Abstract: A method of producing a preformed pavement marking prior to application to paving on the ground comprises: providing a first sheet (10a) of thermoplastic pavement marking material; providing a second sheet (10b) of thermoplastic pavement marking material; positioning the first and second sheets (10a, 10b) next to each other; transferring energy to an energization zone (28) along an edge of at least one of said first and second sheets (10a; 10b), to locally liquefy a portion of the thermoplastic material of said at least one of the first and second thermoplastic pavement marking material sheets (10a, 10b) in the energization zone (28); and solidifying the liquefied thermoplastic of the energization zone (28) to form a bond between the first and second sheets (10a, 10b).

Abstract: A system for printing and applying labels to a flow of objects, including a labelling unit, an object transporting device, an object detection sensor, and a control unit, wherein the labelling unit comprises a label printing unit for printing labels to be applied to the objects, wherein the object transporting device is transporting individual objects in a random flow to the labelling unit in an object transporting direction, wherein the object detection sensor is arranged upstream the labelling unit and is detecting a position of the objects when they are transported past the object detection sensor towards the labelling unit, wherein two directly after each other transported objects arranged on the object transporting device are separated by a separation distance, wherein the separation distance is calculated by the control unit based on position detection by the object detection sensor of reference points between a preceding object and a directly subsequent object being transported on the object transporti

Abstract: The invention relates to a labelling machine for applying labels onto articles intended to contain a pourable product and comprising a conveyor and a transfer element. The labelling machine also comprises first detection means, arranged peripherally to the transfer element in a position downstream of an application station and upstream of a receiving station, relatively to an advancement direction. The first detection means is configured to detect the single labels still retained in use and to generate a presence signal correlated with the presence of the labels, by the lateral surface downstream of the application station. The labelling machine comprises second detection means arranged in a position downstream of the receiving station and upstream of the application station, relatively to the advancement direction, and configured to detect a positioning of each label onto the lateral surface and to generate a positioning signal correlated with the positioning of each label.

Abstract: A robotic labeling system includes a package locating system for locating a package at a labeling station and a package identification system having a scanning device configured to scan an identification tag on the package to identify the package. The package identification system has a package measurement module configured to determine at least one dimension of the package and a package orientation module configured to determine an orientation of the package in the labeling station. The robotic labeling system includes a label application system including a label printer printing a label for the package based on an identity of the package determined by the scanning device and a label applicator operated to apply the label based on a measurement input from the package measurement module and based on an orientation input from the package orientation module.

Abstract: A method for producing laminated glass or a precursor thereof using a first glass pane with a thickness of at least 1.4 mm and a second glass pane with a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm, the first and second glass panes differing in curvature and/or locally in shape, includes aligning an arrangement including the first and second glass panes and a laminating film by positioning a side edge of the arrangement against a stop element; pre-fixing the aligned arrangement at at least two locations on the positioned side edge of the arrangement by one or more fixing elements and heating, after which the fixing element or elements are removed again; and forming a fixed arrangement by passing the pre-fixed arrangement through a roller arrangement with the pre-fixed side edge of the arrangement ahead. The arrangement is heated in sections during passage.

Abstract: An enzyme responsive shape memory polymer formed from a glassy, cross-linked shape memory polymer that incorporates ester bonds that are responsive to the present of an enzyme. PCL-based polyurethanes (featuring simple alternation of PCL diol and lysine-based diisocyanate) are degradable by Amano lipase PS. A non-degradable thermoplastic elastomer may be dual electrospun with a polycaprolactone based TPU with the fixing phase compressed so that the composite is ready for enzymatically triggered contraction. Alternatively, the elastomer may be a PCL copolymer-based polyurethane amorphous elastomer that is both degradable and elastomeric and put into compression so that upon enzymatic degradation of the elastomeric phase the scaffold expands.

Abstract: Method and plant for manufacturing braking elements such as vehicle brake pads. The plant can comprise a first station that applies an adhesive to a first face of a metallic element; a second station that applies to the first face of the metallic element a block of friction material; a checking station that verifies the presence of the adhesive by detecting the gray level of a plurality of points of at least one zone of the first face; and a processing unit that compares the gray level detected for each point with a first threshold value, counts the number of points that have a gray level that satisfies a relationship (which is a function of the threshold value,) and compares such a value with a second threshold value to discard those metallic elements for which the percentage calculated does not correspond to the second threshold value.

Abstract: A method and a device for the ultrasonic welding of a first component to a second component of an electronic cigarette cartridge, wherein both components are made of a plastic material; the device includes an ultrasound generator, which delivers an electric pulse to a vibrating assembly, which, in turn, includes a converter designed to turn the electric pulse into a mechanical vibration movement and transfers it to a sonotrode, which directly transmits the energy in the form of vibrations to the two components to be welded; the sonotrode is designed so as to simultaneously weld a plurality of first components to the respective second components and cooperates with a plurality of striker elements, each associated to a respective first component and to a respective second component to be welded; and wherein each striker element is connected to a sensor, which is designed to detect a parameter of the welding process carried out to weld the first component to the second component and to control the welding proces

Abstract: A decorative arrangement for an interior lining of a motor vehicle has a carrier layer (20), a decorative layer (6) on the carrier layer (20), and a protective layer provided on the decorative layer (6). The decorative layer (6) is composed of a wood or wood veneer material. A metal structure (8) is provided on the decorative layer (6). The metal structure (8) is inlaid into the decorative layer (6).

Abstract: A method of making a wind turbine blade is described. The blade comprises first (12) and second (14) half shells bonded together and a shear web (16) bonded inside the shells. Prior to joining the shells together, the shear web is positioned in one of the shells. A plurality of bars (70) are attached to the shear web and engaged with a plurality of mounts (80) in order to support and stabilise the shear web relative to that shell. The shells are then arranged one above the other whilst the bars remain attached to the shear web. The bars continue to support the shear web whilst the shear web is aligned with the other shell. The bars are then detached from the shear web and the shells are brought together to bond the shells to each other and to bond the shear web between the shells.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device is provided. The OLED display device includes a display panel and a camera. A first alignment mark is formed on a low pixel density area of the display panel, a second alignment mark is formed in the camera, and arrangements of the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are consistent. Therefore, an alignment accuracy between the camera and the display panel is improved, and a purpose of adopting a blind hole in the area where the camera is mounted on the display device and displaying normally is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for leveling a bonding device and anvil in an assembly via a closed-loop control system is provided. The assembly includes an anvil, a bonding device positioned adjacent the anvil and configured to interact with the anvil to form the bonds on the web, and an actuator that enables adjustment of an orientation between the bonding device and the anvil. The assembly also includes a closed-loop control system configured to control operation of the actuator, with the closed-loop control system configured to monitor an operational parameter of the assembly indicative of interaction of the bonding device with the anvil, determine whether the bonding device is parallel or substantially parallel with the anvil based on the operational parameter, and when the bonding device is not parallel or substantially parallel with the anvil, cause the actuator to adjust the orientation between the bonding device and the anvil.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for labeling a component for component serialization. The component labeling is initiated, and a label is printed for the component. A collaborative robot or “cobot” retrieves the printed label and moves the label in place for attachment. Iterative views are performed until a tolerance value of the views is reached and the label is attached to the component. Information on the label and other labels are scanned and entered into an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes a first holder, a second holder, an imaging unit and a moving device. The first holder is configured to hold a first substrate. The second holder is disposed to face the first holder and configured to hold a second substrate to be bonded to the first substrate. The imaging unit includes a first imaging device configured to image a first alignment mark formed on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate and a second imaging device configured to image a second alignment mark formed on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. The moving device is configured to move the imaging unit in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction within a plan region between the first holder and the second holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing a butt-welded joint between two pipe segments (38, 39) of a pipe (27, 28) made of a weldable plastic material, each pipe segment being held by a gripping means (14, 15), pipe end cross-sections of the pipe segments (38, 39) being machined with the aid of a tool means (11) for forming welding contact surfaces (40, 41), said tool means (11) being disposed in a stationary manner in a separating plane (37) for machining the welding contact surfaces (40, 41) and a separating cut for forming the pipe segments (38, 39) being realised by the gripping means (14, 15) moving the pipe (27, 28) relative to the tool means (11) in the separating plane (37), said separating cut simultaneously serving to form the welding contact surfaces (40, 41).

Abstract: Fabricating a fluid testing device includes receiving a substrate, and applying a pattern of hydrophobic material to the substrate. The substrate is positioned between layers of a thermally reflective material. Heat and pressure is applied to the substrate and thermally reflective material to reflow the pattern of hydrophobic material. A protective coating is applied over a portion of the substrate to form the fluid testing device.

Abstract: A robotic labeling system for packages includes a package database management system including a package database storing package data and a package labeling controller communicatively coupled to the package database management system. The robotic labeling system includes a package locating system receiving locating inputs from the package labeling controller for locating the packages at a labeling station and a package identification system having a scanning device scanning an identification tag on the package to determine the package identification and orientation. The robotic labeling system includes a label application system having a labeling device and label applicator that prepares and applies a shipping label and a customer specific label to the package based on the content data stored in the package database. The robotic labeling system may verify the applied labels based on the scanned data on the package and either discharging or rejecting the package based on the scanned data.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus including an applicator pad (10) and an actuator (180) for positioning the applicator pad (10) in a desired position, the applicator pad (10) being attached to the actuator (180) by an attachment member (40), wherein the attachment member (40) enables articulation between the applicator pad (10) and the actuator (180).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical film laminating system for laminating an optical film on a panel in order to manufacture a display unit wherein a control unit which sets, in accordance with attachment conditions, an optical film laminating mode in respect to the panel to at least one of a first mode in which the panel and the optical film are inputted together between a first roller unit and a second roller unit so that the optical film is laminated on the panel, and a second mode in which the second panel conveying unit holds the panel by suction and conveys the panel and the optical film is inputted between the panel and an attachment roller unit, which is any one of the first roller unit and the second roller unit, so that the optical film is laminated on the panel.

Abstract: [Problem] To suppress changes in the recess depth and shape of a three-dimensional molded shape, and to form a uniform protective layer or ornamental layer along the surface of the molded shape. Also, to provide uniform application to the entire irregularly-formed surface and to suppress air pockets and partial defects of bonding. [Solution] In an adherend W having a three-dimensional molded portion in which a plurality of concavities and/or convexities are molded in a regular arrangement, a thermoplastic coating film larger than the area of an adhesion region is integrally adhered by a three dimensional decorative molding procedure in a predetermined adhesion region that includes the three-dimensional molded portion. The predetermined adhesion region includes all of the three-dimensional molded portion and covers more than half the perimeter of the adherend W in center cross-sectional view.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance between components has the steps of providing a first conductive section in or on the first component in a region directed toward the second component, providing a second conductive section in or on the second component in a region directed toward the first conductive section, feeding a first voltage pulse into a first connection of the first conductive section, capturing a reflection voltage pulse in response to the first voltage pulse at the first connection, determining an impedance profile along the first conductive section by evaluating the reflection voltage pulse, and determining a distance between the components along the first conductive section by calculating a corresponding local distance, associated with the determined impedance profile, between the first conductive section and the second conductive section.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus configured to bond a first substrate and a second substrate includes a first holder configured to hold the first substrate; a second holder configured to hold the second substrate; a first imaging device provided at the first holder and configured to image the second substrate held by the second holder; a first light irradiating device provided at the first holder and configured to irradiate light to the second substrate when the second substrate is imaged; a second imaging device provided at the second holder and configured to image the first substrate held by the first holder; and a second light irradiating device provided at the second holder and configured to irradiate light to the first substrate when the first substrate is imaged. Each of the first light irradiating device and the second light irradiating device is connected to a first light source configured to irradiate white light.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus for assembling triple pane insulating glass units from a plurality of insulating spacer frames having sealant or adhesive applied to opposite sides of said spacer frames.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and systems that include multiple lapping stages having at least one lapping stage that laps while a heat source is applied to cause expansion during lapping and at least one subsequent lapping stage that laps while the heat source is reduced (e.g., turned off).

Abstract: During manufacturing of a tire component that includes a process of adhering a sheet-like rubber member 8b that is held by a supply section 30 to a drum 22, positions of ends 7d1, 7d2 n a width direction of the sheet-like rubber member 8b are detected by using sensors 52, 54 provided between the supply section 30 and the drum 22, and the supply section 30 is moved in a width direction X of the sheet-like rubber member 8b in accordance with the detected positions, so as to adhere the sheet-like rubber member 8b to a specified position on the drum 22.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a bonding target member arranged on an upper side of a stage. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes a control device that changes a control parameter associated with the driving of a bonding tool based on information related to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling an additive manufacturing process in which a directed energy source is used to selectively melt material to form a workpiece, forming a melt pool in the process of melting. The method includes: using an imaging apparatus to generate an image of the melt pool comprising an array of individual image elements, the image including a measurement of at least one physical property for each of the individual image elements; from the measurements, mapping a melt pool boundary of the melt pool; applying Green's theorem to the melt pool boundary; and controlling at least one aspect of the additive manufacturing process with reference to the Green's theorem application.

Abstract: A control method of an ultrasonic welding system comprises: detecting operation of the ultrasonic welding system immediately while the ultrasonic welding system is in a working state; acquiring a current working frequency of an ultrasonic generator in the ultrasonic welding system while the ultrasonic welding system is detected to complete a preset first operation every time; determining a current frequency searching range of the ultrasonic generator according to the current working frequency of the ultrasonic generator; controlling the ultrasonic generator to search for an anti-resonance point in the current frequency searching range; and adjusting the working frequency of the ultrasonic generator to be an anti-resonance point while the anti-resonance point is searched in the current frequency searching range.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a laminated product by positioning a veneer onto a substrate while on a moving conveyor, including an elongate conveyor having an infeed end, a downstream outfeed end and adapted for moving successive known lengths of substrates having an upper surface carrying an adhesive along a longitudinal axis from the infeed end to the outfeed end at a known rate. At least one veneer supply source is positioned in a known location laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the conveyor for supplying successive lengths of veneer to be applied onto a top surface of the moving lengths of substrate. A related method of operating the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A device (10?) for welding components by ultrasound. The device (10?) comprises a sonotrode (11?) having a sonotrode head (12?) which can be excited by a vibration generator to produce torsion vibrations with respect to a torsion axis (T). At least one welding surface (14?) is arranged on the peripheral side on the sonotrode head (12?) with respect to the torsion axis (T). The device (10?) also comprises a support device (15?) which supports the sonotrode head (11?) in a support area (16?), which contains a vibration node of the sonotrode head (12?). The support area (16?) and the welding surface (14?) at least partially extend along a common plane (E) which extends perpendicular to the torsion axis (T). A device (10?) for welding components by ultrasound by using a temperature control device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a needle for repairing an alignment layer on a liquid crystal display substrate. The needle includes a needle tip; and a flexible material coating surrounding the needle tip.

Abstract: A die cutting method that cuts patterns in a label is provided. According an embodiment, a method adjusts temperature of a label sheet comprising a laminated layer and a liner layer. The method further separates the laminated layer from the liner layer prior to making the cuts on the laminated layer. The method further cuts one or more patterns on the laminated layer. The method further re-attaches, the laminated layer to the liner layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a composite structure includes a tape placement machine including a delivery head configured to dispose a composite tape and a backing plate coupled to the tape placement machine and selectively located relative to the delivery head to react to a placement force applied by the tape placement machine as the composite tape is being disposed.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for monitoring a manufacturing process includes a core platform to operatively connect a plurality of systems or subsystems via one or more interfaces. A sensor system operatively coupled with the core platform to monitor one or more characteristics of a manufactured article. An actuation system operatively coupled with the core platform to implement the manufacturing process based on instruction from the core platform. The core platform is configured to receive a first measurement of the one or more characteristics of a composite article from the sensor system after application of a plurality of layers of one or more raw materials; receive data regarding a second measurement of the one or more characteristics from the sensor system after curing the composite article; and generate an alert in response to a determination that a defect exists in the composite article based on the first or second measurement.

Abstract: An improved method of edge modification such as edge banding comprising placing a roller in contact with an edge and measuring a first position of the roller. Subsequently moving the contact roller along the edge to a second position and measuring the second position before calculating a desired force direction from the first and second position measurements, applying a force via the pressure roller in the desired force direction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for managing nonconformances in laminates. A nonconformance management system comprises a sensor system and an analyzer in a computer system. The sensor that records layup information about the layup of layers on a workpiece platform and records inspection information about the laminate located on an inspection platform, wherein the laminate is formed from curing the workpiece. The analyzer in the computer system identifies a laminate nonconformance in the laminate using the inspection information, generates nonconformance information about the laminate nonconformance, and displays the nonconformance information about the laminate nonconformance on the laminate using a display system for an augmented reality display.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for inspecting a label for proper application thereof. The system includes a label application apparatus and an inspection apparatus associated with said label application apparatus. The method includes inspecting a spent carrier web for the presence of labels, or portions thereof, that did not transfer to articles being labeled.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the reduction of residual stress in a bonded structure is provided. The method can include: providing a bonded structure having at least two substructures, wherein the substructures are bonded together with an adhesive; and submitting the bonded structure to a high-humidity environment having a relative humidity of at least 75%. The method can also include a step of submitting the bonded structure to an low-humidity environment having a relative humidity of at most 20%. According to the method, the bonded structure can have a first residual stress at a first time and a second residual stress at a second time, wherein an absolute value of the first residual stress is greater than an absolute value of the second residual stress. According to the method, the residual stress at the second time can be about zero.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in a substrate bonding apparatus a first chucking stage includes a first stage base, a plurality of first cylindrical members, and a plurality of first drive mechanisms. The first stage base includes a first main face facing a second chucking stage. The plurality of first cylindrical members are disposed on the first main face. The plurality of first cylindrical members are arrayed in planar directions. The plurality of first cylindrical members protrudes from the first main face in a direction toward the second chucking stage to chuck the first substrate. The plurality of first drive mechanisms are configured to drive the plurality of first cylindrical members independently of each other. The substrate bonding apparatus further comprises a first pressure control mechanism configured to control pressure states of spaces in the plurality of first cylindrical members independently of each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for thermal inspection of tape layup. One embodiment is a method for performing inspection of a tape layup. The method comprises laying up tape onto a surface of a laminate, applying heat to tack the tape to the surface, and generating thermographic images of the tape as applied to the surface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a discharge head for discharging fluidic raw material through a nozzle; a shaping table on which a shaped product is to be molded; a linear motion mechanism; and a rotation unit. The linear motion mechanism moves the shaping table relative to the discharge head in three mutually orthogonal axial directions. The rotation unit tilts the shaping table relative to the discharge head. An operation of curing, on the shaping table, the raw material discharged through the nozzle is repeated while the relative position between the discharge head and the shaping table is being changed by the linear motion mechanism and the rotation unit, thereby molding a shaped product in which the cured raw material is stacked in layers.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a welding process to produce a weld joint having a predetermined strength includes measuring a plurality of melt layer thicknesses of weld joints for a plurality of sample assemblies formed by the welding process, measuring a plurality failure loads of weld joints for the plurality of sample assemblies, each of the measured plurality of failures loads being associated with one of the measured plurality of melt layer thicknesses, selecting a first failure load from the plurality of measured failure loads responsive to determining that the first failure load corresponds to a predetermined weld strength, and selecting a first melt layer thickness from the plurality of measured melt layer thicknesses that is associated with the selected first measured failure load.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrode stack for an energy store of a motor vehicle; as electrodes, cathodes and anodes being alternately stacked on top of one another with the interposition of a separator strip, the separator strip first having the cathodes and anodes laid thereon, thereby forming an electrode strip, and, subsequently thereto, the electrode strip being folded numerous times to stack the cathodes and the anodes on top of one another. It is provided that the electrode strip be oriented in a horizontal plane for the folding process, and, on that basis, be folded in sections or, as a whole, between the electrodes.

Abstract: A tire with a sensor attachment reservoir is provided. The tire includes a pair of bead areas, a sidewall extending from each respective bead area to a tread, a carcass extending toroidally between each of the bead areas, and an innerliner disposed inwardly of the carcass. A compound ring is secured to the innerliner, and the compound ring defines a reservoir upon being secured to the innerliner. A sensor adhesive is disposed in the reservoir and a sensor is secured to the tire innerliner by the sensor adhesive. A corresponding method of attaching a sensor to a tire is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and processes that integrate thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials to form an adaptive composite structure capable of changing its shape. For example, the adaptive composite structure may be designed to serve as a multifunctional adaptive wing flight control surface. Other applications for such adaptive composite structures include in variable area fan nozzles, winglets, fairings, elevators, rudders, or other aircraft components having an aerodynamic surface whose shape is preferably controllable. The material systems can be integrated by means of overbraiding (interwoven) with tows of both thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials or separate layers of each material can be consolidated (e.g., using induction heating) to make a flight control surface that does not require separate actuation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for systems and methods for calibrating a label applicator for improved accuracy and/or precision on moving objects. In one example, a system may be configured to receive a height of a package on a conveyor path prior to the package reaching a label applicator. The system can be configured to determine a predicted tamp time for the package based on the height. The predicted tamp time can represent an estimated period of time for a tamp head to apply a label on the package. The system also can instruct a controller operating a label applicator to activate the tamp head for the package based on the predicted tamp time. The system can receive an actual tamp time from the controller after the label has been applied to the package and update the modeling coefficient based on a tamp time error.

Abstract: A method for checking a continuous elongated element during the building of a tyre for vehicle wheels. A beam of an electromagnetic radiation is projected on a section of the continuous elongated element dispensed by a dispensing head and interposed between the dispensing head and a first contact area of the continuous elongated element with a radially outer surface of a tyre being processed. An image of a radiation reflected by the section is acquired. A first parameter related to the image is detected, and the first parameter is compared with a second reference parameter.

Abstract: A method for reworking a composite laminate comprising a plurality of tapes, comprising the following steps: detecting the occurrence of a defect on a tape of composite material while the tape is being laid up; continuing the lay-up of the defective tape until a tape length is formed which surpasses a manufacturing length of the tape; catching the part of the defective tape that surpasses the manufacturing length of the tap; cutting the defective tape in the part of the defective tape that surpasses the manufacturing length of the tape; removing from the laminate the caught defective tape by the catching system, and laying-up a replacement tape in the place of the removed defective tape.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects by 3D-inkjet printing technology are provided. The methods utilize curable materials that polymerize via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) for fabricating the object. Systems suitable for performing these methods and kits containing modeling material formulations usable in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: An optical article provided in a form suitable for simultaneous lamination of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and of a thermoplastic film, the said optical article comprising a convex and a concave optical surface, wherein the convex and/or the concave optical surface is a receiving surface intended to receive the pressure sensitive adhesive on which the thermoplastic film is intended to be arranged and wherein the said receiving surface has an arithmetic average profile roughness greater or equal to 0.01 ?m and less or equal to 0.3 ?m and/or wherein the said receiving surface has a profile roughness root mean square slope greater or equal to 0.2° and less or equal to 1.2°. A method for manufacturing an optical device using said optical article.