Abstract: In additive fabrication, less stiff layers generally require a comparatively higher peel force during separation, and that therefore geometric structures that include less stiff layers will also require a comparatively higher peel force during separation. Techniques to lower or otherwise mitigate undesirably large peel forces are described. These techniques include modification to how layers susceptible to a large peel force are formed, modification to a model of a part prior to generating instructions for an additive fabrication device to fabricate the part, and/or improvements to an additive fabrication device hardware.

Abstract: An arrangement for melting at least one solid precursor product for polymer production includes a housing for receiving the solid precursor product by way of an opening, and a melting device arranged in the housing. The melting device is disposed so that the solid precursor product can be fed thereto to be melted. A preferably switchable discharge device is connected to an opening of the housing and can be connected to an injection unit.

Abstract: A reciprocating apparatus comprises a reciprocating member, a drive mechanism, an input device, a work-switch position calculating unit configured to calculate a work-switch position for the drive mechanism, a direction-switch position calculating unit configured to calculate a direction-switch position, a remaining-distance calculating unit configured to calculate a remaining distance that is a difference between the direction-switch position calculated by the direction-switch position calculating unit and a direction-switch position input at the input device, a target direction-switch position calculating unit configured to add the remaining distance, to the direction-switch position calculated by the direction-switch position calculating unit, thereby to calculate a target direction-switch position, and a corrected position calculating unit configured to calculates a corrected work-switch position for the drive mechanism so that the drive mechanism may cause the reciprocating member to start moving in the

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging method and to a packaging apparatus by which plastic injection moldings designed in the form of pipette tips or medical reaction vessels are packaged in end packaging units. The invention provides for the operation of distributing the K plastic injection moldings over the sub-groups to take place in the at least one end packaging unit exclusively during the operation of filling the end packaging unit, and for plastic injection moldings to be distributed over the sub-groups until the at least one end packaging unit has been filled completely with in each case A plastic injection moldings.

Abstract: A positioning control ejection mechanism includes an ejection motor, an ejection rod, a position confirm switch, and an upper limit switch. The ejection rod is slidably driven with the ejection motor. The position confirm switch is assembled to the ejection motor and is positioned along an ejection direction of the ejection rod. The position confirm switch is configured for sensing when the ejection rod is aligned with a pre-ejection product. The upper limit switch is assembled to the ejection motor and is positioned along an ejection direction of the ejection rod away from the ejection motor end, preventing the ejection rod from being over ejected.

Abstract: A lens molding apparatus of the present invention includes: a mold having a transfer surface for transferring a predetermined lens shape to a dielectric resin; a mold having a transfer surface for transferring a predetermined lens shape to the dielectric resin; a support device moving the mold; a heating device heating the dielectric resin so as to form a resin molded product, the dielectric resin having been supplied on the transfer surface; a DC power source forming an electric field by application of direct-current voltage between the mold and the mold; and switches switching a direction of the electric field between a direction from the mold to the mold and a direction from the mold to the mold.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for taking out a molded product that can inform a user of the air consumption and the electric power consumption matching the set conditions without using measuring devices and that allows the user to set conditions that reduces the total energy consumption. A consumption computing section computes an air consumption and an electric power consumption per one molding cycle based on conditions set for a plurality of air driven devices and conditions set for a plurality of electric devices input from a controller and individual air consumption information and individual electric power consumption information stored in a consumption information storage section. A display control section causes a display section to display the air consumption and the electric power consumption computed by the consumption computing section.

Abstract: A controller (501) is described herein that includes instructions (512) that are embodied in a controller-usable memory (510) of the controller (501), the instructions (512) for directing the controller (501) to execute a process (1000) of injection molding a first molded article (102A) using an injection mold (100, 200, 300, 800, 900). The process includes, amongst other things, a step of arranging (1008) a first stack portion (110) to eject the first molded article (102A) therefrom with holding a position of a stripper sleeve (116) of the first stack portion (110), along the mold-stroke axis (X), while retracting a mold core (111) of the first stack portion (110) along the mold-stroke axis (X), wherein the retraction of the mold core (111) causes a retraction thereof from the first molded article (102) in cooperation with the stripper sleeve (116) contacting the first molded article (102).

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for closed mold composite material production may include placing an injection tool connected within a pressure chamber, where the injection tool is connected to a material distribution system within the pressure chamber. The methods, devices and systems may also include injecting material at an injection pressure and an injection flow rate, via the material distribution system, into the injection tool and raising an environment pressure of the pressure chamber during the injection process. The methods, devices and systems may include equalizing an injection tool pressure and the environment pressure and adjusting the environment pressure to a curing pressure to cure the material within the injection tool to form a composite product.

Abstract: A method for operating a rotary press, comprising a rotor rotatably driven about a vertical axis that has a die-plate and upper and lower rams which, while being guided vertically in guides of the rotor, interact with holes of dies in the die-plate wherein at least one compression station is provided and has an upper and a lower pressing roller past which the presser rams run along and by which they are moved towards the die-bore for the purpose of compacting the material in the die-hole, wherein the upper and lower rams are lifted subsequent to the compression procedure, causing the lower ram to eject a compact from the die and the compact to be stripped by a stripper in the direction of a discharge chute, characterized in that while an compact ejection procedure is under way the upper ram stands upright on top of the compact and is lifted therewith and the stripper seizes the compact laterally while the upper ram is still standing upright on top of the compact.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the movement of a machine determines a base position set value according to a given base track in space. By limitation of a base element of a machine therewith, the above is hence positionally moved along a base track. The control device further determines a corresponding current supplementary end position in space using the base position set value. The control device also determines a supplementary position set value from a given fixed supplementary start position in space and the current supplementary end position. By limitation of a supplementary element of the machine thereto, the above is thus displaced along an current supplementary track from the supplementary start position, to the current supplementary end position.

Abstract: A power supply device for supplying an electric power to a servo amplifier is configured by an AC/DC converter and a power accumulating device. Among a molding cycle, during a process where an amount of consumed power is small, a DC voltage is supplied to the servo amplifier from the AC/DC converter and a power is accumulated in the power accumulating device. In a process such as an injection process where a large power is required, a high DC voltage is supplied to the servo amplifier from the power accumulating device in place of the AC/DC converter.

Abstract: A controller and a method for an ejector mechanism in an injection molding machine for appropriately setting a terminal position of a forward motion of ejector pins of the ejector mechanism. The terminal position of the forward motion is set to a position where an elastic force of return springs does not exceed a retaining force of a brake device for retaining the ejector pins at the terminal position. The elastic force of the springs are detected during the ejector pins are moved forward. A position of the ejector pins immediately before the detected elastic force of the springs exceeds the retaining force of the brake device is determined and displayed on a display device as a criterial position. The terminal position of the forward motion of the ejector pins is set not to exceed the determined criterial position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing inspection method for the cyclic production of injection-molded parts in multi-cavity casting molds involving a row-by-row monitoring of the injection-molded parts after they are removed from the casting molds, said monitoring being effected by sensors, particularly, photoelectric barriers. The invention also relates to an inspection device used during the cyclic production of injection-molded parts in multi-cavity casting molds involving a row-by-row monitoring of the injection-molded parts after they are removed from the casting molds, said monitoring being effected by sensors, particularly, photoelectric barriers.

Abstract: A mold monitoring apparatus for an injection molding machine captures an image of a cavity portion of an opened mold, and determines the state of the cavity portion by means of image processing. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit, an image capturing unit, and an image processing unit. The light emitting unit projects onto the cavity portion light rays other than visible light rays. The image capturing unit includes an image sensor for capturing reflection light rays that travel from the cavity portion to the image sensor via a filter for blocking visible light rays. The image processing unit determines the state of the cavity portion on the basis of an image signal output from the image sensor and through image processing.

Abstract: In a controller for avoiding interference between a mold body comprising a mold and a peripheral equipment installed to said mold and a product removing unit in an injection molding machine, a distance between the position of the mold body and the position of the product removing unit is determined. It is then judged whether or not the distance is smaller than a predetermined distance. If the distance is smaller than the predetermined distance, the operation of product removing unit is decelerated or stopped.

Abstract: Injection-moulding machine with at least one handling device, with an electronic stored-program control (SPC) for the injection-moulding machine and an electronic stored-program control for the handling device, characterized in that the stored-program control (SPC IMM, 17) for the injection-moulding machine (IMM) and the stored-program control (SPC R, 29) for the handling device (10) are realized on one and the same, common digital computer (30).

Abstract: In a controller for avoiding interference between a mold body comprising a mold and a peripheral equipment installed to said mold and a product removing unit in an injection molding machine, a distance between the position of the mold body and the position of the product removing unit is determined. It is then judged whether or not the distance is smaller than a predetermined distance. If the distance is smaller than the predetermined distance, the operation of product removing unit is decelerated or stopped.

Abstract: This invention provides a method which makes it possible to reliably detect malfunctions during the ejecting step without rendering the injection molding machine more complicated. An ejector pin is incorporated in the movable die. This ejector pin is connected, via an ejector plate, a connecting rod, a connecting plate and a feed screw, with a servo motor. The force for ejecting the ejector pin pushing a molded product is measured from the driving torque of a servo motor. In this invention, the relationship between driving torque and elapsed time from the initiation of ejection of the molded product is stored as a reference pattern. The tolerance limit and monitoring interval of driving torque are preset relative to the reference pattern. When the value of driving torque falls outside the tolerance limit during the ejecting step, it is judged as a malfunction, and an alarm is generated to stop the machine in a safe state.

Abstract: A part-forming machine having an in-mold integrated vision system and method therefor for verifying the presence, absence and quality of molded parts therein. The image of the mold and/or part is acquired at a substantially parallel angle relative to the image-capturing source thereby allowing the imaging of the mold while the mold is opening thus increasing the resolution, speed and accuracy of part-forming machine imaging systems.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for precisely determining a separating force of a molded product from a mold by an ejector in an injection molding machine. A load exerted on an ejector mechanism in operation without a product molded in the mold is constituted by an inner resistance of the ejector mechanism. The inner resistance includes frictional force produced within the ejector mechanism and resilient forces of springs for returning ejector pins to retracted positions thereof. On the other hand, the load exerted on the ejector mechanism in operation with a product molded in the mold is constituted by the inner resistance and the separating force of the molded product from the mold. Thus, a difference between the loads detected in driving the ejector mechanism with and without a molded product at each ejector position precisely represents the separating force of the molded product from the mold.

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: In a method of controlling an apparatus for taking out an injection-molded product, and the apparatus for carrying out the method, a product holder is moved along a locus starting from a waiting position via an initial linear zone, a curve zone and a final linear zone to a holding position for holding the product. A complementary time required for the movement of the product holder by a distance equal to a difference between a length from the waiting position to the holding position in the clamping direction and the length of the final linear zone is determined. The complementary time is subtracted from a ingress time required for the movement of the product holder from the waiting position to a point on a straight line between the male and female molds. A linear distance that the product holder moves from the waiting position A1 toward the point on the linear line for the same period of time as obtained by the subtraction is adopted as the length of the final linear zone.

Abstract: A torque waveform of an ejecting device when a molded product is normally ejected is memorized in a memory device 12 as a normal waveform. A sampling device 11 samples a torque waveform of the ejecting device at predetermined time intervals to produce a detected waveform when the molded product is ejected. Threshold levels are set in a controlling device 13 at arbitrary time intervals by a first setting device 14 and set operations for specifying the operations of an injection molding machine are also set in the controlling device 13 at the threshold levels by a second setting device 15. The controlling device 13 compares a normal waveform with the detected waveform to judge whether a comparative result is above or below the threshold level, and if the comparative result is above the threshold level, the controlling device 13 controls the injection molding machine based on the set operation set according to the threshold level.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for precisely determining a separating force of a molded product from a mold by an ejector in an injection molding machine. A load exerted on an ejector mechanism in operation without a product molded in the mold is constituted by an inner resistance of the ejector mechanism. The inner resistance includes frictional force produced within the ejector mechanism and resilient forces of springs for returning ejector pins to retracted positions thereof. On the other hand, the load exerted on the ejector mechanism in operation with a product molded in the mold is constituted by the inner resistance and the separating force of the molded product from the mold. Thus, a difference between the loads detected in driving the ejector mechanism with and without a molded product at each ejector position precisely represents the separating force of the molded product from the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking out a molded product including an ejection-waiting-time adjusting section 51 and a pull-out-waiting-time adjusting section 52. The ejection-waiting-time adjusting section 51 reduces an ejection waiting time Ti of an ejection timer 3 and finely adjusts the ejection waiting time Ti so that a response time Tj may not become shorter than an absorption-pressure-rise expected time Ts nearly when the response time Tj agrees with the absorption-pressure-rise expected tome Ts. The pull-out-waiting-time adjusting section 52 reduces a pull-out waiting time Ta of a pull-out timer 4 and finely adjusts the pull-out waiting time Ta so that a completion moment of the pull-out waiting time Ta may not be earlier than a detection moment B of a preset pressure value P1. With this, it is possible to provide optimal timing of an ejection starting moment and a molded-product pull-out starting moment and also adjust them automatically.

Abstract: An abnormal mold detector is provided that can previously detect the breakage of a mold tool with an ejector plate. A pressure sensor is attached to the ejector pin of a mold to detect the mold internal pressure. The operation status of the mold is detected by the sensor attached to the mold piece of the mold. An abnormality detector, formed of a CPU, processes the detected pressure signal and the mold working state indicating signal. The abnormality detector sets a reference value D exceeding a normal sticking resistance of the ejector pin. As a material is injected, the mold internal pressure increases during one cycle (A and B) in the molding step. After the molding process, the ejection process is carried out by the ejector pin during the value C. When a sticking resistance exceeding the value D is confirmed during the monitoring operation (FF), the abnormality detector decides that there may be the possibility that an abnormal state occurs in the mold tool.

Abstract: A take-out system for a shuttle-type blow moulding machine having two moulding assemblies has a single gripper head for taking out moulded articles from both moulding assemblies. The gripper head is carried by a vertical gripper arm which can be raised and lowered by a rack and pinion drive with respect to a carriage that moves in line with the two moulding assemblies. Electric servomotors are used to raise and lower the gripper head and move the carriage under software control so that the motion of the gripper head can be programmed to match a particular moulding machine. The articles may be moulded with tabs that can be gripped by the gripper head, and the take-out system may include a trimmer for removing those tabs, and a waste conveyor for the trimmed material.

Abstract: An insert molding method and apparatus not requiring a multiple movable molds and permitting stable insert molding to be performed by means of light, small-sized equipment. A robot for removing a molded product and a robot for placing an insert member are arranged around a mold clamping mechanism, and making them perform removal of a molded product and placement of the insert member, respectively, during a mold opening process of a molding cycle. The molding apparatus does not requirs a plurality of lower molds (stationary molds) and accordingly permits to eliminate a turntable or a sliding table, whereby the molding apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. Further, since only one lower mold suffices to obtain one type of molded products, the manufacturing cost of molds can be reduced and the mold temperature control can be made easier, so that not only the molding conditions are stabilized but also the life of the mold can be prolonged by eliminating the poor positioning.

Abstract: A skip-eject system for an injection molding machine includes an electronic camera for acquiring an actual image of an open mold after a part ejector has operated and a controller for comparing such actual image with an ideal image of the open mold with no part in the open mold. If a comparison of the actual image with the ideal image indicates that a part is no longer in the open mold, the controller outputs a close mold signal to close the mold and start injection molding of a new part. However, if the comparison indicates that the part is still in the open mold, the controller outputs an ejection signal to actuate the ejector to cycle again. This sequence continues until a comparison of an actual image of the open mold with the ideal image indicates that the part is no longer in the open mold.

Abstract: An improved golf ball injection mold is characterized by upper and lower support plates each containing corresponding hemispherical cavities which define spherical mold cavities when the plates are brought together. A plurality of retractable core pins are arranged in each cavity for supporting a core of a golf ball. A runner within the plates delivers fluid thermoplastic material to each cavity to form a cover on the golf ball core supported therein, and a cooling channel is provided adjacent to each cavity to provide even cooling of the thermoplastic material. Independently operated ejection assemblies are provided for the golf ball and for the residual thermoplastic material in the runner. With the improved ejection mold, the size and roundness of the golf ball and the surface configuration of the golf ball cover are more consistent and the molding time is reduced.

Abstract: A remover for an injection-molded article includes a front mold and a movable mold half connected to the front mold freely movable in a forward and backward direction and adapted to define an injection-molding cavity by association with the front mold. A detecting arrangement continuously detects a start time, a finish time, and a quantity of travel of the movable mold half. An ejector forces out a molded article at a mold-open finish position. A removing mechanism includes a grasping member for grasping the molded article. A control arrangement performs numerical control of the removing mechanism, so that when the detecting arrangement detects the finish time of the mold-open operation of the movable mold half, the removing mechanism moves the grasping member from a predetermined waiting position to a position for removing the molded article.

Abstract: The present intention intends to operate an ejector which carries out gate cut and product ejection in an injection molding machine, at optimal speeds, respectively. According to the present invention, a control unit for controlling hydraulic or electric drive means for operating one or more than one ejector pin comprises operation speed setting means for gate cut and another operation speed setting means for product ejection. Such a structure enables to carry out gate cut by operating an ejector unit controlled by an ejector unit operation speed setting means for a gate cut and, subsequently, to carry out a product ejection from metallic molds by operating the ejector unit controlled by another ejector unit operation speed setting means for product ejection. The ejector unit is set at a comparatively high operation speed for gate cut so that no gate trace will remain, and at a comparatively low operation speed for product ejection so that no cracks will be generated in the product.

Abstract: This invention relates to automating a process for manufacturing articles from plastic, particularly recyclable plastic waste. A lengthened separator head is flanged to a plasticizer to supply melting serially to several molds, by way of mold inlet shut-off mechanism. A preprogrammed control device monitors the filling of a respective mold by way of a pressure sensor in the mold. When the desired filling of the mold has occurred, the inlet shut-off mechanism is closed by the control device and another mold that is ready to be filled is filled with melting by the opening of the corresponding inlet shut-off mechanism at the another mold. In addition, the control device controls the locking and tightening of the mold as well as its opening and emptying.

Abstract: A cyclically operated injection plastic molding machine which contains a device for moving a mold insert into and out of a mold is illustrated. When the mold is closed, the mold insert is moved into it; but, before the mold is opened, the insert is removed from it. The machine also contains an electric eye device which senses the motion of a movable finger which is caused to move by the motion of an injected molded part formed by the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for "forming" (reshaping) plural dough balls on a conveyor including means for arranging the balls in a desired order on the conveyor. Included is a transfer conveyor with reciprocative end portion and funnel type means cooperating with ring means above a second conveyor for facilitating arranging the balls on the second conveyor and controls for the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved technique for use with a molding apparatus having a pair of separable mold elements and forming a mold cavity therebetween which includes a means for opening and closing the mold elements and a means for introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity at a first pressure and for exerting a second pressure on the moldable material as it cures in the cavity has been developed. The technique involves measuring the separating distance of the mold elements while the moldable material is being introduced into the cavity and integrating the separation distance as a function of time. When the integral value reaches a preselected value, the mold injection pressure is changed and the moldable material is allowed to cure within the cavity.

Abstract: A numerical control method and an apparatus therefor, in which a mold opening operation or an eject operation is performed during a metering operation so that the injection-molding cycle time is shortened. When a cooling period terminates or mold opening is completed during the metering operation, a programmable machine controller for sequentially controlling an injection-molding machine delivers information specifying a clamp axis or an eject axis, the displacement, moving speed, and moving direction of the axis, and a step feed command to a numerical control unit for controlling servomotors for axes of the injection-molding machine, through a common RAM. Pulse distribution for the clamp axis or the eject axis, based on this information, and pulse distribution for a screw rotating axis are alternately executed by a numerical control unit, which responds to the step feed command.

Abstract: A method for rotationally molding synthetic resin dolls using an automatic control mechanism, a mold holding mechanism, a robot mechanism having a mold cover opening and closing means, a mold releasing means for releasing a molded product from the mold, mold release detecting and cleaning means; a raw material charging means, and a heating and cooling means. The method includes detecting the mold release of the molds opened by the mold holding mechanism and cleaning the molds. Quantitatively charging a raw material of thermoplastic synthetic resin into the mold in a solid state and closing the cover. Inserting the mold into a heating furnace of a heating mechanism and rotating the mold to form a synthetic resin molten skin layer on the inner wall of the mold. Once the layer is formed the mold is moved into a cooling chamber of a cooling mechanism and the skin layer is solidified while continuing to rotate the mold. When the layer is solidified the mold is moved to the mold releasing unit.

Abstract: A plant for molding articles in polyurethane material; the plant comprises a plurality of motorized mold supporting carriages independently movable along a suspended monorail running along a production line. Each carriage comprises a mold supporting press for opening and closing a mold provided with independent pneumatic control means supported by the same carriage; the control means are connectable to a source of fluid under pressure in pre-established working positions along the production line; each carriage also comprises a drive unit connected to electrical power supply bus bar along the monorail and a peripheral control unit operatively connected to a central logic unit by dialogue conductors provided on the monorail.

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus and method in which extrudate is extruded into a sealed chamber which may be subjected to pressure variation such as a vacuum with the controlled shaping of the plastic being obtained by power driven rolls within the chamber downstream of the die. Because of the harsh environmental conditions within the chamber it is desirable that the shaping or forming rolls be driven by an externally powered source which will therefore be not subject to the pressure, vacuum, or other deliterious conditions found within the chamber. Moreover, because of the external position of the drive with regard to the chamber, the entire system need not then be shut down in order to open the chamber and make the required adjustments or repairs. The chamber is preferably the upper end of a barometric leg into which the extrudate passes. The upper end of the chamber is closed by one or more bulkheads which are movable toward and away from the upper end of the chamber.

Abstract: A press for compressing pulverulent materials into both concave and convex pieces includes a press frame, a die carying plate, upper and lower punches, holders for carrying the punches and control devices for controlling the displacement of the upper and lower punches. The press comprises also a first piston-cylinder device for controlling the displacement of the die carrying plate, a second piston-cylinder device fastened to the frame and supporting the die carrying plate, levers arranged above the die carrying plate and having one end pivoted to the frame and sliders slidable on the opposite ends are provided in the press. The first piston cylinder device acts on the other ends of the levers to exert thereon a pressure depending on the distance of the sliders from the other ends of the levers.

Abstract: One of two relatively movable platens of an injection-molding machine carries a housing in which a cylindrical cam with a generally helicoidal groove is rotatably lodged, the cam being rigid with a shaft disposed parallel to the direction of platen motion. A cam follower on the inner surface of that housing engages in the helicoidal groove whereby the shaft is rotated during relative reciprocation of the platens; a hub idling on the opposite shaft end, supported by a control box on the other platen, can be positively coupled to the shaft by a clutch in this box so as to rotate therewith. An elbow coupled with that hub, directly or through a carriage having a rack in mesh with a gear fixed to the hub, supports a pick-up head which in the engaged state of the clutch enters between two separated mold portions respectively carried by the platens for extracting a freshly molded workpiece from the mold or, possibly, placing an externally supplied insert in an empty mold cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing pressurized air discharged through positionable outlets is adapted to blowing core mark material from freshly molded, uncured concrete blocks of either the rib or flute type designed to be split or conventional unsplit blocks so as to prevent the core mark material associated with such blocks from being trapped and hardening in recesses or on surfaces of the blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing contaminant material or hung-up work pieces on mandrels, such as the core rods of injection blow molding machines, consists of a sensing member adapted to be moved through a programmed path corresponding to the bottom contour edge of the mandrel and to give an output responsive signal when any material or work piece remains on the mandrel and interrupts the programmed movement of the sensing member. Generally, one or more horizontally extending mandrels are checked by a sensing member linked through a connecting member with a cam following a cam track corresponding in shape and located below the bottom contour edge of the mandrel to be checked. In the preferred form of the invention, an injection blow molding machine includes an automatic stripper and checker, in which stripping fingers associated with the connecting member precede the sensing member and thus strip a preformed work piece off the mandrel simultaneously with the checker sensing member movement along the mandrel length.

Abstract: A vertical injection-molding machine with two overlappingly operating injection molds produces two sets of eight parisons each in staggered operating cycles. Each set of parisons is transferred by a respective carrier assembly, immediately upon the opening of the respective injection mold, into the vicinity of a blow-molding unit with eight cells in which the parisons are inflated into bottles during half an injection cycle. The transfer from the closely spaced injection cavities to the blow-molding unit is performed by several carriers moving over laterally diverging tracks whereby the parisons arrive at the blow-molding unit in pockets of these carriers already separated to the extent necessary for joint introduction into the eight-cell blow mold.

Abstract: A method of producing a light conducting fiber comprises the steps of providing a base member of an optical material such as glass or a synthetic glass-like material, depositing at least one optical material forming layer such as a glass forming layer or a synthetic glass-like material forming layer from a liquid phase on a surface of the base member and subsequently transforming each of the layers into a film of optical material such as a glass film or a synthetic glass-like film. The base member may be a glass tube and the optical material forming layers may be deposited on an interior surface and after the layers have been transformed into a film, the tube is collapsed into a rod and then subsequently drawn into a cladded light conducting fiber. In one embodiment of the invention, the base member is a rod and the layers are deposited on a surface of the rod which is subsequently drawn into a cladded light conducting fiber.

Abstract: Fluid concrete is provided to apparatus which shapes the concrete into a desired form and may stack the finished products for removal by an operator. A concrete receiving portion of the apparatus holds the fluid concrete and discharges selected amounts thereof into a vertically open mold. The mold and the fluid concrete therein are supported during filling by a forming table. A compaction member is inserted into the mold to distribute and compact the fluid concrete therein, after which the mold may be removed from the table and held for vertical movememt by a mold carrier. Withdrawable support plates at the bottom of the mold support the shaped product therein after the mold has been removed from the forming table, with these support plates being selectively withdrawn to allow release of the shaped product from the bottom of the mold. A shaped product stacker is provided beneath the mold in position to receive shaped products released therefrom, and to stack a plurality of such products.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming concrete building blocks which is constructed and arranged (1) to minimize sound emissions to the environment of a magnitude which might cause injury to the hearing of the operators, (2) to provide shielding around the major movable components of the machine so as to substantially eliminate potential causes of bodily injury to the operators, and (3) to improve the performance and cooperation of the major components for making concrete blocks. To provide shielding against noise and bodily injury, the frame of the apparatus is constructed in conjunction with sound insulation panels to provide an enclosure around the major movable components of the apparatus, and the frame also supports these components on internal surfaces thereof so as to minimize sound transmission openings to the environment.

Abstract: A plurality of groups of mandrels are arranged for movement successively through a plurality of workstations with each group being worked on at a station while other groups are being worked on simultaneously at other stations to produce continuously automatically groups of retractile cords. Cordage is fed from a supply into clamping engagement with each of the mandrels in the group in a cord-loading position and then wound in a plurality of spaced-apart convolutions on each of the mandrels of that group after which the wound cords are severed from the cordage supplies. The wound cords are advanced incrementally through a heating zone, wherein the cords are exposed to radiant heating supplemented by preheating of the mandrels while cordage is being wound on the next successive groups of mandrels.