Abstract: An injection molding machine is provided including a first mold portion and a second mold portion, the second mold portion being movable relative to the first mold portion and together defining a mold cavity. The injection molding machine includes a fluid path extending through the first mold portion. The fluid path has an inlet fan gate portion in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The injection molding machine further includes a valve device disposed in the fan gate portion directly adjacent the mold cavity. The valve device is positionable in an opened position to permit flow of the molding material from the fan gate portion to the mold cavity and a closed position to obstruct flow of the molding material from the fan gate portion to the mold cavity. In the closed position, the valve device defines a wall surface portion for forming the molded part and thereby eliminating the need for a post-machining operation to remove the gate portion.

Abstract: An injection molding machine having a first mold portion and a second mold portion. The second mold portion being movable relative to the first mold portion and together defining a mold cavity. The injection molding machine includes a fluid path extending through the first mold portion. The fluid path has an inlet and a radially continuous, downwardly-extending, circumferential outlet in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The injection molding machine further having a valve ring movably coupled in the first mold portion. The valve ring includes a downwardly extending rim portion substantially disposed within the fluid path. The valve ring is positionable in a closed position where the rim portion engages the circumferential outlet to obstruct flow of the molding material from the fluid path to the mold cavity and an opened position where the rim portion is spaced apart from the circumferential outlet to permit flow of the molding material from the fluid path to the mold cavity.

Abstract: A gasket is provided having a body including at least one service aperture and an integrally formed sealing bead portion. In an embodiment, the sealing bead portion includes a first outwardly extending bead and a first concave channel opposite the first outwardly extending bead. The first concave channel is defined by a second outwardly extending bead and a third outwardly extending bead. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing bead portion includes an annular sealing member molded to the body, and the annular sealing member is opposite an outwardly projecting sealing bead. In a second alternative embodiment, the sealing bead portion includes an internal chamber filled with a pressurized gas. In a third alternative embodiment, the sealing bead portion defines a chamber filled a polymeric material.