Abstract: A method for taking a nozzle of a valve gated runner apparatus includes releasably attaching a valve pin to a movable part of an actuator for moving the valve pin between an open position and a closed position and detaching the valve pin from the actuator by moving the movable part of the actuator towards the open position when the valve pin is immobilized. The valve pin and the movable part valve pin may be releasably attached by a magnetic force. The step of detaching the valve pin from the actuator may be accomplished by overcoming the magnetic force. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins to be releasably attached to the actuator.

Abstract: A method for taking a nozzle of a valve gated runner apparatus includes releasably attaching a valve pin to a movable part of an actuator for moving the valve pin between an open position and a closed position and detaching the valve pin from the actuator by moving the movable part of the actuator towards the open position when the valve pin is immobilized. The valve pin and the movable part valve pin may be releasably attached by a magnetic force. The step of detaching the valve pin from the actuator may be accomplished by overcoming the magnetic force. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins to be releasably attached to the actuator.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for an injection molding apparatus, such as a hot half or hot runner, includes a first magnetic part for connection to an actuator, a valve pin plate, or the like and a movable second magnetic part for connection to a valve pin. The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part are coupled by a magnetic force. The first magnetic part can be part of the actuator. The second magnetic part can be part of the valve pin. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins.

Abstract: Breakable mechanical connections connect valve pins to an actuated valve pin plate of an injection molding apparatus. The valve pin plate can move the valve pins between opened positions and closed positions of associated mold gates. Each breakable mechanical connection can be independently or singularly destroyed or broken to free a respective valve pin from the valve pin plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hot-runner component includes providing a laser assembly, manufacturing a hot-runner component portion of a metallic material, introducing a property enhancing material to the hot-runner component portion, melting the property enhancing material onto the hot-runner component portion using a laser beam emitted from the laser assembly, and solidifying the melted property enhancing material on the hot-runner component portion.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes a mold having a hot half and a cold half, the hot half including a hot runner. A bus transceiver is located in the mold. At least one electrical device associated with the operation of the mold is located in the mold and electrically coupled to the bus transceiver. A controller for controlling the mold is located outside the mold. A bus line electrically couples the controller to the bus transceiver of the electrical device apparatus includes an injection manifold having an inlet and a melt channel.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material and delivering the melt stream to a mold cavity through a nozzle channel of a nozzle and a mold gate. A heater is coupled to the manifold. The heater includes a heater plate that is formed by an extrusion process and at least one channel for receiving a heating element.

Abstract: An injection molding hot runner nozzle and a method of making such a nozzle are disclosed that improves heat transfer along the length of the nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle body and a heating element located on an outer surface of the nozzle body having a form-fitting thermally conductive shroud that conforms to a profile of the nozzle and the heating element.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for an injection molding apparatus, such as a hot half or hot runner, includes a first magnetic part for connection to an actuator, a valve pin plate, or the like and a movable second magnetic part for connection to a valve pin. The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part are coupled by a magnetic force. The first magnetic part can be part of the actuator. The second magnetic part can be part of the valve pin. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a back plate, a driven pulley connected to the back plate and rotatable with respect to the back plate, a screw connected to the driven pulley to rotate with the driven pulley, a motor having an attached drive pulley, a belt or chain coupling the driven pulley and the drive pulley, a valve pin plate, a nut connected to the valve pin plate and mated with the screw, at least one valve pin connected to the valve pin plate, a manifold fixed with respect to the back plate, and at least one nozzle connected to the manifold. The valve pin extends through the nozzle to control flow of molding material. The screw can be a ball screw and nut can be a ball nut. The screw can have one portion connected to the driven pulley and another portion connected to a mold plate in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for an injection molding apparatus, such as a hot half or hot runner, includes a first magnetic part for connection to an actuator, a valve pin plate, or the like and a movable second magnetic part for connection to a valve pin. The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part are coupled by a magnetic force. The first magnetic part can be part of the actuator. The second magnetic part can be part of the valve pin. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins.

Abstract: An injection molding hot runner nozzle and a method of making such a nozzle are disclosed that improves heat transfer along the length of the nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle body and a heating element located on an outer surface of the nozzle body having a form-fitting thermally conductive shroud that conforms to a profile of the nozzle and the heating element.

Abstract: A valve pin actuating device for a hot runner apparatus includes a yoke plate coupled to actuators. The actuators are generally disposed at the ends of the yoke plate and are configured to move the yoke plate in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the valve pins. A deflection distributor apparatus is coupled to the yoke plate. The deflection distributor apparatus is connected to a first force distributor plate, to which the valve pins are connected. The deflection distributor apparatus includes a second force distributor plate and a third force distributor plate. Rods are disposed between the yoke plate and the third force distributor plate, between the third force distributor plate and the second force distributor plate, and between the second force distributor plate and the first force distributor plate holding the valve pins.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a back plate, a driven pulley connected to the back plate and rotatable with respect to the back plate, a screw connected to the driven pulley to rotate with the driven pulley, a motor having an attached drive pulley, a belt or chain coupling the driven pulley and the drive pulley, a valve pin plate, a nut connected to the valve pin plate and mated with the screw, at least one valve pin connected to the valve pin plate, a manifold fixed with respect to the back plate, and at least one nozzle connected to the manifold. The valve pin extends through the nozzle to control flow of molding material. The screw can be a ball screw and nut can be a ball nut. The screw can have one portion connected to the driven pulley and another portion connected to a mold plate in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for an injection molding apparatus, such as a hot half or hot runner, includes a first magnetic part for connection to an actuator, a valve pin plate, or the like and a movable second magnetic part for connection to a valve pin. The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part are coupled by a magnetic force. The first magnetic part can be part of the actuator. The second magnetic part can be part of the valve pin. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins.

Abstract: An injection molding hot-runner component comprising a tubular body defining a central passage and having an outer surface, an electrically insulated heater wire coupled to the tubular body, an external lead electrically connected to an end of the heater wire to form a connection, the external lead for connecting to an external power supply, and a terminal housing mounted to the outer surface of the tubular body, the connection of the external lead and the end of the heater wire being located within the terminal housing, wherein the connection extends in a plane that is generally parallel to tangential plane to the outer surface of the tubular body at the location of the connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating distinct zones in a mold that can be separately filled, particularly with different materials. A molded barrier is created within the mold and the mold is configured so that the barrier separates zones in a mold cavity. Different materials may then be injected into the separate zones to create a molded article constructed of multiple materials.

Abstract: The invention provides an injection molding nozzle or nozzle segment having a recessed terminal or terminal housing such that the radial profile of the nozzle or nozzle segment is reduced. Components of the nozzle or nozzle segment and injection molding apparatus having the nozzle or nozzle segment are also part of the invention.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes a mold having a hot half and a cold half, the hot half including a hot runner. A bus transceiver is located in the mold. At least one electrical device associated with the operation of the mold is located in the mold and electrically coupled to the bus transceiver. A controller for controlling the mold is located outside the mold. A bus line electrically couples the controller to the bus transceiver of the electrical device apparatus includes an injection manifold having an inlet and a melt channel.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source and delivering the melt stream to a nozzle channel of a nozzle. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel to receive the melt stream through the mold gate. A distribution assembly is located adjacent to the manifold. The distribution assembly includes at least one distribution member including a first conduit and a second conduit extending therethrough for transporting a fluid from a source through the distribution assembly and for returning the fluid to the source. A valve box is sandwiched between the distribution member and the actuator. The valve box controls the flow of the fluid between the first and second conduits and the actuator.