Abstract: Servo side shuttle apparatus and method for a molding machine includes structure and/or steps whereby a shuttle plate is disposed adjacent at least one of a first mold half and a second mold half of the molding machine. A guidance assembly is coupled to the mold half and guides the shuttle plate linearly across a molding face of the mold half. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the shuttle plate in a linear direction. An operation structure is coupled to the shuttle plate and is configured to perform an operation on a molded article disposed either in the mold cavity or on the mold core. The operation may include removing the molded article from a mold core, applying a label to a mold cavity, and/or closing the lid of a molded article while it is resident on the mold core.

Abstract: Servo side shuttle apparatus and method for a molding machine includes structure and/or steps whereby a shuttle plate has a portion always disposed inboard of a perimeter of a first mold half of the molding machine. Drive structure is preferably configured to drive the shuttle plate only in one plane across a molding face of the first mold half. A plurality of gripping structures are coupled to the shuttle plate and are respectively configured to remove a corresponding plurality of molded articles from a corresponding plurality of mold cavities (or cores). The drive structure is also configured to drive the shuttle plate to cause the plurality of gripping structures to be moved in a direction which is diagonal with respect to an array direction of the plurality of mold cavities (or cores).

Abstract: Servo side shuttle apparatus and method for a molding machine includes structure and/or steps whereby a shuttle plate is disposed adjacent at least one of a first mold half and a second mold half of the molding machine. A guidance assembly is coupled to the mold half and guides the shuttle plate linearly across a molding face of the mold half. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the shuttle plate in a linear direction. An operation structure is coupled to the shuttle plate and is configured to perform an operation on a molded article disposed either in the mold cavity or on the mold core. The operation may include removing the molded article from a mold core, applying a label to a mold cavity, and/or closing the lid of a molded article while it is resident on the mold core.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding a hinged molded part in a molding machine. As a part-removal apparatus, preferably a swing arm mechanism, grips one of the lid portion or the base portion of the molded part and moves the molded part out of the mold, a deflector connected to a portion of the mold engages the other portion of the part and initiates folding of the lid portion to the base portion at the hinge. The deflector further folds the part as the mold closes. The portions of the part are pushed together and latched in one embodiment by the swing arm mechanism that grips and moves the molded part against the deflector, and in another embodiment by a closing actuator operated separately from the swing arm mechanism.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in injection molding comprises a pair of spacers acting between the manifold and either a cover plate or a hot runner plate of an injection molding machine to apply a contact pressure between the nozzle body melt channel and the manifold melt channel to achieve a seal therebetween. The resilience of the spacers result in an increased operational temperature range for the nozzle assembly, the contact pressure being generated and/or maintained over the range of the operational temperatures. An additional advantage is provided in that the nozzle assembly is compact and can be closely spaced with similar nozzle assemblies to achieve center spacings as small as eight millimetres. The assemblies can be mounted and/or removed from the cavity of the manifold plate, and/or changing of the nozzle heater elements, without requiring removal of the mold from the injection mold machine.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in injection molding comprises a pair of spacers acting between the manifold and either a cover plate or a hot runner plate of an injection molding machine to apply a contact pressure between the nozzle body melt channel and the manifold melt channel to achieve a seal therebetween. The resilience of the spacers result in an increased operational temperature range for the nozzle assembly, the contact pressure being generated and/or maintained over the range of the operational temperatures. An additional advantage is provided in that the nozzle assembly is compact and can be closely spaced with similar nozzle assemblies to achieve center spacings as small as eight millimeters. The assemblies can be mounted and/or removed from the cavity of the manifold plate, and/or changing of the nozzle heater elements, without requiring removal of the mold from the injection mold machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a substantially flat article, such as a smart card, having at least one substantially flat edge. The apparatus includes a mold for forming the substantially flat article, which mold includes an inlet gate for allowing molten plastic material to flow into a cavity space defined by the mold. The apparatus further includes a source of molten plastic material, a passageway communicating with the inlet gate and the source of molten plastic material, and a blade or pin for pushing residual plastic material in the passageway into the cavity space formed so as to form a side edge for the substantially flat article having substantially no gate vestige. A method for manufacturing the substantially flat article is also described.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for injection molding particularly useful with multiple hot runner valve gates to fill a single large mold cavity. A hot runner injection nozzle is provided having a gate through which melt is injected into a mold cavity, and a valve stem is movable on the injection nozzle between an open position permitting flow of melt through the gate and a closed position blocking the flow of melt through the gate. The valve stem is movable to at least one position between the open and closed positions restricting the flow of melt through the valve gate.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in injection molding comprises a pair of spacers acting between the manifold and either a cover plate or a hot runner plate of an injection molding machine to apply a contact pressure between the nozzle body melt channel and the manifold melt channel to achieve a seal therebetween. The resilience of the spacers result in an increased operational temperature range for the nozzle assembly, the contact pressure being generated and/or maintained over the range of the operational temperatures. An additional advantage is provided in that the nozzle assembly is compact and can be closely spaced with similar nozzle assemblies to achieve center spacings as small as eight millimeters. The assemblies can be mounted and/or removed from the cavity of the manifold plate, and/or changing of the nozzle heater elements, without requiring removal of the mold from the injection mold machine.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a female mold and a mold core cooperating with the female mold to form a mold cavity therebetween in the mold closed position for the formation of a threaded, mold article therein. A movable, rotatable stripper ring is provided over the core, and means are provided to rotate the stripper ring from a rearward to a forward position and thereby remove the threaded article from the mold core by rotating same. A process for forming a threaded, molded plastic article is disclosed including molding the article in an injection mold and removing the article from the mold by rotating a rotatable and movable unscrewing means to rotate and remove the article from the mold core.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a female mold and a mold core cooperating with the female mold to form a mold cavity therebetween in the mold closed position for the formation of a threaded, mold article therein. A movable, rotatable stripper ring is provided over the core, and the stripper ring is rotated from a rearward to a forward position and thereby remove the threaded article from the mold core by rotating same.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a female mold and a mold core cooperating with the female mold to form a mold cavity therebetween in the mold closed position for the formation of a threaded, molded article therein. A movable, rotatable stripper ring is provided over the core, and a rack and pinion are provided to rotate the stripper ring from a rearward to a forward position and thereby remove the threaded article from the mold core by rotating same.