Abstract: Disclosed herein is a motion control apparatus of an action robot including an audio playback controller configured to process sound data and control output of a speaker to play back sound corresponding to the sound data based on a result of processing, and a processor configured to acquire motion data corresponding to music, generate a motion control command based on the acquired motion data, and convert the generated motion control command according to a protocol corresponding to an action robot to be controlled.

Abstract: The image processing device according to the invention includes: a first acquisition unit to acquire a captured image; a display control unit to display a setting screen to allow to user to set an image processing area, which is an area where predetermine image processing is performed, in the image acquired by the first acquisition unit on a display device; and a second acquisition unit configured to acquire movable range information indicating a movable range of a working device, operations of which are controlled on the basis of a result of the predetermined image processing. The display control unit controls the display of the setting screen so as to cause the user to identify a range in which the working device is not able to operate in the image, on the basis of the movable range information acquired by the second acquisition unit.

Abstract: A positioning and navigation method for a robot includes: receiving point cloud information of a current position and information of a target position sent by a robot, wherein the point cloud information of the current position is updated in real time; determining the current position of the robot according to the point cloud information; planning a plurality of motion paths according to the current position and the target position; searching for an optimal path among the plurality of motion paths by a predetermined heuristic search algorithm; and sending the current position of the robot and the optimal path to the robot, such that the robot moves according to the optimal path.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display, a communicator configured to perform communication with a plurality of music bots, and a controller configured to extract sound source characteristic information from each of a plurality of previously divided sound source tracks configuring music, generate a plurality of control commands for controlling operation of the plurality of music bots using the extracted sound source characteristic information, and transmit each of the plurality of generated control commands to each of the plurality of music bots through the communicator.

Abstract: Underactuated robotic manipulators may include a plurality of links rotatably or rigidly coupled to one another at a plurality of joints. The links may include driven links that are driven to grasp an object to be held, driving links that are actuated by an actuator to drive movement of the driven links, and a plurality of connecting links that couple the driving links to the driven links. Such manipulators may include a plurality of driven links and associated touch points, and a plurality of independent degrees of freedom, and be driven by a single actuator, making them underactuated.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism includes an inclined surface, a rolling element, and a facing gripping part. The inclined surface is a surface inclined to a vertical direction. The rolling element freely rolls obliquely upward and downward on the inclined surface. The facing gripping part is arranged to face the inclined surface and forms an opening space with an end of the inclined surface, the opening space being narrower than a diameter of the rolling element. The rolling element includes: a core member forming a core of the rolling element; an annular member that is provided around the core member and has elasticity; and a plurality of ribs each of which is interposed between an outer periphery of the core member and an inner periphery of the annular member, and forms a gap between the core member and the annular member.

Abstract: A locking mechanism (6) of the robot arm coupling device (1) includes: a concave engagement portion (3a) on the master plate (3); convex engagement portion (4a) on the tool plate (4) for inserting into the concave engagement portion (3a); a plurality of steel balls (16) installed at an external circumferential wall portion (15) of the concave engagement portion (3a), and are capable of being changed over between locking positions and unlocking positions; and an annular fluid pressure cylinder (20) capable of changing over the positions of the plurality of steel balls (16); and a space is defined more radially inward than the plurality of steel balls (16) and the fluid pressure cylinder (20).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing dynamic vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a first vacuum source for providing a first vacuum pressure with a first maximum air flow rate, and a second vacuum source for providing a second vacuum pressure with a second maximum air flow rate, wherein the second vacuum pressure is higher than the first vacuum pressure and wherein the second maximum air flow rate is greater than the first maximum air flow rate.

Abstract: A suction device that holds a member by suction in a stable manner is provided. The suction device includes a columnar main body, a flat end face formed on the main body, a concave part formed in the end face, a fluid flow-forming means for forming a fluid swirl flow in the concave part by discharging fluid into the concave part, the fluid swirl flow generating negative pressure that applies suction to a member, and a linear guide groove formed on the end surface along a direction in which the fluid discharged into the concave part flows out of the concave part.

Abstract: A remote arm for a manipulator is disclosed, which has a boom tube having a distal end and housing a mechanical communication chain. A floating gearbox assembly is coupled to the boom tube and has an outer framework rigidly coupled to the distal end of the boom tube. An inner framework is retained by the outer framework and is rotatable relative to the outer framework. A drive gear is disposed in the inner framework. which is in mechanical communication with the mechanical communication chain. A wrist joint has a wrist joint housing and an output gear is disposed in the wrist joint housing, where the wrist joint housing is configured to detachably couple to the outer framework. The output gear is configured to mechanically communicate with the drive gear when the wrist joint housing is coupled to the outer framework.

Abstract: An articulated robot having an arm, a drive motor for driving the arm, a gas spring for supporting a load acting on the arm to reduce a load of the drive motor and a control unit for controlling the drive motor. The control unit has a function of estimating a decrease state of a gas sealed inside the gas spring based on an actual current value of the drive motor obtained at a stop position at which the drive motor is operated and stopped in an energized state. Thus, the decrease state of the gas sealed inside the gas spring can be estimated based on the current value of a servo motor without causing decline in operation rate of the robot and the like.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a method for charging a robot and apparatus thereof. The invention according to the environment map and robot self-positioning information which is the position and orientation of the robot in the environment map, moves the robot to a position near a potential or registered charging pile; uses acquisition apparatuses such as laser to carry out line extraction of the structural data of the identification when the robot moves to short-range pile-searching connecting area, and combines with the preset structural data of the identification template, to carry out the recognition of the charging pile, after the collected structural data of the identification and the structural data of the identification template satisfy the preset matching degree, then the charging pile can be connected to the robot for charging.

Abstract: A sortation system is disclosed that includes a programmable motion device including an end effector, a perception system for recognizing any of the identity, location, and orientation of an object presented in a plurality of objects, a grasp selection system for selecting a grasp location on the object, the grasp location being chosen to provide a secure grasp of the object by the end effector to permit the object to be moved from the plurality of objects to one of a plurality of destination locations, and a motion planning system for providing a motion path for the transport of the object when grasped by the end effector from the plurality of objects to the one of the plurality of destination locations, wherein the motion path is chosen to provide a path from the plurality of objects to the one of the plurality of destination locations.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver generally includes a handle assembly having a longitudinal axis, and a head assembly attached to the handle assembly. The head assembly includes a plurality of outer cutters and a plurality of inner cutters, and a tray on which hair cut by a first one of the pairs of cooperating cutters is permitted to commingle with hair cut by a second one of the pairs of cooperating cutters. The head assembly is pivotably mounted on the head assembly mount such that the head assembly is capable of pivoting movement relative to the handle assembly about the entire circumference of the head assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stationary blade (42) for a blade set (26) of a hair cutting appliance (10), said blade set (26) being arranged to be moved through hair in a moving direction to cut hair, said stationary blade (42) comprising a support insert (70), and a metal component (68) at least sectionally deformed to define a toothed leading edge (32, 34) having double-walled stationary blade teeth (44), wherein the metal component (68) forms a first wall (100) that is arranged to serve as a skin-facing wall when in operation, and a second wall (102) that is facing away from the first wall (100), wherein the first wall (100) and the second wall (102) are joined at the toothed leading edge (32, 34), wherein the support insert (70) connects the first wall (100) and the second wall (102), wherein the metal component (68) is held in place by the support insert (70), and wherein the metal component (68) and the support insert (70) jointly form a guide slot (60) for a movable blade (62).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hair cutting appliance (10), a blade set (20) for a hair cutting appliance (10), and to an integrally formed metal-plastic composite stationary blade (22) for said blade set (20).

Abstract: A compact shaving device comprising: a substantially flat sliding member to which at least a razor blade is connected which is partly projectable therefrom; a substantially flat holder which is arranged to enable the sliding member longitudinally slidable therein to be moved to desired positions; and control elements having a manually operable knob and means, which are accommodated in the holder and connected to said knob, by means of which the sliding member can be moved in the longitudinal direction, causing the said razor blade to be positioned in adjustable sliding positions.

Abstract: A pivotal neck type razor includes a holder having a top end, and a razor head attached to the holder. The razor head includes a blade assembly, an elastic support body, and a connection unit that is continuous with the top end of the holder. The elastic support body includes a support portion that supports the blade assembly and a flexible portion located between the support portion and the connection unit. The blade assembly is urged by the flexible portion of the elastic support body to be stationary at a neutral position. The blade assembly is movable to at least one movement position from the neutral position against an urging force of the flexible portion.

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and a return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element provides resistance during shaving and positions the blade unit in a rest position when not in use.

Abstract: Pipe cutting tool (1) comprising a stationary knife (12) fixed in a first plane to a frame (11), and a translatable knife (14) which can be slidably moved along knife translation paths (113) arranged in a second plane of said frame (11), wherein the knives (12, 14) and the frame (11) delimit a central frame aperture (114), as the frame aperture (114) forms a passageway for a pipe (2) to be cut, the translatable knife (14) being arranged diametrically opposite the stationary knife (12), the knives (12, 14) having curved knives edges (121, 141) with a curvature smaller or equal to a nearby section of an inner pipe wall (24) of the pipe (2) to be cut, each of the knives (12, 14) covering a sector of up to 180°, each of the curved knives edges (121, 141) being limited by lateral edges (123, 143) having a direction deviating from adjacent sections of the curved knives edges (121, 141), and the translatable knife (14) is connected to the frame (11) via e linear actuator system (16).

Abstract: A notching apparatus for notching an object comprises a movable notching head including two or more profiled slots, shaped and sized to receive a portion of the object, a notching tool coupled to the notching head for cutting a notch in the object when received within one of the profiled slots, a notching actuator connected to the notching tool for moving the tool relative to the head, and a multi-axis positioning device for positioning the notching head relative to the object to be notched so as to align one of the two or more profiled slots with the object to be notched.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of puncher, specifically involving EG-1680 Three hole electric puncher, including the base, punching device, rotating shaft and drive unit; there are at least 2 sets of said punching devices, including the support frame arranged on the base and the punching assembly that moves up and down along the said support frame; the said rotating shaft can be connected with the support frame through rotation; the rotating shaft is furnished with appropriate eccentric cams that drive the punching assembly to move up and down; the staggered arrangement of eccentric cams enables the punching assemblies to asynchronously move up and down during the rotation of rotating shaft; the said drive unit is designed to drive the rotating shaft to rotate; the asynchronous vertical motion of various punching assemblies helps to save labor, thereby alleviating the requirements for motor output power and gear strength; this product is compact in structure, easy to use, cost effective,

Abstract: A film cutting apparatus includes: a punch plate including a first punch protruded on an upper surface and a second punch protruded on a lower surface; a first die plate having a first hole corresponding to the first punch, the first die plate providing a surface on which a film is provided; a second die plate having a second hole corresponding to the second punch, the second die plate providing a surface on which a film is provided; at least two guide bars penetrating the first die plate and the punch plate and fixed to the second die plate; a first elastic member between the first die plate and the punch plate; a second elastic member between the punch plate and the second die plate; and an elevator configured to press the first die plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for treating lignocellulosic material, preferably wood, comprising the following successive steps: (1) extracting lignin by a fluid in supercritical or subcritical phase to extract 40 to 85% by weight % of the lignin of the initial material; (2) filling by a filling compound, preferably in the presence of a fluid in supercritical or subcritical phase; and (3) finishing, so as to obtain a composite material formed by a three-dimensional network of filling compound that is transformed and incorporated in a network of cellulose and lignin.

Abstract: This disclosure describes volumetric mobile powder mixer (VMPM) systems and methods for VMPM operation and use. The VMPM is providing with a number of storage compartments (or bins) for liquid or solid ingredients including at least one powder storage bin, a powder transport system, a dust handling system, a solid/liquid mixing system, a cellular foam generator, a product delivery system, and a controller capable of monitoring the delivery and mixing of each of the ingredients, as well as the discharge of the final product. The controller determines if the proper mixture is being discharged by the VMPM and, if not, alerts the VMPM operator. In an automated embodiment, the VMPM controller is also configured to independently control the delivery and mixing of each of the ingredients, as well as the delivery of the final product.

Abstract: A power tool including a rotatable support for supporting at least one cutting disc and being configured to be rotatably driven by an electric motor; a shroud for restricting the path of debris generated and defining a shroud outlet opening through which debris can be sucked by a vacuum device; a sub-volume within the shroud, an outlet from the sub-volume in fluid communication with the shroud outlet opening and an inlet thereto distal to the shroud outlet opening in fluid communication with remaining volume in the shroud. The inlet to the sub-volume and the outlet from the sub-volume extend along first and second axes in different planes. A conduit defining the sub-volume is configured so debris sucked through the sub-volume undergoes a change in direction by riding along a curved wall of the conduit providing that debris exits the sub-volume travelling along a direction substantially parallel with the second axis.

Abstract: Provided is a glass film manufacturing method in which manufacture-related processing is performed on a glass film while the glass film (G) is conveyed, the glass film manufacturing method comprising the step of conveying the glass film (G) on a suction roller (46), wherein the suction roller (46a) is configured to suck only a center portion of the glass film in a width direction of the glass film (G).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved poly(arylene ether ketone) powders for use in laser sintering.

Abstract: Heating apparatus and methods for forming a part with a non-planar shape include a table formed of a thermally conductive material and defining a table surface. A tool, also formed of a thermally conductive material, has a base surface configured to engage the table surface of the table and a tooling surface opposite the base surface, wherein the tooling surface has a contoured shape that is non-planar. A heating blanket is provided above the table and defines a heating surface. The tooling surface of the tool is configured to engage a first surface of the part and the heating surface of the heating blanket is configured to engage a second surface of the part opposite the first surface of the part. The table and the heating blanket are heated to a processing temperature so that the part at least partially conforms to the tooling surface of the tool.

Abstract: Heating apparatus and methods for thermally processing a part including improved control of temperature. A thermal management system is coupled to a back surface of a table thermally coupled to an inductive heating circuit. The thermal management system includes a chamber defining an interior space, at least one cooling fin disposed within the chamber, an inlet extending through the chamber and fluidly communicating with the interior space, and an outlet extending through the chamber and fluidly communicating with the interior space. In some applications, an air source fluidly communicates with the inlet and is selectively operable to generate an air flow through the chamber, so that the thermal management system may be selectively operated in an insulator mode and a cooling mode.

Abstract: A plastic molded product includes a plastic body provided with a plurality of holes, which are recessed in a common depth direction, on a surface of the plastic body. The holes include: an inner surface including an inlet a specific reference plane perpendicular to the depth direction and including at least a portion of the inlet and a depth reference point, which is spaced away from a center point on an inlet side of the specific reference plane toward a bottom side of the hole, the depth reference point being spaced away by a distance equal to ¼ of a maximum value of an inlet side bore diameter on the specific reference plane. A deepmost portion of the inner surface of the hole is in a position which coincides with the reference point or is deeper than the reference point toward the bottom side.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite member according to one aspect of the disclosure includes: a step of forming a substrate sheet by forming a coating layer on a first surface of a resin sheet and drying the substrate sheet by heat; a step of molding the substrate sheet by use of a first mold by heating the substrate sheet; and a step of forming a foaming resin layer on a second surface of the resin sheet by use of a second mold after the substrate sheet is molded, the second surface being an opposite side from the first surface of the resin sheet.

Abstract: A foam molding method includes: sealing a core material and a skin material with a sealing part; and molding a foam layer on the inside of the sealing part. The sealing of the core material and the skin material with the sealing part includes sealing the core material and the skin material so that the sealing part includes a self sealing part for which an edge part of the skin material is housed in a recess provided in the core material, a clamp sealing part sealed by clamping the core material and the edge part of the skin material by foam molding molds, and a crimp sealing part arranged in a switchover part between the clamp sealing part and the self sealing part, and sealed by crimping the edge part of the skin material to the core material.

Abstract: An interior part for a vehicle is formed by core-back expansion molding. The interior part includes a foamed plastic body formed by injecting a foamable plastic resin into a mold and separating the mold portions of the mold to allow foaming expansion of the foamable plastic resin. An edge portion of the foamed plastic body includes a projecting freeze section and a core-back expansion radius located adjacent to the projecting freeze section. The projecting freeze section is formed in a freeze seal area of the mold adjacent a parting line to help prevent excessive flashing of material at the parting line during separation.

Abstract: A plug-in connector produced by injection molding a plastic material and having an internal channel for a fluid and having three main sections situated axially one behind the other. The plug-in connector has a gate point on its outer circumference solely on one side and a mass distribution of the plastic material that is radially asymmetrical with respect to the circumference and which is present in at least one of the main sections of the shaped part. A method for the production of the plug-in connector is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-finished product and a method for manufacturing a semi-finished product having at least one micro-component, which method uses a multi-component injection molding process, are disclosed, in which at least one mold chamber of an injection mold is provided with at least one lost part made of a first material, more particularly an injection-molded plastic material, and in another step for producing the micro-component, a second material, which is different from the first material and is elastomer-based, more particularly silicone-based, is injected, as a result of which a firm and form-fitting connection forms between the micro-component and the lost part. In order to be able to achieve advantageous cycle times in a risk-free way, it is proposed for the lost part to be embodied as a macroscopic object holder for the micro-component to permit manipulation of the semi-finished product and for the mold chamber to be provided with this lost part.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens mold having a front surface comprising a lens forming portion and a rear surface, comprises a first molding tool and a second molding tool. The first and second molding tools are movable towards and away from each other between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the first mold forming portion of the first molding tool and the second mold forming portion of the second molding tool define a cavity between them corresponding in shape to the shape of the ophthalmic lens mold. The surface of the second mold forming portion, at least in a central zone thereof, has a surface roughness Sa in the range of 0.3 ?m to 2 ?m, and a surface roughness Sz in the range of 10 ?m to 50 ?m.

Abstract: An injection mold, in particular for encapsulating rotors of electric machines, has a mold, wherein the mold has an arrangement of mold segments. The arrangement forms, along a longitudinal axis, a cavity for a component to be arranged. An exchange unit is provided, which is designed to remove at least one mold segment from and/or insert at least one mold segment into the arrangement, with the result that a size of the cavity can be changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a shell, comprising a decorative film, implementing a first step of molding a plastic material so as to form a first element. The invention is characterized in that the manufacturing process implements a second step that consists in applying a decorative film against a front face of the first element, then a third step of overmolding a plastic material over at least one portion of the decorative film and of the first element so as to hold the detective film between the first element and a second element of the shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the generation of virtual three-dimensional patterns in mouldings, in particular to a reactive injection-moulding process for the production of mouldings having a virtual three-dimensional pattern which is formed by flake-form effect pigments, to the mouldings produced by means of this process, and to the use thereof, in particular for decorative purposes.

Abstract: An injection mold including a gate and a cavity, where a weld portion is formed inside the cavity by injecting molten resin containing reinforcing fibers from the gate into the cavity; a cavity surface of the injection mold has a plurality of ridge portions 140 on a downstream side in a resin flow direction of the cavity, where the ridge portions extend in a direction intersecting a weld extending direction of the weld portion and protrude into the cavity; and the plurality of ridge portions are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction intersecting the weld extending direction and are arranged at intervals from each other in the weld extending direction.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material with micro air holes is provided. The method comprises the following steps: (1) is feeding liquid raw materials such as diisocyanate molecules and solid additives into a double-screw reactor to trigger a polymerization type chain extension reaction and then obtain a macromolecular weight hot melt. (2) is pushing the macromolecular weight hot melt into a mixing extruder and allowing the reaction to continue to obtain a macromolecular thermoplastic polyurethane melt. (3) is continuously adding the obtained macromolecular thermoplastic polyurethane melt together with polymer particles into a foaming extruder, and extruding the high-pressure hot melt from a mold head into an underwater granulation chamber. (4) is delivering the particles obtained after granulation into a separator by process water via a multi-stage pressure-release process water pipeline, separating, screening and drying the required particles to obtain the target product.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a carrier material for producing a carrier for a decorated wall or floor panel, wherein the carrier material comprises a matrix material having a plastic, a solid material and a fiber material, wherein the solid material is formed by an inorganic material in a proportion of at least 50 wt. %, in particular at least 80 wt. %, in particular at least 95 wt. % in relation to the solid material, wherein the matrix material is present in a quantity of ?20 wt. % to ?60 wt. %, in particular ?28 wt. % to ?48 wt. %, in particular ?35 wt. % to ?41 wt. % in relation to the carrier material, and wherein the solid material is present in a quantity of ?25 wt. % to ?65 wt. %, in particular ?33 wt. % to ?53 wt. %, in particular ?40 wt. % to ?46 wt. % in relation to the carrier material, and wherein the fiber material is present in a quantity of >1 wt. % to ?35 wt. %, in particular ?7 wt. % to ?30 wt. %, approximately ?14 wt. % to ?21 wt.

Abstract: A rubber sheet monitoring apparatus (1) comprises a first imaging unit (11), a second imaging unit (2), a first generation unit (142) and a second calculation unit (146). The first imaging unit successively acquires images of a first optical cutting edge (CL1) formed on a front surface of a rubber sheet (6). The second imaging unit successively acquires images of a second optical cutting edge (CL2) formed on a back surface of the rubber sheet. The first generation unit performs, for each of the successively acquired images of the first optical cutting edge, generation of first data (D1) representing height variation of a widthwise cross-sectional edge of the rubber sheet using the image of the first optical cutting edge, and performs, for each of the successively obtained images of the second optical cutting edge, generation of second data (D2) representing height variation of a widthwise cross-sectional edge of the rubber sheet using the image of the second optical cutting edge.

Abstract: A blow molding, filling and closing process and container product produced accordingly, in particular an ampoule product. A blow molding, filling and closing process for producing a filled and closed container product that can be stored as well, in particular in the form of an ampoule product which is formed from a plastic material and has a single-layer container wall or ampoule wall and which, during initial use, permits the withdrawal, in particular for an oral use of the product content, by opening at least one withdrawal opening for withdrawal purposes, is characterized in that plastic materials suitable for the process are selected which are tasteless and/or odorless or essentially tasteless and/or odorless in interaction with the contents of the container before and during use and which retain this tastelessness and/or odorlessness even after prolonged storage.

Abstract: A method for producing pipettes (110, 111, 112) is provided. The method includes extruding a polymer melt into at least one mold segment of a mold assembly (120) having a plurality of mold segments to form a parison (50) or preform, wherein the plurality of mold segments (122) comprise cavities (42) that are shaped to form pipettes when in communication with the cavity of an adjacent mold segment; forming at least two pipettes in the shape of the mold segment cavities by blow-molding or vacuum forming the parison or preform, each of the at least two pipettes having proximal and distal ends; heating the pipettes to form a locally heated portion of the at least two pipettes; and separating the pipettes by cutting the locally heated portion of the at least two pipettes with separation feature (64, 66, 194, 196).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an aromatic polycarbonate prepared by the transesterification of a bisphenol and a diaryl carbonate and having a viscosity average molecular weight, Mv, of from 22000 to 32000 g/mol, a polydispersity, defined as Mw/Mn, of from 1.8-3.2, a melt-flow index of from 3.0-10 g/10 min as determined in accordance with ASTM D 1238 (1.2 kg, 300° C.), an amount of Fries branching of from 750 to 2500 ppm, for the manufacture of bottles having a volume of at least 15 liter by means of an injection blow moulding or an extrusion blow moulding process.

Abstract: A liquid-containing container manufacturing method includes: a liquid blow molding step of, in a state in which a reversal panel formation part forms a convex surface projecting toward inside of a cavity, supplying a pressurized liquid into a preform placed inside a cavity, to mold the preform into a container including a reversal panel; and a headspace formation step of pressing the container by a press part to reverse the reversal panel, and thereafter releasing press by the press part to increase a volume of the container and thereby form a headspace.

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic structure may include an inwardly extending portion with an undercut. The inwardly extending portion may be disposed in an outer surface of the blow-molded plastic structure and the undercut may be disposed in the inwardly extending portion. The structure may be formed by placing a tool in a mold, forming a parison of molten plastic, disposing the parison of molten plastic in the mold, closing the mold around the parison of molten plastic, inflating the parison, and creating an inwardly extending portion with an undercut with the tool during the blow-molding process. The tool used to create the undercut in a blow-molded plastic structure may include a base, one or more guides, and one or more fingers movable relative to the base between a molding position and a release position. The fingers may include an elongated body and an outwardly extending portion.

Abstract: A tape application device (1) comprises a tube holder (9), a roll retainer (11), guide means (35) for guiding a tape (3) from the inside (7a) of a roll (7) to the outside of a tube (5) and displacement means for rotating around an imaginary axis and translating in the direction of the imaginary axis the tube holder, roll retainer and guide means relative to each other, such that the tape is pulled out of the roll on the inside and is helically wound on the outside of the tube. The roll retainer (11) has support means (26) which support the roll only on the outside, which support means are formed by suction cups (27). The guide means (35) are formed by a resilient helical tape guide (37) which, during operation, resiliently pushes with one end (37a) against the inside (7a) of the roll (7) and with the other end (7b) is present close to the tube (5).