Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed herein is a molding apparatus comprising a mold member at least partially defining a mold cavity including a vent, a valve comprising a valve housing including a bore having a central portion with first and second axially opposite ends, a first end portion communicating with the first end of the central portion and with the vent, and a second end portion communicating with the second end of the central portion, a vent discharge port, and a flushing discharge port, and a conduit including an inlet port communicating with the first end portion of the bore, an outlet port communicating with the second end portion of the bore, and a valve member located in the bore and being operably moveable between a venting position wherein the vent communicates with the conduit inlet port, wherein the conduit outlet port communicates with the vent discharge port, wherein communication between the flushing medium outlet port and the conduit inlet port is blocked, and wherein communication between the conduit outlet port and the flushing discharge port is blocked, and a flushing position wherein the flushing medium outlet port communicates with the conduit inlet port, wherein the conduit outlet port communicates with the flushing discharge port, wherein communication between the vent and the conduit inlet port is blocked, and wherein communication between the conduit outlet port and the vent discharge port is blocked, and an actuator for displacing the valve member between the venting position and the flushing position.

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First Claim