Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a press-forming device, press-forming method, computer program/software arrangement and storage medium can be provided. The exemplary press-forming device can include a material characteristic input configured to input material characteristics. A state variable detector can be configured to measure a state variable comprising a metal mold distortion amount. A processing condition computer arrangement can be configured to determine from a first moment to a second moment at least one particular processing condition. Further, a processing condition controller can be configured to control the at least one processing condition from processing conditions.

Abstract: An adaptive control device and adaptive control method, and a control device of an injection molding machine, which allow optimal adaptive control to be performed automatically and easily, while preventing a degradation of responsiveness. The adaptive control device is configured to perform feedback control in such a manner that an operation value is output based on a command value and a feedback value which is a sum of a controlled value output from a controlled target and a compensation value output from a parallel feed-forward compensator; wherein the parallel feed-forward compensator includes: an identification section which sequentially estimates a frequency response characteristic of the controlled target and an adjustment section which adjusts the compensation value based on the estimated frequency response characteristic.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a remote assistant system for a foundry, i.e., a plant that comprises a plurality of machines. The remote assistant system in a foundry includes a first sequencer for controlling a molding line and a second sequencer for controlling a molding machine. It further includes a sequencer-communicating mechanism for connecting the first sequencer to the second sequencer, a first mobile computer for transmitting information by video images, etc. to a remote location, a mechanism for providing communication between mobile computers to selectively connect one of the sequencers to the first mobile computer, a second mobile computer for receiving the information from the first mobile computer, for displaying the information, and for correcting the ladder logic program and giving instructions to the operator by an assistant at a remote location.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for operating an injection molding machine. For example, a molding system (100) to manufacture a molded article (103) in a mold-cavity system (200) by using a molding material (101) is provided.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A method for defining a uniform injection molding interface includes selecting at least one common control parameter from multiple injection molding machines, setting at least one standardization page, establishing a uniform injection molding interface by configuring the at least one common control parameter into the at least one standardization page, storing the data related to the uniform injection molding interface into a storage unit, and connecting the uniform injection molding interface to the control device via an input control device to enable the control device to control the multiple injection molding machines in response to the control parameters set via the uniform injection molding interface.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the display of an injection molding machine (IMM) includes a human machine interface (HMI), a driver, a controller, a timer, and a time display module. The controller controls the driver to drive the IMM to do a plurality of operations. The time display module controls the HMI to display working times of operations that have been done, and the working time of an operation that is in process in the current work cycle. The timer records working time of each operation by starting to time at the beginning of each operation, and stopping timing at the end of each operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling injection molding using a neural network in a control device of an injection molding machine. A measurement monitor value is acquired in a measurement step during test injection molding and an injection monitor value is acquired in an injection step. The acquired measurement monitor value is designated as an input term and the injection monitor value is designated as an output term. A prediction function that incorporates the measurement monitor value is then determined using the neural network. A first value corresponding to the injection monitor value is predicted by substituting into the prediction function a measurement monitor value acquired at completion of a measurement step during mass-production injection molding. On the basis of the predicted first value, a second value corresponding to an injection condition is determined. Injection control and pressure maintenance control are then implemented on the basis of the second value corresponding to the injection condition.

Abstract: An IMR (in-mold roller or in-mold release)/IMF (in-mold forming) making method using a digital printer printing and pre-forming technique is disclosed to employ a digital printing technique to prepare a release layer, a protective wear-resistance layer (durable layer), an ink pattern layer, a metal pattern layer and a bonding layer (adhesive layer). In-mold roller or in-mold forming film is shaped and then molded on a plastic material through an injection-molding or pressure-casting technique so that the finished product is obtained after release from the mold and removal of the outer base layer. Further, shaped in-mold decoration film is put in an injection-molding mold or pressure-casting mold for molding and then the molded product is cut into the desired shape, finishing the fabrication. Trimming process may be applied to the shaped in-mold forming film before injection molding or pressure casting.

Abstract: A rotational angle of a motor operative to propel forward a screw in an injection molding machine is detected at an encoder. An output from the encoder is employed to obtain an angular velocity ? of the motor. From the obtained angular velocity ?, an estimated melt pressure value ?^ that contains no differential term is derived using a certain observer theory. The estimated melt pressure value ?^ is employed to calculate a torque command value TCMD for the motor, which is fed back to the motor. Thus, precise propelling power control unaffected by noises can be executed without the use of a pressure sensor such as a load cell.

Abstract: A method for defining a uniform injection molding interface includes selecting at least one common control parameter from multiple injection molding machines, setting at least one standardization page, establishing a uniform injection molding interface by configuring the at least one common control parameter into the at least one standardization page, storing the data related to the uniform injection molding interface into a storage unit, and connecting the uniform injection molding interface to the control device via an input control device to enable the control device to control the multiple injection molding machines in response to the control parameters set via the uniform injection molding interface.

Abstract: A control unit for a powder material compression molding machine including a powder material compressor which compresses a powder material filled between compressing members in an adjusted filled amount by making the compressing members approach to each other at a predetermined interval, so as to mold a molded product, and a pressure detector which detects a powder material compressing pressure by the powder material compressor. The control unit including a weight determiner which determines that the weight of filled powder material is normal, a thickness determiner which determines that the thickness of the molded product is abnormal in the case where the pressure detected by the pressure detector falls out of a first predetermined range when the weight determiner determines normality, and a compression controller which controls the powder material compressor when the thickness determiner determines abnormality.

Abstract: A method of sensing melt-front position and velocity is applicable for injection-molding systems. Firstly, at least one actuation signal value of the melt-injection device of the injection-molding system is retrieved, and at least one state variable value of the injection-molding system is measured. Then, the retrieved actuation signal values and the measured state variable values are substituted into a plurality of simultaneous equations to calculate the melt-front position and velocity of the injection-molding system.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the display of an injection molding machine (IMM) includes a human machine interface (HMI), a driver, a controller, a timer, and a time display module. The controller controls the driver to drive the IMM to do a plurality of operations. The time display module controls the HMI to display working times of operations that have been done, and the working time of an operation that is in process in the current work cycle. The timer records working time of each operation by starting to time at the beginning of each operation, and stopping timing at the end of each operation.

Abstract: Testing of an aircraft pressure control system may be performed without use of an altitude chamber. Aircraft cabin configuration date may be modeled and used, along with high resolution positional feedback from a simulated valve, to produce a high resolution electrical signal that may represent a simulated cabin pressure. A voltage-to-pressure transducer may convert the electrical signal to a pneumatic signal. The pneumatic signal may be employed to operate a cabin-pressure controller under test. The controller may operate an outflow valve actuator and an attached potentiometer. The potentiometer may produce a feedback signal and closed-loop testing of the aircraft pressure control system may thus be performed. The outflow valve actuator may be operated without being attached to an outflow valve because a simulated aerodynamic load may be applied to the actuator.

Abstract: Pressure transducers are incorporated as part of a transmission control unit TCU rather than placed in a remote location. This configuration eliminates the need to link the pressure transducers to the TCU via a long electrical connection, thereby shortening the signal path of the low-level signals output from the pressure transducers and reducing the complexity of the overall system. The transducers may be disposed either directly or on supports having support ports that align with pressure ports in the manifold to form fluidic paths between the manifold and the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for controlling the quality of a product produced by an injection molding production process. The invention includes performing a multivariate analysis on injection molding process data collected real-time and determining whether the real-time data is within a predetermined production control limit. When the real-time production data exceeds the control limit, the process is considered out of control and product produced during the out of control condition is removed real-time from the injection molding production process.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus capable of largely reducing a calculation amount to be capable of lowering a load of a CPU is provided.

Abstract: A system and process for providing progressively higher quality versions of an audio and/or video program over a client-server based network. In response to a user command to view a particular program, the client requests layered data associated with the program from the server. The client also specifies how many consecutive layers are to be transmitted based on the bandwidth available on the network. The client then receives the data from the server, caches it, renders it as it is received, and presents it to the viewer. Upon a request from the user for a higher quality version of the program, the client requests as many enhancement layers associated with the program as possible given the available bandwidth. The client receives the requested data, combines it with the previously stored lower-level layer data, renders the higher quality version of the program, and presents the new version to the user.

Abstract: To regulate the passage structure of a foaming die and the injected amount of foaming material, the flow behavior of the foaming material is analyzed by obtaining a flow velocity and a pressure by inputting the density as a function, including the elapsed time from the passage through an injection port to the foaming die and the thickness, and substituting a calculated density in equations of continuity and motion. In the analysis, the viscosity of the foaming material is used as a function including a time term. The boundary and molding conditions are corrected when the calculation does not converge. The density and pressure distributions of the foaming material are determined when the calculation converges. When the density and pressure distributions depart from design tolerances, the foaming passage structure and foaming material injected amount are regulated by an analysis program that corrects the model form, physical property or molding condition.

Abstract: A numerical method operating within a processor-based environment for predicting the fill pattern and coating pressure distribution for a substrate in a computer simulation of an in-mold coating flow within a two-dimensional flow domain having a plurality of possible inlet nodes for injection, which includes the steps of initializing pressure and thickness change of the substrate for at least one of the inlet nodes, determining which of the inlet nodes are newly filled nodes and new flow front nodes, calculating pressure for the newly filled nodes; updating thickness and coating volume of the substrate, checking if pressure and time step have converged, and updating pressure and time step and returning to the pressure calculation step if pressure and time step calculations have not converged, and determining whether the substrate is filled, and updating filling time and returning to the determining step if the substrate is not filled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new control unit for pumps (3) for heat- and chill-transferring media, which records all parameters for the regulation of the pump in or close to the pump independently from the distance to the heat source (2) or cooling source. Thus the often complex wiring between heat source (2) and heat sink (1) and/or cooling source and cooling sink is omitted. The control unit may be installed directly on the pump (3) or integrated in the pump consequently. The controller recognizes self learning due to the evaluation of the operating conditions typical system parameters, so that the positioning of the system-dependent temperature differences for control processes is not necessary and can be omitted. The construction of the pump (3), integrated controller (4) and sensors (7, 8, 9, 10) close-up range enables a manufacturing of completely pumps prepared for the operation including a controller in extremely compact construction.

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: A method of this invention is an injection compression molding method of molding a thin molding, using an injection compression molding machine including: a pair of a movable mold and a stationary mold defining a molding space; a movable die plate on which the movable mold is mounted; a stationary die plate on which the stationary mold is mounted; an injection unit for injecting a molding material into the molding space; and a mold clamping unit for causing the movable die plate to move toward and away from the stationary die plate, capable of controlling a clamping pressure for pressing the movable die plate toward the stationary die plate while the injection unit is injecting the molding material into the molding space. This method includes a nonloaded flow step of controlling the mold clamping unit in such a manner that any resistance is not exerted substantially against flow of the molding material injected into the molding space by the injection unit, during the injecting step.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device comprising an inlet, an outlet, a pressure loss element between the inlet and outlet, a pressure sensor located upstream from the constriction configured to measure a first pressure of a fluid flowing through the flow control device, a pressure sensor located downstream from the constriction, configured to measure a second pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow control device; and a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to generate a valve drive signal. The controller can generate a valve control signal based on a differential between the first pressure and the second pressure during a first mode of operation. The controller can also generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a particular pressure sensor during a second mode of operation. The mode of operation can automatically switch.

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: A business card reader includes a scanning module, a USB detecting/switching unit and two USB ports. The business card reader is connected to at least one of a personal computer and a PDA through the two USB ports, respectively. The USB detecting/switching unit controls the data transmission path among the scanning module, the personal computer and the PDA. The business card reader has a socket electrically connected to an external power source for charging a PDA connected to one USB port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data in a mass storage system implementing striped RAID technology by topological categorization and ordering of the data according to the topology of the storage areas. A mass storage system includes a mass storage space for storing data items of a plurality of data types. Each data item contains data of a corresponding data type and each data type is defined by the characteristics of the information represented by the data. The storage space is topologically organized as a plurality of basic units of storage space containing a predetermined number of data blocks of predetermined sizes. A data classifier categorizes each data item as a member of a data type and, for each data type, orders the data of the data items into one or more data block groups in a corresponding write buffer wherein each data block group corresponds to a basic unit of storage, and writes each data item into a corresponding data type area of the storage space.

Abstract: Molding conditions of an injection molding machine are set through performance of virtual molding by CAE. First, actual molding is performed under provisional molding conditions in order to obtain an actual profile showing variation in load pressure actually measured during at least an injection step of the actual molding. Further, virtual molding is performed by CAE under the provisional molding conditions in order to obtain a virtual profile showing variation in load pressure simulated during at least an injection step of the virtual molding. The provisional molding conditions are changed by CAE in such a manner that the virtual profile coincides with the actual profile, to thereby obtain intermediate molding conditions. Subsequently, the intermediate molding conditions are optimized so as to obtain molding conditions for the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A programmable controller, for operating a machine such as one having a hydraulic system, includes a memory that stores a plurality of software function routines. A memory contains a first data file with address pointers to the function routines where the address pointers are listed in the order that the function routines may be executed. A second data file has a separate record associated with each of the address pointers and each record identifies the data variables required by the corresponding function routine. A third data file contains information about each of the variables. A code sequencer accesses the first data file and directs execution of the function routine in the order designated by the pointers. As each function routine executes, the respective record in the second data file is used to access the required variable information.

Abstract: An intelligent control method for injection machine is to transplant the intelligent control and prediction techniques of a neural network to an injection machine, which has been exemplified capable of deciding the quasi best machine parameters rapidly in couple processing cycles for increasing yield with least loss, and for detecting and adjusting conditions until a desired operation environment is obtained.

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: An electronic pet with more reality using various types of devices. Specifically, a virtual electronic pet 202 and a pet-type robot 204 change the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct as the internal state of the electronic pet (information included in pet characteristic information 203) in accordance with surrounding information and internal information, and act in accordance with the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct. Transmission/reception of the internal state of the electronic pet (pet characteristic information 203) is made possible among the virtual electronic pet 202, the pet-type robot 204, and a personal computer 201. Thus, the action of the electronic pet is implemented by each device in accordance with the internal state of the electronic pet changed by another equipment.

Abstract: A process chamber (12) is used for plasma etching of a wafer (21) disposed therein. A gas mixture supplied to the chamber eventually passes through openings (28) in a baffle plate (27). After the chamber has been cleaned, several test wafers are etched under conditions which are equivalent, except that a different gas pressure is used for each wafer. The effective etch rates are measured from these wafers, and used to extrapolate a reference curve (141) representing effective etch rate relative to pressure. During subsequent production use of the chamber, a similar procedure is periodically used to generate a test curve (142). The peak values (143, 144) of the reference and test curves are compared (147) to monitor process drift within the chamber. The peak values of respective curves obtained from two or more similar chambers can be compared to evaluate performance differences between the chambers.

Abstract: Molding conditions of an injection molding machine are set through performance of virtual molding by CAE. First, actual molding is performed under provisional molding conditions in order to obtain an actual profile showing variation in load pressure actually measured during at least an injection step of the actual molding. Further, virtual molding is performed by CAE under the provisional molding conditions in order to obtain a virtual profile showing variation in load pressure simulated during at least an injection step of the virtual molding. The provisional molding conditions are changed by CAE in such a manner that the virtual profile coincides with the actual profile, to thereby obtain intermediate molding conditions. Subsequently, the intermediate molding conditions are optimized so as to obtain molding conditions for the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulating valve, particularly for an automated clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle with a manually shiftable transmission, is adjustable by an electronic control unit which regulates the strength of alternating current being supplied to one or more electromagnets of the valve. The control unit receives signals from sensors which monitor the fluid pressure, the temperature and/or the RPM of one or more constituents of the motor vehicle, and such signals are processed into signals denoting differences between existing and desired pressures of fluid being supplied to and/or by the valve. These signals are compared with information stored in at least one memory of the control unit and denoting memorized differences between actual and desired current strengths. The memorized signals are altered when a comparison in the control unit indicates that the differences ascertained on the basis of signals transmitted by the sensors depart from differences denoted by the memorized information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing fluorine and other sorbable contaminants in plasma reactor used in chemical vapor deposition process such as the deposition of silicon oxide layer by the reaction of TEOS and oxygen. According to the method of the present invention, plasma of an inert gas is maintained in plasma reactor following chamber clean to remove sorbable contaminants such as fluorine. The plasma clean is typically followed by seasoning of the reactor to block or retard remaining contaminants. According to one embodiment of the invention, the combination of chamber clean, plasma clean, and season film is conducted before PECVD oxide layer is deposited on wafer positioned in the plasma reactor.

Abstract: A resin flow analysis in a die is performed by CAE or the like to obtain a resin pressure curve at a resin inlet port or a resin pressure curve at a nozzle end portion of a molding machine. Injection (air shot) is performed while a nozzle is separated from a die, so that an injection pressure curve Pa to be detected at this time is obtained. From the injection pressure curve and the resin pressure curve, an injection pressure command curve serving as a molding condition in mass production is obtained. The resin pressure curve obtained by the resin flow analysis is compensated by the injection pressure curve in an air shot for a time lag and pressure loss caused by the mechanical elements of an injection molding machine, so that molding conditions in mass production can be easily obtained. In addition, a pressure loss at the nozzle portion is also obtained, so that an injection pressure command curve is obtained from the pressure loss, the injection pressure curve, and the resin pressure curve.

Abstract: An auxiliary control system is operatively associated with a press machine controller including a programmable logic controller having a main processor. The auxiliary control system includes a sensor assembly arranged to provide sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine. An auxiliary processor is arranged to monitor for the occurrence of press operating events as signified by the sensor information. The auxiliary processor provides a state signal to the press controller which is representative of the results of the monitoring activity to enable the PLC to control the press machine. Additionally, an improved press machine PLC includes an auxiliary sensor assembly for providing sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine.

Abstract: An injection mold design system for correcting a profile of a product to be fabricated into a releasable profile from a mold to design an injection mold based on a corrected product shape, comprising storing information of product shape and mold profile, displaying the product shape or the mold profile on a screen based on the information read from the storing, inputting designation information necessary for correction of the product shape or the mold profile, and unloading information of lines or planes being obstructive to correction of the product shape and the mold profile into the storing in response to the designation information input removing the lines or the planes from the screen, and replotting the line or the planes on the screen in terms of the information of lines or planes unloaded into the storing after the correction operation of the product shape or the mold profile is completed.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine utilizing a setting method of the present invention, there is substantially no limitation in numbers to 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, the mix of shape modes is 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: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the control of injection molding and, in particular, for determining a suitable time for transfer from injection velocity control to packing pressure control. The invention uses a derivative of, preferably the nozzle pressure, and inputs this to a fuzzy inference system. The fuzzy inference system uses said rules and knowledge to provide a suitable transfer time as an output. It is preferred that the sample pressure is filtered prior to calculation of the derivative.

Abstract: A system having a processor-based process control system for a plastic injection molding machine performing a plastic injection molding process having an I/O bus network containing a plurality of I/O modules operably connected to a corresponding I/O device associated with the plastic injection molding machine and a first computer having and I/O bus controller directly connected to the I/O bus network, a real-time operating system, and a first processor executing a plastic injection molding control program for controlling the plastic injection molding process.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for machining a rotor by determining a center plane of the rotor based two surfaces of the rotor, preferably two interior surfaces; positioning the rotor based on the determined center plane; and then machining the positioned rotor. The center plane of the rotor is determined using at least one image of the rotor. In some preferred embodiments, the center plane is determined using a series of successive images of the rotor. The center plane can be determined based on a measure of parallelism of two braking surfaces of the rotor or of two interior, non-braking surfaces of the rotor. Before and/or after the rotor is machined, it can also be inspected.

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.