Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a method of a molding system, (ii) a method of a controller of a molding system, (iii) a method of an article of manufacture of a controller of a molding system, (iv) a method of a network-transmittable signal of a controller of a molding system, (v) a method of a molding system having a controller, (vi) an article made by usage of a method. The method includes an operation of identifying quality of the molded article that was molded in a mold based on a determination of whether a plug blew, at least in part, from a melt passageway to the mold prior to a molding material entering the mold.

Abstract: Each of molding machines has a conductive line whose electrification state changes as a result of anomalous stoppage. An anomaly monitoring system includes detection sections provided in the conductive lines so as to detect the electrification states thereof; a data processing section having input ports to which the detection sections are connected, wherein, when a detection signal indicating the electrification state of a conductive line is provided from a detection section to an input port, the data processing section outputs data regarding a mail address and a message prepared in accordance with the input port having received the detection signal and the electrification state; and a mail transmission section which receives the data output from the data processing section and sends an electronic mail containing the message to a communication terminal corresponding to the mail address.

Abstract: A monitoring device and a monitoring method for an injection molding machine, in which a trend chart is displayed on a common axis so that changes of set values of molding conditions and changes of measured values of monitoring items can be grasped correspondingly. A history of the measured values of the monitoring items is stored, and a change history of the set values of the molding conditions is also stored. An operator sets monitoring items and molding condition items to be displayed. In doing this, the operator sets a display range such that molding condition items having changed set values within the display range are displayed and selected. Alternatively, coefficients of correlation between the measured values of the selected monitoring items and the set values of the molding conditions are obtained, and the molding condition items are displayed in the order of priority of correlation and selected.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a method of controlling a molding system, (ii) a molding system, (iii) a controller of a molding system, (iv) an article of manufacture of a controller of a molding system and/or (v) a network-transmittable signal of a controller of a molding system, amongst other things.

Abstract: A controller of an injection molding machine and a controller of a molded-product removing robot are connected to each other via communication means. When a molding condition save command is entered from the controller of the injection molding machine, a folder with a management number is created on a memory card, and molding conditions stored in the controller of the injection molding machine are saved in the folder. A teaching program and/or setting data stored in the robot controller is read via the communication means and saved in the same folder. When a molding condition read command is entered, data is read from a specified folder, molding conditions are set in the controller of the injection molding machine, and a teaching program etc. are set in the robot controller via the communication means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for characterizing the temporal-spatial properties of a dynamic fluid front within a mold space while the mold space is being filled with fluid. A method includes providing a mold defining a mold space and having one or more openings into the mold space; heating a plurality of temperature sensors that extend into the mold space; injecting a fluid into the mold space through the openings, the fluid experiencing a dynamic fluid front while filling the mold space with the fluid; and characterizing temporal-spatial properties of the dynamic fluid front by monitoring a temperature of each of the plurality of heated temperature sensors while the mold space is being filled with the fluid.

Abstract: A system for scheduling mold manufacturing includes a number of user computers (1) connected with a server (3) by a network (2), a standard parameter database (5), and a task scheduling database (6). Each user computer includes a standard parameter setting module for setting standard parameters; a task scheduling module for analyzing and calculating a workload of each manufacturing unit and machine, generating a workload list, scheduling working procedures of mold manufacturing, simulating scheduling results, generating a schedule, and transmitting the schedule; a task tracking and feedback module for tracking and sending out feedback of current process and workloads of manufacturing units and machines, generating a work process list, and dynamically updating the workload list. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data communications device includes a supervisory circuit, a power supply, and a power circuit. The power circuit includes a data communications port, a power supply connection coupled to the power supply, and a power controller coupled to the data communications port and the power supply connection. The power controller is configured to provide a power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port in response to communication with the supervisory circuit. Upon loss of communication with the supervisory circuit, the power controller is configured to selectively continue to provide the power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port when a local parameter has a first value, and discontinue providing the power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port when the local parameter has a second value.

Abstract: A method of designing and producing a mold for manufacturing an article having at least one surface coated by a coating. The method including evaluating the article design to determine the probable flow characteristics of the mold, an optimal flow of the coating composition, and an optimal location for the coating composition injector. A mold is designed and produced based on the evaluation.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a process of tool manufacturing with a reduced lead time. The manufacturing of the component tooling can be applied (but not be limited) to: mold tooling, injection mold tooling, diecast tooling, press tooling, etc. Several techniques or elements are methodically combined with the focus to reduce overall manufacturing time for tooling components comprising (but not be limited to) the following: a) standard parts are designed, pre-manufactured and stocked in a pre-hardened condition; b) custom 3D CAD libraries are created which represent the standard parts and only allow a tool designer to select standard parts which are held as a pre-manufactured stock; c) manufacturing fixtures are utilized which allow consistent and rapid setup of the pre-manufactured standard components for customized machining operations specific to a tool design.

Abstract: A pressure measured by a load cell is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter provided in an analog interface, and is processed by a digital filter provided in the analog interface. A sensor signal processed in the digital filter is transferred to a controller 10 for industrial machinery every transfer cycle via an optical fiber. A digital sampling cycle by the A/D converter is set to be shorter than the transfer cycle.

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.

Abstract: In hydroforming of hollow metal articles in a die, such as pressure-ram-forming procedures, a method of decreasing cycle time of the forming process, while ensuring acceptable product properties and avoiding failures, by modeling the process using finite element analysis to establish a pressure-time history that optimizes the forming operation and applies failure limits to selected variables such as minimum wall thickness or maximum strain rate, and transferring this pressure-time history to a computer controlling the forming process. Thermocouple and/or continuity sensors are incorporated into the die wall and connected to the computer so as to provide active feedback from the die to the control of the process.

Abstract: A plastics processing machine, in particular injection molding machine or extruder, includes at least one component represented by a clamping unit, feed and metering apparatus, plasticizing unit, injection unit, or separate injection apparatus, and characterized by specific parameters for carrying out at least one working or process step. A control device is connected to the at least one component and configured to control the at least one component, with the component-specific parameters being useable in the control device for control of the component. Provided for the component is a separate memory device in which the component-specific parameters are stored and can be transmitted to the control device prior to or upon startup of operation of the component.

Abstract: (A) V-CAD data of an object (1) is prepared. (B) A processed surface shape after NC processing is predicted by simulation using the V-CAD data. (C) The object is subjected to NC processing by a predetermined NC program, and a processed surface shape after NC processing is measured, and (D) processing correction data is obtained from a difference between the processed surface shapes acquired by simulation and measurement, and the NC program is corrected based on the processing correction data. As a result, the ultra-precise processing is enabled even if a workpiece or a tool has low rigidity and an inconstant quantity of deformation.

Abstract: A controller for a mold vacuum unit uses a programmable logic controller to provide flexible translation of pre-existing signals present on the injection-molding machine avoiding the need for modification of that machine by the addition of limit switches or the like. Simple adjustment of real time of time delays is provided by the integration of two self-contained timer units working in conjunction with the fixed programming of the programmable logic controller. Removable memories for the programmable logic controller allow the vacuum unit to be used with a variety of different injection-molding machines.

Abstract: The disclosure comprises methods for controlling a production machine having a converter controlled drive wherein the applicable converter receives data from its associated drive as well as additional data from the machine and wherein the converter provides actuation commands to the drive and to the machine. Related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A set of compaction rams and/or die-plates for a tabletting machine has all of the compaction rams and/or die-plates of the set furnished with a code containing at least the following information: (a) a label for the set of compaction rams and die-plates; (b) an individual label for each compaction ram and/or die-plate within the set; (c) data effective to critically dimension the compaction ram and/or die-plate which contains the code; and (d) data containing service life information for the compaction ram and/or die-plate which contains the code.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens design and modeling system comprises a user interface providing functionality for generating a template associated with a desired lens design to be manufactured, the template comprising design information sufficient for generating three-dimensional (3D) models of lens, and 3D models of associated components required for lens manufacture in an ophthalmic lens manufacturing system. The system further includes functionality for generating and/or specifying linking information, via the user interface, that governs the physical behavior of lens design features included in said template in accordance with one or more process parameters affecting lens manufacture and manufacture of associated components in an ophthalmic lens manufacturing system. The use of the template and design and linking information therein thus facilitates rapid lens modeling and lens manufacturing operations with greater accuracy, thereby reducing lens design build and test (DBT) cycle time.

Abstract: A customer sends CAD files for two or more parts to be molded in a family to the system. The system provides the customer with a quotation form that allows the customer to select several family-level parameters which are independent of the shape of the part, such as material and delivery date. The quotation also allows the customer to select several part-level parameters which are independent off the shape of the part, such as quantity of each part and surface finish. The system assesses the CAD files to determine savings which can be achieved by molding the parts as a family, with multiple parts in the same mold block. If possible, the system machines cavities for the multiple parts into a single mold block, passing on reductions in cost to the customer both in the quote and in the final product delivery.

Abstract: A method of executing a plurality of steps that are performed sequentially in temporal order under computer control. Each of the plurality of steps is executed by one of a plurality of terminal computers. When a terminal computer assigned to a step has completed the work in the step and is able to execute the work in the next step, it sends a work completion signal to a central processing computer. The central processing computer receives this work completion signal and prepares a work item notice that indicates that the next step can be started, such that the notice can be displayed on the screen of the terminal computer used for the next step. The terminal computer used for the next step allows the notice displayed on its screen to be clicked to start work on the next step assigned to it.

Abstract: A design support apparatus including: a flow analyzer for analyzing a flow of thermosetting resin injected into a resin filling cavity to mold a resin mold product made of the thermosetting resin, using a finite difference method or a finite element method; a residual strain calculator for calculating residual strain (or stress) of the thermosetting resin after heat shrinkage of the thermosetting resin injected into the resin filling cavity to mold the resin mold product; and a strength analyzer for analyzing strength of the resin mold product, using a finite element method. According to this arrangement, strength of the resin mold product made of the thermosetting resin can be predicted accurately.

Abstract: A first customer provides a CAD file defining the surface profile for a part to be molded to the system, and a second customer does the same for a second part. The system determines whether the materials match and the run dates overlap, thereby qualifying the parts for use in a multi-customer mold block. The system assesses the part surface profile (which could have any of a virtually infinite number of shapes) of the parts submitted and lays out the parts from multiple customers on one or more multi-customer mold blocks. Savings are generated, such as by reducing redundancies in press clean-up, in set-up, in tooling, and in surface finishing. Due to these savings, the system provides a quotation of the part to at least one of the customers which differs from the quotation that would be provided if each part was run independent of parts of other customers.

Abstract: A mold design and production management system includes a server (2), client computers (4), design computers (5), machining computers (6), testing computers (7), and customer service computers (10). The server receives mold design requirement sheets submitted by customers from the client computers, and transmits the sheets to the design computers for mold designers to evaluate. The mold designers draw up design drawings of a mold if a customer accepts evaluation results of a corresponding mold design requirement sheet. The server sends the design drawings to the machining computers for operators to machine various parts of the mold and assemble the parts into the finished mold. The testing computers record mold testing information when the mold is being tested. The mold is delivered to the customer when it is satisfactory. Then, the customer service computers reconcile relevant accounts after payment by the customer is confirmed. A related method is also disclosed.

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: An electrical connection of a transfer station releasably, repeatably electrically couples with respect to a matching connection of a portable cartridge. A substrate in the portable cartridge has electrical contacts on a facing surface. In the transfer station, a matching circuitized flexible substrate has electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, which are arranged to match the portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship. An elastomeric compression element, at the rear of the matching substrate, has individual protruding compression members contacting the rear surface and registered with corresponding individual electrical contacts. Elongated electrical contacts are registered with two adjacent individual compression members.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an injection molding machine having a first surface and a second surface includes a piezo-ceramic sensor configured to be disposed between the first surface and a second surface. The piezo-ceramic sensor is configured to sense a force between the first surface and the second surface, and to generate corresponding sense signals. Transmission structure is coupled to the piezo-ceramic sensor and is configured to carry the sense signals. Preferably, a piezo-ceramic actuator is also disposed between the first surface and a second surface, and is configured to provide an expansive force between the first surface and a second surface in accordance with the sense signals.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a plurality of input and output units, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of sensors, and at least one computing unit, wherein a functional assignment of the input and output units, actuators and sensors is established via the computing unit and changeable online. As a result, it can be freely ascertained which input unit communicates with which output unit, in the presence of a plurality of input and output units, and changes in the configuration can easily be taken into account.

Abstract: A system for integrating a software programmable logic controller functions along with the human machine interface functions for plastics molding machines is disclosed. A general purpose computer integrates the programmable logic controller functions of monitoring and controlling input output devices and sensors along with the human machine interface functions of monitoring and presenting the status of the plastics molding to an operator. Through this system, primarily the data latency exhibited between the human machine interface and the programmable logic controller are eliminated, along with the cost of maintenance and upgrade of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a method for designing a glass-plate-aimed bending mold making use of a 3-dimensional CAD application for solid models, in a short time with simple operations, by utilizing a previously designed solid model. To this end, there is modified a ring frame of a solid model of a mold stored in an existing-solid-model storing part, such that the ring frame conforms to the shape of a new glass plate, by glass shape replacing means. By using modified parameter reflecting means, the modification of the modifiable parameters inherited from the existing solid-model is reflected to the modified solid model, to thereby optimize the modifiable parameters of a new solid model.

Abstract: A numerical procedure for simulating the behavior of incompressible, viscous fluid in a casting/molding process. The method is based on classical fluid dynamic equations and uses control volume-finite element and numerical techniques to solve the momentum and energy equations to obtain solution for the variable parameters. The method incorporates five additional modules which simulate fluid flow in the shot sleeve, heat transfer between the die and the heat transfer fluid, die cooling by lubricant, formation of mend line. These additional simulation modules produce realistic boundary conditions, and replace many of the assumptions that would have to be made, to solve the governing equations. These added improvements ensure a faster convergence of the numerical solution and a more realistic simulation of the die casting process.

Abstract: This invention presents a method and system for industrializing a designed part. This invention includes selecting a parting surface to divide the designed part, which includes a functional specification, into a first side and a second side, and selecting a draft angle. A change is computed in the first side and the second side using the selected draft angle. During the computation, the functional specification is maintained and the first side and second side meet on the parting surface. A face and a pulling direction can also be selected on the designed part. The selected face can be parallel to the pulling direction for the first side. Faces adjacent to the selected face can also be used in the computation. Once computed, the industrialized designed part can be displayed. An optimal blend draft method or a driving/driven blend draft method can be selected to compute the designed part.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of a molding machine and its peripheral machines. This control system automatically transmits an advance notification of for example completion of production by the molding machine to an operator by electronic mail. The system includes a destination mail address setting part and an automatic electronic mail distributing part. The destination mail address setting part automatically specifies a transmission destination before a predetermined event such as for example the completion of production at the molding machine occurs. The automatic electronic mail distributing part automatically distributes an advance notification of the predetermined event to the transmission destination before the event occurs.

Abstract: When a determination condition is set for determining whether a molded product is non-defective or defective, a molding operation is performed a predetermined number of times. In each molding operation, an actual value of at least one monitor item which can serve as the basis for determining whether a molded product is non-defective or defective is detected. The detected actual values are displayed on a screen of a display in such a manner that a distribution of the actual values can be visually grasped. A sampling zone for the displayed actual values is designated in such a manner that a portion of the displayed actual values are contained in the sampling zone. The determination condition is automatically set on the basis of actual values contained in the sampling zone.

Abstract: A molding machine managing system includes a portable information terminal having a display part where received information is displayed, and a managing apparatus for managing a molding machine. The managing apparatus includes a radio machine. Information is exchanged between the portable information terminal and the managing apparatus by the radio machine.

Abstract: Track anomalies in an automated storage library are detected by transmitting a track health signal from one portion of the track. The presence of a track anomaly is determined based on any reception of the transmitted signal at another portion of the track.

Abstract: The present invention provides a die design support method and system capable of reducing the time-period required for a die design, allowing an unskilled die engineer to perform a die design without difficulties, and coping with a product design change in a short time-period. A standard die design procedure is stored as “master die data” in advance using a function of a CAD system or the like. When a product design data is entered, the design procedure is automatically executed to the design data in accordance with the stored master die data. Preferably, the entire master die data is divided into a plurality of processes, such as a process of creating a scaling model, and a process of creating a parting model.

Abstract: A sensor placement algorithm uses process data to determine the optimal distribution of sensors in a distributed parameter manufacturing system. An automatic classification procedure maps any problems in the process to a predetermined set of process disturbances. A control procedure uses process data to determine the best control action that will ensure good system response. Methods for sensor placement, automatic decision tree classification, corrective action control and the apparatus to effectuate these respective methods are integrated into a design methodology.

Abstract: A method for enabling design of a profile extrusion capping die includes, obtaining a size and configuration of a land formable by the capping die, obtaining material properties of a capping resin, obtaining operating conditions for processing the capping resin, and determining, from the size and configuration of the land, the material properties, the operating conditions, at least one of a velocity distribution and a pressure distribution of the capping resin adjacent to an outlet of the land. Desirably, the method also includes obtaining a size and configuration of a runner formable by the profile extrusion capping die, and determining at least one of the velocity distribution and the pressure distribution of the capping resin in the land and the runner. Advantageously, the method is implemented on a system or computer using a finite element mesh of the land and the runner and graphically displaying the velocity distribution and the pressure distribution.

Abstract: There is prepared V-CAD data obtained by dividing external data 12 consisting of boundary data of an object into rectangular parallelepiped cells 13 having boundary planes orthogonal to each other in accordance with octree division and separating the respective divided cells into internal cells 13a positioned on the inner side of the object and boundary cells 13b including a boundary face, and mold data and mold processing data used to manufacture the object are generated from data of a reference plane which at least partially comes into contact with the object 1 and the V-CAD data. Further, in the mold processing data, a plurality of the processing tools 2 are selected in descending order of a size in accordance with sizes of the internal cells 13a of a processing portion, and the processing tool 2 is moved in a plane of the mold and in the thickness direction, thereby processing the mold.

Abstract: Automated, custom mold manufacture for a part begins by creating and storing a collection of information of standard tool geometries and surface profiles machinable by each of the standard tool geometries. A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be molded to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of mold manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be manufactured in a two-piece, straight-pull mold, and whether the mold can by CNC machined out of aluminum. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities, surface finish and material, which an independent of the shape of the part.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration wherein a tooth preparation area is scanned either directly or indirectly. The scanned data is used by a computer controlled milling machine to create two or more investment blocks (50, 52, 54) for preparing a suitable dental restoration, the investment blocks being of a material which may be used in ovens operating in a 800° to 1,200° C. range. A suitable dental restorative material (18) and the blocks are place in an oven, and after being clamped together, the material (18) is pressed or injected into the investment blocks to form the desired dental restoration. Subsequently, after cooling, the dental restoration is divested from the investment mold and finished.

Abstract: The present provides deformable molds and methods for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses using deformable molds. The molds of the invention may be used in the custom manufacture of ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a method for designing a glass-plate-aimed bending mold making use of a 3-dimensional CAD application for solid models, in a short time with simple operations, by utilizing a previously designed solid model. To this end, there is modified a ring frame of a solid model of a mold stored in an existing-solid-model storing part, such that the ring frame conforms to the shape of a new glass plate, by glass shape replacing means. By using modified parameter reflecting means, the modification of the modifiable parameters inherited from the existing solid-model is reflected to the modified solid model, to thereby optimize the modifiable parameters of a new solid model.

Abstract: A continuous-path moulding machine for moulded articles, including at least one moulding or forming die moving continuously or stepwise forward on a primary path and at least one transfer or pressing die moving continuously or stepwise forward on a secondary path, wherein at least one said path is a continuous-path loop, the arrangement being such that a component on said continuous-path loop passes a given fixed point on said continuous-path loop repeatedly, and wherein a plurality of discrete reference positions are provided on at least said primary path, and wherein said reference positions generate at least one position signal, and wherein said at least one position signal is transmitted to at least one DIOC, and wherein said DIOC includes associated customised software containing “if-then” type instructions, and wherein at least one communication system is provided to enable signals to be communicated from a stationary component of said machine to at least one component on a path of said mach

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product in a computer system for generating an image for producing a design for a container, the method comprising the steps of generating a virtual sculptural relief design; projecting the virtual sculptural relief onto a virtual container surface, said virtual container surface corresponding to a non-open region of said container; manipulating said relief in three-dimensional space to provide a virtual projected sculptural relief on said non-open region of said virtual container surface; and removing the virtual conatiner surface outside the profile of the virtual projected sculptural relief. The container comprises a handle and a sidewall, a three-dimensional image being applied on the handle and sidewall of the container, the handle creating a hole between itself and the sidewall of the container. The image may be manipulated to fit multiple surfaces of the container which are at various angles with respect to one another.

Abstract: Library system health is monitored and displayed based on the location of equipment within the library relative to track layout. Robotic devices travel on rails within the data storage library accessing data storage devices such as cartridges, cassettes, media packages, media access equipment, identification devices, access ports and the like. The rails are divided into a plurality of rail segments. A database holds information about each rail segment. The database is updated based on use of each rail segment by the robotic devices. Data is generated and displayed to describe the use of each rail segment.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine utilizing a setting method of the present invention, there is substantially no limitation in the numbers of steps of an injection speed and a holding pressure, and in addition to rectangle, slope, polygonal line and flat, an arc can be designated as a shape mode. Because of using codes to define the shape mode, the setting operation becomes easy. In order to form one injection speed control pattern, a mix of shape modes may be utilized. Also, in the present setting method, a plurality of code data predeterminedly defined are input sequentially in time, thereby setting the injection speed control pattern or pressure holding control pattern. The code defines a kind of function which figures out an injection speed command data or a holding pressure command data corresponding to each stroke position or time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a die design support method and system capable of reducing the time-period required for a die design, allowing an unskilled die engineer to perform a die design without difficulties, and coping with a product design change in a short time-period. A standard die design procedure is stored as “master die data” in advance using a function of a CAD system or the like. When a product design data is entered, the design procedure is automatically executed to the design data in accordance with the stored master die data. Preferably, the entire master die data is divided into a plurality of processes, such as a process of creating a scaling model, and a process of creating a parting model.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for providing network based optimization tools. The method may be implemented in a system having a user system connected to a host system by a network and a transfer function database accessible by the host system. The method includes presenting the user system with an application setup screen including application fields having predefined application parameters. The user system is presented with at least one transfer function descriptor in response to user-selected predefined application parameters. The user system is presented with a factor and a response in response to a user-selected transfer function. The responses are recalculated in response to the user system altering a value associated with a factor or a response.