Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch (10) includes a collection pouch (12) having a collection cavity (20), a retractable outlet (14) movable between a first position retracted substantially into the collection cavity and a second position extending outwardly from the collection cavity, a discharge opening (30) formed at a distal end of the retractable outlet and a closure (22) configured to selectively allow or prevent discharge of a waste material from the collection cavity or the retractable outlet.

Abstract: A roll stand for use in the extrusion forming of a sheet product from a flowable material having a main frame supporting first and second rolls between which there is a first gap through which at least one sheet layer passes during sheet product formation. A first adjusting mechanism moves the first roll relative to the second roll so as to vary a dimension of the first gap. The first adjusting mechanism has a first element that is moved by a first actuator that is: a) maintained on the apparatus; b) engageable by a hand of an operator; and c) manually movable through an operator's hand to thereby cause repositioning of the first roll.

Abstract: A method of coating metal wire with extrudate using an extrusion system. The method includes the steps of advancing the metal wire through an extrusion die of the extrusion system and extruding molten extrudate over the metal wire as the metal wire is advanced through the extrusion die. Image data is generated, using one or several electronic cameras, concurrently with the advancing, and extruding to provide visual feedback indicative of the concentricity or non-concentricity of extrudate surrounding the metal wire as the metal wire exits the extrusion die.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a materials extrusion device including a screw extruder with a plunger feeder. It includes a screw extruder having a main housing, a materials advancing screw, a screw drive mechanism, a feed port for inputting materials to be extruded and an extrusion outlet port. It also includes a plunger feeder having an elongated, upwardly biased (non-horizontal) plunger housing, e.g., a cylinder, with a plunger. A plunger drive mechanism is connected to the plunger to move the plunger upwardly and downwardly within the plunger housing, and there is a feed outlet at an upper end of the plunger housing, the feed outlet being connected to the screw extruder feed port.

Abstract: A control system for use with a multi-layer molding device having an inspection device for measuring a characteristic of a product of a cavity of the molding device and a controller adapted to receive information corresponding to the at least one characteristic from the inspection device and to alter the molding device based on the information.

Abstract: A fluid reticulation system for a composite component production assembly, the production assembly including at least one pressure chamber (25) having a chamber wall (21) locatable adjacent a composite lay-up or mould, at least a portion of the chamber wall (21) being resiliently deformable, the fluid reticulation system being locatable within the inner volume of the pressure chamber (25) and including means (5) for distributing fluid towards an inner surface (22) of the chamber wall as the fluid enters the pressure chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a device for transferring a pattern from a stamp to a substrate, provided with a moldable film, by pressing the stamp and the substrate against each other. The device comprises at least one fixture for retaining a planar object such as the stamp or the substrate. The device is distinguished in that it comprises a heating element for heating the planar object, and measuring arrangement for determining a change in the size of the planar object due to the heating.

Abstract: A system for molding optical attenuators that have a lens portion and a supporting portion includes a molding machine containing a mold, an extractor robot and optical inspection portion, and a controller that assesses the inspection information and send control signals to the molding machine and mold. The mold includes a cavity and a core which define a space in which the supporting portion and the attenuator are formed. The mold also includes a core pin, movably located in the core element. The core pin has a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion and a distal end remote from the molding space. A core pin motor is coupled to the core pin, through a number of intermediate elements, so that the core pin can be moved relative to the core element to adjust a thickness of the lens portion.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch clamp/closure and a method of production are described. The clamp comprises a blade member and a trough member hingedly coupled to the blade member and having a blade member receiving channel. At least one of the members comprises integrally molded first and second portions, being respectively a rigid portion of a first relatively hard plastics, and a soft or comfortable-feel portion of a second relatively deformable plastics. The clamp can be formed using two-shot molding. The channel also includes an elongate constriction for releasably retaining the blade member in the channel, providing a mechanical interlock along the entire length of the clamp. The clamp also includes a snap lock at its distal end.

Abstract: The maintenance of tools having functional parts located in their interior is facilitated considerably if these functional parts can be permanently observed and monitored without the tool needing to be dismantled. For this purpose coverable recesses are provided in the body of the tool.

Abstract: In a blow-molding system in which a parison programmer is coupled to orifice tooling in an extrusion die head for controlling wall thickness of an extruded parison fed to a blow-molding apparatus, a method of synchronizing operation of the parison programmer contemplates placement of observable indicia on the parison after the parison exits the die head. This indicia placement preferably is carried out under control of the parison programmer to place the indicia at a predetermined position along the parison profile, such that mis-positioning of the indicia indicates absence of phase synchronization of the parison programmer. The indicia is then observed on a molded article to determine phasing of the parison programmer relative to the molding apparatus, and operation of the parison programmer is adjusted to correct any mis-positioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for dosed conveying and selecting of pellets for a moulding apparatus for lead frames, with which it is possible to prevent crumbled pellets or fragments and/or dust thereof being able to reach the molding apparatus arranged in a so-called clean room. For this purpose the system has structure for successively conveying pellets one by one, structure for selecting to length and feeding pellets to a transporting path, structure for reducing the transporting speed of conveyed pellets, structure for separating the pellets one by one and tranferring the pellets to a transport carrier, and means for transferring pellets from the transport carrier to a conveying device to a mold of a molding apparatus.

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: Process for forming a dimensionally variable tubular member for use in catheterization procedures. The process includes a mechanism for extruding a tubular member. A variable speed puller pulls the tubular member through or from the extrusion means at a selectively variable speed. A variable air or gas pressure supply supplies pressurized air or gas to the extrusion mechanism at a selectively variable rate. The dimensionally varying tubular member may be cut to desired lengths for use as catheter shafts or catheter soft tips. The process may include forming a tubular member having a dimensionally varying first layer and a dimensionally varying second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer at a distal end of the tubular member is removed.

Abstract: In the present invention, a preliminary extruding operation is carried out for each section of a movable die moving pattern DA corresponding to the configuration of an article, thereby determining a suitable back pressure at which a desired cross-sectional dimension is obtained. The movable die is secured to a position DA1 corresponding to a side section of the article, then screw revolutions are changed while extruding a molding material. Thus, determined as a suitable back pressure BPO for the side section is a specified value of the back pressures BP at which the molded product has the desired cross-sectional dimension. Likewise, a suitable back pressure for the upper section is also determined, so that a pattern of the suitable back pressures BPO is determined. In view of the time delay, timings of change in an initial setting pattern R1 for the screw revolutions are advanced for periods of times T.sub.11, T.sub.12, T.sub.13 and T.sub.14 from the timings of change in the pattern DA.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing incomplete molding of an automold system in process for molding semiconductor packages.

Abstract: In a blown film extrusion system in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path, an apparatus is provided for gauging and controlling the circumference of the extruded film tube. At least one transducer, preferably ultrasonic, is mounted adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting and receiving interrogating pulses along paths normal to the extruded film tube, and for producing a current position signal corresponding to the circumference of the extruded film tube. The current position signal is continuously compared with at least one previous position signal, preferably with a computer program resident in a controller memory. If at least one preselected condition is violated, the current position signal is disregarded in favor of an estimated position signal.

Abstract: An ejection and conveying device mounted in a rotary pressing tabletting machine having matrices supported by a rotating table, whereinto upper punches and lower punches enter and come out, while tablets come out at an ejection station; the device includes a plate fastened to the machine and positioned under the table. Part of the plate is located under the machine's ejection station, while a rotating disk is placed inside a raised border of the plate and has a plurality of hollows whereinto the ejected tablets fall so that the tablets are drawn by the disk up to be positioned above one or more holes made in the bottom of the plate and from which holes discharge channels depart. The tablets pass through the holes and are brought away by the channels.

Abstract: A nozzle for a gap measuring system includes a short outlet passageway defined by a smooth, cylindrical wall terminating in an outlet orifice and having an entrance orifice surrounded by a wall portion that is substantially perpendicular to the outlet passageway. As fluid flows through the nozzle, it encounters the surrounding wall portion at the entrance of the short outlet passageway of the nozzle which constricts the fluid flow upon entry into the short outlet passageway of the nozzle. As a result of the nozzle geometry, the fluid exits the nozzle outlet with a higher velocity, lower pressure and decreased turbulence. The incorporation of such a nozzle into a gap measuring system can produce an increase in the reliability and accuracy of distance determinations nearly ten times that which was previously attainable with prior nozzle inserts.

Abstract: In a blow film extrusion system in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path, an apparatus is provided for gauging and controlling the circumference of the extruded film tube. At least one transducer, preferably ultrasonic, is mounted adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting and receiving interrogating pulses along paths normal to the extruded film tube, and for producing a current position signal corresponding to the circumference of the extruded film tube. The current position signal is continuously compared with at least one previous position signal, preferably with a computer program resident in a controller memory. If at least one preselected condition is violated, the current position signal is disregarded in favor of an estimated position signal.

Abstract: The process for making a thermoplastic foil involves the use of a wide-outlet or long-slit die which has at least one outlet-gap-defining adjustable die lip, an opposing gap-bounding lip and a group of piezotranslators distributed over the length of the outlet-gap-defining adjustable die lip, each of which is part of a control loop, acts as a positioning member and is associated with an individual section of an outlet-gap-defining adjustable die lip. At least one actual value of the foil thickness of the thermoplastic foil formed is measured with a measuring device and is fed to a controlling processor. Each of the piezotranslators is controlled by a controlling processor with a controlling variable.

Abstract: The dough is led by a dough-conveyor belt between a fixed dough roller and a movable dough roller. After each pass of the strip of dough to be rolled out between the rollers, the movable dough roller is moved a predetermined step toward the fixed dough roller by means of a stepping motor, so that the roller gap between the dough rollers diminishes after each pass of the dough. The ratio of one roller gap to the next smaller roller gap changes after each step and decreases as dough rolling progresses. By means of programmable control circuitry, the diminishing of the roller gap is controlled during rolling-out of the strip of dough. Depending upon the type and condition of the dough, a suitable rolling curve can be selected for controlling the roller gap.

Abstract: An improvement for casting machines is provided which displays a correct nip measurement based on the relative position of cooperating rolls and the thermal expansion of the rolls.

Abstract: A compaction evaluation apparatus for determining powder plug and compaction force parameters to produce a desired plug for encapsulation. A tamping pin is operated by a piston, and the force applied by the pin as well as its dwell on the powder plug can be accurately controlled. The powder plug may be released into an actual capsule body.

Abstract: A thickness control system for controlling the thickness of an extrudate includes a nested temperature control loop for controlling the temperature of a heat responsive element based upon a predetermined temperature set point. The temperature set point for the temperature control loop is computed based upon the measured thickness of the extrudate.

Abstract: The self-adhesive tape has two sides, one of which forms a bottom side at which a supporting or carrier fabric is only superficially covered by a contact adhesive coating. At the other side, which forms the top side, a contact adhesive coating uniformly covers the supporting or carrier fabric so as to essentially form a plane which uninterruptedly engages a separating paper layer. Due to the crossing or intersection points formed by warp and weft threads of the supporting fabric such supporting fabric produces unevenness only at the bottom side, resulting in a smaller adhesive capability or action of the lower contact adhesive coating as compared to the adhesive capability or action of the upper contact adhesive coating uniformly engaging the separating paper layer. Through the apertures or openings formed in the supporting fabric these adhesive layers are interconnected which promotes the non-separability of the self-adhesive tape as a whole.

Abstract: A lens is produced having one aspherical surface which is accurately axially aligned with a spherical or flat surface on the opposite side of the lens. The aspherical surface is produced with a mold. The mold has a molding surface having an accurate negative profile and the desired finish of the required aspherical surface.The mold is on a rotatable jig. By means of adjustment screws the mold is adjusted to correct misalignment of the axis of the molding surface and the axis of rotation of the jig. Misalignment is detected by directing a collimated light beam onto the molding surface so that it is reflected onto a screen. When the mold is rotated, the light beam moves on the screen until the molding surface is properly aligned with the axis of rotation.A preformed glass substrate has one aspherical surface of approximately the desired profile and finish and on its opposite side a spherical or flat surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for equalizing the density distribution of pressed wood panels manufactured from adhesive coated bulk material. A bottom belt hopper has an outlet, the width of which is identical with the spreading width for the pressed wood panels being manufactured. Devices installed below the bottom belt hopper transport the bulk material as adhesive coated chip material onto a forming belt. Density deviations existing in the bulk material when it is removed from the bottom belt hopper are determined and correspondingly eliminated. If required, a density profile for a finished pressed wood panel is provided when the bulk material is taken from the bottom belt hopper.

Abstract: An improved extrusion die employing proximity sensors to directly measure the actual die gap during extrusion is disclosed. The proximity sensor may be a capacitance-effect, or optical-effect sensor. Manual and automated closed-loop methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting die clearance for an extruder producing a sheet in a die having an adjusting device for adjusting the die clearance between an upper die and a lower die, a measuring device for measuring thicknesses of the sheet at a plurality of positions in the direction of width on the sheet, a setting device for setting desirable thicknesses at the positions, an adjusting data producing device for producing data with respect to die displacement to be adjusted from the measured data and the desirable thicknesses, and control device for controlling the adjusting device in order that the die clearance coincides with the desirable thickness. Rough adjustment can be effected by tightening or loosening the bolts while fine adjustment is achieved by heating the bolts with an electrical heater disposed thereabout.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of plastic film by the extrusion of a tube thereof includes a first air ring disposed at the die exit and delivering an annular stream of cooling air to the surface of the emerging tube, which is in a stable expansion phase as it escapes the die internal pressure. Preferably the stream is directed axially of the tube path. The apparatus includes the combination of a sizing cage and a second air ring that is mounted for longitudinal movement along the tube. The tube is established with the air rings close together and they are moved as soon as possible as far apart as possible. The second air ring is located just below where the tube begins to expand and delivers an annular stream of air, preferably in a known manner away from the tube to form a vacuum which stabilizes the tube. The cooling air stream from the second ring can be high since the tube is again in a stable expansion phase with the material at an appropriate temperature.

Abstract: A method of and a device for high-precision moulding of transparent objects is described. Before the object assumes its final shape, a radiation beam is passed through the moulds of a moulding device and the material contained therein, and the intensity distribution of the radiation spot formed by the beam is compared with a reference, thereby enabling the moulds to be aligned very accurately, so that high-quality products can be manufactured.

Abstract: An adjustable die mechanism (10) for extruding a profiled strip of plastic or elastomeric material wherein a plurality of adjacent segments (44) is located upstream and in spaced relation from a final extrusion die assembly (32), having a predetermined profiled opening (38), with this plurality of segments (44) being mounted for individual and independent adjustment thereof, each segment having one end (46) capable of extending into the extrudate flow channel (26). Means for actuating (64) move the segments (44) relative to the profiled opening (38) in a predetermined manner such that moving the segments (44) into the profiled opening (38) modifies the flow of the extrudate material downstream of the segments (44) as the profiled strip emerges from the die assembly (32). The die mechanism includes control means (82) for selectively operating the means for moving the segments so as to produce a strip of material having the desired characteristics.

Abstract: An internally-cooled blown-film system, for producing plastic tubing, in which the flow rate of the continuous flow of internal cooling air, by non-contacting, energy beam sensor means, is made directly dependent upon the deviation in position of the tube wall.

Abstract: A system of automatically controlling the size of thermoplastic blown film to minimize scrap generation by guiding the bubble at an elevation above the melting point of the bubble, to keep it centered above the extrusion die, sensing when the bubble is too wide or too narrow and automatically actuating a means to selectively remove or deliver gas or air to or from the bubble to return the bubble to the predetermined desired diameter of width and sensing when the predetermined diameter or width is obtained.

Abstract: An injection mold with locking device comprises a fixed backing plate and a fixed mold part plate which are connected to each other by four tie rods. A movable mold part plate is connected to the fixed backing plate through a drive and locking mechanism which is capable of moving the movable mold part plate into a mold position with the fixed mold part plate. A thermal force control apparatus is associated with one or more of the tie rods for changing the temperature of the tie rods and thereby causing the tie rods either to expand or contract. By such expansion or contraction, the exact force applied between the fixed and movable mold part plates can be adjusted to a desired level.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for making elastomer sheet utilizing a novel extruder in combination with novel calendering apparatus.

Abstract: A blown-film system, for producing plastic tubing, in which the rate of flow of air, into or out of the tube, is made directly dependent upon the deviation in position of the tube wall and in which stability in tube size is achieved by providing a control system that feeds back both tube circumference and air valve position to drive a valve motor.

Abstract: A provolone cheese molding apparatus constituted by a fixed, horizontal table having a single circular hole within the table, a chute depending from the table and aligned with the circular hole, and means for pressing warm cheese upwardly within the chute. A slide on the upper face of the table reciprocates horizontally and includes spaced circular holes within the slide for selective alignment with the table holes. Cylindrical provolone cheese loaf forming tubes are vertically mounted to the slide coaxial with the holes and receive the cheese when aligned with the chute to form cylindrical provolone cheese loaves. The tubes are formed of lightweight light transmitting plastic, and each bears a plunger disc of a light contrasting color which moves with the cheese as it rises internally of the tube to indicate the extent of filling of the tube.

Abstract: The method maintains a set nip clearance at a uniform value across the widths of the calendar, at different calendar loads, in at least the last nip, in the working direction, of a calender stack or the like including at least three rolls subjected to a common work-press load, with at least one roll being crowned to correspond to the maximum load of the calendar and at least one roll being adjustable. The thickness of the material being treated is sensed at one or several points in a direction transverse to the material web, or the deflection, or the load, is sensed at one or several of the rolls. The position of one or more adjustable rolls is displaced, relative to the common plane through the roll axes, in accordance with the sensing in a manner such that the axis of the adjustable roll or rolls remains parallel to the adjacent roll axis. The adjustable rolls may be displaced horizontally either linearly or arcuately to follow the contour of the adjacent rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the flow of refurbishing gas or air internally to tubular film produced by the blown film process, comprising a pair of opposed arm means or arms adapted to physically contact and sense growth or diminishment in the size of the film, as determined by the spacing between the arms, the arms being independently pivotable preferably about a common axis, or alternately parallel axis closely spaced to approximate a common arc of movement, a gas flow regulating valve comprising a pressurized gas line carried by one arm, at which vicinity it is interrupted to define a gap across which the gas stream flows prior to entering the film, a flow blockage valving means comprising preferably a valve plate fixed to the opposite arm, and having changing position in said gap responsive to relative movement between the arms, the valve plate defining an opening of tapered or variable width, which depending on alignment, partially hindered alignment, or non-alignment with the gas stream, increases or lesse

Abstract: A concrete product making machine having a product forming mold with a cavity for receiving cementitious material; support surfaces such as pallets on which the formed products are supported; a transfer device by which "green" products or blocks are removed on their pallets from the vicinity of the mold; and a block height gauging device, downstream of the mold, for gauging the height of the products by gauging the distance from the top surfaces of the pallets to the top surfaces of the products.