RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001 ] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 62/472,226 filed March 16, 201 7, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in its entirety herein.

[002] The disclosures of all of the following are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein: U.S. Patent No. 5,894,025, U.S. Patent No.

6,062,840, U.S. Patent No. 6,294,122, U.S. Patent No. 6,309,208, U.S. Patent No. 6,287, 107, U.S. Patent No. 6,343,921 , U.S. Patent No. 6,343,922, U.S. Patent No. 6,254,377, U.S. Patent No. 6,261 ,075, U.S. Patent No. 6,361 ,300 (7006), U.S.

Patent No. 6,419,870, U.S. Patent No. 6,464,909 (7031 ), U.S. Patent No. 6,599,1 16, U.S. Patent No. 7,234,929 (7075US1 ), U.S. Patent No. 7,419,625 (7075US2), U.S. Patent No. 7,569, 169 (7075US3), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/214,1 1 8, filed August 8, 2002 (7006), U.S. Patent No. 7,029,268 (7077US1 ), U.S. Patent No. 7,270,537 (7077US2), U.S. Patent No. 7,597,828 (7077US3), U.S. Patent

Application Serial No. 09/699,856 filed October 30, 2000 (7056), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/269,927 filed October 1 1 , 2002 (7031 ), U.S. Application Serial No. 09/503,832 filed February, 15, 2000 (7053), U.S. Application Serial No. 09/656,846 filed September 7, 2000 (7060), U.S. Application Serial No. 10/006,504 filed December 3, 2001 , (7068), U.S. Application Serial No. 10/101 ,278 filed March, 19, 2002 (7070) and PCT Application No. PCT/US1 1 /062099 (7100WO0) and PCT Application No. PCT/US1 1 /062096 (71 00WO1 ), U.S. Patent No. 8,562,336, U.S. Patent No. 8,091 ,202 (7097US1 ) and U.S. Patent No. 8,282,388 (7097US2), U.S. Patent No. 9,724,861 (7129US4), U.S. Patent No. 9662820 (7129US3), Publication No. WO2015006261 (7135WO0), Publication No. WO2014209857 (71 34WO0), Publication No. WO2016153632 (7149WO2), International publication no.

WO2016153704 (7149WO4), U.S. Patent No. 9205587 (71 17US0), U.S. Application Serial No. 15/432,175 (71 17US2) filed February 14, 201 7, U.S. Patent No. 9144929 (71 18US0), U.S. Publication No. 20170341 283 (71 18US3), International Application PCT/US17/034963 filed May 30, 2017 (7162WO0), International Application

PCT/US17/043029 (71 65WO0) filed July 20, 2017, International Application

PCT/US17/043100 (71 65WO1 ), filed July 20, 2017 and International Application PCT/US17/036542 (71 63WO0) filed June 8, 201 7. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Injection molding systems that use a single injection barrel to feed a single heated manifold that feeds into two opposing molds have been used. Such systems are typically limited to mounting a heated manifold between the two molds without adequate support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] In accordance with the invention there is provided an injection molding apparatus (10) for executing an injection cycle comprising an injection molding machine (20), a heated manifold (40) receiving injection fluid (18) from the injection molding machine (20), the heated manifold (40) having first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I), the apparatus including first and second molds (100, 102) having first and second gates (100g, 102g) mounted to the apparatus in an arrangement and position that enables fluid flow communication through the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) to the gates (100g, 102g),

wherein the heated manifold (40) is mounted to a stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the stationary platen (80) including a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and mount the manifold (40) within the mounting recess (80re). the apparatus including first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with a fluid distribution channel (46) contained within the heated manifold (40), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) respectively projecting outwardly from the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold (40) through first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I) formed within the stationary platen or mounting plate (80) and fluid sealably communicating at a tip end (60te, 62te) of the first and second nozzles (60, 62) with a gate (1 OOg, 102g) of the molds (100, 102),

an upstream end (100u) of the first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) formed in or at a communication position (1000) disposed along an expansion axis (Α') or longitudinal length (ML) of the manifold (40),

the communication position (1000) being selected such that the

communication position (1000) remains generally stationary or unchanged in position relative to a position of the gates (100g, 102g) upon expansion (TEX) of the manifold (40) along the expansion axis (Α') on heating of the manifold (40) to operating temperature.

[005] Such an apparatus can further comprise a selected number of mounts (300) disposed within the recess (80re) extending between the manifold surfaces (40r, 40I) and an opposing stationary platen surface (80ms), the mounts (300) mounting the manifold (40) within the recess (80re) and having a mounting surface (300s) adapted to enable the manifold (40) to expand (TEX) on heating to operating temperature at least along the expansion axis (Α') that generally extends along a longitudinal length (ML) of the manifold (40) via sliding of the mounting surface (300s) along one or the other of the stationary platen surface (80ms) and an exterior surface (40r, 40I) of the manifold.

[006] The mounts (300) are typically attached to the manifold (40), the manifold (40) and stationary platen (80) being assemblage together such that a manifold mounting compression force (MMCS) is created between the mounting surfaces (300s) and the stationary platen surface (80ms) sufficient to mount the manifold (40) in a stationary disposition within the mounting recess (80re), the mounting surfaces (300s) and the stationary platen surface (80ms) being slidable against each other upon expansion (TEX) of the manifold (40) along the expansion axis (Α').

[007] The axis (Α') is generally normal to an axis (A) of fluid communication between the manifold (40) and the gate (100g, 102g).

[008] Such an apparatus can further including a mounting ring or plate (1 10r, 1 10I) mounted to or within one or both of the first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I), the mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 10I) including a nozzle alignment aperture (100a) adapted to receive and mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62),

the alignment aperture (100a), mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 10I) and first or second platen aperture (80r, 80I) being arranged to mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62) in axial alignment (A) with the gate (100g, 102g) to the cavity (1 00r, 102L) contained within the first or second first and second mold (100, 102) such that a downstream tip end surface (60te) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with a complementary gate surface (1 OOgs) and an upstream end (100u) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel (46) of the heated manifold (40).

[009] Such an apparatus can further comprise a sleeve (120r, 120I) mounted within a platen aperture (80r, 80I), the sleeve (120r, 1201) being adapted to mount the mounting ring or plate (1 1 Or, 1 101) within the platen aperture (80r, 801) in an arrangement such that a nozzle (60, 62) is receivable within the alignment aperture (100a) in an arrangement such that the nozzle (60, 62) is axially aligned (A) with the gate (100g).

[0010] The stationary platen (80) preferably includes a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and stationarily mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0011] The stationary platen (80) can comprise first and second opposing plates or platens (80a, 80b) respectively containing the first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I), the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80r) being readily removably attachable to and detachable from each other, the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) being adapted to form a mounting recess (80re) between the plates (80a, 80b) when attached, the mounting recess (80re) being configured to receive and mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0012] The manifold (40) preferably includes nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) communicating with the distribution channel (46), the mounting recess (80re), the platen apertures (80r, 80I) and the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) being adapted to enable the manifold (40) to be mounted within the recess (80re) in an arrangement wherein the nozzles (60, 62) are mountable through the platen apertures (80r, 80I) to the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) such that the tip ends (60te) are fluid sealably matable with the gates (100g, 1 02g) of the molds (100, 102).

[0013] Typically, the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively comprise first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb, 102ha, 102hb), the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) being respectively fixedly mounted to opposing faces (80rf, 80lf) of the stationary platen (80), the first mold halves (100ha, 102ha) being adapted to be readily moved into and out of engagement with the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) respectively, the mold halves (1 00ha, 1 00hb, 102ha, 1 02hb) being configured to form the cavities (100r, 1 001) when engaged. [0014] The first mold halves (1 OOha, 1 02ha) are typically respectively fixedly mounted on first and second movable platens or mounting plates (82a, 82b) that are adapted to be drivable between successive injection cycles to move the first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb) into and out of operational engagement with each other.

[0015] The manifold (40) typically has a manifold length (ML) selected such that when the manifold (40) is mounted within the mounting recess (80re) a manifold leg or extension (40x) extends from the manifold (40) a selected distance (P) outside the mounting recess (80re) along the manifold length (ML),

the manifold (40) including a barrel fluid inlet (40i) having a manifold inlet mating surface (40is) that is disposed within the selected distance (P) along the manifold length (ML),

the fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) being fluid sealably matable with the manifold inlet mating surface (40is) under a selected compression force (BF) exerted by the barrel on the manifold leg or extension (40x),

the apparatus including a stop (200) interconnected to the stationary platen (80) or a brace or extension (80c) of the stationary platen (80) adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

[0016] The stationary platen (80) preferably comprises a main body (80mb) and a leg (80c) integral with and projecting from the main body (80mb),

the manifold (40) includes a barrel fluid inlet (40i) that is fluid sealably matable with a fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) under compression force, (BF),

the leg (80c) being adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

[0017] At least one of the nozzles (60, 62) typically comprise a nozzle body (60b) having a fluid flow channel (60np) and a nozzle tip (60t) slidably mounted to a distal end (60de) of the nozzle body (60b) for reciprocal back and forth movement of the tip end (6te) relative to the nozzle body (60b) into and out engagement with the complementary gate surface (1 OOgs).

[0018] The nozzle (60, 62) can include a spring (130) adapted to urge the tip end (6te) of the nozzle tip (6t) into engagement with the gate surface (100gs) under a force (SF) sufficient to seal the engaged tip end (6te) and gate surface (100gs) against leakage over a selected length of compression (CFL) of the spring (130) when the second mold half (1 OOhb, 1 02hb) is assembled together with the stationary platen (80) into an operating arrangement.

[0019] One or a single barrel (24) is preferably the sole or single source of generation of injection fluid (1 8) that is injected into the first and second cavities (100r, 1 021).

[0020] The barrel (24) typically has a barrel tip end surface (24t) configured to mate with a complementary manifold inlet surface (40is) of the manifold (40), the barrel (24) being arranged relative to the manifold (40) to mate the barrel tip end surface (24t) with the manifold inlet surface (40is) under a force or compression sufficient to seal the injection fluid (1 8) from leakage.

[0021] The barrel (24) can have a flex or deflection (BEX) sufficient to

accommodate thermal expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) such that compression force between the tip end surface (24t) and the manifold inlet surface (40is) is sufficient to seal the injection fluid (18) from leakage on heating the manifold (40) to elevated operating temperature.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an injection cycle comprising operating any apparatus as described above to inject injection fluid into at least one of the cavities (100r, 1021).

[0023] An injection molding apparatus (10) for executing an injection cycle comprising an injection molding machine (20), a heated manifold (40) receiving injection fluid (18) from the injection molding machine (20), the heated manifold (40) having first and second exterior surfaces (40r, 40I), the apparatus including first and second molds (100, 102) mounted to the apparatus for fluid flow interconnection respectively to the first and second exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold,

wherein the heated manifold (40) is mounted to a stationary platen or mounting plate (80),

the apparatus including first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with a fluid distribution channel (46) contained within the heated manifold (40), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) respectively projecting outwardly from the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold (40) through first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I) formed within the stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with first and second cavities (100r, 1021) contained within the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively,

the apparatus including a mounting ring or plate (1 1 Or, 1 101) mounted to or within one or both of the first and second platen apertures (80r, 801),

the mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 1 Ol) including a nozzle alignment aperture (100a) adapted to receive and mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62),

the alignment aperture (100a), mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 1 Ol) and first or second platen aperture (80r, 80I) being arranged to mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62) in axial alignment (A) with a gate (100g, 1 02g) to a cavity (100r, 102L) contained within the first or second first and second mold (100, 102) such that a downstream tip end surface (60te) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with a complementary gate surface (1 OOgs) and an upstream end (100u) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel (46) of the heated manifold (40).

[0024] Such an apparatus can include a sleeve (120r, 120I) mounted within a platen aperture (80r, 80I), the sleeve (120r, 1201) being adapted to mount the mounting ring or plate (1 1 Or, 1 101) within the platen aperture (80r, 801) in an arrangement such that a nozzle (60, 62) is receivable within the alignment aperture (100a) in an arrangement such that the nozzle (60, 62) is axially aligned (A) with the gate (100g).

[0025] The stationary platen (80) can include a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and stationarily mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0026] The stationary platen (80) can comprise first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) respectively containing the first and second platen apertures (80r, 801), the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80r) being readily removably attachable to and detachable from each other, the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) being adapted to form a mounting recess (80re) between the plates (80a, 80b) when attached, the mounting recess (80re) being configured to receive and mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0027] The manifold (40) typically includes nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) communicating with the distribution channel (46), the mounting recess (80re), the platen apertures (80r, 801) and the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) being adapted to enable the manifold (40) to be mounted within the recess (80re) in an arrangement wherein the nozzles (60, 62) are mountable through the platen apertures (80r, 801) to the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) such that the tip ends (60te) are fluid sealably matable with the gates (100g, 1 02g) of the molds (100, 102).

[0028] The first and second molds (100, 1 02) preferably respectively comprise first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb, 102ha, 102hb), the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) being respectively fixedly mounted to opposing faces (80rf, 80lf) of the stationary platen (80), the first mold halves (100ha, 102ha) being adapted to be readily moved into and out of engagement with the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) respectively, the mold halves (1 00ha, 1 00hb, 102ha, 1 02hb) being configured to form the cavities (100r, 1 001) when engaged.

[0029] The first mold halves (1 OOha, 1 02ha) are typically respectively fixedly mounted on first and second movable platens or mounting plates (82a, 82b) that are adapted to be drivable between successive injection cycles to move the first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb) into and out of operational engagement with each other.

[0030] The manifold (40) typically has a manifold length (ML) selected such that when the manifold (40) is mounted within the mounting recess (80re) a manifold leg or extension (40x) extends a selected distance (P) along the manifold length (ML) outside the mounting recess (80re),

the manifold (40) including a barrel fluid inlet (40i) having a manifold inlet mating surface (40is) that is disposed within the selected distance (P) along the manifold length (ML),

the fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) being fluid sealably matable with the manifold inlet mating surface (40is) under a selected compression force (BF) exerted by the barrel on the manifold leg or extension (40x),

the apparatus including a stop (200) interconnected to the stationary platen (80) or a brace or extension (80c) of the stationary platen (80) adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

[0031] The stationary platen (80) typically comprises a main body (80mb) and a leg (80c) integral with and projecting from the main body (80mb),

the manifold (40) includes a barrel fluid inlet (40i) that is fluid sealably matable with a fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) under compression force, (BF), the leg (80c) being adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

[0032] At least one of the nozzles (60, 62) typically comprises a nozzle body (60b) having a fluid flow channel (60np) and a nozzle tip (60t) slidably mounted to a distal end (60de) of the nozzle body (60b) for reciprocal back and forth movement of the tip end (6te) relative to the nozzle body (60b) into and out engagement with the complementary gate surface (1 OOgs).

[0033] The nozzle (60, 62) can include a spring (130) adapted to urge the tip end (6te) of the nozzle tip (6t) into engagement with the gate surface (100gs) under a force (SF) sufficient to seal the engaged tip end (6te) and gate surface (100gs) against leakage over a selected length of compression (CFL) of the spring (130) when the second mold half (1 OOhb, 1 02hb) is assembled together with the stationary platen (80) into an operating arrangement.

[0034] The apparatus can further comprise a selected number of mounts (300) extending between the manifold surfaces (40r, 40I) and an opposing stationary platen surface (80ms) disposed within the recess (80re), the mounts (300) having a mounting surface (300s) adapted to enable the manifold (40) to expand at least along an axis (Α') via sliding of the mounting surface (300s) along one or the other or both of the stationary platen surface (80ms) and an exterior surface (40r, 40I) of the manifold.

[0035] The manifold (40) and stationary platen (80) are preferably arranged such that a manifold mounting compression force (MMCS) is created between the mounting surfaces (300s) and one or the other or both of the stationary platen surface (80ms) and an exterior surface (40r, 40I) of the manifold sufficient to mount the manifold (40) in a stationary position or disposition within the mounting recess (80re).

[0036] One or a single barrel (24) is preferably the sole or single source of generation of injection fluid (1 8) that is injected into the first and second cavities (100r, 1 021).

[0037] The barrel (24) typically has a barrel tip end surface (24t) configured to mate with a complementary manifold inlet surface (40is) of the manifold (40), the barrel (24) being arranged relative to the manifold (40) to mate the barrel tip end surface (24t) with the manifold inlet surface (40is) under a force or compression sufficient to seal the injection fluid (1 8) from leakage. [0038] The barrel (24) preferably has a flex or deflection (BEX) sufficient to accommodate thermal expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) such that compression force between the tip end surface (24t) and the manifold inlet surface (40is) is sufficient to seal the injection fluid (18) from leakage on heating the manifold (40) to elevated operating temperature.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an injection cycle comprising operating an apparatus as described above to inject injection fluid into at least one of the cavities (100r, 1021).

[0040] In another aspect of the invention there is provided an injection molding apparatus (10) for executing an injection cycle comprising an injection molding machine (20), a heated manifold (40) receiving injection fluid (18) from a barrel (24) of the injection molding machine (20), the heated manifold (40) having first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I), the apparatus including first and second molds (100, 102) mounted to the apparatus for fluid flow comunication respectively to and through the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold,

wherein the heated manifold (40) is mounted to a stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the stationary platen (80) including a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and stationarily mount the manifold (40) within the mounting recess (80re)

wherein the manifold (40) has a manifold length (ML) selected such that when the manifold (40) is mounted within the mounting recess (80re) a manifold leg or extension (40x) extends from the manifold (40) a selected distance (P) outside the mounting recess (80re) along the manifold length (ML),

the manifold (40) including a barrel fluid inlet (40i) having a manifold inlet mating surface (40is) that is disposed within the selected distance (P) along the manifold length (ML),

the fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) being fluid sealably matable with the manifold inlet mating surface (40is) under a selected compression force (BF) exerted by the barrel on the manifold leg or extension (40x),

the apparatus including a stop (200) interconnected to the stationary platen (80) or a brace or extension (80c) of the stationary platen (80) adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF). [0041] In such an apparatus the stationary platen (80) can comprise a main body (80mb) and a leg (80c) integral with and projecting from the main body (80mb), the manifold (40) includes a barrel fluid inlet (40i) that is fluid sealably matable with a fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) under compression force, (BF),

the leg (80c) being adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

39. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 37-38 wherein the apparatus including first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with a fluid distribution channel (46) contained within the heated manifold (40), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) respectively projecting outwardly from the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold (40) through first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I) formed within the stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably

communicating with first and second cavities (100r, 1021) contained within the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively.

[0042] Such an apparatus can further comprise a selected number of mounts (300) extending between the manifold surfaces (40r, 40I) and an opposing stationary platen surface (80ms) disposed within the recess (80re), the mounts (300) having a mounting surface (300s) adapted to enable the manifold (40) to expand at least along an axis (Α') extending generally along a longitudinal length (ML) of the manifold (40) via sliding of the mounting surface (300s) along one or the other of the stationary platen surface (80ms) and an exterior surface (40r, 40I) of the manifold.

[0043] The manifold (40) and stationary platen (80) are preferably arranged such that a manifold mounting compression force (MMCS) is created between the mounting surfaces (300s) and one or the other or both of the stationary platen surface (80ms) and an exterior surface (40r, 40I) of the manifold sufficient to mount the manifold (40) in a stationary position or disposition within the mounting recess (80re).

[0044] In such an apparatus, the axis (Α') is generally normal to the axis (A) of fluid communication between the manifold (40) and the gate (100g, 1 02g).

[0045] Such an apparatus can including a mounting ring or plate (1 10r, 1 10I) mounted to or within one or both of the first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I), the mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 10I) including a nozzle alignment aperture (100a) adapted to receive and mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62), the alignment aperture (100a), mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 1 Ol) and first or second platen aperture (80r, 80I) being arranged to mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62) in axial alignment (A) with a gate (100g, 1 02g) to a cavity (100r, 102L) contained within the first or second first and second mold (100, 102) such that a downstream tip end surface (60te) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with a complementary gate surface (1 OOgs) and an upstream end (100u) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel (46) of the heated manifold (40).

[0046] Such an apparatus can further comprise a sleeve (120r, 1201) mounted within a platen aperture (80r, 801), the sleeve (120r, 1201) being adapted to mount the mounting ring or plate (1 1 Or, 1 101) within the platen aperture (80r, 801) in an arrangement such that a nozzle (60, 62) is receivable within the alignment aperture (100a) in an arrangement such that the nozzle (60, 62) is axially aligned (A) with the gate (100g).

[0047] The stationary platen (80) can include a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and stationarily mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0048] The stationary platen (80) typically comprises first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) respectively containing the first and second platen apertures (80r, 801), the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80r) being readily removably attachable to and detachable from each other, the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) being adapted to form a mounting recess (80re) between the plates (80a, 80b) when attached, the mounting recess (80re) being configured to receive and mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0049] The manifold (40) preferably includes nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) communicating with the distribution channel (46), the mounting recess (80re), the platen apertures (80r, 801) and the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) being adapted to enable the manifold (40) to be mounted within the recess (80re) in an arrangement wherein the nozzles (60, 62) are mountable through the platen apertures (80r, 801) to the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) such that the tip ends (60te) are fluid sealably matable with the gates (100g, 1 02g) of the molds (100, 102).

[0050] The first and second molds (100, 1 02) can respectively comprise first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb, 102ha, 102hb), the second mold halves (1 00hb, 102hb) being respectively fixedly mounted to opposing faces (80rf, 80lf) of the stationary platen (80), the first mold halves (100ha, 102ha) being adapted to be readily moved into and out of engagement with the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) respectively, the mold halves (1 00ha, 1 00hb, 102ha, 1 02hb) being configured to form the cavities (100r, 1 001) when engaged.

[0051] The first mold halves (1 OOha, 1 02ha) can be respectively fixedly mounted on first and second movable platens or mounting plates (82a, 82b) that are adapted to be drivable between successive injection cycles to move the first and second mold halves (1 00ha, 100hb) into and out of operational engagement with each other.

[0052] At least one of the nozzles (60, 62) typically comprise a nozzle body (60b) having a fluid flow channel (60np) and a nozzle tip (60t) slidably mounted to a distal end (60de) of the nozzle body (60b) for reciprocal back and forth movement of the tip end (6te) relative to the nozzle body (60b) into and out engagement with the complementary gate surface (1 OOgs).

[0053] The nozzle (60, 62) can include a spring (130) adapted to urge the tip end (6te) of the nozzle tip (6t) into engagement with the gate surface (100gs) under a force (SF) sufficient to seal the engaged tip end (6te) and gate surface (100gs) against leakage over a selected length of compression (CFL) of the spring (130) when the second mold half (1 OOhb, 1 02hb) is assembled together with the stationary platen (80) into an operating arrangement.

[0054] In such an apparatus one or a single barrel (24) is preferably the sole or single source of generation of injection fluid (18) that is injected into the first and second cavities (100r, 1021).

[0055] The barrel (24) can have a barrel tip end surface (24t) configured to mate with a complementary manifold inlet surface (40is) of the manifold (40), the barrel (24) being arranged relative to the manifold (40) to mate the barrel tip end surface (24t) with the manifold inlet surface (40is) under a force or compression (BF) sufficient to seal the injection fluid (1 8) from leakage.

[0056] The barrel (24) preferably has a flex or deflection (BEX) sufficient to accommodate thermal expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) on heating of the manifold (40) to elevated operating temperature, wherein a compression force (BF) between the tip end surface (24t) and the manifold inlet surface (40is) upon deflection (BEX) of the barrel is sufficient to seal the injection fluid (18) from leakage on heating the manifold (40) to elevated operating temperature. [0057] The stop (200) typically includes a stop surface (200ss) arranged to engage an exterior surface (401s) of the manifold leg or extension (40x), the stop (200) being adapted to enable the exterior surface (401) of the manifold leg or extension (40x) to slide along the stop surface (200ss) on thermal expansion or movement (TEX) of the manifold (40).

[0058] The manifold leg or extension (40x) can include a guide slot or recess (40gs) arranged to receive a guide pin (200gp) that is interconnected to the stationary platen (80) or a brace or extension (80c) of the stationary platen (80), the guide pin (200gp) engaging an interior surface (40gss) of the guide slot or recess (40gs), the interior surface (40gss) being adapted to guide the thermal expansion movement (TEX) along a predetermined direction in cooperation with the guide pin (200gp).

[0059] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an injection cycle comprising operating an apparatus as described above to inject injection fluid into at least one of the cavities (100r, 1021).

[0060] In another aspect of the invention there is provided an injection molding apparatus (10) for executing an injection cycle comprising an injection molding machine (20), a heated manifold (40) receiving injection fluid (18) from the injection molding machine (20), the heated manifold (40) having first and second exterior surfaces (40r, 40I), the apparatus including first and second molds (1 00, 102) mounted to the apparatus for fluid flow interconnection respectively to the first and second exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold,

wherein the heated manifold (40) is mounted to a stationary platen or mounting plate (80) within a complementary mounting recess (80re),

the apparatus including first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with a fluid distribution channel (46) contained within the heated manifold (40), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) respectively projecting outwardly from the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold (40) through first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I) formed within the stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with first and second cavities (100r, 1021) contained within the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively,

the first or second nozzle (60, 62) having a mounting axis (MA) that is arranged along a selected axis (A) in alignment with a gate (100g, 102g) to a cavity (100r, 1 02L) contained within the first or second mold (100, 102) such that a downstream tip end surface (60te) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with a complementary gate surface (1 OOgs) and an upstream end (100u) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel (46) of the heated manifold (40),

the manifold (40) being adapted to remain mounted within the recess (80re) of the stationary platen (80) such that the mounting axis (MA) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) remains in alignment with the selected axis (A) upon expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) when heated to an elevated operating temperature.

[0061] The manifold (40) in such an apparatus can include nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) communicating with the distribution channel (46), the mounting recess (80re), the platen apertures (80r, 80I) and the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) being arranged to enable the manifold (40) to be mounted within the recess (80re) such that the nozzles (60, 62) are mountable through the platen apertures (80r, 80I) to the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) with the tip ends (60te) being fluid sealably matable with the gates (100g, 1 02g) of the molds (100, 102).

[0062] Such an apparatus can further comprising a selected number of mounts (300) extending between the manifold surfaces (40r, 40I) and an opposing stationary platen surface (80ms), the mounts being selectively disposed in positions relative to the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) and adapted to enable the mounting axis (MA) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) to remain in alignment with the selected axis (A) upon expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) when heated to an elevated operating temperature.

[0063] The mounts (300) are preferably attached to the manifold (40) and the manifold (40) and stationary platen (80) are preferably assemblage together such that a manifold mounting compression force (MMCS) is created between the mounting surfaces (300s) and the stationary platen surface (80ms) sufficient to mount the manifold (40) in a stationary disposition within the mounting recess (80re), the mounting surfaces (300s) and the stationary platen surface (80ms) being slidable against each other upon expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40). [0064] Such an apparatus can further include a mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 1 Ol) mounted to or within one or both of the first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I), the mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 1 Ol) including a nozzle alignment aperture (100a) adapted to receive and mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62),

the alignment aperture (100a), mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 1 Ol) and first or second platen aperture (80r, 80I) being arranged to mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62) in axial alignment (A) with a gate (1 OOg, 1 02g) to a cavity (1 OOr, 102L) contained within the first or second first and second mold (100, 102) such that a downstream tip end surface (60te) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with a complementary gate surface (1 OOgs) and an upstream end (100u) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel (46) of the heated manifold (40).

[0065] Such an apparatus can further comprise a sleeve (120r, 1201) mounted within a platen aperture (80r, 801), the sleeve (120r, 1201) being adapted to mount the mounting ring or plate (1 1 Or, 1 101) within the platen aperture (80r, 801) in an arrangement such that a nozzle (60, 62) is receivable within the alignment aperture (100a) in an arrangement such that the nozzle (60, 62) is axially aligned (A) with the gate (1 OOg).

[0066] The mounts (300) are preferably selectively disposed in positions relative to the mounting ring or plate (1 10r, 1 1 Ol) to enable the mounting axis (MA) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) to remain in alignment with the selected axis (A) upon expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) when heated to an elevated operating temperature.

[0067] Such an apparatus can further include a drive apparatus (900)

interconnected to the barrel (24), the drive apparatus (900) being adapted to controllably move or translate a position in space of the barrel (24) or barrel tip (24t) in three dimensions or directions (800) such that the tip end (24t) is controllably translated or moved in any of the three directions (800) sufficient to accommodate a change, translation or movement of in spatial position of the manifold inlet (40i) or manifold inlet surface (40is).

[0068] In another aspect of the invention there in provided a method of performing an injection cycle comprising operating an apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 57-65 to inject injection fluid into at least one of the cavities (1 OOr, 1021).

[0069] In another aspect of the invention there is provided an injection molding apparatus (10) for executing an injection cycle comprising an injection molding machine (20), a heated manifold (40) receiving injection fluid (18) from the injection molding machine (20), the heated manifold (40) having first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I), the apparatus including first and second molds (100, 102) mounted to the apparatus in an arrangement that enables fluid flow

communication to the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively to or through the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold, wherein the heated manifold (40) is mounted to a stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the stationary platen (80) including a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and mount the manifold (40) within the mounting recess (80re). the apparatus including first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with a fluid distribution channel (46) contained within the heated manifold (40), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) respectively projecting outwardly from the first and second opposing exterior surfaces (40r, 40I) of the heated manifold (40) through first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I) formed within the stationary platen or mounting plate (80), the first and second nozzles (60, 62) fluid sealably communicating with first and second cavities (1 OOr, 1021) contained within the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively.

[0070] Such an apparatus can further comprise a selected number of mounts (300) disposed within the recess (80re) and extending between the manifold surfaces (40r, 40I) and an opposing stationary platen surface (80ms), the mounts (300) mounting the manifold (40) within the recess (80re) and having a mounting surface (300s) adapted to enable the manifold (40) to expand on heating to operating temperature at least along a longitudinal axis (Α') that generally extends along a longitudinal length (ML) of the manifold (40) via sliding of the mounting surface (300s) along one or the other of the stationary platen surface (80ms) and an exterior surface (40r, 40I) of the manifold.

[0071] The mounts (300) are preferably attached to the manifold (40), the manifold (40) and stationary platen (80) being assemblage together such that a manifold mounting compression force (MMCS) is created between the mounting surfaces (300s) and the stationary platen surface (80ms) sufficient to mount the manifold (40) in a stationary disposition within the mounting recess (80re), the mounting surfaces (300s) and the stationary platen surface (80ms) being slidable against each other upon expansion of the manifold (40) along the longitudinal axis (Α').

[0072] The axis (Α') is typically generally normal to an axis (A) of fluid

communication between the manifold (40) and the gate (100g, 102g).

[0073] Such an apparatus can further include a mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 10I) mounted to or within one or both of the first and second platen apertures (80r, 80I), the mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 10I) including a nozzle alignment aperture (100a) adapted to receive and mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62),

the alignment aperture (100a), mounting ring or plate (1 1 0r, 1 10I) and first or second platen aperture (80r, 80I) being arranged to mount the first or second nozzle (60, 62) in axial alignment (A) with a gate (100g, 1 02g) to a cavity (100r, 102L) contained within the first or second first and second mold (100, 102) such that a downstream tip end surface (60te) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with a complementary gate surface (1 OOgs) and an upstream end (100u) of the one or more nozzles (60, 62) is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel (46) of the heated manifold (40).

[0074] Such an apparatus can further comprise a sleeve (120r, 1201) mounted within a platen aperture (80r, 801), the sleeve (120r, 1201) being adapted to mount the mounting ring or plate (1 1 Or, 1 101) within the platen aperture (80r, 801) in an arrangement such that a nozzle (60, 62) is receivable within the alignment aperture (100a) in an arrangement such that the nozzle (60, 62) is axially aligned (A) with the gate (100g).

[0075] The stationary platen (80) can include a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and stationarily mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re).

[0076] The stationary platen (80) can comprise first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) respectively containing the first and second platen apertures (80r, 801), the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80r) being readily removably attachable to and detachable from each other, the first and second opposing plates (80a, 80b) being adapted to form a mounting recess (80re) between the plates (80a, 80b) when attached, the mounting recess (80re) being configured to receive and mount the manifold (40) within the recess (80re). [0077] The manifold (40) can include nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) communicating with the distribution channel (46), the mounting recess (80re), the platen apertures (80r, 801) and the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) being adapted to enable the manifold (40) to be mounted within the recess (80re) in an arrangement wherein the nozzles (60, 62) are mountable through the platen apertures (80r, 801) to the nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) such that the tip ends (60te) are fluid sealably matable with the gates (100g, 1 02g) of the molds (100, 102).

[0078] The first and second molds (100, 102) preferably respectively comprise first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb, 102ha, 102hb), the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) being respectively fixedly mounted to opposing faces (80rf, 80lf) of the stationary platen (80), the first mold halves (100ha, 102ha) being adapted to be readily moved into and out of engagement with the second mold halves (100hb, 102hb) respectively, the mold halves (1 00ha, 1 00hb, 102ha, 1 02hb) being configured to form the cavities (100r, 1 001) when engaged.

[0079] The first mold halves (1 OOha, 1 02ha) are preferably respectively fixedly mounted on first and second movable platens or mounting plates (82a, 82b) that are adapted to be drivable between successive injection cycles to move the first and second mold halves (100ha, 100hb) into and out of operational engagement with each other.

[0080] In another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus

the manifold (40) has a manifold length (ML) selected such that when the manifold (40) is mounted within the mounting recess (80re) a manifold leg or extension (40x) extends from the manifold (40) a selected distance (P) outside the mounting recess (80re) along the manifold length (ML),

the manifold (40) including a barrel fluid inlet (40i) having a manifold inlet mating surface (40is) that is disposed within the selected distance (P) along the manifold length (ML),

the fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) being fluid sealably matable with the manifold inlet mating surface (40is) under a selected compression force (BF) exerted by the barrel on the manifold leg or extension (40x), the apparatus including a stop (200) interconnected to the stationary platen (80) or a brace or extension (80c) of the stationary platen (80) adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

[0081] The stationary platen (80) preferably comprises a main body (80mb) and a leg (80c) integral with and projecting from the main body (80mb),

the manifold (40) includes a barrel fluid inlet (40i) that is fluid sealably matable with a fluid outlet (24t) of the barrel (24) under compression force, (BF),

the leg (80c) being adapted to exert an opposing force (OF) against the compression force (BF).

[0082] At least one of the nozzles (60, 62) preferably comprises a nozzle body (60b) having a fluid flow channel (60np) and a nozzle tip (60t) slidably mounted to a distal end (60de) of the nozzle body (60b) for reciprocal back and forth movement of the tip end (6te) relative to the nozzle body (60b) into and out engagement with the complementary gate surface (1 OOgs).

[0083] The nozzle (60, 62) typically includes a spring (1 30) adapted to urge the tip end (6te) of the nozzle tip (6t) into engagement with the gate surface (1 OOgs) under a force (SF) sufficient to seal the engaged tip end (6te) and gate surface (1 OOgs) against leakage over a selected length of compression (CFL) of the spring (130) when the second mold half (1 OOhb, 1 02hb) is assembled together with the stationary platen (80) into an operating arrangement.

[0084] In such an apparatus one or a single barrel (24) is preferably the sole or single source of generation of injection fluid (18) that is injected into the first and second cavities (100r, 1021).

[0085] The barrel (24) preferably has a barrel tip end surface (24t) configured to mate with a complementary manifold inlet surface (40is) of the manifold (40), the barrel (24) being arranged relative to the manifold (40) to mate the barrel tip end surface (24t) with the manifold inlet surface (40is) under a force or compression sufficient to seal the injection fluid (1 8) from leakage.

[0086] The barrel (24) preferably has a flex or deflection (BEX) sufficient to accommodate thermal expansion movement (TEX) of the manifold (40) such that compression force between the tip end surface (24t) and the manifold inlet surface (40is) is sufficient to seal the injection fluid (18) from leakage on heating the manifold (40) to elevated operating temperature. [0087] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an injection cycle comprising operating an apparatus to inject injection fluid into at least one of the cavities (1 OOr, 1021).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Fig. 1 A is a top sectional view of an apparatus according to the invention showing an arrangement of a machine barrel to one side of the hotrunner and mold assembly.

[0089] Fig. 1 B is view similar to Fig. 1 A showing the mold halves disengaged from each other.

[0090] Fig. 2 is top rear perspective view of the Fig. 1 B view of the apparatus.

[0091 ] Fig. 3 is a rear top perspective view of the manifold, stationary platen and one half of the two molds components of the apparatus of Figs. 1 A, 1 B.

[0092] Fig. 4 is a side sectional view along lines 4-4 of Fig. 2 showing an enlarged portion of the manifold and stationary platen components of the Figs. 1 A, 1 B, 2 apparatus showing a pair of nozzles mounted by a pair of centering rings in alignment with the cavities of the molds.

[0093] Fig. 4A is an enlarged sectional view of the distal end of a nozzle in initial position before being in fully compressed engagement with the gate surface of a mold cavity.

[0094] Fig. 4B is a view similar to Fig. 4A showing the distal end of the nozzle in fully compressed engagement.

[0095] Fig. 5 is a top side perpective view of a portion of the manifold and stationary platen components showing opposing nozzle extending from opposing surfaces of the manifold along a mounting axis and being mounted within a centering aperture provided in a mounting ring that is mounted to the stationary platen.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a top side sectional perspective view along lines 6-6 of Fig. 2 showing an enlarged view of a distal end portion of the stationary platen and manifold components showing the extended length of one of two attachable and detachable members that form the stationary platen relative to the other members and showing the fluid distribution channel of the manifold with a fluid entry port arranged for engagement with the tip end of the machine barrel.

[0097] Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the two piece stationary platen and manifold components of the Figs. 1 A, 1 B apparatus showing the fluid distribution channel within the manifold and the arrangement of fluid entry and exit ports and the arrangement of the opposing nozzles that extend through platen apertures provided for enabling the distal end of the nozzles to compressibly engage the gates surfaces of a pair of opposing molds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Figs. 1 A, 1 B show an assembled system 10 according to the invention comprised of an injection molding machine 20 having a screw 22 that generates a flow of injection fluid 1 8 that is injected through the barrel 24 of the machine downstream through a barrel nozzle outlet 24t then further flows through a manifold aperture inlet 40i then further flows downstream under pressure through the manifold fluid distribution channel 46 and then further downstream through the bores (60np, 62np) of a pair of opposing nozzles 60, 62 and ultimately through the gates of and into the cavities 1 0Or, 100I of a pair of molds 100, 102. The barrel 24 is mounted and arranged such that the tip end 24t mates under compressive force BF with a complementary surface 40is of the manifold inlet aperture 40i, the force BF being sufficient to seal the surfaces 24t and 40is against leakage of injection 1 8. As shown in Figs. 1 A, 1 B, 6, 7 the inlet 40i is located or disposed on a distal extension portion 40x of the manifold 40 that extends a distance P along the overall longitudinal length ML.

[0099] The embodiment of the apparatus 10 shown in the Figures employs a stationary platen 80 and a pair of movable platens 82a, 82b, Figs. 1 A, 1 B, 2, 3 that are mounted on tie bars 26 in an arrangement where one movable platen 82a is arranged to face and mount one mold half 100ha opposite one face or surface 40r, 80msa of the manifold 40 and stationary platen 80 and another movable platen 82b is arranged to face and mount a second mold half 1 02ha opposite a second face or surface 40I, 80msb of the manifold and stationary platen 80. As shown, Figs. 1 A, 1 B, 2, 3, mold halves 10Ohb, 102hb that are complementary to mold halves 10Oha, 102ha are mounted in opposing mating positions on opposing mounting surfaces 80msa, 80msb of the stationary platen 80. The movable platens 82a, 82b are adapted to be drivable by conventional means such as an actuator or motor back and forth 29 along tie bars 26 toward and away from each other between a mold clamping or closed position 100c, 102c, Fig. 1 , where the mold halves 100ha, 100hb and 102ha, 102hb are held together under a mold clamping force MCF to form a fluid sealed mold cavity 100r, 1021 and a mold open position 100o, 102o where the mold halves 1 0Oha, 1 0Ohb and 1 02ha, 1 02hb are spaced apart from each other a distance sufficient to enable ejection or release of a part or molded object 104 formed during an injection mold cycle from the mold cavities 10Or, 1021.

[00100] As described above, the stationary platen 80 is adapted to stationarily mount the stationary mold halves 100ha, 102ha in position for mating with the mold 100ha, 1 02ha halves that are mounted on the movable platens 82a, 82b. The mold halves 100ha, 100hb, 102ha, 102hb have complementary mating surfaces 100ms and are attached to the platen halves 80a, 82a, 80b, 82b by conventional mechanism such as bolts 100cb in an arrangement that enables the mating surfaces 100ms of opposing mold halves 10Oha, 10Ohb and 102ha, 102hb to mate with each other under a compression force MCF selected to be a degree sufficient to seal the surfaces against leakage of injection fluid 18 through or along the surfaces 100ms.

[00101] The stationary platen 80 is also adapted to act as a base or platen for mounting the manifold 40 in a stationary position within a mounting recess 80re that is formed within the stationary platen 80. The extended portion 40x of the manifold 40, when mounted within recess 80re, extends distally the distance P outside the mounting recess 80re such that the barrel nozzle tip 24t can be readily aligned and mated, without physical interference from the stationary platen 80, to the manifold inlet 40i which is selectively disposed within the distance P of the extension 40x. The platen extension 80c is adapted to provide an opposing force OF exerted on the manifold to oppose the barrel force BF exerted on the manifold inlet surface 4is.

[00102] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 A-7, the stationary platen 80 is preferably comprised of a pair of readily attachable and detachable first and second stationary platen plates 80a, 80b. Plates 80a, 80b are adapted to be readily detachable and attachable for purposes of ready insertion of the manifold 40 into mounting recess 80re and ready removal therefrom. In the embodiment shown, one of the stationary platen plates 80b has an extension 80c that is integrally formed together with the entire plate 80b in a manner that enables the extension 80c to act to exert the opposing force OF against the barrel force BF exerted on the manifold extension 40x.

[00103] The heated manifold 40 is provided with first and second opposing exterior surfaces 40r, 40I that contain opposing first and second 60fp, 62fp fluid output channels that are fluid sealably mated with the upstream ends of the fluid flow bores or channels 60fc, 62fc of opposing injection nozzles 60, 62. The manifold 40 is mounted via mounts 300 in an arrangement within the platen recess 80re such that the output channels 60fp, 62fp are aligned with an opposing pair of mounting apertures 80r, 801 formed within the stationary platen 80.

[00104] First and second nozzles 60, 62 are mounted in fluid sealed communication with the output channels 60fp, 62fp that communicates with a central fluid distribution channel 46 contained within the heated manifold 40. The first and second nozzles 60, 62 respectively project laterally in opposing directions from the first and second opposing exterior surfaces 40r, 40I of the heated manifold 40 through the first and second platen apertures 80r, 80I. The first and second nozzles 60, 62 have tip ends 60te, 62te that are adapted to fluid sealably communicate at a distal end of the nozzles 60, 62 with the first and second cavities 100r, 1021 formed within the first and second molds (100, 102) respectively.

[00105] The manifold mounts 300 are disposed within the mounting recess

80re and adapted to extend between the outside manifold surfaces 40r, 40I and an opposing stationary platen surface 80ms so as to align the fluid output channels with the platen apertures 80r, 80. The mounts 300 have mounting surfaces 300s adapted to enable the manifold 40 to expand on heating to operating temperature at least along a longitudinal axis A' that generally extends along a longitudinal length ML of the manifold 40 via sliding of the mounting surface 300s along one or the other of the stationary platen surface 80ms and an exterior surface 40r, 40I of the manifold.

[00106] In the embodiment shown, the mounts 300 comprise a spacer 300sp that are attached or mounted to the manifold 40 via a pin or screw 300p that is attached to the manifold 40. The manifold 40, stationary platen 80 and mounts 300 are adapted to be assemblage together such that a manifold mounting compression force MMCS is created between the mounting surfaces 300s and the stationary platen surface 80ms sufficient to hold or mount the manifold 40 in a stationary disposition within the mounting recess 80re where the output ports 60fp, 62fp are aligned with the platen apertures 80r, 80I. The mounting surfaces 300s and the stationary platen surface 80ms are slidable against each other upon expansion of the manifold 40 along the longitudinal axis A' of the manifold.

[00107] The first and second nozzles 60, 62, Figs. 1 B, 4, are mounted such that an upstream end 100u of the nozzles 60, 62 fluid sealably communicate with the nozzle feed passages or ports 60fp, 62fp that extend from the fluid distribution channel 46. The nozzle feed passages or ports 60fp, 62fp are formed in the manifold 40 at a selected communication position 1000 disposed along the length ML of an expansion axis A' or longitudinal length ML of the manifold 40. The communication position 1000 is selected such that the communication position 1000 remains generally stationary or unchanged in position relative to the position of the gates 100g, 1 02g when the manifold 40 expands TEX along the axis A' or length ML on heating of the manifold (40) to operating temperature.

[00108] The manifold 40 is mounted and arranged within the recess 80re, the movable platens 82a, 82b and molds 100, 1 02 are mounted and the nozzles 60, 62 are fluid sealably mounted between the manifold 40 and the molds 100, 1 02 such that the fluid flow axes A are of the nozzles 60, 62 are aligned along an axis A that enables the nozzles 60, 62 to extend through the platen apertures 80r, 80I and enables the tip ends 60te, 62te of the nozzles to engage under compression with the inlet gate surfaces 10Ogs, 102gs of the molds 100, 102. The system is further adapted such that the longitudinal axis A' is arranged generally normal to the fluid flow axis A of fluid communication between the manifold 40 and the gates 100g, 102g of the molds.

[00109] A nozzle mounting ring or plate 1 10r, 1 1 0I is mounted to or within one or both of the first and second platen apertures 80r, 80I and include a nozzle alignment aperture 100a. The mounting rings 1 10r, 1 101, platen apertures 80r, 801 and alignment apertures 100a are arranged and adapted to enable the first and second nozzles 60, 62 to be received through apertures 100a in an arrangement where the axes A of the first and second nozzles 60, 62 are in axial alignment A with the mold gates 100g, 102g and such that the downstream tip end surface 60te, 62te of the nozzles (60, 62 are maintained in fluid sealed communication with the gate surfaces 100gs and the upstream end 100u of the one or more nozzles 60, 62 is maintained in fluid sealed communication with the fluid distribution channel 46 of the heated manifold 40 when the system 1 0 is assembled and the manifold 40 is heated into operating condition.

[00110] To assist in mounting of the nozzles 60, 62 such that the axes A of the nozzles A remain aligned and in fluid sealed engagement with the gates 100gs, 102gs, a sleeve 120r, 1 201 is preferably mounted within a platen aperture 80r, 801, the sleeve 120r, 120I being adapted to mount the mounting ring or plate 1 1 0r, 1 10I within the platen aperture (80r, 80I) in an arrangement that maintains the nozzle 60, 62 axes A in alignment and fluid sealed engagement with the gates 100gs, 1 02gs when the system 10 is assembled and the manifold 40 is heated into operating condition.

[00111 ] The first mold halves 1 0Oha, 1 02ha are respectively fixedly mounted on first and second movable platens or mounting plates 82a, 82b in an arrangement that aligns the mold halves 100ha, 102ha with the second mold halves 100hb, 102hb as and when the first and second mold halves (1 OOha, 1 0Ohb) are driven into and out of operational engagement with each other.

[00112] The apparatus 10 includes a stop 200 interconnected to the stationary platen 80 or to a brace or extension 80c of the stationary platen 80, the stop being adapted to engage the mold 40 to exert an opposing force OF against the compression force BF.

[00113] The stationary platen (80) comprises a main body 80mb and a leg

80c or extension that can be configured as attachable to the main body 80mb or integral with and projecting from the main body 80mb.

[00114] The nozzles 60, 62 typically comprise a nozzle body 60b and a nozzle tip 60t slidably mounted to a distal end 60de of the nozzle body 60b for reciprocal back and forth movement of the tip end 6te relative to the nozzle body 60b into and out engagement with the complementary gate surface 10Ogs. The nozzle 60, 62 can include a spring 1 30 adapted to urge the tip end 6te of the nozzle tip 6t into engagement with the gate surface 1 0Ogs under a force SF sufficient to seal the engaged tip end 6te and gate surface 1 0Ogs against leakage over a selected length of compression CFL of the spring 130 when the second mold half 100hb, 102h) is assembled together with the stationary platen 80 into an operating arrangement.

[00115] The apparatus preferably has a single barrel 24 which is the sole or single source of generation of injection fluid 18 into the molds 100, 1 02 and cavities 100r, 1021.

[00116] The barrel 24 is preferably adapted to have or contain a flex, flexure, bending or deflection BEX to a degree sufficient to accommodate thermal expansion movement TEX of the manifold 40 and simultaneously maintain compression force BF between the tip end surface 24t and the manifold inlet surface 40is sufficient to seal the injection fluid 18 from leakage on heating the manifold 40 to elevated operating temperature. [00117] The apparatus 10 can be provided with a drive apparatus 900, Fig.

6, interconnected to the barrel 24, the drive apparatus being adapted to controllably move or translate the position of the barrel 24 and barrel tip 24t in three dimensions or directions 800 such that the tip end 24t can be controllably translated or moved in any of the three directions 800 for purposes of accommodating translation or movement of the position of the manifold inlet 40i and manifold inlet surface 40is on occurrence of expansion TEX of the manifold 40 or otherwise.

[00118] The invention includes a method of performing an injection cycle comprising operating an apparatus according to the description of all systems and apparatuses as described above to inject injection fluid into at least one of the cavities 100r, 1 021.