Abstract: A simple system is provided for lifting ejector pins in sequence, as a knockout piston (30) is raised. First and second ejector pins (40, 42) have lower ends respectively supported on first and second ejectors (70, 72) that each can move vertically, with the second ejector lying below the first one. The second ejector has a vertical through-hole (74), and a force member (80) lies within the hole and can project both above and below the hole. As the knockout piston is moved up, it first engages the bottom of the force member to push it up, so the force member pushes up the first ejector and first ejector pin, while the second ejector and second ejector pin do not move. The top (84) of the knockout piston is wider than the hole, so when the piston reaches the bottom of the second ejector, it then begins to lift the second ejector and second ejector pin. The force member can be a cam pivotally mounted on the second ejector, or can be a shaft that moves vertically.

Abstract: A mold insert (12) is held down in a mold base (16), released, and then ejected upwardly, by positioners (30, 32) that each includes a lock member (50) and an eject member (52). The mold insert has a recess (40) in each side along its front portion and has a largely downwardly-facing shoulder (42) at each side along the rearward portion thereof. Two largely cylindrical bores (44, 46) are formed in the mold base and each communicates with the recess and shoulder at each side of the mold insert. When the lock member is pivoted about the bore axis (54,56), a lock part (74) is moved out of the recess in the mold insert to allow the mold insert to move up out of the mold base. When the ejector member is pivoted about the bore axis, a radially-projecting ejector part (80) moves upwardly against the shoulder on the mold insert to push up the mold insert so its upper end lies above the mold base and can be lifted out.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for sensing the pressure and temperature of fluid within a cavity of a block, such as hot plastic that flows into a mold cavity. The apparatus includes a piston (30) lying closely but slideably within a bore that extends from the cavity in the block. The outer end of the piston is coupled through a beam structure (36), in a shape of a diaphragm, to a rigid support (40). A strain gauge (44) mounted on the diaphragm senses piston deflection which is proportional to the pressure of fluid in the cavity. A highly heat conductive rod (80) extends through a hole in the middle of the piston, the rod having an inner end (84) that is flush with the piston and the rod having an outer end (86) joined at a thermocouple joint (92), so the temperature of the rod is sensed by the thermocouple to thereby sense the temperature of material in the cavity.