公开(公告)号：US20180141252A1

公开(公告)日：2018-05-24

申请号：US15816457

申请日：2017-11-17

Applicant: IMFLUX INC.

Inventor： William Francis Lawless, III ,  Chow-Chi Huang ,  Gene Michael Altonen ,  Brandon Michael Birchmeier

IPC: B29C45/76 ,  B29C45/28

CPC classification number: B29C45/762 ,  B29C45/0025 ,  B29C45/281 ,  B29C45/76 ,  B29C45/7613 ,  B29C45/766 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C2045/0032 ,  B29C2045/2824 ,  B29C2945/76006 ,  B29C2945/76013 ,  B29C2945/7604 ,  B29C2945/76267 ,  B29C2945/76284 ,  B29C2945/76381 ,  B29C2945/76481 ,  B29C2945/76568 ,  B29C2945/76665 ,  B29C2945/76752 ,  B29C2945/76755 ,  B29C2945/76859 ,  B29C2945/76936 ,  B29C2945/76943

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a sequential valve gate molding apparatus in an injection molding or other molding process is disclosed. The method includes creating a target strain profile, receiving a deviation limit, receiving a change in strain relating to a first valve gate from a first strain gauge, identifying whether a deviation exists from a first portion of the target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining whether any existing deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the position of a first valve gate pin in the first valve gate if it does. The method may further include control of subsequent valve gates. Multiple strain gauges may be used to control a single valve gate, and/or each strain gauge may control more than one valve gate.

公开(公告)号：US20180001531A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-04

申请号：US15616240

申请日：2017-06-07

Applicant: IMFLUX INC.

Inventor： William Francis Lawless, III ,  Rick Alan Pollard ,  Gene Michael Altonen ,  Brian Matthew Burns

IPC: B29C45/78 ,  B29C45/27

Abstract: A hot runner injection molding apparatus, and method of use, is disclosed in which strain gauges are provided in the temperature zones of the hot runner injection molding apparatus and a hot runner controller creates a target strain profile, detects deviations from the target strain profile in any temperature zone based on the strain readings provided by the strain gauges in each temperature zone, and instructs correction of deviations from the target strain profile in any deviating temperature zone by adjusting the heat produced by a heater or heaters in the deviating temperature zone. The target strain profile may be based on a median or average of strain readings provided over time by the strain gauges in each temperature zone. A hollow installation tube for placing the strain gauges in the hot runner injection molding apparatus is also disclosed.

公开(公告)号：US20180001530A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-04

申请号：US15616133

申请日：2017-06-07

Applicant: IMFLUX INC.

Inventor： William Francis Lawless, III ,  Rick Alan Pollard ,  Brian Matthew Burns ,  Gene Michael Altonen

IPC: B29C45/76 ,  G11C7/00

CPC classification number: B29C45/76 ,  B22D17/32 ,  B29C44/42 ,  B29C44/60 ,  B29C45/7653 ,  B29C45/766 ,  B29C45/768 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C45/84 ,  B29C67/246 ,  B29C2945/76006 ,  B29C2945/7604 ,  B29C2945/76267 ,  B29C2945/76274 ,  B29C2945/76474 ,  B29C2945/76481 ,  B29C2945/76491 ,  B29C2945/76498 ,  B29C2945/76859 ,  B29C2945/76869 ,  B29C2945/76876 ,  B29C2945/76892 ,  B29C2945/76943 ,  G11C7/00

Abstract: Methods of monitoring and controlling a molding process using a sensed change in strain provided by a strain gauge are provided. A target strain profile is created for a molding process of a molding apparatus. An upper and lower deviation limit from the target strain profile for the molding process is provided. If a sensed change in strain exceeds a deviation limit, an alarm is activated.

公开(公告)号：US20180001529A1

公开(公告)日：2018-01-04

申请号：US15616353

申请日：2017-06-07

Applicant: IMFLUX INC.

Inventor： Gene Michael Altonen ,  Chow-Chi Huang ,  Jes Tougaard Gram

IPC: B29C45/73 ,  B29C45/40 ,  B29C45/04 ,  B29K101/12 ,  B29K105/00

CPC classification number: B29C45/73 ,  B29C45/0441 ,  B29C45/045 ,  B29C45/13 ,  B29C45/32 ,  B29C45/40 ,  B29C45/7337 ,  B29C45/7646 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C45/78 ,  B29C2045/7356 ,  B29C2045/7368 ,  B29C2045/7393 ,  B29K2101/12 ,  B29K2105/0067 ,  B29K2995/0022

Abstract: Injection molding utilizing targeted heating of mold cavities when in a non-molding position, thereby facilitating enhancement of the appearance and strength of injection molding parts in a manner that does not significantly increase cycle times or energy consumption.

公开(公告)号：US09855694B2

公开(公告)日：2018-01-02

申请号：US14837303

申请日：2015-08-27

Applicant: iMFLUX Inc.

Inventor： Gene Michael Altonen ,  Ralph Edwin Neufarth ,  Chow-chi Huang ,  Michael Thomas Dodd ,  Matthew Lloyd Newman

IPC: B29C45/27 ,  B29C45/18 ,  B29C45/26 ,  B29C33/00 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C45/00 ,  B29L31/00

CPC classification number: B29C45/18 ,  B29C33/0038 ,  B29C45/0025 ,  B29C45/2608 ,  B29C45/27 ,  B29C45/2725 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C2945/76498 ,  B29C2945/76859 ,  B29K2905/02 ,  B29L2031/757

Abstract: A feed system for an injection molding machine. The feed system includes a first part with a first channel, and a second part with a second channel. The first channel and the second channel together form a molten plastic feed conduit when they are engaged. The first part and the second part are unbonded to one another.

公开(公告)号：US20170274571A1

公开(公告)日：2017-09-28

申请号：US15465128

申请日：2017-03-21

Applicant: IMFLUX INC.

Inventor： Gene Michael Altonen ,  Brian Matthew Burns ,  Herbert Kenneth Hanson, III

IPC: B29C45/76 ,  B29C45/77 ,  G05B19/414 ,  B29C45/78

CPC classification number: G06N99/005 ,  B29C45/76 ,  B29C45/766 ,  B29C45/7666 ,  B29C45/7693 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C45/78 ,  B29C47/92 ,  B29C2945/76006 ,  B29C2945/76033 ,  B29C2945/7604 ,  B29C2945/7611 ,  B29C2945/76187 ,  B29C2945/7621 ,  B29C2945/76498 ,  B29C2945/76531 ,  B29C2945/76561 ,  B29C2945/76595 ,  B29C2945/76665 ,  B29C2945/76668 ,  B29C2945/76702 ,  B29C2945/76949 ,  B29C2945/76953 ,  B29C2947/92019 ,  B29C2947/92209 ,  B29C2947/924 ,  B29C2947/92409 ,  B29C2947/92895 ,  B29K2105/0067 ,  B29K2105/251 ,  G05B19/414 ,  G05B2219/23422 ,  G05B2219/2624 ,  G05B2219/45244 ,  G05B2219/50168

Abstract: An injection molding machine uses a native controller and a retrofit controller to effectively control its operation. The controllers may determine and/or receive information regarding the machine's maximum load capacity, and may also determine a current operational load value of the machine. The retrofit controller may cause the machine to operate at any number of combinations of settings of operational parameters which result in the machine operating at or below the maximum load value by adjusting any number of machine parameters associated with the injection molding machine based on feedback sensors measuring real-time operating conditions of the machine.

公开(公告)号：US09731443B2

公开(公告)日：2017-08-15

申请号：US14861228

申请日：2015-09-22

Applicant: iMFLUX Inc.

Inventor： Gene Michael Altonen ,  Michael Thomas Dodd

IPC: B29C45/77 ,  B29C45/76 ,  B29C33/38 ,  B29C45/74 ,  B29C45/78 ,  B29K101/00

CPC classification number: B29C45/77 ,  B29C33/3842 ,  B29C45/74 ,  B29C45/76 ,  B29C45/762 ,  B29C45/78 ,  B29C2045/776 ,  B29C2945/76498 ,  B29C2945/76501 ,  B29C2945/76535 ,  B29C2945/76545 ,  B29C2945/76561 ,  B29C2945/76688 ,  B29C2945/76859 ,  B29C2945/76936 ,  B29C2945/76939 ,  B29K2101/00

Abstract: An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects. The retrofit mold cycle has a maximum injection pressure that is less than a maximum injection pressure of the original mold cycle. The retrofit mold cycle can also have more constant injection pressures than the original mold cycle.

公开(公告)号：US09682505B2

公开(公告)日：2017-06-20

申请号：US14491257

申请日：2014-09-19

Applicant: iMFLUX Inc.

Inventor： Ralph Edwin Neufarth ,  Niall D Robinson ,  Rainer Scharrenberg ,  Robert Lawrence Prosise ,  Charles John Berg, Jr.

IPC: B29C45/73 ,  B29C35/16 ,  B29C33/04 ,  B29L31/00

CPC classification number: B29C45/7312 ,  B29C33/046 ,  B29C35/16 ,  B29C45/7306 ,  B29C45/7337 ,  B29K2905/02 ,  B29K2995/0013 ,  B29L2031/757

Abstract: An injection mold assembly for a high output consumer product injection molding machine, the injection mold assembly having a simplified cooling system that is an evaporative cooling system or a cooling system including a hazardous, dangerous, or expensive cooling fluid. The simplified cooling system has a cooling fluid channel that is confined to a mold support plate.

公开(公告)号：US20170157820A1

公开(公告)日：2017-06-08

申请号：US14962572

申请日：2015-12-08

Applicant: iMFLUX Inc.

Inventor： Coy Del WARD ,  Ralph Edwin NEUFARTH ,  Gene Michael ALTONEN ,  Chow-chi HUANG ,  Charles John BERG, JR.

IPC: B29C45/16 ,  B29C45/27 ,  B29C45/26 ,  B29C45/13 ,  B29C45/04

CPC classification number: B29C45/27 ,  B29C45/045 ,  B29C45/16 ,  B29C45/1628 ,  B29C45/164 ,  B29C45/1646 ,  B29C45/1679

Abstract: A carousel-like continuous co-injection molding system includes an arrangement of upper and lower inclined feed channels. Each of the feed channels has a valve therein positioned upstream of an inlet to an associated mold cavity. The valve is controllable so that adjustments may be made in real time to achieve or maintain delivery of molten polymeric material to the mold cavity at constant pressure.

公开(公告)号：US20170057146A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-02

申请号：US15247687

申请日：2016-08-25

Applicant: IMFLUX INC

Inventor： Gene Michael Altonen ,  Nathan Daniel Estruth ,  Dennis James Pratel

IPC: B29C45/76 ,  G06Q30/06 ,  B29C45/77

CPC classification number: G06Q30/0633 ,  B29C45/77 ,  B29C2945/76006 ,  B29C2945/76531 ,  B29C2945/76538 ,  B29C2945/76652 ,  B29K2105/0067

Abstract: A method of selecting thermoplastic materials for use with an injection molding apparatus that adjusts viscosity of a thermoplastic material based on an interpreted viscosity is provided. The method includes determining a target MFI for an identified plastic article based on performance properties. A thermoplastic material supply chain is analyzed and a first thermoplastic material having a first starting MFI and a first MFI range is identified and a second thermoplastic material having a second starting MFI and a second MFI range that is greater than the first MFI range is identified and is priced less than the first thermoplastic material. The second thermoplastic material is purchased. The second thermoplastic material is tested by providing the second thermoplastic material to the injection molding apparatus for multiple shot molding cycles with the second thermoplastic material in a molten state. The step of testing includes monitoring melt pressure of the molten second thermoplastic material using a sensor and providing a signal to a controller indicative of melt pressure. The controller controls introduction of an additive to the second thermoplastic material thereby changing a viscosity of the molten second thermoplastic material based on the signal. A molded article is formed by reducing a mold temperature of the second thermoplastic material within the at least one mold cavity.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种选择与用于调节基于解释粘度的热塑性材料的粘度的注塑设备一起使用的热塑性材料的方法。 该方法包括基于性能特性确定所识别的塑料制品的目标MFI。 分析热塑性材料供应链，并且识别具有第一起始MFI和第一MFI范围的第一热塑性材料，并且识别出具有大于第一MFI范围的第二起始MFI和第二MFI范围的第二热塑性材料， 的价格低于第一种热塑性材料。 购买第二种热塑性材料。 通过将第二热塑性材料提供给用于多次注射成型循环的注射成型设备，第二热塑性材料处于熔融状态来测试第二热塑性材料。 测试步骤包括使用传感器监测熔融的第二热塑性材料的熔体压力，并向指示熔体压力的控制器提供信号。 控制器控制向第二热塑性材料引入添加剂，从而基于该信号改变熔融的第二热塑性材料的粘度。 通过降低至少一个模腔内的第二热塑性材料的模具温度来形成模制品。