Abstract: In an injection molding machine, an apparatus for automatically controlling the movement of two or more valve pins wherein each valve pin is driven by a separately controlled fluid driven cylinder each cylinder being mounted on a heated manifold and being interconnected to a separate valve pin for effecting reciprocal movement of the valve pin wherein the reciprocal movement of the valve pin controls the flow of molten plastic being delivered through a nozzle which delivers molten plastic to a gate of a mold.

Abstract: An injection molding machine is provided that includes a manifold for distributing plastic melt flow to one or more mold cavities. The manifold has a flow channel having an output orifice surrounded by a lower outside surface, and is expandable upon heating. The injection molding machine also includes a nozzle comprising a body mounted in a receiving aperture in a stationary housing aligned with a gate to a mold cavity, the body having a central bore for delivering plastic melt flow from the channel in the manifold to the mold cavity, the body having an upper surface for engaging with the lower surface of the manifold. The body has a lip member comprising an outer leg circumferentially spaced from an inner body section of the body, the outer leg having a surface mounted against a mounting surface of a stationary housing.