Abstract: The present invention provides a composite nozzle cap having a first part made of metal and an outer tip of a polymeric material. The first part mechanically secures the nozzle into the nozzle housing by engaging the nozzle housing and pressing against a base flange on the nozzle to clamp the flange between the first part of the nozzle housing. The second part extends away from the nozzle housing and is mechanically secured to the first part. An inner face of the second part contacts the nozzle tip to prevent melt flow between the second part of the nozzle tip. An outer face of the second part contacts the gate insert to avoid melt flow between the second part and the gate insert. As the second part is of a polymeric material, it avoids the heat transfer concerns associated with a metallic interface between the nozzle tip and the gate insert.

Abstract: A molding arrangement is provided for multi-level stack molds wherein mold sets and runners are made up of modular sections interchangeable individually or as larger assemblies for exchanging molds for one part for those for different parts or exchanging runners between hot tip and valve gate designs to accommodate different molding arrangements. The arrangement has discrete melt paths for each mold level, at least some of which extend around rather than through the mold levels and which incorporate readily separable connectors. This enables one set of molds and possibly as well the runners for one mold level to be interchanged without interfering with the mold and runner arrangement for an adjacent level.

Abstract: An injection moulded part design which may be reflected in a part and the mould for making the part has a continuous alternating arrangement of thicker and thinner panels each extending from a gate area along a direction of flow to a transition line. Beyond the transition line the arrangement of thicker and thinner panels is inverted with the thicker panels continuing as thinner panels and vice versa along the direction of flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laterally movable lifting arm and follower which may be mounted adjacent a mold. The lifting arm is movable from a cap engaging position wherein it initially moves the cap away from the mold into the path of the follower. The cap is initially moved across the lid by lateral movement of the lifting arm. The follower is subsequently passed across the cap to lockingly engage the closure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite nozzle cap having a first part made of metal and an outer tip of a polymeric material. The first part mechanically secures the nozzle into the nozzle housing by engaging the nozzle housing and pressing against a base flange on the nozzle to clamp the flange between the first part of the nozzle housing. The second part extends away from the nozzle housing and is mechanically secured to the first part. An inner face of the second part contacts the nozzle tip to prevent melt flow between the second part of the nozzle tip. An outer face of the second part contacts the gate insert to avoid melt flow between the second part and the gate insert. As the second part is of a polymeric material, it avoids the heat transfer concerns associated with a metallic interface between the nozzle tip and the gate insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laterally movable lifting arm and follower which may be mounted adjacent a mold. The lifting arm is movable from a cap engaging position wherein it initially moves the cap away from the mold into the path of the follower. The cap is initially moved across the lid by lateral movement of the lifting arm. The follower is subsequently passed across the cap to lockingly engage the closure.

Abstract: A melt distribution system for a four-level stack mould which avoids the use of a central spruebar extending axially along the moulds. The melt distribution system incorporates leg manifolds for registering with an injection machine nozzle to divert melt radially outwardly from the injection machine nozzle. A first conduit extends from the leg manifold parallel to but axially spaced apart from a mould axis to a central distribution block. Melt is bifurcated in the central distribution block to respective crossover conduits extending from opposite sides of the central distribution block. The crossover conduits are generally parallel to but spaced apart from a mould axis. The crossover conduits fluidly communicate with first and second main manifolds in which melt flow is directed to respective injection nozzles.

Abstract: According to the present invention a coding plate is interspersed between first and second respective inlet and outlet cross over nozzle parts. The cooling plate engages ends of the cross over nozzles during mould filling and provides a melt transfer passage therebetween. Once the mould is filled, the cooling plate acts to dissipate heat from the melt transfer passage thereby promoting solidification of melt therein. Accordingly melt solidification in the sprue is assured with more certainty than prior art designs enabling relatively fax mould cycling with minimal risk of drool.

Abstract: A stripper assembly is provided for stripping a mold part from a core, extending from a core part of an injection mold where the core part has core lock wedges which is disposed thereabout for engaging a corresponding mold cavity and resisting outward movement of an outer edge of the mold cavity. The core lock wedges are spaced apart to provide respective openings between adjacent ends of the adjacent wedges. A stripper plate extends about the core and has acutator attachment regions extending through the openings.

Abstract: A molding apparatus has a pair of slide inserts which are laterally movable into and out of engagement with the other mold components. The lateral movement of the slide inserts is provided by a slide mechanism having a driving rack, a pair of drive pinions at either end of the driving rack, two pairs of driven racks and a plurality of slides connected to the driven racks. The driven racks of each pair are parallel and spaced from one another, engaging opposite sides of a pinion and thereby being driven in opposite directions by rotation of the pinion. The molding apparatus is more compact than conventional devices having slide inserts, eliminates the use of slide retainers, eliminates obstructions between the mold plates when the plates are separated, and can cycle faster than conventional devices.