Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically removing an annular grooved tread from an initially closed segmented mold is described. The segmented mold has an annular cavity and a central core, and has both an axial direction and a radial direction. The method includes the steps of withdrawing a first plurality of segments, restraining radial movement of the tread at a plurality of locations from which segments have been withdrawn, withdrawing a second plurality of segments, retracting the restraint, and then removing the tread from the core by using an axially movable annular ring located above the upper half of the mold. The annular ring includes a plurality of push off devices, each device having a spring loaded radially retractable tread pusher component.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for mounting on a cold runner block has a cooled housing with a bore and a nozzle member with a shaft portion mounted in the bore for rotation about a bore axis. A cap portion of the nozzle member is connected to the shaft portion and has a surface for positioning close to the mold surface of a mold member. A mold cavity in the mold member has a mold orifice in the mold surface for alignment with a nozzle opening in the surface of the cap portion. The nozzle opening is positioned radially outward from the bore axis and is rotatable into alignment with the mold orifice upon rotation of the nozzle member. A nozzle passage extends from the nozzle opening to the bore for communicating a fluid molding material to the mold cavity. A spring device may be disposed between the housing and the nozzle member to urge the surface of the nozzle member towards the mold surface. A ball member with a flat sealing surface may be mounted in a spherical recess in the surface of the cap portion.