Abstract: A post mold cooling system for cooling preforms is disclosed. The post mold cooling system includes a take-out device that is configured to remove preforms from a molding area and deliver them to a post mold cooling area, and a cooling station that is configured to cool the preforms. A first transfer device is configured to transfer the preforms between the take-out device and the cooling station, and a second transfer device is configured to transfer the preforms away from the cooling station.

Abstract: The invention covers an injection molding apparatus and injection molding process. The apparatus has at least a first and second injection molding machine adjacent one another, with each machine including upper and lower mold elements operative to form molded products; and robot adjacent said injection molding machines operative to remove and replace at least a portion of one of said mold elements from a first of said injection molding machines while the second of said injection molding machines continues to form molded products.

Abstract: An article handling and conditioning system for use between associated machines and associated processes are disclosed. The system comprises at least one initial molding machine and a finishing machine; a device for receiving initially molded articles from the at least one initial molding machine prior to finishing in the finish machine; a first mechanism for accumulating devices for receiving and the initially molded articles; a mechanism for transporting the device for receiving and the initially molded articles from the initial molding machine to the first mechanism for accumulating; a mechanism for moving the devices for receiving and the initially molded articles through the first mechanism for accumulating; and a device for transferring the initially molded articles from the first mechanism for accumulating to the finishing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a blow mold, a holding device for holding the parison within the blow mold, a blow device for forming a blown article in the blow mold and a stretch rod for stretching the parison movable in the holding device. A device is provided for determining the position of the stretch rod in the holding device channel and for synchronizing the transmission of high pressure fluid to the parison based on the position of the stretch rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for establishing a preferred temperature profile useful in the oven portion of a blow molding machine by incrementally adjusting heating elements for the exterior of the oven while a stream of parisons are in motion through the oven. The disclosure also includes means and method for preserving and duplicating a preferred temperature profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for establishing a preferred temperature profile useful in the oven portion of a blow molding machine by incrementally adjusting heating elements for the exterior of the oven while a stream of parisons are in motion through the oven. The disclosure also includes means and method for preserving and duplicating a preferred temperature profile.