Abstract: A method is disclosed of controlling a plant for dehumidifying and/or drying plastic material in granular and/or micro-granular and/or powder and/or flake or similar form, this plant including a process fluid generator and at least one dehumidifying/drying hopper for feeding a respective user machine associated with the plant and including a melting device for melting the plastic material and a moulding device for moulding, in particular by injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or compression moulding, the plastic material. The method of controlling includes the steps of detecting in the user machine a pressure (Ppwp) of the plastic material in melted state and modifying at least one process parameter (Dp) of the plant on the basis of the detected value of this pressure (Ppwp).

Abstract: An impregnated fibrous material comprising a fibrous material made of continuous fiber and at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix, wherein the at least one thermoplastic polymer is an non-reactive amorphous polymer, the glass transition temperature of which is such that Tg?80° C., or a non-reactive semi-crystalline polymer, the melting temperature of which is Tf?150° C., the fiber volume ratio is constant in at least 70% of the volume of the tape or ribbon, the fiber ratio in the pre-impregnated fibrous material ranging from 45 to 65% by volume, the porosity rate in the pre-impregnated fibrous material being less than 10%.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a flow of a material through a vehicle component. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a plurality of baffle layers, each baffle layer of the plurality of baffle layers having a contour, wherein at least one space between at least some of the plurality of baffle layers defines at least one flow path. The apparatus may also include a first plurality of spacers positioned in the at least one flow path, the first plurality of spacers having one or more hydrodynamic properties determined based on a first plurality of dimensions, the one or more hydrodynamic properties determining, at least in part, a second flow property of the at least one flow path.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite molded body includes a first step of introducing an FRP base material into a mold via a slit part provided in the mold, and inserting the FRP base material along a mold cavity; and a second step of injecting a molten thermoplastic resin composition A into the mold cavity to form the FRP base material into a three-dimensional shape and integrate the injected thermoplastic resin composition A and the FRP base material. The method makes it possible to easily and accurately mold a composite molded body of which a desired portion is efficiently and accurately reinforced in the same mold.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a mold, the mold having at its surface a plurality of recessed portions whose two-dimensional size is not less than 10 nm and less than 500 nm when viewed in a direction normal to the surface, the method including: (a) providing a mold base, (b) partially anodizing an aluminum alloy layer, thereby forming a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions; and (c) after step (b), bringing the porous alumina layer into contact with a first etching solution, thereby enlarging the plurality of minute recessed portions of the porous alumina layer. Step (a) of providing the mold base includes (a1) providing a metal base, (a2) forming an aluminum alloy layer on the metal base, and (a3) forming a surface protection layer on the aluminum alloy layer. Step (a2) and step (a3) are performed in a same chamber.

Abstract: Polymer-based molds are described. The polymer-based mold includes a first portion comprising a first material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) lower than about 80° C.; and a second portion comprising a second material having a Tg higher than about 80° C., wherein the second portion at least partially covers the first portion, the second portion is thinner than the first portion and faces a cavity in the polymeric mold.

Abstract: A holder to facilitate optical data acquisition includes a float portion that extends from a handle portion to at least partially support the handle portion with respect to a surface of the liquid modeling impression material. A method of optical data acquisition includes communicating a liquid modeling impression material into a non-line of sight feature of a workpiece and immersing a portion of a holder into the liquid modeling impression material.

Abstract: A plurality of molded cover members are manufactured by first singulating a single sheet of cover material, such as glass, into a plurality of separate, discrete cover members, placing the cover members in spaced-apart positions on a releaseable carrier, and applying a molded material to the perimeter of each cover member. The molded material can be applied by a blanket molding technique whereby gaps between adjacent cover members are filled, and then the cover members are singulated, leaving a portion of the cover material on the perimeter of each cover member, and then the singulated, molded cover members are released from the releasable carrier. Alternatively, the molded material is applied by a patterned molding technique whereby molding material is applied to the perimeter of each cover member without fully filling the gaps between adjacent cover members, and then the molded cover members are released from the releasable carrier.

Abstract: A process for making a three dimensional foam article of non-uniform shape employs a two-stage nitrogen autoclave process and a pre-form which has a non-uniform cross-section in at least one dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming an ophthalmic lens that can include a media insert and/or electronic components. In particular, the present disclosure provides for adhesion promoting functionalization steps for a biocompatible coating to bind a hydrogel material to a plastic surface or electronic component prior to the polymerization of the hydrogel. In some aspects, the media insert can be used to contain energy sources and/or functional electronic components which may be, for example, in a stacked integrated component configuration to permit a generally arcuate shape that can conform to the anterior surface of an eye.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam backing suitable for making a coated abrasive article is disclosed. The polyurethane foam backing has a textured surface bearing an array of raised features and land areas. The array's geometry is designed such that a 90 degree peel force to remove a production tooling having a contacting surface bearing a plurality of microreplicated mold cavities from the textured surface is accept able.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for on-line internal siliconing of glass bottles including a baking station for baking the siliconed bottles; wherein a siliconing station includes a support designed to selectively receive one bottle at a time, an injection device facing towards an inlet opening of the bottle, a mobile device for selectively blocking the injector against the inlet opening, a selective feeding device for feeding filtered compressed air and liquid silicone to the injector, the injector provided at the front, towards the support, with a drainage channel communicating with the inlet opening; an emitter to send towards a sensor and through the bottle on the support a beam of electromagnetic radiation; and a control unit to selectively inject into the bottle a mixture of silicone and compressed air and to process a signal emitted by the sensor to control the feeding device and/or a manipulator to discard defective bottles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a battery pack including plate-shaped battery cells arranged on a plane so that electrode terminals thereof face each other, including: (a) a process of electrically connecting electrode terminals of battery cells to an electrode terminal connecting portion of a protection circuit board (PCB); (b) a process of mounting the battery cells connected to the PCB in a mold provided with two or more injection holes for a thermoplastic resin; (c) a process of injecting a thermoplastic resin through the injection holes to form a molding frame made of thermoplastic resin on an outer periphery of the PCB and the battery cells; and (d) a process of solidifying the molding frame.

Abstract: A stainless steel and synthetic resin composite molded body and preparation method thereof. After the surface of the flat and even stainless steel had anchor effect, it was connected with various synthetic resin pieces by means of insertion molding. Regardless of the material of the stainless steel piece, the indenting test proved that the strength, of over 15 N/mm2 after connection enabled stable tightness. With insertion molding of the stainless steel piece having anchor effect in the present invention, composite molded products comprising various resin parts can be produced if no displacement or height difference occurs.

Abstract: A tool for installing a liquid shim material into a clearance formed between an assembly first and second component includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a planar surface and the second end includes a first surface and a second surface arranged at an angle to the first end and to one another. At least one hole is formed in the body. The at least one hole extends from the first end to the second end and is configured to provide a passageway through the body. The tool is arranged adjacent the assembled first and second component such that the passageway formed by the at least one hole is arranged in fluid communication with the clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, and a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane. The positioning assembly further includes a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly. The brake assembly is configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device for a rotatable center block in an injection molding device, comprising a lower rotary plate rotatable about an axis of rotation and driven by a motor, the lower rotary plate being used for retaining the rotatable center block. The retaining device comprises a lower cross member, which is mounted movably in the longitudinal direction (x) on guide rails while supported on a machine bed of the injection molding device by means of first bearing blocks. The retaining device can have two bearing blocks, by means of which the lower cross member is supported in the circumferential direction relative to lower beams of the injection molding device. For a further increase in efficiency, the center block has a main body made of a material of lower density than a coupling plate operatively connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping apparatus of an injection molding machine, comprising: a fixed template; a moving template moving back and forth relative to the fixed template; a plurality of flanges provided with a template fastening hole extending in the horizontal direction so as to be fixed to the fixed template; and a plurality of booster cylinders fixedly mounted on the plurality of flanges and guiding the back and forth movement of the movable template, wherein the fixed template has a plurality of ribs, projecting outward, installed on one surface thereof, each of the plurality of ribs is provided with a seating groove that is depressed inward, and each of the plurality of flanges is disposed in the seating groove to adjust the coupling positions of the plurality of booster cylinders with respect to the fixed template.

Abstract: In order to calculate a ball screw abrasion amount of an injection-axis ball screw or a mold-clamping-axis ball screw, a position of a ball nut fitted to the ball screw is photographed by a camera installed in an injection molding machine. Then, if the photographed position of the ball nut is found, as a result of analysis of an image captured by the camera, to be deviated from the position of the ball nut when a ball screw has no abrasion, it is determined that the ball screw is abraded.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing liquid-contents-filled containers (22) from preforms (1) by contents being introduced into the preform (1) under a filling pressure, wherein the contents are placed under pressure by a pressure pump (7) and are introduced into the preform (1) at a molding and filling station (3) by a filling valve (6). A pressure accumulator (10) arranged between the pressure pump (7) and the filling valve (6) is subjected to pressure and is filled with a volume of contents by the pressure pump (7).

Abstract: Electrically powered crimp tools are described. Also described are methods of operating the tools and methods of crimping. The tools include a housing, an electric motor, a roller screw assembly, and a jaw assembly. In particular versions of the tools the jaw assembly includes a cam linkage member that is manually displaced by a user to more easily open the jaws after performing a crimp.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for reducing bowing effects on a substrate while the substrate is being transported, for example in an elevator mechanism, from a first travel path to a second travel path, where the first travel path is offset from the second travel path so that the first travel path is not collinear with the second travel path. The substrate can be any substrate that is bowed and for which one wishes to eliminate or reduce the bow. One specific substrate that can benefit from the techniques described herein are personalized documents such as plastic cards including but not limited to financial (e.g. credit and debit) cards, drivers' licenses, national identification cards, gift cards, loyalty cards, employee badges, and other plastic cards which bear personalized data unique to the card holder and/or which bear other card or document information.

Abstract: A tool for fixing a protective textile sleeve about an elongate member contained therein and method of use thereof is provided. The tool includes a clamp assembly having opposed clamp members attached to one another for pivotal movement relative to one another between an open state and a closed state. The clamp members have clamping surfaces, wherein at least one of the clamping surfaces has at least one outlet. A fluid source is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one outlet, and a heat source is configured to heat fluid from the fluid source to create steam. The steam is dispensed outwardly from the at least one outlet to cause an adhesive on the sleeve to become activated to bond with an adjacent abutting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles made of polymers using 3D printing. A layer of prepolymer is deposited on a build plate to form a powder bed. The deposited powder bed is heated to about 50° C. to about 170° C. Then, a solution of activating agent is printed on the powder bed in a predetermined pattern, and a stimulus is applied converting the prepolymer to the final polymer. After a predetermined period of time, sequential layers are printed to provide the three-dimensional article. The three-dimensional object can be cured to produce the three-dimensional article composed of the final polymers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base includes providing a yarn from a material source disposed in a printing system. The yarn is an elongated continuous piece including a tagging segment and a reel segment. The reel segment is disposed proximate the material source. The tagging segment extends from a nozzle of the printing system. The method further includes attaching the tagging segment to the base and moving the nozzle away from the tagging segment after the attaching the tagging segment to the base. The nozzle is moved by an actuating system of the printing system. The moving the nozzle along the base increases a tension between the tagging segment and the material source. The tension in the yarn pulls the reel segment from the material source.

Abstract: A papermaking belt including zones of material laid down successively using a 3D printing process. The zones include at least a pocket zone configured to form three dimensional structures in a paper web by applying vacuum to pull the paper web against the pocket zone. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the zone also include at least one vacuum breaking zone configured to limit an amount of paper fibers pulled through the pocket zone by the applied vacuum.

Abstract: An extended structure additive manufacturing device and method are provided. The device includes a movable material bonding component and a movement mechanism which enable the device to create parts outside the conventional additive manufacturing device print volumes defined by the device and its print-head. Methods of making parts involve creating a portion of a part and moving the extended structure additive manufacturing device relative to the part and printing a second portion of the part. Parts incapable of being formed using a conventional additive manufacturing device may be made using the extended structure additive manufacturing device and/or methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of three-dimensional (3D) printing includes applying a sinterable material, selectively applying a fusing agent on a portion of the sinterable material, applying a first amount of radiation energy to the portion of the sinterable material, and applying a second amount of radiation energy to the portion of the sinterable material different than the first amount of radiation energy.

Abstract: A device for forming 3D bodies, in particular pieces of furniture, by additive material application. In particular, the device has a support, on which the volume body is formed, an application unit, for building up the 3D body on the support by additive application of material, and a tool carrier with a tool holder, in which the application unit is mounted. The tool carrier is in this case designed in such a way that the application unit mounted in the tool holder can be aligned in five directions by moving the tool holder with respect to the support.

Abstract: An installation is provided for cleaning a plate used in an additive manufacturing process performed using a powder. The installation includes an entry lock, an exit lock, a dry cleaner, a wet cleaner, and a conveyor system. The entry lock is structured to accept into the installation a plate that is to be cleaned. The exit lock is structured to allow the plate to be extracted from the installation after cleaning. The dry cleaner is structured to clean the plate using vibrations and shocks in a first confinement enclosure. The wet cleaner is structured to clean the plate using at least one liquid in a second confinement enclosure. The conveyor system is structured to transport the plate between the dry cleaner, the wet cleaner, and the exit lock.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives first data defining a shape and a color of a three-dimensional object; and a generating unit, wherein when two or more color components interfere with each other in one voxel as a result of performing a halftoning process for each of plural color components based on color information in the first data, the generating unit generates color voxel data by assigning any one of the two or more color components in the first data as color information of the one voxel, using a density ratio of colors corresponding to the two or more color components in the first data.

Abstract: A method for detecting object border of 3D printer (4) includes following steps: obtaining a basic locating point (420) of a printing platform (42) of the 3D printer (4); projecting an imported 3D object onto a 2D plane of the 3D printer (4) for obtaining a plurality of 2D coordinates of the 3D object; calculating a 2D convex hull (60) according to the plurality of 2D coordinates; obtaining all vertexes (601) of the 2D convex hull (60); determining the position of the 3D object based on the basic locating point (420) in company with all the vertexes (601) of the 2D convex hull (60); and, permitting the 3D printer (4) to activate a printing procedure only if the 3D object is determined fully locating inside an effective range of the printing platform (42).

Abstract: An overlay applicator tray can include a cradle including a device slot. The device slot can be configured to securely hold an electronic device in the cradle. The overlay applicator tray also can include an overlay applicator. The overlay applicator can include an overlay layer and an adhesive release liner. The overlay layer can include a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side can be configured to be adhered to a screen of the electronic device. The adhesive release liner can be removably attached to the bottom side of the overlay layer. The overlay applicator tray additionally can include an alignment piece coupling the cradle to the overlay applicator. The alignment piece can align the overlay layer of the overlay applicator with the screen as the overlay layer is applied to the screen when the electronic device is securely held in the device slot. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a template and a related method for the application of inserts in the form of letters, numbers or symbols on leather, fabrics, cloth, or similar laminar products to customize them. The centering template comprises a main support body (101) having a centering system (106) to allow an engagement of the template (100) in pre-fixed position to a base (3a) of a press (3); and a centering element (102) configured to receive in pre-fixed position at least a laminar portion (103) of an accessory (104). The centering element (102) has a through seat (105) for the inserts (11) and it is movable with respect to the main support body (101) between an extracted resting position in which an upper surface (102a) of the centering element (102) is moved away from the main support body (101) and a working position in which the upper surface (102a) of the centering element (102) is approached to the main support body (101).

Abstract: The use of magnetic fields in the production of porous articles is generally described. Certain embodiments are related to methods of producing porous articles in which magnetic fields are applied to an emulsion to align emulsion droplets. In some embodiments, after the emulsion droplets have been aligned, the emulsion droplets and/or the medium surrounding the emulsion droplets can be removed to leave behind a porous article. According to certain embodiments, polyvinyl alcohol can be used, for example, to stabilize the emulsion droplets and/or bind together components of the porous article. In some embodiments, water-soluble liquid alcohol can be used, for example, to stabilize the suspension of electronically conductive material within a phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: An overmolding method for forming joints in a fluid-flow apparatus utilizes a connector or fitting as a component for mold forming. The connector or fitting is not removed after the overmolding and thus forms part of the joint assembly.

Abstract: An installation tool and method are provided to apply a patch to a structure while controlling the porosity in the bond line. An installation tool is provided that includes a frame defining an internal cavity. The installation tool also includes a flexible membrane that divides the internal cavity into a first chamber proximate the surface and a second chamber separated from the surface by the first chamber and the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is releasably attached to the patch such that the patch faces the surface. The frame includes first and second vacuum ports into the first and second chambers, respectively, such that pressure therewithin is separately controllable. The pressure within the first and second chambers is controlled such that the adhesive is degassed while the patch remains spaced from the surface and the flexible membrane is thereafter caused to be stretched to urge the patch toward the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a sealant composition for use with tires, a tire having at least one component with at least one surface at least partially coated with the sealant composition, and related methods for applying the sealant composition to tires. The sealant composition comprises biorubber and a softener comprising at least one of plant oil or plant resin and has a non-petroleum content of at least 70% by weight.

Abstract: A method of forming a compound lens includes molding multiple lens elements to form a compound lens. The multiple lens elements are molded from polymers that provide each lens element with the desired optical properties. First and second lens elements formed from a first polymer can be molded around a central, third element formed from a second polymer that differs from the first polymer by the addition of a cyclic substituent group. During curing of the lens elements, cross-links are formed between the first and second polymers to form an molded, integrally formed compound lens.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming polarized films and glasses having polarization efficiency that is varied in a predetermined design. In particular, such designs include monochrome and color polarization density gradients, where the non-polarized areas of films and glasses allow viewing of polarized displays without distortion. The methods include forming films and glasses that have visually uniform density while still incorporating polarization gradients. The disclosed methods also enable creation of polarization filters and glasses with increased optical density and reduced glare from multiple angles.

Abstract: A method of shaping an optical fiber includes displaying a user interface on a display screen. The user interface includes a timeline, a plurality of optical fiber manipulation parameter blocks within the timeline, and a script block including a plurality of script elements. The method further includes receiving data indicative of a user input selection of a script element for an optical fiber manipulation parameter block and a user input entry of one or more properties of the script element; determining, in response to the user input selection and user input entry, one or more actions to be performed by an optical fiber processing machine to shape the optical fiber; and providing, by the one or more computing devices, one or more control signals to the optical fiber processing machine to cause the optical fiber processing machine to perform the one or more actions.

Abstract: The present technology provides a pneumatic tire that can improve air dispersibility during vulcanizing at the interfaces of a plurality of types of rubber layers integrally formed by rolling or extruding, and that can effectively suppress blister defects. In a pneumatic tire where a plurality of types of rubber layers integrally formed by rolling or extruding, at least one strand of thread is provided at an interface of the plurality of types of rubber.

Abstract: A method and a device for vulcanizing tires. An expandable bellows is used for pressing the tire being vulcanized against segments of a mold. The bellows is arranged on a carrier which has an annular shape.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.

Abstract: A modular, compact, mobile, dewatering and liquid-liquid separation and filtration system. The system processes incoming influents of slurries, solids and liquids at a high speed of operation and in large volumes. System is capable of being modularly scaled, allowing for a continuous steady state operation accommodating any slurry flow rate in a synchronous dynamic equilibrium process. Components and modules integrated into the system include a dynamic filtration clarifier 101 (DFC), a nested-filter dewatering cell 115 (NDC) and/or a compression filter press 125 (CFP). The DFC performs the primary dewatering phase of separating the primary water from the solids creating sludge. The NDC further breaks apart the solids of the sludge, removing interstitial water in a secondary dewatering phase, further lowering the moisture content of the sludge, while the CFP removes the tertiary water from the remaining solid particles by pressing the particles into a solid cake.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a new and improved compactor or packer. The compactor, which may be used to compact refuse, includes a container, a track disposed within the container, and a ball screw rotatably disposed within the track. The compactor further includes a ball nut operatively coupled around the ball screw, where rotation of the ball screw causes the ball nut to move along or traverse the ball screw. A packer blade is coupled to the ball nut via a floating interface. Movement of the ball nut long the ball screw due to rotation of the ball screw forces the packer blade to move within the container. The floating interface allows the packer blade to float within the container with respect to the ball nut to reduce the likelihood of binding of the ball nut on the ball screw as the packer blade traverses within the container.

Abstract: An automatic machine for providing corrugated sheet-like elements includes elements for the continuous corrugation of a ribbon which moves in a longitudinal direction. The corrugation elements include an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor. The upper conveyor includes a plurality of upper abutment elements extended substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of motion of the ribbon. The lower conveyor includes a plurality of lower abutment elements extended substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of motion of the ribbon. The upper abutment elements are interleaved with the lower abutment elements in a work area. The upper abutment elements each include a bar adapted to make contact with the ribbon, while the lower abutment elements each include a vane, which has a substantially wedge-like transverse cross-section and is adapted to receive the ribbon in order to deform it.

Abstract: A woven sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve has a wall with opposite edges extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends, wherein the opposite edges are wrappable into overlapping relation with one another to contain the wires within a cavity of the sleeve. The wall is constructed from warp yarns extending along the longitudinal axis and fill yarns extending transversely to the warp yarns. The fill yarns are provided as transparent or substantially transparent monofilaments and the warp yarns are provided as yarns including a multifilament yarn and at least one conductive wire, wherein the conductive wire wrapped about the multifilament yarn.

Abstract: Provided is a panel, an article including such a panel and method of its manufacture, where the panel includes a base layer having a first face and a second face, integrally sandwiched between a first exterior layer applied over the first face, and a second exterior layer applied over the second face. In addition, the bulging portions of the base layer projecting from the first face and the second face are exposed through respective openings at the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer, extending in register with said bulging portions.