Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.

Abstract: Platen-mounted, post-mold cooling apparatus and method includes structure and/or steps for handling molded parts in an injection molding machine having a fixed platen, a moving platen, a core half, and a cavity half. A take off device coupled to the fixed platen is configured to remove molded parts from either the core half or the cavity half. A cooling device coupled to the moving platen is configured to cool the molded parts carried by the take off device. Preferably, the take off device extracts the just molded parts from the mold's core half and then moves linearly outboard of the mold halves. The subsequent movement of the moving platen to close the mold in the next molding cycle causes the cooling device's pins to engage the molded parts in the take off device part carriers. When the moving platen opens again, the molded parts are extracted from the part carriers by the cooling device pins. When the moving platen is fully open, the cooling device is rotated to eject the cooled parts from the machine.

Abstract: Platen-mounted, post-mold cooling apparatus and method includes structure and/or steps for handling molded parts in an injection molding machine having a fixed platen, a moving platen, a core half, and a cavity half. A take off device coupled to the fixed platen is configured to remove molded parts from either the core half or the cavity half. A cooling device coupled to the moving platen is configured to cool the molded parts carried by the take off device. Preferably, the take off device extracts the just molded parts from the mold's core half and then moves linearly outboard of the mold halves. The subsequent movement of the moving platen to close the mold in the next molding cycle causes the cooling device's pins to engage the molded parts in the take off device part carriers. When the moving platen opens again, the molded parts are extracted from the part carriers by the cooling device pins. When the moving platen is fully open, the cooling device is rotated to eject the cooled parts from the machine.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.

Abstract: Platen-mounted, post-mold cooling apparatus and method includes structure and/or steps for handling molded parts in an injection molding machine having a fixed platen, a moving platen, a core half, and a cavity half. A take off device coupled to the fixed platen is configured to remove molded parts from either the core half or the cavity half. A cooling device coupled to the moving platen is configured to cool the molded parts carried by the take off device. Preferably, the take off device extracts the just molded parts from the mold's core half and then moves linearly outboard of the mold halves. The subsequent movement of the moving platen to close the mold in the next molding cycle causes the cooling device's pins to engage the molded parts in the take off device part carriers. When the moving platen opens again, the molded parts are extracted from the part carriers by the cooling device pins. When the moving platen is fully open, the cooling device is rotated to eject the cooled parts from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing molded parts from a mold having cores arranged in at least two columns on a core plate. A pivoting part-removal device, preferably attached to the core plate between columns of cores, pivots parts from a column of cores to a chute located between columns of cores. The removal device has at least one pivoting arm with a part-gripping suction cup. The chute maintains an orientation of parts as they move along the chute. Parts from two columns of cores can be deposited in an interlaced arrangement into one chute. In one embodiment, the parts are translated as they are pivoted to facilitate the interlacing when the cores in adjacent columns are not staggered. In another embodiment, used when the part sidewalls are high with a low draft angle, the parts are moved straight off the cores a distance before pivoting them.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.

Abstract: An injection molding machine of the present invention includes a first mold half having one of at least one mold cavity and at least one mold core and a rotatable turret block rotatable on an axis for rotating at least one movable mold half thereof into alignment with the first mold half. Each of the movable mold halves include one of at least one mold cavity and at least one mold core matable with the first mold half for forming a mold for molding a molded article. The rotatable turret block is further for clamping the movable mold halves and the first mold half together. The machine further includes a mechanism for moving the rotatable turret block relative the first mold half and a mechanism for rotating the rotatable turret means, wherein the mechanism for moving is linked to the mechanism for rotating, and a first injector for injecting melt into the at least one mold cavity.

Abstract: A pavement marker of the type including a shell-like body of light transmitting material, such as synthetic resin, having a reflective wall formed thereon, and which is filled with epoxy resin or the like for reinforcing the shell-like body against external forces applied by vehicles. The body has a fore and aft axis that intersects the reflective wall and extends parallel to the direction of travel of vehicles when the base of the pavement marker is secured to a roadway. The reflective wall has a lower edge adjacent the plane of the base that is spaced forwardly of the upper edge thereof such that the reflective wall is in nonperpendicular relationship with the plane of the base, and the outer surface of the reflective wall is curved outwardly and downwardly between the upper and lower edges. The reflective wall also curves rearwardly from the fore and aft axis on opposite sides thereof. The body also has a top surface that is convexly curved.

Abstract: A pavement marker having a relatively fragile pavement marker housing and a snow plow frame for guiding snow plows and similar implements over the pavement marker housing. Retrodirective reflector elements may be included in the pavement marker housing. The snow plow frame includes a unitary sheet metal body adapted to be secured to the roadway surface and having a base member with a fore and aft axis that extends parallel to the direction of travel when the body is secured to the roadway, and a transverse axis perpendicular to the fore and aft axis. A pair of snow plow ramp sections are formed on the body on opposite sides of the fore and aft axis, each of the ramp sections including a pair of snow plow ramps extending in opposite directions from the transverse axis. Each of the snow plow ramps has an enlarged end adjacent the transverse axis and decreases in cross-section to a tip portion at the distal end thereof spaced from the transverse axis.

Abstract: A snow plowable pavement marker including a body having a base adapted to be secured to the surface of a roadway in such a manner that the fore and aft axis of the body extends parallel to the direction of travel of vehicles. A pair of snow plow ramp sections are secured to the body on opposite sides of the fore and aft axis thereof, the ramp sections including a pair of oppositely projecting snow plow ramps. The snow plow ramps each has an inner wall adjacent the fore and aft axis, an outer wall on the opposite side of the respective inner wall from the fore and aft axis, and a reinforcing rib extending along the length of the ramp between the respective inner and outer walls thereof.

Abstract: A roadway marker having a housing with a base for engagement with the surface of a roadway, and a reflective wall for reflecting light from vehicles on the roadway. The reflective wall has a central plane extending at an acute angle from the base and is integrally formed with a plurality of spherical reflector elements arranged in side by side relationship. Each of the spherical reflector elements has its center located on the central plane with the portions of the spherical reflector elements that project from one side of the central plane defining an outer, light receiving surface and the portions of the spherical reflector elements that project from the other side of the central plane defining an inner, light reflecting surface of the reflective wall. The reflective wall may be formed by a separate reflector that is mounted in the housing as an insert.

Abstract: A pavement marker having a shell-like body with a chamber formed therein, the body being at least partially of transparent material to form a transparent outer wall for the chamber so that the interior of the chamber is visible through the transparent outer wall. Marker elements are located in the chamber so as to be visible through the transparent wall of the chamber. The body has a continuous, or endless, peripheral edge portion that lies in a base plane. The body projects from the base plane and is of dome-like configuration to define the chamber. A closure plate is secured to the body at the peripheral edge portion thereof to close the chamber. The closure plate, either before or upon installation on the surface of a roadway, is sealed to the body to hermetically seal the chamber. Either daytime or nighttime marker elements, or both, may be provided in the chamber so as to be visible through the transparent wall thereof.

Abstract: A pavement marker including a housing having a base for engagement with the surface of a roadway and a reflective wall for reflecting light from vehicles on the roadway when the fore-and-aft axis of the housing is disposed in parallel relationship with the direction of travel of vehicles on the roadway. The central portion of the reflective wall is formed with a plurality of conical reflector elements having relatively high optical efficiency for reflecting incident light rays on the outer surface of the reflective wall that are substantially in a horizontal plane parallel to the plane of the base and that are substantially parallel to the fore-and-aft axis of the housing, but having relatively low optical efficiency for reflecting light rays making a substantial acute angle with respect to the plane of the base or the fore-and-aft axis of the housing. Wide angle reflector elements are formed on side portions of the reflective wall projecting from opposite ends of the central portion.