Abstract: A foil-blowing apparatus has at least one deformable lip defining the annular orifice from which the thermoplastic tube which is blown to form the coil is extruded. The lip can be provided with an array of effectors which, in response to a thickness-profile measuring unit, can radially deform the lip to correct thickness errors. The lip can be under prestress and the radial deformation is effected by measuring the thickness and superimposing a radial force on the prestress.

Abstract: A system for producing precision plastic products via the polymerization of liquid plastics using combined static ultra-violet laser stencil imaging with dynamic focused ultra-violet laser beams is provided. Computer control of the position of the laser beams relative to the face of a computer controlled adjustable pattern immersed in the liquid plastic allows for the hardened plastic product being produced to rest on an end face of the piston as the computer controlled laser beam profiling processes takes place within the liquid plastic.

Abstract: Apparatus for "forming" (reshaping) plural dough balls on a conveyor including means for arranging the balls in a desired order on the conveyor. Included is a transfer conveyor with reciprocative end portion and funnel type means cooperating with ring means above a second conveyor for facilitating arranging the balls on the second conveyor and controls for the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a dough roll by rolling up a dough piece. The apparatus has a moving means that includes a holding roller and an endless belt supply device, and a rolling up mechanism having upper and lower endless belt devices. The belt of the upper endless belt device moves rearwardly, and the belt of the lower endless belt device moves forwardly at a speed higher than that of the upper endless belt device. When a dough piece is fed to the apparatus the leading end begins to be rolled at the upstream ends of the upper and lower endless belt devices while its trailing end stays between the belt of the endless belt supply device and the holding roller. Therefore, the leading end moves at a speed which equals the difference between the speeds of the upper and lower endless belt devices while the trailing end moves at the same moving speed as that of the belt of the endless belt supply device.

Abstract: A method for continuously controlling the pressure in a bubble formed of a continuously extruded seamless blown thermoplastic film tubing which is being conducted generally upwardly through a cooling water bath. More particularly, the method contemplates controlling the internal bubble pressure through the intermediary of a Photohelic pressure controller which is utilized to monitor the differential prevailing between the internal bubble pressure and that of the water bath encompassing the bubble. The invention also relates to an apparatus for controlling the internal pressure of a bubble constituted from a seamless blown thermoplastic film which is extruded and conducted through an external cooling water bath, employing the method pursuant to the invention.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a tire vulcanization by controlling a heat supply to a vulcanizing machine including a mold unit and a bladder unit, temperatures at points on a boundary between the mold unit and a tire are measured by means of temperature sensors, a temperature at a center post assembly of the bladder unit is measured by a temperature sensor arranged at the center post assembly. The method includes calculating temperature profiles within the tire from the measured temperatures by using the finite difference method, estimating vulcanization profiles within the tire from the temperature profile, deriving the least vulcanization within the tire from the vulcanization profiles, and producing a stop signal for the heat supply to the vulcanizing machine in accordance with the least vulcanization thus derived.

Abstract: In an apparatus for use in carrying out decoupling control of a T-die which has a pair of lip portions with a gap extended between the lip portions and with the lip portions divided into a plurality of zones individually driven by driving devices, respectively, a processing circuit individually controls the driving devices by the use of a predetermined decoupling control algorithm. The predetermined decoupling algorithm is given by a plurality of desired displacement vectors of the gap for the respective zones and a decoupling control matrix defined by inverse numbers of products of a command value/driving pressure converting matrix (Kp) and a driving pressure/displacement converting matrix (K.alpha.). Alternatively, the decoupling control matrix is repeatedly modified with time to decrease a difference between the desired gap displacement (.DELTA.y) and the measured gap displacement (.DELTA.y.sub.m). Each command voltage value vector .DELTA.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon a known apparatus for polymerization of a body from dental plastic material by irradiation of the body with radiation of a selected wave length in the range between about 350 nm and about 550 nm. To achieve a desired degree of polymerziation of the dental plastic, a specific amount of radiation must be applied to the body. In order to achieve reproducible irradiation results in spite of fluctuations in supply voltage, alterations in lamp characteristics, burn out of one or more lamps, shifting of spectral outputs, replacement of defective or superannuated lamps, soiling of lamps and reflector surfaces and/or changes of operating temperatures in the irradiation area, a supplemental detection system in provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting thermoplastic blanks into shaped articles has a wheel-shaped conveyor which carries an outwardly extending link for a coupling which can engage successive blanks of a series of blanks during advancement along a first portion of its endless path. The blank is transported through a heating unit and thereupon enters the cavity of a mold to be converted into a shaped article which is removed from the mold and is delivered to an article receiving unit. The blank heating unit, the mold and the article receiving unit are respectively adjacent to second, third and fourth portions of the endless path. The conveyor can be driven at a variable speed and in stepwise fashion to be decelerated during advancement of a blank through the heating unit and to come to a halt while the blank is being converted into a shaped article. Alternatively, the link can be pivoted in and counter to the direction of rotation of the conveyor to thus accelerate or decelerate the coupling relative to the conveyor.

Abstract: An injection control method for an electrically-operated injection molding machine is provided, which is capable of sharply increasing the injection speed of a low-priced electric injection molding machine. A command pulse train is supplied to a servo circuit for an injection servomotor whereby substantial rotary motion of the injection servomotor is initially prevented, as a result of the fact that the torque limit value (Ts) is set at a value sufficient to establish equilibrium between the output torque of the injection servomotor and the resin pressure acting on the injection screw. The error between the target rotational position of the injection servomotor and an actual rotational position thereof then is allowed to increase until it reaches a feed stop positional error (Fs).

Abstract: A system for imprinting a pattern on a malleable surface includes a roller (12) having a plurality of spaced running ridges (24) and spaced header ridges (26) defining an impression pattern on the roller surface (22) for impressing a corresponding simulated masonary pattern on a malleable surface such as concrete. The ridges (24,26) are configured to procue multiple, adjacent, simulated masonry patterns (80,86) so that adjacent patterns visually and aesthetically merge into one larger pattern.

Abstract: A method for positioning an operating unit of an electrically-operated injection molding machine at a predetermined operating position in an optimum manner, by using widths of positive-side and negative-side regions of an allowable positioning zone which are set independently of one another in accordance with the operating direction of the operating unit and the function to be achieved by the operating unit. Positioning of a screw at an injection-end position is completed when the actual screw position (PA) is equal to or less than the sum of a target injection-end position (PS) and the positive-side region width (W1), which is set to "0", and is equal to or larger than the value obtained by substracting the negative-side region width (W2) from the target position (PS), so that the screw is positioned at the target injection-end position or a screw-moving position which slightly exceeds the target position by a permissible distance, to thereby actually control an amount of shot.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the back pressure of a motor-driven injection molding machine, capable of achieving an optimum plasticized state of a molten resin by continuously and smoothly varying a screw receding speed during metering.

Abstract: A press that includes a pair of die sections and a ram for propelling one of the die sections against the other to form a workpiece positioned therebetween. A die cushion is coupled to one of the die sections for cushioning force of engagement of the die sections, and includes at least one gas cylinder and a manifold for feeding gas under pressure to the cylinder. A pressure monitor includes a pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for supplying an electrical pressure signal as a function of gas pressure in the manifold. The pressure signal as compared to a predetermined threshold for supplying an alarm signal when gas pressure in the manifold is less than such threshold, and ram operation is stopped when the manifold gas pressure is less than the preset threshold.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object formed from a photohardenable composition containing deflecting matter of core-shell polymers. A preferred material for the polymeric core is crosslinked to an extent to be nonswellable and insoluble in solvent for noncrosslinked polymer material while the shell polymer has no pendant acid groups.

Abstract: An integral three-dimensional object is formed from a photohardenable liquid composition containing radiation deflecting matter.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for lining a pipe wherein a thermoplastic liner is initially formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe. The liner is temporarily deformed at an elevated temperature to a different cross-section, preferably U-shaped, to reduce its overall cross-sectional dimension to facilitate insertion into the pipe to be lined. The deformation occurs with substantially comparable elongation of the pipe lining along its opposite sides thereby precluding variations in wall thickness and stress in the pipe. Once inserted, the liner is pressurized and reheated first to a temperature below its crystallization temperature to round the lining in the pipe and subsequently, further pressurized and reheated to a second temperature higher than the crystallization temperature to cause the liner to retain its original round shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double belt moulding machine for producing foamed plastic plates as a continuous strand. Two endless conveyor belts are moved in opposite rotation directions. The belts can be in the form of straps, steel strips, plate belts, etc., which are each guided over one drive pulley or drive sprockets in the case of plate belts, support elements in the form of slideways or slide rails and a guide pulley or sprocket. According to the invention the drive pulleys or sprockets for the two belts are provided with individual electric drives regulated to synchronize of the facing belt sections. Thus, destructive shear forces within the foam strand in the mould channel are avoided.

Abstract: The pivoting of a guide roller (20) together with a conveyor belt (19) running around it, as well as a pressing roller (25), from a standby position (A) into a resting position (B) is optimized both for thick dough and for thin dough. The pivoting operation takes place in the case of thick dough after one turn has been wound on the dough reel (18). For thin dough, the pivoting operation takes place after about two turns of the dough are on the reel.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic system which produces a three-dimensional object from a heat curable fluid medium which is capable of solidification when subjected to heat includes a computer-aided design controller, a container, an elevator platform and a first servo mechanism which incrementally drives the elevator platform in response to the output signals. The improved stereolithographic system also includes an elongated carrier which is movably coupled to the container, a second servo mechanism which incrementally drives the elongated carrier along the two side walls of the container in response to the output signals, a plurality of spot-sources of heat and a switching network. Each spot-source of heat may be individually switched on and is serially disposed on and fixedly coupled to the bottom surface of the elongated carrier on the bottom surface adjacent to the designated working surface. The switching network individually switches on each spot-source of heat in response to each set of output signals.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a conductor contact apparatus, a conductor defect detector, and a relay or equivalent added to the emergency stop circuit of a conductor insulation extruder apparatus in order to detect conductor defects and shut-down the extrusion apparatus before the conductor defect can cause the extruder to become blocked, interrupting normal production operations. The defect detector is especially adapted to detect variations in the cross-sectional area (or apparent cross-sectional area) of a conductor being insulated.

Abstract: A press is described which is particularly suitable for the production of precision moldings from pulverized materials. The press is provided with a frame 3 in which a draft frame 5 and a platen 4 acting together provide the axis, and are connected to one another by means of a mechanical drive, preferably a toggle drive system, for relative movement to form a main press ram. In the main press ram, between the movable draft frame 5 and the platen 4, a hydraulic subpress 12 is arranged together with at least one additional axis, preferably however with several such axes. Control and regulation of the timing and extent of the working movement of each axis in the hydraulic subpress 12 are made to depend, through a control system 22-33, on the working movement of the main axis formed by the draft frame 5 and the platen 4 of the mechanical press 2.

Abstract: A mold clamping apparatus having a plurality of servomotors for drivingly rotating a ball screw as a spindle. A driven timing gear pulley is mounted on a ball nut threadedly engaged with the ball screw whereby the pulley is rotatable integrally with the nut, and driving timing gear pulleys are fixed to output shafts of the respective motors. A timing belt is wound between the driven and driving pulleys. The servomotors are driven so as to produce the same torque by means of driving circuits which respond to the same torque command generated in accordance with a signal representative of a rotational position of one of the servomotors.

Abstract: A spinner assembly for a cotton candy machine. The spinner assembly includes a tubular wall member having an upright wall provided with slots. A tubular heater element is supported by the heater element in close proximity with the slots. The wall member is of aluminum material. A dielectric anodized coating on the wall member insulates the wall member from the heater element.

Abstract: Attached to the eccentric studs (25) for supporting and positioning press rollers (20) relative to an inner surface of the die (21) of a pellet mill are levers (30). Linked to the levers (30) is an adjusting means (31) that is provided with a position controller (47) whose position measuring means is constructed as part of the adjusting means (31) for the position of the press rollers (20). In this fashion, the gaps between press rollers (20) and die (21) can be regulated very exactly from the outside.

Abstract: A method of injection molding thermoplastic material from an injection molding machine including a slidable screw into a mold whose optimum pattern of the injection rate has been determined on and is known for another injection molding machine. The method includes transferring the defined optimum characteristic values for a first injection molding machine onto a second injection molding machine. The known optimum injection flow rate pattern (V.sub.A) of a previously used first injection molding machine is introduced manually and/or by means of data carriers into a control device of a second injection molding machine to be used. The second injection molding machine is operated with any compatible injection flow rate pattern (V.sub.b), with the resulting injection time (t.sub.Eb) being adjusted to that of the first injection molding machine by means of a multiplicative change of the injection flow rate pattern. Forming an adjustment factor K.sub.V =V.sub.b /V.sub.

Abstract: When the mold of plastic injection molding machine is locked, the closing force (K) is measured at the knuckle joint system during a predetermined number of operating cycles (Z). A mean value is computed from these actual value measurements (Si) and if it is within a predetermined tolerance zone (T) around a set-point value (So), no control intervention takes place. But if this mean value is outside of the tolerance zone (T) but in a control zone (R) limited by alarm limits (A), a control intervention takes place by stepwise changing the installed height of the mold until the actual value measured after each operating cycle is again within the tolerance zone (T). The measurement is repeated over another operating period (B); if those measurements stay within the control zone (R), a new mean value is computed only at the end of this operating period and a corresponding decision is made whether or not a control intervention should take place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control method in which control errors, attributable to a change of the state of a transmission mechanism, disposed between a servomotor and a load driven thereby, are reduced in controlling a driving force to be applied to the load.A detected value (PH) of the driving force applied actually to the load is compared with a set value (PL') of the force to be applied to the load. The driving current of the servomotor is controlled in accordance with the result of such comparison. Thereupon, a change of the correlation between the servomotor output and the driving force applied actually to the load, which is attributable to the change of the state of the transmission mechanism, is compensated automatically. Thus, the driving force applied actually to the load is adjusted accurately to the set value.

Abstract: Topology body apparatus having an extrusion head for extruding a settable plastic material, a mounting arm on which the extrusion head is mounted, a carriage bar on which the mounting arm is mounted, a base, extrusion head drive means for driving the extrusion head relative to the carriage bar, carriage drive means for driving the carriage bar relative to the base, and control means for controlling the extrusion head, the extrusion head drive means and the carriage drive means, separately and independently from one another, to procure three axes of movement of the extrusion head to progressively extrude and deposit portions of a three-dimensional solid body having a predetermined topography.

Abstract: Method of adjusting the lip opening of an extrusion die for stratiform material, with the characteristic that it consists in the combination of, on the one side, the control of the heating of bar shaped elements (9) which act upon at least one of the lips (6-7) of the lip opening (5), in function of the thickness of the formed material, and on the other hand, the common cooling of several bar shaped elements (9) by forcing a cooling medium along these elements (9).

Abstract: Apparatus for spinning monofilaments made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, with a spinning head for monofilaments, at least one spinning panel with a plurality of nozzle orifices, one or more spinning pumps with a motor equipped with a regulator for controlling the thickness of the monofilaments. The regulator can be fed to the diameter measurements of the individually measured monofilaments. Anywhere from 6 to 60 nozzle orifices, preferably about 20 nozzle orifices, are combined into a nozzle orifice group. Each nozzle orifice group has its own spinning pump with its own regulator. The monofilaments of the nozzle orifices of a nozzle orifice group can be conducted past a measuring device for the measurement of the diameters of the monofilaments. This measuring device will calculate an average of the diameter measurements of the monofilaments, which can be fed as an actual value into the regulator which services the spinning pump of the corresponding nozzle orifice group.

Abstract: A mold opening/closing speed control device wherein an opening/closing speed switching position for molds in a mold clamping unit in an injection molding apparatus can be taught by the control device. The control device is set in a teaching mode (101), a servo motor (M) is driven at a low speed to move (102) the molds, speed switching positions P1, P2 and P3 are stored (103, 104, 205, 106, 109) by a teaching device, and the opening/closing speed control of the molds is performed (110, 123) by the servo motor in accordance with the stored positions.

Abstract: In an extrusion process, desired product quality parameters are maintained very accurately by manipulating the rotational speed of the screw associated with the extrusion process so as to maintain a desired ratio of feed rate to drag flow in the extrusion process and by manipulating the feed rate of the material to the extrusion process so as to maintain a desired energy input per unit of the material being processed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hand-over-hand blow molding machine and the method for forming a chain of hollow, shaped article bodies of biaxially oriented, normally highly crystalline thermoplastic material from a tube of said material in substantially unoriented condition, but at an orientation temperature. The machine and method are characterized by an additional blow mold in tandem with one of the blow molds of the prior art two mold machine and method. The machine is operated so that each longitudinally stretched portion of the tube on which the mold pieces of each blow mold closes has substantially the same extent of longitudinal stretch or elongation. This is done by arresting the travel of the tube into the machine according to the distance of travel of the blow mold pulling it into the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of sticks into freezing pockets arranged row by row in a freezing machine comprises a conveyor having grooves for receiving the sticks and feeding the sticks to a number of predetermined positions. As the predetermined positions separate flicking devices are arranged for removing the sticks from the grooves positioned at the predetermined positions. The apparatus moreover comprises an insertion mechanism for inserting the sticks into a row of freezing pockets. In order to reduce stop periods in case the means for insertion of the sticks are blocked, the flicking devices are individually controllable.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating a dose-charged twin-screw extrusion device so as to achieve optimum quantitative discharge of a material being extruded in an automatic manner. By monitoring the screw torque and the mass temperature and modifying the dosed supply of material and/or the screw speed in accordance with the monitored values, the optimum mode of operation is ensured for the extrusion device which fully utilizes the discharge capacity of the device without risking damage either to the extrusion device itself or to the material being extruded.

Abstract: There is described herein a method of operating an extruder for thermoplastic material to automatically control the output of the extruder. The extruder includes a kneader screw, a hopper having a feed screw for feeding the thermoplastic material in dry particulate form to the kneader screw and an outlet feed screw for removing the plastic material in molten form from the kneader screw. Each of the screws is operated by a separate electric motor. The method includes monitoring the current of the motor for the kneader screw. Variations in the current indicate variations in the opertion of the kneader screw. Upon any variation in the current of the kneader screw motor, the speed of the hopper feed screw and/or the outlet feed screw is varied to compensate for the variation in the operation of the kneader feed screw and return the current to its original value.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a household blender to convert the blender to a cotton candy making machine is the subject of the present invention. An open top container is provided with a rotatable hopper for receiving the candy making ingredients including sugar. A heating element proximate to the hopper melts the sugar. A drive shaft is coupled with the hopper and is adapted to be coupled with the drive coupling on the blender motor. Thus, when the blender is turned on, the hopper rotates causing the melted sugar and other ingredients to be directed through orifices in the hopper out into the bowl. The spun candy may then be worked into a ball utilizing a stick on which the candy is gathered.

Abstract: A system for controlling a temperature of a molten resin in a cylinder of an extruder includes a plurality of temperature detecting elements which are disposed in a wall of the cylinder generally in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder to detect the temperature of the cylinder. The temperature detecting elements are radially spaced by different distances from an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder wall. Detecting devices are provided for detecting an ambient temperature of the extruder and the number of revolutions of a screw of the extruder. A microprocessor unit is programmed to be responsive to detecting signals from the temperature detecting elements and detecting devices to calculate a proper estimated temperature of the molten resin and to calculate a difference between a desired temperature of the resin and the estimated temperature and to determine in accordance with this difference a set temperature of the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A bent honeycomb pipe includes an outer pipe section bent at a predetermined curvature, a bent central pipe section coaxial with the outer pipe section and a bent honeycomb-shaped section interposed between the outer and central pipe-sections, all three sections being simultaneously coextruded to form a single-piece construction.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for coating the uncovered end portions or stubs of pipe sections after they have been welded together. A belt is maintained in tension out of contact with the pipe until the pipe stubs are welded together and coating operations are to begin. The belt is then wrapped onto the pipes forming an annular cavity about the welded stubs. Chain reinforcing mesh is also applied to the exterior of the belt for support. An expanding foam which sets into a hard coating is then injected into the cavity. Once the foam hardens and fills the cavity, the belt and reinforcement are unwrapped from the coated joint and moved away from the pipe.

Abstract: The continuous in-line melt flow rate control system (40; 100) is coupled to a mixer/extruder system (10; 97) including a polymer, stabilizer and degradent feeding system (12, 16, 18; 102) supplying mixed materials to the inlet end of an extruder (24; 108) having a die head (26) at the outlet end thereof. The control system (40; 100) is coupled between a rheometer (42; 112) which monitors a slip stream (46; 110) of melt from the extruder (24; 108) and a ratio controller (48; 93) in the feeding system (12, 16, 18; 102).

Abstract: A method for mixing and masticating highly viscous materials in a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing chamber the wall of which is provided with heat exchange means for heating and cooling and at least one rotor, driven by a motor, wherein the energy utilized for mixing and masticating (UE) and the supplied energy (SE) are determined by recording the couple and the number of revolutions of the rotors, and the heat exchanged between the materials treated and the wall is determined by recording the temperature of the materials treated, the temperatures of the heat transfer medium on entering and leaving the heat exchange circuit and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium, and the ratio of UE to SE is adjusted to an optimal value at a minimal SE.

Abstract: A machine for the blow molding of synthetic resin hollow workpieces with a unit for shutting parted blow molds and with a turntable moved in steps, with a number of rests evenly spaced round the axis of the turntable for blown hollow workpieces. The rests may be moved into a handing over position in the parting plane (E) of the blow mold shutting unit and into at least one after-processing station. There is a blow stick which is supported by a blow stick carriage moved horizontally in this parting plane between the blow position at the blow mold shutting unit and this handing over position. The blow stick carriage is indexed in the blow position in a machine bed. The blow mold shutting unit has horizontal guides for the blow mold supports only at the side furthest from the blow stick carriage.

Abstract: A method of producing an extrudate using a roller die is disclosed in which on-line adjustments are made to size and shape deviations by changing the rotational speed of the extruder screw, the feed rate to the extruder, or the speed of the take-away device and the rotational speed of the roller die. The size and shape dimensions of the extrudate are measured and used to calculate new values for the screw or take-away speed of the feed rate and the roller die speed. A measurement of the extrudate dimensions may also be obtained at the roller die to provide a faster response.

Abstract: During the production of a preform of thermoplastic synthetic material by means of extrusion from an extruder head provided with a slot-shaped exit opening, the width of which is changed according to a specific program during the extrusion of the preform in order to change the wall thickness thereof, the wall thickness of at least one section of the preform should be controlled by at least one additional program, which is superposed on at least one portion of the first program, which is longer than the additional program. In this manner, one achieves greater flexibility in respect to fulfilling the requirements of each situation on the programming, namely both in respect to the resolution and in respect to precise determination of the location of the individual switch points, even when a very great number of changes of the slot width must be undertaken over a very short section of the preform or during a very short time period during the extrusion process.

Abstract: A granulating apparatus comprising a device which adds a binder of an epoxy resin or the like into a powder to-be-treated, a screw feeder which conveys the powder to-be-treated containing the binder, and rolls which compression-molds it. By rotating the screw feeder and the rolls, the powder to-be-treated is caused to induce internal friction and to generate heat, thereby to temporarily dissolve the binder, whereupon the powder to-be-treated is pelletized. In order to temporarily dissolve the binder, the granulating apparatus is equipped with a device for measuring the temperature of the powder to-be-treated, and a controller for controlling the stirring speed of the screw feeder and the molding speed of the rolls on the basis of the measured value so as to establish a desired temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the level of at least one surface point on a flexible platen of a photogrammetry apparatus having photogrammetric images projected thereon in first and second colors is disclosed as comprising means for receiving and transmitting the first and second colored images at the surface point, which is attached to and movable with the receiving and transmitting means and means for vertically positioning the receiving and transmitting means. There is also provided means for converting the transmitted colored images into electrical signals, which are proportional in strength to the intensity of the colored images, and means for controlling the positioning means in response to the electrical signals, whereby the surface point is adjusted to a position where the colored images intersect.

Abstract: Machinery and methods for making concrete blocks includes an open top and open bottom mold supported on a machine's frame when the mold is at rest. A pallet support beneath the mold is movable upwardly by means of a pallet lifter frame to clamp a pallet against the bottom of the mold. Upward movement of the pallet support is accompanied by upward movement of the mold off the frame to enable vibration of the mold without the generation of noise between the mold and the frame. A stripper head is supported above the mold for entry into the latter during vibration of the mold to assist in compacting moldable material within the mold. The stripper head is carried by a movable frame the movements of which are controlled by a cam and an interconnecting linkage, and the stripper head is vertically movable relative to the frame. Inflatable/deflatable cushions or absorbers are interposed between the stripper head and the stripper head frame to minimize noise.