Abstract: Disclosed is a drive unit, in particular for a closing unit, an injection unit, or an ejector of an injection molding machine. The drive unit comprises a double-acting force transmitting element provided with a small and a large piston unit which are disposed in a cylinder. The large piston unit is adapted to be pressurized by a great force both in input and in output directions. According to the invention, both the large piston unit with respect to the cylinder and the cylinder with respect to a movable element of the drive of the small piston unit are spring-prestressed.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed, in particular for a locking unit of an injection compression machine, comprising a hydraulic force translator with two piston units moving relative to each other with different effective areas. The foregoing enclose a pressure chamber together with a cylinder or spacer of the force translator. The smaller piston unit is electrically driven, wherein the axial displacement of the smaller piston unit may be transmitted to the cylinder. The cylinder can be fixed relative to a chassis of the injection compression machine by means of a hydraulic clamping device. According to the invention, the pressure necessary for clamping is delivered by a high-pressure reservoir which may be charged during the displacement of the smaller piston unit.

Abstract: An auxiliary position apparatus is adapted for an injection molding machine which includes a nose and the nose has a nozzle at one end thereof. The auxiliary position apparatus includes a position device for being mounted to the nose and at least two light emitting devices adjustably mounted to the position device. The two light emitting devices can emit two adjustable light beams to focus as a light-spot which is substantially in alignment with the nozzle on a mold placed on the injection molding machine. By moving the mold to make the light-spot located at an injecting hole of the mold, the nozzle can be adjustably in alignment with the injecting hole rapidly and precisely before the injection molding operations.

Abstract: The present invention enables one hot runner device to be shared between a plurality of molds whose resin inlets are disposed at different positions. This hot runner device discharges supplied molten material to a resin inlet 18b of a mold 18. A hot runner body 42 comprises an inlet opening into which the molten material is supplied, an outlet opening from which the molten material is discharged, and a flow passage. The inlet opening is formed at one end, and the outlet opening is formed at the other end. The flow passage connects the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The hot runner body 42 is driven and moved by a drive mechanism 56 so that the outlet opening 52 can make contact with the resin inlet 18b of each of a plurality of molds whose resin inlets 18b are disposed at different positions. Accordingly, the hot runner device can be commonly used for the plurality of molds whose resin inlets are disposed at different positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process 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.

Abstract: Method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to drain a beverage from the capsule, wherein the capsule includes a body with a sealing member attached thereto. The method includes providing the body with a main cavity, injecting at least one sealing material by injection-molding onto at least a portion of the external surface of the body to mold a sealing member sealingly attached to the body, filling the cavity with food ingredients and imperviously closing the cavity with a membrane to provide a closed capsule containing the food ingredients.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for depositing a quantity of article-forming media within a media receiving cavity of article forming equipment. After depositing at least a portion of the article-forming media within the media receiving cavity, an operation performed for depositing a volume of a prescribed fluid into the media receiving cavity. Depositing the prescribed fluid includes moving a first fluid delivery device through the quantity of the article-forming media while injecting the prescribed fluid through the first fluid delivery device into the quantity of the article-forming media.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for manufacturing a detergent bar, the bar comprises a first distinct zone comprising a first component and at least a second distinct zone comprising a second component. In an injection step, the first and second components are injected into the mold cavity via nozzle means having a first orifice through which the first component is injected. The second component is injected through a second orifice of the nozzle means. The first and second components solidify in the cavity to form the bar. The interface between the zones may be non-planar and/or such that the zones cannot be separated by a unidirectional cut. The first and second zones may respectively comprise detergent and a benefit agent. The first and second zones may differ in texture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination drive for a plastic injection-molding machine having a rotary drive (1) for driving a screw shaft (9) so as to rotate and a linear drive (2) for driving the screw shaft (9) so as to perform a linear movement in the axial direction in relation to the rotary drive (1). When the linear drive (2) performs a linear movement, the rotary drive (1) is linearly entrained, thereby avoiding any axial forces on the rotary drive (1).

Abstract: Division members (31, 32) separately molded to form a hollow component are brought into contact with each other and are arranged in dies (14, 24). The peripheral edge of the contact parts is formed with a peripheral edge path (330) to be filled with a molten resin. In the peripheral edge path (330), protrusions (316, 326) are projected from the division members (31, 32) continuously over the whole periphery of the peripheral edge path (330). The molten resin is filled in the peripheral edge path 330, and is welded with the protrusions (316, 326). As a result, a weld structure is obtained in which portions having a high welding strength are continuously formed over the whole periphery of the peripheral edge path (330).

Abstract: A mold plate for use in a reciprocating mold plate patty-forming apparatus includes a flat body having a plurality of cavities for forming patties. The flat body has a fill side face and an opposite face. A grid pattern of grooves is formed on the second face extending longitudinally and laterally on the second face. The pattern extends a lateral distance that is about equivalent to an overall patty cavity field width. Longitudinal and lateral slots that penetrate though a thickness of the mold plate and flow connect fill side pressure and meat with the pattern of grooves on the second face to balance the pressure on the opposite faces of the flat body.

Abstract: Among other things, the invention relates to an injection nozzle for guiding hot-melt plastic within a mold, particularly an injection mold. Said injection nozzle comprises a nozzle housing (11) and a nozzle needle (13) which is mounted in a translationally movable manner and is used for opening and closing a melt opening that leads to a mold cavity. The nozzle needle (13) can be moved by means of a driving mechanism (V) to which a transmitting device (14) is assigned that allows a movement of the driving mechanism (V) to be converted into a movement of the nozzle needle (13). The invention is characterized, inter alia, in that the transmitting device (14) is assigned to an attached unit (22) which can be releasably connected to the injection nozzle (10) and inside which a rod assembly (30) is disposed at least in part.

Abstract: A two-shot injection molding assembly is provided where the tooling that creates the mold for the first material can be retracted and the tooling that creates the mold for the second material can be inserted. The first material tool blocks the mold area that is intended for the second material to be injected. After the first material is injected into the mold, the first material tool can be retracted and replaced with the second material tool. The second material tool creates a side for the mold that is used to form the second material injected into the mold, and a spring based wedge forms the other side of the mold. By having the first material tool retracted and replaced with the second material tool, the core plate does not have to be rotated.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting relative positions of multiple injection nozzles of an injection apparatus. The mechanism includes a guide section serving as a rail horizontally extending in a predetermined direction; a first injection section having at least one injection nozzle and slidably disposed on the rail, whereby the first injection section is guidable by the rail to horizontally move along X-axis defined by the rail; and a second injection section having at least one injection nozzle and slidably disposed on the rail. The second injection section is spaced from the first injection section by a distance and guidable by the rail to horizontally move along X-axis defined by the rail. The second injection section is further vertically movable within a predetermined range of height along Y-axis normal to X-axis.

Abstract: A hand operated injection molding machine apparatus constructed from prefabricated sub-assemblies and a desired mold clamping means attached to a main support structure, and then electrically integrated with each other.

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.

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.

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

Abstract: An object is to provide a drive apparatus for an injection molding machine which can generate a large thrust force and can provide short-cycled continuous drive. The drive apparatus includes a housing (11); a tubular linear motor (14) including a movable element (12) disposed within the housing (11) in a manner capable of advancing and retreating, and a stationary element (13) attached to the housing (11), the linear motor (14) serving as a first drive section; a member-to-be-driven (15) caused to advance and retreat together with the movable element (12); and a second drive section attached to the housing (11) and disposed such that at least a portion of the second drive section overlaps the linear motor (14) along the axial direction. By merely a slight increase in a radial dimension, the area of a permanent magnet (23) of the movable element (12) can be sufficiently increased, and the capacity of the linear motor (14) can be increased.

Abstract: The invention provides a vertical injection molding machine capable of periodically feeding lubricant to sliding portions of the turntable to maintain a substantially constant turntable slide resistance and also capable of determining the position of the repeatedly revolving turntable. During operation of a vertical injection molding machine 1, lubricant is periodically fed from a pump 30 to slide portions S of the revolving turntable 14 so as to maintain the slide resistance of the sliding portions S substantially constant. Further, a motor control means 51 resets the count of pulses output from an encoder 29 at a timing at which the number of revolutions of a servomotor 25 and the number of revolutions of the turntable 14 are integers, so that it is possible to prevent pulse errors from accumulating even when the turntable 14 is revolved many times in the same direction.

Abstract: A knockout drive system for a food patty molding machine includes an electric motor; a rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus operatively connected to the electric motor; and at least one knockout member operatively connected between the rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus and the knockout plungers, to reciprocate the knockout plungers. The mold plate and knockout plungers are not mechanically linked to be driven together but are independently driven. The electric motor of the knockout drive system is a servo driven motor wherein the speed, acceleration, deceleration and dwell periods of the knockout plungers can be precisely controlled to be synchronized with the mold plate movements and positions, and for the type of food product, the output rate and the shape of the patties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injection molding method which intends to lower a mold clamping force in view of both of a projected area of a molded article and an injection pressure, and contributes to an energy saving and a reduction in a cost of equipment and a manufacturing cost. In a cavity (13) formed in a metal mold (5) for an injection molding, there are arranged a first gate (21) injecting a first molten resin (101) anteceding in one end side (a charging start side) in a longitudinal direction, and a second gate (22) injecting a second molten resin (102) following in another end side (a charging finish side). The second molten resin (102) is newly injected from the second gate (22) before a fluid head portion of the first molten resin (101) injected from the first gate (21) reaches a position of the second gate (22).

Abstract: A nozzle contact device for guiding and clamping the injection nozzle for an injection unit of an injection molding machine onto an injection mold includes a linear drive for moving the injection unit back and forth, and a guide carriage which can be driven by the linear drive, with the guide carriage being articulated to the injection unit. The invention is characterized in that the axis of rotation of the articulation between the guide carriage and the injection unit extends horizontally, and that this axis of rotation and the injection axis are arranged on planes which are parallel to each other, preferably on the same horizontal plane. Rotary joints or flexural joints can be provided. In addition, the rear part of the injection unit, in particular a screw mechanism can be height-adjustable. As a result, the nozzle contact force is introduced into the injection unit in the absence of a bending moment. No tilting is caused between the injection nozzle and the sprue bush of the injection mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a mounting system of an injection unit of an injection molding system, and (ii) an injection molding system having a mounting system of an injection unit, amongst other things.

Abstract: An external sprue bar position alignment device is comprised of a mounting bracket and a sprue bar alignment frame that is attached to the mounting bracket. The sprue bar alignment frame and mounting bracket define a channel configured to receive a sprue bar upon a mold closing. The sprue bar alignment frame and the mounting bracket are disposed to maintain alignment of an end of the sprue bar with an injection nozzle. The device includes an adjustment device, said adjustment device provided for movement of at least one of the mounting bracket or the sprue bar position alignment frame relative to a path of the sprue bar such that at least one of the mounting block or the sprue bar position alignment frame may bias the sprue bar in a selected direction upon the molding closing. The sprue bar position alignment device may be adjusted without disassembling the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a component of a molding system, including a first conduit having a conically-shaped first-conduit distal end being matable with a conically-shaped second-conduit distal end of a second conduit of the molding system, (ii) a molding system, including the first conduit and the second conduit, (iii) a molding system, including a barrel having a conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, and a barrel head having a conically-shaped second-conduit distal end being matable with the conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, and (iv) an extruder, including a barrel having a conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, and a barrel head having a conically-shaped second-conduit distal end being matable with the conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, amongst other things.

Abstract: An injection molding mechanism capable of shortening an injection molding process is generally applied to a processing process of a power cord, and comprises a material-feeding machine, a storage tank, a compression type material-supplying device, a conveying device and at least one robotic arm. The material-feeding machine, the storage tank and the compression type material-supplying device are arranged in series. The conveying device is a closed-loop conveying platform for conveying molds repeatedly. The robotic arm and the material-feeding machine are located above the conveyance path of the conveying device. In addition, the storage tank and the compression type material-supplying device are connected to the front end of the material-feeding machine to decrease the time spent on melting the plastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injection molding method which intends to lower a mold clamping force in view of both of a projected area of a molded article and an injection pressure, and contributes to an energy saving and a reduction in a cost of equipment and a manufacturing cost. In a cavity (13) formed in a metal mold (5) for an injection molding, there are arranged a first gate (21) injecting a first molten resin (101) anteceding in one end side (a charging start side) in a longitudinal direction, and a second gate (22) injecting a second molten resin (102) following in another end side (a charging finish side). The second molten resin (102) is newly injected from the second gate (22) before a fluid head portion of the first molten resin (101) injected from the first gate (21) reaches a position of the second gate (22).

Abstract: A drive system reciprocates a mold plate between a cavity fill position and a patty discharge position, and can also reciprocate knock out plungers to discharge molded food patties from cavities in the mold plate at the patty discharge position. This drive system includes a first electric motor; a first rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus operatively connected to the first electric motor; at least one drive member operatively connected between the first rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus and the mold plate to reciprocate the mold plate. The drive system can also include a second electric motor; a second rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus operatively connected to the second electric motor; and at least one knock out member operatively connected between the second rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus and the knock out plungers, to reciprocate the knock out plungers.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a fluid distributor and bidirectional drive apparatus of a molding system, and/or (ii) a molding system, amongst other things.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a mounting system of an injection unit of an injection molding system, and (ii) an injection molding system having a mounting system of an injection unit, amongst other things.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an injection molding machine, a hot runner apparatus attached to the molding machine, and a mold defining a part cavity. The mold is attached to the molding machine and operably engages the hot runner apparatus. The hot runner apparatus has secondary nozzles that engage respective sprue assemblies on the mold for communicating melted plastic material to the mold cavity. Each sprue assembly includes a movably mounted sprue and a stress-reducing mechanism with spring washers that support the sprue to provide sufficient force to eliminate leaking at abutting contact surfaces against the secondary nozzles, but that allow limited movement of the sprue to reduce excessive stress focused on the respective sprues. Since the stress-reducing mechanism is located in the mold, each stress-reducing mechanism can be tailored to the particular needs of that particular mold and the particular melted material being processed.

Abstract: A process for the molding of an assembled object in at least two subsequent moldings and a machine for the performance of the process are provided. The object is molded in a mold comprising at least three mold parts. When the mold is open, at least one of the mold parts or a part thereof is rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the mutual direction of movement of the mold part in relation to the opposing mold part. In a mold consisting of three mold parts, the middle part may be rotatable in relation to the two outermost mold parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is overmolding molded articles amongst other things.

Abstract: A frame structure is provided for a reciprocating mold plate type food product forming apparatus. The frame structure includes an angular strut configuration for resisting horizontal reciprocating forces caused by the reciprocating mold plate and associated drive, and a tie rod arrangement for resisting separation-reaction forces caused by food product compression by a plunger in a pump cylinder of a food product pump. A base plate supports the frame structure. A first angular strut extends from a rear location forwardly and upwardly to an elevated central location and is fixed to the frame portion. A second angular strut extends from a forward location rearward and upwardly to the elevated central location and is fixed to said frame portion. The first and second struts transfer the horizontal component of the reciprocating forces into the base plate. A plurality of tie rods span between a backing plate that mounts a hydraulic cylinder that drives the plunger, and the pump cylinder.

Abstract: A mechanism for pressing a nozzle 26 of an injection device 10 against a die 33, comprises a hooking device 12 which moves so that a hooking body 23 hooks or does not hook on a to-be-hooked portion 24; and a traction device 11 having, on its one end, the hooking device 12 and having, on its other end, the injection device 10. In this mechanism, the portion of the hooking device 12, opposite to the side adjacent to the traction device 11 is attached to the die 33 in the vicinity of the portion of the die 33, against which the nozzle 26 is abutted.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system is provided for a reciprocating mold plate, patty-forming apparatus wherein food product is delivered under pressure from a pump cylinder to mold plate cavities. The plunger is driven during a first phase by force from a hydraulic cylinder from a retracted position distant from the pump cylinder to a ready position initially compressing food product loaded into said pump cylinder. Thereafter, the plunger is driven during a second phase by the hydraulic cylinder to load food product under pressure into the mold plate cavities. The hydraulic cylinder is supplied with hydraulic fluid during the first phase by a low pressure hydraulic fluid pump and during the second phase by a high pressure hydraulic fluid pump. According to the invention, the low pressure hydraulic fluid pump and the high pressure hydraulic fluid pump are positioned within a reservoir, at least partially submerged in hydraulic fluid held within the reservoir, during operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection unit (1) for an injection molding machine, comprising a screw (4) that is driven by means of a spindle drive (18). The spindle drive (18) is driven via an electric motor (6). Additionally, a force that acts in an axial direction is transmitted to the screw of the injection unit (1) via a hydraulic cylinder (38). According to the invention, a pump (48, 68) is driven via the electric motor (6). A pressure chamber (44) of the cylinder (38) can be supplied with more pressurizing means via said pump (48, 68) than is needed during an axial displacement of the plunger (36).

Abstract: A cooling tube assembly for operating on a malleable molded plastic part. The cooling tube assembly comprising a porous tube/insert having a profiled inner conditioning surface, and a vacuum structure configured to cooperate with the porous tube. In use, the vacuum develops a reduced pressure adjacent the inner conditioning surface to cause an outer surface of the malleable molded plastic part, locatable within the cooling tube assembly, to contact the inner conditioning surface of the porous insert so as to allow a substantial portion of the outer surface of the malleable part, upon cooling, to attain a profile substantially corresponding to the profile of the inner conditioning surface. The cooling tube assembly further including a suction channel therein that is configured to cooperate with a valve member for the control of a suction flow therethrough that assists in a transferring of the molded article into the cooling tube assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes for dispensing into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. The apparatus comprises a mixing block for merging together at least two polyurethane components, then a temperature control chamber to remove excess heat that is produced by the exothermic reaction resulting from the mixing of the urethane components. The mixing of the components is by passing the components through a tortuous mixing path created by a disposable static mixer element. The mixed components are dispensed into the golf ball mold by a multiple lead nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A connecting member is formed by an upper plate portion and a side plate portion. One end of the upper plate portion is fixed to a fixed platen of an injection molding machine, and a lower end of the side plate portion is fixed to a base frame to which the fixed platen is fixed. This connecting member prevents the fixed platen from being tilted when a nozzle touch force is applied from an injection apparatus.

Abstract: Injection molding coupling apparatus and method is configured to be installed between a relatively movable injection unit and a relatively stationary unit base. A subplate is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the unit base, and preferably includes linear bearings for rolling on a pair of linear rails. A flexible pad device is configured to be disposed between the subplate and the injection unit. The flexible pad device is configured to minimize misalignment caused by thermal elongation of heated components and the relative movement between the injection unit and the unit base.

Abstract: A food product hopper assembly is provided for a food patty molding machine. The food product hopper of the assembly is configured for containing a supply of food product and is in flow-communication with a food delivery apparatus for discharging food product from the hopper. The hopper is hinged along one side to a machine housing and can be pivoted upwardly to reveal a hopper bottom for cleaning and inspection. Hopper sidewalls define an open bottom face and the food delivery apparatus comprises a hopper conveyor having a top conveying surface closing a substantial portion of the open bottom face. The hinge arrangement comprises a hinge shaft fixed to the hopper and supports carried by the housing, the support having an aperture wherein the hinge shaft is journaled for rotation about an axis of the shaft by the aperture.

Abstract: A mold plate drive assembly configured to provide a variable motion and fill position of the cavity of a mold plate relative to a fill position of a food product forming machine.

Abstract: An injection unit of an injection molding machine capable of preventing a displacement of an axis of a heating barrel and an axis of an injection screw and facilitating a nozzle axis adjustment. A front plate supporting a heating barrel is fixed to a base with a height-adjusting mechanism located in-between. A rear plate is connected to the front plate by connecting members symmetrically arranged. The injection screw inserted in the heating barrel is rotatably supported by a pusher plate to which a ball nut is fixed. A ball screw engaged with the ball nut is rotatably supported by the rear plate. The pusher plate is supported and guided by the support/guide member, and moves forward to inject resin by the rotation of the ball screw. The support/guide member is supported by a supporting member fixed to the front plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns in particular a mold for injection molding of a flexible tube, said mold comprising as molding tools, a nozzle receptacle, an impression and a core, housed in a stack of plates. The invention is characterized in that said molding tools have pairs of respective conical support surfaces, through which the tools are centered and aligned with one another, each support surface being formed by a portion of tools deprived of transverse mobility.

Abstract: A hybrid injection unit for an injection molding machine includes a plasticizing screw having a shaft and constructed for rotation and axial displacement. Operatively connected to the shaft is a first electric motor for rotating the plasticizing screw, and a second electric motor for axial displacement of the plasticizing screw. A cost-efficient construction of the second electric motor and reduced stress of the linkage between this electric motor and the shaft is realized by providing at least one piston and cylinder unit in fluid communication with a pressure source for support of the second electric motor in injection direction, and a traverse acted upon by one end of the piston and cylinder unit and rotatably supporting the shaft of the plasticizing shaft. The traverse acts upon the shaft between a force introduction point of the second electric motor into the shaft, on one hand, and the plasticizing screw, on the other hand.

Abstract: A food patty-forming apparatus for forming food patties from pressurized food product includes a mold plate that is guided to reciprocate longitudinally between a fill position and a discharge position. The mold plate has a cavity that is open to the source of pressurized food product when in the fill position. The cavity is exposed when in the discharge position. A mold pattern having open areas and solid areas is arranged adjacent a first face of the cavity, and indented from a second face. A knockout plunger has open areas corresponding to the solid areas of the pattern and solid areas corresponding to the open areas of the mold pattern. The knockout plunger is shaped to allow the solid areas of the plunger to penetrate into the cavity past the first face of the cavity around the solid areas to displace a patty formed in the cavity.

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.