Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for thermally profiling preforms prior to blow molding. The system includes a pallet for holding a plurality of preforms and a station, such as a heating oven, for thermally conditioning the preforms. In a first embodiment, the pallet comprises a self aligning pallet which is movable towards and away from the heating oven. In a second embodiment, the pallet holding the preforms is fixed in position and the heating oven is movable towards and away from the preforms. The pallet further includes rotatable mandrels for supporting the preforms and a programmable motor for rotating the preforms a desired amount and at a desired speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for thermally profiling preforms prior to blow molding. The system includes a pallet for holding a plurality of preforms and a station, such as a heating oven, for thermally conditioning the preforms. In a first embodiment, the pallet comprises a self aligning pallet which is movable towards and away from the heating oven. In a second embodiment, the pallet holding the preforms is fixed in position and the heating oven is movable towards and away from the preforms. The pallet further includes rotatable mandrels for supporting the preforms and a programmable motor for rotating the preforms a desired amount and at a desired speed.

Abstract: A predetermined number of articles, as open ended, nested hollow articles, are packed in a container by an apparatus including a first holding means for said articles including a first retaining means, as a gate means, adjacent the end portion thereof. Means are provided for moving the first holding means with nested articles thereon into an adjacent carton, means are provided for moving the gate means into the open position to permit the articles to be removed from the first holding means, and a second retaining means is provided for holding the articles in the carton while removing the first holding means.

Abstract: A high speed, light weight molded article retrieval device for an injection molding machine having a reciprocating trolley.

Abstract: A stripping station for stripping hollow plastic articles from a holding means is disclosed and includes a nest for receiving neck portions of the articles, and a cutout bar for admitting, trapping and ejecting the articles in the nest, the cutout bar being slidably mounted to the nest and being displaceable between an admitting position, wherein the articles can be admitted into the nest, a trapping position wherein the articles are trapped in the nest for transport, and an ejecting position wherein the articles are ejected from the nest.