Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding device for forming a plastic article having two colors. The method for forming a plastic article having two colors uses two female dies whose positions are changed in a reciprocal manner to mate with a die, so that two plastic materials having two different colors are in turn formed on the two female dies by a plastic injection molding process, thereby forming a plastic article having two colors.

Abstract: An improved injection molding runnerless manifold and nozzle system, method and apparatus in which the fluid plastic molding material transfer conduits, such as the manifold runner channels and cavity injection nozzle passageway, are constructed of a low thermal conductivity, non-metallic heat insulation structural material to thereby heat insulate the liquified molding material or resin, whether thermosetting or thermoplastic, while resident in the manifold runners and/or nozzle passageways. The heat transfer and other physical parameters of the conduit material and structure are such that this molding material remains at a reasonable uncured molding temperature while resident in the transfer conduit for the duration of at least one injection cycle due to the heat insulation characteristics of these fluid flow conduits of the system.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus has a manifold and a plurality of first and second adjustable manifold blocks. The second manifold blocks are in fluid communication and are directly connected to a hot runner nozzle. The second manifold blocks are coupled to the first manifold blocks via connector devices. These connector devices contain a melt channel and allow the second manifold blocks and therefore the hot runner nozzles to be rotated relative to the first manifold blocks around at least two axes. This allows the nozzles to be positioned in front of mold gates that are located at variable elevations with respect to the manifold.

Abstract: Injection molding apparati, systems and methods are provided for limiting forward valve pin movement during flow control. According to one embodiment, an injection molding apparatus is provided that includes an actuator, and a valve pin coupled to the actuator. The valve pin is adapted to open and close a gate to a mold, and to control a rate of material flow through the gate during an injection cycle. The actuator is further adapted to control the valve pin in a first range of movement in which the valve pin is adapted to control the rate of material flow and cannot close the gate, and to control the valve pin in a second range of movement which includes the valve pin closing the gate.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is an injection molding apparatus having a cast manifold. The manifold is made from a cast block and includes at least one pipe and a junction component fixed therein. The junction component has an axial bore having a first end and a second end, and at least one radial bore fluidly connected to the axial bore and having an opening to an outer surface of the junction component. A melt is introduced into the manifold and travels through the radial and axial bores of the junction component and through at least one pipe connected thereto to an injection molding nozzle for injection into a mold cavity. A manifold of the present invention may have a plurality of pipes and junction components to form a branched multi-level cast manifold.

Abstract: An anti-drool mechanism suitable for use in an injection molding system is provided herein. An injection molding machine includes a retractable machine nozzle for injecting a melt stream into a manifold. Between the machine nozzle and the manifold is an anti-drool mechanism, which includes a melt passage and a fixed pin disposed within the melt passage. The fixed pin is sized so that the melt stream will flow around the pin. The fixed pin has a head portion configured to engage with the machine nozzle and includes a first sealing surface. An actuated shut-off collar is also disposed within the melt passage, surrounding the pin, and includes a second sealing surface configured to cut off the flow of the melt stream when in contact with the first sealing surface.

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 through. A first flow control surface is disposed on said valve pin within the melt channel of the nozzle. The first flow control surface has a complementary geometry with that of the melt channel at a second flow control surface. The valve pin is raised and lowered to a lesser degree than that required to seat and unseat the valve pin head to constrict or release the flow of a melt stream in the melt channel.

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.

Abstract: A mixing device for use with a manifold in an injection molding apparatus. The mixing device has a body which has a melt channel therethrough. The melt channel has a plurality of increasing sections which have an increasing cross-sectional area in a downstream direction, and a number of decreasing sections which have a decreasing cross-sectional area in a downstream direction. The increasing and decreasing sections alternate with each other.

Abstract: An injection manifold has a main runner provided with a supply inlet intermediate opposite ends of the runner. A number of branches intersect with the runner along its length so as to be disposed at unequal distances from the inlet. In order to achieve more simultaneous delivery, uniform fill rate, and identity of temperature of hot melt across all cavities of a multi-cavity set to achieve more uniform cooling of the preforms, restrictor pin assemblies are provided in association with certain of the branches to adjustably constrict the space available for melt flow from the runner into the branch. In a preferred form each restrictor pin assembly includes a pin aligned axially with the branch and passing transversely through the runner, the pin being adjustable between a fully extended, maximum constriction position in which the tip of the pin is located within the branch and a fully retracted, open position in which the tip is withdrawn out of the branch and is spaced below the opening of the branch.

Abstract: An injection-molding half-mold has a base plate (1), a nozzle-carrying plate (2), a cavity-carrying plate (3), and a hot runner (4) to which there are associated a plurality of resistive elements (6) connected externally to a power supply source via at least an electric conductor (9, 19) lead connected to an appropriate external connector.

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.

Abstract: An improved hot runner manifold for a multi-cavity injection molding system. The manifold is formed in a manifold block and an insert. This insert may be a round bar which outward shape is grooved with flow channel. Or this insert may be combined by a set of a grooved round bar together with matched grooved pipes. This insert will be inserted into the bore of manifold block. This grooved insert work as a flow channel inside the manifold. Compared to the traditional manifold, first this invention can easily help produce a balance-flow manifold. That will shorten the delivery time. Second, this invention can help produce an inexpensive cost of a balance-flow manifold. Third, this invention provides an easier structure to make multiple-drops (such as 12, 16, 32, 64, 256 drops) in an elongated direction with balance flow. Fourth, this invention can provide a manifold structure to help the flow channel of insert to be easily taken off for cleaning.

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

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a plurality of containers being interconnected with linking arms. The apparatus includes a first member and a manifold member, operatively attached to the first member, for channeling a plastic fluid to an insert. The insert contains a first slide and a second slide. The first slide and second slide will have an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the contracted position defines a plurality of interconnected cavity profiles. The second member will have a first end that contains a plurality of core pins. A piston is adapted to the second member for reciprocating the second member into engagement with the insert so that the first slide and second slide are moved to the contracted position. During the reciprocating motion, the plurality of core pins are received in the cavity profiles. The apparatus will further comprise a heater for supplying a heat to the fluidized plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manifold of an injection molding machine. The manifold of the present invention has a groove formed on a top surface of the manifold, into which a heating wire is inserted. Protrusions are formed on both sides of an upper end of the groove and are projected from the top surface of the manifold. The protrusions fix the heating wire in such a manner that the heating wire is inserted into the groove and then the protrusions are press-fitted into the inside of the groove by way of a press or a hammer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle (10) for an injection moulding tool, comprising a nozzle body (12), which may be mounted on a tool or distributor and in which at least one flow channel (22) for a material melt is arranged, which discharges at the end of, or in a nozzle tip (26). The nozzle body (12) comprises at least one essentially flat side surface (14, 15), which carries or accepts, in a plane contact and/or arrangement, a heating and/or cooling device (28, 28′), for the material melt, in order to be able to arrange the moulding cavities extremely closely in two independent spatial directions. In a particular embodiment, the nozzles (10) are arranged parallel and tightly packed together in a nozzle row (R), whereby two side surfaces (S), of the nozzle row (R), which face each other, are provided with heating or cooling devices (28,28′), which may be collectively connected, by means of a common external connector (34), to a heating or cooling circuit.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: An injection molding machine and injection nozzle having a plurality of nozzle tips affixed to a single nozzle bushing is shown.

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

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

Abstract: An improved injection molding runnerless manifold and nozzle system, method and apparatus in which the fluid plastic molding material transfer conduits, such as the manifold runner channels and cavity injection nozzle passageway, are constructed of a low thermal conductivity, non-metallic heat insulation structural material to thereby heat insulate the liquified molding material or resin, whether thermosetting or thermoplastic, while resident in the manifold runners and/or nozzle passageways. The heat transfer and other physical parameters of the conduit material and structure are such that this molding material remains at a reasonable uncured molding temperature while resident in the transfer conduit for the duration of at least one injection cycle due to the heat insulation characteristics of these fluid flow conduits of the system.

Abstract: A mold fill plate and mold fill assembly are characterized by a mold fill plate and mold shuttle plate each being a planar body defining a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent and each having a plurality of elongate slots arranged so that when the slots are in registry a flowable food product can pass through the slots into a mold chamber, the slots further being arranged along at least a portion of their longitudinal extent with each slot extending across at least a portion of the transverse extent.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for molding a plastic article by fitting an upper mold and a lower mold by pressing and injecting a molten resin through a pin point gate employs a net groove formed at the upper mold and/or the lower mold, said net groove comprising fine grooves extending in a vertical and/or horizontal directions. A passage groove formed on the net groove of the upper and/or lower molds has a large diameter or width to facilitate the entrance of the molten resin. At least one pin point gate is formed on the passage groove to inject the molten resin into the mold. A frame groove surrounds the net groove in the upper and/or lower molds.

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

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided for controlling the rate of material flow into a mold cavity or plurality of mold cavities during an injection cycle. The apparatus is, for example, a hot runner system for injecting plastic melt. A valve pin is provided for controlling the flow of material away from the gate. A gap is formed between the surface of the valve pin and the surface of the material flow bore away from the gate. Control of material flow is achieved by displacing the valve pin and thereby adjusting the size of the gap. A control system is provided that compares a sensed condition indicative of the rate of material flow into the mold cavity to a target profile of the sensed condition, and adjusts the valve pin during the injection cycle to mirror the target profile.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A device for molding a container is disclosed. The device will include a first member including an opening defined therein. A manifold member, operatively attached to the first member for channeling a plastic fluid to an insert device, is included. The insert devices are positioned within the opening located within the first member, with the insert containing a first slide and a second slide. The first slide and second slide will have an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the contracted position defines a cavity profile. The second member will have a first end that contains a plurality of core pins. A piston is adapted to the second end of the second member for reciprocating the second member into engagement with the insert so that the first slide and second slide are moved to the contracted position. During the reciprocating motion, the plurality of core pins are received in the cavity profile.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided in which the rate of material flow during an injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, an injection molding apparatus is provided that includes a manifold having an inlet for receiving material from an injection molding machine, at least one injection nozzle coupled to the manifold, an actuator, and a valve pin adapted to reciprocate through the manifold and the injection nozzle, the valve pin having a first end coupled to the actuator, a second end that closes the gate in a forward position, and a control surface intermediate said first and second ends for adjusting a rate of material flow during an injection cycle.

Abstract: A multi-cavity coinjection mold having a relatively large plurality of cavities for simultaneously molding a relatively large plurality of multi-layered articles including a) a plurality of cavity groups each defining a relatively small plurality of said cavities, a single balanced hot runner for supplying said relatively small plurality of cavities with contiguous different plastics materials, and a valve for sequentially supplying desired contiguous quantities of the plastics materials from plastics material sources, common to all of said groups, to the balanced hot runner; and b) a hot runner manifold system connected to the plastic material sources to supply the plastic materials to all of the valves; and related methods.

Abstract: An injection molding machine [10] for molding plastic parts by injecting a molten plastic through a plurality of valve gates [31] into a mold cavity by reciprocation of a helical screw [16]. A linear position sensor [34] positioned on the machine to detect the position of the helical screw [16] and control the opening and closing of the gates [31] based on the detected position of the screw [16]. A computer is in communication with the valve gates and the position sensor to monitor the position and activate the opening and closing of the valve gates [31]. A pressure transducer is associated with the mold cavity and in communication with the computer [32] as an alternate or additional method for controlling the opening and closing of the valve gates [31].

Abstract: Injection molding apparatus and method wherein a number of cylindrical inserts or plugs each having a curved melt duct therethrough are accurately aligned and securely mounted in spaced cylindrical openings through a melt distribution manifold. An alignment and retaining pin made of a very strong material extends from a bore in the manifold into a bore in the insert. The manifold is heated and the inserts and pins are cooled prior to insertion into place to provide very tight fits when they are at the same temperature which very accurately aligns the melt ducts through the inserts. The combination of the inserts fitting tightly in the openings and the strength of the pins is sufficient to withstand the rearward forces from the pressurized melt being injected through the curved melt ducts to retain the inserts in place.

Abstract: An injection assembly of low thermal mass which has a molded bearing plate which reduces the total amount of material required and thus the amount of heating or cooling necessary to raise or lower the temperature of the injection assembly. The assembly includes a molded bearing plate with structural ribs and a cast heating distributor connectable to the matrix of an injection mold. The heating distributor has connectors for at least one central nozzle for receiving plastics material and connectors for at least one injection nozzle for injecting the plastics material into the injection mould, and branches containing ducts for transferring the plastics material from the at least one central nozzle to the at least one injection nozzle. The branches include a heater for controlling the temperature of the heating distributor, and at least one central nozzle and at least one injection nozzle.

Abstract: Valve gated multi-cavity injection molding apparatus for five layer molding having actuating mechanisms for reciprocating elongated valve members between four different positions. Each actuating mechanism has a front and a rear aligned cylinders, a first piston connected to the head of one of the valve members in the front cylinder and second and third pistons in the rear cylinder. The third piston has a stem portion which extends forwardly through the second piston into the front cylinder. Hydraulic pressure from four hydraulic lines connected to each actuating mechanism reciprocates each elongated valve member between the different positions. In the first closed position, the front end of the valve member is seated in the gate. In the second position, the front end of the valve member is retracted sufficiently to allow an initial amount of PET to flow from an outer annular melt channel through the gate.

Abstract: An injection molding machine comprising a processing pin provided in a fixed mold side is provided. A movable member is arranged in a space between the fixed mold and a fixed plate, the processing pin can be moved forward and backward together with the movable member with rear end portion thereof fixed to the movable member. An end portion of the processing pin is inserted into a mold plate so that it can go in and out of a gate or a cavity by the forward and backward movement of the movable member moved by a drive unit. The above construction can eliminate positional limitation due to a position of a projecting pin in a conventional injection molding machine.

Abstract: In a process for the simultaneous manufacturing of a plurality of injection-molded micro parts from thermoplastic or cross-linking polymers in an injection molding tool, an injection device is provided which has injection cylinders, injection pistons and temperable antechambers. The plastic melt coming from a conveyor worm, by way of temperable sprues, first arrives in the antechambers and, in a second step, is supplied by the injection pistons by way of the injection nozzles to the mold cavities. The mold cavities are filled independently of one another. The co-solidifying runners are eliminated, and it is possible to manufacture particularly small parts with a low injection volume at particularly reasonable cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dividing the output flow of molten plastic from a conventional molding machine into a plurality of independent molten plastic flows to permit a plurality of plastic articles to be molded simultaneously from a single molding machine. The apparatus comprises a molding tool having a distributor member which divides the flow of molten plastic from an output port of a molding machine evenly into a pair of fluid flow bores. A pair of conventional flow nozzles are incorporated which receive the independent flow streams of molten plastic and independently charge a pair of molding cavities of a molding die generally simultaneously. The molding tool enables a more than 100% increase in the flow of molten plastic therethrough due to the reduction of back pressure seen by the molding machine and more than doubles the efficiency of the molding machine.

Abstract: Injection molding apparatus having a number of heated nozzles extending in a row from an elongated heated melt distribution manifold. Each heated nozzle has a pair of mounting flanges extending outwardly in opposite directions adjacent its rear end. Hollow insulating and locating bushings extend forwardly from the mounting flanges to the cooled cavity plate. The combination of the mounting flanges and the insulating and locating bushings accurately locates the heated nozzles very closely together in a row and spaces the heated elongated melt distribution manifold rearwardly from the cooled cavity plate.

Abstract: A multi-cavity coinjection mold having a relatively large plurality of cavities for simultaneously molding a relatively large plurality of multi-layered articles including a) a plurality of cavity groups each defining a relatively small plurality of said cavities, a single balanced hot runner for supplying said relatively small plurality of cavities with contiguous different plastics materials, and a valve for sequentially supplying desired contiguous quantities of the plastics materials from plastics material sources, common to all of said groups, to the balanced hot runner; and b) a hot runner manifold system connected to the plastic material sources to supply the plastic materials to all of the valves; and related methods.

Abstract: Multi-cavity injection molding apparatus having a number of heated nozzles extending from a melt distribution manifold. Each nozzle is aligned with a tapered insert seated in an opening extending through the manifold. Each insert has a melt duct with a smoothly curved bend to connect the melt passage in the melt distribution manifold with the melt bore through the nozzle. Each insert has a flat disc portion abutting against the rear surface of the manifold. Screws extend through this disc portion and the manifold into an outer collar portion of the nozzle to secure the insert and the aligned nozzle directly to the manifold, while allowing the nozzle to be mounted with its electrical terminal having a selected orientation.

Abstract: An injection molding machine ?10! for molding plastic parts by injecting a molten plastic through a plurality of valve gates ?31! into a mold cavity by reciprocation of a helical screw ?16!. A linear position sensor ?34! positioned on the machine to detect the position of the helical screw ?16! and control the opening and closing of the gates ?31! based on the detected position of the screw ?16!. A computer is in communication with the valve gates and the position sensor to monitor the position and activate the opening and closing of the valve gates ?31!. A pressure transducer is associated with the mold cavity and in communication with the computer ?32! as an alternate or additional method for controlling the opening and closing of the valve gates ?31!.

Abstract: Injection molding apparatus including a first mold cavity having an inlet, a second mold cavity having an inlet, a source of a first material to be injected, a source of a second material to be injected, and a co-injection manifold including a nozzle housing including a first outlet adapted to communicate with the first mold cavity inlet, a second outlet adapted to communicate with the second mold cavity inlet, first and second spaced apart inlets respectively adapted to communicate with the first and second sources of material to be injected, a first passageway communicating between the first inlet and the first and second outlets, and a second passageway communicating between the second inlet and the first and second outlets.

Abstract: An injection molding nozzle for disposition in a mold. The nozzle is for injecting melt into a cavity of the mold, and includes a body having a through bore extending therethrough for receiving the melt. Attached to the body of the nozzle is a nozzle piece secured to the body that defines an outlet communicating between the body through bore and the cavity gate. A nozzle member surrounds the body at a position upstream of the nozzle piece and has an inner surface contacting the body, and an outer surface contacting the mold. The outer surface forms a seal against melt flow upstream from the nozzle member.

Abstract: An injection molding system having a manifold element (5) carrying a melt passage (2); the manifold element (5) being connected to an inlet (3) at one end for receiving molten material and at the other end a nozzle (7) opening into a gate (21) of the mold; the manifold element (5) being heated, and spaced from relatively large bodies, such as clamped plate elements (14) or cavity plate elements (11) which are less heated, unheated or cooled by relatively thin-walled spacer members (12); the spacer members (12), having two oppositely directed bearing surfaces the one bearing against the manifold elements (5), the other bearing against said body; and a relatively thin-walled wall part (17) extending between the bearing surfaces; the wall parts (7) having a curvature to be resilient for compression and extension in the direction from the one bearing surface towards the other bearing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for stack injection molding wherein a melt distribution manifold is mounted between two manifold retainer plates. A number of heated nozzles are seated in each plate with the nozzles in one plate extending in an opposite direction to the nozzles in the other plate. The nozzles in the one plate are held in place by the manifold being secured to that plate. The nozzles in the other plate each have retaining apparatus to hold them in place during assembly and disassembly. Each nozzle retaining apparatus has a main body with a screw opening therethrough and an elongated pin extending laterally therefrom. The pin extends into a hole in the nozzle and a screw extending through the screw opening in the main body is tightened into a hole in the manifold retainer plate to secure the nozzle in place during assembly and disassembly of the manifold retainer plates.