Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, and a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane. The positioning assembly further includes a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly. The brake assembly is configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, and a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane. The positioning assembly further includes a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly. The brake assembly is configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, and a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane. The positioning assembly further includes a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly. The brake assembly is configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, and a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane. The positioning assembly further includes a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly. The brake assembly is configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet.

Abstract: A device for imparting vibrational energy to polymeric pellets in a feed path of an extruder is disclosed. The device includes a feed path vibrator having an elongate imparting portion for being disposed within the feed path of the extruder, and a transfer portion extending from the imparting portion. The transfer portion is configured for coupling to a source of vibration energy, and the elongate imparting portion includes at least one twisted portion along its length.

Abstract: An injection unit positioning apparatus is disclosed that includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes an angular positioning assembly that permits rotation of the injection unit through a sweep plane that extends from an axis that is perpendicular to an inlet surface of a mold. The positioning assembly also includes a linear positioning assembly that permits linear translation of the injection unit on the sweep plane, and the height of the outlet relative to the inlet surface remains substantially constant during rotation and translation of the positioning assembly.

Abstract: An injection unit positioning apparatus is disclosed that includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes an angular positioning assembly that permits rotation of the injection unit through a sweep plane that extends from an axis that is perpendicular to an inlet surface of a mold. The positioning assembly also includes a linear positioning assembly that permits linear translation of the injection unit on the sweep plane, and the height of the outlet relative to the inlet surface remains substantially constant during rotation and translation of the positioning assembly.

Abstract: A device for imparting vibrational energy to polymeric pellets in a feed path of an extruder is disclosed. The device includes a feed path vibrator having an elongate imparting portion for being disposed within the feed path of the extruder, and a transfer portion extending from the imparting portion. The transfer portion is configured for coupling to a source of vibration energy, and the elongate imparting portion includes at least one twisted portion along its length.