Abstract: An injection molding machine ?10! for molding plastic parts by injecting a molten plastic through a plurality of valve gates ?31! into a mold cavity by reciprocation of a helical screw ?16!. A linear position sensor ?34! positioned on the machine to detect the position of the helical screw ?16! and control the opening and closing of the gates ?31! based on the detected position of the screw ?16!. A computer is in communication with the valve gates and the position sensor to monitor the position and activate the opening and closing of the valve gates ?31!. A pressure transducer is associated with the mold cavity and in communication with the computer ?32! as an alternate or additional method for controlling the opening and closing of the valve gates ?31!.

Abstract: An electric mold clamping mechanism containing a pair of clamping members is activated by an electric motor. The electric motor operates a threaded piston with acme threads which in turn operate a drive plate to extend and retract the clamping members. The clamping members are used to hold a mold plate in an injection molding machine. The clamping members are pivotally attached to a drive plate mechanism and have a surface which mates with a wedge cam to force the clamping member against the mold plate. The stroke of the clamping mechanism is regulated by an amperage draw on the electric motor. A limit switch is used to terminate the end of the retracting stroke. An indicator light is used to indicate the clamping position of the device.

Abstract: An electric mold clamping mechanism containing a pair of clamping members is activated by an electric motor. The electric motor operates a threaded piston with acme threads which in turn operate a drive plate to extend and retract the clamping members. The clamping members are used to hold a mold plate in an injection molding machine. The clamping members are pivotally attached to a drive plate mechanism and have a surface which mates with a wedge cam to force the clamping member against the mold plate. The stroke of the clamping mechanism is regulated by an amperage draw on the electric motor. A limit switch is used to terminate the end of the retracting stroke. An indicator light is used to indicate the clamping position of the device.