Abstract: A locking apparatus for a machine having multiple stems which axially reciprocate with respect to a stationary unit by linkage with a reciprocating common plate. The locking apparatus includes: (a) a first locking assembly capable of alternatively locking and unlocking one of the stems to the common plate; and (b) a second locking assembly capable of alternatively locking and unlocking one of the stems to the stationary unit. The second locking mechanism is configured so that, when the first locking assembly locks a stem to the common plate, the second locking mechanism automatically unlocks that stem from the stationary unit, and when the first locking assembly is unlocked from the common plate, the second locking mechanism automatically locks that stem to the stationary unit.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a device for avoiding the uncontrolled discharge of melt from nozzle apertures of a nozzle plate are provided. The device can include a locking member that is movable in front of the nozzle plate. The locking member can be formed as an extrudate collection member. The locking member can be reciprocable between a production position and a collection position. And melt can be discharged from the nozzle apertures of the nozzle plate in the form of extrudates into a process chamber when the locking member is in the production position and into extrudate collection member when the locking member is in the collection position. The device can also include a melt extraction aperture disposed on the extrudate collection member. The melt extraction aperture can be configured to align with the nozzle apertures in the nozzle plate and a melt extraction channel.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a hydraulic driving system providing hydraulic power; a molding system configured for molding a workpiece; and an injection system configured for injecting a molten material to the molding system with the hydraulic power. The injection system includes a cylinder and a piston movably received in the cylinder. The cylinder is surrounded by one of an alternating current-charged coil of wire and a closed-loop coil of wire, and the piston is surrounded by the other, whereby the piston receives acceleration for movement in the cylinder.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a bottom platen, a bottom mold portion carried by the bottom platen, and a top platen overlying the bottom platen and the bottom mold portion. The top platen includes slots extending therethrough for receiving a molding material. The molding material is to be gravity deposited into the bottom mold portion. A top mold portion is carried by the top platen and is moveable between a molding material loading position and an article forming position. An actuator is coupled to the top mold portion for moving the top mold portion between the molding material loading position and the article forming position. The molding material loading position corresponds to when the top mold portion is non-overlying the bottom mold portion so that the molding material can be gravity deposited therein. The article forming position corresponds to when the top mold portion is overlying the bottom mold portion for molding an article.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is disclosed a hot runner system (100), comprising: a first surface (205) being elastically deformable; a second surface (210) forming, in cooperation with the first surface (205), a melt-leakage gap (215) being located between the first surface (205) and the second surface (210); and an active material (220) being: (i) coupled with the first surface (205), (ii) held normally stationary, (iii) configured to be operatively coupled with a signal source (225), and (iv) configured to elastically deform in response to receiving a signal from the signal source (225), upon elastic deformation of the active material (220), the first surface (205) becomes moved toward the second surface (210) such that a size (235) of the melt-leakage gap (215) becomes controlled.

Abstract: A metal mold is prepared, which has a gate, a cavity in which a virtual curve is formed, which forms at least a welding target part of a laser beam transmitting member along the virtual curve, and in which a filling terminal wall is formed along a curve parallel to the virtual curve, and a throttle part for reducing the flow of a resin flowing from the gate toward the cavity, which is connected to the cavity, and whose connection boundary is formed along a curve parallel to the virtual curve. Then, a resin is injected into the gate and a crystalline laser beam transmitting member is molded out of the injected resin using the metal mold.

Abstract: A valve pin bushing assembly for an injection molding apparatus. The assembly includes a bushing body for connection to a manifold, a flexible barrier having a first end that is continuously connected to the bushing body, and a valve pin continuously connected to a second end of the flexible barrier. The valve pin extends through a nozzle in a downstream direction towards a mold gate, wherein the valve pin is movable in an upstream direction and in the downstream direction for opening and closing the mold gate. The flexible barrier seals a channel of molding material from an outside space.

Abstract: A dough stream blocker (10) is positioned in a dough forming apparatus for selectively opening or blocking the flow of dough through the channels of the assembly that lead to the dough cut off device. Slide valves (34) are rotated to present either a slide valve opening (36) or a slide valve closed body portion (38) that opens or closes the channels.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly for an injection unit is provided, having a valve body, defining a melt channel for a working fluid. At least one end cap is mounted to the valve body, the valve body and the at least one end cap cooperatively defining a valve seat intersecting the melt channel in a generally traverse direction, the valve seat having a wider portion and a narrower portion. A spool defines an orifice, the spool being rotatably mounted within the valve seat, and is movable between an open position where the orifice is aligned with the melt channel and a closed position where the orifice is misaligned with the melt channel.

Abstract: A drive system (10) for shutoff needles in injection molds fitted with needle shutoff nozzles comprises an elevation drive element (20) to which can be affixed at least two shut-off needles (16) of two needle shutoff nozzles, said elevation drive element being displaceable—between two longitudinally supported control rails (30) that can be moved in a first direction (R1)—in a second direction (R2) perpendicular to the first direction (R1), at least two glide elements (50) being configured in grooves (40) oblique to said first and second directions (R1, R2) running between the elevation drive element (20) and the control rails (30), said glide elements converting the first motion of the control rails (30) in the direction (R1) into an elevation motion imparted by the elevation drive element (20) in the second direction (R2).

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 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 valve bushing for an injection molding apparatus and method of use is disclosed. This includes an actuator, a manifold having an internal channel for the flow of melted resin, a valve stem, having a longitudinal axis, and is operatively connected to the actuator and movable within at least a portion of the internal channel of the manifold, and a valve bushing that at least partially encircles the valve stem along the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve bushing includes a projecting member so that when pressure is applied to a bottom portion of the valve bushing, that deflection of the valve bushing occurs along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, which is then translated into radial constriction by the projecting member of the valve bushing to reduce leakage.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for injecting resin into a mold comprises an injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold, wherein movement of a piston relative to the cylinder injects a selected quantity of resin into the mold. A plasticizing unit includes a flighted screw rotating in a heated containment barrel for plasticizing resin. The plasticizing unit is in fluid communication with the injection cylinder for supplying the injection cylinder with plasticized resin. A valve is provided for selectively placing the injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold and placing the plasticizing unit in fluid communication with the injection cylinder, wherein the valve exerts pressure on resin in the mold independently of the injection cylinder or plasticizing unit. The valve is actuated by relative movement between the mold and one of the injection cylinder and the plasticizing unit.

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.

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.

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: 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.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for injecting resin into a mold comprises an injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold, wherein movement of a piston relative to the cylinder injects a selected quantity of resin into the mold. A plasticizing unit includes a flighted screw rotating in a heated containment barrel for plasticizing resin. The plasticizing unit is in fluid communication with the injection cylinder for supplying the injection cylinder with plasticized resin. A valve is provided for selectively placing the injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold and placing the plasticizing unit in fluid communication with the injection cylinder, wherein the valve exerts pressure on resin in the mold independently of the injection cylinder or plasticizing unit. The valve is actuated by relative movement between the mold and one of the injection cylinder and the plasticizing unit.

Abstract: An injection nozzle for mixing heads of reaction molding machines is disclosed which comprises a housing in which a adjustment assembly is provided for slidably moving between two adjustable stops, wherein the adjustment assembly is configured as a control sleeve which includes a pressure chamber with a movable control piston disposed therein and the pressure chamber can be impinged upon by a pressure medium, for example hydraulic fluid and wherein a first stop is provided for the control sleeve and a second stop is provided for the control plunger thereby permitting an adjustment of two operating points that are exactly reproducible, so as to prevent disturbances during operation of the molding process.

Abstract: So that a method for the surface coating of an interior fitting for vehicles with a lacquer or resin layer, in which the interior fitting to be coated is inserted into a cavity of a molding tool, the inner wall of which is at a defined distance from the interior fitting in the region of the interior fitting surface to be coated and thereby forms a clearance extending over the entire surface to be coated and having a substantially constant thickness, and in which a liquid surface coating material is introduced into the clearance and is cured there, can be developed in such a way that the quality of the surface coating is improved as far as possible without additional after-working, it is proposed that the surface coating material have at least two components which are mixed with one another in a mixing and feeding assembly immediately before the filling of the clearance and are fed to the clearance, and that, after the clearance has been filled, the molding tool be separated from the mixing and feeding assembl

Abstract: A solid lubricant coating system for use with a metal interface subject to high temperatures and wet lubrication, comprising agglomerates of particles of (i) solid lubricant particles selected from the group consisting of graphite, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, lithium fluoride, NaF, WS.sub.2, and calcium fluoride; and (ii) steel particles fused together and bounding said solid lubricant particles at least at certain intersections, certain portions of said steel particles being air-hardened to a high hardness upon exposure of the coating to the interface at high temperatures.

Abstract: An injection mold for use with a molding press has four mold levels in axially stacked relation, permitting a substantial doubling of output for a given size of press as compared with a back-to-back two level stacked mold. The mold feeder flow path extends axially from the injector head to a flow distribution block located at the centre of the stacked mold block series. The centrally located distribution block is connected, in sealed relation with the injector head, being axially displaceable therefrom in continuing sealed relation upon the opening of the mold. A drool prevention valve system, located at two of the mold interfaces, to preclude drooling of fluid plastic stock upon opening of the molds includes pressure fluid actuators for operating the valves, wherein the pressure fluid may comprise the fluid plastic stock.

Abstract: An injection mold for use with a molding press has four mold levels in axially stacked relation, permitting a substantial doubling of output for a given size of press as compared with a back-to-back two level stacked mold. The mold feeder flow path extends axially from the injector head to a flow distribution block located at the center of the stacked mold block series. The centrally located distribution block is connected, in use isolation, sealed relation with the injector head, being axially displaceable therefrom in continuing sealed relation upon the opening of the mold. A drool prevention valve system, located at two of the mold interfaces, to preclude drooling of fluid plastic stock upon opening of the molds includes pressure fluid actuators for operating the valves, wherein the pressure fluid may comprise the fluid plastic stock.

Abstract: A nozzle for injecting molten plastic includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. Wires embedded in the housing serve to heat the housing. The housing defines a chamber, and a strainer is disposed in the chamber between first and second guides which are respectively located adjacent to the inlet and the outlet. The strainer and the guides divide the chamber into an outer compartment which surrounds the strainer and an inner compartment within the strainer. A rod extends through the inner compartment and carries first and second pistons which are slidably supported by the first and second guides, respectively, so that the rod can be moved between two terminal positions. Each of the pistons is provided with an axial blind bore and several radial bores which radiate from the associated blind bore.

Abstract: A valve gate manifold for an injecting machine has at least three plates in tandem with one another, the first plate being circular and having in its several die positioning rings each with an injecting nozzle, the second plate being a manifold plate having a master valve and internal passages leading to the injecting nozzles, and the third plate carrying piston/cylinder assemblies which control the injecting nozzles. The face of the first plate can lie copolanar with the platen face of the injecting machine, and the manifold can be contained in an aperture through the platen.

Abstract: Optimum sprue design requires suitably large cross-sectional area of the open aperture during mold filling and packing yet fast heat removal from the molten sprue during solidification. This is accomplished by a "hollow" sprue configuration, wherein an enlarged female sprue bushing cavity of large draft angles is axially aligned with a "spreader die" type of male member having a generally conical-tipped or parabolic-tipped torpedo shape, creating a cross-sectional open aperture consisting of an annular ring along at least partway up from the base to the tip. Both male and female may be fitted with internal mass-transport cooling. Since the cooling time of the sprue is directly proportional to the wall thickness of the molten plastic sprue being formed, and cooling time is further inversely proportional to the plastic/mold surface area, the resulting "hollow sprue" provides superior cooling without impaired fill and pack function.

Abstract: A device for the injection of a plastic material in a mold having an injection head with an injection face designed to be placed in contact with the mold feeder channel. The injection head has an injection chamber supplied with plastic material by a feeder conduit. The plastic material is injected from the injection chamber to the mold feeder channel by means of a clack-valve system. The device also has a support for the injection head and an injection rod.

Abstract: The device for pressure-aided molding of shaped bodies formed from high-molecular masses, preferably of small dimension, comprises at least one preparation chamber having at least one plasticizing or transport and mixing screw conveyor and at least one charging port for filling the preparation chamber with preferably thermally plasticizable and possibly molecularly cross-linkable molding mass. The preparation chamber flow communicates with a pressure-tight transition with at least one storage chamber for plasticized polymer. The storage chamber opens into at least one mold cavity filling conduit for charging a mold with molding mass. The device also comprises a drive mechanism for translatory-relative motion of the preparation chamber and the mold cavity filling conduit. The preparation chamber has at least one prolongation.

Abstract: An apparatus for purging an injection molding machine utilizing a three stage or three position nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An in-mold coating apparatus which comprises movable and fixed molds which when mated together defines a molding cavity, and an injector assembly for injecting a plasticized coating material into the molding cavity to form a coated layer on a primary molded product within the molding cavity. The movable mold has an opened position at which the complete molded product with the coated layer thereon can be removed out of the molding cavity, a first closed position at which the primary molded product can be formed and a second closed position at which a space is formed between the movable mold and the primary molded product for the formation of the coated layer. The injector assembly has a tubular rod having one end adapted to selectively close and open an injection opening, and also having an air passage defined therein for the application of a blast of compressed air into the space to urge the primary molded product against the fixed mold.

Abstract: A stationary platen of an injection-molding machine, carrying a mold portion with a sprue leading to one or more cavities, is connected by a set of metallic tie bars with a fixed part of the machine frame containing the mold drive and is limitedly slidable on the machine bed to an extent corresponding to the stretch of the tie bars under a mold-clamping force exerted by that drive upon another platen moving along the tie bars. An injection unit behind the stationary platen has a precompression chamber which communicates with a channel leading to an injection nozzle, this nozzle being received in a cutout of that platen and confronting the sprue through the head of a hollow gating plunger slidable in the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A distributing head is attached to the lower end of the barrel of a reciprocating screw injector and carries three injection nozzles which inject molding material into three mold cavities during each injection cycle. The nozzles are supported within sleeves which are surrounded by tubular jackets adapted to receive a heat exchange liquid, the liquid being circulated successively through successive ones of the jackets.