Patent ID: 7445444
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B29C,B29K

Abstract:
1. An injection molding apparatus comprising: a manifold having an inlet and at least one melt channel in fluid communication with the inlet; a cylindrical bore in the manifold intersecting the melt channel; an expandable cylindrical sleeve co-axial with and seated in the cylindrical bore, the sleeve having a sleeve opening in communication with the melt channel; and a cylindrical insert co-axial with and seated in the sleeve, the insert defining a melt duct with an insert inlet opening in fluid communication with the sleeve opening and an insert outlet opening opposite the insert inlet opening; wherein the sleeve has a coefficient of expansion and a thickness selected such that when the manifold, insert and sleeve are heated to an operational temperature, the sleeve expands to create a fluid tight seal between the manifold and the insert.