Nozzle Valve Patents (Class 425/564)
  • Patent number: 7306455
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus that includes a nozzle having a nozzle channel, a mold cavity in communication with the nozzle channel of the nozzle for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from the nozzle channel through a mold gate; and a valve pin that is axially movable through the nozzle channel of the nozzle between a first retracted position in which the valve pin closes the mold gate to block melt flow between the nozzle channel and the mold cavity, an extended position in which an end portion of the valve pin extends through the mold gate and into the mold cavity, and a third retracted position in which the end portion of the nozzle pin is withdrawn from the mold cavity into the nozzle and spaced apart from the mold gate thereby opening the mold gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Neil Dewar, Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7303720
    Abstract: A melt transfer device for an injection molding apparatus includes a first shut off valve coupled to a first nozzle having a first melt channel. The first melt channel delivers a melt stream of moldable material to a second melt channel of a second nozzle, which is movable relative to the first nozzle. A second shut off valve is coupled to the second nozzle. The first shut off valve and the second shut off valve are retractable to open a melt transfer channel of the melt transfer device to allow melt to flow between the first melt channel and the second melt channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Fabrice Fairy
  • Patent number: 7291007
    Abstract: An injection molding machine having 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 and a radially continuous, downwardly-extending, circumferential outlet in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The injection molding machine further having a valve ring movably coupled in the first mold portion. The valve ring includes a downwardly extending rim portion substantially disposed within the fluid path. The valve ring is positionable in a closed position where the rim portion engages the circumferential outlet to obstruct flow of the molding material from the fluid path to the mold cavity and an opened position where the rim portion is spaced apart from the circumferential outlet to permit flow of the molding material from the fluid path to the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: David Michael Barth, Edward Hosung Park, Johannis Adriaan Jan Geelhoed
  • Patent number: 7287977
    Abstract: A manifold system (50) comprising a main manifold (56) with a plurality of arms (64), a plurality of sub-manifolds (52) spaced from the main manifold (56) and communicating with the main manifold (56) through a plurality of melt transfer bushings (68) disposed between the main manifold (56) and the sub-manifolds (52). The melt transfer bushings (68) may include static mixers (140) to homogenize the melt. An air plate (70) is disposed between a backing plate (58) preferably housing the main manifold (56) and a manifold plate (54) preferably housing the sub-manifolds (52). The air plate (70) has a plurality of air channels (74) that communicate with valve gate nozzle actuators (90), which are received in actuator cavities (72) in the air plate (70). The air plate (70) is bolted to the manifold plate (54), and the backing plate (58) is bolted to the air plate (70) with bolting patterns not constrained by location of the main manifold (56) or sub-manifolds (52). The manifold system (50), as shown in FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Serniuck, John Knapp, Abdeslam Bouti, Edward J. Jenko
  • Patent number: 7287549
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a cross over nozzle (10) is provided of two parts (22,24) which, when joined, define a housing (20) having a passage (30) extending therethrough, a tapered valve seat (50) extending about the passage and a value member (60) having a tapered valve head (62) disposed in the passage for engaging the valve seat. The two parts (64,66) are axially separable at an interface (68) extending through the valve seat/valve head. In order to open the valve, both valve parts are first joined and then moved together as one member in the same direction relative to the housing axially away from the valve seat. Similarly, the valve members are jointly moved into engagement with the valve seat before the cross over nozzle is separated. Accordingly, unlike the valve gate design, the valve interface between the two parts of the valve head isn't exposed to molten resin and therefore molten resin isn't trapped therebetween to cause a string upon opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Stackteck Systems, Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Rick
  • Patent number: 7275923
    Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can move between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Tooman, Bruce Casey
  • Patent number: 7270537
    Abstract: In an injection molding machine having upstream and downstream channels communicating with each other for delivering fluid material to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the channels to the one or more mold cavities, each channel having an axis, the downstream channel having an axis intersecting a gate of a cavity of a mold, the upstream channel having an axis not intersecting the gate and being associated with an upstream actuator interconnected to an upstream melt flow controller disposed at a selected location within the upstream channel, the apparatus comprising a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material at a position downstream of the upstream melt flow controller; an actuator controller interconnected to the upstream actuator, the actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to a sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a v
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Synventive Molding Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Doyle, Vito Galati, Wesley D. Frisin
  • Patent number: 7258536
    Abstract: A control module is attached to a machine platen of an injection molding machine. The control module is coupled to at least one sensor that reports a value of a processing condition associated with an injection mold and is disposed within the injection mold. The control module is also coupled to at least one controllable device that varies the processing condition of the injection mold and is disposed within the injection mold. The control module collects and processes sensor output, and provides a control signal to at least one controllable device. A display interface module is linked to the control module. The display interface module accepts user-entered data set-points, provides the user-entered data set-points to the control module, and collects the processed sensor output from the control module for display to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: George Olaru, James Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7252501
    Abstract: A nozzle controls flow of melt in injection molding equipment by passive actuation with opening and closing of a mold assembly. The nozzle comprises a valve pin having a pin passage therethrough movably supported within a nozzle passage and a contact arm transverse to and extending beyond the nozzle passage, the valve pin sealingly engaging the nozzle passage. Biasing means biases the valve pin to a closed position preventing passage of melt through the nozzle. The contact arm effects movement of the valve pin to an open position when closing of the mold assembly exerts a force on the contact arm to overcome the biasing means. A mold arrangement of plural mold assemblies comprises pairs of nozzles of the invention to control flow of melt through mating conduit segments between an injection unit and at least one mold assembly, the nozzles arranged and configured for seating engagement with abutment of the conduit segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: D-M-E Company
    Inventors: Trevor Pruden, Frederick G. Steil, Frank J. Eigler
  • Patent number: 7249945
    Abstract: A device for opening and closing injection nozzles in an injection moulding tool. The injection nozzle comprises a nozzle member, the nozzle opening of which can be opened and closed with a needle. The needle is stationarily arranged on a piston plate that is supported in a receptacle such that it can be moved in both axial directions similar to a double-action cylinder. A first work chamber is formed on the side of the piston plate which faces away from the needle and a second work chamber that can be acted upon with a fluid in order to actuate the needle is formed on the opposite side of the piston plate. The needle extends outward from the second work chamber through a recess in an end element that lies opposite of the piston plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Heitec-Heisskanaltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Schreck
  • Patent number: 7244118
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes combined sealing elements located between a nozzle head of an injection molding nozzle and a mold plate. The sealing elements are arranged so that they force the nozzle head toward an outlet surface of a manifold and provide a seal therebetween over a range of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7225953
    Abstract: A valve gate assembly is provided for regulating a flow of molten material through a gate and into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve having a closed position closing the gate to prevent molten material from entering the mold and an opened position opening the gate to allow molten material to enter the mold. The valve gate assembly further includes a biasing assembly operatively cooperating with the valve and providing a force to urge the valve in the closed position. The valve has a shoulder for cooperating with the molten material to create backpressure to move the valve against the force to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Tooman
  • Patent number: 7226283
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold with a manifold melt channel, a nozzle with a nozzle channel and a valve pin with an outer surface in proximal to an inner surface of the nozzle channel. A valve pin melt channel is defined by and substantially coaxial to the valve pin. The valve pin melt channel communicates with the manifold melt channel when the valve pin is retracted and is restricted from the manifold melt channel when the valve pin is extended. A mold gate is open when the valve pin is retracted and is closed by a valve pin tip of the valve pin when the valve pin is extended. An outlet extends from a longitudinal portion of the valve pin melt channel to the surface of the valve pin adjacent to the valve pin tip and is in continuous communication with a well adjacent the mold gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7220117
    Abstract: A nozzle for controlling flow of melt in a mold assembly comprises a valve pin guide interposed between a nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet, a valve pin movably supported thereby, and a contact arm engaging the valve pin and transverse to and passing through the valve pin guide. Biasing means acting on the contact arm hold the valve pin in a position preventing flow of melt. As the mold assembly closes, forces exerted on the contact arm overcome the biasing means and allow the valve pin to move to a position permitting flow of melt. Relief of pressure of retained melt is effected when force therefrom exerted on the valve pin exceeds an adjustable pre-load of the biasing means. The nozzle advantageously comprises an inlet bushing movably supported by the nozzle body enabling adjustment of the overall length of the nozzle to accommodate a range of spacing of elements of the mold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: D-M-E Company
    Inventors: Fred Steil, Trevor Pruden
  • Patent number: 7214048
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve gate assembly for an injection molding machine. By controlling a valve pin through a linear motor controlled by a pulse signal and through a cooling block, an opening/closing amount of a gate can be precisely managed. Thereby, a mold is increased in quality and efficient management is possible when the valve gate assembly is applied to a multiple cavity matallic mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Hyuk Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 7210922
    Abstract: A hot runner injection molding apparatus includes a manifold for transferring molten plastic into a channel to a mold gate. A valve pin extends at least partially through the channel and is reciprocally movable from a retracted position to an extended position to close the mold gate when the valve pin is in the extended position, and to open the mold gate when the valve pin is in the retracted position. A valve pin moving mechanism is coupled with the valve pin to directly move the valve pin to the extended position; and a resilient coupling is located between the valve pin and the valve pin moving mechanism for normally moving the valve pin to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Tech Mold, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell G. Kohler
  • Patent number: 7211213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection-molding nozzle system for injection-molding systems for plastic materials which is equipped with a needle sealing system and is suitable both for different cavities as well as for plastic materials of different viscosities, with the injection-molding nozzle comprising a temperable nozzle body with nozzle tip comprising an outlet opening and an inlet opening for the plastic mass, as well as a needle which is arranged in the nozzle body and is displaceable in an axially longitudinal manner and with an actuating apparatus for actuating the needle which is axially displaceable in the nozzle body in the longitudinal direction. The opening stroke of the needle which is axially displaceable in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted by way of a stroke limiter, and the needle tip comprises at least one notch for the pass-through of the injection-molding mass in its transitional region to the needle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: ELAST Kunststoffverarbeitungs-GmbH & Co. KEG
    Inventors: Kurt Manigatter, Christian Reslhuber, Paul Fattinger, Karl Adlesgruber
  • Patent number: 7198740
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection molding apparatus including a mold block, a nozzle, a gating system and a slug heater. The mold block defines a mold cavity having a mold cavity inlet. The nozzle has a nozzle inlet. The nozzle inlet is fluidically connectable downstream from a melt source. The nozzle inlet is upstream from the mold cavity inlet. A melt flow passage extends from the nozzle inlet to the mold cavity inlet. The gating system includes a valve pin and an actuator. The valve pin is movable between an open position wherein melt flow is permitted into the mold cavity, and a closed position wherein the valve pin blocks the melt flow passage to prevent melt flow into the mold cavity. The actuator is operatively connected to the valve pin to move the valve pin between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Jobst Gellert, Hans Guenther, Denis Babin, George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7198477
    Abstract: A mechanical shut-off valve member for use with gas-assisted injection molding systems. A piston member is slidingly positioned in a body member or housing and spring-biased to a closed position. The valve member is opened by the injection of plastic material through the valve member and into a mold cavity. The spring biasing force closes the valve member and shuts off the flow of plastic once the mold cavity is filled with the requisite amount of plastic material. The shut-off valve member prevents any backflow of plastic material into the nozzle or injection molding machine during further steps in the injection molding process, including injection of gas or fluid into the plastic in the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Homann, Michael W. Gaudiello
  • Patent number: 7192270
    Abstract: An injection molding system is disclosed. The system includes a multiple valve gated nozzle. The flow through each valve gate is determined by individually operated valve pins. Each valve pin is independently controlled by a separate actuation unit. In order to achieve a tight pitch between the valve pins, the actuation units are placed in a stacked configuration, with the valve pin controlled by the upper actuation unit passing through the lower actuation unit. The valve pin of the lower actuation unit is offset from a center of the upper actuation unit to allow for the unimpeded passage of the valve pin from the upper actuation unit through the lower actuation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7189071
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus including a manifold having a manifold melt channel, a nozzle having a nozzle melt channel, a slidable seal having seal melt channel located between the nozzle and the manifold melt channels, and a biasing element that provides sealing contact between the slidable seal and the manifold and nozzle to maintain a sealed melt path through the manifold, seal and nozzle melt channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7182591
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7182893
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for delivering a melt stream of moldable material to a mold cavity. A valve pin extends through a melt channel of the apparatus that is axially movable to control the melt stream within the melt channel and/or to selectively open a gate to allow communication with the mold cavity. A processing sensor is coupled to the valve pin and is axially movable therewith. By example, the processing sensor may be a pressure sensor and/or a temperature sensor for sensing processing condition(s) of the melt stream and providing sensed information to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7175420
    Abstract: An injection molding system includes a manifold and a valve gated hot runner nozzle. The gating mechanism includes an actuated valve pin, where the mold gate orifice is open when the valve pin is in a first position to allow melt to flow there through. The mold gate orifice is closed when the valve pin is in a second position to prevent melt from flowing there though. A flow control pin is disposed within the melt stream, either coaxially with the valve pin within the melt channel of the nozzle or within the manifold melt channel. The flow control pin has a head with a complementary geometry with that of the melt channel at a flow control surface. The flow control pin is raised and lowered by an actuation mechanism to constrict or release the flow of the melt stream independent from the movement of the valve pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Denis Babin, George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7175418
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for proportioning flow and controlling pressure to a gate of an injection mold. The invention decouples the control surface from the gate closure to reduce the required actuation force. Methods for estimating the pressure and flow rate entering the injection mold are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: David O. Kazmer
  • Patent number: 7175419
    Abstract: This invention teaches a hot runner injection molding apparatus for co-injecting at least two different materials into a mold cavity. A pin valve gated hot runner nozzle includes separate melt channels for each material and a melt chamber for accurately metering one of the materials. The melt chamber is in communication with an injection piston. The controlled movement of the valve pin and of the injection piston insures that the desired amount of a first and at least a second material is injected into the mold cavity. Depending of the composition and the processing window of the materials, the co-injection hot runner nozzle is in communication with either a single or multiple manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-masters Limited
    Inventor: Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7172333
    Abstract: An injection molding screw for metal injection molding includes a first end, a second end, a longitudinal body with a first stage and a second stage extending axially along a length of the screw between the ends, a pressure retention device, and optionally, a screw tip. The pressure retention element minimizes loss of pressure in the second stage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Southco, Inc., Trexel, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Anderson, Jingyi Xu
  • Patent number: 7172409
    Abstract: A valve pin bushing for a valve gated injection molding apparatus having, a back plate, a valve pin bushing, and a manifold, with axially aligned respective valve pin bores. The valve pin bushing includes a back plate contacting surface and an opposite manifold contacting surface for bearing against the back plate and manifold, respectively. The back plate contacting surface has a surface area larger than a surface area of the manifold contacting surface to draw heat from the valve pin bushing to the cooler back plate. An air gap, which may be sealed by an optional sealing portion, is formed where the flange is spaced away from a central portion of the valve pin bushing near the manifold. The valve pin bushing also includes a tubular member for positioning within the manifold valve pin bore, which defines a portion of the manifold melt passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Payman A. Tabassi
  • Patent number: 7172410
    Abstract: A valve pin adjustment system is provided for use in valve gated injection molding applications which enables adjustments to the positioning of the valve pin without necessitating removal of the clamping plates and valve assembly components, including valve pins. A piston associated with the valve pin includes a cylindrical body having first and second co-axially aligned internally threaded bores of respective first and second diameters. Preferably, the threads formed in the first and second bores are of the opposite hand. First and second externally-threaded cylindrical valve pin positioning members are respectively received in the first and second bores. Each of the positioning members includes a head portion and a tip portion. The tip of the second positioning member is in contact with the head of the first positioning member to lock the first positioning member in place, and the tip of the first positioning member is in contact with a head portion on the valve pin to locate the valve pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Panos Trakas
  • Patent number: 7168943
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus comprises a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material under pressure and delivering the melt stream to a nozzle channel of a nozzle. A mold cavity is in communication with the nozzle channel of the nozzle and receives melt through a mold gate. A valve pin is axially movable through the nozzle channel of the nozzle to selectively open the mold gate. The mold gate is open when the valve pin is in an extended position and a portion of the valve pin is received in the mold cavity. At least one groove is provided in an outer surface of the valve pin and at least a portion of the outer surface of the valve pin is in continuous engagement with the mold gate to align the valve pin relative to the mold gate. When the valve pin is in the extended position, the groove is aligned with the mold gate to allow melt to flow between the nozzle channel and the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Neil Dewar
  • Patent number: 7165965
    Abstract: A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus is provided. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a heater, a tip, a tip surrounding piece and a seal piece. The nozzle body defines a nozzle body melt passage, which is adapted to be in fluid communication with an upstream melt source. The heater is thermally connected to the nozzle body for heating melt in the nozzle body melt passage. The tip is removably connected to the nozzle body. The tip defines a tip melt passage therethrough. The tip melt passage is downstream from and in fluid communication with the nozzle body melt passage, and is adapted to be upstream from and in fluid communication with a mold cavity in a mold component. The tip surrounding piece is removably connected with respect to the nozzle body. The tip surrounding piece is spaced from said tip. The seal piece is positioned between the tip and the tip surrounding piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7156651
    Abstract: An improved injection molding apparatus having a valve-gated injection nozzle for regulating a flow of molten material through a connecting passageway to a mold cavity. An end portion of the valve stem is configured to cooperate with a complementary sealing portion of the connecting passageway, when the valve stem is configured in a closed position. The mold cavity further includes a vestige forming portion that is located adjacent the sealing portion that is partially defined by a bottom portion of the valve stem when it is configured in the closed position. The apparatus is characterized in that the vestige forming portion extends radially outwardly from the sealing portion such that a first cross-sectional area of the sealing portion is smaller than a second cross-sectional area of the vestige forming portion. Accordingly, tearing along the vestige of the part is substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Joachim J. Niewels
  • Patent number: 7137807
    Abstract: A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus includes a manifold and a mold component. The manifold has at least one runner therein that is downstream from a melt source. The mold component defines at least one mold cavity and defining a gate into each mold cavity. The gate defines an axis. The mold component has a mold component alignment surface thereon. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a tip, a tip surrounding piece and an alignment piece. The nozzle body defines a nozzle body melt passage, which is adapted to be in fluid communication and downstream from the at least one runner. The tip is removably connected to the nozzle body. The tip defines a tip melt passage therethrough. The tip melt passage is downstream from and in fluid communication with the nozzle body melt passage, and is upstream from and in fluid communication with the gate. The tip surrounding piece is removably connected with respect to the nozzle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Denis Babin, Gino Colonico
  • Patent number: 7131834
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment device for a valve pin on an injection molding machine, and particularly on a multi-cavity machine, having a plurality of valve pins mounted on a common yoke plate which is actuated by a common actuator. The adjustment device includes a pin holder for holding the valve pin, and a locking member. The pin holder has two threaded portions. The first threaded portion is adjustable within a threaded receiving hole in the yoke plate. The second threaded portion is received by the locking member. The locking member has a bottom shoulder which butts against the yoke plate, and retains the pin holder in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Ltd.
    Inventors: Denis Babin, Hans Guenther, Michael Schmuck
  • Patent number: 7128566
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold and a nozzle, which is received in an opening in a mold plate, including a nozzle channel for receiving the melt stream from the manifold channel, the nozzle channel being aligned with a first axis. A nozzle tip is received in a downstream end of the nozzle. The nozzle tip includes a melt channel for receiving the melt stream from the nozzle channel of the nozzle. A valve pin guiding portion is provided at a downstream end of the nozzle tip including an outwardly extending flange having a peripheral edge that abuts an inner wall of the opening to align the melt channel with a second axis through a mold gate. A valve pin is movable through the melt channel to selectively open the mold gate. Wherein the nozzle tip is flexible in order to compensate for the first axis and the second axis being out of alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7125242
    Abstract: A sprue bushing includes a melt channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source. The melt channel includes a first portion, a second portion and a decompression cavity located between the first portion and the second portion. A manifold having a manifold channel receives the melt stream from the melt channel of the sprue bushing and delivers the melt stream through the nozzle channels of several hot runner nozzles towards at least one mold cavity. A decompression device, which includes a rod having an enlarged head, is movable by an actuator to reciprocate within the decompression cavity between a retracted position and an extended position. Movement of the enlarged head from the extended position to the retracted position causes the suck back of the molten material in the hot runner nozzle and causes a portion of the molten material to be drawn toward the decompression cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Neil Dewar
  • Patent number: 7121820
    Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can move between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Tooman, Bruce Casey
  • Patent number: 7122145
    Abstract: An improved melt distribution system and method is provided for a multi-level stack mold having three or more moving platens. The injection machine communicates with a bifurcated sprue bar for providing pressurized melt through the first moving platen to a central distribution manifold in the second moving platen. From the central distribution manifold, the flow of pressurized melt is distributed to the first and third platens for transfer to a plurality of mold cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: George Olaru, Denis Babin, Paul Matysek, Neil Dewar
  • Patent number: 7118371
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus (10, 110) for molding an annular thermoplastic element, such as an annular closure element (E) with no more than a single weldline in the annular extent of the thermoplastic element. The thermoplastic element is molded in an annular mold cavity (12, 112), and moldable thermoplastic material (M) is introduced into the mold cavity from a coaxially-aligned annular flow path (18, 118) that is defined between a sliding sleeve (24, 124) and an annular member (22, 122). The sliding sleeve surrounds and is slideable with respect to a fixed pin (26, 126) and is slideable between a first, or forward, position, where no thermoplastic material can flow into the mold cavity, and a second, or rearward, position, where thermoplastic material can flow into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Shingle
  • Patent number: 7115226
    Abstract: A stack injection molding apparatus includes a melt homogenizing element provided between a first transfer nozzle, which is coupled to a melt source, and a second transfer nozzle, which is coupled to a manifold. The melt homogenizing element is used for redistributing a melt stream in order to provide a homogenized melt stream having a generally uniform temperature and viscosity profile or sectional distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7093463
    Abstract: A method for producing powders that consist of substantially spherical particles from a material such as glass, ceramics or plastic that produces a highly viscous melt that solidifies at a glass transition temperature Tg or at a solidification temperature Ts. The inventive method comprises the following steps: (a) producing a melt of a viscosity ? in the range of from 0.1 to 100 Ns/m2; (b) atomizing the melt using a first gas, the first gas having a temperature TA?Tg or ?0.5Ts at the outlet of the nozzle and (c) cooling off the particles produced by atomization in a cooling section downstream of the nozzle using a coolant, the temperature of the coolant being smaller than Ts or Tg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Applikations-und Technikzentrum fur Energieverfahrens-Umwelt-und Stromungstechnik (ATZ-EVUS)
    Inventors: Gerhard Wolf, Andreas Emmel
  • Patent number: 7090477
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coaxial driving injection apparatus, having a linear motor for driving injection and a rotation motor for metering. The linear motor and the rotation motor of both the injection and metering motors and an injection screw are set on a common axis. A connecting device connects moving parts of the motors with the injection screw. Stationary parts of the motors are fastened on a frame and forward-backward moving unit, not moving during injection and metering. Due to the arrangement of the moving parts and the injection screw on a single axis, moving parts are lessened, and transmission losses are minimized. Since the number of structural parts is low, only the moving parts of the motors move during injection while the stationary parts thereof remain at rest, thus greatly reducing inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Hsu, Yong-Chen Chung, Chia-Hung Lin, Wen-Hung Feng, Ming-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7086852
    Abstract: A stack injection molding apparatus has first and second arrays of valve gate injection nozzles and separate mechanisms for independently actuating the nozzles of each array. A separate reciprocating yoke plate engages the valve pins of each nozzle array, and is actuated by either one centrally located actuator or a pair of symmetrically located actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Itsuto Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7063525
    Abstract: An extrusion die for injecting plasticizable elastomers into a cavity of an injection-molding die, wherein the extrusion die is mounted on a cold-channel block which, for distribution of the material plasticized in a plasticization aggregate, is arranged between the aggregate and the injection-molding die. The extrusion die opening can be closed off with a needle that forms the extrusion-die-opening end of an insert that can be displaced in the extrusion die body and has a material transport channel. An external drive is provided for the displacement movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Klöckner Desma Elastomertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Dufner
  • Patent number: 7048532
    Abstract: A valve pin actuating mechanism for an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus includes at least one melt channel and a valve pin that is movable in the melt channel. The valve pin actuating mechanism includes an actuator, a linkage element and a stop. The linkage element has a mechanically upstream connector and a mechanically downstream connector. The linkage element is connected at least indirectly to the actuator at the mechanically upstream connector and is connected at least indirectly to the valve pin at the mechanically downstream connector. The linkage element is rotatable by actuation of the actuator. The stop is configured to engage a limit surface to limit the angle of rotation of the linkage element. The stop and the limit surface are configured to engage mechanically upstream from the downstream connector of the linkage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Payman Akhavan Tabassi
  • Patent number: 7044728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection molding appartus having a linear actuator for a control valve with a position sensor and a cooling assembly, wherein the position sensor is integrated into or positioned proximal to the cooling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Ralf Schunck, Hans Hagelstein
  • Patent number: 7040887
    Abstract: A closing element, which has an open position and a closed position and is actuated by an actuating element, is arranged in the nozzle channel of a nozzle body. In the closing position, the closing element separates a region that is at least temporarily in open communication with the injection mold, the region being able to be influenced by a second actuating element associated with the nozzle body. Due to the fact that the pressure element is arranged in the nozzle body and can be actuated independently from the nozzle body and the plastifying cylinder, a nozzle body is created and a method is provided that enable the dosing process and dwell pressure process to be separated with a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 7037103
    Abstract: An improved injection molding apparatus for a mold using a valve-gated nozzle that includes a replaceable insert with a bore for aligning and sealing with the valve stem. The replaceable insert is advantageously provided as a wear component in a gate insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joachim Johannes Niewels
  • Patent number: 7029268
    Abstract: In an injection molding machine having upstream and downstream channels communicating with each other for delivering fluid material to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the channels to the one or more mold cavities, each channel having an axis, the downstream channel having an axis intersecting a gate of a cavity of a mold, the upstream channel having an axis not intersecting the gate and being associated with an upstream actuator interconnected to an upstream melt flow controller disposed at a selected location within the upstream channel, the apparatus comprising a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material at a position downstream of the upstream melt flow controller; an actuator controller interconnected to the upstream actuator, the actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to a sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a v
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Synventive Molding Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Doyle, Vito Galati, Wesley D. Firisin
  • Patent number: RE39935
    Abstract: Valve gated injection molding apparatus having several valve pins (62) extending through each heated nozzle (12) driven by a common actuating mechanism (70). A valve bushing (100) is seated in the front end (96) of each heated nozzle (12). A central melt bore (50) in each heated nozzle (12) splits in the valve bushing (100) near the front end of the heated nozzle (12) from where the melt flows around each of the valve pins (62) to the gates (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Denis L Babin