Cincinnati Milacron Inc.

Milacron Inc.

William A Reinhart

Ronald Sparer

Fred James Croswell

Lawrence J Navarre

Michael A Rusconi

A program controlled machine wherein signals produced in response to execution of programs control operation of machine devices includes a control for storage, retrieval and presentation of audio/video information. The control includes devices for presentation of audio/video information and stored programs including programs for enabling storage of audio/video information files while the machine is in a manual mode of operation and programs for controlling the presentation by the audio/video presentation devices of selected audio/video information from the stored files. The control provides facilities for recording audio/video information and for manually controlled presentation of audio/video information as well as for automatic presentation of audio/video information in response to detection of occurrence of a particular event.

Multi-media enhanced program controlled machine

An electro-mechanical drive apparatus uses a single motor and three one-way clutches to provide both injection and extruder functions in the injection unit of an injection molding machine. When engaged, the first one-way clutch couples the feed screw to the frame of the injection unit, the second clutch couples the drive motor to the feed screw, and the third clutch couples the drive motor to the ball screw mechanism. During rotation of the drive motor in a forward (injection) direction, (a) the third one-way clutch engages, rotating the ball screw mechanism which results in forward movement of the feed screw; (b) the second one-way clutch slips; and (c) the first one-way clutch engages to prevent rotation of the feed screw as it moves forward. When the drive motor is rotated in a reverse (extrusion) direction, (a) the second one-way clutch engages, rotating the feed screw, (b) the first one-way clutch slips, and (c) the third one-way clutch slips, allowing rotation of the ball screw mechanism commensurate with the rearward movement of the feed screw. Three versions of the drive apparatus, each having its own specific advantages, are disclosed: (I) a double shaft motor mounted adjacent separate drive couplings for extrusion (feed screw rotation) and injection (ball screw rotation--feed screw translation); (II) a single shaft motor connected by a mechanical coupling to a transmission that alternately drives the feed screw and ball screw; and (III) a hollow (or double) shaft motor axially aligned with the feed screw and ball screw mechanism, so that one rotor shaft is coupled to the feed screw and the shaft is coupled to the ball screw mechanism.

Drive apparatus for an injection unit

An injection molding machine is provided with an open frame specifically designed to avoid angular displacement of the stationary platen during the molding process. More particularly, the stationary platen and the supporting frame are configured to maintain a constant moment of inertia relative to the line of force acting on the platen during the clamp closed part of the cycle, so that it displaces linearly when force is applied. In addition, the frame is provided with integral support members to connect with the die height adjustment mechanism. The support members are positioned on the frame to minimize the distance of the open frame, thus minimizing the length of frame subject to deflection when the force is applied.

Open frame injection molding machine

The method of the present invention relates to reducing cycle time in injection molding machines that are running large capacity molds, such as multiple cavity preform molds, and require a high volume supply of quality melt. Specifically, the present invention proposes using a continually plasticizing extruder to supply two melt accumulators which will alternately operate to inject the plastic material into the mold. To accomplish this, a rotary valve at the end of the extruder is controlled to fill the pots, and ball check valves are positioned to control flow direction and limit pressure in certain parts of the system. A shuttle valve between the shot pots and before the nozzle facilitates decompression.

Method for reducing cycle time in an injection molding machine

A clamping system for traversing and clamping molds in a molding machine, the clamping system including a toggle-type clamp arrangement defined by a plurality of pivotally connected links. A movable crosshead is connected with one end of the toggle and is carried on a crosshead guide, and a ball screw is rotatably secured to the movable crosshead to extend in the direction opposite from the molds and through a stationary platen. A ball nut rotatably carried by the stationary platen is in engagement with the ball screw and is drivingly connected with a first motor to axially move the ball screw to provide between the molds a clamping force sufficient to resist separation of the molds during high pressure injection of molding material. A second motor is drivingly coupled with the ball screw and is movable therewith in an axial direction. The second motor is adapted to rotate the ball screw for rapid traverse movement of the movable crosshead to rapidly bring the molds into and out of contact.

Mold clamping system

A clamping system for traversing and clamping molds in a molding machine, the clamping system including a toggle-type clamp arrangement defined by a plurality of pivotally connected links. A movable crosshead is carried on a crosshead guide, and a ball screw is non-rotationally secured to the movable crosshead to extend in the direction opposite from the face of a cooperating fixed mold portion. A pair of ball nuts are carried by the ball screw and each of the ball nuts is drivingly connected with a respective servomotor. One of the servomotors is adapted to provide rapid traverse movement for the movable crosshead, and the other servomotor is adapted to provide high torque for high clamping force to hold a pair of mold halves in tightly contacting relationship during the injection into a mold cavity defined by the mold halves of a flowable material under pressure.

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Georgetown, OH, United States of America

William A Reinhart