Abstract: An RF heating apparatus and method utilizing a mold positioned between a pair of electrodes across which an RF field may be applied to heat working material in a cavity of the mold. The material used to form the mold is selected such that its dielectric constant and parameter of thermosensitivity to an RF field are equivalent the dielectric constant and parameter of thermosensitivity to an RF field of the working material to achieve relatively uniform heating of said working material to a selected temperature. The parameter of thermosensitivity to an RF field of a material generally comprises its power factor divided by the product of its density and specific heat, tan &dgr;/c&rgr;.

Abstract: With a device for heating parts 8 made of a microwave absorbing plastic and having a microwave generator 1 that generates microwaves of a certain wavelength, an antenna 4 to which the microwaves are conducted, having at least one free end 5 and a device 6 which surrounds the antenna 4, it is proposed that the device for shielding 6 be designed with a tubular shape, so that the device 6 has an inside diameter smaller than half the wavelength, projects beyond the free end 5 of the antenna and has an opening 7 in its end face. With this device it is possible to achieve a spatially limited and nevertheless homogeneous heating of parts 8. Furthermore a method of heating or welding, shaping or crosslinking parts made of a microwave absorbing plastic using this device is also proposed.

Abstract: A method of producing a consolidated composite wood product composed of discrete wood elements and a binder by forming a layup and preheating only a central longitudinal portion of the layup by application of microwave energy across the longitudinal axis and then pressing to consolidate the layup and applying further microwave energy in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the application of the preheating microwave energy through the sides of the compressed layup in the press.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing thermoplastic tubes from hollow thermoplastic sleeves by a variety of different manufacturing processes. The machine is a single apparatus having an indexing table with a plurality of mandrels for holding hollow thermoplastic sleeves for the purpose of transporting the same around a closed manufacturing path. The manufacturing path of the machine is a series of stations which are mechanical devices for carrying out the manufacturing steps necessary to produce tubes from thermoplastic blank sleeves. The stations of the manufacturing path are modular so that they may be removed, added or rearranged; may be optionally connected to a process logic controller and may optionally have sensors for information feedback to the PLC device.

Abstract: A laminated substrate is prepared, the laminated substrate having two layers including a first film and a second film in tight contact with the first film, the second film being made of a material capable of being etched with synchrotron radiation light. A mask member with a pattern is disposed in tight contact with the surface of the second film of the laminated structure or at a distance from the surface of the second film, the pattern of the mask member being made of a material not transmitting the synchrotron radiation light. The synchrotron radiation light is applied on a partial surface area of the second film via the mask member to etch the second film where the synchrotron radiation light is applied and to expose a partial surface area of the first film on the bottom of an etched area.

Abstract: A mold clamping control apparatus (49) capable of accurately generating mold clamping force is provided.

Abstract: A process and device for the stable widthwise regulation of the bulb angle in connection with the extrusion of sheets of heat-sensitive plastic (2) in an extrusion device with a calender opening formed by two intake rollers (3, 2) and a traversing measuring device (7) provided according to the calender slot by altering positioning elements on the extrusion device. At least two traversing measurements of a parameter correlating with the bulb angle are started consecutively on the heat-sensitive plastic sheet synchronously with the positioning of one of the two calender rollers. Like measurement conditions therefore exist and the deviation of the measured values obtained on the basis of the measurements in relation to specified expected values is used to regulate the bulb angle over its width by altering a setting element on the extrusion device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for producing plastic objects with solid regions and hollow regions. The method has the following steps: a) blocking off a part of the cavity (2) of a molding tool (1), so that little or no plastic melt can reach the blocked-off region (8); b) injecting plastic melt into the unblocked region (9) of the cavity (2) of the molding tool (1); c) releasing the blockage, so that plastic melt can reach the previously blocked-off region (8) of the cavity (2); d) injecting a pressurized gas into the melt by means of at least one fluid injection nozzle (7), so that the melt injected into the molding tool is distributed into the desired regions of the cavity (2) while forming a hollow space and is pressed against the cavity walls of the molding tool (1); e) allowing the molded part (6) to cool; f) relieving the cavity (2) of the pressure of the pressurized fluid; and g) demolding the molded part.

Abstract: The duty of a current to be supplied to an injection motor is calculated on the basis of the ratio between set injection time for which the injection motor operates and molding cycle time, a shaft torque of the injection motor is calculated on the basis of a set maximum injection force of the injection molding condition, a maximum current for the injection motor is determined on the basis of the calculated shaft torque, and it is decided that the injection motor is overloaded, an alarm is given, a duty for a current that enables continuous molding is retrieved for the maximum current, a state that enables continuous molding is displayed and the molding cycle time determining the duty of the current that enables continuous molding is corrected when the current having the calculated desired duty is smaller than the maximum current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed hollow mold sections having first and second molding membranes which define a mold plenum therebetween. Each mold section can be filled with a substantially noncompressible, thermally conductive fluid. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the thermally conductive fluid. Sensing of various parameters during the injection and curing processes of the molding fluid, for example pressure, flowrate, temperature and filling of the plenum can be used to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a large part of composite materials with a high fiber content (more than 58%) using the resin transfer moulding technique, wherein a fiber pellet (26) is placed in a mould (20) and strongly compressed, whilst the resin is injected at a constant reference flow rate value and while the instantaneous pressure at the mould inlet is lower than a reference pressure value. When this reference pressure value is reached, the injection flow rate is reduced to maintain the pressure at this level, and the compression of the pellet (26) is temporarily reduced. The injection flow rate is then altered to the constant reference flow rate value and the compression is increased, to start another cycle.

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic with a foamed interior and a dense outer skin of a desired thickness, whereby a blowing agent is mixed with a plastic material and the mixture is injected, under pressure, into a mold cavity of a mold unit. The mixture is allowed to cool along the molding surfaces of the mold cavity for a determined amount of time. The pressure is released and the mold cavity expanded to allow the blowing agent to foam the interior of the plastic article. The molding cavity is then compressed to achieve the desired dimensions for the plastic article, and to give the interior a uniform cellular structure. Control over the timing of the expansion of the mold cavity, the injection temperature, the rate of injection of the mixture, the rate at which the cavity is expanded and compressed, and the timing of the compression of the mold cavity allow a skin of desired thickness to be formed on the plastic article.

Abstract: An accumulator-type blow molding machine includes hydraulic cylinders for closing mold parts on platens and a control system for valves flowing hydraulic fluid to the cylinders. The control system calculates the desired position of one platen from the measured position of the other platen and generates work output signals accordingly.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an accumulator connected to an oil hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine, a charge start point and a charge end point for the accumulator are set for each of molding cycles or for each of step divisions constituting a single molding cycle. During molding, control is performed such that the charge start point and the charge end point are synchronized with each molding cycle. Thus, pressures in the respective steps of each molding cycle become constant (stable) among molding cycles.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive apparatus uses a single variable speed motor, two one-way clutches, a hydraulic pump stack and a hydraulic accumulator to provide both hydraulic power for linear motion axes and rotation of a driven element of an electromechanical drive system in an injection molding machine. When engaged, the first one-way clutch couples the drive motor to the pump stack, while the second one-way clutch couples the motor to the driven element. During rotation of the drive motor in a forward direction, (a) the first one-way clutch engages, rotating the shaft of the hydraulic pump stack to power the machine's hydraulic systems and charge an accumulator; and (b) the second one-way clutch slips. When the drive motor is rotated in a reverse direction, (a) the second one-way clutch engages, rotating the driven element, and (b) the first one-way clutch slips.

Abstract: A powder feed apparatus and a control method thereof for a powder molding press wherein in feeding powder from a hopper of the powder feed apparatus to a feeder slidably disposed on a die plate of the press proper and charging powder into a die in the die plate the feeder is electronically controlled to a correct position on the die. Powder is fed from a powder feed apparatus into a feeder slidably disposed on a die plate of a press proper and a feeder drive motor is servo-controlled by an output obtained by comparing detection outputs from a position detector for detecting the vertical position of the die plate of the press proper and a position detector for detecting the position of the feeder in its sliding direction. As a result, it is possible to avoid the trouble of changing cams or inserting insert cams every time the shape of the compact being molded changes and it is possible to easily make changes to the movement speed of the feeder in correspondence with changes to the compact.

Abstract: An automated method for controlling the amount of charge introduced in a mold having a mold cavity and associated overflow assembly by adjusting the amount of charge introduced into the mold cavity in subsequent moldings using a measurement of the amount of excess charge material received by the overflow assembly. The charge is formed so that the fibers therein are randomly oriented in substantially parallel horizontal planes such that they are always substantially parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity of the molding unit. Excess charge from the cavity is forced into the charge overflow unit, which is selectively located in an area where surface finish is less critical. The excess charge displaces an overflow pin, which is kept upwardly biased, under molding pressure, to be flush with the lower inside wall of the molding unit cavity. The pin displacement is measured by a sensing transducer.

Abstract: To obtain simultaneous filling of all cavities (K1-K4) in multicavity injection moulds, the mould cavity pressure (p) patterns in all cavities (K1-K4) are detected and the times (t1-t4) measured from the beginning of filling till a suitably chosen reference pressure (pR) is reached for each cavity (K1-K4). By interventions in the individual heating systems of the individual hot runners (5), the temperatures in these are altered to bring the measured times of the individual cavities more in line.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gel candle having a non-metal core wick that stands upright and is not bent, wilted, or submerged in the gel candle body. In one aspect, the method includes providing a gel-forming liquid composition in a candle container having a longitudinal axis running therethrough, the gel-forming liquid composition having an average temperature of between about 195.degree. F. and about 230.degree. F.; thereafter, inserting a wick-clip having a non-metal core wick into the composition in the container when the temperature of the composition substantially in the center of the container is between about 160.degree. F. and about 195.degree. F.; and positioning the wick-clip in the composition in the container using a magnetic material. After the positioning step, the non-metal core wick is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container. In another aspect, the method can further include cooling the composition in the container.

Abstract: A molding machine with a movable molding element and at least one stationary molding element and guides to guide the movable molding element relative to the at least one stationary molding element. At least two laser light beam generators are mounted on one of the stationary or movable molding elements, and at least two laser light beam reflectors are mounted on the other of the stationary or movable molding elements at similarly spaced locations in order to receive and reflect a laser beam generated by one of the laser light beam generators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a lens-forming structure, the structure having a front mold, a rear mold, and a gasket defining an axially extending bore, including a collet for supporting the gasket so that at least one of the front mold or the rear mold are insertable into the bore thereof, a robotic arm for inserting the front mold into the bore of the gasket, and a piston for inserting the rear mold into the bore of the gasket. The piston axially moves within the bore of the gasket a selected one of the front mold or the rear mold relative to the other mold to a desired one of a plurality of axial separation distances between the molds. Alternatively, the robotic arm can move the selected mold relative to the other mold.

Abstract: Rapid prototyping methods and apparatuses that produce structures made of continuous-fiber polymer-matrix composites without the use of molds. Instead of using molds, the composite structure is fabricated patch by patch in layers or wraps, using a two- or three-axis stage connected to a rapidly-reconfigurable forming surface, and a robot arm to position the evolving composite structure, which are both programmable devices. Because programmable devices are included, i.e., a robot and a two- or three-axis stage connected to the reconfigurable forming surface, the control program needed to produce a desired shape can be easily modified to automatically generate the desired shape from an electronic model (e.g., using a CAD/CAM system) of the desired (predetermined) shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing co-acting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pressed parts from hard metal, ceramic, sintered metal or likewise, in which a part of a charge of a powder-like or granular original material is filled into a pressing mould and is pressed with at least one pressing stamp against a counter surface, wherein the force and the distance of the pressing stamp are measured, and wherein there are the following method steps:depending on the geometry of the pressed part and on the original material during the compression for a pressing stamp a desired force-distance diagram (nominal curve) is determined and stored;in a computer during the compression the measured values for the distance and the force of the pressing stamp are compared to the nominal curve;by way of at least one separately actuated section of the pressing stamp or of a separate stamp the pressure on the pressing material during the compression phase is increased or reduced as soon as a deviation from the nominal curve is determined, in order at the end of the compression pha

Abstract: A sandwich skin construction that is comprised of an internal structure comprising a plurality of cones disposed between two outer skins is disclosed. The interior contains a pressurized gas to give the resulting sandwich skin construction added strength over a similarly constructed non-pressurized structure of the same material with an equivalent mass. Various attributes of the cones can be adjusted, for example, size and angle, to optimize the performance of the sandwich skin construction to a variety of external stresses. Moreover, a method is provided for manufacturing the sandwich skin construction. The structure can be placed in a pressurized environment before attaching the outer skins.

Abstract: A method for injecting a plastic material into a mold cavity to precisely fill the mold cavity under low pressure and to avoid packing the mold cavity with plastic material. The plastic material is injected into the mold cavity at a rate sufficient to maintain an unbroken melt front and to avoid any spraying or splashing of the plastic material within the mold cavity. After an initial unbroken melt front is established, the rate at which the material is injected is increased in proportion to the size of the melt front. After a predetermined amount of the material has entered the mold cavity, the material is injected based upon a rate-dominated control algorithm which maintains the unbroken melt front. Once the mold cavity has reached a pre-determined level of fill, the rate-dominated control algorithm is changed to a pressure-dominated control algorithm to prevent overrunning the end point of the mold process and to eliminate splashing and associated backflow problems.

Abstract: A method for injecting a plastic material into a mold cavity to precisely fill the mold cavity under low pressure and to avoid packing the mold cavity with plastic material. The plastic material is injected into the mold cavity at a rate sufficient to maintain an unbroken melt front and to avoid any spraying or splashing of the plastic material within the mold cavity. After an initial unbroken melt front is established, the rate at which the material is injected is increased in proportion to the size of the melt front. After a predetermined amount of the material has entered the mold cavity, the material is injected based upon a rate-dominated control algorithm which maintains the unbroken melt front.

Abstract: An accumulator-type blow molding machine includes hydraulic cylinders for closing mold parts on platens and control systems for valves flowing hydraulic fluid to the cylinders. The control systems generate work output signals for the valves according to the operational parameters of the valves, the hydraulic systems and the bearings supporting the platens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for preventing mold flash. The method broadly comprises the steps of: introducing a fluid under pressure into a mechanism for applying a clamping force such as the clamping cylinder of a piston-cylinder unit; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the clamping force applying mechanism so as to apply a clamping force to the mold; injecting moldable material into the mold; measuring actual pressure in the clamping force applying mechanism; and determining whether the mold is close to blowing open when the moldable material is injected into the mold using the actual measured pressure in the clamping cylinder.

Abstract: A device for increasing the hardness and intensity of wood which comprises chuck means for holding the wood in a fixed position for processing, a compression-shaped forming die for compressing the wood being processed, an ultrasonic wave-generating device operatively connected with the compression-shaped forming die for applying sound waves to the wood, a forming mold positioned downstream of said compression-shaped forming die for receiving wood therefrom, said forming mold further compressing said wood to remove a portion of the water contained therein, and means for advancing the chuck means containing the wood being processed through the compression-shaped forming die, the ultrasonic wave-generating device and the forming mold.

Abstract: A novel method of adjusting a heat-displacing T-die is provided wherein a T-die slit gap is adjusted by thermal expansion and contraction of die bolts individually provided with heaters so that a sheet or film material has a target profile in thickness, characterized in that a thickness feed back control loop and a virtual temperature control loop are provided, and in the thickness feed back control loop, data of thickness of products are subjected to a profile treatment to correct a target profile for temperature setting and changing of die bolts so as to define an appropriate slit gap, and in the virtual temperature control loop, an appropriate die bolt temperature is predicted from a control output value of the heater and a radiation temperature to the circumference so as to calculate a corresponding power to be supplied to the heater.

Abstract: The target stroke amount calculation portion obtains an initial value of the target stroke amount of a punch according to bending information including workpiece condition of a workpiece to be bent, tool condition, target folding angle, and the like. The bending information setting portion sets the bending information in the workpiece bending simulation processing portion, in a specified form. The element breakdown calculation portion divides workpiece sectional image according to the bending information to a plurality of major portions and further divides these portions to detailed portions. The workpiece bending simulation processing portion virtually deforms the workpiece according to elastoplasticity finite element method corresponding to a virtual descent of the punch by the target stroke amount and obtains workpiece deformation image after a spring-back.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming an integrally molded structure in a multiaxis rotational molding operation includes the steps of rotating a multisection mold assembly (33) about at least three axes. A first freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over surfaces of an enclosed mold cavity (36) within the multisection mold assembly. The flowing of the first mixture over the mold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin (74) therefrom is monitored. A freshly formed rapidly gelling second polymerizable mixture (75) is flowed into the mold cavity to deposit a preselected quantity thereof into contact with a first preselected area of the first resin. A portion of the deposited second mixture is drawn as it is gelling toward another preselected area remote from the first preselected area to form therefrom a continuous support member (92) with structural integrity extending between the preselected areas of the first resin.

Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses (16) are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded (25, 26) molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses (16). These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.

Abstract: A method for controlling an injection moulding press, wherein the injection process is controlled by controlling the injection force, is disclosed. According to the method, the mass (m) of a moulded product is correlated with the viscosity (n) and either the pressure (P.sub.m) of the material in the mould or the injection pressure (P.sub.h), the resulting correlations are processed to define an analytical model expressing the mass (m) of the moulded product in relation to the operating parameters, an injection force control law is derived from the analytical model on the basis either of the pressure (P.sub.m) of the material in the mould or of the injection pressure (P.sub.h), and the press injection force is controlled on the basis of the analytical model.

Abstract: Mold clamping method and apparatus wherein a mold closing chamber of a mold clamping device is supplied with a pressurized fluid delivered from a hydraulic power source through a servo valve, to close a mold, and a mold clamping chamber independent of the mold closing chamber is also supplied with the pressurized fluid through the servo valve and a switch valve opened upon completion of the mold closing action, to thereby clamp the mold, and wherein a controller is provided to obtain a mold clamping force on the basis of a sum of a first force based on a fluid pressure in the mold closing chamber and a second force based on a fluid pressure in the clamping chamber, and feedback-control the servo valve such that the obtained mold clamping force coincides with a desired value.

Abstract: A clamping unit and method thereof, in which a servo-motor mounted on a rear platen is used for driving two ball screws with pre-load hydraulic cylinders so as to acuate the outward-bending toggle mechanism to provide mold-opening and mold-clamping functions; by using a limited space, a servo-motor mounted on the movable platen is used for driving a nut to turn so as to cause the screw and the ejector bar to be moved back and forth; finally, an electric motor on the rear, platen will drive a mold-adjusting mechanism, and a servo-motor mounted on the platen is also operated so as to complete the mold adjustment quickly and automatically.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin is molded by a press-molding method wherein a thermoplastic resin in a molten state is compressed to flow between a pair of female and male molds so as to be formed into a predetermined shape. A compression rate of the mold is controlled so that the following expression (1) is satisfied:0.5.ltoreq.B/A.ltoreq.2 (1)wherein A (mm/s.sup.2) is an acceleration which is realized at a time when the compression rate is 75% of a maximum rate in a compression-acceleration region, which region is defined as a period of time from a moment when the compression of the molten thermoplastic resin is started to a moment when the compression rate reaches the maximum rate; and B (mm/s.sup.2) is a deceleration which is realized at a time when the compression rate is 75% of the maximum rate in a compression-deceleration region, which region is defined as a period of time from a moment when the compression rate reaches the maximum rate to a moment when the closing of the molds is complete.

Abstract: A zero point adjusting method and apparatus for a pressure detector of an injection molding machine, capable of carrying out a zero point adjustment of the pressure detector when external loads acting on the pressure detector are completely removed without disassembling an injection mechanism. An advance limit position Qf and a retreat limit position Qb of a screw are detected by driving the screw with a low output to determine an intermediate position Pm. By moving the screw to the intermediate position Pm, a resin reaction force acting directly on the screw is removed. Reciprocating motion in which an amplitude decreases gradually is imparted to the screw, thereby causing a backlash, having equal plays in the advance and retreat directions, between a ball nut and a ball screw. Then, the zero point adjustment of the pressure detector is made.

Abstract: By using a variable section extrusion die set which includes a die set (24) displaceable in a first direction orthogonal to an extrusion direction of a molding material and in a second direction perpendicular the first direction and adapted to vary an area of an extrusion molding hole (31) through which the molding material is extruded, and a mandrel (27) reciprocally movable in and out of said extrusion molding hole in the extrusion direction and provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof with a tapered portion (27B) which is gradually reduced in outer configurational dimension from one direction of the reciprocally moving direction to the other, said die set being moved to deform the extrusion molding hole (31) while pressing the molding material against said die set (24), and the tapered portion of the mandrel (27) being reciprocally moved in and out of the extrusion molding hole, extrusion molding of a tubular molding is thereby accomplished which varies in outer configurational dimension and inner c

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a nanochannel glass (NCG) rica, having the steps of: coating a face of an etched NCG with a replica material (with or without an intervening buffer layer), where the etched NCG face has a plurality of channels arranged in a desired pattern, to form a replica coating on the NCG conforming to the pattern; and removing the replica coating from the etched NCG. The present invention is also the replica made by this process.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring the amount of lateral deflection taking place at the tip of a core-pin inside a mold or die cavity. Non-uniform cavity pressure and cooling patterns make core-pins prone to deflection resulting in out-of-tolerance thin and thick wall sections of the finished part. The transducer provides a means of determining deflection as it occurs during the molding process for statistical quality control. Real time measurement of the core deflection allows discrimination of unacceptable and reject parts for an automatic part sorting process. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of strain gauges mounted on the core-pin outside of the mold cavity provide real time electric signals of lateral deflection that can be used to automatically segregate reject parts and provide for statistical process control.

Abstract: Into the cavity formed by closing a stationary mold with a movable mold, material is filled through a gate portion of a female cutter. After the material is filled into the cavity, a male cutter is advanced at a high speed from a starting position S to a vicinity position P of the female cutter, at the position P the advance speed is changed to a low speed and the male cutter advances at the low speed to an advancing limit position E to carry out the gate cutting. Then, the filled material solidifies while being cooled.

Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.

Abstract: A rigid substrate with a first surface is provided with a graven image in that surface that is representative of a first image such as a photograph by a unique method that requires no artistic talent. The photograph is first scanned by an optical scanner to store reflected light values at multiple loci forming an X, Y grid on the photograph. The rigid substrate, such as an aluminum panel, is mounted on a bed of a computer controlled machine tool such as a milling machine. A conical drill bit drills a hole at each X, Y position or locus on the panel. The depth of the hole, drilled, or Z axis is determined by the value of reflected light stored from the optical scanning step. The depth may be directly or inversely proportional to the value. A factor applied to the X and Y values may reduce or enlarge the graven image relative to the first image. The diameter of the hole at the first surface will increase as the depth increases.

Abstract: Method and device for manufacturing biaxially oriented tubing from thermoplastic material. The method includes forcing the tube over a mandrel at an orientation temperature of the plastic material, which mandrel includes an expansion part which produces expansion in the circumferential direction of the tube, and downstream of the mandrel the exertion of an axial pulling force on the tube, in the course of which the tube encounters a resistance which counteracts the movement of the tube over the mandrel. The method also includes the exertion of an influence sector-wise in an adjustable manner in the circumferential direction of the tube on the resistance which counteracts the movement of the tube over the mandrel. In an advantageous embodiment, the temperature of the plastic material of the tube is influenced sector-wise in an adjustable manner, viewed in the circumferential direction of the tube. The measures according to the invention lead to better control over the manufacture of biaxially oriented tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of injection-compression molding which employs an injection-compression molding machine. According to the method, molten resin is injected to fill in a mold placed in a closed state at an injection mold opened position of a predetermined mold opening stroke "a", thereafter the mold is pressed for closing and compressing until the mold reaches the final mold clamping position. The method comprises the steps of, based on the correlation between the elongation of a tie bar and an mold opening stroke of the mold in the injection process, detecting the elongation of the tie bar caused by injection pressure from injection starting time to injection completion time; calculating the mold opening stroke based on the detected elongation of the tie bar to advance a movable mold by the stroke which offsets the mold opening stroke, thereby holding the mold at the injection mold opened position of the predetermined mold opening stroke "a".

Abstract: For a cycle of a cyclically operating machine, the internal tool pressure is detected during the cycle as a function of the time and/or as a function of the path traversed by the conveying means. The internal tool pressure course is then differentiated as a function of the time or of the path. It is then checked whether, by way of the previously determined derivatives, there are deviations from a monotonic course. If this is the case, the holding pressure time or the change-over moment are changed until the internal tool pressure curve has a monotonic course.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making plastic articles utilizing a plurality of tools, each of which is moved by cams and includes a nitrogen cylinder wherein provision is made for catastrophic overload prevention. For catastrophic overload prevention, one of the cams is supplied by a top plate and held in normal fixed position by a plurality of nitrogen cylinders. Abnormal movement of the top plate is detected and the machine is stopped. For predictive overload protection, a load cell is positioned at the off load position of one of the cams and any excessive load provides a signal for an alarm, interrupting the feeding of plastic charges and stopping the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of control in thickness of the biaxially oriented film of a plastic material to be extruded via an extrusion port gap adjustable by adjustment of a plurality of die bolts provided on an automatic T-die. A position corresponding to the die bolt is set on the film biaxially oriented so that a thickness of the film at the above position is measured to find a deviation of the measured thickness from a reference thickness predetermined to thereby carry out a feed-back control of the adjustment of the die bolt in accordance with the deviation. It is important for the present invention that the feed-back control in the adjustment of the die bolt is carried out with reference to partial side-drawing rates different in a width direction of a sheet to be drawn prior to formation of the film, where the partial sidedrawing rates are determined for parts aligned in the width direction of the film.