Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold cavity (26), an ejector pin (30), and a sensor (42). The ejector pin has a first surface (48) exposed to the cavity and a second surface (40) not exposed to the cavity. The sensor (42) is in communicative contact with the ejector pin second surface (40). The sensor (42) is capable of sensing pressure in a mold cavity (26) through the ejector pin (30). The molding apparatus may include a hollow ejector pin (108) with a first end (120) facing the mold cavity (26). A sensor (104) embedded in the hollow ejector pin first end (120) senses a mold cavity parameter. A signal line (112) from the sensor (104) is routed through the hollow ejector pin (108).

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold cavity (26), an ejector pin (30), and a sensor (42). The ejector pin has a first surface (48) exposed to the cavity and a second surface (40) not exposed to the cavity. The sensor (42) is in communicative contact with the ejector pin second surface (40). The sensor (42) is capable of sensing pressure in a mold cavity (26) through the ejector pin (30). The molding apparatus may include a hollow ejector pin (108) with a first end (120) facing the mold cavity (26). A sensor (104) embedded in the hollow ejector pin first end (120) senses a mold cavity parameter. A signal line (112) from the sensor (104) is routed through the hollow ejector pin (108).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the flows of molten polymer or similar materials in molding systems which utilize manifolds to direct flow into one or more cavities of an injection mold. The apparatus utilizes intermeshing positive displacement, interconnected gearing systems similar to positive displacement gear pumps in hydraulic systems. These positive displacement gear mechanisms are placed in each parallel flow channel such that all flow in each channel passes through a gear mechanism. After a mold cavity is filled, the gear mechanisms can be utilized as melt pumps to continue packing or holding plastic in the mold cavity. By reversing the pump mechanisms, precise decompression of the flow channels to eliminate gate stringing and other adverse effects can be accomplished.

Abstract: An innovative method and apparatus for synchronizing the flows of molten polymer or similar materials in molding systems which utilize manifolds to direct flow into one or more cavities of an injection mold. The apparatus utilizes intermeshing positive displacement, interconnected gearing systems similar to positive displacement gear pumps in hydraulic systems. These positive displacement gear mechanisms are placed in each parallel flow channel such that all flow in each channel passes through a gear mechanism. Each of the parallel pumps are connected together directly via a shaft or indirectly using hydraulic motors, stepper motors, or other motors to synchronize the parallel flows. Each flow can be different to allow the directing of flows in complex tools or when molding parts in family molds.

Abstract: The knit line strength and other packing related properties both aesthetic and functional of injection molded polymeric products is improved by equipping the mold with packing pins. The packing pins are similar in construction to mold ejector pins and may also be mold ejector pins depending on mold configuration. The packing pins are sequentially actuated during or after filling of the mold to cause flow of plastic either transverse or parallel to the direction of flow in a to and from manner. The result is a kneading action in the viscous flow and an oriented layering effect in the solidified plastic much like a scarf joint at the knit line location. The irregular shape of the layers enhances the mechanical strength at the knit line in addition to increasing the likelihood that long chain molecules will re-entangle between the two melt flows at the knit line.

Abstract: An innovative method and apparatus for synchronizing the flows of molten polymer or similar materials in molding systems which utilize manifolds to direct flow into one or more cavities of an injection mold. The apparatus utilizes intermeshing positive displacement, interconnected gearing systems similar to positive displacement gear pumps in hydraulic systems. These positive displacement gear mechanisms are placed in each parallel flow channel such that all flow in each channel passes through a gear mechanism. Each of the parallel pumps are connected together directly via a shaft or indirectly using hydraulic motors, stepper motors, or other motors to synchronize the parallel flows. Each flow can be different to allow the directing of flows in complex tools or when molding parts in family molds.

Abstract: The knit line strength and other packing related properties both aesthetic and functional of injection molded polymeric products is improved by equipping the mold with packing pins. The packing pins are similar in construction to mold ejector pins and may also be mold ejector pins depending on mold configuration. The packing pins are sequentially actuated during or after filling of the mold to cause flow of plastic either transverse or parallel to the direction of flow in a to and from manner. The result is a kneading action in the viscous flow and an oriented layering effect in the solidified plastic much like a scarf joint at the knit line location. The irregular shape of the layers enhances the mechanical strength at the knit line in addition to increasing the likelihood that long chain molecules will re-entangle between the two melt flows at the knit line.

Abstract: A generally rectangular mold pressure sensor body contains an electro-mechanical sensing element designed to engage and be actuated by a mold ejector pin. The plastic body is generally rectangular in side view with appendages extending from either side of the body in plan view. The appendages engage pockets milled into channel sidewalls in the mold ejector plate. These appendages position the sensing element under the ejector pin, and retain the sensor body in the mold ejector plate. Extending from the forward end of the sensor body is a tongue of less thickness than the sensor body. The tongue may be removed to adjust the location of the sensing element relative to the end of the channel.

Abstract: A collapsible flexible wheelbarrow comprises a wishbone shaped frame that supports a heavy weight cloth hopper. Attached to the nose of the wishbone frame is a wheel that is rotated and affixed out of the plane of the frame for use and into the plane of the frame for storage. Thus, with the cloth hopper the entire wheelbarrow can be collapsed substantially flat. A relatively rigid lip extends across the top edge of the hopper substantially between and adjacent the ends of the wishbone frame. The ends of the frame are formed with handgrips. With the handgrips resting on the ground, the lip also lies on the ground permitting debris to be easily swept into the hopper.

Abstract: A generally oblong mold pressure sensor body containing electrical or mechanical sensing components therewithin actuated by a sensing element or surface on the outside of the body, the sensing element or surface being adapted to engage a mold ejector pin. The sensor body is substantially rectangular in side view and generally peanut shaped in plan view with a relatively narrow waist between forward and rearward lobes. Extending from the forward lobe for engagement with the end of a sensor channel in the mold structure is a tongue of less thickness than the sensor body. The tongue may be removed to change the location of the sensing element relative to the end of the channel in the mold ejector plate. The double lobed sensor body shape provides the stability of a rectangular sensor body in a rectangular channel, however, the lobed body can be slid into and out of a curved blind channel as well as a straight blind channel without disassembly of the ejector plate from the mold.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a molding machine used for exothermic curing senses the rate of change of the temperature of the material in the mold. When the rate of change of temperature has first exceeded and then fallen below a predetermined reference level, it is determined that the exothermic curing reaction has been completed, and the mold is opened after a predetermined delay.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a molding machine used for exothermic curing senses the rate of change of the temperature of the material in the mold. When the rate of change of temperature has first exceeded and then fallen below a predetermined reference level, it is determined that the exothermic curing reaction has been completed, and the mold is opened after a predetermined delay.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the profile of a molded part as a means of checking the quality of a given molded part and/or as a basis for effecting adjustments in the molding machine controls. In accord with the subject method a plurality of pressure sensings are taken simultaneously at different locations in the molding machine. These sensings are employed in accord with a known mathematical formula for establishing a profile of the part being molded wherefrom it is possible to determine the physical characteristics which the molded part will have. For purposes of establishing the profile of the part, the values of the pressure sensings in pounds per square inch are plotted against the distance from the gate at which the pressure is measured, the latter distance being indicated in suitable units of length. The method for determining the profile of a molded part is also operable for purposes of determining whether any material flow has occurred at a given location in the molding machine.

Abstract: A method is provided which is particularly suited for employment in conjunction with the operation of an injection molding machine for purposes of determining during the cycle of operation of the machine whether the material flow conditions to the mold cavity of the machine which are required for the production of parts having the desired characteristics are present. More specifically, a method is provided wherein a comparison is made between the slope of a portion of the actual profile curve being generated during the flow of the material to the mold cavity of the machine and the slope of a corresponding portion of the theoretical profile curve which should be generated by the material flowing to the mold cavity if parts having the desired characteristics are to be produced. For purposes of determining the slope of a portion of the actual profile curve, a pair of pressure sensings are taken and time measurements corresponding thereto are made.