Abstract: A robotic PV module installation system for populating a solar generation plant with PV modules with minimal human intervention. The PV module installation system can include an aerial work platform (AWP), a linear slide, and a robotic arm. The AWP can include an articulated boom. The AWP can also be configured for movement over off-road terrain. The linear slide can be coupled to a free-end of the articulated boom. The robotic arm can be coupled to a slide of the linear slide to increase a horizontal reach of the robotic arm through movement of the slide along the linear slide. The robotic arm can also include an end of arm tooling configured to pick up PV modules.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for robotic learning and execution of skills. A robotic apparatus can include a memory, a processor, sensors, and one or more movable components (e.g., a manipulating element and/or a transport element). The processor can be operatively coupled to the memory, the movable elements, and the sensors, and configured to obtain information of an environment, including one or more objects located within the environment. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn skills through demonstration, exploration, user inputs, etc. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to execute skills and/or arbitrate between different behaviors and/or actions. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn an environmental constraint. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to learn using a general model of a skill.

Abstract: Device and method for operating a robot. As a function of a first state of the robot and/or its surroundings and as a function of an output of a first model, a first part of a manipulated variable for activating the robot for a transition from the first state into a second state of the robot is determined. A second part of the manipulated variable is determined as a function of the first state and regardless of the first model. A quality measure is determined as a function of the first state and of the output of the first model using a second model. A parameter of the first model is determined as a function of the quality measure. A parameter of the second model is determined as a function of the quality measure and a setpoint value. The setpoint value is determined as a function of a reward.

Abstract: In an actuator, an unnecessarily large load is prevented from being applied to a shaft and a workpiece. There are included a force sensor, an output of which is according to a force applied to a connecting member connected to the shaft, an amplifier that amplifies the output of the force sensor, and a low-pass filter, and a load applied to the shaft is detected based on an output from the amplifier until the shaft or a member associated with the shaft comes in contact with another member, and thereafter, the load applied to the shaft is detected based on an output from the low-pass filter.

Abstract: A method is described for selecting evaluation points for a Bayesian optimization method for optimizing a physical or chemical process that is modeled by a statistical model. The method includes the ascertainment of a posterior model of the statistical model in accordance with the results of one or multiple evaluations at previous evaluation points and the selection of a next evaluation point by optimizing an acquisition function over a search space, which is given by a specified limit for the predictive variance of the points in the search space given by the posterior model.

Abstract: Spatial regions potentially occupied by a robot (or other machinery) or portion thereof and a human operator during performance of all or a defined portion of a task or an application are computationally estimated. These “potential occupancy envelopes” (POEs) may be based on the states (e.g., the current and expected positions, velocities, accelerations, geometry and/or kinematics) of the robot and the human operator. Once the POEs of human operators in the workspace are established, they can be used to guide or revise motion planning for task execution.

Abstract: Spatial regions potentially occupied by a robot (or other machinery) or portion thereof and a human operator during performance of all or a defined portion of a task or an application are computationally estimated. These “potential occupancy envelopes” (POEs) may be based on the states (e.g., the current and expected positions, velocities, accelerations, geometry and/or kinematics) of the robot and the human operator. Once the POEs of human operators in the workspace are established, they can be used to guide or revise motion planning for task execution.

Abstract: Shared variable binding and parallel execution of a process and robot workflow activities for robotic process automation (RPA) are disclosed. An RPA robot may be “bound” to a variable that is accessed by and displayed in an application. When the RPA robot is triggered, the RPA robot performs potentially conditional logic that may result in modifications to one or more bound variables. The RPA robot may lookup data, perform calculations, check on the status of other processes, and/or perform any other logical operations. The RPA robot may then modify, delete, or otherwise change the value of one or more bound variables, causing the application associated with those variables to display the results (e.g., when the user interface (UI) of the application is refreshed).

Abstract: One variation of a method for automatically generating waypoints for imaging shelves within a store includes: dispatching a robotic system to autonomously generating a map of a floor space within the store; accessing an architectural metaspace defining target locations and addresses of the set of shelving structures within the store; distorting the architectural metaspace into alignment with the map to generate a normalized metaspace representing real locations and addresses of the set of shelving structures in the store; defining a set of waypoints distributed longitudinally along and offset laterally from a first shelving structure represented in the normalized metaspace based on a known position of an optical sensor in the robotic system; and dispatching the robotic system to record optical data while occupying the set of waypoint optv-mo3 in:#finance s during an imaging routine.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a command generation unit configured to generate an instruction command for giving an instruction of one or more operations to be executed during a process by a robot provided with at least one arm, wherein the instruction command is generated on a basis of instruction data including image data obtained by capturing one or more images of situations during or after the process, and text data indicating at least one of an object to be utilized in the process or an operation to be executed during the process.

Abstract: A smart drilling system includes a terminal configured to map a design space to an actual space and having perforation location information in the design space, a drilling machine including a drill for perforation and configured to perform perforation in the actual space under control of the terminal based on the perforation location information, and a total station configured to acquire location information of a reference point in the actual space for mapping the design space to the actual space and location information of the drilling machine in the actual space, and to transmit the location information of the reference point in the actual space and the location information of the drilling machine to the terminal, wherein the terminal recognizes and displays a perforable region or a perforable point at a current position of the drilling machine.

Abstract: An aerial navigation system comprises four anchor points mounted on top of four upright members respectively at substantially same height from a ground, a carrier device coupled to a first set of four electric motors mounted at the four anchor points through a set of first wires. The set of first wires, the four upright members and the ground effectively define a volume. The carrier device is moveable in a bounded horizontal plane defined by the four anchor points. A robotic device is suspended from the carrier device using a second wire and moves vertically relative to the carrier device through activation of a fifth electric motor. A control unit is coupled to the first set of four electric motors and the fifth electric motor for controlling the three-dimensional movement of the robotic device to permit navigation from a current location to a target location inside the defined volume.

Abstract: A robot hand includes base body defining gripping position of substrate, first contacting part provided to base body at tip-end side and configured to contact first part of edge part of substrate when substrate is gripped, rotary body provided on base-end side of base body and having second contacting part configured to contact second part of edge part of substrate when substrate is gripped, and mobile body having shaft part to be inserted into shaft hole of rotary body, and configured to move toward tip end of base body to move rotary body toward tip end of the base body. An axial-center line of shaft part extends in thickness directions of base and rotary bodies provided so as to have clearance in axial direction of shaft part with respect to shaft part.

Abstract: A reconfigurable power tool is disclosed, including a tool frame, a motor attached to the tool frame, and a rotatable drive shaft attached to, and driven by, the motor. A tool attachment is configured to be removably attached to the drive shaft and is powered by rotation of the drive shaft. The drive shaft and the tool each include a coupler having a channel and rib surface. The tool attachment is removable attached to the drive shaft by slidably interlocking the channel and rib surface of the drive shaft coupler with the channel and rib surface of the tool attachment coupler in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. A robotic device utilizing a similar tool attachment system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum suction pen which can always be held squarely above a work being done notwithstanding the orientation of a component to be fitted to the work includes a penholder, a pen head, a connecting mechanism, and a suction cup. The suction cup is at an end of the pen head away from the penholder and made of rubber for soft handling. The connecting mechanism is coupled to the penholder and the pen head, and comprises a connecting member, the connecting member comprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is disposed in the penholder, the second connecting portion is coupled to the pen head, and the pen head can be rotationally disposed on the penholder. A method for using the vacuum suction pen is also provided.

Abstract: A gripper device includes a plurality of gripper claws, a plurality of linear motion units, each of which is disposed on corresponding one of the plurality of gripper claws, a synchronization mechanism configured to synchronize movement of the plurality of linear motion units, a first cylinder configured to apply a driving force thereof to the linear motion unit or the synchronization mechanism, a second cylinder having a shorter stroke and a greater driving force as compared to those of the first cylinder, and a transmission mechanism having a clutch which is configured to establish or release mechanical connection between the second cylinder and the synchronization mechanism.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an implant plan, defining a range of motion for a surgical tool based on the implant plan, adjusting, by an actuator and based on the range of motion, a passive joint coupled between the actuator and the surgical tool, and allowing manual movement of the surgical tool through the range of motion via rotation at the passive joint.

Abstract: A gyroscopically stabilised legged robot including: a body; a number of legs coupled to the body and configured for providing legged locomotion of the robot across a surface in use; an orientation sensor for detecting an angular orientation of the body; a control moment gyroscope mounted on the robot, the control moment gyroscope including a rotor that spins around a rotor spin axis in use, and a tilting mechanism for supporting the rotor relative to the robot, the tilting mechanism being configured to rotate the rotor spin axis about two gyroscope rotation axes to thereby generate respective gyroscopic reaction torques; and a gyroscope controller configured to control operation of the tilting mechanism based at least in part on the detected angular orientation of the body, such that gyroscopic reaction torques are generated to at least partially stabilise the angular orientation of the body during the legged locomotion of the robot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tracking system for tracking a position and orientation of an object, the tracking system including: a tracking base provided in an environment, the tracking base including: a tracking head support; and, at least three tracking heads mounted to the tracking head support, a target system including at least three targets mounted to the object, each target including a reflector that reflects a radiation beam to the base sensor of a respective tracking head; and, a control system that: causes each tracking head to track a respective target as it moves throughout the environment; determines a position of each target with respect to a respective tracking head; determines an orientation of the target system using at least in part the determined position of each target; and, determines the position and orientation of the object using at least in part the position and orientation of the target system.

Abstract: The dual tank beard care multi-tool disclosed herein is intended to be carried by a user and provide a mobile source of beard care grooming tools. The device provides two distinct tanks, one for oils and one for balms, and a plurality of tools required by beard wearers. Among these tools may be a switched beard comb, which may be manually or semi-automatically switched so that a user may carry the device without the comb teeth being exposed. The first tank and second tank may be integrated into the device main body or may be removably attached. The device may further comprise a plurality of receivers for receiving a folding comb, a scissor, and a beard brush. A mirror may also be installed within the device, and a heating element may be incorporated in some embodiments.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for connecting a replaceable shaving cartridge of a shaving device to a handle of the shaving device includes a first connector, a second connector, and a locking member. The first connector of the replaceable shaving cartridge is adapted to move along an axial direction. The second connector of the handle is adapted to move along a substantially arc-shaped path with respect to the handle when at least one connector of the first connector and the second connector is pushed against the other connector. The second connector is adapted to mechanically engage with the first connector in the course of its motion so as to reach an engaged position with the first connector. The locking member of the handle is adapted to lock the second connector when the latter is in the engaged position with the first connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutter assembly (10) 10 for a hair cutting appliance (100). The cutter assembly comprises a cutting element (20), and a clamping element (30). The cutter assembly is configured to contact skin of a user of the hair cutting appliance. The clamping element is configured to clamp hair of the user that is growing out of the skin. The clamping element is configured to move within the cutter assembly to pull the clamped hair away from the skin of the user. The cutting element is configured to cut the clamped hair that has been pulled away from the skin of the user.

Abstract: The present application relates to a domestic appliance comprising a mechanical function unit having a movable member, a housing containing a motor to operate the movable member to carry out a primary function of the appliance, and an electrical function unit having an electrically operative member to perform a secondary function of the appliance that supports the primary function performed by the mechanical function unit. The electrical function unit comprises a module positioned between the mechanical function unit and the housing. The electrical function unit comprises a generator to convert mechanical energy generated by the motor located in the housing into electrical energy to power the electrically operative member.

Abstract: A razor handle. The razor handle can have a main body and a pivoting head pivotally coupled with the main body about a first axis of rotation. A severable benefit delivery member can extend from a main body connection on the main body to a pivoting head connection on the pivoting head, the benefit delivery member providing a first biasing torque on the pivoting head to affect an angular deflection about the first axis of rotation of the pivoting head relative to the main body. A spring member can extend from a spring-main-body connection on the main body to a spring-pivoting-head connection on the pivoting head, the spring member applying a second biasing torque to affect an angular deflection about the first axis of rotation of the pivoting head relative to the main body.

Abstract: A shaving razor cartridge with a housing having a primary guard at a front of the housing and a secondary cap at a rear of the housing. A bridge member having a primary cap surface and a secondary guard surface is positioned between the primary guard and the secondary cap. The bridge member has a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending transverse to the cutting edge of the first blade and defining a plurality of openings. A first blade is mounted to the housing between the primary guard and the primary cap surface. The first blade has a cutting edge. A second blade having a cutting edge extending in a same direction as the cutting edge of the first blade. The second blade is mounted to the housing between the secondary guard surface and the secondary cap. A width of the bridge member is 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a razor assembly including a razor cartridge, razor handle, and recovering force-providing unit. The razor cartridge includes a shaving blade having a cutting edge and a blade housing receiving the shaving blade longitudinally. The razor handle is connected to the razor cartridge rotatably about a first rotational axis parallel to longitudinal direction within a rotation range. The recovering force-providing unit provides the razor cartridge rotated about the first rotational axis from a rest position with recovering force returning the razor cartridge to the rest position. The rotation range includes a first pivot section between the rest position and first angle, and a second pivot section between the first angle and a greater second angle. The recovering force increases as the razor cartridge rotates with an increasing rotational angle, at an increasing rate that differs between the first and second pivot sections.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for automatically controlling the operation of a slitter (40) to convert a web (20) of material into smaller slit rolls (64, 66, 68). A slitter director (60) may automatically control the operation of a slitter (40) for defect removal, web splicing, and/or slit roll rejection based on continually registering previously-generated anomaly data (62) with physical locations of the web (20).

Abstract: A system for cutting medical tubing sourced from a spool of tubing uses two actuator groups that each reciprocate along a respective track, which are parallel to each other. Each actuator group has a clamp and a cutting tool which have an operative position along a common axis. The tubing is fed along the common axis to be operated on by the actuator groups. A forward actuator group clamps onto the tubing and is then moved along its track, pulling the tubing. A rearward actuator group then clamps onto the tubing and cuts the tubing. While still clamped onto the tubing, the rearward actuator group is moved forward, pulling more tubing, and the actuator group that was forward is moved to the rearward position and the process is repeated iteratively to produce tubing sections cut to the desired length. The tubing is pressurized and kept under pressure to straighten the tubing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a re-sealer for a multi-ply cutter including a cutter table and a cutter frame. The cutter frame includes a fixed re-sealer end attached to an overlay film. The overlay film covers a workpiece on the cutter table through a movable re-sealer end, which is longitudinally displaced along the table and includes a swing arm on each side of the table. The cutter frame further includes a mandrel attached between the swing arms of the movable re-sealer end and the overlay film. Each of the swing arms include an actuator attached thereto, providing rotation of each of the swing arms in a first direction about an axis of the actuator thereby raising the mandrel above the table. The actuators also include a down stop preventing rotation of the swing arm in a second direction thereby establishing a minimum height of the mandrel above the table.

Abstract: Provide a safer cutting machine. A front portion detection means that is spaced downward from the lower end of the clamp gauge by a first predetermined distance and is positioned near the front edge of the clamp gauge in die front-rear direction of the clamp gauge, and a first predetermined distance from the lower end of the clamp gauge. The rear portion detection means and the clamp gauge which arc spaced apart from each other by a second predetermined distance different from the above distance and which are arranged at the rear portion of the front portion detection means in the front-rear direction of the clamp gauge move in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A blade assembly includes a blade support frame, and a plurality of V-shaped blades removably fastened to the blade support frame. The blade support frame has a food flow path extending downstream, and a plurality of blade mounts distributed around the food flow path. Each V-shaped blade has a first end portion connected to one of the blade mounts, a second end portion connected to another of the blade mounts, and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion into the food flow path. At the first and second end portions of each V-shaped blade, a respective one of the blade mounts overlies both the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the V-shaped blade to inhibit the V-shaped blade from rotating when impacted by food.

Abstract: A score die including a body with a generally planar first surface. The first surface includes a score blade. The score blade has a number of cutting portions, and, each cutting portion has a substantially uniform cross-section.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a metal component in which a through hole is included, and groove portions that continue from a first open end to a second open end of the through hole are formed at facing positions in an inner circumferential surface of the through hole, includes specifying positions on which a stress is to concentrate when fracturing of the metal component is started, in the groove portions of the metal component; forming stress concentration portions at positions in bottom portions of the groove portions corresponding to the specified positions such that the specified positions in the groove portions are caused to serve as breaking start points; and causing cracking earlier at the stress concentration portions in the groove portions than at each portion of the groove portions when the fracturing is started and causing cracking to develop from each portion of the groove portions.

Abstract: An element for serial configuration with an adjacent element in an abrasive tool, wherein the element is arranged to be mounted on a flexible drive carrier having a drive direction D. The element comprising at least one protruding member extending in a direction parallel to the drive direction D. The at least one protruding member being configured to overlap with the adjacent element at least when the flexible drive carrier has a straight configuration, and to reduce a width of a gap G formed between the element and the adjacent element when the flexible drive carrier is configured bent in an arcuate form.

Abstract: Herein are novel tools for splitting wood and material handling. Disclosed is a vehicle supported wood splitter comprising a blade portion and a fixation portion extending from the blade portion. The blade portion comprises a generally upward facing cut edge situated between a primary deflector face and a secondary deflector face and in one embodiment at least a portion of the fixation portion is sized and shaped to be received in a hitch receiver of a vehicle. In other forms, the blade portion comprises a ball space for seating over a hitch ball. In some forms, the splitter is in the form of a jack stand. Also disclosed is a complementary kindling collection system, a guide system, and splitter device adapted to one or more of casting, machining, and welding. Several methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing panel-shaped workpieces having the steps of providing a large-format panel, and feeding the large-format panel to a detachment station; detaching panel-shaped workpieces by dividing the large-format panel in the detachment station by making cuts in the large-format panel using a detachment unit; and feeding the workpieces thus detached to a downstream processing station in order to complete the panel-shaped workpiece. In step b) at least a part of each detached workpiece acquires from the detachment unit an alignment section for engaging gripping elements and/or introducing reference bores. After the workpiece provided with the alignment section has been detached it is taken over by a gripping element, engaging element or grasping element which engages the alignment section. After the workpiece is taken over, the gripping element, engaging element or grasping element engaging in a form-fitting manner on the alignment section of the workpiece runs through a cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for producing glued plant particles, in particular from annual plants (e.g. straw), in order to produce boards, e.g. fibreboards or chipboards, having at least one comminuting apparatus (2) for comminuting plant-based starting material to form scatterable plant particles, and having a gluing apparatus (15) for gluing the plant particles. This installation is characterized in that at least one first screening apparatus (3) for separating silicate particles from the plant particles is arranged between the comminuting apparatus (2) and the gluing apparatus (15).

Abstract: A machine for dry decoration of ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising: a support element (10), provided with a plurality of cavities (11) with a pre-established shape; a dispensing device (20), configured to deposit a pre-fixed amount of powder material inside one or more pre-established cavities (11); an unloading device (30), configured to move the cavities (11) from a loading position, in which they can receive the powder material from the dispensing device (20), to an unloading position, in which they can unload the powder material.

Abstract: A shotcrete nozzle assembly comprising: a tubular body including a body sidewall defining a central passageway extending along a central longitudinal passageway axis, and water dispensing bores extending through the body sidewall and including: first and second sets of water dispensing bores positioned such that outlet openings thereof defined in an inner face of the body sidewall are disposed in a respective one of longitudinally spaced-apart first and second transversal planes extending perpendicularly to the passageway axis, at least some of the water dispensing bores being oriented such that the central bore axes thereof extend in a non-radial direction relative to the passageway axis, and such that an orthogonal projection of the central bore axes of the first and second sets of water dispensing bores onto one of the transversal planes forms first and second projected central bore axes which intersect each other at a first non-zero angle.

Abstract: A shotcrete nozzle assembly comprising: a tubular body operatively connectable to a concrete source, the tubular body including a stream controlling section for controlling a stream of fresh concrete projected from an outlet body end, the stream controlling section including at least one helicoidal conduit defined within the body sidewall, each helicoidal conduit extending helicoidally around a central conduit between an air inlet end operatively connectable to a pressurized air source and an air outlet end located towards the outlet body end, each helicoidal conduit being twisted around the central passageway to guide pressurized air exiting through the air outlet end along an helicoidal path extending away from the outlet body end and around the stream of fresh concrete exiting the outlet body end.

Abstract: Mixing systems that include a mixer housing and one or more disk assemblies for mixing and processing materials is disclosed. The disks rotate to mix an additive into the material and to carry agglomerated solids toward a discharge of the mixing system. The disks may have a plurality of fingers or lobes which extend from a central portion of the disks.

Abstract: A powdery-material mixing degree measurement device includes a supplier configured to be fed with a mixed-powdery materials, a discharger configured to discharge to feed, with the mixed-powdery materials, a filling device configured to fill a die bore of the compression-molding machine with a powdery material, a rotator including a plurality of movable portions and configured to capture the mixed-powdery materials fed through the supplier and to transfer the mixed-powdery materials to the discharger a first sensor configured to measure a mixing degree of the mixed-powdery materials captured by the movable portions of the rotator, a second sensor configured to detect whether or not the mixed-powdery materials in the supplier have an upper surface level kept within a constant target range, and a controller configured to adjust rotational speed of the rotator such that the upper surface level of the mixed-powdery materials in the supplier is kept within the constant target range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing device for manufacturing a large amount of micro-scaffolds for a long period of time such that stable and uniform particles can be fabricated. The manufacturing device comprises: a first solution storage portion for storing a polymer support structure solution; a second solution storage portion for storing an emulsifier solution; a gas storage portion connected to each of the first solution storage portion and the second solution storage portion; a pressure control portion for controlling the pressure of the transporting gas flowing into the first solution storage portion and the second solution storage portion from the pressurization portion, respectively; a scaffold injector portion for receiving the polymer support structure solution and the emulsifier solution provided by the transporting gas, respectively; and a scaffold generating portion for receiving the scaffold dispersion discharged through the scaffold injection portion.

Abstract: An imprint device that can simply detect an abnormality such as dirt of a mold chuck is provided. The imprint device includes a holding mechanism configured to hold a mold, a mold shape correcting mechanism configured to modify a shape of the mold, a mold shape measuring unit configured to measure the shape of the mold, and a determination unit configured to determine whether there is dirt on a mold holding surface of the holding mechanism or the mold based on mold modification characteristics which are measured by the mold shape measuring unit with respect to target mold modification values in the mold shape correcting mechanism.

Abstract: Production process of a composite product (1) comprising a core (2), a first layer (3) comprising a sheet impregnated with a solid polyurethane material, and a polymer-based film (7) applied to the first layer (3), wherein the process comprises: producing a semi-finished product comprising the core (2) and the sheet impregnated by a liquid mixture precursor of the solid polyurethane material; adhering the film (7) to a first half-mould (11) by applying a depression between the film (7) and the half-mould (11); pressing two half-moulds (11, 12) against each other with the semi-finished product interposed between two shaping surfaces (13), so that the film (7) comes into contact with the liquid mixture; with the semi-finished product in the mould, thermosetting the liquid mixture to transform it into the polyurethane solid material so that the film (7) firmly adheres to the first layer (3) and thus producing the composite product (1).

Abstract: There is provided an injection mold system and a method for injection molding to produce a three-dimensional object. The system including: one or more extruders each adapted to receive one or more cartridges, the one or more cartridges containing extrudable material; an injection nozzle dimensioned to be positioned into an injection inlet of a mold; tubing each connecting one of the cartridges to the injection nozzle; and one or more controllers configured to control flow of the extrudable material from the one or more extruders to the injection nozzle to fill at least a portion of the interior chamber with the extrudable material to produce the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A polymer mold insert (2) for an injection molding tool (5), the polymer insert (2) comprising an insert body part having an outer shape adapted for insertion into an insert cavity (7) arranged in the injection molding tool (5), and where the insert body part comprises at least two different polymer materials having different physical characteristics and being distributed within the insert body so that one or more first volumes (8) of the insert body comprises a higher concentration of a first one of the two different polymer materials than in the remaining parts insert body, and so that one or more second volumes (9) of the insert body comprises a higher concentration of the second one of the two different polymer materials than in the remaining parts of the insert body part.

Abstract: An injection molding system (1000) comprising: an actuator (5) having a housing (20) comprised of radial (20r, 20ri, 20ro, 20roa, 20rob, 20roc, 20rod) and axial walls (20a, 20ai, 20aue, 20ade) that form an enclosed chamber (45) containing a heat conductive chamber fluid (CF), a rotor and driver driven by electrical energy and supported within the chamber by the radial and axial walls, wherein one or more of the radial and axial walls comprise a heat conductive material that has an inner surface disposed in heat conductive contact with the heat conductive fluid (CF) contained within the enclosed chamber, an actuator tube or channel (25) disposed within the one or more of the radial and axial walls, a source (260) of heat absorptive fluid (25f) sealably interconnected to the actuator tube or channel (25).

Abstract: A polymer injection molding system in one embodiment includes a manifold comprising internal flow conduits configured for conveying polymer in a fluidic state. The manifold may be part of a hot or cold runner type molding unit. An injection nozzle fluidly coupled to the flow conduits interfaces with a mold cavity and is configured to inject polymer therein to form a molded article. The nozzle has a tubular valve body defining a central axial passage which receives a movable elongated valve pin. The valve pin is linearly movable to change the nozzle between open and closed positions for discharging or stopping polymer flow therefrom. The valve pin is further rotatable about its axis to induce shear on the polymer. This maintains the polymer in its flowable fluidic state between molding cycles to prevent polymer cold slug formation within the nozzle which can disrupt the flow resulting in incompletely formed articles.

Abstract: A mold for injection molding processes and a molding process that uses the mold. The mold has, at at least one part of the surface of its cavity raised portions which are longitudinally extended, are arranged side by side and are oriented substantially in the direction of the flow of the melted plastic material that is injected. During the process, the surface of the cavity of the mold is kept at a temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature, in the case of molding of plastic material constituted by amorphous polymers, and lower than the crystallization temperature, in the case of molding of plastic material constituted by semicrystalline polymers.