Abstract: A three piece full port ball valve for use with a form for producing a cast concrete article is provided wherein the housing of the valve has been modified by creating openings through the valve housing to access the flow opening in the ball member for clearing concrete slurry therefrom after the form has been filled. Additional openings in the housing at other locations can be created for cleaning around the ball member and the inside of the housing.

Abstract: It is provided an apparatus for injection molding articles of plastics material comprising: molds (2a) and countermolds (2b) forming molding units (3), molding cavities (7) being defined inside said molds and countermolds; one injection assembly (8) and one auxiliary assembly (9) adapted to respectively supply melted plastics material and pressurized fluid into the molding cavities; molding units (3) being movable with respect to said injection assembly (8) and auxiliary assembly (9); and removable connecting devices (12, 8a), and check means (20) adapted to avoid counter flows from molding cavities (7), being provided between molding units (3) and injection assembly (8) and auxiliary assembly (9).

Abstract: A mold for stepwise molding, using two different plastics, signage composed of a plurality of symbols surrounded by a continuous matrix including a first mold member having a first cavity defining surface including at least one first gate for admitting a first plastic, and a second mold member movable with respect to the first mold member having a second cavity defining surface confronting the first cavity defining surface. The cavity defining surfaces are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance to define a first cavity receiving the first plastic. The second mold includes lateral surfaces defining at least some of the plurality of symbols. At least one second gate is provided in the first mold member, each second gate admitting a second plastic only when a second cavity is defined so that at least a portion of the lateral surfaces defining at least some of said plurality of symbols are retained in position as the second plastic is injected.

Abstract: A metering device is disclosed for use in a plastics moulding machine having a mould cavity, relatively movable platens and a feeding passage for feeding a plastics melt into the mould cavity. The metering device comprises a heated block interposed between the feeding means and the mould cavity. A cylinder with a moving piston is formed in the block. A first passage in the block connects the cylinder to the feeding means and a second passage connects the cylinder to the mould cavity. Valves in the passages enable the cylinder to be filled by the feeding passage without the plastic melt entering the mould cavity and subsequently enable the desired dose of plastics melt, when ejected from the cylinder by the piston, to flow from the cylinder to the mould cavity without being returned to the feeding passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a mold that includes a first cavity defining a toothbrush body, a first injection unit in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second cavity, and a second injection unit also in fluid communication with the first cavity. An apparatus is also provided that includes a mold that includes a first cavity defining a toothbrush body, a second cavity defining a toothbrush body, where the first cavity and the second cavity define substantially identical toothbrush bodies, a first injection unit in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second injection unit incapable of being in fluid communication with the second cavity.

Abstract: In-line valve-gated nozzles for a single or multiple cavity applications wherein a valve-gated hot runner nozzle has a melt channel uniformly heated along the entire path. The valve pin is driven by an actuation device that is located adjacent to the nozzle to regulate the flow of melt. The actuation device has a linear motion and applies a uniform axial pressure on to the valve pin. This valve-gated nozzle can be linked directly to a machine nozzle, to an injection manifold or to a stack mold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming an article from a molten plasticized resin using an injection molding machine by (a) forming a mold cavity having a first region for producing a molded part and a second, distinctive region for receiving a plasticised resin; (b) injecting into the second region a volume of plasticized resin for the article to be formed in the first region of the mold cavity; (c) applying pressure to plasticized resin to move it at least in part from the second region to the first region; and (d) maintaining pressure on the plasticised resin in the first region until the article is formed and stresses are relieved.

Abstract: The installation contains means (1) for continuous production of a paste made of a thermoplastic material, means (8) for accumulating and temporarily storing the paste thus produced and means (15) for taking the paste out of the accumulating means and storage means and introducing it into a first mould comprising thermoregulated means in the form of a syringe. The invention is characterised in that the output of the accumulating means and storage means comprises a distributor (12) that has at least two outputs (13, 14) and can be controlled in order to deliver the paste to one of the two outputs, whereby one of said outputs (13) is adapted in order to be coupled to thermoregulated means (15) in the form of a syringe and the other output (14) is adapted in order to be permanently connected to the charging orifice of a piston (17) that injects the paste at a high pressure into a second part-forming mold (17), whereby one output thereof (19) is adapted in order to be permanently coupled to the second mold.

Abstract: A molding machine comprising an injection portion with an injection nozzle which injects a molding material, a turntable comprising a rotation driving apparatus, a plurality of molds placed along a peripheral edge of the turntable, an attaching and detaching station, an injection station and a plurality of curing stations. Each mold comprises a material receiving port communicating with the injection nozzle when the mold is positioned at the injection station. Each mold further comprises a mechanism which close the material receiving port so as to prevent the molding material from flowing backward when the mold is separated from the injection nozzle. The molds are transferred by rotation of the turntable to each station one by one. Primary formed products are attached to the molds at the attaching and detaching station, injected at the injection station, cured to be second formed products at the curing stations and finally took out at the attaching and detaching station.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided in which the rate of material flow during an injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, an injection molding apparatus is provided that includes a manifold, at least one injection nozzle coupled to the manifold, an actuator, and a valve pin adapted to reciprocate through the manifold manifold and the injection nozzle. The valve pin has a first end coupled to the actuator, a second end that closes the gate in a forward position, and a control surface intermediate said first and second ends for adjusting the rate of material flow during an injection cycle. Retracting the valve pin tends to decrease the rate of material flow during the injection cycle and displacing the valve pin toward the gate tends to increase the rate of material flow during the injection cycle.

Abstract: Polyurethane molded articles are produced from a flowable polyol-polyisocyanate reaction mixture on a shot-wise basis. The flowable reaction mixture is formed by combining the components of that mixture in the mixing chamber of a mixhead. The contents of the mixhead are introduced (preferably via an outlet pipe) into a mold in a manner such that the mixing chamber is substantially emptied in each case. Any ambient gas in the mixing chamber is then removed before the respective next shot is initiated.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and system are provided in which the rate of material flow during the injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, an injection molding system is provided that includes an injection molding machine including a hydraulic power source, a manifold for distributing material injected from said injection molding machine to a plurality of gates leading to one or more mold cavities, and a controller to individually control respective rates at which material is injected through said gates during an injection cycle. The controller is coupled to the hydraulic power source and the hydraulic power source supplies hydraulic power to both the injection molding machine and to control said respective rates.

Abstract: A closing unit for an injection molding machine for making several injection molded articles in one working cycle includes a fixed mold portion and a movable mold portion which is movable by a drive mechanism in a direction of the fixed mold portion. The fixed and movable mold portions bound a mold cavity, when the movable mold portion is forced by the drive mechanism against the fixed mold portion and held in place in a clamped position by a clamping force applied by the drive mechanism. A separator assembly subdivides the mold cavity into at least two distinct cavity zones, with each cavity zone including sub-cavities. Injection molding material is supplied through a single sprue via separate feed channels to the cavity zones, wherein a valve assembly is disposed in the sprue to control the supply of injection molding material to the cavity zones via the feed channels in time-staggered manner, when the mold portions assume their clamped position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a valve pin of a nozzle of an injection molding apparatus in an extended position includes a generally oblong detent coupled to a pin. The pin extends through an aperture located at a first end of the detent to secure the detent to an inner wall of a recess, which is located adjacent the piston-receiving cavity of the valve pin. The detent is pivotable about the pin to rotate a second end of the detent into abutment with a return surface of the piston to restrict movement of the valve pin.

Abstract: A multi-cavity injection molding method and device, and a controller for sequentially injecting material into cavities in the injection molding device. The methods and devices are effective to reduce the clamping force needed to clamp multiple cavity molds.

Abstract: A three piece, sliding ring valve for use in a plasticating screw and barrel arrangement has an extended life. The sliding ring has apertures for passing molten resin therethrough. The sliding ring also has annular contact surfaces for spreading the force driving the screw, thereby decreasing the pressure between the sliding ring and the valve retainer. The result is less valve wear and longer life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an automotive vehicle body part (1) by injecting a plastics material sequentially into a mold fed by one or more cold runners, the method consisting in filling firstly a first region (A) at one end of the mold, then a second region (B) adjacent to the first region, and repeating the operation consisting in filling a new region adjacent to the preceding region each time, until a last region (C) of the mold is reached at its end opposite from the first region (A). Each cold runner is shut off using a cold rod which is axially movable in a bore intersecting the cold runner, the longitudinal section of the rod overlaying the cross section of the runner.

Abstract: A nozzle system is provided for an injection molding machine. The nozzle system includes a nozzle tip that is removably connected to a nozzle body with a sealing and mounting sleeve element. The nozzle body includes a first connector for releasably connecting with a second connector defined on the sleeve. The sleeve element further includes an alignment bearing for engaging a bearing surface defined on the nozzle body for precisely locating the nozzle tip within the nozzle body along on a predetermined axis. Further embodiments of the invention provide a valve pin disposed in the nozzle body and nozzle tip. The valve pin includes a bearing surface for engaging a guiding surface defined on the second melt channel for aligning the end of the valve pin with a mold gate. Further embodiments also provide an integrally connected nozzle tip and sleeve element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasticizing unit in injection-moulding machines, in particular for processing thermoplastics, with a plasticizing cylinder in which a rotatable and axially displaceable screw is arranged, at the head of which a non-return valve is provided, which has an axially displaceable barrier sleeve which encloses with radial play a tapered region which belongs to a basic body fixed in the screw head and is present between blades and a stop ring. The basic body has at least three blades, in that supporting elements provided on the surfaces of the blades facing the barrier sleeve, wherein at least the supporting surfaces of the supporting elements are made of a hard-wearing material.

Abstract: A valve pin actuating mechanism including a valve pin guiding element for connection to a valve pin, a linkage element and an actuator. The valve pin guiding element has a sliding surface for sliding within a channel, and first and second engagement surfaces. The linkage element has first and second arms, which have opposing, inwardly facing arcuate engagement surfaces for engaging the valve pin guiding element. The linkage element is moved by the actuator.

Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus used for a pre-plasticization-type injection molding machine is equipped with a screw drive section which comprises a rotational drive section supported in an axially moveable manner and adapted to rotate the screw; and an advancement/retraction drive section including a servomotor and a ball-screw mechanism for converting rotational motion of the servomotor to linear motion in order to axially move the rotational drive section. By virtue of the above-described structure, the screw disposed within the barrel is rotated by the rotational drive section of the screw drive section, so that the molding material within the barrel is plasticized (melted) and is then supplied to the injection apparatus. Further, the rotational drive section (screw) is advanced and retracted by the advancement/retraction section of the screw drive section, so that the resin passage of the barrel is opened and closed in accordance with the position of the screw.

Abstract: The invention provides a molding apparatus adapted to use a screw having an overall length permitting the use of an existing molding machine cylinder as it is, and is capable of realizing a gas impregnation step. The screw 3 for use in the gas impregnation step comprises a resin melting portion C disposed at an upstream position for rendering the resin molten, a molten resin nonfilled-up portion E integral with the downstream side of the resin melting portion C for making the resin lower than an inert gas at a gas supply opening 5 in pressure, and a gas impregnation portion D integral with the downstream side of the molten resin nonfilled-up portion E for supplying the inert gas and impregnating the molten resin with the inert gas.

Abstract: An injection unit for an injection molding machine includes a plasticizing unit in the form of an extruder, a plunger-type injection device, which can be connected to the injection molding machine by an injection nozzle. The plunger-type injection device defines an injection space. The extruder has a forward portion which is connected to the injection space by a melt through channel in which a shutoff valve is disposed. The extruder is operated continuously and includes one or more plasticizing screws, wherein the extruder is configured in such a way that the backup length can expand backwards into the extruder, when the shutoff valve is closed.

Abstract: A low-pressure mold valve assembly includes a coupler to removably attach a mix head to a mold assembly in an assembly line environment. A first piston which is rectilinear in cross section is movable within the first flow passage along a first axis by an actuator. A second piston is movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis by a second actuator. After injection is complete, the second piston seals a mix chamber of the mix head while remnants of the matrix that remain in a flow passage are driven into the first flow passage by the piston. The first piston is then driven toward the mold port such that matrix remnants are further driven into the mold cavity. The coupler is thus cleared of remnants without flushing.

Abstract: A system and process for producing pressing force of an injection unit of an injection molding machine on a mold, which comprises the steps: a) actuating a linear drive unit to bring an injection device to rest on a mold; a working cylinder unit being supplied with fluid via a store during the axial displacement of the injection device until the required rest position on the mold is reached. Provision is made according to one aspect of the invention in that after reaching the rest position on the mold, a blocking element is closed and the connection within a connection unit is opened, and b) the linear drive unit is further actuated, c) a displacement piston is displaced relative to the hydraulic element, and d) increased pressure is produced in the working cylinder unit via a fluid connection in the hydraulic element to increase the contact pressure of the injection unit on the mold.

Abstract: A compounding/injection molding apparatus includes an extruder configured to receive and compound raw materials, a plunger disposed longitudinally within the extruder, and a mold positioned at the outlet end of the extruder and configured to receive the compounded raw materials. The extruder includes first and second screws intermeshed with each other along at least a portion of the length thereof. The plunger is typically positioned longitudinally within a bore defined within the first screw and is translatable within the bore. The mold is a press capable of receiving molten thermoplastics and molding the molten thermoplastics to the desired shapes. The method for using the apparatus includes adding at least one material to the extruding unit proximate a first end thereof, compounding the material, transporting the material to an outlet port proximate a second end of the extruding unit, and transferring the material from the outlet port to the mold.

Abstract: Injection molding apparati, systems and methods are provided for limiting forward valve pin movement during flow control. According to one embodiment, an injection molding apparatus is provided that includes an actuator, and a valve pin coupled to the actuator. The valve pin is adapted to open and close a gate to a mold, and to control a rate of material flow through the gate during an injection cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for injection molding of rubber products, comprising a plurality of molding units to be operated separately for carrying out a molding cycle. The molding units are mounted on a common support and each unit receives the rubber blend to be used in molding through a duct branched off from a channel fed by a common injection unit. The branched-off feeding ducts of the units are intercepted by a dispensing element moved step by step to sequentially open a predetermined number of the branched-off ducts, so that the corresponding molding units are driven to receive the rubber to be introduced into the mold for execution of molding.

Abstract: A sliding ring non-return valve primarily for use with an injection molding machine utilizes a frame having cut therein one or more longitudinal grooves. Material flows around the outer edge of a flange surface, into an inlet area, and through the longitudinal grooves in the frame's outer surface before entering an accumulation volume. A ring, dimensioned to fit slidably around the frame, blocks material flow into the grooves while in an upstream position and allows material to pass through the grooves while in a downstream position. In an alternative embodiment, the non-return valve utilizes a frame that surrounds a central passage accessed by inlets. The outlet passage is located downstream of said inlet and connects the central passage with an accumulation volume. A ring is dimensioned to slidably fit around the frame. A flange surface limits the ring's upstream travel, while grooves in the flange surface throttle, or limit, material flow into the inlet area.

Abstract: A melt transfer system is provided for a stack mold. The melt transfer system includes first and second transfer bushings arranged in opposing platens of the mold. Each transfer bushing defines a portion of a runner passage communicating at shear gates disposed in a shearing surface that is parallel to the direction of opening and closing movement for said platens in order to shear the melt when the platens are moving from a closed position to an open position. In another aspect, the shearing surfaces are normal to the direction of movement of the platens and at least one of the transfer bushings is rotatable relative to the platen for shearing the melt. In another aspect, a transfer bushing is provided having a core formed of an insulative material and a shell formed of a conductive material. The core defines a channel for conducting melt between a shear gate at one end of the channel and an aperture at another end of the channel.

Abstract: A method of plasticizing a material for molding thermoplastic resin foam including the steps of: rotating a screw disposed in a screw cylinder such that rotation and axial movement are permitted to plasticize thermoplastic resin, one of penetrating inactive liquid in a super critical state to molten resin in said screw cylinder and injecting inactive gas having a pressure not lower than the super critical gas pressure into said screw cylinder in a hot state not lower than the super critical temperature to realize a super critical state in said screw cylinder to cause said inactive gas to penetrate said molten resin, and injecting said molten resin for molding a foam member to which said inactive liquid has penetrated into a mold by moving said screw in the axial direction so that thermoplastic resin foam is obtained.

Abstract: A mold for molding a thermoplastic resin comprising a pair of a male mold and a female mold in that a molten mass of a thermoplastic resin is supplied into a molding cavity formed by the male and female molds through a conduit for a resin melt, and after the completion of the supply of the resin, the supplied resin is shaped while shutting off the conduit for a resin melt with a pin for opening and closing the conduit for a resin melt, in which the conduit has a through-mouth of a nozzle, and a warmed conduit connected with the upstream side of the through-mouth, and the mold has a movable pin for opening and closing the conduit for a resin melt, the first heater to heat the wall of the conduit for a resin melt, and the second heater to heat the through-mouth.

Abstract: A nozzle end is provided for removable mounting to a nozzle body for use in multiple-tipped molding applications such as edge-gated systems. The nozzle end is made of a highly thermally conductive material and is preferably inserted at least partially inside the forward end of the heated nozzle body. Removable nozzle tips are insertable in the front end of the nozzle end.

Abstract: A valve pin actuator is disclosed that includes a cylinder mounted to the clamping plate, a piston slidably mounted in the cylinder, and a valve pin assembly carried by the piston. A hydraulic or pneumatic circuit is provided for controlling the movement of the piston, and in turn translation of the valve pin between the seated and unseated positions. The valve pin assembly includes a first part removably secured to the piston so as to translate therewith, and a second part for receiving the valve pin and secured to said manifold. The actuator assembly enables removal of the clamping plate without removal of the valve pin assembly, and also adjusting of the valve pin without removal of the clamping plate. The assembly further provides a clearance between the piston and valve pin assembly, to accommodate expansion and movement of the manifold that would otherwise cause a side load to be exerted on the valve pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid material through a flow channel having an exit aperture leading to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising:

Abstract: An elongate projection or probe extends from the injection unit of an injection molding apparatus. A passage extends through the projection in fluid communication with the injection unit. A generally cylindrical receptacle is formed in a portion of the mold of the injection molding apparatus for receiving the projection in generally concentric sliding relation. The receptacle is in fluid communication with the mold cavity, wherein relative movement between the projection and the receptacle causes injection unit to be selectively in fluid communication with the mold.

Abstract: A flow deflector apparatus and method in an injection molding system which transitions a flowing medium around an obstruction, said flowing medium exhibiting reduced stagnation points and substantially uniform flow characteristics downstream of the obstruction.

Abstract: A mold bushing for injecting plastic material into a mold cavity. The bushing member has a one-piece body member with a central passageway for a shut-off gate pin member and a separate and distinct passageway for the molten plastic material. In one embodiment, a tip member is positioned on the end of the body member and has a material discharge chamber. A gate or orifice opened and closed by the pin member is positioned either in the tip member or the mold. A wear bushing member can be positioned in the discharge chamber or the end of the body member to support the end of the pin member and prevent the flow of plastic material into the central passageway. The body member is heated by an annular cast heater member or the like. In an alternate embodiment, the body member has an extension which partially fills the discharge chamber and the wear bushing is a cylindrical member positioned at the discharge end of the central passageway.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a synthetic resin thermoplastic ophthalmic lens by injecting a thermoplastic material immediately adjacent to each side of a light polarizing wafer situated within a mold cavity. The light polarizing wafer includes tab appendages which are positionable into registration notches in the mold cavity in order to maintain the wafer in a desired position in the mold during lens formation. The thermoplastic material is then injected around the light polarizing wafer, whereupon a compression procedure is implemented where the contents of the mold cavity are compressed. The mold cavity is compressed to a predetermined position to achieve a desired shape of the lens. Uniform compression is exerted over the entire surface of lens during the compression procedure, resulting in all stresses being uniformly distributed over the lens surface to significantly negate stress-inducted birefringence in the formed ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An injection moulding apparatus includes a manifold having a channel receiving an injection of molten polymer and delivering the molten polymer to a nozzle assembly. The nozzle includes a nozzle gate delivering the molten polymer to a mould. A valve gate drop assembly has a valve pin extending from a valve pin cylinder which passes through an eccentric bushing in the manifold. The valve pin extends into the nozzle assembly and terminates at the nozzle gate. The valve pin is aligned with the nozzle gate and is adapted for control of flow of molten polymer through the nozzle gate by movement into and away from the nozzle gate. The movement of the valve pin is controlled by the valve pin cylinder. During operation, the manifold can undergo a change in position relative to the positions of the valve pin cylinder and nozzle assembly as a result of thermal expansion and contraction of the manifold.

Abstract: An injection compression molding method for injecting and compressing molten resin to obtain molding product using a molding die internally having a lens-forming cavity includes a pair of relatively movable inserts; a gate; a runner; and a sprue. The molten resin is injected and filled into the cavity and volume of the cavity is reduced by moving one insert toward the other insert after a time period prior to completion of injecting and filling the molten resin. At the time, a gate shut pin is protruded into the gate in synchronization with the movement of the insert to gradually close the opening of the gate. Accordingly, two demands, i.e. lower resistance in filling the cavity with the molten resin and shutting in the molten resin after the molten resin is packed in the cavity, can both be satisfied. This improves productivity and enables the production of mold products having highly accurate configuration and high quality.

Abstract: At least one mold is provided having a mold cavity and a mold gate communicating with the mold cavity, an injection nozzle for feeding molten plastic material to the injection mold having a nozzle outlet in line with the mold gate, and a thin movable valve gating arrangement positioned between the mold gate and nozzle outlet having an orifice therein permitting and shutting off flow of molten plastic from the nozzle to the mold.

Abstract: Polyurethane molded articles are produced from a flowable polyolpolyisocyanate reaction mixture on a shot-wise basis. The flowable reaction mixture is formed by combining the components of that mixture in the mixing chamber of a mixhead. The contents of the mixhead are introduced (preferably via an outlet pipe) into a mold in a manner such that the mixing chamber is substantially emptied in each case. Any ambient gas in the mixing chamber is then removed before the respective next shot is initiated.

Abstract: A drool control apparatus having a piston disposed in a melt passage of a mold. The piston is moveable between a bypass position, where pressurised melt is permitted to flow past the piston to at least one nozzle, and a compression position, where the melt downstream of the piston is decompressed to inhibit drool at the nozzle.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided in which the rate of material flow during an injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, an injection molding system is provided that includes a manifold adapted to receive material injected from an injection molding machine and distribute the material to a plurality of channels, a plurality of injection molding nozzles coupled to the manifold, each injection molding nozzle having a bore for passing material from one of said channels of the manifold to a respective gate of a respective separate mold cavity, and a controller to individually control respective rates at which material flows into each separate mold cavity during an injection cycle.

Abstract: A sliding ring non-return valve primarily for use with an injection molding machine utilizes a frame having cut therein one or more longitudinal grooves. Material flows around the outer edge of a flange surface, into an inlet area, and through the longitudinal grooves in the frame's outer surface before entering an accumulation volume. A ring, dimensioned to fit slidably around the frame, blocks material flow into the grooves while in an upstream position and allows material to pass through the grooves while in a downstream position. In an alternative embodiment, the non-return valve utilizes a frame that surrounds a central passage accessed by inlets. The outlet passage is located downstream of said inlet and connects the central passage with an accumulation volume. A ring is dimensioned to slidably fit around the frame. A flange surface limits the ring's upstream travel, while grooves in the flange surface throttle, or limit, material flow into the inlet area.

Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus used for a pre-plasticization-type injection molding machine is equipped with a screw drive section which comprises a rotational drive section supported in an axially moveable manner and adapted to rotate the screw; and an advancement/retraction drive section including a servomotor and a ball-screw mechanism for converting rotational motion of the servomotor to linear motion in order to axially move the rotational drive section. By virtue of the above-described structure, the screw disposed within the barrel is rotated by the rotational drive section of the screw drive section, so that the molding material within the barrel is plasticized (melted) and is then supplied to the injection apparatus. Further, the rotational drive section (screw) is advanced and retracted by the advancement/retraction section of the screw drive section, so that the resin passage of the barrel is opened and closed in accordance with the position of the screw.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine having first and second nozzles for delivering melt material from a common manifold to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the nozzles to the one or more mold cavities, each nozzle having an exit aperture communicating with a gate of a cavity of a mold and being associated with an actuator interconnected to a melt flow controller, the apparatus comprising: a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material through at least one of the nozzles; and, an actuator controller interconnected to each actuator, at least one actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to the sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a value corresponding to a signal received from the sensor as a variable for controlling operation of an actuator for the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: Injection molding apparatus having a removable nozzle seal (110) which screws onto the outside of the front end (76) of a heated nozzle (12). A mounting sleeve (98) having a threaded outer surface (104) is integrally mounted around the front end (76) of the nozzle (12). The nozzle seal (110) has a retaining portion (118) with a threaded inner surface (120) to screw onto the mounting sleeve (98) extending rearwardly from a central nut portion (112). A sealing and alignment flange portion (122) extends forwardly from the central nut portion (112) and fits into a cylindrical portion (124) of a well (14) in the mold (18) to accurately align the front end (76) of the nozzle (12) and prevent melt leakage between the heated nozzle (12) and the surrounding cooled mold (18). In another embodiment, a sealing and alignment portion (136) of the nozzle seal (110) extending forwardly into an opening (148) in the mold (18) forms the gate (90).

Abstract: In an injection molding machine having first and second nozzles for delivering melt material from a common manifold to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the nozzles to the one or more mold cavities, each nozzle having an exit aperture communicating with a gate of a cavity of a mold and being associated with an actuator interconnected to a melt flow controller, the apparatus comprising: a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material through at least one of the nozzles; and, an actuator controller interconnected to each actuator, at least one actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to the sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a value corresponding to a signal received from the sensor as a variable for controlling operation of an actuator for the at least one nozzle.