Abstract: A device for division of a non-Newtonian liquid, for example a molten synthetic material, flowing through a passage (1, 21), and comprising a flow-conditioned viscosity decreasing outward in cross section in flow through a T-shaped passage branching (T) deflecting and dividing the liquid flow. In a first embodiment of the device, before the end of the supply passage (1), a partition (11) is installed in the passage branching (T) dividing the liquid counterflow from the supply passage (1) into two halves, the angular position of the partition (11) assuming a setting adapted to the distribution of the differentially viscous components of the liquid in the supply passage (1).

Abstract: A gate adapter for use in a hot runner co-injection molding system includes a hollow gate adapter body defining a gate outlet at a free end thereof. At least a pair of nozzle assemblies is disposed in the adapter body, each of nozzle assemblies having an inlet end in fluid communication with a source of liquid extruded material and an outlet end in the adapter body. At least a pair of nozzle passages is formed in the adapter body and extends from the outlet of the nozzle assemblies to a passage outlet adjacent the gate outlet. A valve stem is disposed adjacent each of the passage outlets and is operable to selectively allow flow from the passage outlets to the gate outlet. The nozzle passages extend for a short predetermined distance within the adapter body to minimize heat transfer.

Abstract: A two-piece hot runner manifold with plastic flow channels formed as recesses in the two mating surfaces. One or more mating structures, such as posts and sockets, ridge and groove configurations, or the like, are provided along the mating surfaces of the two mating manifold members. A bonding material, such as bronze, can be used to hold the two pieces of the hot runner manifold together. Cross pin members are preferred for use in securing the two mating manifold members together.

Abstract: A shutoff valve mechanism for a plastic injection molding system and process. The shutoff valve mechanism is positioned between the nozzle of the injection molding machine and the hot runner manifold. Force applied by the machine nozzle moves an inner body member in the shutoff valve mechanism and opens a valve allowing molten plastic material to flow through the valve and into the hot runner, sprue bushings, and mold cavities. A biasing mechanism, such as a plurality of spring washer members, returns the inner body member to its rest position, thereby closing the valve mechanism when the machine nozzle is retracted.

Abstract: An injection molding machine having a side-injection sub-assembly and a method for providing access to a hot passage distributor system therein. The injection molding machine includes a side-injection sub-assembly having an injection mold part and the hot passage distributor system. The hot passage distributor system is sandwiched between the injection mold part and a head plate by two or more bolt members, which attach the injection mold part to the head plate and are accessible from a side of the injection mold part. The injection molding machine further includes an ejection mold part for releasably mating to the injection mold part and defining a mold cavity.

Abstract: A hollow heating cylinder for attachment to an injection nozzle for an injection molding system. An elongated heating cartridge is spirally wound on the outside of the cylinder. The heating cartridge contains two electrically heatable heat conductors which are electrically separated from one another and are located in different regions in the longitudinal direction of the heating cartridge. One heat conductor is positioned for heating the mouth region of the nozzle and the other heat conductor is positioned for heating the shank region of the nozzle.

Abstract: Tool insert for the initial cut of a hot-passage nozzle for an injection molding machine, which tool insert (10) accommodates the anterior (tool side) part of a nozzle and is insertable in turn in a suitably dimensioned recess (21) of the tool (20), which tool insert (10) consists of an anterior cylindrical fitted part (11) having a flow passage (11a) and a receiving head (12) for the tip of the nozzle. At least two cavities (chambers) (23) separated from each other are present between the outer wall (12a) of the receiving head (12) of the tool insert (10) and the wall of the recess (21) in the tool (20), one of which cavities (23) communicates with the supply passage (31) for a coolant, present in the tool, and the other cavity communicates with the discharge passage (32) for the coolant, present in the tool. Also, at least one flow connection is provided between the two cavities (23), preferably located as far as possible from the openings of the coolant passages (31, 32) in the tool.

Abstract: A shutoff valve mechanism for a plastic injection molding system and process. The shutoff valve mechanism is positioned between the nozzle of the injection molding machine and the hot runner manifold. Force applied by the machine nozzle moves an inner body member in the shutoff valve mechanism and opens a valve allowing molten plastic material to flow through the valve and into the hot runner, sprue bushings, and mold cavities. A biasing mechanism, such as a plurality of spring washer members, returns the inner body member to its rest position, thereby closing the valve mechanism when the machine nozzle is retracted.

Abstract: Tool insert for the gate of a hot-channel nozzle for an injection molding machine, which tool insert connects to the front (tool-side) part of the hot-channel nozzle and in turn is capable of insertion into a corresponding recess of the tool. The tool insert consists of a front cylindrical fitting piece with flow channel and an accommodating head for the nozzle. The accommodating head is provided at its (per se cylindrical) outer surface with one or more projections capable of cutting, which in the radial direction have an extension that is greater than the radius of the accommodating bore provided in the tool for accommodation of the accommodating head of the tool insert. The projections capable of cutting are designed in such a way that, upon insertion of the tool insert into the said accommodating bore of the tool, a guide grooves are cut into the inner surface of the accommodating bore in the tool.

Abstract: A high-stress seal for injection molding machines, intended for sealing the gap between the injector nozzle and the injector rail of the tool. The seal in the ingate area is designed in a dome shape with an opening in the top of the dome for flux to enter. Correspondingly, the injector nozzles and the opposing wall of the injector rail of the tool have a dome-shaped design and are spatially adapted to the seal. This construction provides the seal with very dense, firm placement when the injector is pressed into the tool recess, and flux under high pressure cannot dislodge it.

Abstract: A two-piece hot runner manifold with plastic flow channels formed as recesses in the two mating surfaces. One or more mating structures, such as posts and sockets, ridge and groove configurations, or the like, are provided along the mating surfaces of the two mating manifold members. A bonding material, such as bronze, can be used to hold the two pieces of the hot runner manifold together. Cross pin members are preferred for use in securing the two mating manifold members together.

Abstract: A closed system for actuating an injector nozzle valve in an injection molding system includes an actuator having a supply line and a return line that is operable to move the injector nozzle valve between an open position and a closed position. The system includes a compressor having an outlet line and a return line, a return valve in fluid communication with the actuator and the compressor, and an accumulator in fluid communication with the compressor and the return valve. The return valve is operable to connect the compressor outlet line with the actuator supply line and the compressor return line with the actuator return line in a first position and the compressor outlet line with the actuator return line and the compressor return line with the actuator supply line in a second position in order to move the injector nozzle valve between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A hollow heating cylinder for attachment to an injection nozzle for an injection molding system. An elongated heating cartridge is spirally wound on the outside of the cylinder. The heating cartridge contains two electrically heatable heat conductors which are electrically separated from one another and are located in different regions in the longitudinal direction of the heating cartridge. One heat conductor is positioned for heating the mouth region of the nozzle and the other heat conductor is positioned for heating the shank region of the nozzle.

Abstract: Hot-channel distribution block for an injection molding system which conducts the melt from the injection molding machine through flow channels to injection nozzles connected to the molding tools. Melt chambers are positioned adjacent the flow channels to the injection nozzles. Movable thrust pistons are placed in the melt chambers and, when actuated, force the melt present in the melt chambers at the required pressure into the tool cavities and into the flow-channel sections leading to it. The melt chambers can be positioned adjacent the connection or junction of flow channels.

Abstract: Tool insert for the initial cut of a hot-passage nozzle for an injection molding machine, which tool insert (10) accommodates the anterior (tool side) part of a nozzle and is insertable in turn in a suitably dimensioned recess (21) of the tool (20), which tool insert (10) consists of an anterior cylindrical fitted part (11) having a flow passage (11a) and a receiving head (12) for the tip of the nozzle. At least two cavities (chambers) (23) separated from each other are present between the outer wall (12a) of the receiving head (12) of the tool insert (10) and the wall of the recess (21) in the tool (20), one of which cavities (23) communicates with the supply passage (31) for a coolant, present in the tool, and the other cavity communicates with the discharge passage (32) for the coolant, present in the tool. Also, at least one flow connection is provided between the two cavities (23), preferably located as far as possible from the openings of the coolant passages (31, 32) in the tool.

Abstract: Hot-channel distribution block for connection to an injection molding machine, to which hot-channel distribution block injection nozzles capable of insertion into a tool are fastened. At least one assembly centering pin, which is capable of introduction into an assembly centering hole in the tool and which projects farther in the direction of the tool than the injection nozzle projecting farthest in this direction, is fastened to the hot-channel distribution block.

Abstract: Tool insert for the gate of a hot-channel nozzle for an injection molding machine, which tool insert connects to the front (tool-side) part of the hot-channel nozzle and in turn is capable of insertion into a corresponding recess of the tool. The tool insert consists of a front cylindrical fitting piece with flow channel and an accommodating head for the nozzle. The accommodating head is provided at its (per se cylindrical) outer surface with one or more projections capable of cutting, which in the radial direction have an extension that is greater than the radius of the accommodating bore provided in the tool for accommodation of the accommodating head of the tool insert. The projections capable of cutting are designed in such a way that, upon insertion of the tool insert into the said accommodating bore of the tool, a guide grooves are cut into the inner surface of the accommodating bore in the tool.

Abstract: An injection mold apparatus having two halves, a core portion and a cavity portion. One or more gas injection devices, such as porous metal devices, are located in either of the two portions of the mold. Once a charge of hot melted plastic is injected into the mold cavity, gas is injected through gas injection devices forcing the hot plastic against the opposite mold half and into any recesses and grooves. Gas seals are formed by the plastic to prevent gas in the mold cavity from reaching the exterior surface of the molded part during shrinkage of the plastic. The centers of mass of the plastic at rib intersections are optimally positioned to eliminate sink marks on the external finished surfaces of the molded parts.

Abstract: A valve-gate mechanism for use with gas-assisted plastic injection molding systems. A moveable pin mechanism is positioned in a bushing or machine nozzle to regulate the injection of plastic material into a mold cavity. The pin mechanism has an outer pin member and an inner pin member. Movement of the inner pin member relative to the outer pin member allows gas to be injected into the plastic in the mold cavity. A spring member, such as a Belleville washer, biases the inner pin member to a closed position relative to the outer pin member. Gas pressure from the gas source overcomes the force of the spring member allowing gas to enter into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A gas assisted molding apparatus having gas introduced into the plastic charge as the charge is flowing into the mold cavity. The gas and plastic are simultaneously injected into the mold cavity and the gas can be introduced at the nozzle end or barrel of the injection molding machine. Optionally, the gas may be injected into a hot runner manifold or into the cavity itself simultaneously with the plastic. The apparatus includes a conventional gas injection mold, a source of inert gas, such as nitrogen, and an injection assembly. A common power source is used for both the injection of the plastic and the gas to assure simultaneous inflow of both the gas and the molten plastic at the same pressure.