator to open and close the mold, and a hydraulic clamping system to apply clamping force to the closed mold. The hydraulic clamping system may include a free-float valve manifold assembly that selectively places the hydraulic cylinders in free-float mode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the flakes through a PET crystallizer; (E) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 18 millibars; (F) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (G) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.

Abstract: A method of forming a conduit having at least one strip-shaped fabric substrate dividing the conduit into channels. The method contains obtaining an extrusion die configured to form the wall of the conduit and a slot configured for receipt of a strip-shaped fabric substrate and introducing a strip-shaped fabric substrate into the slot. The strip-shaped textile is air permeable and contains enlarged regions at the first and second longitudinal edges. Molten polymer is introduced at a first point in the extrusion die and at the first point the slot and the area configured to form the wall of the conduit are not in communication. The slot is exposed to the molten polymer at a point between the first point and the die exit forming the first polymeric layer of the conduit such that the first longitudinal and second longitudinal edges of the strip-shaped fabric substrate embed into the molten polymer.

Abstract: An Extruder for shaping a viscous material such as a blend of rubber is disclosed herein. The extruder includes a screw rotationally driven about an axis (XX?) in a barrel and bearing one or more helical flights extending radially outwards from a central shaft of the screw, the extruder comprising a material homogenization zone (H) through which a screw portion comprising interrupted flight elements forming empty annular spaces extends axially, and a barrel portion delimiting the said homogenization zone bearing flight elements extending radially inwards into the said empty annular spaces. According to the disclosure, the barrel portion delimiting the homogenization zone is itself rotationally driven about the axis XX? to form a rotary barrel.

Abstract: A method of forming a blow molded container in the form of a tub, the method comprising the steps of: providing an injection molded preform composed of a biaxially-orientable thermoplastic material, the preform being substantially planar; heating the preform; and stretch blow molding the heated preform within a mold cavity to form a tub having a bottom wall and an annular sidewall having an upper edge, the tub comprising biaxially oriented thermoplastic material in the annular sidewall and at least an outer portion of the bottom wall, the stretch blow molding step using at least one stretch rod to engage an inner side of the preform and axially to stretch at least a part of the preform prior to blowing a pressurized gas against the inner side which urges the opposite side of the preform radially outwardly against the mold.

Abstract: A drape forming apparatus for that includes a forming tool including an upper forming surface and a side forming surface extending from the upper forming surface. The forming tool receives a layer of composite material over the upper forming surface. The apparatus includes a flange forming device including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a receiving slot defined therebetween. The receiving slot receives a flange portion of the layer of composite material, and the flange forming device is translatable relative to the forming tool such that the flange portion of the layer of composite material is withdrawn from the receiving slot and draped over the side forming surface. The apparatus includes a pressurized bladder that extends over the forming tool and the upper plate. The pressurized bladder forces the flange portion against the side forming surface as the flange forming device translates relative to the forming tool.

Abstract: A tank production system and method that can suppress peeling of normally wound fibers when fibers not wound at predetermined position are peeled off. The system includes a rotation unit that rotates a liner, a storage unit that has recorded thereon the number of revolutions of the liner, and a detection unit that detects abnormality in the position of the fibers wound on the outer periphery of the liner. The rotation unit, when abnormality in the position of the fibers is detected by the detection unit, refers to the number of revolutions of the liner recorded on the storage unit and rotates the liner in an opposite direction to the direction in which the fibers are wound, back to the number of revolutions of the liner at a point when the winding of fibers to form a fiber layer, which includes the fibers detected at the abnormal position, has started.

Abstract: A method for embossing a structure material on a substrate disposed within a device having side walls, a base plate and a cover that define a working space that is isolated from a surrounding environment. The method includes the steps of: a) moving the substrate using a first calibration means and aligning the substrate with an application means, b) applying the structure material to the substrate, c) moving the substrate using a second calibration means that is located at least partially in the working space wherein the substrate is disposed within the working space and is aligned with an embossing means that is located at least partially in the working space, and d) embossing the structure material on the substrate while the substrate is in the working space using the embossing means, wherein the working space has a defined atmosphere, before and during the step of embossing, without interruption.