Abstract: The invention provides a blow mold parison closing apparatus having actuators which are interchangeable. The closing apparatus includes an attachment block having a cylinder body mount and holder/guide support, a pinch bar spaced apart from the attachment block, the pinch bar having a cylinder piston mount and holder/guide mount. The closing apparatus also includes a holder/guide slidingly supported by the attachment block and coupled to the pinch bar. The holder/guide is configured to hold a spring between the pinch bar and attachment block and guide the motion of the pinch bar relative to the attachment block. In operation relative motion between said attachment block and pinch bar may be controlled by either a spring or a cylinder each being easily interchangeable.

Abstract: The mold includes a first mold block having a first contact surface and a first shear surface, a second mold block having a second contact surface and an insert seating surface, and at least one removable insert having a second shear surface and positionable along the insert seating surface. The first mold block is separable from and engageable with the second mold block between open and closed positions of the mold. The mold is moved between open and closed positions by the movement of at least one of the mold blocks along a path of travel. When the mold is moved from an open to a closed position, the first shear surface and the second shear surface form an interference fit.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating heat transfer in a mold is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mold section having an external surface defining a concave-shaped channel, a hollow elongated member positioned within the channel, and a binding material attaching the hollow elongated member to the mold section. Heat transfers from the mold section to relatively cooler heat transfer fluid when the fluid is directed through the hollow elongated member. Heat may also transfer from the molded piece to the mold section when the fluid is transported through the hollow elongated member. The apparatus may have any number of channels and members. The hollow elongated member may be a copper tube and be completely or partially positioned within the channel. The mold section and binding material may be made of aluminum. A method of manufacture of the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a blow mold parison closing apparatus having actuators which are interchangeable. The closing apparatus includes an attachment block having a cylinder body mount and holder/guide support, a pinch bar spaced apart from the attachment block, the pinch bar having a cylinder piston mount and holder/guide mount. The closing apparatus also includes a holder/guide slidingly supported by the attachment block and coupled to the pinch bar. The holder/guide is configured to hold a spring between the pinch bar and attachment block and guide the motion of the pinch bar relative to the attachment block. In operation relative motion between said attachment block and pinch bar may be controlled by either a spring or a cylinder each being easily interchangeable.

Abstract: A mold is provided for forming molded parts having flash seams which are moved to inconspicuous locations. The mold, which is typically used to make blow molded parts, includes two or more mold blocks and removable inserts which allow relocation of flash seams and at the same time allow removal of the finished part from the mold.