Abstract: A guide for a manifold plug of an injection molding apparatus comprises a guide body projecting from an inner wall of the manifold plug diametrically opposing an inlet of a manifold plug channel formed in the manifold plug. The inlet is aligned with a manifold channel of a manifold. The outlet of the manifold plug channel is aligned with a nozzle channel of a nozzle. The inlet is at an angle to the outlet. A guide surface is provided on the guide body for abutting a downstream portion of a valve pin extending into the manifold plug channel. The guide also facilitates flow of a melt stream of moldable material through the manifold plug channel.

Abstract: An improved melt distribution system and method is provided for a multi-level stack mold having three or more moving platens. The injection machine communicates with a bifurcated sprue bar for providing pressurized melt through the first moving platen to a central distribution manifold in the second moving platen. From the central distribution manifold, the flow of pressurized melt is distributed to the first and third platens for transfer to a plurality of mold cavities.

Abstract: A drool control apparatus having a piston disposed in a melt passage of a mold. The piston is moveable between a bypass position, where pressurised melt is permitted to flow past the piston to at least one nozzle, and a compression position, where the melt downstream of the piston is decompressed to inhibit drool at the nozzle.