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: The present invention refers to an interchangeable system for support and actuation of rotary injection molds, used for the manufacture of plastic multi-component parts. This system is easily installed on conventional injection molding machines. The support system (13) is constituted by a main body that includes a sliding device and a rotary mechanism. The longitudinal sliding device is driven by cylinders (8 and 23) and is supported by the arms of the support (9, 15). A rotary unit, including motorization (20) is coupled to the sliding device with two rotary support platens, upper (7) and lower (17). The central mold (4) is supported between the rotary support platens (7 and 17). The frontal mold (12) is fixed on the interior part of the support which is in-turn fixed to the machine platen. The rear mold (2) is fixed to the moving platen of the injection machine (1) as usual. The invention permits not only a rapid mold mutation but also an easy reinstallation on different injection machines.

Abstract: Inside a base element (3) that is designed to be attached to one of the two parts of the mold, specifically to the part in which the material inlet to the corresponding cavity (7) is situated, a cylindrical insert (1) is in turn situated, mounted with the freedom to rotate in the corresponding housing (2), which is also cylindrical, the material inlet (5) being established in the base (4) of said insert (1) next to the molding cavity (7), which leads with a curved path and a progressively decreasing section to the access (6) to the molding cavity (7), which is also situated in correspondence with said base (4).

Abstract: The invention provides a vertical injection molding machine capable of stopping the repeatedly revolved turntable at predetermined positions. During operation of a vertical injection molding machine 1 having one or more lower molds 15 mounted on a turntable 14 and an upper mold 16 mounted on an upper retention plate 13, lubricant is periodically fed from a pump 30 to a slide portion S of the revolving turntable 14. Thereby, the slide resistance of the sliding portions S of the turntable 14 is maintained constant, by which the repeatedly revolved turntable 14 is enabled to stop accurately at predetermined positions. Thus, the present machine enables the lower molds 15 which are repeatedly clamped with the upper mold 16 to stop at predetermined positions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for combining raw fibrous and binding materials in single mixing step (Step S3), followed by consolidation (Step S5) to greatly shorten overall cycle time to finished fiber-reinforced composite part. Chopped fibrous materials and binder materials are deposited sequentially onto belt conveyor (Step S2) so that materials are successively layered on top of one another in predetermined ratio and subsequently mixed (Step S3) to achieve uniform dispersion throughout. Mixed materials are deposited into rotating mold (Step S4), which further ensures uniform dispersion of fibrous and binder materials. Impregnation of fibrous materials with the binder material occurs in situ as uniformly mixed materials are heated and subsequently compacted in mold (Step S5) to obtain desired shape of fiber-reinforced composite part. Rotation device including: turntable for rotating mold; and actuator for supporting turntable and providing reciprocating motion to mold.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is: a continuous molding machine, a cam of the continuous molding machine, a post-molding device of the continuous molding machine, a molded article handling device, 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: 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 a molding system. According to an aspect, the molding system includes molding-system elements configured to process a molding material. The molding system includes a mold surface configured to cooperate with the molding-system elements. The molding system also includes a fibrous-insert generating mechanism configured to generate a fibrous insert onto the mold surface. The mold surface, in use, encapsulates the fibrous insert received by the mold surface with the molding material, at least in part.

Abstract: Disclosed is overmolding molded articles amongst other things.

Abstract: A horizontal injection molding machine includes a machine bed defining a longitudinal axis and two mold platens supported on the machine bed for movement in a direction of the longitudinal axis, whereby each of the mold platens carries a half-mold. Further provided is a turning device which carries at least two half-molds for interaction with the half-molds on the mold platens, and includes a base plate, which is fixedly mounted to the machine bed between the mold platens, a turntable, and a bearing unit supporting the turntable on the base plate on one side for rotation about a vertical axis. The half-molds of the turning device are hereby attachable on a base-plate distal side of the turntable. The mold platens are moved by a drive mechanism in relation to the turning device, and tie bars extend between the mold platens and are constructed to resist a clamping force.

Abstract: A mold closing device of an injection molding machine for producing plastic parts made of two or more plastic components includes a central mold carrier element which is arranged between two outer mold mounting plates and has two or four opposing mold mounting areas arranged in pairs for affixing two or four mold halves and which is fitted with a turning device supported in a supporting frame. Each of the mold halves of the mold carrier element can be closed against the mold halves of the outer mold mounting plates by a drive mechanism and a mold pressure unit. The outer mold mounting plates are interconnected by columns which extend through the supporting frame for the central mold carrier element. The supporting frame is fixedly connected to the machine frame while the outer mold mounting plate is displaceably supported on the machine frame.

Abstract: An all plastic metering pump having a bellows-type spring with a tubular valve which is integrally formed on it in a single piece in a discharge region toward a metering head, the tubular valve being designed as a discharge valve of the metering pump. In the method, the pump components, which have been manufactured in each case in a plurality of injection cycles, are assembled from the injection mold in a defined assembly sequence in time with the injection cycles, the number of assembly steps corresponding to the number of injection cycles for producing the various pump components.

Abstract: A horizontal multi-material molding machine includes a rotary table having a rotation axis center in a horizontal direction, a multi-material molding metal mold mounted on the rotary table, injection plunger units disposed to advance to and retreat from the multi-material molding metal mold for injecting a molten resin into cavities of the multi-material molding metal mold, a servo motor for rotating the rotary table, and a brake mechanism mounted on the servo motor and actuated when the servo motor is stopped for maintaing the position of the rotary table.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injection molding of molded products including a first cavity chamber for forming a seal liner, with the first cavity chamber having an outer edge, and a second cavity chamber for forming a shell, with the second cavity chamber having a center and being adjacent to the first cavity chamber. The injection molding apparatus and method also includes a first nozzle for a seal liner material positioned near the outer edge of, and in communication with, the first cavity chamber, and a second nozzle for a shell material positioned near the center of, and in communication with, the second cavity chamber. The injection molding apparatus and method further includes a mold core capable of being positioned in and moved between the first and second cavity chambers.

Abstract: A rotary device for a horizontal injection molding machine includes a base and a rotary table supported on the base for rotation about a vertical rotation axis upon operation of a drive. The drive includes a shaft extending downwards from the rotary table and projecting through the base.

Abstract: A method and molding tool for the molding of both one- or multi-component parts preferably comprising plastic material which may be integrated together with parts of another material, such as steel and copper, where the turnable middle section during the molding process is supplied with material on at least one of the surfaces thereof, that in contrast to the normal procedures are not at a right angle to the closing direction between the stationary mold part and the movable mold part of the tool. This can be realized by molding a part or a piece of a part and/or by molding around a special part for the in-molding on at least one of these surfaces of the turnable middle section. This molding and/or insertion can take place while the tool is closed and can be performed on several surfaces at the same time in order to save cycle time.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes two hydraulic cylinders, a valve connected to the cylinders, and an actuating unit for the valve; racks are joined to power output rods of the cylinders, facing each other, and engaging a gear secured on a rotary disk; the valve includes a body, and a rod made to stick out from the body at outward end by a spring; the rod can reduce an oil passage of the body after it is displaced further into the body, and the rod can block the oil passage substantially at an end of its displacement further into the body; the actuating unit is movable with one of the power rod, and has two sloping boards thereon such that the rod will be displaced further into the body when the actuating unit moves with the power rod, and when the sloping boards slide over the outward end of the rod of the valve.

Abstract: It is provided an apparatus for injection molding articles of plastics material comprising: molds (2a) and countermolds (2b) forming molding units (3), molding cavities (7) being defined inside said molds and countermolds; one injection assembly (8) and one auxiliary assembly (9) adapted to respectively supply melted plastics material and pressurized fluid into the molding cavities; molding units (3) being movable with respect to said injection assembly (8) and auxiliary assembly (9); and removable connecting devices (12, 8a), and check means (20) adapted to avoid counter flows from molding cavities (7), being provided between molding units (3) and injection assembly (8) and auxiliary assembly (9).

Abstract: A rotary device for a horizontal injection molding machine includes a base plate and a rotary table supported on the base plate for rotation about a vertical rotation axis upon operation of a drive. The drive includes a pivot pin extending downwards from the rotary table and projecting through the base plate.

Abstract: A molding machine and method for reducing the length of a mold cycle by enabling access to a previously molded part while the mold is closed. The machine includes a fixed platen and a platen movable toward and away from the fixed platen. A turret having a plurality of faces is positioned between the fixed and movable platens such that rotatation thereof brings different faces of the turret into alignment with the fixed platen. The fixed platen and at least two opposed turret faces have complementary mold halves that, when closed, define between them the desired shape of a part to be molded.

Abstract: Machine for the manufacture of lipsticks or similar, comprising a mobile support (1) for a plurality of housings (8) for flexible moulds (14) that are fillable with cosmetic product, said mobile support (1) being movable through a plurality of working positions comprising a position (17) for heating the flexible moulds, a position (18) for filling the flexible moulds with poured cosmetic product and a position (19) for cooling said poured cosmetic product. Said heating position (17) comprises means for the introduction of warm heating air into said moulds and said cooling position (19) comprises mould cooling means that operate by convection of cold air.

Abstract: A two-shot injection mold employs a cam pin/slide actuation to open and close the mold, and is configured to leave the mold closed after the first shot and to open it only after the second shot, employing open-topped cam slide channels and two different cam pin configurations to effect the operation.

Abstract: An injection mold is provided which has a cavity plate, and a core plate. There are one or more insert slots in the cavity plate and the core plate. Each insert slot is capable of receiving an insert. The cavity plate and the core plate also have guide elements thereon, which guide elements are constructed and arranged so that, in use, an insert may be engaged with the guide elements and moved along the guide elements to the insert slot.

Abstract: In a method of making plastic articles with embossed pattern, a plastic material is injection-molded in a cavity of a clamping unit of an injection molding machine to form an injection-molded plastic article. A pattern is embossed from a foil strip onto a previously injection-molded plastic article to form a finished plastic product with embossed pattern, whereby the embossing step is decoupled from the injection molding step and carried out separately from a clamping step of the clamping unit.

Abstract: A mold closing device of an injection molding machine for producing plastic parts made of two or more plastic components includes a central mold carrier element which is arranged between two outer mold mounting plates and has two or four opposing mold mounting areas arranged in pairs for affixing two or four mold halves and which is fitted with a turning device supported in a supporting frame. Each of the mold halves of the mold carrier element can be closed against the mold halves of the outer mold mounting plates by a drive mechanism and a mold pressure unit. The outer mold mounting plates are interconnected by columns which extend through the supporting frame for the central mold carrier element. The supporting frame is fixedly connected to the machine frame while the outer mold mounting plate is displaceably supported on the machine frame.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.

Abstract: In a single-component or a multi-component injection molding machine with a nozzle-side clamping plate firmly connected to a machine bed and a closing-side clamping plate supported on the machine bed so as to be movable thereon relative to the nozzle-side clamping plate, and each clamping plate carries a mold half of an injection-molding tool, the mold half or a part of the mold half on the closing-side clamping plate is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending in closing direction and is axially movable along the axis of rotation. In the closing-side clamping plate, a motor is received and which a rotatable shaft extends through the motor and is rotatable by the motor for rotating the mold half connected to the closing side clamping plate.

Abstract: An injection moulding apparatus for hollow parts comprises first and second co-operating dies, each die including a first male die core and a female die recess. One of the dies is rotatable about an axis. In a first angular position of the rotatable die, the male die core of the first die co-operates with the female die recess of the second die and the male die core of the second die co-operates with the female die recess of the first die, to define first and second moulds in which half-components may be formed. In a second angular position of the rotatable die, the respective female dies recesses of the first and second dies co-operate to form a third mould in which the half-components may be joined. The apparatus makes use of a single injector differentially controlled for each stage.

Abstract: A rotary device (4) for a horizontal injection molding machine for rotating mold portions or molded articles, disposed between the mold mounting plates, about a vertical axis. The invention is further characterized in that the rotary device (40) is supported completely separated from the tie bars (5-8) exclusively on the machine bed (2). The rotary device (4) includes hereby a base plate 914) supported on the machine bed, a rotary table (13) supported on the base plate for rotation about a vertical axis, as well as drive means for turning the rotary table. The base plate (14) has a substantially H-shaped configuration, with the lateral legs (15-18) of the H resting on the machine bed (2). Turning is realized by gear (44) driven by an electric motor or hydraulic motor (49) and meshing in a ring gear (43) on the rotary table (13). The rotary table (13) is mounted on a pivot pin (19) which extends through the base plate (14) and is rotatably supported in addition by a stator (2) arranged below the base plate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injection-molding plastic material articles, in particular articles consisting of a plurality of components, are disclosed. An injection molding machine has a mold, e.g. a stack mold. The mold is adapted to be temperature-controlled differently in different areas of the mold. A center platen of the stack mold on a first side thereof cooperates with a first mold portion via a first separation plane and, on a second side thereof cooperates with a second mold portion via a second separation plane. The stack mold is provided with a plurality of first, smaller cavities as well as with a plurality of second, larger cavities. A device are provided for injection-molding the first components of the plastic material article in first cavities located in the first separation plane and injection-molding the second components on the first components within the second cavities.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material for blending with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite material may then be extruded through dynamic dies to deliver discrete controlled material that is gravitated onto a lower portion of a mold. The lower portion of the mold may be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. The upper portion of the mold may be pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closing on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.

Abstract: A rotary device for a horizontal injection molding machine is configured in the form of a module frame which includes a base plate and a turntable rotatably mounted on the base plate. Drives are provided to move the base plate in longitudinal direction and to rotate the turntable. A fixed mold mounting plate of the injection molding machine can be mounted on a mounting structure of the module frame, whereas a moveable mold mounting plate is received in guides along the sides of the module frame.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus comprising a rotary table (1) which is rotatable about its axis of symmetry (17) for fixing a plurality of mold halves, wherein for the feed flow, which occurs at the center of the rotary table (1), of media which are capable of flow, there is provided a media coupling (8) which is arranged at a spacing from the rotary table and which has a stationary part a part rotatable together with the rotary table, and wherein tire media coupling (8) is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis (17) of the rotary table (1) and that provided between the media coupling (8) and the rotary table (1) is a connecting bar (14) provided at both ends with universal joints (15).

Abstract: A device (1) and method for injection molding articles (25) with several plastic material components. The device (1) includes a fixed, first half mold (3), a second half-mold (6) that is movable relative to the first half-mold (3) for the purpose of opening and closing the device (1). The device also includes at least two further half-molds (10, 11), which are jointly movable relative to the first and second half-molds (3, 6), and which, in the closed position of the device (1), are situated between the first and the second half-molds (3, 6) such that cavities are formed in each of a first and a second parting plane (32, 33). The two further half-molds (10, 11), which are jointly movable, include a device (22), which in the case of an opened device (1) serves to transport the article (25) out of a first cavity (21.1) into a second cavity (21.2) so that the article (25) can be injection molded around with a further material component in the second cavity (21.2).

Abstract: A rotary device for a horizontal injection molding machine is disposed between a movable mold mounting plate and a fixed mold mounting plate of the injection molding machine and includes a base plate and a turntable, which is supported on the base plate for rotation about a vertical rotation axis and supports a swivel plate for interaction with the moveable and fixed mold mounting plates. The rotary device further includes an eccentric structure for displacement of the turnable in horizontal direction to thereby enable a precise position of the swivel plate between the moveable and fixed mold mounting plates.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing, in particular, plastic caps for closing containers, comprising molding units, each of which is composed of a male mold part and of a female mold part. The male mold part has a punch which is directly provided with compressed air which exits through ports, so as to cause the separation of the cap from the punch and facilitate the removal of the cap.

Abstract: A tool for injection molding of toothbrush bodies of two different plastics components comprises two mold parts which can be moved relative to each other and together constitute four groups of parallel mold cavities. One of the mold parts has a recess for each group of mold cavities. A mold insert fits into the recess. Partial cavities are formed in the mold inserts, which partial cavities each correspond to a head portion of a toothbrush body. A first plastics component is injected into a first pair of groups of the mold cavities and a second plastics component is injected into a second pair of groups of the mold cavities. The mold cavities of the first pair of groups are arranged on the one side and those of the second group are arranged on the other side of a rotatable carrier arm to which the mold inserts are fastened. The mold cavities are arranged in each group parallel to each other and so as to have the same orientation.

Abstract: An injection molding device with an injection molding cylinder in which is arranged a coaxial worn that is rotatable and axially displaceable by drive devices. A spindle nut rotatable by a first drive device is mounted in a housing and cooperates with a screw sleeve which is axially displaceable during rotation of the spindle nut but is fixed against rotation during axial displacement. Further, a shaft is mounted in the interior of the screw sleeve and is connected at one end to the worm and has at the other end an axial coupling, one of whose coupling parts communicates with a second drive device.

Abstract: An injection molding machine with a vertically operating clamp mechanism is provided with a pair of locking devices on the upper movable platen to lock the locking rods for high tonnage clamping forces. Each locking device uses spring biased actuating rods to simultaneously lock two locking rods to the movable platen in an always “on” arrangement. A power on actuator is provided to release the locking device for raising and lowering the movable platen. A vertical ladder frame is provided for guiding the movable platen when it is raised or lowered. Additionally, a lift mechanism is provided for a rotary table carrying the lower mold halves.

Abstract: A support for rotating molds used in multi-shot injection molding provides for platen mounting of a support track that may extend beneath the molds to support the rotating mold portion. The extensible track provides a telescoping configuration that allows a long support span independent of the mold width improving mold stability and increasing potential mold separation for easy access to the mold portions.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for making multi-component products includes (i) a rotatable turret with a plurality of product connector pairs attached to opposite sides of the turret, (ii) a first mold disposed proximate to the turret and (iii) a second mold disposed on the opposite side of the turret. The first mold has a plurality of cavities for molding a first molded layer of the multi-component product, and the second mold has a plurality of cavities for molding a second layer onto the first molded layer. Each product connector is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to allow the mold apparatus to make multi-component products having first molded layers and second molded layers with indentations and/or protuberances disposed in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: An injection press for molding pieces of elastomer comprises a fixed platen, a moving platen, and a turret carrying a plurality of molds, the turret and the molds being interposed between the two platens so as to be capable of being clamped between them in order to close the molds, and the turret being mounted to rotate so as to move each mold sequentially between an injection station, vulcanization stations, and an unmolding station. The press also comprises an injector device adapted to inject elastomer into each mold while it is in the injection station, heater devices adapted to heat the molds, and a control device adapted to move the moving platen and to cause the turret to turn.

Abstract: In a method for the internal cooling of a rotating object (4), liquid gas from at least one inlet channel (61) in a fixed object (5) is pressed into a ring-shaped groove (62) located between the fixed object (5) and the rotating object (4). From the ring-shaped groove (62) the liquid gas is pressed into at least one channel (63, 64.1, 64.2) in the rotating object (4) and brought to a part to be cooled (15). The liquid gas, upon contact with the part, evaporates and expands while absorbing heat, thereby cooling the part. The area surrounding the part to be cooled (15) may be designed as an expansion chamber (65). The method can be used to cool molded parts in injection molding machines with rotating molds (1), thereby achieving shorter cycle times.

Abstract: A molding machine comprising an injection portion with an injection nozzle which injects a molding material, a turntable comprising a rotation driving apparatus, a plurality of molds placed along a peripheral edge of the turntable, an attaching and detaching station, an injection station and a plurality of curing stations. Each mold comprises a material receiving port communicating with the injection nozzle when the mold is positioned at the injection station. Each mold further comprises a mechanism which close the material receiving port so as to prevent the molding material from flowing backward when the mold is separated from the injection nozzle. The molds are transferred by rotation of the turntable to each station one by one. Primary formed products are attached to the molds at the attaching and detaching station, injected at the injection station, cured to be second formed products at the curing stations and finally took out at the attaching and detaching station.

Abstract: An injection molding machine for forming a multi-layer plastic article by over molding where the second layer of the article includes a portion having a different geometrical profile than the first. The injection mold machine comprises an array of one or more cores which engage arrays of one or more first cavity and arrays of one or more composite cavities. Each composite cavity is formed from the combination of a second cavity and a cavity extension which carries at least a portion of the different geometrical profile. In one embodiment, the cavity extension comprises a pair of cavity portions which are mounted adjacent the core to laterally moveable slides on a movable platen. In another embodiment, the cavity extension is a single element which is moved between a disengaged position wherein the core can be inserted into the first cavity and an engaged position wherein the core is inserted into the composite cavity.

Abstract: A brush manufacturing machine having an injection mold is used to manufacture multi-component brush elements made of plastic, in particular for toothbrushes. The injection mold has a nozzle-side mold plate and an ejector-side mold plate, in which mutually allocated mold cavities (8) are provided, the injection mold being formed as a turning tool, having a turning part (index plate) that can be rotated about an axis of rotation and that is allocated to the ejector-side mold plate (3), said turning part having partial cavities (8b) of the mold cavities of the ejector-side mold plate (3). The turning part, formed as an index plate (4), has at least three carrier arms (11) that have the partial cavities (8b) and that are situated approximately radially in relation to the axis of rotation (14) of the rotatable turning part. The mold cavities (8) are situated with their longitudinal extension approximately tangential to the axis of rotation (14).

Abstract: An injection molding machine with a vertically oriented clamp is equipped with a rotatable table for sequentially processing a plurality of bottom mold halves mounted thereon. An aligning device insures accurate positioning of a bottom mold half in molding relation to a top mold half in the clamp by insuring seating of a locating pin in a locating hole in the table after the table has been rotatably indexed to bring a bottom mold half into alignment with a movable top half. The locating pin is secured to an actuator mounted by a guide rail and runner block to the machine's stationary platen. As the pin is pushed into the locating hole by the actuator, the aligning device linearly moves along the guide rail and the table slightly rotates to allow seating of the locating pin into the locating hole.

Abstract: A mold apparatus provides a movable mold module which includes movable tie rods which are extendable and retractable with respect to the movable mold module of the mold apparatus, such that the tie rods may initially be removed from a gap between the platens of the mold apparatus when the platens have been separated. Preferably, the tie rod assemblies are movably mounted to the movable carriage or module, which also moves the injection machine and movable platen along a base toward and away from the fixed platen and corresponding mold part. Additionally, the tie rods may be extended relative to the movable platen as the platen is moved toward the fixed platen, such that the tie rods engage a locking member on the fixed platen to lock the platens relative to one another during the molding process. The tie rods are rotatable via a rotational device mounted at the movable platen, to rotate the tie rods and lock the tie rods to the locking member at the fixed platen.