Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an adjustment device for adjusting a distance between a take-off plate and a treatment device of a molding system and a method for use thereof. More specifically, there is provided a distance adjustment device configured to adjust a distance between a take-off plate coupled to a fixed platen of a molding system and a treatment device coupled to a movable platen of the molding system. The adjustment device comprises a movable platen engagement interface configured for attachment to the movable platen of the molding system; a plenum engagement interface configured for attachment to the treatment device; a distance adjustment mechanism configured to selectively fix a position of the treatment device relative to the movable platen in a desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a floating element being configured to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased in the extended position. Furthermore, the molded article picker comprises a pressure structure extending through the floating element. The floating element is cooperable with the molded article to define a substantially enclosed volume including the pressure structure. The pressure structure is configured such that by evacuating the substantially enclosed volume the molded article is sealed to the floating element and the floating element is drawn into the retracted position, thereby transferring the molded article to the molded article picker.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an adjustment device for adjusting a distance between a take-off plate and a treatment device of a molding system and a method for use thereof. More specifically, there is provided a distance adjustment device configured to adjust a distance between a take-off plate coupled to a fixed platen of a molding system and a treatment device coupled to a movable platen of the molding system. The adjustment device comprises a movable platen engagement interface configured for attachment to the movable platen of the molding system; a plenum engagement interface configured for attachment to the treatment device; a distance adjustment mechanism configured to selectively fix a position of the treatment device relative to the movable platen in a desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a floating element being configured to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased in the extended position. Furthermore, the molded article picker comprises a pressure structure extending through the floating element. The floating element is cooperable with the molded article to define a substantially enclosed volume including the pressure structure. The pressure structure is configured such that by evacuating the substantially enclosed volume the molded article is sealed to the floating element and the floating element is drawn into the retracted position, thereby transferring the molded article to the molded article picker.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a floating element being configured to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased in the extended position. Furthermore, the molded article picker comprises a pressure structure extending through the floating element. The floating element is cooperable with the molded article to define a substantially enclosed volume including the pressure structure. The pressure structure is configured such that by evacuating the substantially enclosed volume the molded article is sealed to the floating element and the floating element is drawn into the retracted position, thereby transferring the molded article to the molded article picker.

Abstract: Non-symmetrical molded articles, such as large preforms, are handled by a handling system into which an array of molded articles are transferred from a mold having a pitch separation The handling system has an arranging station configured to receive and align a first set of molded articles, which arranging station is further configured to receive and align a second set of molded articles in an opposingly orientated direction to the first set. To reduce the pitch separation, the arranging station includes a closure mechanism that brings together the first and second sets of molded articles in a substantially linear array. Once in the linear array, a handling device operates to pick up and crate the linear array of preforms. Transfer and pick-up of the preforms can be accomplished using a multi-function, multi-axis robot that supports take-out tubes and suction pads.

Abstract: A multi-function take-out plate for use in an injection molding system. The take-out plate comprises a plurality of holders and a plurality of selectively engagable adhesion points coupled to the take-out plate. Each of the holders is arranged to receive a molded article formed in and extracted from a respective cavity of a mold. The adhesion points are configured to pick up and temporarily hold linear arrays of molded articles for subsequent delivery and deposition. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of holders have a pitch separation corresponding to the pitch separation of the mold from which the molded articles are extracted. The adhesion points are arranged in an array such that the pitch separation of adjacent molded articles held by the adhesion points is less than the pitch separation in the mold.

Abstract: Non-symmetrical molded articles, such as large preforms, are handled by a handling system into which an array of molded articles are transferred from a mold having a pitch separation The handling system has an arranging station configured to receive and align a first set of molded articles, which arranging station is further configured to receive and align a second set of molded articles in an opposingly orientated direction to the first set. To reduce the pitch separation, the arranging station includes a closure mechanism that brings together the first and second sets of molded articles in a substantially linear array. Once in the linear array, a handling device operates to pick up and crate the linear array of preforms. Transfer and pick-up of the preforms can be accomplished using a multi-function, multi-axis robot that supports take-out tubes and suction pads.