Abstract: A manifold system (50) comprising a main manifold (56) with a plurality of arms (64), a plurality of sub-manifolds (52) spaced from the main manifold (56) and communicating with the main manifold (56) through a plurality of melt transfer bushings (68) disposed between the main manifold (56) and the sub-manifolds (52). The melt transfer bushings (68) may include static mixers (140) to homogenize the melt. An air plate (70) is disposed between a backing plate (58) preferably housing the main manifold (56) and a manifold plate (54) preferably housing the sub-manifolds (52). The air plate (70) has a plurality of air channels (74) that communicate with valve gate nozzle actuators (90), which are received in actuator cavities (72) in the air plate (70). The air plate (70) is bolted to the manifold plate (54), and the backing plate (58) is bolted to the air plate (70) with bolting patterns not constrained by location of the main manifold (56) or sub-manifolds (52). The manifold system (50), as shown in FIG.

Abstract: An injection molding shooting pot configured to be installed in a coinjection hot runner with a coinjection nozzle, the coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. The injection molding shooting pot includes a shooting pot piston having a proximal end and a distal end. A shooting pot piston extension is disposed at the distal end of the shooting pot piston, and is configured to dislodge a check valve moving element during a discharge cycle of the shooting pot piston.

Abstract: A manifold system (50) comprising a main manifold (56) with a plurality of arms (64), a plurality of sub-manifolds (52) spaced from the main manifold (56) and communicating with the main manifold (56) through a plurality of melt transfer bushings (68) disposed between the main manifold (56) and the sub-manifolds (52). The melt transfer bushings (68) may include static mixers (140) to homogenize the melt. An air plate (70) is disposed between a backing plate (58) preferably housing the main manifold (56) and a manifold plate (54) preferably housing the sub-manifolds (52). The air plate (70) has a plurality of air channels (74) that communicate with valve gate nozzle actuators (90), which are received in actuator cavities (72) in the air plate (70). The air plate (70) is bolted to the manifold plate (54), and the backing plate (58) is bolted to the air plate (70) with bolting patterns not constrained by location of the main manifold (56) or sub-manifolds (52). The manifold system (50), as shown in FIG.

Abstract: A valve stem has a reverse taper thereon used in an injection nozzle for a hot runner system. The valve stem is moved downward into a closed position, such that a valve stem tip plugs or blocks an opening in a gate area, thereby precluding molten plastic from exiting the injection nozzle. The valve stem is moved upward into an open position, thereby allowing molten plastic to flow from the injection nozzle. In the open position, the reverse taper seals a clearance between the valve stem and either a manifold bushing or valve bushing, thereby precluding stem leakage or weepage. The reverse taper has a diameter which is larger than an internal diameter of internal passage of the valve bushing or manifold bushing. The valve stem also includes a headless end.

Abstract: Coinjection molding shooting pot cooling apparatus and method are configured to cool a shooting pot cylinder which, in combination with a shooting pot piston, injects a melt through a coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. Preferably, a heat sink sleeve is disposed to contact an outer surface of a rear portion of the shooting pot cylinder. The heat sink sleeve is configured to remove sufficient heat from the shooting pot cylinder to increase the viscosity of the melt therein, thus reducing melt leakage between the shooting pot piston and the shooting pot cylinder.

Abstract: An injection molding shooting pot configured to be installed in a coinjection hot runner with a coinjection nozzle, the coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. The injection molding shooting pot includes a shooting pot piston having a proximal end and a distal end. A shooting pot piston extension is disposed at the distal end of the shooting pot piston, and is configured to dislodge a check valve moving element during a discharge cycle of the shooting pot piston.

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 method and apparatus for the installation of a mixer in a hot runner manifold is disclosed. An adapter plate is affixed to the manifold and directs the fluid flow through a mixer.

Abstract: A mixer method and apparatus for use generally in injection molding machines is provided. The apparatus and method is generally comprised of a mixer insert that retains a mixing element that is sealingly inserted in the injection molding machine, for example a hot runner manifold. The mixing element reduces the melt imbalances in a flowing melt stream for the formation of improved molded parts.

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 mixer method and apparatus for use generally in injection molding machines is provided. The apparatus and method is generally comprised of a mixer insert that retains a mixing element that is sealingly inserted in the injection molding machine, for example a hot runner manifold. The mixing element reduces the melt imbalances in a flowing melt stream for the formation of improved molded parts.

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: In an injection molding machine a mixer is provided that reduces the flow imbalances inherent in the melt. The mixer increase melt homogeneity by gradually mixing and changing the melt flow from all helical flow to all annular flow. The mixer provides an improved means for reducing flow imbalances that results in the elimination of weld lines and other part non-uniformities.

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: In an injection molding machine a mixer is provided that reduces the flow imbalances inherent in the melt as the flow branches within a manifold or other part of the injection machine. The mixer increase melt homogeneity by gradually mixing and changing the melt flow from all helical flow to all annular flow. The mixer provides an improved means for reducing flow imbalances that results in the elimination of weld lines and other part non-uniformities.

Abstract: A coinjection nozzle communicating with a mold cavity to form a multilayered article and an injection molding method are provided. The nozzle includes at least two flow channels communicating with an outlet, with each flow channel including at least one spiral groove that decreases in depth towards the outlet area to eliminate weld lines and dips in the resultant article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation of a mixer in a hot runner manifold is disclosed. An adapter plate is affixed to the manifold and directs the fluid flow through a mixer.

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

Abstract: A flow channel is provided in a nozzle housing for resin flow, said flow channel having an inlet area for receiving resin and an outlet area for transferring resin to a mold cavity. An elongated shaft extends in the flow channel. At least one spiral groove is provided in the flow channel facing the shaft that decreases in depth towards the outlet area.