Supplying Fluent Stock To Plural Mold Cavities Patents (Class 425/572)
  • Publication number: 20090104307
    Abstract: One or more nozzles define separate nozzle channels. The nozzles are coupled to a manifold, so that each of the nozzle channels communicates with a different mold gate. A molding material distribution insert is coupled to the manifold and has a body defining a distribution channel and a plurality of drop channels equal in number to the nozzle channels. The distribution channel is an open distribution channel formed on an outer surface of the body and enclosed by the manifold. The drop channels intersect the distribution channel and exit the body at a different one of the nozzle channels. A valve pin bushing can extend into the drop channels. Valve pins can extend from actuators, through the valve pin bushing and the drop channels, and to the mold gates. A valve pin holder can be coupled to the actuator and coupled to heads of the valve pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Valery Ten, Peter Klobucar
  • Patent number: 7510393
    Abstract: To facilitate cleaning of melt channels in a runner system (102) in a centre-section carrier (20) or the like, a multi-piece interface adaptor (114, 116, 118) is detailed in FIG. 4. A male portion(114) of the interface adaptor (112) is securely coupled to the runner system (102) to extend the melt channel (63) thereof. The male portion (114) preferably includes a branching feature (124) that splits melt flow into opposing directions to feed distinct nozzles (60, 62). A female portion (116) of the interface adaptor includes bores (144, 146) that align with the branching feature (124, 134, 136) and support the mounting of nozzles (60, 62) therein. The female portion (116) is fixedly secured within the carrier (20). The male portion (114) and the female portion (116) are slidably engageable with one another along sealing surfaces (130, 220). At system operating temperatures, effective operational sealing occurs as a result of relative thermal expansion between the male portion (114) and the female portion (116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre Glaesener, Arnold Mai
  • Patent number: 7490975
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes and polyureas and for prolonging the dispensing time for dispensing them into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. A nozzle framework includes support housing heaters and heater adaptors for each dispensing port to delay the onset of drool and improve cut off in the dispensing tubes. The combination of fluorinated dispensing ports, the heating of the polyureas or polyurethanes, and inclusion of a capillary orifice in each dispensing port significantly prolongs the time before the advent of drool is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Puniello, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl, Timothy S. Correia, John T. Davies
  • Patent number: 7481644
    Abstract: Tooling for the injection station of an injection blow molding machine includes a set of individual mounting bracket assemblies that attach an elongated manifold block to the lower die set of the machine. The relatively slender brackets are designed to have minimal thermal contact with the manifold block without sacrificing stability and structural integrity. Standard sizes of the brackets maybe manufactured in advance to accommodate manifold blocks of different lengths but standard widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: R & D Tool & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Jincheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7467941
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems
    Inventor: Edward Joseph Jenko
  • Patent number: 7465165
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a heated inlet body and an unheated distribution branch. A melt channel of the inlet body receives a melt stream of moldable material and delivers the melt stream to a melt channel of the distribution branch. The distribution branch has a first end, which is coupled to the inlet body, and a second end, which is coupled to a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle channel for receiving the melt stream from the distribution melt channel. The distribution branch is formed of a tube surrounded by a conductive sleeve. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel and receives the melt stream from the nozzle channel through a mold gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventors: Jonathon Fischer, Fabrice Fairy, Douglas Ursu, Denis Babin
  • Patent number: 7465166
    Abstract: Disclosed is: a hot runner assembly of a molding system, including: a hot runner having a drop connectable to a gate of a mold defining a mold cavity, the mold and the hot runner orientable relative to each other so as to connect the drop in a selected location relative to the mold cavity; and a rotatable ring mounted to a stationary platen and fixedly mounted to the hot runner, the rotatable ring accommodating rotatable adjustable mounting of the hot runner relative to the stationary platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Jan Marius Manda
  • Patent number: 7462030
    Abstract: A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus includes a nozzle body having a first nozzle body segment, a second nozzle body segment and a third nozzle body segment. The second nozzle body segment is removably connected to at least one of the first nozzle body segment and the third nozzle body segment. The first nozzle body segment and the third nozzle body segment are heated either by first and second nozzle heaters, respectively, or by a heater sleeve having a cut-out along the length of the second nozzle body segment. The second nozzle body segment is substantially devoid of a nozzle heater such that the second nozzle body segment is heated passively through contact with the first nozzle body segment and the third nozzle body segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventors: Jonathon Fischer, Fabrice Fairy, Gino Colonico, Payman Tabassi
  • Patent number: 7462032
    Abstract: A collar for reducing or eliminating leakage between components that moves with respect to each other in the field of injection molding. The collar has an outer portion for receiving an inner portion. The outer portion has a tapered, partial spherical, concave, or convex surface on its inside diameter, and the inner portion has a tapered or partial spherical, convex, or concave surface on its outside diameter. In the preferred embodiment, the inner portion of the collar is operatively assembled into a cavity of the outer portion of the collar, such that the tapered surface of the inner portion is slidably mounted to the tapered surface of the outer portion. The collar is operatively mounted around the outside diameter or circumference of, preferably, a cylindrical device and between two components that move with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrice Fabien Gaillard
  • Patent number: 7458803
    Abstract: A composite material component for an injection molding assembly includes a first portion formed of a precipitation hardened, high thermal conductivity material and a second portion formed of a precipitation hardened, high strength material, which are integrally joined together. The thermal conductivity of the high thermal conductivity material is greater than the thermal conductivity of the high strength material, and at least one strength aspect of the high strength material has a value greater than the corresponding value of the same strength aspect of the high thermal conductivity material. The high thermal conductivity material and the high strength material can be precipitation hardened together under the same precipitation hardening conditions to achieve increases in the value of at least one strength aspect of the high thermal conductivity material and the value of at least one strength aspect of the high strength material, relative to their respective unhardened conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Abdeslam Bouti
  • Patent number: 7458804
    Abstract: A drop tip is provided for conveying injection molding material from a molding material supply into a mold. The drop tip has a body including an internal bore and a drop passage extending from the internal bore. The internal bore has an arcuate lower end terminating in a gate to prevent retention of molten material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Tooman
  • Patent number: 7455517
    Abstract: A food patty molding machine has a reciprocating mold plate. A moldable food product is pumped through a fill passage into a cavity of the mold plate when the mold plate is in its fill position. A fill plate, interposed in the fill passage immediately adjacent the mold plate, has a multiplicity of fill apertures distributed in a predetermined pattern throughout an area aligned with the mold cavity when the mold plate is in its fill position. A fill block is fixed to the fill plate and includes a plurality of inverted L-shaped passages corresponding one-for-one with the fill apertures. The mold plate includes a longitudinal slot to accommodate relative longitudinal movement between the mold plate and the stationary fill block. The mold plate includes a transverse slot open into the longitudinal slot that defines the molding cavity. Loose ground meat can be filled in a horizontal direction into the cavity to provide a customary appearance to the packaged ground meat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. LaBruno, Douglas Conerton, Neil Hayden
  • Patent number: 7455516
    Abstract: A horizontal injection molding machine includes two platens, of which one can be a fixed or a moving platen and the other a moving platen, with the platens moving on horizontal columns, and a mold half carrier which is rotatably supported by a turntable and carries mold halves for injection molding tools. A yoke extends between the upper columns for movement along the upper columns. The mold half carrier has on its top side a pivot pin which engages in an opening of the yoke. This arrangement eliminates or at least reduces forces on the columns due to weight and torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Krauss Maffei GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Glashagen, Reinhard Holzinger
  • Patent number: 7452202
    Abstract: The invention concerns machinery for molding and assembling of at least two part objects and of plastics, e.g. two ball shells, which can be assembled to a hollow ball, as molding and assembly can take place in the same tool and continuously in the same work procedure. This can be realized by the two turnable middle parts and of the tool, respectively are supplied with the mold cavities and, where the assembling of the part objects and can take place, when the respective tool cavities meet during the rotation, at the same time as the closing of the mold. During the closing there can simultaneously be molded new part objects and in the opposite placed mold cavities and in the two turnable mold part and. If it is necessary in respect of the material or the design of the part objects, there can after the molding of the part objects be applied e.g. heat on the respective boundary surfaces, which shall shape the assembling. This can suitably be fit into the steps, which the turnable middle parts and run through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jes Tougaard Gram
  • Patent number: 7452199
    Abstract: An apparatus for conducting melt in stack mold arrangements comprises at least one tubular body having a passage there through for conveying melt, an interface member mounted to at least one tubular body at a terminus of the passage for conducting melt between the tubular body and a mating mold member engaged by the interface member, and a length adjusting device interposed between the interface member and the tubular body and having a wedge member and means for setting the transverse position of the wedge member relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body whereby the overall length of the combined tubular body and interface member is established. A sprue bar assembly comprises a sprue bar segment, a nozzle and a length adjusting device interposed between the nozzle and the sprue bar segment having an adjustable wedge member for establishing the overall length of the sprue bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: D-M-E Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Eigler, Donald Brohl, Doug Hugo
  • Patent number: 7445444
    Abstract: An injection molding hot runner apparatus and insert assembly for use in a manifold of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a mold manifold, a cylindrical insert for redirecting melt within the mold manifold, and an expandable sleeve surrounding the insert. When the manifold, insert and sleeve are heated to an operational temperature (e.g. 300° C.), the sleeve expands to create a fluid tight seal between the manifold and the insert. The insert assembly including the insert and sleeve is mountable in the mold manifold to redirect melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventor: Hans Guenther
  • Patent number: 7427198
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding optical components of a small size and high precision is provided with good transferability and a reduced production cycle. This apparatus includes a plurality of runners arranged in a pattern allowing multi-cavity molding for molding plastic lenses each having an outer diameter of 2 mm to 12 mm and surface roughness Ra of 20 nm or less. The total projected area of the runners is determined within a range of 1 cm2 to 12 cm2. The runners are arranged to extend around a sprue in directions perpendicular to an outer surface of the base molds. The pattern of the runners extending from the junction with the sprue to each shape transfer section is configured in two intersecting directions. A cavity is of a rectangular outer shape when seen from a pressure contact surface side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Naito, Kanji Sekihara, Yoshihiro Okumura, Akihiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7427197
    Abstract: A crossover nozzle system for transferring molten plastic from an inlet at the center of the stationary platen of an injection machine to the main manifold of the molding chambers of the stack molds of the injection molding machine. The nozzle system has a sprue bar, a sprue bar extension adjustably connected with the sprue bar, the sprue bar extension having a transfer chamber. The nozzle system also has symmetrically placed inlet apertures located in the sprue bar, the apertures are configured to be in fluid communication centrally with the transfer chamber in the sprue bar extension, and a shut-off surface configured to seal the transfer chamber from the inlet apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Injectnotech Inc.
    Inventors: Vince Ciccone, John M. Plut, Petrica Maran
  • Patent number: 7426998
    Abstract: A molding die assembly includes an upper die and a lower die, wherein at least one of the upper and lower dies is provided with a cavity corresponding to the shape of a rubber member to be molded, wherein at least one of the upper and lower dies is provided with an annular projection around a cavity. The distance between the upper and lower dies at the annular projection is made smaller than the distance between the opposed surface portions, other than the cavity, of the upper and lower dies. A rubber member produced by the above mentioned molding die assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Daikyo Seiko, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamichi Sudo, Morihiro Sudo, Kouichi Asai
  • Publication number: 20080218869
    Abstract: Disclosed are a microlens array, and a method of positioning and aligning the microlens array on another device. Generally, the microlens array comprises an array of injection molded microlens elements, and a supporting flange. Each of the microlens elements has a generally spheroid or spherical shape, and the supporting flange connects together the array of microlens elements to facilitate positioning that array of lenses on a printed circuit board, semiconductor package or wafer. This array is well suited for use with vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs); and, in particular, the preferred embodiment of the invention addresses the problem of VCSEL laser array alignment by using arrays of microlenses elements fabricated by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lawrence Jacobowitz, Casimer DeCusatis
  • Patent number: 7418775
    Abstract: A manifold for conveying injection molding material into a mold from a molding material supply and method for making same includes a main flow member having a central flow passage extending through the main flow member along a longitudinal axis of the main flow member. The main flow member also includes a plurality of branching passages each transverse to and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The main flow member has an outer surface that is generally round in cross sectional shape. The outer surface is machined so as to be generally round in cross sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Tooman
  • Patent number: 7416397
    Abstract: A waterproof slide fastener and a manufacturing apparatus thereof are disclosed, wherein each fastener element has a coupling head, a neck portion, a body portion, and leg portions which are continuously fused and integrated, a terminal end is projected from a gap between upper/lower half portions of the coupling head, upper/lower flanges of a slider make a sliding contact with a surface of each of upper/lower half portions of each leg portion, each half portion of the leg portion extending from the body portion via a crotch portion and guiding the flanges, two or more leg portions are disposed with a predetermined interval in a sliding direction, an entire shoulder width of a shoulder portion is larger than a body width of the body portion if it is provided, thereby intensifying fixing strength between a fastener tape and fastener elements and waterproofness, and allowing a smooth sliding of a slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kusayama, Kenji Yuki, Ryo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7416753
    Abstract: A breather air and food product fines pumping system for a reciprocating mold plate food product forming machine pumps air and fines to a collection area. A pumping surface is provided by a rearward facing surface of the mold plate. A pumping chamber is arranged between the pumping surface and a food product fines collection area. The rearward facing surface of the mold plate defines a movable limit of the pumping chamber. A valve element of a first valve is arranged between the pumping chamber and the collection area to create suction in the pumping chamber when the rearward facing surface of the mold plate is moving forward, and to allow the pumping chamber to pump air and fines into the collection area when the rearward facing surface of the mold plate is moving rearward. Breather holes in a breather plate are in communication with a breather passage that is in communication with the pumping chamber and with outside air through further valve arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Lindee, David Hansen, David Hancock
  • Patent number: 7413433
    Abstract: A two-piece hot runner manifold with plastic flow channels formed as recesses in the two mating surfaces. One or more mating structures, such as posts and sockets, ridge and groove configurations, or the like, are provided along the mating surfaces of the two mating manifold members. A bonding material, such as bronze, can be used to hold the two pieces of the hot runner manifold together. Cross pin members are preferred for use in securing the two mating manifold members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Incoe Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Blundy
  • Publication number: 20080191388
    Abstract: A novel partitioned mold and molding method allows for the molding of articles of a larger size on a given molding machine than would otherwise be possible on the molding machine. The mold cavity is partitioned into two or more portions which are separately injected. The partitions can be removed between respective injections of molten material, or can be mold-in-place partitions which remain in the mold as the entire molding operation is performed and which form part of the finished molded article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Bernd Bultermann, Laszlo Szolosi
  • Patent number: 7410354
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold for delivering a melt stream of moldable material to a nozzle melt channel of a nozzle. A valve pin extends through the nozzle melt channel and is axially movable to selectively open a gate to allow communication with a mold cavity. A sensor is coupled to a forward end of the valve pin. The sensor may be a pressure sensor and/or temperature sensor in direct contact with the melt stream to provide pressure and/or temperature information to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventor: George Olaru
  • Patent number: 7404713
    Abstract: A shutoff valve mechanism for a plastic injection molding system and process. The shutoff valve mechanism is positioned between the nozzle of the injection molding machine and the hot runner manifold. Force applied by the machine nozzle moves an inner body member in the shutoff valve mechanism and opens a valve allowing molten plastic material to flow through the valve and into the hot runner, sprue bushings, and mold cavities. A biasing mechanism, such as a plurality of spring washer members, returns the inner body member to its rest position, thereby closing the valve mechanism when the machine nozzle is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Incoe Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Goinski
  • Patent number: 7396226
    Abstract: A nozzle sealing assembly includes a cup-shaped nozzle seal cap and a sealing ring. The nozzle seal cap is coupled to a nozzle body and surrounds a tip portion of the nozzle body. The sealing ring is coupled to an outer surface of the nozzle seal cap and provides a sealing surface that is configured to slidably contact an adjacent mold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventor: Fabrice Fairy
  • Patent number: 7390184
    Abstract: A co injection manifold assembly for injecting two different materials into a common mold cavity includes a housing that defines a first passage, a second passage and an outlet. The first and second passages communicate with a bore having a valve member for controlling flow of the material through the outlet. A first temperature control element in thermal contact with the first passage and a second temperature control element are in thermal contact with the second passage. Each of the first and second temperature control elements are separately controllable to provide separate temperatures for each of the first and second passages. Separate temperatures in each of the first and second passages provide for the use of materials having dissimilar molten temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Centoco Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Ed Keck, Dale E. Bridgen
  • Patent number: 7377770
    Abstract: In an injection molding tool including at least one hot channel nozzle to which a melt is supplied via a hot channel structure which at its end remote from the hot channel nozzle includes an inlet opening which can be closed by a closure element which is axially movably supported in the inlet part of the hot channel adjacent the inlet opening, the hot channel is angled and the closure element extends in sealed relationship through an angled wall area of the hot channel structure for actuating the closure member, the inlet area and an operating device for actuating the closure member being disposed in a separate unit removably connected to the injection molding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Männer Innovation GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Würstlin
  • Publication number: 20080093772
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Graham Packing Company, LP
    Inventors: Ralph Armstrong, Thomas E. Nahill
  • Patent number: 7361012
    Abstract: The present invention is a multiple-level stack mold for balancing the injection of molten plastic from an injection molding machine to a plurality of cavities, at least one cavity on each level of the multiple-level stack mold, for producing plastic parts facing in the same direction. Cavity plates are assembled in the multiple-level stack mold all facing in a first direction, and either core plates or plates having inserts thereon are assembled in the multiple-level stack mold all facing in a second direction. The clamping mechanism simultaneously moves the cavity plates and the core plates into engagement. Molten plastic is then evenly and simultaneously injected and distributed through a plurality of channels and passages, such that the flow of molten plastic is balanced throughout the system. Thereafter, the cavity plates and the core plates are simultaneously separated, thereby allowing removal of the resulting plastic parts, which are all facing in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: John DiSimone
  • Patent number: 7344372
    Abstract: A nozzle in an injection molding machine allows for smooth, blended melt flow into a mold cavity. In one example, this is accomplished through use of a nozzle having a nozzle body with a nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with a manifold melt channel and a nozzle tip. The nozzle tip includes a first melt channel in fluid communication with the nozzle melt channel and a plurality of release melt channels between the first melt channel and an annular melt channel. The annular melt channel is formed between a retaining device and the nozzle tip. The annular melt channel includes a decompression chamber in fluid communication with respective ones of the release melt channels and a compression chamber between the decompression chamber and a mold. A pressure difference formed between the respective release melt channels and the decompression chamber and between the decompression chamber and the compression chamber blends the molten material to even and balance flow into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventor: Fabrice Fairy
  • Publication number: 20080050466
    Abstract: A collar for reducing or eliminating leakage between components, which move with respect to each other in the field of injection molding. The collar has an outer portion for receiving an inner portion. The outer portion has a tapered or partial spherical surface on its inside diameter, and the inner portion has a tapered or partial spherical surface on its outside diameter. In the preferred embodiment, the inner portion of the collar is operatively assembled into a cavity of the outer portion of the collar, such that the tapered surface of the inner portion is slidably mounted to the tapered surface of the outer portion. The collar is operatively mounted around the outside diameter or circumference of a cylindrical device and between two components that move with respect to each other. Springs, discs, cylinders or other device are used to create an axial force AF between the components, which move with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Patrice Fabien Gaillard
  • Patent number: 7331779
    Abstract: This is an apparatus and method of reducing the cycle time needed to produce molded parts. The cycle time is reduced by moving the molded part while still encapsulated within the mold cavity and core away from the injection position to one or more cooling positions and an ejection position. This enables the cooling and ejection portion of the molding cycle to be performed concurrently with the injection portion of the cycle for proceeding parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Shakal
  • Publication number: 20080038401
    Abstract: Discloses is: (i) a hot runner assembly of a molding system, (ii) a molding system including a hot runner assembly, (iii) a method of a molding system, and/or (iv) a mold of a molding system, amongst other things.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Jan Marius Manda
  • Patent number: 7329118
    Abstract: An expansion nozzle for conducting melt from a floating manifold to a mold assembly comprises a bushing having a bushing flange and spigot having a passage therethrough joining a nozzle inlet and an outlet, a head having a seating surface and a bore through the head slidably receiving the spigot so that the spigot is movable relative to the head over a range from abutting contact of opposing surfaces of the head and bushing flange to a limit of axial separation of the opposing surfaces, axial separation of opposing surfaces of the head and bushing flange being maintained throughout an operating temperature range. Springs maintain sealing contact of a seating surface of the head with a mating surface of the mold assembly. Advantageously, a locating ring provides a reaction surface for the springs and supports the head to resist moments arising from axial misalignment of the expansion nozzle and mold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: D-M-E Company
    Inventors: Trevor Pruden, Fred Steil
  • Patent number: 7326049
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventors: Jobst Ulrich Gellert, Denis Babin
  • Publication number: 20080023862
    Abstract: Disclosed is (i) a molding system, including a viscous-drag sensor interactable with a molding material flowable along a melt pathway and/or (ii) a method of a molding-system, amongst other things.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Johannes Niewels, Omeir Shahid Ansari, William Cornelius Janzen, Michael Keith Zuraw, Nenad Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 7322817
    Abstract: An injection molding nozzle (1) for plastic with at least two outlet openings (2) facing toward different sides and directed oppositely is not constructed as an open injection molding nozzle but has a respective closure needle (5) in the outlet openings (2), and a drive is also provided for displacing the closure needles (5) at least into the closing position. Thus a cold plug at the end of the outlet openings (2) facing a mold (3) can be avoided, independently of whether the closure needles completely close these outlet openings (2) at their mouth (6) or still leave a minimum gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Otto Manner Innovation GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Männer
  • Patent number: 7320588
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source and delivering the melt stream to a nozzle channel of a nozzle. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel to receive the melt stream through the mold gate. A distribution assembly is located adjacent to the manifold. The distribution assembly includes at least one distribution member having a groove formed in an outer surface thereof and at least one conduit provided in the distribution member. The groove receives wiring from a heater of the nozzle and routes the wiring to a termination location or box. The conduit distributed fluid to various locations in the injection molding apparatus, such as actuation fluid for an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventor: Murray Feick
  • Patent number: 7320590
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes 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. The manifold includes a manifold plug fit within a bore thereof and having a plug melt channel for fluidly connecting the manifold melt channel and the nozzle melt channel. The manifold plug further includes a valve/pressure disk portion that abuts with a back plate of the injection molding apparatus to maintain the spacing therebetween and to accommodate thermal expansion of the manifold relative to the back plate. In an injection molding application utilizing a valve-gated nozzle, the manifold plug may further include a valve pin receiving/guiding bore that functions as a valve pin bushing for a valve pin. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel of the nozzle to receive melt through a mold gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventors: Fabrice Fairy, Murray Feick, Payman Tabassi
  • Patent number: 7320589
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotating a cross-sectional asymmetrical condition of a laminar flowing material is provided in a hot runner system for supplying a laminar flowing material. The hot runner system has (i) an upstream melt passage, (ii) a pair of intermediary melt passages downstream from the upstream melt passage, and (iii) for at least one intermediary melt passage, an associated pair of downstream melt passages downstream from the at least one intermediary melt passage. The cross-sectional asymmetrical condition of a laminar flowing material is rotated by providing a bending path for orienting at least one path outlet relative to a path inlet to rotate the cross-sectional asymmetrical condition of the laminar flowing material such that the cross-sectional asymmetrical condition is substantially equally divided between the two downstream portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventors: Denis Babin, Gino Colonico
  • Patent number: 7316561
    Abstract: A hot runner molding manifold has a first half having flow grooves, a cover piece having flow grooves complementary to the flow grooves of the first half, and a second half securable to the first half and having a cavity for receiving the cover piece. The flow grooves of the first half and the cover piece form flow channels for distributing molten material from an inlet port to outlet ports. The cover piece is engaged with the first half, for example by welding, to reduce leakage of molten material out of the flow channels. Heater grooves in the first half, second half or both the first and second halves receive one or more heating elements for heating the flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Lijue Xue, Glen Robert Campbell, Manuel J. Gomes
  • Patent number: 7306446
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for combining two or more streams of a polymeric material to form a plastic object. The method and apparatus are capable of ending an interior layer of the plastic object at a desired length to avoid the need to clean selected surfaces of components used to form the plastic object. The method and apparatus increase the velocity of the polymeric material used to form the plastic object in certain components used to form the plastic object. The increase in the velocity of the polymeric material facilitates the ending of the interior layer of the plastic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kortec, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Sabin, Paul Swenson, Ronald Roberts
  • Patent number: 7306454
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a first, rear-mounted nozzle that is coupled to a manifold for receiving a melt stream therefrom. A second, front-mounted nozzle is coupled to the first nozzle by a nozzle link that is provided between the first and second nozzles. A plurality of gate seals are coupled to a forward end of the second nozzle. The gate seals receive melt from a plurality of melt passages and deliver the melt to a plurality of mold cavities through respective gates. The second nozzle is slidably removable from the first nozzle via the nozzle link to facilitate repair or replacement of the gate seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventors: Denis Babin, Terry Schwenk, Robert Sicilia
  • Publication number: 20070278708
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of polymer material in a sequential injection molding process. In one embodiment, the method provides: delivering a first shot of a first material simultaneously to a plurality of mold cavities; independently sensing for each cavity a property that is indicative of a volume or flow of material that is delivered to the corresponding cavity during the step of delivering the first shot; independently stopping the step of delivering the first shot to one or more cavities according to a program that uses as a variable a signal indicative of the property sensed for the corresponding cavity during delivery of the first shot; and delivering a second shot of a second material simultaneously to the cavities subsequent to the step of stopping the step of delivering the first shot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, LP
    Inventors: Thomas E. Nahill, Sam Kalmouni, Nikhil Mani, Keith Barker, Brian Lynch
  • 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: 7303384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spraying-on of especially plastic mouldings, wherein at least one mould cavity to be filled, constructed in a tool is arranged laterally next to a central nozzle body, with at least one nozzle tip arranged in and/or on the nozzle body which projects outwards over the circumferential surface of the nozzle body and forms an injection channel for the mould cavity in a recess of the tool and/or the nozzle body, wherein at least one further recess is arranged in the area of the bottom of the nozzle body, wherein this recess is provided with at least one through opening which connects the recess to the circumferential surface of the nozzle body and wherein the nozzle tip can be inserted through the recess into the opening and detachably affixed there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Hans Schreck
  • Patent number: RE40584
    Abstract: A nozzle end is provided for removable mounting to a nozzle body for use in multiple-tipped molding applications such as edge-gated systems. The nozzle end is made of a highly thermally conductive material and is preferably inserted at least partially inside the forward end of the heated nozzle body. Removable nozzle tips are insertable in the front end of the nozzle end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mold-Masters (2007) Limited
    Inventor: Denis Babin