Abstract: A plasticating unit having a channeled rotor rotating in an annular housing for processing plastic or polymeric material. The processed material is fed by a screw to a chamber which expands to receive a predetermined charge of material for injection into a mold.

Abstract: The output of a plastic or polymeric material processor is fed through a three-way valve to an expandable chamber in a barrel having a ram therein. When the chamber has a predetermined charge the valve is shifted to direct the output of the plasticator to an accumulator. Operation of the ram injects the material into a mold cavity and thereafter the valve shifts to direct the combined output of the plasticator and the accumulator to recharge the chamber.

Abstract: A plunger feed system for feeding stiff or thickened material into the injection unit barrel of an injection molding machine, minimizing the feed path of the material, to minimize the degradation of the fibers in the material. The system comprises a pair of pressurizable rams acutely arranged over an injection barrel, each ram also arranged perpendicular to the other, to facilitate the feeding operation and minimize material degradation.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading an injection unit of an injection molding machine by a stuffer apparatus wherein a uniform measure of plastic-like material is consecutively fed to the machine. The arrangement comprises a plurality of container units which are movable from a receiving position under a hopper to a discharge position over the injection unit of the injection molding machine wherein the material is rammed therein. As one of the container units is being emptied into the machine, another container unit may be filled, reducing time between successive loadings and unloadings thereof.