Abstract: An independent-stroke ejection system for an injection molding apparatus enables the motion of an ejector pin, or pins, to be controlled independently of the motion of the knock-out plates. The so-called independent-stroke ejector pin is mounted on an independent-stroke knock-out pin retainer rod which is alternately locked to and unlocked from the reciprocating motion of the knock-out plates. As a consequence, the independent-stroke ejector pin moves only during a portion of the reciprocating cycle of the knock-out plates, and does not advance and retract over an equivalent distance. While ejector pins are usually mounted on the knock-out plates, and reciprocate over an equivalent distance, the present invention enables one to uncouple the motion of an ejector pin from the knock-out plates for a portion of the reciprocating cycle.