Abstract: A maintenance method for servicing a component includes generating, via an electronic control unit, a digital model of the component, detecting, via the electronic control unit, a defect of the component, classifying, via the electronic control unit, the defect as a defect type, and evaluating the defect to determine, according to the defect type, whether to repair the defect or to replace a section of the component containing the defect. A maintenance system for servicing components may include a scanner and an ECU configured to create a digital model of a component, detect a defect of the component from the digital model and/or three-dimensional data of the component, classify the defect as a defect type of a plurality of defect types, and/or evaluate the defect according to the defect type.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inkless printing method. The invention also relates to an inkless printing device, in particular configured to perform at least a part of the method according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to a substrate provided with at least one printed marking realised by applying the method according to the invention and/or the device according to the invention.

Abstract: An additive layer manufacturing method, preferably using selective laser sintering, for manufacturing a solid article, the method including applying a layer of a powder, the powder including at least one powdered (co)polymer, onto a solid substrate in a processing chamber; fusing the powder layer onto the solid substrate; subsequently depositing successive layers of the powder, wherein each successive layer is selectively fused prior to deposition of the subsequent layer of powder so as to form the article. In some embodiments, the powder further includes abrasive particles having a hardness greater than or equal to that of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a biaxially oriented pipe by a) forming a polyethylene composition into a tube, wherein the polyethylene composition comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE) and a second polyethylene selected from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a combination of LLDPE and LDPE and b) stretching the tube of step a) in the axial direction and peripheral direction to obtain the biaxially oriented pipe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes imparting a first liquid having a first composition including a solvent and a curable material and a second liquid having a second composition to form a liquid film, curing the liquid film, and repeating the imparting and the curing to obtain the three-dimensional object, wherein the imparting position and the imparting amount of each of the first liquid and the second liquid are controlled in such a manner that the liquid film includes multiple areas where at least one of post-curing compression stress and post-curing modulus of elasticity is different.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system for detecting foreign matter in a parison discharged successively from a discharge device, the system comprising: infrared cameras that detect infrared beams emitted from the parison; and a determination unit that determines whether foreign matter is present in the parison on the basis of the infrared beams detected by the infrared cameras. A determination area is set in the parison in a discharge direction of the parison, a storage unit is provided that stores an infrared threshold set for the determination area, and the determination unit compares the detected values from the infrared cameras with the threshold.

Abstract: An inspection system for a vehicle includes a vision inspection device including a plurality of vision camera and a plurality of laser device which move along exterior and sides of a door, which will be inspected, and inspect segmented sections respectively, a hanger device clamping the hemmed door on a hanger frame, and a jig device which clamps the hanger frame of the hanger device, and moves the door toward the vision inspection device for the vision inspection device to inspect the door fixed to the hanger device.

Abstract: A system comprises a slot die including an applicator slot extending about a width of the slot die, wherein the applicator slot is in fluid communication with a fluid flow path through the slot die, and a plurality of actuators spaced about the width of the slot die, wherein each actuator in the plurality of actuators is operable to adjust a cross-directional thickness of the fluid flow path at its respective location to provide a local adjustment of fluid flow through the applicator slot. The system further comprises a controller configured to set the position of each actuator according to one of a plurality of discrete settings for operation of the slot die. The controller is further configured to, using fluid dynamics and a digital model of the die, predict a set of discrete settings from the plurality of discrete settings corresponding to a preselected cross-web profile for the extrudate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which is markable by a laser operating at an ultra-violet wavelength because of the presence of between about 0.05 and about 0.1 weight percent of titanium dioxide or between about 0.1 and 0.3 weight percent of zinc oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser processing method comprising the steps of attaching a protective tape 25 to a front face 3 of a wafer 1a, irradiating a substrate 15 with laser light L while employing a rear face of the wafer 1a as a laser light entrance surface and locating a light-converging point P within the substrate 15 so as to form a molten processed region 13 due to multiphoton absorption, causing the molten processed region 13 to form a cutting start region 8 inside by a predetermined distance from the laser light entrance surface along a line 5 along which the object is intended to be cut in the wafer 1a, attaching an expandable tape 23 to the rear face 21 of the wafer 1a, and expanding the expandable tape 23 so as to separate a plurality of chip parts 24 produced upon cutting the wafer 1a from the cutting start region 8 acting as a start point from each other.

Abstract: A pin having a light guide for an injection mold includes an outer sleeve having a hollow portion, an inner sleeve fixed to the hollow portion of the outer sleeve, a bundle sleeve fixed to a hollow portion of the inner sleeve, a bundle fiber fixed to a hollow portion of the bundle sleeve. A leading end portion of the bundle sleeve has a substantially cone-shaped caulked portion. A portion of the hollow portion of the inner sleeve which is brought into contact with the cone-shaped caulked portion of the bundle sleeve has a tapered shape that coincides with the shape of the portion of the bundle sleeve. A shoulder portion is formed at a rear end portion of the hollow portion of the outer sleeve and a rear end of the inner sleeve is engage with the shoulder portion.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system that retains a print head for printing a three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer manner using an additive manufacturing technique, where the retained print head is configured to receive a consumable material, melt the consumable material, and extrude the molten material. The system also includes a velocimetry assembly configured to determine flow rates of the molten material, and a controller assembly configured to manage the extrusion of the molten material from the print head, and to receive signals from the velocimetry assembly relating to the determined flow rates.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mask manufacturing method includes acquiring positional deviation information between an actual position of a pattern formed on a mask substrate and a design position decided at the time of designing the pattern; calculating an irradiating amount and an irradiating position of radiation to be irradiated to a predetermined area of a square on the mask substrate according to the calculated positional deviation information; and irradiating the radiation based on the calculated irradiating amount and the calculated irradiating position to form in a part of the mask substrate a heterogeneous layer of which volume is expanded more greatly than that of the surrounding mask substrate region.

Abstract: An imprint pattern forming method includes contacting a template with a pattern in a front surface with an imprint material formed in a substrate to fill the imprint material into the pattern, curing the imprint material filled in the pattern to form an imprint material pattern, and after forming the imprint material pattern, separating the template from the imprint material pattern while applying pressure to the back surface of the template.

Abstract: There are provided a resin composition for laser engraving that can give a relief printing plate having excellent hardness, film elasticity, printing durability, and aqueous ink transfer properties and that has excellent rinsing properties for engraving residue generated when laser-engraving a printing plate and excellent engraving sensitivity in laser engraving, a relief printing plate precursor employing the resin composition for laser engraving, a process for producing a relief printing plate employing the same, and a relief printing plate obtained thereby.

Abstract: A process for making a relief printing plate is provided that includes (1) a step of crosslinking by means of heat and/or light a relief-forming layer formed from a resin composition containing (Component A) a compound having a hydrolyzable silyl group and/or a silanol group, (Component B) a thermoplastic elastomer, and (Component C) a polymerizable compound, and (2) a step of forming a relief layer by laser-engraving the crosslinked relief-forming layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a resin layer of a resin-coated metal tube. The resin layer is removed with a laser beam. More particularly, the resin layer of a desired range is burned out by focusing the laser beam into a pinpoint without defocusing the sectional shape of the laser beam in the axial direction o the resin-coated metal tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imprinting a patterned layer on a substrate are described. Features of patterned layer may be concentrically imprinted in relation to a shaft positioned on a substrate chuck. The substrate may be biased using a radius difference between a diameter of the shaft and an inner diameter of the substrate in relation to a point on an inner edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A pattern is formed on a mask substrate. Positional deviation information between an actual position of the pattern formed on the mask substrate and a design position decided at the time of designing the pattern is calculated. A heterogeneous layer of which a volume expands more greatly than that of surrounding mask substrate region is formed in a predetermined position within the mask substrate so that volume expansion of the heterogeneous layer according to the positional deviation information is achieved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical disc master using an existing exposure system, and a method for manufacturing an optical disc having higher recording capacity. The method for manufacturing an optical disc, using a master to produce the optical disc having an irregular pattern thereon, the master being produced by the steps of forming a resist layer composed of a resist material including an incomplete oxide of a transition metal such as W or Mo on a substrate, the oxygen content of the incomplete oxide being smaller than the oxygen content of the stoichiometric composition corresponding to a valence of the transition metal; selectively exposing the resist layer with laser according to a recording signal pattern using a light source with an irradiation power that is less than an irradiation threshold power at which exposure of the resist starts; and developing the resist layer to form the predetermined irregular pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing a protective lining of an industrial reaction or transport vessel, such as a converter vessel, electric arc furnace, or ladle.

Abstract: A method for quality surveillance in manufacturing tablets in a rotary tablet press which, in a compression chamber, has a rotor with upper and lower rams, a die-plate, a cam system for the rams, at least one compressing station, and a charging system for the powdered material requiring compression wherein the tablets are checked for chemical and/or mechanical properties, wherein at least some chemical and/or mechanical data of the tablets is obtained by means of a NIR or LIF sensor in the compression chamber after the upper rams have left the dies, after a measuring procedure has been initiated by a machine computer in response to the die positions determined by a position generator relative to the NIR or LIF sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for inductively heating an electrical conductor after the extrusion head in a process of manufacturing electrical cables (8) having insulation layer on the electrical conductor. The arrangement comprises a first distinctive part having induction means (5), and a second distinctive part having guide means (4) and provided in a splice box (3) for directing the magnetic field created with the induction means (5) to protect external parts from heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite powder of polymer powder and porous glass beads, and to the use of this composite powder for shaping processes, and also to mouldings produced from this composite powder.

Abstract: An imprint pattern forming method includes contacting a template with a pattern in a front surface with an imprint material formed in a substrate to fill the imprint material into the pattern, curing the imprint material filled in the pattern to form an imprint material pattern, and after forming the imprint material pattern, separating the template from the imprint material pattern while applying pressure to the back surface of the template.

Abstract: A CPU provides a fluorescent light detecting head with an irradiation instruction, in response to which the fluorescent light detecting head irradiates an ultraviolet ray for detection on an ultraviolet curing resin material to be examined. The CPU then acquires from the fluorescent light detecting head an intensity of a fluorescent light emitted from a photo polymerization initiator included in the ultraviolet curing resin material when receiving the ultraviolet ray for detection. The CPU retrieves a predetermined number of past data of the intensity of the fluorescent light from a storage unit and performs a (moving) average calculation processing to calculate the intensity of the fluorescent light at the current time. The CPU performs an estimation processing of a state of the ultraviolet curing resin material based on the calculated intensity of the fluorescent light.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the thickness of a coating as it is applied to a substrate, wherein the coating is applied as a thin ribbon from a spray gun, at least one surface profile of the applied coating is obtained along a line intersecting the ribbon during relative movement of the substrate and spray gun. The thickness of the applied coating is computed from the obtained surface profile.

Abstract: To provide a method of making a film of organic material excellent in moisture barrier property and/or oxygen barrier property and also to provide an electronic device excellent in long term stability, in which the film obtained by such film making method is utilized to form a protective film for protecting an electronic device, and particularly an organic electronic device, to avoid deterioration of the performance, which would otherwise be brought about by moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere. The film is formed by depositing and solidifying, on a substrate, an evaporant formed by irradiating a liquid crystal polymer capable of exhibiting an optical anisotropy with pulsed laser.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for quality control of a process to produce concrete goods products. The quality control is effected on the basis of measurements that are carried out on the concrete goods products in an intermediate step of the process after shaping and compacting in the fresh concrete phase. Measurement values are determined on a test fresh concrete product from the intermediate step of the process, which measurement values comprise a measure of the bulk density and the gas permeability of the test fresh concrete product. Subsequently, an estimated value for a quality measure of the hardened concrete product is determined on the basis of a predetermined predictive model. The predictive model relates the measurement values of fresh concrete products from the intermediate step of the process to the quality measure of the corresponding hardened concrete products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imprinting a patterned layer on a substrate are described. Features of patterned layer may be concentrically imprinted in relation to a shaft positioned on a substrate chuck. The substrate may be biased using a radius difference between a diameter of the shaft and an inner diameter of the substrate in relation to a point on an inner edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A laser ablation process is applied to a semiconductor substrate causing the semiconductor material surface and subsurface to be superheated to the point where material is ablated from the material substrate. Optional subsequent laser pulse(s) liquefy the particles, preferably while suspended in air, and the material surface tension causes the liquefied droplet of semiconductor material to form a sphere. The droplet preferably solidifies in air before reaching the substrate of its origin or another substrate for collection.

Abstract: A pattern is formed on a mask substrate. Positional deviation information between an actual position of the pattern formed on the mask substrate and a design position decided at the time of designing the pattern is calculated. A heterogeneous layer of which a volume expands more greatly than that of surrounding mask substrate region is formed in a predetermined position within the mask substrate so that volume expansion of the heterogeneous layer according to the positional deviation information is achieved.

Abstract: This invention discloses the use of one or three cameras equipped with a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor and of laser detectors for characterizing respectively in two or three dimensions, the behavior of an extrudate at the exit of a die, said CCD camera(s) being synchronized with a flash by the laser detectors.

Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure of a gas species up to at most a predetermined maximum pressure value is disclosed. The method includes exposing the gas species to transmission of laser light, periodically modulating the wavelength of the laser light over a wavelength band including at least one absorption line of the gas species, optoelectrically converting the transmitted laser light, thereby generating an electric output signal, performing at least one of first filtering the electric output signal with a filter characteristic having a lower cut-off frequency not lower than a transition frequency and of second filtering the electric output signal with a bandpass filter characteristic having an upper cut-off frequency not higher than the transition frequency and a lower cut-off frequency above the modulation frequency of the periodic wavelength modulation. The output of at least one of the filterings is evaluated as a pressure indicative signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for quality control of a process to produce concrete goods products. The quality control is effected on the basis of measurements that are carried out on the concrete goods products in an intermediate step of the process after shaping and compacting in the fresh concrete phase. Measurement values are determined on a test fresh concrete product from the intermediate step of the process, which measurement values comprise a measure of the bulk density and the gas permeability of the test fresh concrete product. Subsequently, an estimated value for a quality measure of the hardened concrete product is determined on the basis of a predetermined predictive model. The predictive model relates the measurement values of fresh concrete products from the intermediate step of the process to the quality measure of the corresponding hardened concrete products.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: A transparent component portion includes a first weld surface and a first taper locking surface formed opposite from the first weld surface. An absorbing component portion includes a second weld surface and a second taper locking surface formed opposite from the second weld surface. The first and second taper locking surfaces cooperate to force and lock the first and second weld surfaces into abutting engagement for laser welding.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: A method and a system for three-dimensional printing of a three dimensional model is provided. The method includes dispensing a first interface material from a printing head, dispensing at least a second interface material from the printing headland combining the first and second interface material in pre-determined proportions to produce layers for forming the three-dimensional model. In one embodiment, the layers forming the construction layers of the model are formed from interface material having a harder modulus of elasticity from the layers forming the release layers, thereby allowing for the forming complex three-dimensional shapes.

Abstract: Heating and extruding a polymeric sheet having a predetermined thickness and introducing it into and through a gap between cooling rolls, measuring directly by laser beam and without reflection the gap between the cooling rolls, and controlling the gap to control minimal pressure on the softened and heat-plastified sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for formation of a three dimensional object comprising a sealed container; an electron beam subsystem capable of directing energy within said container; a positioning subsystem contained within said container; a wire feed subsystem contained within said container; an instrumentation subsystem electronically connected to said electron beam subsystem, positioning subsystem, and wire feed subsystem; and a power distribution subsystem electrically connected to said electron beam subsystem, positioning subsystem, wire feed subsystem, and said instrumentation subsystem.

Abstract: In a method of opening of a housing of a plastic-housed electronic module by a laser, the electronic module is protected from the effects of the laser beam and the laser beam is stopped at a suitable time by providing an end point signal detection due to the laser beam impinging on a protective layer. Thereby, after opening the housing, electrical measurements can be carried out on the electronic module.

Abstract: A method and instrument to irradiate a light adjustable lens, for example, inside a human eye, with an appropriate amount of radiation in an appropriate pattern by measuring aberrations in the system containing the lens; aligning a source of the modifying radiation so as to impinge the radiation onto the lens in a pattern that corresponds to the aberration; and controlling the quantity of the impinging radiation whereby to decrease the aberration. The quantity of the impinging radiation is controlled by controlling the intensity and duration of the irradiation. The pattern is controlled and monitored while the lens is irradiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a functional dental element, such as a crown. According to the invention, use is made of a three-dimensional printing technique. The major advantages of the invention are that no mold is needed anymore, which entails a considerable saving of costs, that a great accuracy is achieved, and that the element can be made of different materials.

Abstract: A method and instrument to irradiate a light adjustable lens, for example, inside a human eye, with an appropriate amount of radiation in an appropriate intensity pattern by first measuring aberrations in the optical system containing the lens; aligning a source of the modifying radiation so as to impinge the radiation onto the lens in a pattern that will null the aberrations. The quantity of the impinging radiation is controlled by controlling the intensity and duration of the irradiation. The pattern is controlled and monitored while the lens is irradiated.

Abstract: A method for molding an optical attenuator having a unitary lens portion and supporting portion includes the steps of: providing a mold having cavity and core elements which together define a space in which the optical attenuator can be molded including a movable core pin having a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion, and a core pin motor coupled to the core pin for adjusting the thickness of the lens portion; injecting a suitable polymer into the space to form the optical attenuator; separating the cavity and core elements to extract the optical attenuator from the mold; optically measuring the thickness of the lens portion; and providing a signal indicative of the thickness of the lens to a controller having an output coupled to the core pin motor, the controller providing a signal to the core pin motor specifying any movement necessary to retain the thickness of the lens portion within a desired range before repeating the injecting step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a sheet of polymeric material, such as polycarbonate. A forming mold is provided having halves that engage for forming a heated sheet therebetween. Each of the halves defines an interior cavity having a peripheral edge. The sheet is retained between the peripheral edges of the halves and a vacuum is generated within one of the cavities for drawing the sheet therein, whereby a sensing mechanism detects a draw depth for initiating a cooling mechanism to cool the sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the material. A series of retention mechanisms are provided about the peripheral edge of one of the halves, for biasing the sheet into engagement with the peripheral edge of the opposing half. A trimming mechanism is further provided for trimming the perimeter of the sheet to a desired form.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for determining the dye uptake of polyethylene terephthalate fibers in which the fibers are irradiated with high-intensity monochromatic light. A light-sensitive sensor is used to measure the Raman scattering and compare it with that of an earlier established model on the basis of Raman spectra of polyethylene terephthalate fibers of known composition and structure. A model is used to calculate the density, which constitutes a quantitative measure of the dye uptake. In the calculation use is made of measurement points from a number of regions in the spectral measuring region of 598 to 1900 cm−1.

Abstract: A method of making a vehicle interior trim panel having at least one integral resonant bending wave loudspeaker panel. The method involves designing the trim panel to comprise at least one panel area capable of and intended to operate as a resonant bending wave loudspeaker, making a prototype trim panel to the design, optimising at least one parameter of the prototype panel as concerns its behavior as a resonant bending wave loudspeaker by obtaining the standard deviation, as frequency is varied, of the mechanical impedance of the panel as a function of the at least one parameter, selecting a value or values of said at least one parameter that result in a minimum of said standard deviation of the mechanical impedance of the panel, and making a trim panel in which the at least one parameter to be optimized has the selected value or values.