Patent ID: 7029269
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus, said injection molding apparatus including a mold block, said mold block defining at least one mold cavity having a gate, said nozzle comprising: a nozzle body, said nozzle body defining a nozzle body melt channel that is adapted to be in fluid communication with and downstream from a melt source and that is adapted to be in fluid communication with and upstream from said gate; a valve pin, said valve pin including an upstream portion, said upstream portion defining a valve pin melt channel, wherein said valve pin melt channel has an inlet and at least one outlet, wherein said inlet and said at least one outlet are in fluid communication with said nozzle body melt channel, said valve pin further includes a tip piece connected to said upstream portion, and wherein said valve pin is movable in said nozzle body melt channel to control melt flow through said gate; an actuator operatively connected to said valve pin to move said valve pin; a first heating element that is thermally connected to said upstream portion of said valve pin; and a second heating element that is thermally connected to said nozzle body.