Abstract: A fluidic optical device comprising a housing comprising a wall defining a lumen, wherein the wall is in fluid communication with a reservoir comprising a liquid, and a control unit for forming a fluidic lens bounded by the wall, under microgravity conditions. Further, a method for fabricating the fluidic optical device of the invention, and a system comprising the fluidic optical device, are provided.

Abstract: An engine end cover integrated oil pump assembly comprises an engine end cover, an oil pump, a crankshaft driving gear and a crankshaft driving gear retaining structure. The oil pump comprises a pump body, an oil pump shaft and an oil pump driving gear, wherein the pump body is integrated with the engine end cover, and the oil pump driving gear is connected to the oil pump shaft. The crankshaft driving gear is rotatably arranged on the engine end cover and externally meshes with the oil pump driving gear.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to systems for making an implantable construct comprising a reservoir coupled to the at least one frame; a mandrel base coupled to the at least one frame; a mandrel coupled to the mandrel base; a first mechanism configured to be coupled to the at least one frame and configured to move the at least one frame along a first axis; a second mechanism configured to be coupled to the at least one frame and configured to rotate the least one mandrel base along a second axis between a first orientation and a second orientation; and a container configured to be coupled to the at least one frame and configured to receive the mandrel in the second orientation. The disclosed mechanisms can manually, semi-automatically, or automatically control the movements of the at least one frame, reservoir, mandrel, mandrel base, and container to produce the construct with a lumen. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods for making the construct.

Abstract: A fixture plate includes a base having a contact face configured to support a dental model having a material formed thereon. The material includes an aligner material portion and an excess material portion. The fixture plate includes one or more channels formed in the contact face. The fixture plate includes a bore extending through the base from a bottom opening to the contact face. A portion of the bore located along the bottom opening is configured to couple with a hose of a vacuum system configured to generate a suction force at the contact face via the one or more channels. The suction force is applied to the dental model and at least part of the excess material portion to retain the dental model and the material formed thereon against the contact face.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a 3D forming film performs molding at a uniform pressure by using a variable volume body, and thus, enables undercut portion molding, prevents thermal corrugation on the curved portion, etc., of the forming film and the distortion of the forming film, reduces a thickness deviation of the forming film and excludes an additional cutting process after molding the forming film, thereby improving the quality of the 3D-molded forming film. The device for manufacturing the 3D forming film includes: a mold for molding a forming film; a press head unit which is positioned to correspond to the mold and has a variable spaced distance from the mold; and a variable volume body which is coupled to the press head unit and has elasticity so that a volume thereof is variable due to gas introduction and discharge by the press head unit.

Abstract: A casting method involves providing a precursor to a mold that includes a deformable surface overlying a chamber, shaping the deformable surface according to a surface profile by adjusting a fluid pressure within the chamber and driving one or more actuators that are configured to distort the deformable surface, and solidifying the precursor while the deformable surface is shaped according to the surface profile to form an optical element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet filter material, in particular having an aerosol filter function and/or a particle filter function, preferably having a protective function against chemical, biological and/or chemical harmful and toxic substances, and to a method for the production thereof. The sheet filter material is particularly suitable for producing protective equipment, protective objects, sports and leisure clothing and filters and filter materials of all types.

Abstract: A composite implant device for use in a medical application, comprising a synthetically-derived mesh that mimics particular critical aspects of a biologically-derived mesh. The composite implant device can be used for the reinforcement and reconstruction of tissues within the body and can be comprised of a majority of synthetic components and minority of naturally-derived components which mimic the structure and function of a naturally-derived mesh.

Abstract: A mold release lubricant application equipment 4 comprises application portions 30A,30B for applying a mold release lubricant to glass bottle forming molds 10, 18, and an application control portion 31 for operating the application portions 30A,30B. Molds 10,18 are arranged independently along a predetermined arrangement direction A1. A plurality of sections 5 comprising molds 10, 18 are formed along the arrangement direction A1. The application portions 30A, 30B comprise lubricant application parts 38A, 38B for applying the mold release lubricant, a transport mechanisms 33A, 33B for moving the lubricant application parts 38A,38B among the plurality of the sections along the arrangement direction A1, and sensors 42A, 42B. The application control portion 31 detects abnormalities with the sensors 42A, 42B on a plurality of sections 5.

Abstract: A method for predicting a strength of a structure modeled by an additive manufacturing method includes acquiring a material layering method including at least one of a scanning direction, a scanning pitch, a layering direction, and a layering pitch of a material, and estimating the strength of the structure by factoring in strength anisotropy attributable to the material layering method.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes a feed apparatus for feeding powder, which includes the residual thermoplastic powder, to a pressing area, and two rotatable roller elements which are drivable in opposite directions. Lateral surfaces of the two rotatable roller elements are adjacent to one another in a pressing area and each laterally have a plurality of molding elements that are assigned to one another in pairs in order to compress powder into granules in the pressing area. Also, a cam mechanism is included and configured to deflect the molding elements of one of the two rotatable roller elements radially depending on the angle of rotation.

Abstract: An energy output measuring device including a main body having a light reflecting exterior and a window portion formed in the main body and produced from infrared-reflecting glass. At least one visible light sensor is disposed adjacent the window. The energy output measuring device is configured to pass through a heating device. An energy output of the heating device is determined from measurements taken by the heating device.

Abstract: Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously travelled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist ? is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer to fabricate three dimensional objects using a rotary build surface platen. This architecture achieves high space efficiency, and rigidity for precision. The apparatus size can be very small relative to the objects it can build. The 3D printer can also actively shape the side profile of a layer for greater fidelity with the ideal input geometry. The profile can be shaped through subtraction of material, or by constraining the material while it is deposited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of examining defects in a green honeycomb molding having partition walls which form a plurality of flow channels extending in parallel with one another, and sealing portions which close the upper ends of some of the plurality of flow channels and the lower ends of the rest flow channels. The method includes a step of applying pressure to the lower ends of the plurality of flow channels using gas, and a step of visualizing the distribution of gas refractive indexes near the upper ends of the plurality of flow channels.

Abstract: Mineral samples for use in analytical instruments are created by a system that greatly reduces the sample preparation time and facilitates automation. For example, in some implementations, rather than grinding to expose the interior of mineral particles in sample plug containing mineral particles in an epoxy compound, the sample plug is sliced with a saw, which more rapidly provides in many applications a sufficiently smooth surface on the exposed particle surfaces for observation. Rather than slowly mixing a slow curing epoxy to avoid introducing bubbles into the sample plug, some implementations use a fast settle fixative and a mechanical mixture that avoid bubbles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating of preforms formed of plastic with infrared radiation, whereby the preform is struck by cooling air at its neck finish and on its body. Furthermore, the infrared radiators are struck by cooling air at their ends. The invention relates to a heating device in which the three cooling air streams may be controlled or regulated independently from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods which may be used to determine when an uncured composite part is ready to be cured. In one embodiment, a system under the invention may comprise an infrared camera adapted to take infrared images of an uncured composite part, a heating device adapted to heat an uncured composite part, an image capture device adapted to capture infrared images taken by the infrared camera, and a computer adapted to analyze infrared images taken by the infrared camera in order to evaluate temperatures of an uncured composite part. The infrared images may be used to determine that the composite part is substantially covered, and/or completely covered, with resin and ready to be cured.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a modular food ingredient roller.

Abstract: A device for repairing a chimney preferably includes a rod effective for positioning and manipulating a camera and a plunger blade in a chimney; a camera attached to the lower portion of the rod in a manner such that rotation of the rod results in a corresponding rotation of the camera; and a plunger blade attached to the rod above the camera. The plunger blade is adapted to apply mortar to the sides of a chimney when the device is pulled upward in the chimney. The device may further include a camera-direction indicator attached to the rod above the plunger blade in a manner such that the camera-direction indicator is effective for indicating the direction of view of said camera even when the camera is not visible to the operator.

Abstract: A plaster removing device includes a main device frame having first and second ends, a device trough carried by the main device frame and a plumb device carried by the main device frame.

Abstract: An exemplary molding material feeding barrel includes a main body, a blocking member, and an electrically conductive member. The main body has a chamber defined therein. The main body has a first inner surface in the chamber. The blocking member protrudes inward from the first inner surface of the main body. The electrically conductive member has a first end exposed at an inside of the main body, and a second end grounded.

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: A catheter balloon is formed from a mold process in which raised dimples or shallow divots are formed on the outer surface using indentations or raised beads on the mold surface. The dimples or divots are located at the transition between the body portion of the catheter balloon and the neck or taper section. The presence of the dimples or divots serves the dual purpose of identifying the transition between the two regions for placing a visual marker on the balloon to be used in positioning the balloon, and also to assist in the retention of a vascular stent on the balloon.

Abstract: A tire tread for a vehicle tire is disclosed wherein the tread has at least one tread element projecting from the base of the tread and having a defined tread depth, with at least one tread element having a first hole and having a first outer cross-sectional shape that is constant for a first depth. A molding device for forming a tread wear indicator in a tread is also disclosed. The molding device includes a mold blade, the mold blade having a solid first portion having a defined depth, wherein the solid first portion has a cross-sectional shape that is constant for the defined depth.

Abstract: A hollowing apparatus for preparation of meat patties for cooking includes a mold assembly and a press assembly. The mold assembly has at least one wall, an open top, and a closed bottom. The press assembly is shaped to correspond matingly with the mold assembly such that the press assembly is configured to be at least partially placed within the mold assembly. The press assembly is pressable against a quantity of meat within the mold assembly so as to shape the quantity of meat into a meat patty.

Abstract: A mold for imprinting a pattern onto a resin material applied onto a substrate is constituted by a mold substrate formed of a material transparent to light in at least a part of a wavelength range of light used for alignment, an alignment structure area having an alignment structure comprising a recess portion, a pattern forming area having a pattern, and a coating layer is formed of a material having an optical characteristic different from that of the mold substrate. The coating layer is on a side wall of the recess portion.

Abstract: A system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.

Abstract: A visual monitoring device for rotary presses, in which a rotor, with upper and lower punches and a die plate, at least one compression station, at least one filling station, and at least one ejector station are arranged in a housing, at which individual process steps occur, characterized in that arranged in the housing is at least one high speed camera, whose lens is directed onto a location in the housing, and to which an image analysis device is connected.

Abstract: A repair apparatus comprising a pressurized air inlet, an air regulator, a positioning ram, a repair material container, at least one window, a flexible seal, a shut off valve, a pop off relief valve, a ram seating attachment, a light, a supply nozzle, a pop off valve attachment fitting, an air regulator attachment fitting, a repair flow control, a supply nozzle attachment fitting, a seal, a compression nut, an optional pressure plate, an air hose, a repair material reservoir, a pressure plate nozzle clearance, material supply containers, pumps, feeder lines, a mixing tee, and check valves.

Abstract: A system (100) for controlling the operation of a mechanical press (10) having a side link (60) for applying squeeze to a mold (80) includes a dial indicator (120) mounted to the side link. An actuator member (170) has a first end (172) connected to the side link (60) and an opposite second end (200) engaging the dial indicator (120). The actuator member (170) is configured to move relative to the side link (60) and actuate the dial indicator (200) in response to elongation of the side link. The dial indicator (200) indicates the magnitude of the squeeze applied by the side link (60). A strain transducer (150) is mounted to the side link (60). The strain transducer (150) includes a sensor (152) that is operative to provide a signal responsive to movement of the actuator member (170) relative to the side link (60).

Abstract: A visual monitoring device for rotary presses, in which a rotor, with upper and lower punches and a die plate, at least one compression station, at least one filling station, and at least one ejector station are arranged in a housing, at which individual process steps occur, characterized in that arranged in the housing is at least one high speed camera, whose lens is directed onto a location in the housing, and to which an image analysis device is connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting section of a plasticized ceramic extrudate includes a marking assembly for applying an orientation reference mark to a plasticized ceramic extrudate exiting an extrusion die onto an extrudate support, and at least one extrudate-contacting deformable roller having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is pivotable with respect to a movement of the extrudate exiting an extrusion die, and wherein the roller is adapted to contact the extrudate and correct a corkscrew deformation of the extrudate exiting the extrusion die. The apparatus also includes at least one extrudate-contacting orientation control member for correcting the orientation of a cut section of the extrudate on the extrudate support in response to a misalignment of the reference mark.

Abstract: A filtration device including a filtration medium having a plurality of nanofibers of diameters less than 1 micron formed into a fiber mat in the presence of an abruptly varying electric field. The filtration device includes a support attached to the filtration medium and having openings for fluid flow therethrough. A device for making a filter material. The device includes an electrospinning element configured to electrospin a plurality of fibers from a tip of the electrospinning element, a collector opposed to the electrospinning element configured to collect electrospun fibers on a surface of the collector, and an electric field modulation device configured to abruptly vary an electric field at the collector at least once during electrospinning of the fibers. A method for making a filter material.

Abstract: A device to visualize in-line the polymer melting in plasticating screw machines has an external metallic cylinder to be fixed in radial position regarding the barrel of the plasticating machine, a bushing with an optical window clear to the visible light spectrum resistant to pressure and temperature positioned in such a way that its external face is tangent to the internal surface of the barrel of the plasticating machine, and an internal metallic cylinder to guide the coolant gas and allow the use of an observation probe with operating temperature limits and an illumination system.

Abstract: A cover for an opening of an ejector housing of a mold assembly comprises a cover portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion is attached to a member defining the ejector housing at a side thereof comprising an interior wall of the ejector housing and the cover portion covering the opening defined by the ends of the members surrounding the ejector housing. The cover is attached to a side of the member by at least one fastener located so as not to be accessible for removing the housing cover as the mold assembly is mounted in a machine. A mold assembly comprises a cover in accordance with the invention. The cover advantageously comprising at least one opening therethrough to permit guarded examination of components of an ejector device within the ejector housing and viewable from the end of the ejector housing at which the cover is attached.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member includes a forming chamber adapted to receive a fluent fibrous material and a forming surface moveable within the forming chamber and adapted to collect fibrous material to form the absorbent member. A source of reinforcing web is disposed exteriorly of the forming chamber. A delivery tube has an inlet end open to the forming chamber exterior, a discharge end open to the forming chamber interior, and a central passage extending between the inlet end and the discharge end. At least a portion of the delivery tube adjacent the discharge end extends within the forming chamber interior. The delivery tube is arranged for receiving the reinforcing web from the source of reinforcing web into the central passage of the tube at the inlet end and for guiding the web to the discharge end for conveyance within the forming chamber toward the forming surface.

Abstract: A mold is provided in which a molding portion, formed between joint surfaces of upper and lower molds superimposed one upon the other, is filled with UV curable resin after arranging a coating formation portion of an optical fiber in the molding portion, the coating formation portion is coated with the UV curable resin when the resin is cured by irradiating light thereto from outside, and a shading plate is arranged in the periphery of the molding portion. In a case equipped with the mold, there is provided a mirror or a lens for reflecting UV light to UV curable resin.

Abstract: A method for making crayons is provided. The method employs an apparatus which includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A timer and a cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device suitable for use by children which recycles broken crayons and other materials by melting and molding. A stationary melting pot securely retains the charge material during heating. A housing substantially surrounds the melting pot and an associated mold chamber to isolate young operators from all heated surfaces. The melting pot is charged from outside of the housing by use of a filling port. A remotely operated gate controls the flow from the melting pot to a mold. A door provides access to the mold when open and prevents access to the mold chamber when closed. A warning light glows when a heating element for the melting chamber is energized. Various safety switches interrupt power to the heating element if certain conditions are not met.

Abstract: For observing a flow of molten resin in an injection molding apparatus, a transparent cylinder, which is formed of transparent glass or transparent plastic material, is used in place of a mold of the apparatus. Because filling the transparent cylinder with the molten resin up to the cylinder's full capacity will burst the cylinder, the molten resin injection is terminated on the way when the injected molten resin has occupied a predetermined percentage, in a range of 50–90%, of the total volume of the cylinder, so that a burst of the cylinder can be avoided. The transparent cylinder provides for an increased resin-flow observation range because of its transparency, and can be less expensive because it is formed of inexpensive glass or plastic. As a consequence, there can be provided an efficient resin-flow observing experiment apparatus at lower cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooled calibrating device for a plastic extrusion facility, comprising a housing (5) receiving a cooling liquid (2) and calibrating guides (6) through which a plastic profile (1) is passed, in addition to inlet and outlet holes (10, 23) having attached lines for the cooling liquid, wherein an area (21) free of liquid and filled with air remains above the level of the cooling liquid. An outlet hole (10) for the cooling liquid is arranged at the height of the cooling liquid level (20) in the calibrating device so that the cooling liquid can flow out without an additional pump. An outlet line (11) attached to the outlet hole extends vertically and ends in a cooling liquid reservoir (12) that is subjected to an external atmosphere, wherein a compact liquid column (24) is formed in the outlet line (11).

Abstract: Injection-moulding machine with at least one handling device, with an electronic stored-program control (SPC) for the injection-moulding machine and an electronic stored-program control for the handling device, characterized in that the stored-program control (SPC IMM, 17) for the injection-moulding machine (IMM) and the stored-program control (SPC R, 29) for the handling device (10) are realized on one and the same, common digital computer (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for making crayons is provided. The apparatus includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: An extruder, and a method of using the same, that provides instantaneous inspection of the extrudate. The invention incorporates the use of video monitors electrically connected to video cameras, to provide magnification observation of the extrudate, and may use associated mirrors to observe the extrudate along multiple views as it exits the die.

Abstract: An elongate threaded rod member comprises a central portion, and two oppositely extending outer portions. The central portion is attached to the periphery of the first plate, is rotatable with respect to the first plate and is prevented from axial movement relative thereto. Each outer portion includes a threaded portion with each having the same threading pitch and density but being in opposite orientation. A threaded connector is secured to the periphery of each second plate with each threaded portion in screw-threaded relation. The threaded portions rotate within each bore an equal an opposite amount, equalizing the distances of each second mold plate from the first mold plate as the apparatus is moved between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An optical fiber coating mold which is comprised of upper and lower molds having joint surfaces, a molding portion where a coating formation portion of an optical fiber can be arranged and a supply passage for supplying UV curable resin being formed between the joint surfaces of the upper and lower molds when the joint surfaces are superimposed one upon the other, the molding portion being filled with UV curable resin after arranging the coating formation portion of the optical fiber in the molding portion, the coating formation portion of the optical fiber being coated with the UV curable resin when the UV curable resin is cured by irradiating light thereto from outside, in which a shading plate is arranged in the periphery of the molding portion. In a case equipped with such a mold, there is provided a mirror or a lens for reflecting UV light to UV curable resin, the mirror or the lens being provided so as to secure the field of view for observation of the interior through an observation window of the case.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing fiberglass-reinforced panels are provided. The apparatus includes a guide mechanism and drive mechanism to drive individual elongate molds through a gel coating spraying section and thereafter through an oven to cure the gel coat. The elongate molds are thereafter driven through first and second resin/fiberglass application stations to apply a composite of resin and fiberglass strands. The apparatus also includes a station whereby wooden boards may be placed over the top of the resin and the fiberglass strands, and thereafter to a vacuum station whereby a vacuum can be placed over the wooden boards, such that when a vacuum is drawn on the composite, the resin is drawn into the wooden boards to form an integrated deposit panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include ones or more lens curing units, a mold assembly and mold assembly holders. At least one lens curing unit may include a heating system. The mold assembly holders, in some embodiments, may be colored. The apparatus may include a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly through the apparatus.