Abstract: Alkali-swellable rheology modifier comprising a core-shell polymer comprising a core polymer and a shell comprising at least one shell copolymer layer at least partially cross-linked and containing a mole percent of crosslinking agent greater than the mole percent of crosslinking agent in the core polymer, provided if the mole percent of crosslinking agent in the core polymer is zero, then either the core polymer is greater than 60 wt % of the core-shell polymer; the core polymer comprises at least one associative monomer; at least one shell copolymer layer copolymer comprises at least one associative monomer; and/or the at least one shell copolymer layer that is at least partially cross-linked comprises greater than 3 mole% crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Software automation testing and validation are provided according to a system that runs automation tests using multiple lab machines and allows the testing to be performed before checking in the code to a version control system. Code changes in a build of the software are provided on a computing device. Automation tests are selected from a list of available tests. When indicated by a job queue, the changed code of the build is forwarded to lab machines allocated by an automation system. An image of the build from the computing device is generated on the lab machines and the automation tests are run against the build. A report is generated and forwarded back to one or more recipients that notifies of the success or failure of the automation testing.

Abstract: Provided are an arrangement for guiding a mold set relative to a hot runner in the molding system and a method thereof. For example, an arrangement for guiding a mold set relative to a hot runner, the mold set including a cavity half and a core half, the mold set and the hot runner for use in a molding machine, is provided. The arrangement comprises a guiding member disposed on the hot runner; a guided member disposed on the cavity half; the guiding member and the guided member configured to cooperate to guide the mold set relative to the hot runner in a first direction and, sequentially, in a second direction, the second direction traversing the first direction.

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: 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 away from the mold, a deflector connected to a portion of the mold engages the other portion of the part and initially folds the part 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 multi-function take-out plate for use in an injection molding system. The take-out plate comprises a plurality of holders and a plurality of selectively engagable adhesion points coupled to the take-out plate. Each of the holders is arranged to receive a molded article formed in and extracted from a respective cavity of a mold. The adhesion points are configured to pick up and temporarily hold linear arrays of molded articles for subsequent delivery and deposition. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of holders have a pitch separation corresponding to the pitch separation of the mold from which the molded articles are extracted. The adhesion points are arranged in an array such that the pitch separation of adjacent molded articles held by the adhesion points is less than the pitch separation in the mold.

Abstract: An injection molding system for the formation of molded articles with reduced crystallinity comprising a laser cutoff subsystem for the removal of an elongated vestige or sprue from the molded article.