Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there are provided an auxiliary carriage combined with an auxiliary carriage actuator and a multi-stack molding machine incorporating same. For example, an auxiliary carriage for use in a multi-level molding machine is disclosed. The auxiliary carriage comprises a support structure configured to accept, in use, an auxiliary mold assembly; an auxiliary carriage actuator configured to be operatively coupled, in use, to the support structure, to a main carriage of the multi-level molding machine and to one of a fixed platen and a movable platen to actuate, in use, the auxiliary carriage in unison with the main carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed are molding-system platens, molding systems having molding-system platens, and/or a method of a molding-system platen.

Abstract: Disclosed are molding-system platens, molding systems that include the molding-system platens, and a method of a molding-system platen.

Abstract: Disclosed is, according to an embodiment, a molding machine has a clamp piston assembly that includes: (i) a body portion having a channel extending through the body portion, the channel including a pocket into which is mounted, in use, a first set of contact pads, the body portion being transmittable of a clamping force, and (ii) a clamp bushing being receptive of the clamping force from the body portion, the clamp bushing being lockably engagable with a tie bar, the clamp bushing having an external surface to which is mounted, in use, a second set of contact pads, the clamp bushing being locatable and rotatable within the pocket, the first set of contact pads and the second set of contact pads cooperate to define at least two fluid sealable chambers, and responsive to pressurization of fluid placed any one of the at least two fluid sealable, the clamp bushing is rotated so as to become lock engaged with the tie bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding multi-material parts. The mold has a plurality of first mold cavities interspersed alternately among a plurality of second mold cavities. A first molten material is injected into the first mold cavities and solidified. Cores with the first material are moved only one mold pitch to the second mold cavities where a second molten material is injected and solidified with the first material to form the multi-material parts which are ejected from the mold when it is opened. In one embodiment, cavities and cores are arranged in a column, and dummy cores on each end of a column of cores close off the injection nozzle in an end cavity from which a core has been removed for a molding cycle. In another embodiment, cavities and cores are arranged radially, and cores are rotationally moved one mold pitch with each molding cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding a hinged molded part in a molding machine. As a part-removal apparatus, preferably a swing arm mechanism, grips one of the lid portion or the base portion of the molded part and moves the molded part out of the mold, a deflector connected to a portion of the mold engages the other portion of the part and initiates folding of the lid portion to the base portion at the hinge. The deflector further folds the part as the mold closes. The portions of the part are pushed together and latched in one embodiment by the swing arm mechanism that grips and moves the molded part against the deflector, and in another embodiment by a closing actuator operated separately from the swing arm mechanism.

Abstract: A blow clamp for a blow molding apparatus having first and second platens movable between a closed and an open position. The blow clamp includes at least two clamping piston nuts secured to the first platen and respective tie bars secured to the second platen for registering with the clamping piston nuts. The tie bars are rotatable by an actuator between engaging and disengaging configurations. In the engaging configuration the tie bars are axially fixed relative to the clamping piston nuts. In the disengaging configuration the tie bars are freely axially movable relative to the clamping piston nuts. Means are provided to apply an axial closing force to the clamping piston nuts in which force is transferred to the tie bars through engagement with the clamping piston nuts in the clamping configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier assembly for supporting the mold center section of a stack mold. The carrier assembly has a pair of mold supports to which the mold center section can be attached. Each mold support is movable along a linear rail attached to the base of a molding machine and has at least one block containing a linear bearing mounted thereto for engaging the linear rail. Each mold support further includes a linkage assembly for connecting the mold support to other platens so as to synchronize movement of each mold support with movement of at least one other platen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drive system for rotatable members in molding machines. The drive system comprises at least one frameless, brushless electric motor having a stator mounted to the machine and a rotor directly coupled to the rotatable member. Each rotor is coupled to the rotatable member so that the axis of rotation of the rotor is concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drive system for rotatable members in molding machines. The drive system comprises at least one frameless, brushless electric motor having a stator mounted to the machine and a rotor directly coupled to the rotatable member. Each rotor is coupled to the rotatable member so that the axis of rotation of the rotor is concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member.