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 primary injection stroke of a trial shot, which precedes a continuous molding operation, is performed with a pressure regulating value maintained constant by speed feedback control from initiation of the primary injection stroke until a measured value of pressure reaches the pressure regulating value and, after the measured value of pressure has reached the pressure regulating value, the speed feedback control is switched to pressure-priority control under an open loop control and the primary injection stroke is performed up to a dwell pressure change-over point. An entire range of a primary injection stroke of the continuous molding operation is then performed by speed feedback control while using, as target speed data in the primary injection stroke of the continuous molding operation, a pattern of speed values measured during the primary injection stroke in the trial shot upon confirmation of molding of a non-defective product.

Abstract: A reference pressure of a melted material injected into a mold cavity of a mold is set at each of a plurality of positions in a barrel, a nozzle, and the mold cavity as a function of injection passing time from a start of an injecting process or a function of a distance of movement of an injection plunger, and the movement of the plunger is started at a temporarily constant injection speed. The pressure of the melted material is sensed at the plurality of positions in any order during an injection passing time from the start of the injection process wherein the plunger is started to move or during the movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A slide bottom dead center position compensating device comprises an angle sensor for detecting a crank angle, a contact sensor for detecting contact between stoppers on molds or, instead of the contact sensor, a position sensor for detecting that a slide has reached a preset control position near the bottom dead center of the slide, a controller, a setting unit for setting a control condition for the slide bottom dead center position, and a bottom dead center compensating unit. The controller determines a crankshaft rotational angle during the contact between the stoppers or a crankshaft rotational angle under a condition of the slide descending from the control position, calculates a slide compensation amount necessary for making the determined crankshaft rotational angle equal to a control rotational angle preset by the setting unit, and compensates the bottom dead center position of the slide through a bottom dead center compensating unit in accordance with the calculated slide compensation amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-supporting laminate filter medium having an electret lofty spunbond web and an electret microfiber web, wherein the spunbond web has a density between about 0.01 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: Optical material, which was already roughly molded, is deposited into a space defined by a top mold, a bottom mold and a drum mold, and is then heated, pressed and molded, thus providing an optical element. By controlling the rate of plastic deformation of the optical material so as to prevent the material from entering clearance sections between the outside diameter of the top mold or of the bottom mold and the inside diameter of the drum mold, an optical element of high precision with no burr nor strain is provided at low cost.

Abstract: A resilient support member is provided for supporting a sidewalk, road surface, etc. The support member is formed of tire particles and a polyurethane binder. The tire particles have a size such that 100% of the particles will pass through a three inch sieve and about 95% of the particles will be retained on a half-inch sieve. The tire particles form about 80% to 95% by weight of the support member and the polyurethane forms about 5% to 20% by weight of the support member.

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 about at least three axes. A first freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over surfaces of an enclosed mold cavity within the multisection mold assembly. The flowing of the first mixture over the mold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin therefrom is monitored. A second freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed under pressure through an orifice into the mold cavity. A liquid stream of the second mixture is formed. The liquid stream is gelled as it advances through the mold cavity to form a continuous filament with structural integrity. The filament is contacted with the first resin formed within the mold cavity. The filament is distributed over the first resin in a preselected pattern. A third freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over the filament pattern formed within the mold cavity with the second mixture.

Abstract: An extrusion die apparatus adapted for coupling to the outlet end of an extruder barrel and corresponding methods of use are described. The die apparatus, when so coupled to the extruder barrel, has 1) an inlet-end chamber downstream of and in communication with the interior of the extruder barrel, 2) a secondary chamber downstream of and in communication with the inlet-end chamber, and 3) a plurality of individual, spaced die-outlet orifices downstream of and in communication with the secondary chamber. The die apparatus includes manually or automatically controllable inserts for controlling the operating pressures within the chambers and outlet orifices. These operating pressures are adjusted so that the pressure within the inlet-end chamber, which controls cooking, is greater than the pressure within the secondary chamber, and the pressure within the secondary chamber is greater than the pressure within each outlet orifice. In operation, the die apparatus receives product from the extruder barrel.

Abstract: A mold positioning apparatus which is used in a pressing apparatus for pressing a work by a plunger and a bottom mold, comprising keys and key guides which are provided on a plunger and a bottom mold, and which are engaged together to restrict a relative position between the plunger and the bottom mold; means for shaking at least one of the plunger and the bottom mold in clearance between the key and the key guide while keeping the key and the key guide in engagement; means for measuring a movable range of the at least one of the plunger and the bottom mold during the shaking; a device for calculating a relative position between the key and the key guide and the relative position between the plunger and the bottom mold based on the measured movable range; and means for adjusting the plunger and the bottom mold in a range of the clearance of the key and the key guide based on the calculation to carry out positioning therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing pharmaceutical capsules use an aqueous solution of a thermogelling cellulose ether composition and use capsule body pins and capsule cap pins as molds. The method involves heating the pins, dipping the pins into the solution to cause the solution to gelatinize on the surface of the pins, removing the pins and drying the gelatinized solution on the surface of the pins to form capsule bodies and capsule caps. Pins are heated pre-dip and post-dip to facilitate gelating. Counterflow air is applied to provide drying from the inside. Capsule parts are removed by gripping. Capsule parts may have a thick wall and a stiffening ring.

Abstract: In an automotive upholstery component including a trim main body and an ornamental sheet mounted on a selected part of the surface of the trim main body, the ornamental sheet is attached to the trim main body without using a bonding agent so that the fabrication steps may be reduced in number, the working environment may be improved, and the design characteristics of the product may be enhanced. A door trim main body is placed on an upper die for pressing which is equipped with a welder upper electrode, and the ornamental sheet is placed on the lower die for pressing which is equipped with a welder lower electrode. High frequency electric current of a prescribed voltage is applied across the upper and lower electrodes so that the ornamental sheet may be attached to a prescribed part of the surface of the door trim main body 20 over the entire area of the ornamental sheet, and the use of a bonding agent may be thereby abolished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resin transfer molding composite materials that emit volatiles. The apparatus includes an RTM tool, a constant displacement injection pump, a heater connected to a power supply, one or more porous tool inserts, and one or more articulated tool inserts. The porous tool inserts are mounted within the RTM tool and allow volatiles produced during processing to flow through the inserts. The volatiles are drawn through the porous tool inserts and out through an exhaust port. The articulated tools are also mounted within the interior of the RTM tool. The articulated tools are movable in order to increase and decrease the volume of the RTM tool. As volatiles are emitted, the articulated tools are moved in order to decrease the volume of the tool. The articulate tools are also used to apply a consolidation force to the resin and fiber-reinforced preform within the tool.

Abstract: A process for producing high-density thin type optical disk substrates having good replicability and birefringence sufficient for practical use. In filling the resin into the cavity, the stress on the resin is reduced by controlling the relation of the cavity width and the injection compression force to reduce birefringence. Further, the mirror surface of the mold is maintained at a certain temperature to facilitate the resin flow and a good replicability and reduction of birefringence is achieved by terminating the resin filling and starting the compression process at the time at which the pressure of the resin filling is at a minimum.

Abstract: A hydraulic ram operated extruder having an extrusion die from which an extradate is delivered and a motor driven cutter at the die to sever the extrudate repeatedly to produce individual pieces of extradate. The hydraulic fluid circuit including a pump and control valves delivers hydraulic fluid to the ram of the extruder at a substantially constant volume flow rate. A control device responsive to the speed of advance of the ram in the extruder controls the motor which drives the cutter to produce blanks of substantially equal volume.

Abstract: A die head for extruding an annular body includes a mandrel having a warp portion with a number of segments spaced around the circumference of the mandrel. Heat is selectively flowed to the segments to warp the mandrel and vary the position of a die pin on the end of the mandrel in a die bushing to control the thickness of the extruded body.

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: When producing injection-moulded or die-cast articles the changeover point between a filling program and a subsequent hold pressure program is determined by measuring the pressure inside the mould cavity at regular intervals, and deriving two classification variables (k.sub.0.sup.+, k.sub.0.sup.-, k.sub.-1.sup.+, k.sub.-1.sup.-, k.sub.-2.sup.+, k.sub.-2.sup.-) from each of the last three measured values (p.sub.0, p.sub.-1, p.sub.-2) in classification stages (K.sub.0, K.sub.-1, K.sub.-2) and combining them into weighting variables (g.sup.-, g.sup.0, g.sup.+) in a logic stage (V) using the methods of fuzzy logic. In an evaluation stage (A), by means of evaluation functions a switching value (s) is derived from these and compared with a threshold value in a decision stage (E). If the switching value oversteps the threshold, it is deduced that the changeover point has been reached.

Abstract: When molding is carried out by injecting and charging a measured resin into a mold by a pushing-out member, a measured value of a stroke length of the pushing-out member is calculated and set in advance when the pushing-out member is advanced up to the maximum forward position. The stroke of the pushing-out member is measured from the maximum forward position based on the measured value at a time of a measuring. The pushing-out member is advanced from a measuring completion position to the maximum forward position and then the injecting is carried out. Accordingly, a pressure retaining process becomes unnecessary for reserving a cushion amount and controlling a pressure, and also the resin is charged into the mold based on an always constant molten time. Therefore, a molding product can be made uniform.

Abstract: In a blow molding process the mold halves are independently controlled and moved so that a parison may be extruded from an extrusion head and then one of two mold halves may be moved toward the parison. The parison may be grasped by a manipulator to manipulate a portion of the parison so as to overlie a second portion of the mold cavity. The mold is then closed and a standard blow molding procedure performed. The process enables production of reduced flash.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding closure liners wherein a set of tooling including a first assembly and second assembly which are movable toward and away from one another. The first assembly of tooling has a liner forming member and a closure engaging sleeve thereon and the second assembly has a closure supporting pad thereon. A cam is associated with the first assembly of tooling for moving the closure engaging sleeve into engagement with a closure and the liner forming member into position for compression molding a charge of plastic extrudate in the closure when it is supported on the closure supporting pad. A gas cylinder is associated with the closure supporting pad providing a predetermined controlled pressure that determines the compression molding force on the plastic. In a preferred mode, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation to one another on a turret.

Abstract: The extrusion moldability of particle-reinforced composites under fresh cition relative to the extruding pressure and extruding velocity can be pre-estimated from the cohesion and the coefficient of internal friction of the composite which can be calculated from the relationship of, when a frame divided into the upper and lower halves are filled with the composite and the upper and lower halves of the frame are displaced relative to each other in the horizontal direction under a pressure on the composite filling the frame, the shear stress of the composite against slip deformation.

Abstract: Provided is a method for continuously forming a synthetic stone having a thickness with a high degree of accuracy, without using a complicated apparatus, in which resin compound is filled between belt-like upper and lower films in two layers running horizontally on a band-like floor, upstream thereof, so as to continuously form the synthetic stone, a regulating plate 31 is disposed above the band-like floor 3 and downstream of the resin filling part, and the resin compound (R) is continuously filled in a condition in which the gap between the regulating plate and the band-like floor 3 and is set to a predetermined value. Further, the filling volume of the resin compound is adjusted in accordance with a variation in the thickness of the formed resin plate having passed through the regulating plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping deformable materials during molding processes. Such an apparatus includes, among other things, a vibrating wall assembly. The vibrating wall assembly fits the contours of at least a portion of a mold's cavity. The vibrating wall assembly includes a pliable wall positioned within the mold. The pliable wall is positioned such that its outside wall surface is adjacent to a portion of the mold's inside wall surface; and its inside wall surface defines a portion of the geometric configuration of the material passing thereover. The pliable wall is designed to deform from its original shape when a positive or negative pressure is exerted on its inside or outside wall surface. This positive and/or negative pressure is generated, at least in part, by the displacement of a displaceable fluid. This fluid is contained within a chamber. The chamber is in communication with a portion of the pliable wall's outside wall surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus releasably secure mold pieces used to mold an artificial eye lens, for example a hydrophilic contact lens. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic welding system to provide directed energy, modified so that the output horn is convex to extend within the outer concave portion of one of the mold pieces and has a shoulder to rest upon the flange of said piece thereby centering it. The method applies directed energy, such as ultrasonic vibrations, through the energy emitter horn to soften or melt then fuse the mating peripheral edge portion of the lens mold pieces.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of optical record disc substrates includes the steps of injecting a resin material into a plurality of disc-shaped cavities which are formed by closing a fixed mold half and a movable mold half; and cooling the injected resin material in the cavities. The cavities are grouped into a plurality of groups so that each group includes not less than one cavity, and each group is provided with a common actuation device so that each actuation device is independently operated.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating semiconductor devices includes the steps of: providing a molding system and a close-loop control system which is coupled to the molding system, the close-loop control system including a computer, a programmable logic control, a servo motor controller, and at least two drivers, wherein the servo motor controller is coupled to the computer and the programmable logic control, respectively, the servo motor controller is further coupled to the drivers, and the drivers are coupled to the molding system; clamping together at least one set of top and bottom molds of the molding system, the molding system including a clamping assembly having a clamping axis, the close-loop control system being coupled to the clamping assembly; feeding a molding compound into a cavity formed by a space between at least one set of top and bottom molds, the molding system further including a transfer assembly having a transfer axis; alternating a gear switching assembly of the molding system between a high spee

Abstract: An adaptive controller is provided for controlling the transition, in an injection molding apparatus, from the injection stage to the packing stage. The controller operates by controlling the velocity of the ram during the injection stage, and controlling the ram pressure during the packing stage. The controller anticipates the transition from the injection stage to the packing stage by monitoring the ratio of pressure to velocity. The divergence of this ratio forecasts the onset of the packing stage. At this time, a pressure relief valve is preset in anticipation of the packing stage, to prevent a pressure spike during the transition period. The flow control valve is held constant during the transition.

Abstract: An ejector mechanism calibration method is for use in an injection molding machine including an ejector mechanism for ejecting a molded product out of a mold. The ejector mechanism is operable to carry out, when the molded product is ejected, an advance operation in which the ejector member is moved forward to a first position and to carry out, after the molded product is ejected, a reverse operation in which the ejector member is moved backward. The ejector member is adapted to be stopped by a stopper located at a second position spaced from the first position in a backward direction. A controller carries out a calibrating operation at a start of an injection molding process.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to manufacturing apparatus for forming an integral three-dimensional object from individually contoured laminations of the same or gradually varying shape, successive laminae of that object being produced out of thin sheet or powder based materials through the cutting, fusing or physicochemical property changing action generated by a computer directed beam of concentrated energy or matter, successive substantially planar laminations of that object being automatically stacked together for step-wise laminar buildup of the desired three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a platelike article having a molding formed on a peripheral edge thereof, using an extrusion die having a cavity for supplying a molding material to the peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has a straight portion and a curved corner portion. The cavity has first and second cavity portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding thermoplastic tubing of reduced eccentricity, in which tubing is extruded into a vacuum calibration box containing a cooling fluid and a sizing collar. An ultrasonic device for measuring wall thicknesses around the periphery of the tubing is located downstream of the sizing collar. The wall measurements are used to determine a critical parameter, and if this critical parameter is outside of a predetermined range, the vacuum calibration box is moved in the direction of greater wall thickness. After a delay which allows the product of the correction to reach the ultrasonic device, the box is again moved if necessary, until the critical parameter is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the production of absorbent materials comprising fibers cross-linked by a suitable cross-linker therefor, and wherein said cross-linker is associated with substantially the entire surface of each fiber, said materials being preparable by mixing of an aerated suspension of the charged fibers with the cross-linker before heating and compressing, such fibers having a capacity for fluid absorption considerably greater than has been heretofore known for such materials.

Abstract: A machine for pressing earth into blocks has a rectangular breech and a press foot vertically reciprocally drivable in the breech. A bucking block is horizontally reciprocally drivable into and out of registration with an open upper end of the breech. Portions of the upper surface of the bucking block are tapered upwardly from front to rear and a horizontal bucking bar extends across the breech and bears downwardly against the tapered upper portions of the bucking block when the bucking block is in registration with the breech. The bucking bar can be supported at selectively variable levels above the breech and assures a firm positioning of the block against the force of the earth being compacted by the press foot. A rod extending vertically from and movable with the press foot cooperates with a sight line device fixed to the machine to facilitate visual determination of the elevation of the press foot within the breech.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing brushes for electric motors utilizing a female die with two sheaths intersecting at 90.degree. from each other, one sheath vertical and the other sheath horizontal, and each sheath provided with at least one male die and forming a compression cavity. A batch of conductive powder is introduced into the cavity, and a first compression is performed under displacement control using compression means of one of the two sheaths so as to obtain an intermediate tubular cavity having the cross section of the other sheath. A second compression is then performed under pressure control using the compression means of the other sheath so as to obtain a crude brush of final volume at a desired final compression rate. The compression means of each of the sheaths is moved apart, first those under pressure control and then those under displacement control, and the crude brush is ejected.

Abstract: An improved flat-sheet die, compared with the prior art, for an extrusion system for producing flat sheets has an extremely close succession of actuators (13), by way of which at least one die lip (3,5) is adjustable with a narrow-band bending line in order to define the outlet gap (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller position controller for a continuous belt press whereby the positions of the rollers supporting the belts are monitored and controlled, so that their relative positions always remain staggered and fixed with respect to each other. By maintaining the rollers in a synchronized relationship, material defects such as "pinching" are avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-displacing T-die designed so that initial adjustment of a die slit gap can be made easily and accurately in an extensive range, and the controllability of heat-displacing actuators for the die slit gap is improved. A pair of lips are formed as flexible lips. Hand-operated die bolts arranged on one flexible lip, while die bolts adapted to be automatically operated by means of heat-displacing actuators are arranged on the other flexible lip. The arrangement pitch of the hand-operated die bolts is shorter than that of the automatically operated die bolts.

Abstract: When compacting mold sand in a mold chamber (not shown) to form a mold or mold part (not shown) by using two co-operating squeeze plates with associated patterns (not shown), in which one squeeze plate is actuated before the other one, the second squeeze plate is not acuated until the pressure in the mold chamber (or a parameter depending on or derived from this pressure) has reached a predetermined value. By proceeding in this manner it is possible to manufacture molds or mold parts in series with practically the same hardness or solidity.

Abstract: A method of photoforming a three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of transferring onto a work table a semi-hardened layer of a photohardenable resin separably supported on a base film, photoforming a hardened layer by exposing the semi-hardened layer, the hardened layer being laminated on a previously hardened layer to photoform the three-dimensional object, and when the hardened layer is photoformed, photoforming a first-region hardened layer forming the three-dimensional object and also a second region hardened layer that is adjacent to the first-region hardened layer through a predetermined space, the first-region hardened layer being supported through a portion of the semi-hardened layer by the second-region hardened layer.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine which performs movement control such that the rotation and axial movement of a screw (1) in a cylinder (10) are controlled in accordance with set injection molding conditions and executes an injection process for injecting a plasticized resin, for use as an injection object, into a mold (12), an injection molding condition setting method for the injection molding machine comprises: information detection process for detecting information on a time-based pressure acting on the resin in the injection process by means of injection pressure sensors (4, 13, 14), etc.

Abstract: A clamping method of an injection and compression molding machine, includes the steps of moving a movable mold 2 up to a pre-clamping position Sf located before a final clamping position Se, starting injection and filling of resin at the pre-clamping position Sf, and moving the movable mold 2 up to the final clamping position Se through high-pressure clamping; wherein the movable mold 2 is moved from a mold opening position So to the final clamping position Se and thereafter high-pressure empty clamping without injection and filling of resin is performed and a position to which the movable mold 2 is moved backward by a set value Xs from the position where the high-pressure empty clamping is performed is set as the pre-clamping position Sf, before moving the movable mold 2 from the mold opening position So to the pre-clamping position Sf. Thereby, an accurate movable-mold pre-clamping position is set and the weight of a molded part, the amount of gas to be released, and the transfer property are stabilized.

Abstract: A reference pressure of melted material injected to a mold cavity of a mold is set as a function of injection passing time from a start of an injecting process or a function of a distance of movement of an injection plunger, and the movement of the plunger is started at a temporarily constant injection speed. A correction value of the injection speed is obtained to eliminate a difference between a sensed pressure of the melted material injected to the mold cavity of the mold and the reference pressure in a range that the sensed pressure of the melted material exceeds the reference pressure during the injection passing time from the start of the injection process wherein the plunger is started to move or during the movement of the plunger, and the injection speed is corrected in accordance with the corrected value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus releasably secure mold pieces used to mold an artificial eye lens, for example a hydrophilic contact lens. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic welding system to provide directed energy, modified so that the output horn is convex to extend within the outer concave portion of one of the mold pieces and has a shoulder to rest upon the flange of the one piece thereby centering it. The method applies directed energy, such as ultrasonic vibrations, through the energy emitter horn to soften or melt then fuse the mating peripheral edge portion of the lens mold pieces.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for molding parts. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The plasticator is capable of receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of at least thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, such as glass fiber. The plasticator is characterized in that it is capable of simultaneously receiving contaminated molding materials and relatively long glass fibers and molding them into a billet wherein the fibers remain substantially undamaged. The billet is subsequently placed in a compression molding press where other materials may be molded or applied to its surface. The method is further characterized in that a single thermal rise is used to plasticate the molding materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inverting and flattening an air bag including an inverter for inverting the air bag and an actuator for actuating the air bag to cause it to flatten. The inverter includes a plunger moveable in a vertical direction through an aperture in a conveyor table to cause a face panel of the air bag to pass through an aperture formed in a main panel of the air bag. The actuator includes a spin disk for causing an inertial force to be applied to the air bag whereby outer portions of the air bag are caused to move radially outwardly relative to a central gripped portion. After the air bag is flattened, it is dropped down onto belts running along the conveyor table and the belts are actuated to convey the bag out of the apparatus. In addition, a load table is provided for automatically moving air bags into alignment with the inverter in preparation for an inversion and flattening cycle.

Abstract: An injection molding machine has a die clamping apparatus which effects die closing, die clamping and die opening. A die open-side stop position can be accurately set without using any restricting mechanism such as a mechanical stopper and a position setting device. In addition to the die open-side stop position, a die opening operation stop position is set at a position offset by a preset amount from the die open-side stop position in a clamping direction. A deceleration start position is also set at a position offset by a preset amount from the die opening operation stop position in the clamping direction. When the movable die reaches the deceleration start position, a setting value of die opening speed is lowered. When the movable die reaches the die opening operation stop position, the operation for die opening is stopped so as to stop the movable die.

Abstract: An optimizing injection moulding machine. The injection moulding machine produces articles in discrete shots. For each shot the gradient or time rate of change of an actual plastic flow characteristic is measured by a sensor mounted in the nozzle of the machine and provided to a data processing device. The gradient of a reference plastic flow characteristic is also provided to the data processing device. A comparison is made between the gradient of the reference plastic flow characteristic and the gradient of the measured plastic flow characteristic from an immediately preceding shot to derive a compensated ram displacement characteristic which is inputted to a process controller. A further shot is performed, and the process repeated with the subsequent measured plastic flow characteristic until a time that an optimized ram displacement characteristic is obtained, thereby improving article part quality and saving on materials and fabrication time.

Abstract: A first plastic film 90 is prepared which is cut into an effective area V1 constituting a three-dimensional object and a non-required area U1 not constituting the three-dimensional object, and a second plastic film 94 is fed above the first plastic film 90. Meanwhile, a photo-setting adhesive 96 is applied on a lower surface of the second plastic film 94, and a portion 96a corresponding to a sum of the non-required area U1 of the first plastic film and a non-required area U2 of the second plastic film is solidified whereas a residual portion 96b remains non-solid. The non-solid portion 96b is irradiated with a light beam and solidified to attach the first and the second plastic films with each other. The second plastic film 94 is then cut into an effective area V2 and the non-required area U2. The three-dimensional object is formed by successively laminating plastic films through repetition of the above steps.

Abstract: A briquette press apparatus for compacting powdered materials having a programmable control monitoring the forces of the press. During compression, the programmable control measures the compression force being asserted against the powdered material and regulates the press so that the compression force equals a programmed reference value. During decompression, the programmable control monitors the pressure release rate of the press and regulates the press so that the measured pressure release rate matches a programmed reference rate.