Abstract: A test strip, methods for making and using the test strip, and a kit are described, which allow for the simple and efficient determination of the acetaldehyde content in a polyester polymer. The strip and methods have application, for example, in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate preforms and containers, where existing methods for testing for acetaldehyde are cumbersome and time consuming.

Abstract: Film heater apparatus and method for heating a melt channel in a molding device includes structure and/or steps whereby a first dielectric layer is disposed on a surface of a substrate. An active heating element is disposed on the first dielectric layer, the active heating element being configured to generate heat to heat the melt channel. The active heating element has contact terminals arranged to support an electrical connection to the active heating element. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the active heating element, but not covering the contact terminals, thereby permitting coupling of the heater element to an electrical supply.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A test strip, methods for making and using the test strip, and a kit are described, which allow for the simple and efficient determination of the acetaldehyde content in a polyester polymer. The strip and methods have application, for example, in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate preforms and containers, where existing methods for testing for acetaldehyde are cumbersome and time consuming.

Abstract: A test strip, methods for making and using the test strip, and a kit are described, which allow for the simple and efficient determination of the acetaldehyde content in a polyester polymer. The strip and methods have application, for example, in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate preforms and containers, where existing methods for testing for acetaldehyde are cumbersome and time consuming.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A system for clamping an object, such as a heater, to a cylindrical member, such as a nozzle or a hot runner channel is described. The system has at least one deformable elastic member for applying a clamping force to the object so as to hold the object against an outer surface of the cylindrical member and an annular sleeve for compressing the at least one deformable elastic member and for directing the clamping force radially inwardly toward the cylindrical member. The deformable elastic member, in one embodiment, is formed by a spring member which surrounds the object and the cylindrical member. In an alternative embodiment, the deformable elastic member comprises a plurality of hollow tubes surrounding the object and the cylindrical member, which tubes are hollow, thin walled, and elastic. The annular sleeve is preferably formed from a material having a thermal expansion coefficient less than the thermal expansion coefficient of the material forming the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A sprue bar assembly for a melt transfer system for stack molds comprises a sprue bar and a sprue bar sleeve, a sprue bar and drool restrictor and sleeve or a sprue bar and drool restrictor. For the assemblies with the sleeve, when the stack mold is opened, the sprue bar slides inside the sprue bar sleeve which captures any leakage therefrom. When the mold is closed, the sprue bar sweeps captured leakage out of the sleeve to an area outside the mold. As the busing at the end of the sprue bar can contact the nozzle of the injection machine at a point very close to the edge of the fixed platen, the resulting minimum length of the sprue bar is reduced, reducing pressure losses through the sprue bar and reducing the cost of the sprue bar. The sprue bar sleeve can be fabricated from an insulating material to enhance the thermal characteristics of the sprue bar assembly and a scraper can be provided on the sprue bar to improve removal of captured material from the sprue bar sleeve.