Abstract: A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. A feed (96) that supplies the building material to a building space (10) in the device (1) and at least two filler portions (98a, 98b) that are provided at the feed (96) and are independent from one another are provided, wherein one connector (99a, 99b) is provided for each building material supply container (100a, 100b) in order to supply the building material from outside of the device (1).

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing sheets of agglomerate material comprising in succession a first step involving preparation of a mix by mixing a granulate with an organic binder, a second step involving distribution of the mix inside a tray mould, a third step involving vacuum vibro-compaction in order to obtain a compacted sheet, and a final step involving hardening of the organic binder, an intermediate step involving dielectric preheating of the compacted sheet being introduced between the third vacuum vibro-compaction step and the final hardening step.

Abstract: Presently described is a microstructured mold prepared from a photocured polymeric material that comprises at least one (i.e. first) photoinitiator having certain absorption characteristics. The mold is suitable for use in methods of molding a (e.g. barrier rib) microstructure precursor composition that comprises at least one (i.e. second) photoinitiator. The second photoinitiator of the microstructure precursor preferably has similar absorptions characteristics as the first photoinitiator. Thus, the polymeric material of the mold the microstructure precursor can be cured with the same wavelength range of light.

Abstract: A method for joining optical members, comprising a step of forming one dielectric thin film on a joining surface of one optical member, a step of forming another dielectric thin film on a joining surface of another optical member, and a step of making contact without scattering light between the one dielectric thin film and the another dielectric thin film together, wherein optical wavelength property as required can be obtained by joining the another dielectric thin film with the one dielectric thin film.

Abstract: There is provided an optical recording medium-manufacturing apparatus that is capable of avoiding breakage of a substrate while avoiding formation of a central hole off-center with respect to the substrate. A control section causes the vertical movement section to move an ultrasonic horn in directions toward and away from the cutting edge of a punching blade section to thereby cause the ultrasonic horn to press the disk-shaped substrate and at the same cause an ultrasonic generator to perform ultrasonic vibration at least from a time point at which the disk-shaped substrate is brought into contact with the cutting edge of the punching blade section to a time point at which the punching of the central hole is completed.

Abstract: Manufacturing a coating for an impression cylinder whereby a carrier and a cylinder shape is provided. A hollow cylinder is positioned between the carrier and the cylinder shape, and material to form the coating in the spaces is introduced between the carrier and the hollow cylinder (the internal field) and between the hollow cylinder and the cylinder shape (the external field). The hollow cylinder is removed at a certain pre-selected velocity from between the carrier and the cylinder shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing globular grains of high-purity silicon by atomising a silicon melt (6) in an ultrasonic field (10). Globular grains having a grain size of 50 ?m can be produced by means of said method and device and can be used to separate high-purity silicon from silane in the fluid bed. The silicon melt (6) is fed into the ultrasonic field (10) at a distance of <50 mm in relation to a field node, and the atomised silicon leaves the ultrasonic field (10) at a temperature close to the liquidus point. The invention also relates to a use of the product produced according to the inventive method or using the inventive device, as particles for producing high-purity silicon from silane in a fluid bed.

Abstract: A plastic optical element producing method produces a plastic optical element by an injection molding, and includes the step of cooling the optical element to a room temperature to cool an optical surface of the plastic optical element with priority over other surfaces of the plastic optical element in a state where a temperature of the plastic optical element is within a predetermined temperature range which is less than or equal to a glass transition temperature of the resin material.

Abstract: A tubular resonant mechanical horn having a contoured inner surface such that, under vibration, an output radial displacement is obtained on the outer surface of horn that is substantially uniform over its entire surface, for producing effects useful in continuous processes. The horn does not contain a node of motional displacement.

Abstract: In the invention, an oscillating horn of an ultrasonic processing apparatus is moved along a planned process line and along the side of a rear face of a resin skin which is fixedly held so that the front face is closely in contact with a flat face of a surface table, whereby a resin for the skin is sequentially fused by ultrasonic vibration, and a fused resin is removed to sides to process a linear groove. Therefore, the linear groove having a reproducible constant breakage resistance can be efficiently processed on the side of the rear face of the skin, without applying any damage to a design face, and with reduced power consumption and simple control.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object by stereolithography. A solid reinforcing material is mixed with the fluid medium so that at least a part of said solid reinforcing medium is located in the layer of the fluid medium between the top surface of the most recently formed lamina and the top surface of the fluid medium. An acoustic field is then established in the fluid medium such that this acoustic field exists in at least part of the layer of the fluid medium between the top surface of the most recently formed lamina and the top surface of the fluid medium. The solid reinforcing material is thereby moved with said acoustic force field. A three-dimensional reinforced object is thereby produced.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping at least a portion of a medical balloon comprise a balloon shaping device capable of applying a radial inward force to at least a portion of the medical balloon and at least one vibratory device capable of applying vibratory energy to the at least a portion of the medical balloon.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes an injection mold, a mold injector, and means for monitoring the injection mold process using acoustic energy. The injection mold includes a cavity for receiving an injection mold material, such as a polymer as injected via the mold injector. The monitoring system includes an acoustic energy generator, an ultrasonic crystal, and an energy monitoring device. The acoustic energy generator produces continuous acoustic energy to be non-invasively applied to the injection mold as the polymer is delivered into the mold. The energy monitoring device monitors changes in dynamic parameters of a resulting continuous resonant frequency established by the acoustic energy generator through the ultrasonic crystal. The ultrasonic crystal serves also as a transducer to receive an output signal from the mold to be delivered to the energy monitoring device.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasonic processing of pre-baked food product and/or food product rework is provided that includes an ultrasonic horn and a forming member for receiving and forming unprocessed pre-baked food product into a desired shape. The ultrasonic horn is actuated to compress the unprocessed pre-baked food product between the ultrasonic horn and the forming member thereby forming compressed pre-baked food product. The ultrasonic horn ultrasonically energizes the compressed pre-baked food product to form an agglomerated food product. The system also includes an ejection member, such as an ejection piston, for ejecting the formed agglomerated food product away from the forming member. The forming member may be a forming cavity defined by a food product collection chamber. Alternatively, the forming member may include a forming block having a forming chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying ultrasonic energy to a variety of manufacturing processes, particularly for producing an extrudate product from an extruder wherein one or more ultrasonic transducers are utilized to uniformly ultrasonically vibrate at least a portion of an extruder assembly.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasonic rotary forming food products is provided. The system includes a first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel including a first cavity for receiving a food product and a second rotary wheel. The first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and said second rotary wheel rotate such that food product within the first cavity contacts the second rotary wheel to form an individually-formed food product. The food product passes from the first cavity to form a single formed food product. The system also includes a food product delivery system for delivering food product to the first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and the second rotary wheel. The second rotary wheel may also be an ultrasonically activated rotary wheel having cavities formed on the outer circumferential edge of the wheel. The food product delivery system may include a single food product delivery tube that simultaneously delivers food product from the same stream, droplet, or line to both rotary wheels.

Abstract: Large vibration tool, vibrating at ultrasonic frequency, especially for applications in the welding, joining or cutting of materials, especially thermoplastics, in cleaning or emulsifying by the activation of a liquid medium, in gas spraying or in shot blasting by blasting any kind of medium, made in the form of a circular sonotrode hollowed out at its center so as to produce a cavity allowing a shape approaching that of a bell to be obtained, said tool having a linking mass providing surface coupling with a vibrational excitation element; at least one circular membrane vibrationally excited at its center or at one end; and at least one tube-shaped final element, the end of which defines the working area of the sonotrode, linked to the linking mass via the said membrane, the latter transmitting the vibration to the said final element whose length is defined by a longitudinal vibration mode tuned to the said excitation frequency.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extruded film tube and supplying said tube to a collapsing and roller assembly includes a die for extruding a molten material in the form of a tube which is in a molten state below a frost line and in a solid state above the frost line. A blower system supplies and exhausts cooling air to and from an interior portion of the tube, and is regulated by a valve. At least two sensors are provided, one below the frost line for sensing the position of said tube, and one located proximate the tube in a position above said frost line. The upper sensor is used for sensing the position of the tube prior to collapsing and flattening it. A controller receives feedback signals from both sensors and controls operation of the valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making polymer blends and copolymers by ultrasonic treatment during or after mixing the polymers. In the process of the present invention, an unexpected phenomenon occurs. The process brings about enhancement of the mechanical properties when compared with identical blends not subjected to ultrasonic treatment. The ultrasonic treatment of the blends is believed to enhance intermolecular interaction and improve adhesion between dissimilar polymers and make chemical bonds between polymers that otherwise are incompatible or immiscible with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to angular border on three dimensional sheet material and method of producing. This invention is producing an attractive and finely finished article.

Abstract: A secondary molding apparatus includes a transfer path for a primary molded product, and an internal heating unit disposed vertically at a predetermined interval across the transfer path, the internal heating unit disposed to come into contact with a rear surface of a flat base material and to melt top portions of protrusions located on a front surface of the flat base material. The secondary molding apparatus also includes a pressing member disposed vertically at a predetermined interval across the transfer path, the pressing member configured to press and deform the top portions of the protrusion to a desired shape, the pressing member being a non-heating member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting system including: an ultrasonic vibrating device having an operative face; a block horn having a responsive face connected to the operative face of the ultrasonic vibrating device and an operative face and being provided with at least one normal tuning slot having a width of about 4 mm to about 6 mm traversing the block between its operative and responsive faces; a plurality of cutting blades mounted on the operative face of the block horn so as to be vibrated therewith, the blades lying in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of vibrations such that the block horn is also provided with at least one thin tuning and damping slot having a width of about 0.1 mm to about 2.5 mm traversing the block horn between its operative and responsive faces. Also included are methods of ultrasonic cutting using such cutting systems.

Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. The confectionery material may also include candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.

Abstract: A device for processing a continuously running strip of material includes an ultrasonic generator unit with a sonotrode that is fixed opposite a counter roller. The material strip is processed in the gap. To adjust the gap height, the force in the gap is measured using a force measuring member, and used for regulation.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound treatment of at least one fabric. The fabric is passed through a working gap between a sonotrode connected with an ultrasound vibration unit and a counter-tool, and is exposed to an ultrasound effect in the working gap. The fabric or fabrics to be treated are subjected to pretreatment in a device before passing through the working gap.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional object by stereolithography. A solid reinforcing material is mixed with the fluid medium so that at least a part of said solid reinforcing medium is located in the layer of the fluid medium between the top surface of the most recently formed lamina and the top surface of the fluid medium. An acoustic field is then established in the fluid medium such that this acoustic field exists in at least part of the layer of the fluid medium between the top surface of the most recently formed lamina and the top surface of the fluid medium. The solid reinforcing material is thereby moved with said acoustic force field. A three-dimensional reinforced object is thereby produced.

Abstract: An ultrasonic injection mold for an optical disk includes a movable die and a fixed die; a disk molding cavity formed between the movable die and the fixed die; a stamper positioned at the bottom of the cavity for forming a pit on a surface of the disk; and an ultrasonic generation device provided on the movable die or fixed die for applying ultrasonic waves to the cavity in performing infection molding. One or more slits are formed on the movable die and the fixed die in the direction which crosses the radial direction of the cavity. The ultrasonic injection mold minimizes the amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitted in the radial direction of the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic assisted deposition of a release agent onto a workpiece is disclosed. The release agent can be any fluorinated or non-fluorinated phosphorous-containing organic acid. The workpiece can be any workpiece desired to be coated with the release agent, such as a surface needing an anti-stick coating required in a plastic casting or injection mold. Metal oxide workpiece surfaces strongly bond to fluorinated phosphorus-containing organic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. In still other embodiments, the confectionery material may comprise grains of a puffed cereal. In some instances, a matrix of plasticizable material holds the grains together and the confectionery material may also include, in addition to the puffed cereal, candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.

Abstract: Combined extrusion/sonolation apparatus (10) which is designed to continuously and efficiently incorporate components (e.g., liquid lipids or fats or meltable solids) into heterogeneous materials in order to form stable products. The apparatus (10) includes an extruder (12) having a barrel (27) and restricted orifice outlet (38); a sonolation device (14) is directly coupled to the outlet (38). Preferably a monitoring unit (50) is located downstream of the sonolation device (14) and is connected via a controller (18) with the extruder (12) and device (14) so as to control the operation of the latter. In use, starting materials are fed into the extruder (12) and are initially mixed, whereupon a component is injected through a barrel-mounted injector pipe (41). The composite extrudate is treated within device (14) by subjecting it to acoustic vibrations.

Abstract: A device for treating a continuously advancing material web with ultrasound includes an ultrasound generator and a sonotrode, rigidly connected with the former in a manner so as to transmit ultrasound. The sonotrode has a face which lies opposite a counter-tool. The material web is passed through the gap. The module composed of the ultrasound generator and the sonotrode is connected with the machine frame via a piezoelectric actuator, by means of which small displacements of the face of the sonotrode relative to the circumference surface of the counter-roller can be balanced out.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of puffed cereal cakes, in particular puffed rice cakes. The processes comprise molding puffed or unpuffed cereal grains under pressure with the application of ultrasound. The ultrasound assists bonding of the cereal grains to form a solid cake. The ultrasound reduces fouling of the mold and increases processing speed. In one aspect, the starting material is prepuffed cereal grains, and these grains are coated with a binder agent and then bonded together at low temperature using ultrasound energy. This permits the formation of puffed cereal cakes with edible inclusions of temperature-sensitive foodstuffs, and also the rapid formation of puffed cereal cakes with shaped or profiled top and/or bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus for welding synthetic resin parts together by vibrating one of the resin parts while the resin parts are in contact with each other. An upper jig for supporting one of the synthetic resin parts, a lower jig for supporting the other of the snythetic resin parts and a vibrating member to which the upper jig is attached are provided in the apparatus. The jigs are held together by bolts which can withstand the vibrating motions. Head portions of the bolts are inserted into insertion holes of the upper jig, notches of spacers are engaged with the shaft portions of the bolts between an attached portion of the upper jig and the head portions of the bolts, and the bolts are fastened to the vibrating member in the state where the notches are engaged with the shaft portions, so that the attached portion is fastened through the spacers by the head portions of the bolts and the vibrating member to thereby attach the upper jig to the vibrating member.

Abstract: In a cigarette manufacturing machine, a device for compressing and molding a filler stream includes a tongue, which defines a part of a compression-molding passage. The filler stream passes the compression-molding passage. The device further includes an ultrasonic vibration system for vibrating the tongue. The tongue functions as a horn of the ultrasonic vibration system.

Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. In still other embodiments, the confectionery material may comprise grains of a puffed cereal. In some instances, a matrix of plasticizable material holds the grains together and the confectionery material may also include, in addition to the puffed cereal, candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an injection molding cylinder with a material supply at one end and an injection nozzle at the other end and a material conveyance unit attached to a drive and movable in the injection molding cylinder. The injection molding machine also includes a vibration element for inducing a flow of melt within the injection molding cylinder for homogenizing the melt.

Abstract: A method for controlling a screw injecting apparatus having a heating cylinder and a screw slidably and rotatably received in the heating cylinder and designed to carry out a plasticizing-metering phase in which a predetermined amount of a molten material is accumulated forwardly of the screw by plasticizing and kneading a raw molding material via the screw and the heating cylinder, a waiting phase in which the screw is held inactive for a period between completion of the metering and subsequent injection of the molten material, and an injecting phase in which the molten material is injected. The method comprises the step of causing the apparatus to vibrate the molten material at a predetermined low frequency axially of the screw during the plasticizing-metering phase. By vibrating the molten material at a low frequency during the relatively long plasticizing-metering phase, the viscosity of the molten material can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for forming shaped fibrous articles. The method involves introducing at least a portion of a fibrous element into a shaping tool and subjecting the fibrous element in the shaping tool to ultrasonic energy. This imparts the shape of the shaping tool to the surface of the fibrous element. The apparatus has a guide-holder to receive and removably retain a fibrous element and an ultrasonic shaping tool which can be applied to the fibrous element. The shaping tool has a recess corresponding to a predetermined shape for the article. Preferably, the shaping tool and guide-holder are reciprocally moveable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A fitment comprising a pouring spout having a peripheral flange at one end and a closure at a second end is attached to a paperboard carton formed with a hole in a side panel. The carton is moved intermittently along a conveyor, such as that used in a filling machine. An arm having a spud oscillates about a horizontal axis parallel to the conveyor. The arm is pivoted to down position as the carton reaches the fitment attaching station so that the fitment enters the open end of the carton with the spud aligned with the carton hole. The arm is mounted on a first carriage which reciprocates horizontally in a first direction to project the closure through the hole until the flange abuts the inside of the carton panel. An ultrasonic welding horn is mounted on a second carriage which reciprocates in alignment with the first carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The horn welds the fitment flange to the inside of the carton panel.