Abstract: A method and a device for removing molded soft contact lenses, high-precision intraocular lenses and the like, from the individual molds in which they are produced. Provided is an infra-red radiation or heater device constituted of silicon carbide IR-emitters, and which employs an individual infra-red emitter for each individual mold, to impart a desired thermal gradient.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc plate. has the following operations of: molding a mold disc plate through an injection molding; and spinning the mold disc plate at a high spin speed. The spinning operation has at least one of the following two sub-operations of: reducing a warp of the mold disc plate with a centrifugal force caused during the spinning operation, and reducing a temperature of the mold disc plate during the spinning operation. Moreover, an apparatus of treating a disc plate has: a conveyer for conveying a mold disc plate obtained through an injection molding; a disc bench for receiving the mold disc plate conveyed with the conveyer; and a spin driver for spinning the disc bench when a temperature of the mold disc plate is higher than 90° C., to thereby spin the mold disc plate.

Abstract: An annular die designed to produce polymer foam using only one or more ambient gasses as a blowing agent includes an exiting channel with an exit having a cross-sectional area between about two and about ten times that of a smallest point within the exit channel. The section of the die from the smallest point to the exit is thermally isolated from the rest of the die, and the temperature thereof is independently controlled. In addition, the interior surface of the exit channel is coated with a friction-reducing coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microporous films. The method utilizes a casting surface and a condensing surface. The condensing surface is spaced from the casting surface to form a gap. The distance between the surfaces forming the gap is relatively small and is preferably less than 3 cm. A material, capable of forming microporous films through thermally induced phase separation processes, is cast onto the casting surface, preferably through conventional extrusion practices. The material contains at least one evaporative component that generally flashes off upon formation of the microporous material and condenses on the condensing surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring uniform temperature regulation of a mold cavity (90) during a mold process is disclosed. An anisotropic diffuser member(s) (100) is/are utilized for rapid providing heat transfer in preferred directions. An anisotropic diffuser member (100) is arranged within or along a mold cavity (90) to ensure that heat is transferred uniformly and rapidly along the target wall of the mold cavity (90). The anisitropic diffuser member (100) may be manufactured from a lay up of graphite fiber reinforced composites that have individual fibers (101) arranged in a uniform direction, e.g., having a characteristic grain. Since heat travels faster along the length (grain) of the individual fibers (101) of the diffuser member (100) than at angles opposed to it, an operator can manipulate heat transfer to ensure that heat is spread evenly along mold cavity (90) walls in a manner that avoids undesirable temperature gradients or hot spots.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for making articles made of polyester, preferably virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET), having coated directly to at least one of the surfaces thereof one or more layers of recycled or post-consumer PET and one or more layers of a material with good gas-barrier characteristics, preferably silicon oxide. Preferably, the recycled PET layer comprises about 25% to about 50% of the entire material content. Preferably the articles take the form of preforms and the containers are blow-molded therefrom and the barrier layer is subsequently applied. The preferred barrier materials have a lower permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide than PET. In addition, the neck of the preforms and bottles is at least partially in the crystalline state and the body is primarily in the amorphous or semi-crystalline state.

Abstract: Tire rubber material is highly accurately and efficiently extruded by a positive displacement extruding system that includes, as seen from an upstream side of the tire rubber, a screw extruder unit, a gear pump unit and an extrusion head unit with an extrusion nozzle, which are connected in series with each other. While the tire rubber is caused to flow through the extruding system, the temperature of the rubber material is measured and controlled to be within a predetermined temperature range, in accordance with the measured temperature of the rubber material. The rubber material maintained at a controlled temperature is extruded from the extrusion nozzle, thereby improving the positive displacement performance of the extruding system.

Abstract: A method of repairing leaking underground pipes, particularly gravity-flow sewer pipes, without excavation, by using a flexible liner tube containing a fluid under sufficient pressure to exclude groundwater, while forcing a fluid sealant material into leaking defects in a pipe wall, and through openings in the pipe wall into voids outside the pipe. The flexible liner tube is everted into the pipe to keep the sealant material in place and also to continue to exclude groundwater for a period of time long enough for the sealant material to cure in place to effect sealing repair of the defects in the pipe wall and also at least partially fill voids outside the pipe. Fluid is kept under great enough pressure in the liner tube to exclude groundwater and may be heated or chilled to assist in preparing the pipe for sealant or to cure the sealant material.

Abstract: A method and system for providing for the production of preforms of thermoplastic resin by filling a plurality of multiple-cavity molds with molten resin for forming the preforms, holding and cooling down the molten resin inside the molds, removing the molded preforms from the molds, subjecting the preforms to a subsequent temperature conditioning stage, and transferring the preforms to a blow-molding stage. Each of the multi-cavity molds includes a plurality of cavities defined in several distinct clusters and each cavities belonging to the same cluster is cooled in a distinct and differentiated manner with respect to the cavities belonging to other clusters provided in the same mold.

Abstract: A device and method for cooling granules, in particular wax granules, for processing in an injection-moulding machine, which has a cavity for receiving the granules and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and at least one further opening is provided for supplying a gaseous medium. In the device of the invention, the outlet opening is arranged directly or indirectly at the feed region of the screw of an injection-moulding machine and the cavity is connected to a cold-gas production device. In the process of the invention, the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the gas is determined and by determining the temperature difference, the preset theoretical temperature in the cavity is controlled and/or regulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a method for controlling a temperature of an injection molding machine using a temperature controller, in which a temperature of feed water fed from a cooling tower to the injection molding machine is controlled by heat supplied from a heater, and then a temperature of the injection molding machine is controlled by opening or closing a plurality of opening and closing means to regulate feeding of the water from the cooling tower to the injection molding machine. By the present invention, a time required for controlling the temperature of the injection molding machine and a preheating time at an initial operation stage can be shortened.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved method of heating or tempering foils and an associated device including an arrangement for measuring the temperature, based on the following features: a separate arrangement is provided for heating the foil edges; the foil edge heating arrangement comprises an infrared radiator device (21) and a hot air heating device (29); and the infrared radiator device (21) and the hot air heating device (29) can be controlled or set at different heating output values.

Abstract: An object of the present invention to provide a sheet manufacturing method and a sheet manufacturing die, in which a process of extruding a molten material from the die and winding it around a cooling roller can be performed at a high speed such as 60 m/min or more, and with which a sheet having a uniform thickness and a smooth surface can be obtained. In order to effectively charge the sheet with static electricity, the distance between paths of product portion and end portions of the sheet from a die to a cooling roller is reduced by adjusting the temperature of the sheet at the end portions thereof. The die is constructed such that the sheet is not influenced by deformation of a slit formed in the die, which is caused by heat expansion of the die and adjustment operations.

Abstract: A plastic optical element producing method produces a plastic optical element by an ejection molding, and includes the step of cooling an optical surface of the plastic optical element with priority in a state where a temperature of the plastic optical element is within a predetermined temperature range which is less than or equal to a glass transition temperature of the resin material.

Abstract: In a process for upgrading cleaned used plastic material to be reclaimed, all steps are performed in a continuous way so as to extrude continuously the plastic material to provide elongated strands thereof, cutting the strands continuously as they are supplied by extrusion to convert them into pellets. Then, the pellets are fed without any intermediate storage to a continuous crystallizer in a stream of hot gas to heat the pellets to crystallizing temperature.

Abstract: In order to provide a process for the production of a component consisting of a fiber reinforced material, with which liquid resin is supplied to a semifinished fiber article by way of application by vacuum pressure, it is provided for a heat curing resin to be used as resin and for application by vacuum pressure and temperature to be controlled such that in relation to the liquid resin the boiling point curve of the resin is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of extrusion molding a comparatively wide, thin ceramic sheet using a screw extruder while suppressing the wrinkling thereof are disclosed. A molding apparatus (1) comprising a screw-type extruder (2) and a mold (11) at the forward end of the extruder (2) is used to extrusion mold a ceramic sheet from the ceramic material introduced into the extruder (2) by way of the mold (11). The extrusion molding is carried out while regulating the temperature of the portion of the ceramic material passing through the mold (11) corresponding to each of a plurality of areas (control zones) into which the mold (11) is divided.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a molding method and apparatus which increase the gas permeation speed in obtaining a foamed resin molded product by letting a gas permeate a molten resin material.

Abstract: A memory mounted on the same board as a temperature sense module stores a temperature correction value proper to this temperature sense module. On the basis of the temperature correction value read out of the memory, a temperature setting section controls power to a heater, thereby carrying out a temperature control of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: A seal plug (10) for closing a aperture in a panel includes a cover cap (12), a set of seal plug retaining tabs (32, 34, 36, 38) extending from a bottom face (16) of the plug and a set of guide elements (60, 62, 64, 66) extending from the bottom face of the plug. The guide elements (60-66) disposed on the bottom face of the seal plug define a first axially orientated lead-in surface. The retaining tabs (32-38) disposed on the bottom face of the seal plug define a second axially orientated lead-in surface. The first and second lead-in surfaces cooperate making the seal plug easy to install. A thermoexpanding plastic sealing ring (30) adapted to soften and expand upon heating to a temperature of about 250° F. is disposed on the bottom face of the seal plug. The seal ring expands and softens in an oven enabling the seal plug to become firmly bonded to a surface defining an aperture.

Abstract: A thermochromic colourant is used to indicate a temperature change in a candle. During manufacture, the colour change of the colourant will indicate when the temperature has fallen to a level suitable for packing of the candle. The candle formulation may include the thermochromic colourant to visually indicate when in use parts of the candle above a predetermined temperature, or the colourant may be provided in a coating on the candle body, or in a wrapper for the candle.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic to be thermoformed into an appliance liner is brought to a substantially uniform temperature, preferably to a temperature differential of less than 5° F. throughout, by directing a fluid medium upon opposing side surfaces of the sheet. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid medium is constituted by air which is heated, impinged upon the opposing surfaces and recirculated, with the temperature and flow rate of the air being controlled based on sensed operating parameters.

Abstract: A control method for an injection molding machine comprises the steps of measuring a density of a molten resin in a heating cylinder, controlling a stroke of an injection screw in an injection process by feed forward control based on the measuring step, and controlling an operating parameter of the injection molding machine based upon the measuring step.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoplastic article including heating first and second thermoplastic sheets and conforming the first and second thermoplastic sheets to corresponding molds. The first and second thermoplastic are then joined to form a sheet subassembly. The method further includes heating a third thermoplastic sheet and conforming the third thermoplastic sheet to a corresponding mold. The third thermoplastic sheet is then joined to the sheet subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing touch between a compression mold and a workpiece located in the compression mold including a mold cavity and a mold closure movable relative to the workpiece. The apparatus may include at least one touch sensor pad positionable to signal touch between the mold closure and the workpiece. The touch sensor pad may be in communication with a touch sensor monitor for indicating touch between the workpiece and the mold closure. The touch sensor pad may also be embodied in a touch sensor assembly.

Abstract: Hard to fill large-surface-area parts and/or thinwalled configurations of optical lenses and reflective optical elements are among the difficult-to-mold thermoplastic products which require precision replication of the molding surfaces, in micro detail. We combine multiple opposing gates (to reduce the meltflow pathlength) with non-isothermal steps of firstly, heating these mold surfaces (with circulating heat transfer fluids supplied by a hot side supply system, to a temperature setpoint sufficiently high to retard solidification), then secondly, injecting the melt through these opposing gates, then thirdly, rapidly cooling to solidification (by circulating heat transfer fluids of much lower temperature, supplied from a cold side supply system).

Abstract: A method of molding composite articles including arranging a pair of matched-tool mold sections in an opposed relationship, each mold section having a rigid housing and a thin, semi-rigid membrane removably and sealably mounted on the housing so as to define a fluid-tight chamber; filling the fluid-tight chambers with a non-compressible backing fluid; and accommodating thermal expansion of the backing fluid by an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid tight chambers. The method further includes defining a mold plenum between the semi-rigid membranes when the mold sections are closed together; inserting reinforcement materials between the semi-rigid membranes prior to closing the mold sections; and injecting and curing a molding fluid after closing the mold sections.

Abstract: In a method of controlling the temperature of an injection or diecasting mold, the respective temperature of the mold being detected by at least one sensor and compared to a set point and coolant, in particular cooling water, being metered and added through cooling channels disposed in the mold in dependence on detected overshooting or undershooting of the set point, it is provided, with a view to avoiding any overswinging of the control, that opening the valves for metering the coolant is allocated to one threshold and closing the valves to the other.

Abstract: A system having a processor-based process control system for a plastic injection molding machine performing a plastic injection molding process having an I/O bus network containing a plurality of I/O modules operably connected to a corresponding I/O device associated with the plastic injection molding machine and a first computer having and I/O bus controller directly connected to the I/O bus network, a real-time operating system, and a first processor executing a plastic injection molding control program for controlling the plastic injection molding process.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for molding a part, such as a point-of-purchase display, is shown. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The molded part comprises an in-molded graphics sheet which becomes molded integral with the part.

Abstract: In order to control and optimize, without stopping production, bowing in the outer wall of a calender roll in which bowing is produced by the action of pressure on an incompressible liquid enclosed in the roll, the invention proposes that, based on error signals generated from continuous thickness measurements and from at least one other quality characteristic, the temperature of the liquid is controlled and the nip modified to correct for deviations from the correct thickness.

Abstract: Curing of fiber composite materials is controlled by controlling in closed loop fashion the curing temperature, the curing pressure and/or curing time duration by control signals obtained from the curing of at least one separate test sample made of fiber composite material identical to the fiber composite material to be cured. One or more sensors are inserted into the test sample for sensing a curing characteristic such as the ion viscosity of the fiber composite material. The ion viscosity is a measure of the resistivity of the fiber composite material. The sensor or sensors produce respective electrical signals which represent the current degree of curing as a function of the ion viscosity or resistivity of the fiber composite material. The electrical signals obtained from the test sample or test samples are used for controlling the curing of the fiber composite materials either in real time or later. In both instances only the separate test sample is provided with sensors.

Abstract: Processes for the batch production of rubber-based compositions capable of being shaped and shaped articles made thereof. They include a step of high intensity mixing cured rubber particles with other selected compounds into a closed mixing chamber provided on a high intensity mixer including a central shaft having mixing blades. Through high speed rotation of the shaft, blade tip speed above about 20 meter/s are obtained to intensively mix and thermokinetically heat the batch of mixable material, whose temperature is continuously monitored. Discharge of the batch from the mixing chamber takes place when the temperature is considered to have reached a reference value ensuring a substantially uniform mix of the rubber material and added compounds, to produce the rubber-based composition.

Abstract: If the surface of metallic mold should not be highly transcribed to the surface of product in injection molding the plastic products, the transcription defects such as weld, shrinkage, etc. are caused to the surface of product. Further, if the resin should be exposed to the surface of high temperature metallic mold more than necessary during the molding, the filler and the like of glass and so forth are contained into the resin, and in this case, they are left over on the surface of metallic mold, resulting in the transcription defect. These problems can be solved by heating the surface temperature of metallic mold higher than the glass transfer temperature of resin if the resin is non-crystal and higher than the fusion point temperature if the resin crystal, with the temperature raising speed of more than 2° C. every second, maintaining this temperature during the resin charging, and by cooling at the lowering speed of more than 2° C. every second after the completion of charging.

Abstract: Various steps in the operation of an insulated runner injection molding system are automated by computer generated responses to various sensing steps or other steps to thereby reduce the performance requirements of the system operator. In automatic response to a manual operation incident to closure of a machine gate subsequent to removal of a sprue from channel-encasing mold parts, a computer causes the molding system to be adjusted to enable injection of molten plastic into an insulated runner channel to form the insulated runner and through the insulated runner into mold-cavities. In automatic response to sensing such readjustment of the molding system, the computer causes a predetermined quantity of molten plastic to be metered for injection to form the insulated runner. In automatic response to sensing such metering the computer causes the metered quantity to be injected into the channel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for creating a billet for molding a part. A plasticator is loaded with long reinforcing fibers and materials, such as a polyester, a carbocyclic, thermoplastic polymers or mixtures thereof, and heated to a predetermined temperature. The feed is then blended and plasticated to form a molten suspension. Pressure and shear within the plasticator is controlled to provide a process that provides a moldable billet with the length of the reinforcing fibers generally preserved through the plasticating and molding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which allows one skilled in the art to make either gradient or non-gradient slab gels continuously so that the produced gels are uniformly formed, polymerized and cut to a specific size as needed, in a mass-produced, assembly line manner.

Abstract: A method for making a product to be extruded and an extruder. The extruder has at least two conical stators and at least one conical rotor placed rotatably between the stators. The extruder further has supply conduits for feeding the material to be extruded separately into the exterior and interior of the rotor. Each supply conduit is provided with a separately adjustable feeding device by means of which the amount of material flow to be supplied can be adjusted. The degree to which the space between the rotor and the stator is filled and the amount of the heat generated by friction can be regulated. Further, the ratio of the material flows in the different supply conduits determines the ratio of the thickness of the layers obtained. The method and extruder according to the invention make it possible to regulate the properties of a final product easily and in several different ways.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.