a hot runner injection molding apparatus includes a manifold for transferring molten plastic into a channel to a mold gate . a valve pin extends at least partially through the channel and is reciprocally movable from a retracted position to an extended position to close the mold gate when the valve pin is in the extended position , and to open the mold gate when the valve pin is in the retracted position . a valve pin moving mechanism is coupled with the valve pin to directly move the valve pin to the extended position ; and a resilient coupling is located between the valve pin and the valve pin moving mechanism for normally moving the valve pin to the retracted position .