Abstract: A molding-system set-up process has: (i) a receiving operation, including receiving an attribute associated with a molded part, (ii) a determining operation, including determining a molding-system set-up parameter based on the attribute associated with the receiving operation, the molding-system set-up parameter being usable for setting up a molding-system operation, and (iii) a providing operation, including providing the molding-system set-up parameter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for mapping and controlling the three-dimensional shrinkage and warpage occurring in rotomoulding applications.

Abstract: A protection gas control method for a non-sealed process chamber including the steps of activating a protection gas control apparatus while coupling a protection gas to a plurality of throttle valves, opening all the throttle valves for a pre-determined period of time, closing at least one of the throttle valves if the oxygen concentration in the chamber is smaller than or equal to a first target value, determining whether the oxygen concentration in the chamber is smaller than or equal to a second target value, and stopping supplying the protection gas when the temperature of the chamber is lower than a pre-determined temperature.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a flow process in resin transfer molding can include the steps of pre-infusing a vacuum-assisted resin transfer mold with a liquid. A sequence of the mold pre-infusion step is detected, from which a flow inhomogeneity adjacent the auxiliary infusion gate is determined. Such a flow inhomogeneity can include, for example, a region where air bubbles can collect, leaving a dry spot in the mold that is not adequately reached by flowing liquid or resin. A resin infusion sequence can then be created, including an opening of the auxiliary infusion gate following a passage of resin therepast to prevent the formation of dry spots.

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: The system comprises a conveyor for conveying a plurality of moulds along a production path on which is located a plurality of stations, each of which can execute at least one corresponding operation. Each mould carries an electronic identification device including memory devices from and to which information or data can be read and written without contact by means of an antenna. Each station is provided with an electronic unit including a processor, having memory devices and at least one antenna, and designed to read and/or write information or data from or to the memory devices of a mould passing through the station. An initial input station transfers or writes to the memory devices of each mould passing through it information identifying the products to be formed in the mould and relating to corresponding forming operations.

Abstract: Method for producing a vessel (2) by blowing in a mould (11) from a preform (3) made of plastic material, comprising the operations consisting in: introducing the preform (3) into the mould; at a predetermined moment, called pre-blowing cue (tP), controlling the opening of an electrovalve (22) for establishing a communication between the inside of the preform (3) and a source (20) of gas at a predetermined pre-blowing pressure; measuring the pressure (P) inside the preform (3); detecting the so-called real moment (tA), of the beginning of the pre-blowing, at which the (P) in the preform (3) starts to increase; comparing this moment (tA) with a theoretical pre-blowing beginning moment; if the real moment (tA) of the beginning of the pre-blowing follows the theoretical pre-blowing beginning moment, advance the pre-blowing cue (tP); if the real moment (tA) of the beginning of the pre-blowing precedes the theoretical pre-blowing beginning moment, delay the pre-blowing cue (tP).

Abstract: The present invention provides a tilting-type automatic pouring method wherein a very speedy and highly accurate pouring can be realized, which method pours molten metal into a mold by tilting a ladle that holds the molten metal, and the present invention also provides the storage medium for programs used for the method.

Abstract: An automation control system can be efficiently developed and maintained as a hierarchical arrangement of configured components that pass process control parameters received from a control component and return reports back to the control component. In particular, control components compare a current configuration to a validated, saved configuration in order to report a configuration status as to whether a process can be conducted as validated. Yet, changes to the configuration of the automation control system that do not affect a validated portion do not preclude continued validated processing.

Abstract: A control system for injection molding machines comprises a memory means (16) for storing set values. Further, a signal input for the transmission of actual values to the control system is provided. A first control means (18) is used for the transmission of a control field with consideration to previous values. A second control means (20) is provided for the transmission of a correction value, in particular with consideration to a deviation of the actual value from the set value. A correlation means (22) serves to correlate the control field values with the correction value for outputting a control variable.

Abstract: A unit for recording operating information of an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described. The unit includes a system controller communicatively coupled to an ECM. The system controller includes a processing device configured to control the unit. The unit also includes a memory device communicatively coupled to the system controller. The memory device is configured to receive and store ECM operating information provided by the processing device.

Abstract: There are provided a method of operating a temperature management device. For example, there is disclosed a method of operating a temperature management device. The method comprises transmitting towards the temperature management device a probe, the probe having a pre-determined format; receiving a probe response, the probe response being representative of at least one dynamic operational characteristic of the temperature management device; analyzing the probe response to obtain a control parameter suitable for controlling operation of the temperature management device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention teach a method of controlling a screw in a two-stage injection unit and a system for implementing the method. For example, a method of controlling a screw in a two-stage injection unit, the method executable at a computing apparatus associated with the two-stage injection unit is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an indication of an operational parameter associated with the screw of the two-stage injection unit; based on the indication of the operational parameter, determining a target speed (STARGET) for the screw, the target speed (STARGET) being sufficient to enable the screw to produce a required amount of material in a molten state; causing the screw to rotate at the target speed (STARGET), thereby causing the screw to operate in a substantially continuous manner.

Abstract: An object is to facilitate protection of data and suppress communication loads imposed on a network, molding machines, etc. A molding machine management system includes a management apparatus for managing a plurality of molding machines. The system comprises an information recording processing section which records on a recording device reference data acquired by operating each molding machine; an information manipulation processing section which performs predetermined processing on the reference data and actual data acquired by operating each molding machine to thereby obtain manipulated data; an information transmission processing section which transmits the reference data to the management apparatus in advance and transmits the manipulated data to the management apparatus as needed; and an information synthesis processing section which synthesizes the reference data and the manipulated data.

Abstract: Invention is provided for navigation and orientation for all types of passengers traveling in public transportation. Segmentation methods for digital advertising based on location and number of passengers. Method for delivering audio and visual advertisements in real time into public transportation vehicles. Method for delivering public transportation positioning information, including arrival times, remaining times, past and future stops, stop numbers, current position, street and neighborhood names, waypoints, connections with other public transportation means, and news headlines. Method for embedding advertisements in any form, including banners, skins, pop-ups, video, audio, text and animation, in information screens inside public transportation.

Abstract: A molded product from a mold, the mold for molding a molded product in a desired shape can be designed with high precision by correcting a shape change of the molded product. A mold in which use surfaces of an upper mold and a lower mold are formed to be design curved surfaces of an optical lens is prepared. A curved surface shape of the optical lens molded from this mold is measured, and a measured value is approximated by equation (1). The curved surface of the optical lens specified by the equation and a design curved surface are compared to obtain an error between both the curved surfaces. Information corresponding to the error is used as correction information, and the use surfaces in the upper mold and the lower mold are corrected and designed.

Abstract: An actuator is driven by use of a power drive source, while drive output of the power drive source is switched among a plurality of different drive outputs. Values of a physical quantity regarding an operation state of the actuator and a physical quantity regarding energy consumption corresponding to the operation state are detected. One of the drive outputs is selected on the basis of the detected values and in accordance with a predetermined selection method, and the actuator is driven with the selected drive output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control unit for a powder material compression molding machine including powder material compressing means 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 pressure detecting means which detects a powder material compressing pressure by the powder material compressing means, in electric connection to the powder material compression molding machine, the control unit comprising: weight determining means which determines that the weight of filled powder material is normal; thickness determining means which determines that the thickness of the molded product is abnormal in the case where the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means falls out of a first predetermined range when the weight determining means determines normality; and compression controlling means which controls the powder material compress

Abstract: The method of predicting the amount of deformation due to shrinkage of a molded article of the present invention finds a support point P of the bending moment M from a distribution of shrinkage rates of a molding material forming a molded article 10 and uses the support point P to predict the amount of deformation. At that time, it is preferable to use the support point P to find the bending moment M and to use the bending moment M to predict the amount of deformation.

Abstract: A process for curing a natural or synthetic rubber compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a non-bridged impedance sensing circuit and a capacitor having the rubber compound being cured as a dialectric; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the obtained data streams; (3) determining a predictive curing equation by performing a multiple regression between: (a) reheometric data obtained from a plurality of different rubber compound samples cured in a rheometer at various environmental curing conditions, and (b) corresponding samples cured in a production mold at the same environmental conditions; (4) adjusting the curing equation to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties; and (5) controlling the mass producing cured parts with a controller that uses the curing equation for predicting a cure time for each part, wherein the predictions are effective over variations in the rubber compound, a

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: A method, system, and software for assessing the cost tradeoffs associated with performing inspection includes determining measurement variations and product characteristic variations to define an inspection plane. The inspection plane is divided into a plurality of regions corresponding to respective different outcomes resulting from an inspection process. The probability of each outcome is determined based on a probability mass in each region of the inspection plane, wherein the probability mass is based on a joint probability density of the measurement and product characteristic variations. Costs are associated to various outcomes based on the inspection process, and overall costs of the inspection process are computed by using the associated costs and the determined probability of each outcome based on the regions of the inspection plane.

Abstract: A real time method and apparatus for indicating preventative maintenance in a molding system. The molding system could be a metal molding system or a plastics molding system. Real time threshold data is compared to real time operational parameter data as measured by sensors located on the molding system. If an out of tolerance condition is detected and validated by a comparator, then an indicator is provided to notify the need for preventative maintenance.

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 method and an article of manufacture for determining a rate of change of orientation of a plurality of fibers disposed in a fluid are provided. The method includes determining a first tensor indicative of the rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers in the fluid in a predetermined region due to rigid body rotation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid. The method further includes determining a second tensor indicative of the rate of change or orientation of the plurality of fibers in the fluid in the predetermined region due to deformation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid in the predetermined region, utilizing a first scalar value that reduces the rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers due to deformation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid. The method further includes determining a third tensor indicative of a total rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers based on the first and second tensors, wherein the third tensor is an objective tensor.

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: A process for curing a natural or synthetic rubber compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a non-bridged impedance sensing circuit and a capacitor having the rubber compound being cured as a dialectric; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the obtained data streams; (3) determining a predictive curing equation by performing a multiple regression between: (a) reheometric data obtained from a plurality of different rubber compound samples cured in a rheometer at various environmental curing conditions, and (b) corresponding samples cured in a production mold at the same environmental conditions; (4) adjusting the curing equation to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties; and (5) controlling the mass producing cured parts with a controller that uses the curing equation for predicting a cure time for each part, wherein the predictions are effective over variations in the rubber compound, a

Abstract: In an injection molding machine configured to extrude a melted resin under temperature control and inject the resin into metal molds to provide a molded product, there are provided an HMI section having a built-in general-purpose operating system and configured to control a display section equipped with a touch panel, control modules, such as a main control section, a sequence processing section and a servo command section, having a dedicated microprocessor for each control element of the injection molding machine, and a driver section having servo amplifiers, hydraulic drivers, and so on, configured to be controlled by the control modules and to drive-control an actuator of the injection molding machine, in which, by variously combining together the control modules, it is possible to provide various kinds of injection molding machines, that is, an electric operation type, a hydraulic type and a hybrid type of these combination.

Abstract: A process for curing a moldable compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a plurality of sensors distributed within a curing mold, wherein the moldable compound is a dialectric for each of the sensors; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the data streams for the plurality of sensors; (3) determining predictive and/or corrective curing actions for enhancing the curing process using the impedance related measurements for the plurality of sensors; and (4) controlling the mass production curing of parts to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties.

Abstract: An operating panel for a film extrusion plant displays the spatial relationship of operating elements of the plant relative both to each other and to an operator viewing the display. The panel has a terminal for inputting functional parameters of the operating elements, such as an extruder, a film bubble, a nozzle, a blowing head, a winding section, or a resin hopper or dosimetry unit associated with the extruder. The panel has an indicator that displays both the parameters and an at least two-dimensional view of the spatial relationship of the operating elements.

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 semiconductor wafer fabrication system that includes at least a track system and a scanner system compensates for deviations from nominal periodicity in the scanner system by dynamically introducing time delays when such deviations are detected. Preferably prior art static wait states are also introduced into the wafer recipe to reduce probability of resource conflicts. The resultant semiconductor wafer fabrication system can enjoy enhanced wafer throughput in that synchronization of wafer flow is maintained, despite such deviations.

Abstract: First, a system for providing direct field technical, troubleshooting, engineering analysis, equipment performance and efficiency analysis, new equipment and parts information, invoicing and sales support by means of data input and data retrieval in the field through the use by field located personnel of a hand-held, wireless communication device that allows direct field communication with a base or service provider master computer and software programs. Finally, utilization of a base or service provider located mater computer and software programs to provide all the primary computing processes needed to support a limited field located data entry and retrieval device that could further use the input data to establish a master computer file for a customer, equipment, performance and invoicing database.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention uses an on-board microcontroller of a household appliance to receive signals from a directionless encoder attached to a knob for receiving user input and processing the signals from the direction encoder according to a control algorithm. The microcontroller may increase the output to an electric heating element on the appliance based on a variety of criteria, including either direction of rotation, current heating element setting, or a change in directional rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, the microcontroller may provide various types of graduated visual or audible feedback to the user.

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 and apparatus are disclosed for controlling temperature of a plant comprising plural temperature control zones, wherein an effective control parameter for a first zone for which a signal representing measured temperature is available is produced according to an algorithm relating measured temperature, a desired temperature and a control parameter associated with a device affecting temperature in the first temperature control zone, the effective control parameter is summed with an offset value representing a proportional offset of the effective control parameter of a second temperature control zone relative to the effective control parameter of the first temperature control zone and the result is applied to control a device affecting temperature in the second temperature control zone.

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 display (AV) for on-site visualization of conditions of an automated process (PZ) is disclosed. It comprises a display controller (AS) which at least temporarily provides a state indication signal (ZA) representing a constellation of states of at least two process data signals (PD1, PD2). At least one of the two process data signals (PD1, PD2) is derived from a signal (RX) generated externally to the field device (F1). The field device (F1) has a display element (AE) which responds to a change in the state indication signal (ZA) with a significant change in its appearance, thus signaling the constellation of the states of the two process data signals (PD1, PD2) in a visually perceptible manner. Therefore, the field device (F1) is particularly suited for on-site monitoring of entire plants or sections thereof by operating personnel.

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: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.

Abstract: A method of designing a primary geometry, such as for a forming die, to be used in a powder pressing application by using a combination of axisymmetric geometric shapes, transition radii, and transition spaces to simulate the geometry where the shapes can be selected from a predetermined list or menu of axisymmetric shapes and then developing a finite element mesh to represent the geometry. This mesh, along with material properties of the component to be designed and powder, is input to a standard deformation finite element code to evaluate the deformation characteristics of the component being designed. The user can develop the geometry interactively with a computer interface in minutes and execute a complete analysis of the deformation characteristics of the simulated component geometry.

Abstract: A control device which controls an industrial machine according to an aspect of the invention includes a unit which determines whether the user is a registrant registered in advance, a unit which, when the user is determined to be the registrant, selects one of a setting permission state and a setting inhibition state individually for at least one operating condition of the industrial machine in accordance with the operation of the registrant, and a setting unit which accepts from the registrant a setting of the operating condition for which the setting permission state is selected.

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: An irrigation control system for land comprising: (a) at least one meter to measure one or more wheather conditions in a first area; (b) at least one monitor to (i) examine rainfall data derived from a radar scanning at least the first area according to predetermined criteria and (ii) to extract data which is representative of the scanned rainfall in a sub-area of the first area; (c) a store to store the extracted data; and (d) a controller connected directly or indirectly to the meter and the monitor and to the store, to calculate a moisture content value for the sub-area and a predetermined moisture content value for the sub-area, and to regulate the irrigation in a sub-area.

Abstract: In an electrical apparatus wherein electrical devices are interconnected by coupling connectors and a desired interconnection of devices is achieved by an intended interconnection of mating components of coupling connectors, identification elements in one mating component of each connector produce identification signals representing identity of the mating component. Decoding means responsive to the identification signals produce an error signal representing an interconnection of connector components differing from the intended interconnection and, means responsive to the error signal effects a response when the actual interconnection of components differs from the intended interconnection of components. Responses are, advantageously, activation of an error indicator, inhibition of application of power to affected devices, or, with program controlled systems, display of a text error message, facilitation of user intervention for error correction, or automated re-programming to overcome interconnection errors.

Abstract: An injection mold that is capable of producing a final molded component that meets designed optical properties is designed and produced efficiently by measuring shape errors, which adversely affect the optical properties, of at least one of a surface shape of a cavity of a first molding part and a molded component produced by using the first molding part, by reducing at least one of wavelength components of the shape errors, by generating processing information that is used to produce a second molding part that is used to mold the final molded component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a possibility to evaluate cooling curves recorded in near-eutectic cast iron melts. The curves are evaluated by generated in the melt in the center of the sample to the melt as a function of time. This information is then used to identify the part of the centrally recorded cooling curve that can be used as a basis for determining the amount of structure-modifying agent that must be added to produce compacted graphite cast iron, and/or spheroidal graphite cast iron, and to identify the part of said curve that is associated with formation of primary austenite.

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: The present invention presents an improved apparatus and method for monitoring a material processing system, wherein the material processing system includes a processing tool, a number of RF-responsive process sensors coupled to the processing tool to generate and transmit process data, and a sensor interface assembly (SIA) configured to receive the process data from the plurality of RF-responsive process sensors.