Abstract: A method of forming a lightweight artificial stone comprises sizing an existing rock to a first set of dimensions and compensating for shrinkage of moldable cement and expanded glass mixture, squaring the existing rock at least once, laying out at least one of the existing rock, forming a mold of the existing rock, removing the existing rock from the mold, filling the mold with the moldable cement and expanded glass mixture, forming at least one dimensionally accurate stone.

Abstract: A method for building a three-dimensional object containing an identification-tag insert, the method comprising performing a build operation to form layers of the three-dimensional object using a layer-based additive technique, placing the identification-tag insert on at least a portion of the layers during the build operation, and reading information from the identification-tag insert.

Abstract: A method of laser processing a mold surface may include a first stage of extracting mapping data for forming an embossing pattern on the mold surface using laser processing, a second stage of extracting scanning data obtained by scanning the mold surface and matching the scanning data with the mapping data so as to extract processing data for laser processing, a third stage of performing a reverse engineering process for previously verifying error between measured data of the mold surface and the processing data when processing the mold surface to form the embossing pattern using the processing data, and a fourth stage of, when the error may be within an allowable tolerance, performing the laser process using a verified processing data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint, apparatus which performs an imprint process of transferring a pattern onto a substrate, the apparatus comprising a deforming unit configured to deform the pattern surface by applying a force to the mold, an obtaining unit configured to obtain thickness information of the mold, a calculation unit configured to calculate a force to be applied to the mold based on the thickness information of the mold obtained by the obtaining unit, so that the pattern surface has a target, shape in the imprint process, and a control unit configured to control the deforming unit, to apply the force calculated by the calculation unit to the mold in the imprint process.

Abstract: A nano pattern writer includes an array of nano needles extending from a groove in a substrate. A first portion of each nano needle is located in a respective groove of the first layer and the second portion extends from the groove. The nano pattern writer includes a second layer covering the first layer such that the first portion of the nano needles is secured between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A method for filling at least one cavity of a tool for producing a preform from a melted mass, specifically a cavity of a tool in an injection molding machine, the melted mass being introduced into the cavity under pressure from a plurality of nozzles. According to the method, a sensor is associated with at least one nozzle, the sensor determining the flow of melted mass in the cavity, and the filling process through the nozzles is automatically co-ordinated on the basis of the signals of the sensor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented image processing technique for selectively recovering the features of an original CAD model after the original CAD model has been converted to a digitized image and a new CAD model generated from the digitized image. The original boundary representation provides a template to transform the representation through processing under governance of a programmed processor so as to recover accuracy and reintroduce feature edges and feature corners as well as other detailed features to the CAD model obtained from the digitized image, e.g., to enable detailed features to be retained that would otherwise have been lost due to the lossy conversion into image space. The method operates to better ensure that reconstructed boundary vertices lie on original CAD model surfaces and feature edges and corners are recovered.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that support the building of walls. Other examples may involve the support of creating and repairing advanced roadways.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing. The present disclosure includes methods for the utilization of mobile and automated processing apparatus. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that alter the topography of an existing surface. Other examples may involve the processing of dimensionally large layers which may be joined together to create large pieces with three dimensional shape.

Abstract: Method for producing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories and having a wall made of plastic made in a single piece by molding a split parison or a parison in at least two parts, said method comprising the following steps: a) the parison is introduced in the heat-softened state into a mould comprising dies; b) a core on which the accessories are placed is introduced inside the parison; c) the parison is pressed onto the dies of the mould; d) the accessories are fastened to the parison with the aid of the core in an ideal layout; e) the core is withdrawn and the mould is closed; f) the tank is molded from the parison; and g) the tank is removed from the mould.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a coextrusion blown film is described. The method involves coextruding a blown film having 3 to 11 layers, including a first skin layer and a second skin layer, the first skin layer comprising nylon, and the second skin layer having a different melting temperature than the first skin layer. The film is then cooled before being passed through steam. The method can be used to produce a coextrusion blown film that has reduced curling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which transfers the pattern of the mold to a target region on the substrate, comprising a control unit configured to align the mold and the target region in a surface direction parallel to a surface of the substrate, and drive at least one of the mold and the substrate so that the mold and an imprint material on the target region are brought into contact with each other, wherein in the alignment in the surface direction before the contact, the control unit shifts a relative position between the mold and the target region based on a shift amount of the pattern of the mold from the target region in the surface direction in the driving which causes the contact, so that the relative position after the contact is set within an allowable range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus comprising a deforming unit configured to deform a pattern surface by applying a force to a mold, a measuring unit configured to measure a deformation amount of the pattern surface, a control unit configured to control the measuring unit to measure the deformation amount in each of a plurality of states in which a plurality of the forces are applied to the mold, a calculation unit configured to calculate a rate of change in the deformation amount as a function of a change in the force applied to the mold, and a calibration unit configured to calibrate a control profile describing a time in the imprint process, and the force applied to the mold, based on the rate of change in the deformation amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing graphene including rotating a continuous surface within an evacuated chamber; coating the surface with a catalyst layer; heating portions of the catalyst layer; coating the heated portions of the catalyst layer with one or more layers of graphene; monitoring grain growth of the graphene layer; if the monitored grain growth indicates unacceptable grain growth, then taking corrective action; and removing the catalyst layer and the layer of graphene from the surface by heating other portions of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A system is provided for a blind person to provide the person with the experience of seeing a two dimensional piece of art by scanning the two dimensional piece of art, extracting various features and creating a three dimensional rendition of the two dimensional art using the extracted features.

Abstract: The invention relates to film products containing desired levels of active components and methods of their preparation. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. Desirably, the films may be exposed to temperatures above that at which the active components typically degrade without concern for loss of the desired activity.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention presents a housing for engaging a mold device that includes a top plate having a top mold and a bottom plate having a bottom mold. The top plate presents side edges presenting a plurality of male elements extending therefrom. A top portion of the housing presents a safety and locking device (the device) to secure the top plate. The device presents several plates movable relative one another to secure the top plate. In case of a power outage, an actuator cooperably connected with the device prevents a shaft, connected to one of the plates, to move back to its idle position thereby locking the top plate within the device to prevent disengagement of the top plate from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.

Abstract: A monitor for maintaining a mold cycle count with an actuator sending a count signal to a processor following a mold operation. The monitor further includes a timer having an active mode and a sleep mode. The processor generates an average cycle time and an activity percentage of the mold taking into account active and sleep periods of the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.

Abstract: An imprinting method of this disclosure includes supplying an imprint material on a substrate having a pattern including a mark on the substrate formed thereon; bringing a mold having a pattern including a mark on the mold into contact with the imprint material; curing the imprint material in a state in which the mold is in contact therewith; and forming a pattern including the mark on the imprint material, and characterized in that an optical system configured to form an image of the mark on the imprint material and an image of the mark on the substrate are used to detect the mark on the imprint material and the mark on the substrate after the space between the substrate and the mold has been increased until the mark on the mold is positioned out of a focal depth of the optical system, thereby obtaining a relative positional deviation between the pattern on the substrate and the pattern on the imprint material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system to print three-dimensional objects and a method of printed are disclosed. The system includes one or more printing heads, two or more cartridges, two or more sensors configured to determine the status of building material in the cartridges and a controller configured to receive data from the sensors and to control switching of building material supply from one cartridge to another. The printing method includes measuring data from two or more sensors to determine the status of the three-dimensional building material in the cartridges, controlling supply of the building material based on data received from the sensors and controlling switching of building material supply from one cartridge to another.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and an additive, wherein the additive has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The additive will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the additive. A suitable additive may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method including steps of providing at least one sensor; detecting a plurality of parameters in a thermoplastic using the at least one sensor; generating a plurality of outputs in response to the detecting; and characterizing a contaminant or a percentage of post-consumer recycled thermoplastic content in the thermoplastic as a function of the plurality of outputs having been generated and a thermoplastic pattern signature.

Abstract: A monitor for maintaining a mold cycle count and other mold operation data and a corresponding system that generates a first remote record of the mold cycle data and a second remote record of the mold cycle data, the second remote record comprising a lesser, different and/or non-confidential version of the first remote record. The first remote record and the second remote record may then be coordinated among an OEM manufacturer, a moldmaker and a molder.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing the ends of electric cables, which comprises a section for injection moulding on at least one end, a first section comprising means for applying electrical connection elements to one end of the cable and, optionally, a second section for applying further electrical connection elements to the remaining end of the cable, and means for testing the cable prior to its output from the apparatus, in which retaining means for both ends of the cables in all the manufacturing sections and means for moving said ends from the retaining means of one section to the retaining means of the next section are also present. The moulding section comprises a plurality of moulds, with an injector for each mould, mounted on platform with which they can be rotated along a circumference.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an elastomeric tire component includes the steps of a) preparing an elongated element including a cross-linkable elastomeric material by feeding it to an extruding device having a plurality of units, each having a respective thermal inertia, and b) delivering the elongated element onto a building support, and further includes at least one non-productive step of c) submitting at least one of the units of the extruding device to a thermal transition selected from heating or cooling, substantially reducing the risk of scorching during the thermal transition from and to the non-productive step ranking the units according to their thermal inertia and heating the units starting with the top-ranked unit sequentially to the bottom-ranked unit to reach the respective working temperature or cooling the units starting from the maximum working temperature unit sequentially to the minimum working temperature unit to reach the respective non-working temperature.

Abstract: A three-dimensional signboard and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The signboard comprises: an upper-layer unit and a lower-layer unit connected to each other. The upper-layer unit comprises a main body portion (1) reflecting a identification shape of the three-dimensional signboard. The lower-layer unit comprises a side wall portion (3) connected to the main body portion (1), and the side wall portion (3) encloses to form a cavity for supporting the main body portion (1). A connection portion (2) is further provided between the main body portion (1) and the side wall portion (3). An upper edge of the connection portion (2) is connected to a lower edge of the main body portion (1), and a lower edge of the connection portion (2) is connected to an upper edge of the side wall portion (3). The signboard of the present invention has a strong stereoscopic effect and is easily identified, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional signboard has simple procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of examining defects in a green honeycomb molding having partition walls which form a plurality of flow channels extending in parallel with one another, and sealing portions which close the upper ends of some of the plurality of flow channels and the lower ends of the rest flow channels. The method includes a step of applying pressure to the lower ends of the plurality of flow channels using gas, and a step of visualizing the distribution of gas refractive indexes near the upper ends of the plurality of flow channels.

Abstract: A method of producing an object by sequentially printing layers of construction material one on top of the other, the method comprising: providing the construction material at a first lower temperature; flowing the construction material through a heated flow path in a flow structure to heat the construction material and delivering the heated construction material to a heated reservoir in a printing head; and dispensing the heated construction material from the reservoir to build the object layer by layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of bent glazed modules comprising a metal framework and a panel comprising a laminated glazing comprising glass substrates separated by an interlayer made of polymer material, the panel being bent, after the laminated glazing has been assembled, by a force which causes it to take the shape of the metal framework and then held in this shape by a holding means, the bending being carried out while the interlayer is at a temperature between 30 and 80° C. The invention reduces the loads necessary for the bending and also the shear stresses between the interlayer made of polymer material and the glass substrates, which reduces the risks of delamination.

Abstract: Each platform mounted mold assembly for plastic tubing includes a circuit board containing parameters defining elements of the forming, molding, tipping or welding operation to be undertaken on the tubing. A control unit includes an RF generator for providing the RF energy to effect the forming, molding, tipping or welding process, a source of air under pressure to operate the mechanical elements attendant each mold assembly, various sensors and a multiplex unit. In operation, the control unit serially addresses each of the mold assemblies, senses the parameters attendant the mold and applies the appropriate power level of RF energy for a specific duration and temperature while activating the mechanical aspects of the mold assembly. The mold assemblies may be serially activated through a multiplex unit or in a particular sequence that may be operator controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus comprising at least one first detector configured to detect a first number of first marks among a plurality of marks formed in the plurality of shot regions, a second detector having a field of view wider than that of the first detector, and configured to detect a second number of second marks different from the first marks among the plurality of marks, the second number being larger than the first number, and a controller configured to align the plurality of shot regions and the mold by using a detection result from the second detector.

Abstract: Some aspects provide a method of generating a support structure for an object, the support structure and the object to be fabricated via one or more additive fabrication techniques, comprising identifying one or more regions of the object as one or more regions to which mechanical support is to be provided, identifying one or more support points within at least a first region of the one or more regions, and generating the support structure for the object, the support structure comprising one or more support tips coupled to the object at the one or more support points, the support tips being generated based at least in part on a direction normal to the surface of the object at the respective support point.

Abstract: A method for treating a layered substrate including a layer of a block copolymer is provided. The method includes identifying a non-uniformity in the layer of the block copolymer; controlling a process variable correlated to the non-uniformity in the layer of the block copolymer; and annealing the layer of the block copolymer under a process condition affected by the process variable to compensate for at least a portion of the non-uniformity in the layer of the block copolymer to form a pattern comprising a plurality of domains having improved uniformity therein. The method further provides a way for reducing a non-uniformity in a layered substrate comprising a layer of a block copolymer on a pre-patterned substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for component protective overmolding include selectively applying a securing coating substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework, molding a first protective layer over the framework, the one or more elements, and the securing coating, after the securing coating has been selectively applied, and molding a second protective layer over the first protective layer. In one embodiment, the second protective layer is configured to provide a surface configured to receive a pattern and is removable if a defect is yielded during inspection. Further, the securing coating may be a curable material, such as an ultra violet curable material.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a first array of template holders, a second array of template holders, and a substrate table arranged to support a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the first array of template holders is arranged to hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a first array of patterns onto the substrate, and the second array of template holders is arranged hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a second array of patterns onto the substrate, the patterns imprinted by the second array being interspersed between the patterns imprinted by the first array.

Abstract: A cutter hub position control device for consistent blade adjustment in an underfluid pelletizer is provided in connection with a motion rod attached to the pelletizer cutter hub and extending through a hollow shaft of the pelletizer motor. The cutter hub position control device can be collinear, transaxial or in a plane parallel to the axis of the motion rod to which it is attached. Adjustment of the cutter hub position control device is automated through use of feedback control mechanisms.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured by forming a series of three-dimensional formed curves of extruded material that together comprise the geometry of the surface of the object. The material is extruded from a nozzle that is positioned by a robotic arm under the control of a robotic controller. A computer that has a definition of the geometric surface generates commands to the robotic controller to cause it to sequentially form the series of formed curves that the computer calculates comprise the surface geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a tempering device of a blow-molding machine for tempering at least one blow mold member of a blow mold or a blow mold member carrier to a target temperature, with a device for receiving a temperature actual value of the blow mold member or the blow mold member carrier, where the temperature actual value is measured by a temperature measuring device in the blow mold member or the blow mold member carrier, devices for receiving a temperature target value of the blow mold member or the blow mold member carrier, analyzing the received temperature actual value and the received temperature target value, calculating a setting value for the tempering device from the received temperature actual value and the received temperature target value, and transmitting the setting value to the tempering device.

Abstract: A method of forming an oral product includes extruding a mixture, conveying the extruded mixture through one or more pairs of forming rollers, and cutting the extruded mixture into one or more oral products. The mixture can include polymer and at least one flavorant, sweetener, active ingredient, or combination thereof. The extruded mixture forms an extrudate having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The one or more pairs of forming rollers abut to define a passage there between as each forming roller rotates. The passage has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the predetermined cross-sectional shape. The method can be performed using a machine including an extruder, one or more pairs of forming rollers, and a cutting device.

Abstract: A face mask for extended wear by a user including a customized, contoured facial mask face surface portion constructed and configured to cover and to contact a corresponding contoured surface area of a human face, preferably formed by 3-D printing methods and materials.

Abstract: A paper machine clothing (PMC) fabric includes a plurality of monofilament yarns, at least some of the monofilament yarns having a composition formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET monofilament yarns have an abrasion resistance of greater than 6,000 cycles.

Abstract: An imprinting machine that brings a mold having a pattern into contact with an object and transfers the pattern onto the object includes a measurement unit that measures a position of the mold when the mold contacts the object.

Abstract: The application provides a molding apparatus. The molding apparatus comprises a first mold-defining member together with a second mold-defining member, one or more channels, and one or more moveable cores. The first mold-defining member together with the second mold-defining member defines an internal cavity. The channels comprise inlets for receiving molten resin and outlets to the internal cavity. The moveable cores are moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the moveable core in the second position reduces a volume of the internal cavity and closes the channel outlets. The moveable core is also independently moveable with respect to the first mold-defining member and with respect to the second mold-defining member.

Abstract: A flow path unit includes a light transmitting flow path substrate having a liquid flow path and a coupling substrate connected with the flow path substrate. In the flow path unit, a space as a first positioning mark is provided at the side of a first substrate-surface of the flow path substrate or at the inside of the flow path substrate. Further, a film as a second positioning mark is provided at the side of a second substrate-surface of the flow path substrate that is opposite to the first substrate-surface side. Furthermore, a hole as a third positioning mark is provided in the coupling substrate. The second positioning mark is provided at a position where the first positioning mark is projected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank. A first mold having a first molding surface corresponding to a first portion of an outside surface of the tank is provided. A second mold having a second molding surface corresponding to a second portion of the outside surface of the tank is provided. The first portion and the second portion form the outside surface of the tank having an opening disposed therein. A mold release agent is disposed onto the first and second molding surface. A molding bladder is provided. An outside surface of the molding bladder when inflated substantially corresponds to an inside surface of the tank having the opening disposed therein. A reinforcement material is disposed onto one of the molding bladder and the molding surfaces. The first and the second mold are combined in a sealed fashion. The first and the second mold have accommodated therebetween the reinforcement material and the molding bladder.

Abstract: Powder bed fusion systems, apparatus, and processes for the production of multi-material parts are provided, in which the material composition varies throughout the part, including different regions within a particular layer. Present embodiments include the capability to selectively deliver fusion-inducing energy over the part bed as each layer of the part is made, rather than uniformly over the part bed.

Abstract: A substantially constant pressure injection molding method and machine that forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at a substantially constant pressure. As a result, the mold cavity is filled with molten thermoplastic material by advancing a continuous flow front of thermoplastic material from a gate to an end of the mold cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing molded polymeric articles exhibiting enhanced flame retardant properties. Also disclosed are molded thermoplastic articles manufactured by the disclosed processes and methods.