Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing an integral one-piece catheter having a tube and a hub. A mold having a mold cavity into which molten polymer is fed to form the hub and tube, and into which gas is injected into an inlet of the mold.

Abstract: A tool for multi-component injection molding of plastic toothbrush bodies 4 for toothbrushes has two tool halves 1, 1′ which can be opened and closed. In one tool half 1 a linearly movable transfer device 6 is arranged. The hollow mold spaces 2 for injection molding the first component are formed exclusively by the two tool halves 1, 1′. For transferring the injection-molded blanks (3) in the second station, the transfer device 6 moves into the area of the injection-molded blanks 3, picks them up by vacuum suction cups 11, and transfers the injection-molded blanks 3 by linear movement into the second station.

Abstract: An injection molding machine for the manufacture of injection molded items, especially toothbrush bodies or toothbrushes, wherein the injection molding machine includes a mold-containing injection die (1) and an injection unit (2), especially with a screw-piston extruder or a similar material transport system. Distribution or transport channels lead from the injection unit (2) forming a distribution channel arrangement (4) to the individual mold cavities (5). One or more feeds (10) are located on the distribution channels and/or the mold cavities for at least one additive, for instance, a liquid color.

Abstract: A system and process for gas-assisted injection molding of plastic materials using gas holding pressure in the mold cavity. An infinitely controlled gas pressure valve is utilized to provide initial pressure in a sealed mold and the gas is vented to a prespecified pressure when plastic is injected into the mold cavity. Additional gas is injected into the plastic material from a gas pin assembly in order to force the plastic to completely fill the mold cavity and to provide a hollow cavity in the completed part. Once the injection molding process has been completed and the part has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the completed plastic molded component or part is removed or ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for the injection molding of plastic material, comprising a mold (7) into which molten plastic material is introduced, wherein there is provided a device for introducing liquid, in particular water, into the interior of the molten material, which includes a pump (3) driven by a motor (4), wherein the speed of rotation of the motor (4) and/or the stroke volume of the pump (3) is variable.

Abstract: A blow molding mold assembly includes a first mold having a recess for receiving a dye permeable member therein. A second mold is located under the first mold and a mediate mold is clamped between the first mold and the second mold. A connection pipe assembly extends through the first mold and communicates with the dye permeable member so as to let dye attached on the material located on the mediate mold via the dye permeable member.

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: An integral injection molding and in-mold coating arrangement apparatus including a frame, a first mold member fixedly secured to the frame and a second mold member movably secured to the frame for selective movement relative to the first mold member. The second mold member is movable to a closed position adjacent the first mold member for forming a mold cavity. A first composition injector is secured to the frame for selectively injecting a first substrate composition into the mold cavity to form a molded article therein. A second composition injector is secured to one of the first mold member and the second mold member for selectively injecting a second coating composition into the mold cavity and onto the molded article to in-mold coat the molded article. Controls are disposed on the frame for adjustably controlling injection parameters for injecting said first composition and injection parameters for injecting said second composition.

Abstract: A new die insert for an extrusion machine and a method of using the invention that includes a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing material to be statically drawn directly to the center of the molten flow of polymer base matrix is provided. The insert is placed in line with the discharge end of an injection molding apparatus. A molten flow of polymer base matrix proceeds in a straight linear fashion through the die. A fiber feed tube is centered on the interior of the die. As the polymer flows past the feed tube the molten polymer draws a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing into the center of the flow. The polymer is then extruded and cooled and the extrusion is further pelletized to produce injection molding feed stock material having continuous fiber reinforcing. The result provides a continuous extrusion process that allows the formation of a continuous fiber-reinforced product employing brittle fibers in one-step process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-tip extrusion apparatus and design methodology whereby a single extrusion head having approximately co-planar, fixed-position dispensing tips is used in a three-dimensional modeling machine to deposit multiple types of materials from distinct material supply sources. The tips are spaced apart a distance great enough so that a road of material extruded by a leading one of the tips will cool and shrink from the plane of the tips so that it is not smeared by contact with a trailing one of the tips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas purging block for use with injection molding and die casting systems, which includes a stationary-side block adapted to be removably mounted to a stationary-side mold half of the injection molding or die casting system, and an ejector-side block adapted to be removably mounted to an ejector-side mold half of the injection molding or die casting system. At least one of the stationary-side block and the ejector-side block includes a pair of channels extending through the block adapted to selectively function as conduits for cooling fluid and as mounting bores for mounting the block to the respective mold half.

Abstract: A system for the spray forming manufacturing of near-net-shape molds, dies and related toolings, wherein liquid material such as molten metal, metallic alloys, or polymers are atomized into fine droplets by a high temperature, high velocity gas and deposited onto a pattern. Quenching of the in-flight atomized droplets provides a heat sink, thereby allowing undercooled and partially solidified droplets to be formed in-flight. Composites can be formed by combining the atomized droplets with solid particles such as powders, whiskers or fibers.

Abstract: A measuring unit is removably connected to a sample analyzer. The measuring unit includes a first member having a first channel through which a sample is allowed to pass, a second member having a second channel through which the sample is allowed to pass, and a partition member having a through-hole through which the sample is allowed to pass from the first channel to the second channel. The partition member includes a base having the through-hole and a projecting portion which projects from the base around the through-hole.

Abstract: A system and process for gas-assisted injection molding of plastic materials using gas holding pressure in the mold cavity. An infinitely controlled gas pressure valve is utilized to provide initial pressure in a sealed mold and the gas is vented to a prespecified pressure when plastic is injected into the mold cavity. Additional gas is injected into the plastic material from a gas pin assembly in order to force the plastic to completely fill the mold cavity and to provide a hollow cavity in the completed part. Once the injection molding process has been completed and the part has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the completed plastic molded component or part is removed or ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus, mounted to a mold, for injecting air into a mold cavity and removing exhaust from the mold cavity, comprising: a blow cylinder body block mounted to the mold having a conduit to the mold cavity, wherein the blow cylinder body block comprises an insulator and the conduit has walls; a needle passing through the blow cylinder body block and the conduit, wherein the needle is connected to a piston, wherein the needle has a needle passage, and wherein compressed air is applied to the piston to extend the needle into the mold cavity and retract the needle from the mold cavity; and an insulator between the needle and the conduit walls.

Abstract: It is provided an apparatus for injection molding articles of plastics material comprising: molds (2a) and countermolds (2b) forming molding units (3), molding cavities (7) being defined inside said molds and countermolds; one injection assembly (8) and one auxiliary assembly (9) adapted to respectively supply melted plastics material and pressurized fluid into the molding cavities; molding units (3) being movable with respect to said injection assembly (8) and auxiliary assembly (9); and removable connecting devices (12, 8a), and check means (20) adapted to avoid counter flows from molding cavities (7), being provided between molding units (3) and injection assembly (8) and auxiliary assembly (9).

Abstract: A mold flow pin that is a cylindrical element and includes first and second ends. The first end is attached to an ejector plate of an injection mold. The second end of the cylindrical element is disposed near a gate opening of a mold cavity. The second end includes flow modifying geometry formed on the cylindrical element. The flow geometry is designed to increase a mass of plastic material near the gate opening. The geometry also reduces the injection pressure of the plastic material and increases a flow rate of plastic material into the mold cavity when compared with conventional injection molding gate orifices.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing hollow handled toothbrushes is disclosed. The process includes; a) providing a toothbrush mold having a head portion, a base portion, a toothbrush cavity located between said head and end portions and having walls, an injection port for molten plastic, and a gas injection port, wherein the gas injection port is positioned in the end of the base portion of the mold so that gas is injected into the mold cavity substantially centrally thereof and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mold; b) injecting a predetermined amount of a molten plastic into the mold cavity to partially fill the cavity; and c) injecting at least one gas through the gas injection port into the cavity to direct the molten plastic against the walls of the mold cavity.

Abstract: An injectio mold is provided which has a cavity plate, and a core plate. There are one or more insert slots in the cavity plate and the core plate. Each insert slot is capable of receiving an insert. The cavity plate and the core plate also have guide means thereon, which guide means are constructed and arranged so that, in use, an insert may be engaged with the guide means and moved along the guide means to the isnert slot.

Abstract: A self cleaning pin for a fluid assisted injection molding apparatus that includes a pin body with a fluid passage and a shaft member. The shaft member is positioned in the pin, and is reciprocable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein reciprocation of the pin drives intruding plastic from the end of the pin body. In its retracted position, a tip portion rests against a substantially mating seat, and provides continuous fluid communication between the fluid passage and a mold cavity. The pin also provides adjustable biasing means, the biasing means continuously biasing the pin toward its retracted position. A shaped recess is included in the end of the shaft member, and can be utilized to manually rotate the pin relative to a tensioning member threadedly received on the shaft member, thereby adjusting the biasing force.

Abstract: A manufacturing device for a synthetic resin hollow molded body molds a first split assembly member, a second split assembly member, and a third split assembly member by a first injection, and joints each of contact portions of the three members with a corresponding contact portion by a second injection. The manufacturing device includes an ejecting mechanism which moves the second split assembly member in a die opening/closing direction, a rotating mechanism which rotates the third split assembly member around a shaft center in the die opening/closing direction, and a sliding mechanism which slides the second split assembly member and the third split assembly member in a direction perpendicular to the die opening/closing direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for injection molding thermoplastic molded parts, having at least one cavity. The method comprises the following steps: a) injecting thermoplastic melt from an injection unit along a melt flow path into the cavity of an injection molding tool; b) injecting a fluid into the still liquid plastic material, so that the plastic material is pressed against the walls of the cavity; c) allowing the plastic material to cool until it forms the self-supporting molded part; and d) removing the molded part from the cavity of the injection molding tool.

Abstract: A support for a web forming machine which allows for vertical adjustment of a web forming belt with respect to at least one die head positioned above the web forming belt, and allows for tilting of the web forming belt. The support allows linear motion along a y-axis defined by a length of a guide shaft while preventing linear motion along a x-axis and a z-axis, e.g. the two axes perpendicular to the y-axis. Further, the support allows rotational or axial motion about the x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis but prevents rotational or axial motion about the y-axis and the z-axis.

Abstract: A process for injection molding of molded parts made from thermoplastic plastic material having at least one cavity, which includes: a) injection of thermoplastic plastic melt from an injection unit along a melt flow path into the cavity of an injection-molding die; b) injection of a fluid into the still molten plastic material, so that the latter is pressed against the walls of the cavity; c) allowing the plastic material to cool until the latter forms the molded part in self-supporting manner; and d) releasing the molded part from the cavity of the injection-molding die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an resin molded article, which is molded, using at least a first resin material and a second resin material having substantially no compatibility with one another, by an insert molding or a two-color molding to be in a state where a first member and a second member are incorporated. A clearance is produced between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A low profile cable tie, preferably a two-piece cable tie, has a low profile locking head with a lateral strap accepting channel and a strap preferably molded with a right angle bend that is retained in this state during non-use. The cable tie has a clean exterior appearance, including a top surface free of openings and a smooth lateral opening. With this cable tie, a strap accepting channel is provided in the locking head that is substantially parallel to a strap attachment axis. The strap accepting channel divides the locking head into a first part, which is secured to the strap, and a second part which contains a locking device. By providing the locking device on the second part, the first part can be made thinner, allowing the strap accepting channel to be closer to the cable bundle being tied.

Abstract: An ejector pin of an injection mold includes a sleeve, a valve structure, and a biasing member. The sleeve has a passage hole and an enlarged hollow portion, which communicate with each other via a stepped portion engaged therebetween. The valve structure has a valve portion and a collar portion, which are disposed in the sleeve. The collar portion of the valve structure is biased by the biasing member such as a spring and stopped by the stepped portion. Gaps interposed between the valve structure and the sleeve serve as a gas passageway through which gas in a molding cavity is exhausted by a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compressing and processing a mat of lignocellulose material into the form of a board are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of compression rolls, at least one of which has a perforated shell surface, a channel within that roll for injecting a processing medium into the mat through a restricted sector of the roll, a processing medium supply for the channel including a slide shoe which is sealingly attached to one end of the roll, and the channel includes a number of channels associated with portions of the axial width of the roll so that the processing medium can be supplied through step-wise variable portions of the width of the roll.

Abstract: A flow deflector apparatus and method in an injection molding system which transitions a flowing medium around an obstruction, said flowing medium exhibiting reduced stagnation points and substantially uniform flow characteristics downstream of the obstruction.

Abstract: A mold runner for a runner or sprue type injection molding apparatus. The mold runner allows the passage of a substrate material from an injection source into a mold cavity and contains a containment shroud which utilizes the relative incompressibility of the substrate material in the containment shroud which prevents an in-mold coating, which is injected into the mold cavity in a subsequent step, from flowing into the injection substrate source thereby contaminating the same.

Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controlling injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for gas-assisted injection molding having a nozzle body, a shutoff pin, a helical spring, a spring guide and a gas-injection valve assembly. The nozzle assembly is a simple design including minimal components, thereby resulting in ease of maintenance and reduced cost. The nozzle assembly is self-actuating, using direct resin pressure to open the nozzle assembly, thereby enabling the flow of molten resin through the nozzle and into a mold cavity. After injection of the molten resin, the helical spring automatically engages the shutoff pin thereby closing the nozzle assembly to prevent backflow. The gas-injection valve assembly is similarly self-actuating such that minimal operator supervision is required to operate the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of a moulded detail in a gas assisted moulding process, wherein molten polymer (23) is injected into the mould cavity (21) of a moulding tool, pressurized fluid (25) is supplied to the mould cavity through at least a first opening (22) to form a cavity (26) in the polymer and force the polymer towards the inner walls of the mould cavity, pressurized fluid (27) is thereafter supplied to the mould cavity through at least a second opening (24) localized remotely front said first opening to form a passage (28) through the polymer to said cavity, the polymer is cooled, pressurized fluid is removed and the mould cavity is opened to remove the moulded detail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing patterned compound food products that realizes production, by simple control, of food products having a surface color pattern, enclosing a food material of a taste different from that of the food material forming the outer section, and having excellent appearance without seams on the surface. The method includes: (A) pouring predetermined amounts of at least two kinds of fluid food materials of different colors for forming the outer section into a cavity of a mold to obtain a preshaped product in a substantially fluid state held in the cavity shape; (B) inserting a nozzle into the preshaped product; (C) injecting a predetermined amount of fluid filling material for forming the inner section through the nozzle into the preshaped product; (D) drawing the nozzle out of the preshaped product; and (E) solidifying, after (D), at least the fluid food materials in the cavity.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided that comprises a molding tool having a mold cavity, a source of pressurized gas, and a nozzle with a reciprocable pin, the pin valving gas injection into the molding cavity. A gas valve is positioned adjacent the nozzle, the gas valve selectively connecting the gas source with the nozzle. A nozzle having a reciprocable member for valving fluid injection in an injection molding apparatus is also provided. The nozzle includes a seal comprising a compressible elastomeric member and a sleeve, the reciprocable member slidable in the sleeve. Compression of the elastomeric member deforms the sleeve, creating a fluid seal with the reciprocable member.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method for multi-layer molding of preforms and closures has a central melt channel, an annular melt channel radially spaced from the central melt channel, and an annular ring channel surrounding the central melt channel. The central melt channel has a first portion for flow of a first material, a second portion for flow of the first material and a second material, and a flow extension connecting the first portion and the second portion. The flow extension has a flow opening in communication with the annular ring channel for flow of the second material. The apparatus and method also include a cavity for receiving flow of the first material and the second material from the central melt channel, and for receiving flow of the first material from the annular melt channel. In addition, the apparatus and method include a melt passage having a first melt portion in communication with the central melt channel, and a second melt portion in communication with the annular melt channel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plasticating machine for the working and forcing of plastic material into a mold, said machine including an elongated housing having a first or proximal end and a second or distal end, an elongated screw shaft with a screw flight therearound, the screw shaft being rotatably supported in the elongated housing, for the working of plastic between the screw shaft and the elongated housing with at least one delivery conduit generally longitudinally arranged through the screw shaft, from a proximal end to a distal tip end thereof. The conduit may be arranged to be movable with respect to the screw shaft to permit delivery of a medium through the screw shaft to any plastic being driven from the machine. The medium may be any single or combination of components selected from the group comprising vapor, liquid, gas, powder or solid, to control the machine or treat any plastic being driven therefrom.

Abstract: A solid imaging printer for generating colorized three-dimensional models is disclosed. The solid imaging printer comprises a printerhead assembly having a plurality of compartments, at least one of the compartments receives a model building material from an attached conduit, and each of at least three of the compartments retains a differently colored model building material for applying substantially to a surface of a model generated by the solid imaging printer. The solid imaging printer also comprises a controller for directing an application of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials for generating the model by a successive layering of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials. The controller accesses model defining information and directs each of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials to be jetted from the compartments on to the model as it is being generated.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method for multi-layer molding of preforms and closures has a central melt channel, an annular melt channel radially spaced from the central melt channel, and an annular ring channel surrounding the central melt channel. The central melt channel has a first portion for flow of a first material, a second portion for flow of the first material and a second material, and a flow extension connecting the first portion and the second portion. The flow extension has a flow opening in communication with the annular ring channel for flow of the second material. The apparatus and method also include a cavity for receiving flow of the first material and the second material from the central melt channel, and for receiving flow of a third material from the annular melt channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes and an apparatus for injection-molding an article with a fluid channel formed therein. The process includes providing at least first and second resin streams within a mold cavity, causing the flow fronts (16) of the resin streams to meet at a longitudinal point in the mold cavity to form a first layer of solidified resin on a peripheral surface of the mold, the first layer having a knit line (20) at the longitudinal point where the resin streams meet; and introducing a fluid into the molten resin in the mold to form a fluid channel (50) and a second layer (32) of solidified resin, the second layer between the fluid channel and the first layer of solidified resin, wherein the second layer is devoid of a knit line at the longitudinal point in the mold cavity where the first and second flow fronts meet.

Abstract: A flash curing system for solid freeform fabrication which generates a plurality of radiation emitting pulses that forms a planar flash. The planar flash initiates curing of a curable material dispensed by a solid freeform fabrication apparatus. The radiation emitting pulses have a high peak power value that releases a sufficient quantity of free radicals from the photoinitiator to initiate curing and overcome the problem of oxygen inhibition. Substantially less power is consumed and less heat generated by the flash curing system compared to conventional continuous emission curing systems.

Abstract: A process for injection molding a composite of rigid thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic, the soft thermoplastic including a cavity established with pressurized assist gas or an assist liquid. The process includes the steps of: injecting a hard molten thermoplastic into a first mold chamber; injecting a soft molten thermoplastic into a second mold chamber; establishing communication between the first chamber and the second chamber so that the rigid thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic integrally bond; and injecting an assist fluid into the soft thermoplastic to form a cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the formed composite is an automotive cowl where the rigid thermoplastic forms the rigid body portion of the cowl and the integrally bonded soft thermoplastic forms a compressible bulb seal.

Abstract: An air injection valve assembly includes an actuator and a valve section. The valve section generally includes a valve body and a valve stem movable therein. The valve stem includes a valve head which mates with a valve seat when in the closed position. A valve head facing surface of the valve head is manufactured to be completely flush with a valve seat facing surface of the valve seat. The facing surfaces are preferably contoured to exactly match the interior contour of the mold cavity. When in the closed position the valve head blends into the mold cavity and thus minimizes the chance of a blemish being formed on the molded article.

Abstract: The object of the invention is, in integrating two or more types of resin materials having different compositions or tones in a mold, thus molding a multi-color, multi-material molded article, to increase the strength of the bonding surfaces of the resins. To achieve this object, this invention provides an injection molding method of injecting two or more types of resin materials having different compositions or tones into a mold, thus producing a molded article in which the two or more types of resin materials are bonded. Convexo-concave shapes are formed on the bonding portions of the two or more types of resin materials.

Abstract: A kneading device kneads a main raw material of high viscosity and a secondary raw material of liquid or powder and continuously delivers a kneaded raw material obtained, and a ropesizer includes a sheet forming unit, and a delivering unit applies a second raw material onto a first raw material, which is elongated into a sheet shape and is conveyed by the sheet forming unit, so as to be in a strand form.

Abstract: An apparatus for injection molding two compatible polymeric materials, in which two substantially coaxial extrusion screws are used to plasticize the two materials into a common accumulation space. The charge comprising multiple layers of material is then injected into a closed mold by means of forward axial motion of the outer screw with respect to its enclosing barrel. Once inside the mold, the first material forms a skin layer totally or partially surrounding the other material. In this way a part having a plurality of material properties may be produced in a single operation.

Abstract: A method for the injection-molding of products made of at least two different materials, consisting, in a first step, in injecting into a mold a first material in an amount that corresponds to the lining of only a surface portion of the mold and, in a second step, in injecting at least one second material in order to lay at the inner portion of the mold lined by the first material and the remaining surface portion of the mold.

Abstract: Composite structural members, methods, and apparatus for making the same are described. The composite members are formed by resistive heating of the composite material using an electric current with sufficient voltage through the composite. The resistance of the composite material creates an energy loss in the form of heat, melting the matrix of the composite material and allowing the composite material to be shaped in any desired manner.

Abstract: There is provided an in-mold foam molding apparatus affording a significantly simpler design for a molding apparatus capable of molding molded portions comprising bead starting materials having different properties into a unitary molded article, and effectively preventing various drawbacks associated with the provision of partitioning members; and an in-mold foam molded article devoid of flash projecting from its visible surfaces.