Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for manufacturing plastic injection mold cavity components. More specifically, the present invention provides an integrated system and method for manufacturing plastic injection mold cavity components, which integrates manufacturing between two or more subcells. In one embodiment of the invention, a supercell system integrates two or more subcells, in which component workpieces and electrodes are machined. A supercell may include a computerized master control unit, configured to monitor and provide instructions for a master robot that delivers and retrieves workpieces and electrodes to two or more subcells. Thus, two or more subcells may be integrated by the master control unit, the master robot, a track or path that the master robot follows, identification indicia attached to workpieces and electrodes, a combination thereof or any other components of supercell that may suitably integrate two or more subcells.

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: A design support apparatus comprises: a flow analysis means 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 calculation means 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 said resin mold product; and a strength analysis means for analyzing strength of said 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: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for optimizing a product design. The method includes specifying a plurality of application parameters for the product. A plurality of predetermined factors and responses are obtained in response to the plurality of application parameters. A transfer function is obtained which relates at least one factor to at least one response. The transfer function is optimized in response to user-defined optimization criteria to generate an optimized factor and an optimized response. The optimized factor and the optimized response are then displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for designing a tooling assembly automatically validates and maintains relationships between components in view of predefined requirements, preferences, and best design practices. The process is performed as part of a program performed by a computer system. A database containing information relevant to the design of the tooling assembly such as design standards, customer requirements and other desired attributes of the completed tooling assembly is used to define a set of requirements for each component. The specific part configuration for each component is then stored in a Master Control File for validation with respect to other components within the tooling assembly to maintain interrelationships between each component within the tooling assembly.

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: 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. With any such modifications, the system provides the customer with a quotation of the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts. The quotation is based upon mold manufacturing time as automatically assessed from the part drawings.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel tire mold that uses CAD and CAM software to design the shapes of the mold and develop numerical sequences for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, electrodes for an electric discharge machine (EDM) and characters and designs on the tire, and the CNC lathe forms the different designed parts. Alignment and assembly holes are bored so the parts can be assembled to form a semi-finished mold. The tread design is formed in the electrode by the CNC machine, and the electrode is used with an electric discharge machine to cut the tread design in the mold. The CNC engraving machine cuts the characters and designs in the mold. Finally, the mold is dressed to remove any burrs, and the mold is a finished product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of faithfully-reproduced medical implants (12) and epiprostheses, whereby initially a virtual modeln (11) is produced from extant data on a patient. Said virtual model (11) is converted into the concrete negative thereof (15) into which the material (14) for the implant/epiprosthesis is introduced.

Abstract: A transfer mold apparatus comprising at least one mold cavity, at least one resin chamber, and at least one channel communicating between the at least one mold cavity and the at least one resin chamber; a piston in communication with each resin chamber to force the resin through the at least one channel into the at least one mold cavity; and a device to drive the piston; further comprising at least one pressure transducer connected to at least one channel and positioned to determine the pressure in the channel. A method for encapsulating electrical components comprising placing resin into a chamber of a molding device; applying an compressive force to the resin to force the resin through channels into mold cavities; measuring the pressure in at least one channel using a pressure transducer; determining the amount of compressive force to apply to the resin based on the pressure measured by the pressure transducer; and adjusting the compressive force based thereon.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer contact lens mold is formed from a sheet of a shape memory polymer in a press, an agile tool or by an agile tool formed by an inert gas at a temperature at or above the glass transition temperature which is thereupon cooled to below the glass transition temperature and removed therefrom.

Abstract: System and method for optimizing polymer production scheduling. The system includes an input, operable to receive optimization input information, a model of a polymer production system including one or more transition models representing transition behavior of the polymer production system, an optimizer, operable to execute the model using the received optimization input information to generate an optimized polymer production schedule, e.g., by solving an objective function subject to constraints, e.g., to minimize/maximize costs/profits and/or to minimize order times, and an output, operable to output the generated optimized polymer production schedule, wherein the optimized polymer production schedule is usable to manage polymer production with a polymer production system.

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: 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: A program controlled machine wherein signals produced in response to execution of programs control operation of machine devices includes a control for storage, retrieval and presentation of audio/video information. The control includes devices for presentation of audio/video information and stored programs including programs for enabling storage of audio/video information files while the machine is in a manual mode of operation and programs for controlling the presentation by the audio/video presentation devices of selected audio/video information from the stored files. The control provides facilities for recording audio/video information and for manually controlled presentation of audio/video information as well as for automatic presentation of audio/video information in response to detection of occurrence of a particular event.

Abstract: A method for blow molding a superplastic metal plate by in relation to time applying to it pneumatic pressure that is based on a maximum value of a strain rate of the superplastic metal plate as a set pattern of pneumatic pressure in relation to time when the metal plate is subjected to a high-speed blow molding after being heated to a desired temperature, comprising the steps of: entering data on a shape into which the metal sheet is to be blow molded and on properties of a material of the metal plate to store the data in a storage; determining a set pattern of a pneumatic pressure in relation to time from the entered data on the shape and the properties of the metal sheet; dividing the set pattern of the pneumatic pressure into an appropriate number of parts in relation to time; determining the values of parameters for controlling the pneumatic pressure for each part divided from the set pattern of the pneumatic pressure; and controlling the pattern of the pneumatic pressure using the determined values of t

Abstract: In a data registration method for a molding system including a molding machine and a take-out machine, after completion of operation of setting molding conditions for the molding machine and operation of setting take-out conditions for the take-out machine, data of the molding conditions and data of the take-out conditions are registered in a memory unit provided in the molding machine, while being interrelated.

Abstract: An injection moulding system optimises the injection moulding process by removing selected articles (100) from a plurality of articles produced cyclically and tests a plurality of physical properties (105) of the removed articles including dimensions (106), weight (108) and gloss (107), together with a plurality of process parameters (109, 110) such as nozzle pressure and nozzle temperature. Adjustment of the process (121) is made automatically on the basis of up to three optimisers (114), including a case based reasoning optimiser (115), a fuzzy optimiser (116) and a rule based reasoning optimiser (117), in order to achieve pre-set article properties. The optimisers (114) can have confidence factors associated therewith, determined on the effect of previous process adjustments.

Abstract: A method of executing a plurality of steps that are performed sequentially in temporal order under computer control is provided wherein a central processing computer and a plurality of terminal computers are provided. Each of the plurality of steps is executed by one of the terminal computers. When one of the terminal computers assigned to a single step has completed the work in the step assigned to it and is able to execute the work in the next step, that terminal computer sends a work completion signal to the 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 work item notice displayed on its display screen to be clicked to start work on the next step assigned to it.

Abstract: A continuous caster is controlled by a method anticipating the liquidus temperature in the mold of the caster to prevent premature solidification. The temperature in the tundish is measured and based upon the tundish temperature and the resistance time of the molten metal in the tundish, an equivalent liquidus temperature window is defined and the speed of the continuous caster is controlled to maintain this window of operation of the tundish.

Abstract: Using the molding tool (2), spatially-resolved spectrometer (1) and computerized device (101) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/303,409, streaking problems identified in production are first diagnosed (140), then duplicated on a laboratory scale (142) and compared with the streaking problems observed in production. Next, options are developed and tested for fixing (correcting) the observed problem and testing these on a laboratory scale (144). Finally, the option(s) chosen for correcting the observed problem are validated prior to reinitiating full-scale production (146).

Abstract: A 3-D modeling system is provided for reducing design costs an efficient drawing checking operation. A number of CAD units and a server are connected through network and can communicate. The CAD unit includes an input device including a keyboard, a mouse device and the like, a computer, forming the center of the system, and a display device. The server stores a working process database including working process information. When checking a drawing for a 3-D model, the computer recognizes the shape of the 3-D model, divides the model into elements based on the shape recognition and determines an optimum working requirement for each element from the working process information. After the determination of the working requirement, if a correction is necessary, a message indicating the need for correction is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for manufacturing plastic injection mold cavity components. More specifically, the present invention provides an integrated system and method for manufacturing plastic injection mold cavity components, which integrates manufacturing between two or more subcells. In one embodiment of the invention, a supercell system integrates two or more subcells, in which component workpieces and electrodes are machined. A supercell may include a computerized master control unit, configured to monitor and provide instructions for a master robot that delivers and retrieves workpieces and electrodes to two or more subcells. Thus, two or more subcells may be integrated by the master control unit, the master robot, a track or path that the master robot follows, identification indicia attached to workpieces and electrodes, a combination thereof or any other components of supercell that may suitably integrate two or more subcells.

Abstract: An object is to reduce damage to the mechanical parts of a moving mechanism unit 5 for moving a retaining mechanism unit 7 and electric power consumption in an apparatus for taking out a molded product. The apparatus comprises a time measuring unit 4 for measuring a return time elapsing between a start of the returning operation of the retaining mechanism unit 7 in a preceding process and the next start of the penetrating operation for taking out a molded product; an arithmetic operation unit 11 for calculating a return moving speed distribution for a process succeeding the preceding process such that the returning operation terminates upon elapse of the return time measured by the time measuring means 4; and a control unit 12 for activating the moving mechanism unit 5 in such a way that the returning operation is carried out according to the return moving speed distribution in the succeeding process.

Abstract: The dynamic mold concept has a manufacture, a process, and an apparatus. The process is that two or more steps (initial processes) be done simultaneously. A blow molding and an injection molding machine can work within the same mold and do their process together at the same time. The dynamic mold allows the mold to be split up into several parts or it has several dies within the structure. It allows the dies to move to allow the part to exit from the mold and move in accordance to do several steps one after the other also. For manufacturing sake for example shear, thermodynamics, temperature demands for quality of product, and for reduced mold design cost, allow two or more processes be done very close together. The dynamic mold is for metal applications as well incorporating a hydroforming, punch and forging etc. application.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for use in curing composite materials includes a model for a workpiece being cured. The model calculates current internal states of the workpiece and predicts, based upon past and current states of the workpiece, future states of the cure process. These future states are represented as virtual inputs to the controller, which controls operation of the cure process based upon both real and virtual inputs. Cure rates are affected by both external temperatures and internal heat generated by the curing process itself. The internally generated heat is considered by the model when calculating current states and predicting future states. By projecting the cure state into the future, problems caused by high cure rates can be avoided. In addition, pressure can be optimally controlled in response to estimated internal material state.

Abstract: A design apparatus for efficiently designing a mold that has improved quality. The mold is manufactured by removing cutting area from a mold material. The apparatus includes a database for storing geometry data, which represents a shape of the mold, and a further database for storing process data, which represents the shape of the cutting area, in association with the geometry data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a curved surface processing method and a curved surface processing apparatus, which correct a relationship between a processing condition and a removal quantity (polished removal quantity) or a removal depth (polished removal depth) in accordance with a processed surface to obtain desired removal quantity or removal depth in processing a processed surface irrespective of the shape of the processed surface, form a reference surface in a simple shape to obtain the relationship between the processing condition and the removal quantity or the removal depth readily, and execute such correction of the relationship between the processing condition and the removal quantity or the removal depth and such correction of unit removal shapes readily for a short time.

Abstract: A method for producing a medical device, such as a prosthetic or orthotic structure which makes the procedure more widely available at less cost. The method involves making a model of the body part for which a medical structure is to be manufactured using conformable fabric impregnated with a settable resin. The model may be prepared by a physician or a prosthetist who has no direct access to an expensive digitizing scanner. The model is removed from the patient's body part and shipped to a scanning facility where a digitizing scanner is used to produce a digitized image of the model. The digitized image is shrunk to compensate for the thickness of the model and the digitized data file is preferably sent back to the physician or prosthetist who manipulates the digitized image using a customized software program to produce a modified data file.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus useful in the development of molds are disclosed. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention are useful, for example, in the context of dimensionally expanding and printing a picture image on a printable sheet for use in making a picture print thermoforming female mold of castible shrinkable material. In addition, a process for producing a male mold which replicates brush strokes of an original painting is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method and apparatus for optimizing a rubber manufacturing process having multiple process steps, wherein the process steps can be adjusted during the manufacturing process to achieve a desired rubber product, the method comprising obtaining a rubber material sample during the manufacturing process; analyzing the rubber material sample to generate processability data; comparing the generated processability data with known processability data; determining any process adjustments required to achieve optimal processability of the rubber material sample; and means for implementing the process adjustments during the rubber manufacturing process to achieve a desired rubber product.

Abstract: An injection moulding system optimises the injection moulding process by removing selected articles (100) from a plurality of articles produced cyclically and tests a plurality of physical properties (105) of the removed articles including dimensions (106), weight (108) and gloss (107), together with a plurality of process parameters (109, 110) such as nozzle pressure and nozzle temperature. Adjustment of the process (121) is made automatically on the basis of up to three optimisers (114), including a case based reasoning optimiser (115), a fuzzy optimiser (116) and a rule based reasoning optimiser (117), in order to achieve pre-set article properties. The optimisers (114) can have confidence factors associated therewith, determined on the effect of previous process adjustments.

Abstract: A system for operating a command-input device for an automated production machine to provide commands to the machine includes a status signal generator; a computer and apparatus for operating the command-input device. Commands for various functions of the machine may be provided to the machine by operation of the command-input device. The status signals indicate functional states of the automated production machine; the computer responds to the status signals by generating control signals; and the apparatus for operating the command-input device of the automated production machine does so in response to the control signals. In an embodiment in which the command-input device is mechanically operated by using a keyboard or a touch screen, a robotic device is used to operate the command-input device in response to the control signals.

Abstract: A data generating apparatus (1) adds feel information to shape data for an object to be molded in an STL data generating section (1a). Then, a data processing apparatus (10) generates molding data for reproducing shape and feel of the object to be molded, and the molding data is supplied to a three-dimensional molding apparatus (20). The three-dimensional molding apparatus (20) performs molding on the basis of the molding data obtained from the data processing apparatus (10). The resulting three-dimensional molded matter faithfully reproduce not only the shape but also the feel of the object to be molded. In this way, the present invention was made to generate a three-dimensional molded matter which faithfully reproduces feel of the object.

Abstract: A mold is formed for an building earth boring bit by designing the bit geometry in three dimensions using a computer aided design (CAD) system and then feeding the geometry data of the design to a layering device. The layering device then builds the mold a layer at a time. Materials used in building the mold include, sand, graphite, ceramic, clay, other refractory materials, plastic, rubber and wax. Once the mold is formed, powdered steel or tungsten carbide is poured into the mold and is cured by press molding or infiltrating with a binder forming a bit body. Cutting elements are then inserted in the bit body forming the earth boring bit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling an injection molding system having a plurality of devices which generate a corresponding plurality of feedback signals includes structure and steps for providing an operator control station which has a display and at least one operator input device. A single, general-purpose computer is coupled to both the operator control panel and the plurality of injection molding devices and functions to perform multiple-tasking control of both the injection molding functions and the operator control functions. The computer preferably performs real-time closed loop control of the plurality of injection molding devices while also processing system feedback signals and operator input signals. Thus, there is no need for the analog signal processor and the programmable logic controller of the prior art.

Abstract: A method of blow-molding synthetic resin articles in which an image of an actual article is produced by blow-molding is displayed. A wall thickness control curve on a display screen of a computer controlling the blow-molding machine and critical locations of the curve are graphically reproduced on the image of the article.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a touch panel for an injection molding machine. The display apparatus has a main display mode for selectively displaying information relating to each function of the injection molding machine on an individual screen corresponding to the function. The touch panel enables input from the screen through touching. The display apparatus also has an auxiliary display. In the auxiliary display mode, a collective sub-screen is selectively displayed on any of the screens or on a specific one of the screens. The collective sub-screen contains a collection of specific display elements having something in common and selected from among display elements to be displayed on the screens. Thus, input operation is facilitated; various closely related data can be confirmed at a glance; and input forms or display forms are diversified.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional landmark on compact discs comprises a disc orienting station for orienting compact discs each having a reference marker, so as to form marked compact discs. The disc orienting station automatically determines the angular orientation, with respect to an angular reference frame, of the reference marker on a marked compact disc, and automatically rotates the marked compact disc disposed at the disc orienting station about a central axis of the compact disc such that the reference marker is disposed at a pre-determined angular orientation with respect to the angular reference frame. A landmark forming station forms the three-dimensional landmark on the marked compact disc in a location having a known angular displacement about the central axis with respect to the reference marker. The compact discs are transported in seriatim from the disc orienting station in the predetermined angular orientation to the landmark forming station.

Abstract: In a method of remote monitoring or remote maintenance of an injection molding machine which has an SPC with at least one CPU for the operation of actuators of the injection molding machine in real-time, data are transmitted between the injection molding machine and a remote monitoring or remote maintenance workstation disposed at a remote location. In addition to real-time control operation of the actuators of the injection molding machine the SPC of the injection molding machine operates as a web server, by way of which a simultaneous communication connection can be made with two or more remote monitoring or remote maintenance workstations, wherein a CPU of the SPC performs both real-time control operations of the injection molding machine and also server functions for remote monitoring or remote maintenance.

Abstract: When a molten plastic is molded using a metal mold, sufficient cooling time has to elapse before the metal mold is opened, but this cooling time restricts the production per unit time. If a metal mold is opened without sufficient cooling, the plastic undergoes significant deformation by thermal shrink. If this deformation can be estimated and the metal mold designed so as to make allowance for the anticipated deformation, it will be possible to produce a molding with a shape that is equal to the design dimensions, despite shortening the cooling time. The finite element method is used to obtain the deformation. Mold design can also be performed taking account of the deformation due to the hydrostatic pressure that is produced when the molding is filled with its liquid contents. In addition, as for a portion of an in-mold labelled container which include lamination construction, the deformation due to thermal shrink is not estimated as a container which an in-mold label is not being applied.

Abstract: Simulations are performed for (1) the change in shape of the molten resin when a parison is formed by extruding said resin through the gap between the extruder die and core, (2) the change in shape of the molten resin due to clamping the mold around the extruded parison and blowing compressed air into the parison, and (3) the thermal deformation that will occur in the molded product due to cooling after the molded product, obtained when the molten resin has solidified in the mold, is removed from the mold in a high-temperature state. The shapes of the mold, extruder die and core that will give the desired shape of molded product are determined from the results of these simulations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a hydraulic actuator in an injection molding machine, where the hydraulic actuator moves in a linear or rotary manner to effect movement of an injection molding device, such as a mold clamp. A microcontroller is locally disposed adjacent to the actuator or the hydraulic fluid distribution manifold to cause the actuator to drive the device. The microcontroller is electrically coupled to the system control processor. This distributed control architecture increases system processing throughput, enhances reliability, and permits easier upgrades/repair. Preferably, the microcontroller is mounted on the manifold and controls all of the actuators supplied from that manifold.

Abstract: It is made possible to promptly determine an accurate parting line. Two-dimensional projection means produces two-dimensional projection data by projecting edges of a product shape represented by three-dimensional graphic data onto a plane perpendicular to a mold opening direction. Parting line determination means sequentially determines, out of candidate edges contiguous to a determined parting line already determined as parting line, a candidate edge forming a largest interior angle with the determined parting line at a contact point therewith on the two-dimensional projection data, as the parting line. This makes it possible to determine a parting line of a mold for molding the product shape represented by the three-dimensional graphic data.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating die swell/draw down information for a profile extrusion die design. A rheometer having a slit die and a puller mechanism coupled thereto provide the die swell/draw down information of a polymer resin material in two dimensions—in the thickness direction and in the width direction. A processor uses the die swell/draw down information to generate a die design chart that contains representations of shear rate, draw rates, and thickness. A designer uses the die design charts to design a profile extrusion die.

Abstract: A product solid (A) is generated on a CAD screen using a 3-dimensional CAD system, then thin film solids (B1 and B2) are added to the product solid so as to divide an object mold into parts or fill holes of the mold, and after this, the product solid (A) is united with the thin film solids (B1 and B2) into one, thereby to generate a thin film formed product solid. This thin film formed product solid is put in a rectangular solid, then the thin film formed product solid is removed from the rectangular solid, thereby to generate cavities in the rectangular solid. And, along these cavities, the mold is divided into a cavity solid and a core solid. In addition, the thickness (t) of each thin film solid is decided so as to prevent melted resin invasion. This method can thus divide a mold into a cavity and a core easily when product data is converted to solids for designing a mold using a 3-dimensional CAD system.

Abstract: A system for automating the control and regulation of machines and systems in the plastics industry, in particular for blow molding machines, having programmable logic controllers (PLC), via which control and regulation functions of the machines and systems can be implemented as desired. The programmable logic controllers (PLC) have at least one operating and monitoring device and a local bus (user platform), and are further provided with digital technology blocks (10) which simulate individual electric circuit components and which can be used to implement the desired control and regulation functions in a modular fashion. The digital technology blocks (10) are connected to one another and to the user platform via data interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for analyzing a process of fluid flow such as an injection molding process within a practical computing time using a three-dimensional model divided into a plurality of small elements to represent a cavity in which a fluid flows, and provides also an apparatus and method for analyzing an injection molding process, an injection molded product, and a method for producing an injection molded product.The apparatus and method for analyzing a process of fluid flow of the present invention comprises constructing a three-dimensional model divided into a plurality of small elements to represent a cavity in which a fluid flows, determining the flow conductances .kappa. based on the flow thicknesses in the cavity, and computing pressures, pressure transitions or flow velocities at the respective small elements based on the flow conductances.

Abstract: A tool control for operating a tool in a mulitple station foam injection station including a central controller which is configured to use a first set of inquiry signals and a first set of control signals to monitor and control a standard tool, the tool control being configurable for interfacing with the central control and operating a nonstandard tool.

Abstract: A method is provided for simulating fluid flow within a three dimensional object having first and second generally opposed surfaces. The method includes: matching each element of the first surface with an element of the second surface between which a reasonable thickness may be defined, wherein matched elements of the first surface constitute a first set of matched elements and matched elements of the second surface constitute a second set of matched elements, specifying a fluid injection point, and performing a flow analysis using each set of the matched elements. In this way, the injection point is linked to all locations on the first and second surfaces from which flow may emanate such that resulting flow fronts along the first and second surfaces are synchronized.