Abstract: A horizontal type disk injection mold apparatus having a stationary and a movable mold base, cylindrical cavity molds provided at the center of each base, and a pair of cylindrical guide rings provided concentrically at the outer peripheries of each disk cavity mold, one such guide ring having a female tapered end and the other guide ring having a male tapered end facing and fitting into the female tapered end. One of the guide rings has a plurality of parallel grooves. The other guide ring has a plurality of guide blocks, each such guide block fitting within a parallel groove on the first guide ring. During mold clamping and mold opening, the guide blocks fit into the parallel grooves, ensuring that the disk cavity molds are maintained along the same longitudinal axis during mold opening.

Abstract: A tiebar removal method and apparatus for tiebar removal in a two (2) platen injection molding machine wherein some of the tiebars may be removed while others remain in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A mold stroke force is applied to the movable platen to move same between the mold open and mold closed position and from the mold closed to the mold open position. A mold break force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position to break open the mold. The mold stroke cylinder for applying a mold stroke force acts inside the mold stroke cylinder for applying a mold break force.

Abstract: An injection molding machine with a substantially C-shaped machine frame has one leg on which a stationary die platen is mounted and another leg on which a closing mechanism for driving a movable die platen is mounted. An articulated part which comprises a girder extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine is arranged between at least one die platen and the machine frame and is- deformed when a closing force is applied which tips the die platen in relation to the associated leg of the machine frame. The horizontal central axis (8) of the die platen, which is determined by a centering mechanism of the die, extends completely inside the girder (6) and the cross-section of the articulated part (7) increases in size in the same direction, starting from the central girder (6).

Abstract: In an injection molding machine for thermoplastic resin, a mold clamping hydraulic circuit is constituted as a hydraulic circuit which can be optionally set to a pressure-free or substantially pressure-free state upon completion of closure of a mold mounted to a clamping unit. A movable mold of the clamping unit can be retracted with a low injection pressure by injecting the molten resin via an injection unit. A nozzle port opening to a space of a mold cavity is closed simultaneously with completion of the charge of predetermined amount of resin, and a mold clamping force at a high pressure is generated on the forward side of the mold clamping unit, thereby producing mold clamping at a predetermined position. Since the mold is in a pressure-free or substantially pressure-free state, the injection pressure may also be low.

Abstract: Stationary and movable platens are provided having mold halves affixed thereto. The movable platen is reciprocatingly moved between a mold open and a mold closed position, and a clamping force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position, and a mold break force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position. At least one column is provided having a first end affixed to the movable platen, and a threaded rod engages a threaded member which is operatively connected to the column.

Abstract: An injection molding machine has a frame which is C-shaped viewed from the side, the legs of which are pushed apart at their free ends by the effect of the locking force, wherein the two die platens associated with the legs are thereby kept parallel, in that pivoting takes place between at least one die platen and the associated leg. According to the invention, a measuring device is provided for permanent monitoring of the rotation and distortion of the joint providing the pivoting.

Abstract: Mold clamping method and apparatus wherein a mold closing chamber of a mold clamping device is supplied with a pressurized fluid delivered from a hydraulic power source through a servo valve, to close a mold, and a mold clamping chamber independent of the mold closing chamber is also supplied with the pressurized fluid through the servo valve and a switch valve opened upon completion of the mold closing action, to thereby clamp the mold, and wherein a controller is provided to obtain a mold clamping force on the basis of a sum of a first force based on a fluid pressure in the mold closing chamber and a second force based on a fluid pressure in the clamping chamber, and feedback-control the servo valve such that the obtained mold clamping force coincides with a desired value.

Abstract: A mold clamping unit comprises guide rollers for guiding fitting and releasing of a mold, a hydraulic clamp for holding the mold at a molding position, a guiding portion formed to project in a direction perpendicular to a mold open-close direction from a lower portion of platen and a locking mechanism provided to an upper portion opposing to the guiding portion for the platen, for locking the mold at a releasing position. Since exchange and maintenance operations of a stamper can be carried out under a condition where the mold is released to the releasing position over the guiding portion and locked by the locking mechanism, fitting/releasing of the mold to/from the platen can be facilitated and exchange and maintenance operations of the stamper can be made easy.

Abstract: A securing/clamping system for use with platens of a molding machine including a stationary platen having a first mold half affixed thereto, a movable platen having a second mold half affixed thereto, the movable platen travelling along a plurality of tiebars, and reciprocatively moving between a mold open and mold closed position, and a system for applying a clamping force to the movable platen.

Abstract: An securing/clamping assembly for clamping platens of an injection molding machine includes a mechanism for guiding the platens and a body member having a structure which is movable as a single unit. The body member is adapted to be attached with at least one of the platens and includes a mechanism for securing the mechanism for guiding and for conveying a clamping force to the platens for clamping the platens during injection molding. The mechanism for securing includes an engagement mechanism for placing the mechanism for securing into and out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, such that when the engagement a mechanism is out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, the body member and the mechanism for guiding are relatively movable.

Abstract: A securing/clamping system for use with platens of a molding machine including a stationary platen having a first mold half affixed thereto, a movable platen having a second mold half affixed thereto, the movable platen travelling along a plurality of tiebars, and reciprocatively moving between a mold open and mold closed position, and a system for applying a clamping force to the movable platen.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for an injection molding apparatus features a double-framed platen unit including a fixed platen, a positioning frame and a clamping frame. Both the positioning and clamping frames are rigidly attached to, or integrally formed with, the fixed platen, but they are otherwise generally mechanically independent of each other. A sliding platen is associated with a linear bearing mounted on the positioning frame so as to be slidable relative to the fixed platen. The clamping frame is configured to receive a drive mechanism for exerting force on the sliding platen towards the fixed platen.

Abstract: A combination of displacement mechanisms adaptive for positioning a stationary platen to a frame, permitting the stationary platen to be displaced toward an injection unit to allow an escaping extension of tie-rods in a mold clamp action, is operative to displace the same toward the injection unit for a maintenance service, so that it can be displaced toward the injection unit further from a molding position in a molding operation.

Abstract: In a control device for a motor-driven injection molding machine comprising a mold clamping system which comprises a servo-motor and a ball screw mechanism, the ball screw mechanism comprises a screw shaft and a nut for use in converting rotation of the servo-motor into rectilinear motion. The control device comprises a pattern generator for generating a set pattern for the clamping force. The mold clamping system generates a clamping force according to the set pattern and a maximum clamping force with the set pattern being determined to be larger than the clamping force that is generated by the servo-motor within predetermined ratings.

Abstract: A process for operating an injection molding machine with a stationary die plate on a machine bed and a movable die plate, which die plates are lockable during an injection process by magnetic closing elements, the process including the steps of moving the movable die plate toward the stationary die plate to close a mold, simultaneously moving a structural component part enclosing one of the die plates toward one end to a distance of a few millimeters from the other of the die plates, locking a drive of the movable die plate, activating electromagnets arranged at the structural component part enclosing the one die plate by supplying current, adjusting generation of electromagnetic closing force relative to energy level and duration in dependence on an injection process, and at the end of an injection cycle, moving the movable die plate and the structural component part enclosing the one die plate into an end position in which a free space is formed, so that the free space above the machine bed between the die

Abstract: A stationary platen for holding a stationary part of a mold centered to an injection axis is securely connected by tie-rods to a cylinder body integral with a cylinder part of a clamp cylinder which moves a movable part of the mold in a clamp direction, and subjected to a deformation when the mold is clamped, which deformation is made symmetrical with respect to a reference plane including the injection axis by a combination of mechanisms therefor.

Abstract: A two-platen injection molding machine without tie bars has a platen fixed relative to the machine frame and a platen that moves relative to it, a traverse mechanism that operates the movable platen, a device for generating clamping force and a device to compensate for the deformation forces occurring during generation of the clamping force. The traverse mechanism and the device for generating clamping force are decoupled. Preferably, the device for generating clamping force has at least one connecting rod that passes through both the fixed and movable platens beneath the mold space. The connecting rod is detachably fastened to one of the platens and can be locked to the other platen by means of a clamping device that produces the clamping force. The device to compensate for the deformation forces includes at least one rigid spacer detachably fastened at one end to one platen, while the other end of the spacer is forced against the other platen.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for an upper mold and a lower mold of a press apparatus includes a ball screw, a screw nut, a force producing spanner structure and at least one engagement structure. The screw nut is responsive to a first power source for driving the ball screw in an axial direction to perform a lower-pressure higher-speed stroke. The spanner is responsive to a second power source for producing a force in circumferential direction. The engagement structure is arranged around an external rim of the screw nut. Responsive to the force in the circumferential direction, the engagement structure closely engages with the external rim of the screw nut such that a corresponding friction force is applied to the screw nut. The screw nut, responsive to the friction force, drives the ball screw in the axial direction to perform a higher-pressure stroke to lock the upper mold and lower mold.

Abstract: An securing/clamping assembly for clamping platens of an injection molding machine includes a mechanism for guiding the platens and a body member having a structure which is movable as a single unit. The body member is adapted to be attached with at least one of the platens and includes a mechanism for securing the mechanism for guiding and for conveying a clamping force to the platens for clamping the platens during injection molding. The mechanism for securing includes an engagement mechanism for placing the mechanism for securing into and out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, such that when the engagement a mechanism is out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, the body member and the mechanism for guiding are relatively movable.

Abstract: A die casting machine has obliquely slidable die core pieces in an ejector holder block. The ejector holder block may be drawn away from the stationary die half into abutment with an ejection box by linear actuators; complementary male and female surfaces on the ejector holder block and ejection box precisely locate the ejector holder block with respect to the ejection box when the two are in abutment. The ejection box and mated ejector holder block may then be moved into abutment with the stationary die half to complete a die cavity.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling a screw engaging position adjuster provided in a complex mold clamping system. A theoretical deviation of a screw engaging position is theoretically calculated on the basis of a distance by which a movable die has been moved from an origin set for a mold thickness adjustment in clamping process. A measured deviation of the screw engaging position is measured from a distance between a mold clamping cylinder and a movable platen in clamping process. The screw engaging position adjuster is so controlled that a difference between the theoretical deviation and the measuring deviation is within an allowable deviation having previously been set.

Abstract: A compensator is used with a machine frame having a pair of ends, a first mold half secured to one of the frame ends, a second mold half movable along an axis toward and away from the first mold half, and an actuator braced against the other frame end and having an outer end operatively engageable with the second mold half for pressing the second mold half axially against the first mold half. The compensator has an element secured on the second mold half and another element secured on the actuator outer end together forming a substantially closed chamber. The two elements are displaceable axially and tippable relative to each other. A multiplicity of relatively displaceable and substantially incompressible metal balls fills the chamber.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling mold activity of a molding machine is disclosed and includes a clamping device for positioning a movable mold platen on a carrier device and relative another platen, for forcefully engaging the movable mold platen with the another platen and on the carrier device, for sustaining forceful engagement of the movable mold platen with the another platen and the carrier device, and for breaking the movable platen from the another platen and the carrying device. The movable mold platen includes a movable mold half and the another platen includes another mold half. The system also includes a manner for determining an adjustable starting position of the clamping device and movable mold platen. A manner for adjusting the adjustable starting position for achieving greater accuracy of the adjustable starting position for the clamping device and the movable platen is provided. The manner for adjusting includes a mechanism for actuating the clamping device.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a mold having a pair of mold halves has a housing, a fixed support block on the housing carrying one of the mold halves, an abutment block on the housing, and a support block movable on the housing between the fixed support block and abutment block in a direction toward and away from the fixed block and carrying the other of the mold halves. A frame has at least one plate lying in a vertical plane generally parallel to the axis and formed with a pair of stiff upwardly extending upper arms, a pair of stiff downwardly extending lower arms below the respective upper arms, and an elastically deformable web extending in the direction between the upper arms and the lower arms. Anchors, e.g. bolts, fix one of the upper arms to the fixed support block and the other of the upper arms to the abutment block.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoset molding includes a first mold portion having a first rim and a second mold portion, having a second rim which substantially conforms to the first rim. The first and second mold portions form a mold cavity therebetween. An actuator mechanism is coupled to the first and second mold portions and is adapted to selectively press the first and second mold portions together. An inner seal positioned between the first and second rims and generally conforming to the first and second rims is provided to substantially seal the first and second rims when pressed together. A bridging member spans the inner seal and selectively weakens the inner seal thereby allowing air passage therepast. An injection valve is provided having a plunger which is moveable to allow resin injection or resin blow-through. Further, a mount is provided for removably attaching a clamp to a mold portion.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a molding box structure with an adjustable internal spacing, a metal mold accommodated in the molding box structure, a thermally expanding, member accommodated in the molding box structure to be arranged in pressure transmitting, relation with the mold member, and a temperature adjuster for adjusting a temperature of the thermally expanding member so that the material thermally expands and contracts. The molding box structure includes a pair of support elements fixed by threaded struts and nuts so that the support plates are spaced from each other. The apparatus further includes an auxiliary pressurizing mechanism including two wedge-shaped plates having respective tapered face, and spaced from each other so that the tapered faces are opposed to each other and so that an overlap between them is adjustable, and an actuator for driving the wedge-shaped plates.

Abstract: In a device for fixing a ball screw/nut mechanism, including a ball screw and a ball nut, safe from turning. The ball screw/nut mechanism generates a linear movement to displace a first subassembly until it rests on a second subassembly. A blocking device is provided, which is adapted to fix the rotating part of the ball screw/nut mechanism, when both subassemblies are in contact, safe from turning through a reaction force originated by an external force and by overcoming the force of a first resetting means. When the parts are in contact, the blocking device is positioned in a determined distance from the first subassembly, and when the external force, generated by the drive device, arises the turnable part is safe from turning, until the determined distance between the first subassembly and the blocking device is compensated for.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing insert molded articles. The involves the steps of preforming a patterned insert material clamped at end parts thereof by a clamping device into a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of a cavity formation face of a male die or a female die of an injection molding die by a preforming device, and trimming an unnecessary portion of the preformed material by a trimming device so as not to project from the peripheral edge of the surface of a cubic molded article to be formed of molding resin. The method further involves setting the trimmed material at the cavity formation face of the male or female die of the injection molding die, clamping the male and female dies to form a cavity by the cavity formation faces, injecting molding resin into the cavity, and removing the insert molded article from the injection molding die after the molding resin is cooled and softened.

Abstract: A mold closing device without cross-beam for a molding machine, e.g. injection molding or blow molding is disclosed. The mold closing device has a U-shaped machine frame with two arms defining a horizontal injection plane and a movable positioning device located within the first arm and moving along the injection plane; a moveable adapter plate including a vertical mold mounting surface, located on the positioning device; a fixed adapter plate with a vertical mold mounting surface on the second arm and on the injection plane; a first mold die-half is attached to the essentially vertical moveable adapter plate; a second mold die-half is attached to the essentially fixed adapter plate; and one of the arms includes a weakened cross-section for providing a controlled deformation of the machine frame resulting from the occurring closing and holding forces during operation of the molding machine and for maintaining the mold mounting surfaces vertical.

Abstract: A mould closing device for an injection moulding machine includes a fixed (1) and a movable (4) mould clamping plate for support of screw drives (36) which are freely rotatable in the fixed mould clamping plate (1) and axially supported in one direction and supported in spindle nuts (39) secured in the movable mould clamping plate (4). Provided for actuation of the screw drives (36) for the closing and opening stroke of the movable mould clamping plate (4) are a rotary drive (44) and a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit (45, 46) interacting with the screw drives for effecting the closing force build-up.

Abstract: A lock for guiding and aligning two mating portions of a mold. The lock comprises a guide member having a socket formed therein and a locking member which is shaped to be engaged in the socket. A self-purging feature is formed for purging of foreign material from the socket when the locking member and the socket are engaged. Typically, four of the locks are utilized for each mold, one lock being associated with each side of the mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for injection molding plastic material has a stationary and a movable mold mounting plate which each fixes a respective mold half and thus establishes a horizontal central plane (Z) of the mold. At least one mold mounting plate (8, 2) is pivotable relative to the machine frame (1) about a centrally arranged horizontal axis (15, 15'), and rotary pivots (5, 5') forming a horizontal pivot axis of the mold mounting plate is displaced upwardly relative to the horizontal central plane (Z) of the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding and aligning fixed side and movable side disk cavity plates of disk injection molding dies of an injection molding device is provided with a plurality of first grooves formed on the outer surface of the fixed side disk cavity plate and a plurality of second grooves formed on the outer surface of the movable side disk cavity plate, wherein each of the first grooves and second grooves form a pair of aligned grooves parallel to the center axes of the fixed and movable side disk cavity plates. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of guide blocks fixed to one groove of a pair of aligned grooves and engaged with the other groove of the pair.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling mold activity of a molding machine is disclosed and includes a clamping device for positioning a movable mold platen on a carrier device and relative another platen, for forcefully engaging the movable mold platen with the another platen and on the carrier device, for sustaining forceful engagement of the movable mold platen with the another platen and the carrier device, and for breaking the movable platen from the another platen and the carrying device. The movable mold platen includes a movable mold half and the another platen includes another mold half. The system also includes a manner for determining an adjustable starting position of the clamping device and movable mold platen. A manner for adjusting the adjustable starting position for achieving greater accuracy of the adjustable starting position for the clamping device and the movable platen is provided. The manner for adjusting includes a mechanism for actuating the clamping device.

Abstract: A mold core assembly for removable installation in a molding machine includes a first lock element attached to a core and a second lock element movably attached to a core retainer. The second lock element is movable between a locked position fitted in locking connection with the first lock element and an unlocked position separated from the first lock element. A slip ring surrounds the first lock element of the core, engaging and holding the second lock element in its locked position. A spring is connected between the core retainer and the slip ring, with the spring biased to oppose movement of the slip ring away from its locked position so that the core is normally held in its locked position in the core retainer.

Abstract: An injection molding assembly comprises a platform, two slide seats disposed on two upper sides of the platform, a hollow fixed plate and an injection device disposed on the platform. A movable plate is disposed on the slide seats longitudinally. A barrel of the injection device is inserted in an interior of the hollow fixed plate. A nozzle is disposed in front of the barrel. The nozzle passes through the hollow fixed plate to reach a mold. Four clamping devices are disposed on four corners of the locking device to connect four support rods which pass through the locking device, the movable plate and the hollow fixed plate. A mold support device is disposed on a center of the movable plate. The locking device has two parallel locking plates connected the movable plate. Each adjusting device has a cushion ring and a hollow nut passed through by the corresponding support rod.

Abstract: Double closing unit of an injection molding machine has a pair of movable mold mounting plates and a stationary mold mounting plate having a pair of stationary mold faces, aligned between the pair of movable mold mounting plates. Two pairs of bar members and a pair of locking units are provided so that each locking unit couples one of the pair of movable mold mounting plates to one of the pairs of bar members. A pair of pressure cushion systems located in the stationary mold mounting plate are each connected to one of the pair of movable mold mounting plates, the pair of pressure cushion systems being independent of each other. At least one pair of fast-motion cylinders is also provided, at least one cylinder being connected between each movable mold mounting plate and the stationary mold mounting plate. The cylinders hold one of the movable mold mounting plates in a closed position when the other movable mold mounting plate is in an open position.

Abstract: A system having a cooled power unit assembly, preferably an injection molding machine. The system comprises a primary machine; an electric motor for providing power to at least one mechanism of the primary machine, preferably the injection molding machine. The electric motor exhibits an operating temperature and an operating noise level. A cooling liquid is provided for cooling the electric motor and regulating the operating temperature. Also, a cabinet for containing the cooling liquid adjacent the electric motor is provided. The cabinet has a device for placing the cooling liquid in a configuration for insulating a surrounding environment from any of the operating noise level which measures above a prescribed level.

Abstract: An injection molding machine for processing plastifiable materials includes a positioning element, a stationary mold carrier fixedly connected therewith, a movable mold carrier defining a mold tentering space with the stationary mold carrier, a closing device for shifting the movable mold carrier in a closing direction into a closed position with the stationary mold carrier, a supporting element for the closing device movably carried by the positioning element, and a clamping unit jointed to the stationary mold carrier and the supporting element at coupling points and adapted to essentially take up occurring forces and deformations and to deviate them around said mold tentering space. The clamping unit is formed of several pieces jointed to the stationary mold carrier or the supporting element at the coupling points and are coupled with each other at at least one first connecting point spaced from the coupling points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clamping a plastic injection mold. The apparatus utilizes leader pins connected directly to a pair of mold sections. By directly connecting the leader pins to the mold sections, standard platens and housings can be eliminated, thereby reducing the overall weight and dimensions of the apparatus. An ejection assembly and runner assembly are bolted onto the mold sections, but are not subjected to clamping pressures during the molding process. Since these assemblies are not subject to clamping pressures, the standard housings usually provided on these assemblies may also be eliminated.

Abstract: In order to operate the closing means of a double plate injection moulding machine including a fixed and a movable mould plate, the closing means comprising at least one pump (22), at least one high speed cylinder for a high speed stroke and at least one closing cylinder (10) for a closing stroke with a nominal closing force, whereby the closing cylinder (10) includes a double action piston (7) in which both piston faces (13, 14) are the same size and which divides the interior of the closing cylinder (6) into two cylinder sections (8, 9) which are hydraulically connectable via hydraulic lines (21, 22) and a valve (26), the following method is carried out: during the high speed closing operation using the high speed cylinder (3), both sides of the piston (7) of the closing cylinder (10) are pressurized with an equal, high pressure which is as high as or higher than that required to obtain the required nominal closing force, whereby on moving the piston (7) of the closing cylinder (10) in the closing direction

Abstract: The invention relates to a barless mold closing device for injection molding machines, which absorbs the mold closing and opening forces via a C-shaped machine frame, in which plate bending is minimized by asymmetrical internal die forces and eccentric opening forces and the load on the die guides and in which it is possible to automatically compensate for non-parallelisms at the die parting line. The solution calls for the fixed die mounting plate 2 and/or the end plate 4 to be supported in two horizontal bearing axes 9, 10 and 11, 12 above and below the axis of injection 7. The lower bearing axes 10, 12 are connected to the fixed die mounting plate 2 and/or to the end plate 4 via elastically deformable components 13 in such a way that these components are connected to the elastic deformation of the machine frame 1, so that there is no angular deviation from the vertical position of the mounting surfaces 2.1, 3.1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing molded articles from a continuous, nonsynchronous system using multi-section, self-clamping molds. The apparatus is a mold separator-assembler having an elevator, and a horizontal position mover for disassembling the mold into sections, tracks for receiving sections of the self-clamping molds, and a track mover for moving the mold sections along their respective tracks to parallel, co-planar work stations. Once the molded article is removed at one of the work stations using an intermediate mechanism, the main sections are pre-treated and then reassembled using a second elevator and second horizontal position mover, for the next injection operation.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for injection molding apparatus which includes a base frame and a pair of support posts, each formed with a cutout. A fixed platen is connected to, or is integrally formed with, one of the support posts while a movable platen is connected to the other support post. Finally, a support structure is provided over which the movable platen slides. In one embodiment, the support structure is a floating support which is connected to the two support posts.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a stationary platen including at least one stationary mold half and a first movable platen. The first movable platen is movable relative the stationary platen and has a second mold half adapted to engage the stationary mold half to form a first mold. A second movable platen may also be provided which is movable toward the stationary platen and includes a third mold half adapted to engage a fourth mold half included with one of the stationary platen and the first movable platen. The third and fourth mold halves form a second mold. Each of the first and second molds having a hot runner leading thereto and an injection unit is provided for delivering melt to the hot runners of the first and second molds. The machine further includes tie bars extending between and connecting the stationary platen and the movable platens. At least one of the first and, if used, the second movable platen and stationary platen includes a mechanism for securing at least one of the tie bars.

Abstract: A device for an injection molding machine for releasably fastening a tool member to a fixing plate. The device includes a profiled part provided either on the fixing plate or on the tool member and a fixing element attached to the other component and provided with engaging members adapted to be moved relative to the profiled part and be brought into engagement with it to fasten the tool member and fixing plate together. The engaging members are one or more elongated carrier members that are brought into engagement with a profile on the profiled part, and a locking component is provided, displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the carrier members to move the carrier members into engagement with the profiled part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping a plastic injection mold. A first mold section is provided with a plurality of leader pins which protrude through apertures in a second mold section when the mold sections are brought into mating engagement to form a mold cavity. The second mold section is provided with cylindrical hydraulic cylinders having longitudinal passageways sufficient to accommodate the leader pins. Each hydraulic cylinder is provided with a locking assembly capable of engaging grooves provided in the ends of the leader pins. Once the leader pins have been moved through the second mold section and hydraulic cylinders the locking mechanisms engage the leader pins to allow the hydraulic cylinders to push against the locking mechanisms in an effort to clamp the mold sections together. By using a plurality of strategically placed leader pins and clamping assemblies, large clamping systems can be eliminated and more precise clamping pressures can be applied to the mold sections.

Abstract: Plastic parts are molded in an apparatus having two molds mounted on a reciprocating shuttle bed. While one mold is filled with resin at a filling position, the other mold is at an unloading position where a part cools and is extracted. The bed is then shuttled so that the other mold is at the filling position and the one mold is at a second unloading position. The molds have separable mold halves closed by a suitable driver. A toggle mechanism engages latches on the mold halves to lock the mold closed. The toggle is a pair of pivoting leaves on a transversely movable post. The edges of the leaves separate and engages stops on the latches. An extrusion head advances to the mold for filling and is withdrawn for shuttling. A part extractor is movable between the unloading positions and places the parts in a bin.

Abstract: A platen for use in a clamping operation wherein a force is generated having a first direction includes a first wall having edges and a center area and at least first and second sides, wherein the first side is adapted to be positioned nearest the clamping operation. The platen further includes a second wall spaced from and substantially parallel to the first wall, wherein the first and second walls extend substantially transverse to the first direction of the force. An intermediate support structure is positioned between the walls and is used to direct the force from the edges of the first wall toward the center area of the first wall for substantially preventing non-uniform deflection of the first wall along the first side.