Abstract: Disclosed is a molded part picker for a molded part handling system. The molded part picker includes a balloon having a wear member for contacting a molded part when the balloon is positioned and inflated to do so, and the wear member disengages from the molded part when the balloon is deflated to do so.

Abstract: A cooling circuit for a neck ring of a preform is conformed to the surface of the neck ring by providing a neck ring in two parts. The first part supports the neck ring and provides strength and durability to the neck ring insert. The second part is formed of porous steel impregnated with highly thermally conductive metal and includes a cooling channel that provides substantially uniform cooling around the neck ring of the preform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for controlling a physical process using personal computer running SCADA program. The software comprises a database of inputs and outputs, as well as plurality of data block types as well as calculation blocks and program blocks. The database contains addressing information about each signal, its type, conditioning and value. The control system is designed to operate within certain process parameters and is able to effect changes in operation to bring the process back to a desired condition without any manual intervention. The personal computer operates all control logic for the automation and manual control of the physical system without the need or intervention of a programmable logic controller (PLC) or any other external control devices.