Apparatus and method for removing molded articles in uniform orientation

In an injection molding apparatus for continuously molding articles including a pair of relatively movable mold platens, each platen supporting a mold element cooperating to define a mold cavity, said platens cycling continuously through a cavity opening stroke and a cavity closing stroke, an improved device for receiving and dispensing molded articles in a uniform physical orientation comprising:

• a receiving means carried by one of said platens, said receiving means being movable from a first position defining a release position to a second position defining a receiving position in proximity to a molded article retained on one of said platens, and a transfer means carried by said one platen responsive to relative motion between said platens for driving said receiving plate from said first position to said second position, said receiving means being but a single elongated channel having a predetermined cross-section mating with a chute having a similar cross-section.