Abstract: An injection molding system is disclosed having a self-regulating valve for balancing melt flow. The self-regulating valve includes a control rod configured to balance the melt flow rate through a hot runner system. The self-regulating valve reacts to an injection or melt pressure within the hot runner system and a pre-set force provided by an external force device. The self-regulating valve is an open-loop system as it requires neither a measurement of pressure by a sensor nor feedback from a processor in order to regulate the melt flow. The self-regulating valve mechanically reacts to changes in melt pressure on control surfaces thereof by “bobbing” upwards/downwards to decrease/increase the melt flow accordingly. The self-regulating valve compensates for conditions that affect melt pressure, such as an increase/decrease in melt viscosity, changes in melt temperature, and/or mold cavity size without the use of a processing device.

Abstract: A valve pin actuating device for a hot runner apparatus includes a yoke plate coupled to actuators. The actuators are generally disposed at the ends of the yoke plate and are configured to move the yoke plate in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the valve pins. A deflection distributor apparatus is coupled to the yoke plate. The deflection distributor apparatus is connected to a first force distributor plate, to which the valve pins are connected. The deflection distributor apparatus includes a second force distributor plate and a third force distributor plate. Rods are disposed between the yoke plate and the third force distributor plate, between the third force distributor plate and the second force distributor plate, and between the second force distributor plate and the first force distributor plate holding the valve pins.

Abstract: A piston and valve stem assembly is held in either a gate open or gate closed position by a valve gate piston retention device until such time as sufficient air pressure is built up behind the piston, upon which the valve gate piston retention device is signaled to release the piston. The piston, being pre-charged, is thereby able to overcome both static and dynamic friction thus allowing it to move freely and immediately, and in the case of multiple pistons, simultaneously or sequentially, and without hesitation. Both simultaneous or sequential retention and release of the piston via mechanical or electromagnetic means can be controlled to actuate a plurality of pistons forward or back in an expeditious manner to overcome pneumatic losses and frictional forces in an effort to achieve more precise timing of the valve stem and optimize overall cycle time.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a first nozzle having a first nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with a manifold melt channel, and a second nozzle having a second nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with the first nozzle melt channel. A nozzle link is provided between the first nozzle and the second nozzle and includes a nozzle link melt passage for fluidly coupling the first nozzle melt channel and the second nozzle melt channel. The second nozzle includes a plurality of outwardly extending melt passages in fluid communication with the second nozzle melt channel. The outwardly extending melt passages deliver melt to a plurality of mold cavities through a plurality of respective gate seals and mold gates. A shut-off valve is disposed within a bore in the second nozzle. The bore intersects with one of the outwardly extending melt passages.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a back plate, a driven pulley connected to the back plate and rotatable with respect to the back plate, a screw connected to the driven pulley to rotate with the driven pulley, a motor having an attached drive pulley, a belt or chain coupling the driven pulley and the drive pulley, a valve pin plate, a nut connected to the valve pin plate and mated with the screw, at least one valve pin connected to the valve pin plate, a manifold fixed with respect to the back plate, and at least one nozzle connected to the manifold. The valve pin extends through the nozzle to control flow of molding material. The screw can be a ball screw and nut can be a ball nut. The screw can have one portion connected to the driven pulley and another portion connected to a mold plate in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A method of resin transfer molding uses an open base mold filled with fiberglass material and a soft tool sealed over the base mold. A vacuum is applied to a vacuum chamber that surrounds the mold and communicates with the fiberglass material through vacuum conduits. Resin is injected into the closed mold and is drawn through the fiberglass material to the edge of the mold with the assistance of the vacuum. The soft tool is preferably a flexible sheet having an edge seal to connect to the base mold and a vacuum channel with a vacuum port that surrounds the mold. The injection head releasably connects to the soft tool and preferably uses a solenoid actuated injector to supply resin to the mold. The injection head can include a self sealing device to seal the injection port and a self cleaning mechanism for flushing resin from the interior chamber of the head.

Abstract: A valve-gated nozzle for an injection molding machine includes an annular flow channel between downstream portions of a nozzle liner and a sealing and/or retaining device. The nozzle liner includes a first melt channel and one or more second melt channels for communicating a melt stream to the annular melt channel. The annular melt channel is formed between an inner surface of the downstream portion of the sealing and/or retaining device and an outer surface of the downstream portion of the nozzle liner. The annular melt channel may include a groove within at least one of the inner surface of the sealing/retaining device and the outer surface of the nozzle liner, such that the groove is in communication with an outlet of the second melt channel to thereby guide and/or blend the molten material within the annular melt channel to even and balance flow into a mold cavity.

Abstract: A bushing body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion for extending into a channel. The bushing body has a bore therethrough for receiving a valve pin. A contoured sleeve is fit around the downstream portion of the bushing body for guiding a flow of molding material. A cap piece is coupled to the upstream portion of the bushing body for contacting a back plate.

Abstract: A coinjection molding apparatus includes a manifold, a nozzle body coupled to the manifold, a sleeve disposed within the nozzle body and defining an outer melt channel between the sleeve and the nozzle body, a pin disposed within the sleeve and defining an inner melt channel between the pin and the sleeve, and a nozzle tip having an alignment portion contacting the sleeve. The sleeve is actuated to open and close melt communication of the outer melt channel and a cavity gate. The pin is actuated to open and close melt communication of the inner melt channel and an opening of the sleeve. The alignment portion aligns the sleeve with the cavity gate along the actuated range of the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved precise control non-return valve assembly which is mounted on the front end of a helical rotating plasticating screw of an injection molding machine or the like that is surrounded by a heated elongated barrel and end-cap that forms a distribution chamber, whose purpose is to allow means for passage of molten plastic fluid in the downstream direction while preventing it in the opposite direction. The valve having an outwardly extended portion of a shaft and has a means to accept a ring that is sandwiched between a bushing assembly and a rear seating area. The bushing assembly consists of at least two bushings and one pin whose dual purpose is to govern the forward movement of the ring and to absorb the force that is being applied to it. The non-return valve assembly when moved forward with the screw, forms a seal, builds pressure, and displaces molten plastic fluid from the distribution chamber through a discharge chamber passageway and into a mold.

Abstract: A valve pin bushing for a hot runner includes a bushing body having a hole therethrough for receiving a valve pin and a rearward surface for contacting a back plate. A thermally insulative component is coupled to a forward surface of the bushing body. The thermally insulative component is made of a nonmetallic material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the bushing body.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes a valve-gated nozzle having a nozzle tip assembly and a valve pin slidably disposed therein. The nozzle tip assembly includes a nozzle liner having a first valve pin guiding portion, a valve pin guide having a second valve pin guiding portion upstream of the first valve pin guiding portion, and a transfer seal having a bore for receiving the nozzle liner and the valve pin guide therein. The transfer seal bore includes an alignment surface that surrounds the nozzle liner and the valve pin guide to align the first and second valve pin guiding portions with the mold gate, such that the valve pin is accurately aligned during operation. The transfer seal also includes means to couple the nozzle tip assembly to the nozzle body.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus, such as a hot runner or hot half, includes a manifold having a manifold channel and a nozzle having a nozzle channel. The nozzle is coupled to the manifold, and the manifold channel and the nozzle channel are in communication to define a flow channel. A valve pin bushing has a flow restrictor disposed in the flow channel on an upstream side of the valve pin bushing. A moveable valve pin extends through a bore of the valve pin bushing.

Abstract: A needle valve nozzle for an injection mould has a nozzle body with at least one melt channel that terminates in a nozzle mouthpiece and a fluidic connection to a mould cavity formed by a mould insert. A shut-off needle penetrates the melt channel and nozzle mouthpiece and can be displaced between open and closed positions. At least one infeed cone is provided upstream of a seal seat to centre the shut-off needle, the lower end of which forms a shut-off part. The nozzle mouthpiece consists of a material with high thermal conductivity, with the infeed cone configured in a centering body consisting of wear-resistant material and running concentrically with the longitudinal axis of the needle valve nozzle. The entering body is held against and/or in the nozzle mouthpiece in a positive-fit and its end section forming an outlet for the melt can be engaged with the mould insert.

Abstract: A crossover nozzle system for transferring molten plastic from an inlet at the center of the stationary platen of an injection machine to the main manifold of the molding chambers of the stack molds of the injection molding machine. The crossover nozzle system relies on molten plastic pressure within the system to actuate the primary sprue shut-off valve, and thus to open and close the flow of molten plastic to the molds. Therefore, a drool-free valve mechanism is created without needing an external actuation of the shut-off valve like, for instance, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly for an injection unit is provided. It includes a first valve body, defining a portion of a channel, and a second valve body, defining a second portion of the channel, the second valve body being slidable relative to the first valve body. A plunger having an orifice therethrough, is located between the first valve body and the second valve body, and is selectively movable between an open position where the orifice is aligned with the channel and a closed position where the orifice is misaligned with the channel. Compressing the first valve body and the second valve body together while the plunger is in the open position creates a positive face seal around the orifice, thereby reducing leakage in the shut-off valve assembly.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus (1) comprising a manifold plate (3) is fitted with at least one flow duct (4) which has at least one needle valve nozzle for a flowable processing material to feed said material through an extension of said duct to a separable mold insert. A valve needle (20) fitted with a guide bush (30) to pass and seal the said needle—which by means of a drive can be moved into an open or a closed position—runs at least partly through the flow duct (4) in longitudinally displaceable manner. To further improve the guidance and sealing of the valve needle (20), the invention provides that within the guide bush (30) said needle shall be enclosed in geometrically interlocking manner within the guide bush (30) by an elastic, temperature-resistant plastic annulus (60).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transition channel for conveying fluid between a first conduit and a second conduit in a molding system. For example, there is disclosed a transition channel for providing a flow path between a first conduit having a first cross-section and a second conduit having a second cross-section in a molding system, the transition channel configured to have a shape that follows a curve that substantially corresponds to melt natural stream lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing melt from a stagnation zone in a melt conduit extending from a melt source to a mold cavity is provided. The stagnation zone may be created by the presence of a valve pin in the melt conduit for controlling melt flow therethrough. The apparatus includes a stagnation zone cleaner that is moveable through the stagnation zone for urging melt out of the stagnation zone.

Abstract: In an injection molding nozzle with a nozzle head including at least one discharge opening and a closure element for closing the discharge opening movably supported in the nozzle head for closing the discharge in order to control the supply of melt material to a communication opening in an injection mold, the closure element is operable by a drive mechanism provided with a short stroke actuating means for displacing the closure element in a direction opposite to the closing direction of the closure element by a predetermined short distance so as to automatically retract the closure element by the predetermined short distance when it is no longer biased by the actuating means in the closing direction.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a valve support structure having an internal channel for directing a flow of melted resin to a mold cavity. A first valve actuator is supported by the valve support structure and is operatively connected to a valve stem. The valve stem extends at least partially through the internal channel through a valve aperture. A bushing is fitted in the valve aperture. A second valve actuator is located adjacent the first valve actuator. The second valve actuator is operatively connected to a sleeve member with a hollow interior dimensioned to slidingly engage the valve stem and an exterior surface dimensioned for sliding movement in the bushing. The second valve actuator selectively moves the sleeve member between a retracted position where the sleeve member moves toward the bushing and an extended position where the sleeve moves away from of the bushing.

Abstract: A gate adapter for use in a hot runner co-injection molding system includes a hollow gate adapter body defining a gate outlet at a free end thereof. At least a pair of nozzle assemblies is disposed in the adapter body, each of nozzle assemblies having an inlet end in fluid communication with a source of liquid extruded material and an outlet end in the adapter body. At least a pair of nozzle passages is formed in the adapter body and extends from the outlet of the nozzle assemblies to a passage outlet adjacent the gate outlet. A valve stem is disposed adjacent each of the passage outlets and is operable to selectively allow flow from the passage outlets to the gate outlet. The nozzle passages extend for a short predetermined distance within the adapter body to minimize heat transfer.

Abstract: An injection molding machine is provided including a first mold portion and a second mold portion, the second mold portion being movable relative to the first mold portion and together defining a mold cavity. The injection molding machine includes a fluid path extending through the first mold portion. The fluid path has an inlet fan gate portion in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The injection molding machine further includes a valve device disposed in the fan gate portion directly adjacent the mold cavity. The valve device is positionable in an opened position to permit flow of the molding material from the fan gate portion to the mold cavity and a closed position to obstruct flow of the molding material from the fan gate portion to the mold cavity. In the closed position, the valve device defines a wall surface portion for forming the molded part and thereby eliminating the need for a post-machining operation to remove the gate portion.

Abstract: A sprue bar nozzle assembly for controlling flow of melt through conduits of a mold assembly for injection molding comprises a sprue bar extension and nozzle, the sprue bar extension comprising means for adjusting the overall length of the sprue bar nozzle assembly and the nozzle comprising a nose comprising a seating surface for mating engagement with a mating surface of a mating segment of a melt conveying conduit and a slide valve, an open position of the slide valve permitting melt to flow through the sprue bar nozzle assembly and a closed position preventing melt from flowing through the sprue bar nozzle assembly, the slide valve being biased to a closed position by a biasing means and being driven to the open position by forces applied to the nose of the nozzle as a result of closure of an associated mold assembly.

Abstract: A valve gate system for an injection molding machine, having a valve gate unit configured to be in contact with a manifold of an injection molding machine for delivering a molten plastic flow from a hot runner system to an injection chamber. The valve gate unit has a valve pin for controlling the flow of the molten plastic from a hot runner system to an injection chamber and an activating unit coupled with the valve gate unit. The activating unit is configured to be mounted external to a mold unit that houses the injection chamber. In addition, the activating unit has an element that extends through the mold unit to engage the valve pin, so as to control the molten plastic flow from a runner system to an injection chamber.

Abstract: In a method of producing aerated soap (5) comprising solidifying molten soap (4) having a large number of bubbles dispersed therein in a cavity (11) of a mold (1), the cavity (11) having a prescribed shape, 1.05 or more time as much molten soap (4) as the volume of the aerated soap (5) is fed to the cavity (11) and solidified in a compressed state.

Abstract: An injection nozzle is provided having a nozzle body, defining an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a connecting channel therebetween for communicating a working fluid into and out of the nozzle body. A shut-off pin is slidably mounted within the nozzle body and having a spigot mounted thereto. The shut-off pin is movable between a closed position, where the working fluid is substantially blocked from moving from the inlet channel to the outlet channel, and an open position where the spigot is withdrawn, unblocking the working fluid from moving from the inlet channel to the outlet channel. An actuator is operably connected to the shut-off pin to move the shut-off pin from the open position to the closed position. Moving the shut-off pin from the open position to the closed position generates a region of low pressure in the working fluid in the portion of working fluid trailing the spigot.

Abstract: An injection molding hot runner apparatus and insert assembly for use in a manifold of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a mold manifold, a cylindrical insert for redirecting melt within the mold manifold, and an expandable sleeve surrounding the insert. When the manifold, insert and sleeve are heated to an operational temperature (e.g. 300° C.), the sleeve expands to create a fluid tight seal between the manifold and the insert. The insert assembly including the insert and sleeve is mountable in the mold manifold to redirect melt.

Abstract: A valve device is configured for obturating an opening of a channel defined in an injection molding device. The valve device includes a plug movably received in the channel, and a resilient member connected with the plug. The plug includes an obturating portion for obturating the opening of the channel. The resilient member is configured for driving the plug to its original position where the obturating portion obturates the opening, after the opening of the channel is opened.

Abstract: A crossover nozzle system for transferring molten plastic from an inlet at the center of the stationary platen of an injection machine to the main manifold of the molding chambers of the stack molds of the injection molding machine. The nozzle system has a sprue bar, a sprue bar extension adjustably connected with the sprue bar, the sprue bar extension having a transfer chamber. The nozzle system also has symmetrically placed inlet apertures located in the sprue bar, the apertures are configured to be in fluid communication centrally with the transfer chamber in the sprue bar extension, and a shut-off surface configured to seal the transfer chamber from the inlet apertures.

Abstract: Injection system with closing rod (2) provided with a cleaning device (6, 7, 8) suitable for removing the powder of molten plastic that builds up in the movement areas of the closing rod (2) , in particular in the thrust bearing (3), during the normal operation of a molding machine. Advantageously the system according to the invention avoids the limitation of the piston stroke and the subsequent blockage with time and thus also the blockage of the closing rod, considerably reducing the number of maintenance operations and thus increasing the productivity of the molding machine.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold for delivering a melt stream of moldable material to a nozzle melt channel of a nozzle. A valve pin extends through the nozzle melt channel and is axially movable to selectively open a gate to allow communication with a mold cavity. A sensor is coupled to a forward end of the valve pin. The sensor may be a pressure sensor and/or temperature sensor in direct contact with the melt stream to provide pressure and/or temperature information to a controller.

Abstract: An edge gated injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material under pressure. A nozzle is coupled to the manifold and a nozzle melt channel of the nozzle receives the melt stream from the manifold channel. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle melt channel of the nozzle and receives melt through a mold gate. The mold gate is located at an edge of the mold cavity. A chamber receives melt from the nozzle channel and communicates with the mold cavity through the mold gate. A portion of the chamber is located forward of the mold gate. A valve pin is slidable through the nozzle channel from a first position in which the mold gate is open to a second position in which an outer side surface of the valve pin blocks the mold gate.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream from a source. A nozzle having a nozzle channel receives the melt stream from the manifold channel and delivers the melt stream to a mold cavity through a mold gate. A valve pin bushing is provided between the manifold and the nozzle and includes a bore for receiving a valve pin. A chamber is provided in said valve pin bushing and communicates with the bore. An inlet channel extends between an inlet, which is located in an outer surface of the valve pin bushing, and the chamber. A vent channel extends between the chamber and an outlet, which is located in the outer surface of the valve pin bushing. A forced fluid source communicates with the inlet channel to force fluid through the inlet channel, said chamber and the vent channel.

Abstract: In an injection molding tool including at least one hot channel nozzle to which a melt is supplied via a hot channel structure which at its end remote from the hot channel nozzle includes an inlet opening which can be closed by a closure element which is axially movably supported in the inlet part of the hot channel adjacent the inlet opening, the hot channel is angled and the closure element extends in sealed relationship through an angled wall area of the hot channel structure for actuating the closure member, the inlet area and an operating device for actuating the closure member being disposed in a separate unit removably connected to the injection molding tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve nozzle that can restrain property changes of an injecting melted resin by more strictly controlling the temperature of the injecting melted resin, wherein in the internal space or the rear space of a valve nozzle main body, a gate opening and closing mechanism is disposed which includes a torpedo provided with a coolant channel, a piston including a head portion, a shaft portion that is continued from the head portion and disposed in the internal space of the torpedo by being provided with a gap to serve as a resin flow channel on its outer circumferential surface, a tapered surface that is connected to the rear end of the shaft portion and serves as a surface for receiving the pressure of a resin in the resin flow channel, and a coil spring that presses the rear end part of the piston toward a gate, and when the pressure of the melted resin is at a predetermined value or less, the piston is pressed by the coil spring toward the gate to close the resin flow channel, and

Abstract: In a hot channel injection molding nozzle comprising a nozzle body including a mass flow channel for a melt to be injected into a mold, wherein the nozzle body has a nozzle outlet opening at one end and an inlet opening disposed at one side of the other end of the nozzle body and a valve needle extending through the nozzle body to the outlet opening for blocking the melt flow, a valve needle guide sleeve is disposed in the nozzle body so as to delimit the mass flow channel in the area of the inlet opening with the valve needle extending through the guide sleeve.

Abstract: The valve includes: a body in which is formed a flow passage for the material to be molded having a constriction bounded on its upstream side by a change of section forming a seat, and a needle mounted in the body and having a closure shoulder adapted to bear in the closure position against the seat formed by the change of section in the flow passage in the body, so as to shut off the flow passage and, projecting from the closure shoulder, an opening adjustment tip that has a nonuniform section and is engaged in the constriction to define a certain flow section therewith in each intermediate position of the needle.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source and delivering the melt stream to a nozzle channel of a nozzle. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel to receive the melt stream through the mold gate. A distribution assembly is located adjacent to the manifold. The distribution assembly includes at least one distribution member including a first conduit and a second conduit extending therethrough for transporting a fluid from a source through the distribution assembly and for returning the fluid to the source. A valve box is sandwiched between the distribution member and the actuator. The valve box controls the flow of the fluid between the first and second conduits and the actuator.

Abstract: A valve-gated nozzle in an injection molding machine allows for smooth, blended melt flow into a mold cavity. In one example, this is accomplished through use of a valve-gated nozzle having a nozzle body with a nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with a manifold melt channel and a nozzle tip. The nozzle tip includes a first melt channel in fluid communication with the nozzle melt channel and a plurality of release melt channels between the first melt channel and an annular melt channel. The annular melt channel is formed between a retaining device and the nozzle tip. The annular melt channel includes a decompression chamber in fluid communication with respective ones of the release melt channels and a compression chamber between the decompression chamber and a mold.

Abstract: A coinjection molding apparatus includes a manifold, a nozzle body coupled to the manifold, a sleeve disposed within the nozzle body and defining an outer melt channel between the sleeve and the nozzle body, a pin disposed within the sleeve and defining an inner melt channel between the pin and the sleeve, and a nozzle tip having an alignment portion contacting the sleeve. The sleeve is actuated to open and close melt communication of the outer melt channel and a cavity gate. The pin is actuated to open and close melt communication of the inner melt channel and an opening of the sleeve. The alignment portion aligns the sleeve with the cavity gate along the actuated range of the sleeve.

Abstract: An actuator for a valve pin of an injection molding apparatus includes an adjustment piece coupled to a valve pin via a connector and axially movable relative to a piston to adjust an axial position of the valve pin relative to a mold gate. A removable locking device restricts axial movement of the adjustment piece with respect to the piston. An indicator is provided for determining the position of the valve pin relative to a mold gate based on the position of the adjustment piece with respect to the piston. An anti-rotation device is provided to inhibit rotational movement of the valve pin. During maintenance, the actuator piston and adjustment piece may be extracted with or without the valve pin. The actuator may be reassembled with correct axial position via the piston/adjustment piece relationship and correct rotational position of the valve pin via the anti-rotation device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a molten molding material dispenser for use in a molding machine and/or molding machine assemblies. The dispenser includes an outlet body defining an outlet, and also includes an outlet cover being operatively movable relative to the outlet, any one of the outlet body, the outlet cover and any combination thereof being magnetically movable, the outlet body and the outlet cover being mechanical-actuation disengaged.

Abstract: An injection molding system for injection molding a plurality of molten materials into a mold cavity includes a nozzle, a drop tip supported by the nozzle, and a central bore extending through the nozzle and drop tip. The injection molding system also includes a first and second flow passage each extending through the nozzle, so as to define a first and second nozzle flow passage, and drop tip, so as to define a first and second drop tip flow passage. The first and second drop tip flow passages each include a plurality of branching portions each defining a junction at which the respective flow passage communicates fluidly with the central bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a soap cake comprising a mold which has a cavity of prescribed shape, a feed passage for feeding molten soap to the cavity, and means for pushing molten soap remaining in the feed passage at the time of feeding molten soap to the cavity to remove molten soap remaining in the feed passage. One end of the feed passage is a gate, in which a gate pin for shutting the connection between a feed port and the cavity is slidably provided. As the gate pin advances, molten soap remaining in the feed passage is removed in the step of feeding molten soap to the cavity.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source and delivering the melt stream to a nozzle channel of a nozzle. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel to receive the melt stream through the mold gate. A distribution assembly is located adjacent to the manifold. The distribution assembly includes at least one distribution member having a groove formed in an outer surface thereof and at least one conduit provided in the distribution member. The groove receives wiring from a heater of the nozzle and routes the wiring to a termination location or box. The conduit distributed fluid to various locations in the injection molding apparatus, such as actuation fluid for an actuator.

Abstract: An injection molding system is disclosed having a self-regulating valve for balancing melt flow. The self-regulating valve includes a control rod configured to balance the melt flow rate through a hot runner system. The self-regulating valve reacts to an injection or melt pressure within the hot runner system and a pre-set force provided by an external force device. The self-regulating valve is an open-loop system as it requires neither a measurement of pressure by a sensor nor feedback from a processor in order to regulate the melt flow. The self-regulating valve mechanically reacts to changes in melt pressure on control surfaces thereof by “bobbing” upwards/downwards to decrease/increase the melt flow accordingly. The self-regulating valve compensates for conditions that affect melt pressure, such as an increase/decrease in melt viscosity, changes in melt temperature, and/or mold cavity size without the use of a processing device.

Abstract: A unified monolithic piston/valve stem structure for a gated-valve type injection molding hot runner. The piston/valve stem structure includes a piston and a valve stem that are joined to each other in a non-threaded manner without the need for any preformed securing devices formed separately from the piston and valve stem.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for combining two or more streams of a polymeric material to form a plastic object. The method and apparatus are capable of ending an interior layer of the plastic object at a desired length to avoid the need to clean selected surfaces of components used to form the plastic object. The method and apparatus increase the velocity of the polymeric material used to form the plastic object in certain components used to form the plastic object. The increase in the velocity of the polymeric material facilitates the ending of the interior layer of the plastic object.

Abstract: A valve pin for use in a melt channel in an injection molding machine. The valve pin has a valve pin body and at least one thermocouple substantially completely inside the valve pin body.