Patent ID: 7401639

Claim:
A sprue apparatus configured to be received in a molding apparatus for connecting a molding machine nozzle with a runner system of the molding apparatus, the sprue apparatus comprising: a sprue bushing; an isolating coupler; and a plurality of thermal regulators disposed along the sprue apparatus; the sprue bushing including: a first tubular body having a first end and a second end; a nozzle connection interface configured on a first inner surface of the first tubular body, at the first end of the first tubular body, for connecting with a first complementary connection interface on the molding machine nozzle; an outer surface of the first tubular body being configured to receive the plurality of thermal regulators that thermally regulate a plurality of thermal zones that segment a length of the sprue apparatus; a first isolating coupler connection interface configured on the outer surface of the first tubular body, at the first end of the first tubular body, substantially adjacent the nozzle connection interface; a second isolating coupler connection interface configured on the outer surface of the first tubular body, at the second end of the first tubular body; and a melt duct configured through the first tubular body, on the first inner surface of the first tubular body, from the first end to the second end of the first tubular body; and the isolating coupler including: a second tubular body having a first end and a second end; a first sprue bushing connection interface configured on a first inner surface of the second tubular body, at the first end of said second tubular body, for receiving the first isolating coupler connection interface on the sprue bushing; a second sprue bushing connection interface configured on the second inner surface of the second tubular body, in proximity to the second end of said second tubular body, for receiving the second isolating coupler connection interface on the sprue bushing; and a mold connection interface configured at the second end of the second tubular body for connecting with a second complementary connection interface on the molding apparatus; wherein the first isolating coupler connection interface and the first sprue bushing connection interface are configured to cooperate to substantially isolate the sprue bushing from an applied carriage force from the molding machine nozzle.