Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can move between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can move between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

Abstract: An injection molding system for injection molding a plurality of molten materials into a mold cavity includes a nozzle, a drop tip supported by the nozzle, and a central bore extending through the nozzle and drop tip. The injection molding system also includes a first and second flow passage each extending through the nozzle, so as to define a first and second nozzle flow passage, and drop tip, so as to define a first and second drop tip flow passage. The first and second drop tip flow passages each include a plurality of branching portions each defining a junction at which the respective flow passage communicates fluidly with the central bore.

Abstract: A manifold for conveying injection molding material into a mold from a molding material supply and method for making same includes a main flow member having a central flow passage extending through the main flow member along a longitudinal axis of the main flow member. The main flow member also includes a plurality of branching passages each transverse to and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The main flow member has an outer surface that is generally round in cross sectional shape. The outer surface is machined so as to be generally round in cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A drop tip is provided for conveying injection molding material from a molding material supply into a mold. The drop tip has a body including an internal bore and a drop passage extending from the internal bore. The internal bore has an arcuate lower end terminating in a gate to prevent retention of molten material therein.

Abstract: A manifold for conveying injection molding material into a mold from a molding material supply and method for making same includes a main flow member having a central flow passage extending through the main flow member along a longitudinal axis of the main flow member. The main flow member also includes a plurality of branching passages each transverse to and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The main flow member has an outer surface that is generally round in cross sectional shape. The outer surface is machined so as to be generally round in cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A semi-automated computer-implemented method for designing manifold assemblies. The method can include receiving a number of design parameters for the design of a manifold assembly and applying the number of design parameters to a heater and zoning logic to generate a manifold assembly design.

Abstract: A manifold for conveying injection molding material into a mold from a molding material supply and method for making same includes a main flow member having a central flow passage extending through the main flow member along a longitudinal axis of the main flow member. The main flow member also includes a plurality of branching passages each transverse to and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The main flow member has an outer surface that is generally round in cross sectional shape. The outer surface is machined so as to be generally round in cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can move between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

Abstract: A manifold assembly of the type used for conveying plastic injection molding material from a central injection point or sprue to a number of mold cavities or to multiple points within one large mold cavity. The assembly includes an integral manifold and a plurality of nozzles extending radially outward therefrom. Insulating rings are disposed about the nozzles for inhibiting heat transfer between the nozzle and the core or cavity and a stainless steel locating ring is disposed between the sprue and a support member, which supports the assembly. The locating ring inhibits heat transfer from the sprue to the support member. Aluminum plugs are disposed at the terminal ends of the manifold and inhibit heat transfer from the terminal ends. Preload pads are removably secured to the manifold radially opposite the nozzles for insulating and supporting the manifold under pressure. Heater bands supply the heat to the assembly and the temperature of the plastic injection molding material is monitored by thermocouples.