Abstract: A method of producing a product utilizing a liner. The method comprises securing, at an injection molding manufacturing system, a liner to a first half of a mold. The method further comprises clamping, at an injection molding manufacturing system, the first half of the mold to a second half of the mold, wherein clamping the first half of the mold to a second half of the mold generates a total mold. The method further comprises generating, at an injection molding manufacturing system, a formed product, wherein generating the formed product further comprises filling an opening of the total mold with a molten material. The method further comprises ejecting, at an injection molding manufacturing system, the formed product, and the liner from a completed first half of the mold and releasing, at an injection molding manufacturing system, the formed product from the liner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an additive manufacturing method for manufacturing silica-based structures that have a low linear cure shrinkage percentage and an ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion. The structure may be constructed with a powder mixture that contains at least a first set of silica-based particles that are spherical and that have a first size, and a second set of submicron silica-based particles that are jagged, spherical, or both jagged and spherical. The silica-based powder mixture may be combined with a surfactant in order to create a slurry that can be used to create a 3D printed structure that has a low linear cure shrinkage percentage and an ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method of producing a product utilizing a liner. The method comprises securing, at an injection molding manufacturing system, a liner to a first half of a mold. The method further comprises clamping, at an injection molding manufacturing system, the first half of the mold to a second half of the mold, wherein clamping the first half of the mold to a second half of the mold generates a total mold. The method further comprises generating, at an injection molding manufacturing system, a formed product, wherein generating the formed product further comprises filling an opening of the total mold with a molten material. The method further comprises ejecting, at an injection molding manufacturing system, the formed product, and the liner from a completed first half of the mold and releasing, at an injection molding manufacturing system, the formed product from the liner.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking out a molded product is provided, the apparatus being capable of suppressing displacement vibration of an attachment mounted at a leading end of each of one or more approach frames by active control using one or more electromagnetic actuators. The apparatus includes an active vibration suppressing system. One or more electromagnetic actuators are mounted to the attachment of each approach frame or each approach frame.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an encased snack comprising in this order the steps of (1) providing crumb material, (2) forming the crumb material under pressure to produce a shell, (3) introducing a filling into the shell, (4) forming a cover of crumb material on the filling in the shell under pressure, and (5) optionally baking the thus formed assembly. The invention is also directed to the encased snack obtainable by the process and to a mold comprising a lower die and first and second upper dies for use in the process.

Abstract: A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: A method for dechucking a substrate from an electrostatic chuck (ESC) in a plasma processing system is provided. The method includes flowing a first gas into a plasma chamber. The method also includes flowing a second gas to a backside of the substrate to create a high pressure buildup of the second gas under the backside. The method further includes reducing a flow of the second gas such that at least a portion is trapped under the substrate backside. The method yet also includes pumping out the plasma chamber to increase a pressure differential between a first pressure that exists under the backside of the substrate and a second pressure that exists in a region above the substrate, wherein the pressure differential enables the substrate to be lifted from the ESC. The method yet also includes removing the substrate from the ESC.

Abstract: An injection mold for an intake hose and an intake hose production method utilizes a main core removably dualized to automatically extract a molding-completed intake hose from the main core after injection molding is completed and an air supplying member supplying compressed air between the main core and the molding-completed intake hose is configured in the main core to automatically extract the intake hose from the main core without an additional extraction equipment, thereby reducing an entire manufacturing process and saving a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Fabrication of fibers using links of nanotubes including slicing a first nanotube rope from a nanotube forest. The method further includes wrapping the first nanotube rope in a first plurality of circuitous turns to create a first link. The method further includes slicing a second nanotube rope from the nanotube forest. The method further includes wrapping the second nanotube rope in a second plurality of circuitous turns to create a second link, wherein the second link is interconnected to the first link in a chain.

Abstract: A mold for imprinting a patterned region by imprint lithography is provided with a peripheral groove around the patterned region. The groove is connected, as by channels through the mold, to a switchable source for gas removal to prevent bubbles and for the application of pressurized gas to separate the mold and substrate. In use, the mold is disposed adjacent the moldable surface and gas is withdrawn from the patterned region through the groove as the mold is pressed toward and into the moldable surface. At or near the end of the imprinting, the process is switched from removal of gas to the application of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas passes through the groove and separates or facilitates separation of the mold and the moldable surface.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, at least one placeholder is inserted into a recess in a molding tool, wherein the unfinished component is subsequently produced, the placeholder is removed, at least one lifting pad is inserted into the recess and the unfinished component is removed from the molding tool by inflating the lifting pad. In a system for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, the component removal process is monitored and controlled by a computer unit in order to prevent predetermined maximum component loads from being exceeded. The gentle component removal process makes it possible to avoid consequential costs for repairing or reworking the components.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for making quaternary chalcogenide wafers. The process comprises milling quaternary chalcogenide crystals to form milled particles, and then compressing the milled particles to form a quaternary chalcogenide wafer. The quaternary chalcogenide wafers are useful for forming solar cells.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processes for separating a template from a substrate retained on an air cavity chuck during an imprint lithography process. Generally, vacuum level provided by air cavity chuck may be controlled during conforming of polymerizable material between the template and the substrate and during separation of the template and the substrate.

Abstract: A method cycle of a method for layerwise production of a tangible object (5) comprises the successive steps of: solidifying a predetermined area of a layer (10) of a liquid (3), said liquid layer adjoining a construction shape (6), so as to obtain a solid layer (14) having a predetermined shape; separating said solid layer from said construction shape; and moving the separated solid layer and the construction shape to a predetermined position relative to one another for letting the liquid flow-in between the separated solid layer and the construction shape. Reduced pressure is applied to at least one fluid, such as the liquid (3).

Abstract: A milking inflation formed of a food grade approved thermoplastics material of a Shore A hardness of between about 60 to 90, the inflation (7) having a region (8) adapted to, in use, engage with the teat of an animal, this teat engagement portion (8) having a reduced wall thickness (12) to provide flexibility. A method of forming a milking inflation whereby the inflation is moulded in a mould (1, 2) which has a core (3) in a mould cavity (4). The moulded inflation (7) is separated from the core (3) by introducing air between the core (3) and inflation (7) to inflate the inflation and enable separation of the inflation from the core. A method of monitoring the age of an inflation by monitoring change in the colour of the inflation to determine ageing of the inflation.

Abstract: Contact lens delensing methods are described, and the present delensing methods include using a gas to facilitate separation of a polymerized contact lens product from a contact lens mold member. The contact lens mold member is compressed to deform a portion of the mold member, and gas, such as air, is directed toward the polymerized contact lens product in contact with the portion. The contact lens mold member can be compressed as the mold member and lens product rotate. A vacuum device can be used to separate the polymerized contact lens product from the contact lens mold member after compressing the portion of the mold member and directing the gas towards the mold member. Delensing systems used to practice the present methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat. The method comprises feeding the mass of foodstuff into a mold cavity, molding the mass of foodstuff into a molded product, and removing the molded product from the mold cavity using pressurized gas.

Abstract: Methods of forming continuous layers on regions of a substrate are described. Generally, an imprint lithography template may contact liquid positioned on the substrate. The liquid may be cured forming a masking layer, and the imprint lithography template separated from the masking layer. Prior to separation, pressurized gas and/or vacuum may be applied between the template and the substrate. Additionally, during separation, pressurized gas and/or vacuum may be applied between the template and the substrate.

Abstract: A chucking system may include a plurality of discrete vacuum sections. The size of at least one vacuum section may be configured to be substantially similar to size of a strained region of the substrate. The strained region of the substrate is a localized deformation in the substrate due to separation force applied during a nano-imprint lithography process.

Abstract: A food portioning system to efficiently output portion food material, the system including a hopper, a mold plate, air knockout assembly, and air and hydraulic cylinders. Flowable food material is put into the hopper where it is pushed into the mold cavity of the mold plate. By the action of the air and hydraulic cylinders, the mold plate is driven to a knockout position where the air knockout assembly releases compressed air onto the mold cavity to knock out the portioned food from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A food portioning system to efficiently output portion food material, the system including a hopper, a mold plate, air knockout assembly, and air and hydraulic cylinders. Flowable food material is put into the hopper where it is pushed into the mold cavity of the mold plate. By the action of the air and hydraulic cylinders, the mold plate is driven to a knockout position where the air knockout assembly releases compressed air onto the mold cavity to knock out the portioned food from the mold cavity.

Abstract: Contact lens delensing methods are described, and the present delensing methods include using a gas to facilitate separation of a polymerized contact lens product from a contact lens mold member. The contact lens mold member is compressed to deform a portion of the mold member, and gas, such as air, is directed toward the polymerized contact lens product in contact with the portion. The contact lens mold member can be compressed as the mold member, and lens product, rotate. A vacuum device can be used to separate the polymerized contact lens product from the contact lens mold member after compressing the portion of the mold member and directing the gas towards the mold member. Delensing systems used to practice the present methods are also described.

Abstract: A mold for imprinting a patterned region by imprint lithography is provided with a peripheral groove around the patterned region. The groove is connected, as by channels through the mold, to a switchable source for gas removal to prevent bubbles and for the application of pressurized gas to separate the mold and substrate. In use, the mold is disposed adjacent the moldable surface and gas is withdrawn from the patterned region through the groove as the mold is pressed toward and into the moldable surface. At or near the end of the imprinting, the process is switched from removal of gas to the application of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas passes through the groove and separates or facilitates separation of the mold and the moldable surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the removal of a tube blank (3) located on a support core (2). The tube blank (3) is detached from the support core (2) by means of the introduction of a medium through a device (10), whereby a detachment may be alternatively or additionally achieved by the application of a vacuum to a sleeve (4) enclosing the tube blank (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: A coupling and a process of molding the coupling is disclosed for interconnecting a primary and a secondary tube. The process comprises the steps of inserting a primary core pin into the primary tube. A secondary core pin is inserted into the second tube to abut with the primary core pin. The assembled tubes and core pins are placed within a mold cavity and a thermoplastic material is injected for forming the coupling. The coupling and the interconnected tubes are removed from the mold cavity. The secondary core pin is disengaged from the secondary core pin to be removed by passing the secondary core pin through the secondary tube. The primary core pin is removed by passing the secondary core pin through the primary tube. The coupling forms a smooth interconnection of the inner cross-sections of the first and second tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating a stamper from a patterned substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a top and a bottom with an opening therein, providing a support mechanism configured to retain the substrate, providing a stamper having a formed pattern and configured to come in contact with the top of the substrate, wherein a chamber is formed within the opening of the substrate when the stamper is in contact with the substrate, providing a channel directed toward the chamber to introduce pressurized air into the chamber, and directing pressured air through the channel to the chamber to initiate separation of the stamper from the substrate. In certain embodiments, the pressurized air may be directed toward an opening in the substrate, such as a central ID hole in a disk. The disk may be incorporated within a storage device as pattered magnetic media.

Abstract: A food portioning system to efficiently output portion food material, the system including a hopper, a mold plate, air knockout assembly, and air and hydraulic cylinders. Flowable food material is put into the hopper where it is pushed into the mold cavity of the mold plate. By the action of the air and hydraulic cylinders, the mold plate is driven to a knockout position where the air knockout assembly releases compressed air onto the mold cavity to knock out the portioned food from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A demolding method for extracting a ceramic product (1) from a half-part (2) of a mold comprises at least the following steps: positioning an extractor element (3), which has a contact surface (3s), at a visible surface (1a) of the product (1) partially housed in the mold half-part (2); extracting the product (1) and placing it in abutment against the contact surface (3s); dividing the contact surface (3s) into two separate, matching portions (3a, 3b) by moving a first portion of it (3a), which supports the product (1), away from its other portion (3b); releasing the product (1) onto a work and/or supporting element or table (4) matchingly shaped to be coupled to the first portion (3a) of the extractor element (3); moving the first portion (3a) and the supporting element or work table (4) away from each other. The invention also relates to an apparatus that implements this method.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an injection molded doll head having at least two portions is provided. A first portion may have a first mating surface, an alignment indicator and include at least the skullcap portion of a doll head. A second portion may have a second mating surface welded to the first mating surface and may include at least a lower portion of the doll head and a concave inner cavity. The first portion and the second portion may be configured to receive rooted doll hair. Some embodiments may include doll hair rooted above and below a seam defined by the welded mating surfaces.

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: The invention concerns a tube comprising a wall made of C4-C10 linear ethylene-olefin copolymer or a mixture of C4-C10 linear ethylene-olefin copolymer having a melt index ranging between 3 and 10 g/mn, and a density ranging between 0.880 g/cm3 and 0.935 g/cm3 inclusive. The skirt has a mid-height wall thickness ranging between 0.30 and 10 mm inclusive, and a length between 40 and 200 mm inclusive. Furthermore, the skirt and the dispensing head are made in a single injection molding operation in an injection mold. The invention is useful for making tube-like packages.

Abstract: A gas assisted method for molding a substrate is described, as a well as an apparatus for performing this molding process. Generally, this molding method will involve using a mold with a core side and a cavity side. The mold is designed to mold a substrate when filled with the thermoplastic. A quantity of thermoplastic is injected into the mold. Once the plastic is in the mold, gas is vented to the core side of the mold as the thermoplastic cools. The gas is introduced via sintered vents that have been added to the mold. In general, the gas will have a pressure less than 500 psi. Once the thermoplastic cools, the substrate is formed and can be ejected from the mold.

Abstract: A mold for forming a tire curing bladder. The mold has an outer mold assembly enclosing an inner mold core assembly. The outer mold comprises three sections and the inner mold comprises two portions. The outer mold and the inner mold core form a mold cavity therebetween. In one embodiment, the mold cavity defines a frog eye geometry where a cylindrical space is formed having a diameter that is greater for portions of the cylindrical spaced away from a centerline of the mold cavity than for portions near the centerline.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for venting trapped air and gasses in a mold. The mold and method comprise or use at least one pin formed from multiple pin sections. When assembled, the pin sections provide space on the interior of the pin through which trapped air and gasses can escape from the mold. The present invention may also be used to assist in ejecting an object from the mold. The pins can have circular or non-circular cross-sections and also may have dimple-forming projections to conform to a golf ball dimple pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is: (i) a pneumatic structure (160) for a post-mold device (15) comprising a control valve (162, 170, 172) configured to alternately pneumatically connect a holder (150) of the post-mold device (15) to one of: a first vacuum source (164) and a second vacuum source (166); (ii) a method of a post-mold device in a molding system, the method includes configuring the control valve (162, 170, 172) for alternately pneumatically connecting the holder (150) of the post-mold device between the first vacuum source 164 and to the second vacuum source (166); (iii) the post-mold device (15) including the holder (150) and the pneumatic structure (160); and (iv) a molding system (10) including the post-mold device (15) having the holder (150) and the pneumatic structure (160).

Abstract: A method of molding an inner or cover layer of a thermoset or thermoplastic material around a golf ball core within a compression mold, in which the core is positioned within a mold cavity containing preformed inner hemispherical shells and holding the opposing mold portions in a closed position wherein heat and pressure are applied. Knockout pins engage the core and layer to biasly eject it from the mold cavity, while simultaneously blowing high pressure air into the mold cavity to aid in releasing the core and layer without the need of a release agent coating the cavities.

Abstract: A method of ejecting a container from a blow mold comprises the steps of: opening a blow mold containing a container, the blow mold comprising a pair of pistons having a head and a heel, an end cap disposed behind the heel, and a pair of ejector rods, each ejector rod coupled to a different one of the pair of pistons; forcing a fluid against each head of each of the pair of pistons, extending each of the ejector rods to maintain contact with an opposite side of a center portion of the container in the blow mold and pushing the container from the blow mold; and forcing a fluid against the heel of each of the pair of pistons operative to retract the pair of ejector rods away from the container when the container is separated from the blow mold.

Abstract: Contact lens delensing methods are described, and the present delensing methods include using a gas to facilitate separation of a polymerized contact lens product from a contact lens mold member. The contact lens mold member is compressed to deform a portion of the mold member, and gas, such as air, is directed toward the polymerized contact lens product in contact with the portion. The contact lens mold member can be compressed as the mold member, and lens product, rotate. A vacuum device can be used to separate the polymerized contact lens product from the contact lens mold member after compressing the portion of the mold member and directing the gas towards the mold member. Delensing systems used to practice the present methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber molded article comprising the step of transferring a fiber molded article 10 formed in a papermaking mold 2 composed of splits 20 and 20? to a split 30? of a drying mold 3, in which the papermaking mold 2 is once opened while attracting the fiber molded article 10 to the inner surface of the split 20? by suction to separate the fiber molded article 10 from the inner surface of the split 20, the papermaking mold 2 is closed, the suction by the split 20? is stopped, the papermaking mold 2 is opened again while attracting the fiber molded article 10 to the inner surface of the split 20 to separate the fiber molded article 10 from the split 20?, the split 20 is joined with the split 30?, the fiber molded article 10 is attracted to the inner surface of the split 30? by suction, and the fiber molded article 10 is separated from the split 20.

Abstract: A tape reel molding apparatus adapted to be resin-molded by using a molding die, which includes: knockout portions pushing one surface of the tape reel to take the tape reel out of a cavity formed in the molding die after a resin is cooled; and a holding member including: suction portions sucking and holding the other surface of the tape reel pushed out of the cavity; and support portions supporting the suction portions, wherein each of the knockout portions is opposed to each of the suction portions, the tape reel being put between the knockout portions and suction portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a plastic closure includes a male mold assembly including a forming pin and an outer pin sleeve which cooperate with a female mold for defining a mold cavity. To facilitate mechanical stripping of a molded closure from the forming pin, pressurized air is introduced into the molded closure through at least one air passageway which extends axially between the forming pin and pin sleeve. By outwardly expanding and forming the plastic closure during ejection from the forming pin, forces to which the closure is subjected during ejection are significantly reduced, thereby desirably reducing the amount of cooling of the closure that is required during the molding cycle prior to ejection. Significantly increased operating speeds for the compression molding apparatus can thus be achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns in particular a mold for injection molding of a flexible tube, said mold comprising as molding tools, a nozzle receptacle, an impression and a core, housed in a stack of plates. The invention is characterized in that said molding tools have pairs of respective conical support surfaces, through which the tools are centered and aligned with one another, each support surface being formed by a portion of tools deprived of transverse mobility.

Abstract: A mold assembly for producing a molded object from resin. The assembly includes a cavity configured to be filled with resin to form at least one surface of the molded object into a predetermined shape with at least one transfer surface of the cavity. A molding insertion member is arranged to form another surface of the molded object, and a holding insertion piece is configured to hold the molding insertion member. The holding insertion piece includes a communication path that places a surface of the molding insertion member at a side opposite to the cavity in fluid communication with the exterior of the mold assembly and guides air from the exterior of the mold assembly toward the surface of the molding insertion member.

Abstract: An integral formation of a water conduit connector for sports water bags includes the following steps: 1) manufacturing molds, which comprises a hole allowing the core mold to go inside, a sprue, positioning holes, and top rejecting holes going through to the mold cave, inside of which is provided with threaded grooves and pipe neck portions; 2) disposing and positioning the water hose in the cave formed by the molds; 3) closing the molds and inserting a mobile core mold from the inlet into the molds, such that the core mold will stretch into the hose to serve as a padding for the interior wall of the hose; 4) injecting liquid hard plastic material from the sprue into the cave of the molds, such that a threaded connecting base can be integrally formed at the end of the hose; 5) detaching the molds; and 6) blowing high pressure air from the free end of the hose to force the core mold detaching from the interior wall of the hose, accordingly a firmly connected, integrally formed hose with a threaded connecting

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube device including an inner electrode, having connecting step, connecting a carbon nanotube to the inner electrode, wherein the connecting step comprises: attaching a conductor to an end or periphery thereof of a needle-shaped or rod-shaped carrying electrode; arranging the carbon nanotube in contact or close to a predetermined connection part of the inner electrode; approaching the end of the carrying electrode on which the conductor is carried to the connection part; and transferring the conductor carried on the carrying electrode to the connection part or periphery thereof to connect the carbon nanotube to the inner electrode.

Abstract: A method of ejecting containers from a blow mold comprises the steps of: opening a blow mold containing containers, the blow mold comprising a pair of pistons having a head and a heel, an end cap disposed behind the heel, and a pair of ejector rods, each ejector rod coupled to a different piston; simultaneously with the opening forcing a fluid against each head of each of the pair of pistons, extending each of the ejector rods to maintain contact with an opposite side of a center portion of the containers in the blow mold and pushing the containers from the blow mold; and forcing a fluid against the heel of each of the pair of pistons operative to retract the pair of ejector rods away from the containers when the containers are separated from the blow mold.