Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an injection molded product from a sprue/runner formed with the injection molded product in injection molds includes a product receiver underlying the injection molds for receiving the product after the molds have been opened and a sprue/runner receiver underlying the injection molds for receiving the sprue/runners after the molds have been opened. The product receiver and the sprue/runner receiver are positioned relative to the molds and relative to each other such that the product falls onto the product receiver while being precluded from falling into the sprue/runner receiver and the sprue/runners fall into the sprue/runner receiver while being precluded from falling onto the product receiver.

Abstract: A quick mold change arrangement positions and retains a mold tool in an operational mode in a mold press without the use of hydraulics. The tool is equipped with common quick change plates, and using an overhead crane is transported to the mold press and aligned in a vertical plane by rollers and guide rails. It is in its final alignment position when it rests on custom stop blocks and is retained by spring loaded clamp plates. The clamp plates are quickly seated by tightening screw-type fasteners with a tool such as an air impact wrench. The clamp plates prevent the mold tool from becoming mispositioned and damaged thereby or from creating a safety hazard. Horizontal tie bars in the mold press are also protected by the guide rails and rollers thereby preventing damage to these tie bars and resultant mold press down time.