Abstract: The present invention relates to an article fabrication system having a plurality of material deposition tools containing one or more materials useful in fabricating the article, and a material deposition device having a tool interface for receiving one of the material deposition tools. A system controller is operably connected to the material deposition device to control operation of the material deposition device. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating an article using the system of the invention and a method of fabricating a living three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A 3D printer for a metal alloy filament is provided in which, in order to prevent the oxidation of a metal alloy laminate, an inert gas is introduced, the outside and heat and air are blocked, and a metal alloy filament that is melted in a nozzle and extruded is laminated one layer at a time on a floor plate installed inside a heated chamber and moving three-dimensionally with respect to the nozzle, in order to firmly attach the filament having little deformation.

Abstract: A base for an injection molding machine has two side frames extending parallel with the axis of a drive actuator. Each of the side frames includes a lower flange supported by a bed, an upper flange disposed parallel with the lower flange, at least two webs connecting the upper flange and the lower flange, and a web reinforcing member fixed to the webs and penetrating through the webs. The side frames each have stiffeners connected between the lower and upper flanges and to one of the webs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing three-dimensional models.

Abstract: A printing-height increasable three-dimensional printer includes a base, an elevating shaft, an elevating platform, a first driving module, a working platform, a printing nozzle, and a second driving module. The elevating shaft is connected to the base. The elevating platform is slidably connected to the base. The first driving module is configured to drive the elevating shaft to make the base move along a direction, and is configured to drive the elevating platform to reversely move relative to the base along the direction. The working platform is slidably connected to the elevating platform. The printing nozzle is connected to the base and is configured to print on the working platform. The second driving module is configured to drive the working platform to move between the printing nozzle and the elevating platform.

Abstract: An optical transmitter includes a laser and an external modulator that is used to modulate the optical signal using amplitude modulation (AM). The AM is accompanied by frequency modulation (FM) of the output signal that is generally detrimental to system performance. Both the laser and the modulator are driven by an RF input signal, where part of this RF signal is common. By adjusting the relative drive signals the FM response to the modulator drive signal can be cancelled by a laser drive signal or adjusted to a preferred value.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a movable platen of an injection molding machine is provided with a push bolt, configured to apply a force to push up the movable platen against a gravitational force, and a pull bolt, configured to apply a force to draw in the movable platen in the direction of gravity. The movable platen is adjusted by regulating its height above a base of the molding machine in a plurality of positions at different distances from a fixed platen.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printing apparatus includes a base, a printing head module and a control unit. The base includes a carrying surface and a guiding mechanism. The guiding mechanism extends along a long-axis direction of the base. The printing head module movably disposed on the guiding mechanism. The length of the base is greater than the length of the printing head module, such that the printing head module is suitable for moving relatively to the guiding mechanism. The control unit coupled to the base and the printing head module controls the printing head module to move relatively to the base according to extensional information of the digital 3-D model along the long-axis direction, such that the printing head module dispenses a material on the carrying surface to form a 3-D object when moving relatively to the base.

Abstract: A system for transforming plastic parisons to plastic containers with a transport device which transports the plastic parisons along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device has a movable station support disposed at least indirectly on a stationary base support on which a plurality of transforming stations is disposed. The transforming stations each have blow mould devices which each form cavities within which the plastic parisons can be transformed into the plastic containers and these blow mould devices are each disposed on blow mould supports.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for an automated pipe doping apparatus. The apparatus may include a pump fluidly coupled to a reservoir and a dope manifold, the pump positioned to pump pipe dope from the reservoir to the dope manifold; an ejector coupled to the dope manifold, the ejector positioned to supply a fixed volume of pipe dope from the dope manifold to a dope distribution line; and a pipe dope applicator, the pipe dope applicator fluidly coupled to the dope distribution line positioned to deposit pipe dope on a threaded connection. In some embodiments, the pipe dope applicator may be a fan-pattern nozzle. In other embodiments, the pipe dope applicator may be a mold-type applicator. In other embodiments, the pipe dope applicator may be a brush-type applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming plastic preforms into containers may include at least one blow mould which forms a cavity, inside which the plastic preforms can be transformed into containers. The apparatus may include a pressure application device for applying a medium to the plastic preforms in order to expand the preforms against an inner wall of the blow mould delimiting the cavity. The apparatus may include a stretching rod for stretching the plastic preforms in the longitudinal direction. The apparatus may include a cleaning device for cleaning regions of the blow mould. The cleaning device may include at least one outlet opening for a cleaning medium for cleaning the blow mould, and this outlet opening is arranged at least at times inside the blow mould.

Abstract: The present invention provides a residue removing device for removing residues in a partition plate, and a related 3D printer for use on a working platform. The partition plate e.g. of a 3D printer has a plurality of openings arranged in an array, and residues may be filled in the openings. The residue removing device includes a base plate and a plurality of jutting pins disposed on an upper side of the base plate. The jutting pins are arranged in an array corresponding to the openings array such that the jutting pins are capable of being inserted into the openings, in order to easily remove the residues in the openings of the partition plate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mold cleaning apparatus includes a holding unit, a medium supply unit and a deformation unit. The holding unit is configured to hold a mold. The mold has a concave pattern feature. The concave pattern feature is provided on a first surface of a base plate. The medium supply unit is configured to supply a medium to the concave pattern feature. The deformation unit is configured to bend the mold such that the first surface of the mold is convex.

Abstract: A device for transforming parisons into containers with a plurality of transforming stations which are disposed on a movable carrier, wherein the transforming stations each have blow molds, within which the parisons can be transformed into containers by a supply of a flowable medium, and blow mold supports for holding these blow molds, wherein the blow mold supports have at least two blow mold support parts which are movable relative to one another for opening and closing the blow molds, with a clean room which is demarcated with respect to the surroundings by means of at least one wall and which at least partially surrounds the individual transforming stations, so that the transforming stations are movable within this clean room, and with at least one supply unit in order to supply flowable sterilizing medium to at least one region of the transforming stations which are movable within the clean room.

Abstract: This is a mold repairing method for removing a resin material deposited on a mold, of which the surface is a porous film with a plurality of recesses that have been created through anodization. The mold repairing method includes the steps of: (I) removing the resin material that is exposed on the surface of the mold over the plurality of recesses without performing atmospheric pressure plasma processing; and (II) removing at least partially the resin material that is still left inside the plurality of recesses by the atmospheric pressure plasma processing, after the step (I) has been performed, thereby recovering the original function of the mold.

Abstract: A head tool changer for use with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the head tool changer comprising a tooling unit configured to retain a deposition head, a grip unit configured to engage with tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit, and a master unit operably mounted to a gantry and configured to engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for injection molding machine includes a base including a mounting frame, a driving member, a pushing member connected to the driving member, a first movable plate, a first clipping plate, a connection shaft rotatably connected to the first pushing plate, a second movable plate parallel to the first pushing plate, and a second clipping plate. First and second movable plates are movably mounted on the mounting frame. First and second clipping plates are mounted on the mounting frame. The first movable plate is fixed to and perpendicular to a first pushing plate of the pushing member. The second movable plate is corresponding to the first movable plate, and perpendicular to the first pushing plate. When the pushing member is driven by the driving member, the first movable plate moves relative to the first clipping plate, and the second movable plate moves relative to the second clipping plate.

Abstract: A three-side adjustable scraper of an extrusion device includes a scraper body arranged on the body of an extrusion device. One side of the scraper body has a knife edge which is attached to the wheel surface of an extrusion wheel of the extrusion device, and the scraper body is adjustably provided with a left side scraper seat and a right side scraper seat. A left side scraper and a right side scraper are respectively arranged on the left side scraper seat and the right side scraper seat, and the knife edges of the left side scraper and the right side scraper are respectively attached to the two sides of the extrusion wheel of the extrusion device. The left side scraper and the right side scraper are additionally arranged, so that materials adhered on the two sides of the extrusion wheel can be scraped off by the scraper.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heating of plastics material pre-forms includes a conveying device, which conveys the plastics material pre-forms along a pre-determined conveying path, and at least one heating device, which heats the plastics material pre-forms during the transportation thereof. The conveying path of the plastics material pre-forms extends at least locally through a sterile room, wherein the sterile room is separated from the environment by a plurality of walls.

Abstract: A mold device for injecting a fluid into a container where the mold device comprises a first mold portion having a first mating surface and a second mold portion having a second mating surface. The second mating surface is shaped complementary to the first mating surface. A mold cavity is disposed within the first mold portion and the second mold portion. The mold device further comprises an interlocking mating surface system disposed between or made a part of the first mold portion and second mold portion to define a fluid seal therebetween and align the first mold portion to the second mold portion in at least a first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming plastic preforms into containers may include at least one blow mould which forms a cavity, inside which the plastic preforms can be transformed into containers. The apparatus may include a pressure application device for applying a medium to the plastic preforms in order to expand the preforms against an inner wall of the blow mould delimiting the cavity. The apparatus may include a stretching rod for stretching the plastic preforms in the longitudinal direction. The apparatus may include a cleaning device for cleaning regions of the blow mould. The cleaning device may include at least one outlet opening for a cleaning medium for cleaning the blow mould, and this outlet opening is arranged at least at times inside the blow mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for producing shaped consumable items from a fat mass, in particular a fat mass containing cocoa or a chocolate-like fat mass, comprising a housing (2) and at least one stamping plate (10) having at least one temperature-controllable stamp (13). The stamping plate (10) can be moved out of the housing (2) in order to clean or replace the stamping plate. The invention further relates to methods for cleaning and for replacing stamping plates (10) having at least one temperature-controlled stamp (13).

Abstract: A three-dimensional object forming apparatus is provided, which at least comprises: a construction stage, a printing module, plural temporary storage tanks, plural powder supplying tanks, a construction tank, a printing quality inspection component for forming a pattern to determine whether the printing module is blocked or not, a maintenance device, and a dust-proof device.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing plastic bottles, particularly PET bottles, including a plurality of blow molding stations, which have assigned thereto valve blocks with control valves and blowing nozzles for introducing or discharging blowing air; and a cleaning-in-place (CIP) system for cleaning the blow molding machine. Since the valve blocks are configured such that they can be included in the CIP process, the system components, such as the blowing nozzle, which are particularly important for the production of PET bottles in terms of hygiene, can be cleaned and sterilized without disassembly.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object-forming apparatus is disclosed, which includes an in-batches powder-rationing tank system, a construction tank system, a printing powder-applying system, a rapid drying heating system, a printing maintenance device, a dust-proof device, a successive liquid-supplying device, a powder auto-filtrating and recycling device, and a print quality detection device.

Abstract: A blow molding system having a blow molding station with at least one mold assembly and method for forming a filled container therewith. The blow molding station including at least one blow nozzle coupled to a source of blowing medium and configured to discharge the blowing medium into the preform to simultaneously form and fill a container with the blowing medium, wherein the blowing medium is the product to be contained within the container. A blow-off nozzle is provided and oriented in a direction to discharge a stream of cleaning medium at the blow nozzle causing residual blowing medium to be removed from the blow nozzle.

Abstract: In order to manufacture articles in the form of sheets or blocks of conglomerate stone or stone-like material, single mixes are prepared in mixers (18a,b,c,) arranged in a line and at intervals along a conveyor belt (12), each mixer depositing on said conveyor belt a layer of single mix which is arranged on top of the mix deposited by the mixer immediately upstream, forming a multiple mix which is then fed in an axially offset position to a rotating support (24) provided with homogenizing means and then passes to the vacuum vibrocompression section, after a deaeration step. A crushing device (32) is inserted between each mixer and the underlying belt so as to control the size of the agglomerations in each mix. Means (34) are envisaged for cleaning the upper surface (12a) of the conveyor belt (12) and the crushing devices (32) between the cycles for preparation of the multiple mix.

Abstract: Device (1) for blowing and stretching a plastic parison (3) for obtaining a container, comprising: a blowing nozzle (4) having a first end (4a) to be applied to an inlet (3a) of said parison (3), said first end (4a) emerging in a controlled-contamination environment (5) wherein said parison (3) is blown; a stretching rod (2); means for injecting mid and high pressure air in said parison (3); a non-magnetic tube (7) secured to a second end (4b) of the blowing nozzle (4) and defining a chamber (8) for housing, at least partially, the stretching rod (2), said chamber (8) being tight-sealed relative to a contaminated area (22) from which said controlled-contamination environment (5) is isolated; a first magnet arrangement (9) and a second magnet arrangement (10) coupled together, said first magnet arrangement (9) being located outside said chamber (8) and said second magnet arrangement (10) being integral to said stretching rod (2) and located within said chamber (8).

Abstract: A tablet compressing machine and a process for cleaning a tablet compressing machine with a rotor unit, in which an actuator is provided for the purpose of tilting a sealed housing of the tablet compressing machine, in which the rotor unit, a rinsing unit and the powder supply are disposed, so that the cleaning liquid may drain off horizontal surfaces in the sealed housing. The process therefore comprises the steps of distributing the cleaning liquid, tilting the tablet compressing machine and discharging the cleaning liquid. Retrofitting of existing tablet compressing machines is possible.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object includes: a base platform; a transmission portion; a detachable construction tank; a movable powder supplying tank provided for driving to supply construction powder above the detachable construction tank; a print module including at least a print cartridge with at least a nozzle; a heating portion; an lifting portion arranged below the detachable construction tank; a nozzle cleaning module; a nozzle sealing module having a holder, at least a sealing portion and a moisture portion; and a stretchable dust-proof cover connected to a side of the powder supplying tank, which is provided for moving together with the powder supplying tank to cover the construction powder in the construction tank.

Abstract: Extrusion dies may be cleaned, especially of so-called die drips, by passing a wire over the die orifices in the vicinity of the exit face of the extrusion die. The operation of the extrusion operation is not affected by the passing of the wire through the stream(s) of the extrudate, and so the extrusion operation need not be shut down for the cleaning process. The process is especially useful for cleaning dies through which polymers are extruded.

Abstract: A rotary tablet press comprises a housing and a rotary die table having dies arranged circumferentially. Each die is associated with a punch having an end receivable in the die and being arranged for compression of a powder or granular material in the die by reciprocation of the punch by rotation of the die table. The rotary tablet press comprises a feeding device and a tablet discharge device. Each die opening and its corresponding punch end are enclosed in a compression chamber comprising a dust extraction nozzle. The compression chamber communicates with the surroundings of the tablet press through a non-return valve arranged to prevent outflow from the compression chamber to the surroundings of the tablet press.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus which brings a resin on a substrate into contact with a pattern surface of a mold and cures the resin, includes a substrate holder which holds the substrate, a mold holder which holds the mold with a mold holding surface, a driving mechanism which moves the substrate holder relative to the mold holder, and a controller which controls the driving mechanism such that the substrate holder moves relative to the mold holder while the substrate holder holds a cleaning member instead of the substrate, and the cleaning member is in contact with the mold holding surface, thereby cleaning the mold holding surface.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus, for molding a resin on a substrate using a mold on which a pattern is formed and releasing the mold from the resin to transfer the pattern onto the substrate, includes a charge removing device configured to remove a charge of the mold, and a detector configured to detect an electric potential of the mold. The charge removing device is configured to remove the charge of the mold if the electric potential of the mold detected by the detector is not less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen appliance, especially a food printer, and a method for printing food in 2- or 3-dimensional shapes. The food printer for making 2- or 3-dimensional shapes comprising a housing, an opening for printable food and binder, a control unit, and a printer head, wherein the printer head prints small drops of the printable food and the binder while moving to build the 2- or 3-dimensional shape.

Abstract: Device (1) for blowing and stretching a plastic parison (3) for obtaining a container, comprising: a blowing nozzle (4) having a first end (4a) to be applied to an inlet (3a) of said parison (3), said first end (4a) emerging in a controlled-contamination environment (5) wherein said parison (3) is blown; a stretching rod (2); means for injecting mid and high pressure air in said parison (3); a non-magnetic tube (7) secured to a second end (4b) of the blowing nozzle (4) and defining a chamber (8) for housing, at least partially, the stretching rod (2), said chamber (8) being tight-sealed relative to a contaminated area (22) from which said controlled-contamination environment (5) is isolated; a first magnet arrangement (9) and a second magnet arrangement (10) coupled together, said first magnet arrangement (9) being located outside said chamber (8) and said second magnet arrangement (10) being integral to said stretching rod (2) and located within said chamber (8).

Abstract: A tablet compressing machine and a process for cleaning a tablet compressing machine with a rotor unit, in which an actuator is provided for the purpose of tilting a sealed housing of the tablet compressing machine, in which the rotor unit, a rinsing unit and the powder supply are disposed, so that the cleaning liquid may drain off horizontal surfaces in the sealed housing. The process therefore comprises the steps of distributing the cleaning liquid, tilting the tablet compressing machine and discharging the cleaning liquid. Retrofitting of existing tablet compressing machines is possible.

Abstract: The present invention is a system including: an imprint unit transferring a transfer pattern to a coating film on a substrate using a template to form a predetermined pattern in the coating film; a treatment station connected to the imprint unit and performing a predetermined treatment on the template; a template carry-in/out station connected to the treatment station, capable of keeping templates, and carrying the template in/out from/to the treatment station; a carry line provided through the imprint unit and carrying the template between the imprint unit and the treatment station; and a substrate carry-in/out station connected to the imprint unit, capable of keeping substrates, and carrying the substrate in/out from/to the imprint unit.

Abstract: At least one of first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity to receive molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part, and is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein. A fluid sterilant source is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for introducing the sterilant therein in the open position, contacting with the sterilant the surfaces of the first and second mold portions forming the fluid passageway and located adjacent to the at least one mold cavity, but not contacting an interior surface of a molded part within the mold cavity, to sterilize the exposed mold surfaces and thereby prevent contamination of the molded part.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning profile molds for producing tire profiles on treads of vehicle tires, the profile molds are cleaned in rinsing suds by using ultrasound. The profile molds are moved successively through a pre-cleaning and a primary cleaning chamber between which they are rinsed in a rinsing bath. After cleaning in the primary cleaning chamber, the profile molds are checked with respect to remaining contaminants and valves disposed in air vent openings in the profile molds are inspected and loosened by ultrasound application to ensure their mobility. Subsequently, the profile molds are cleaned again. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A lamination shaping apparatus has a powder layer preparing means and an optical unit which irradiates a light beam to an intended portion of a powder layer so as to sinter or melt for solidifying the portion into a cured layer. Preparation of the powder layer and curing of the cured layer are repeated to fabricate a three-dimensional object in which a plurality of the cured layers are laminated and integrated. The apparatus includes a fixed base carrying thereon the powder layer and the cured layer, an elevator frame surrounding a periphery of the fixed base, and driving means for driving the elevator frame to move vertically. The powder layer is formed within a space above the base and surrounded by an interior surface of the elevator fame such that the powder layer (cured layer) can be stacked on the base with the base being kept at a fixed position, thereby facilitating to fabricate a precisely shaped object.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a powdery layer-forming unit for forming a powdery layer on a table and an optical beam-irradiating unit for irradiating an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region. The optical beam-irradiating unit is disposed at a position spaced from immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer. Because fumes generated by irradiating and heating the powdery layer with the optical beam rise towards a position immediately above them, the optical beam is irradiated from the position spaced from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range, thereby reducing a cloud of the optical beam-irradiating unit that may be caused by the fumes.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization mold cleaning method for cleaning a molding surface of a sector of the tire vulcanization mold for molding a tread portion of a pneumatic tire by using plasma created in an atmosphere of a reaction gas which chemically reacts with dirt attached to the molding surface of the sector. The method comprises the steps of placing the sector on a electrode table in a cleaning tank with the molding surface of the sector facing a discharge electrode, supplying the reaction gas to the cleaning tank while pressure in the cleaning tank is reduced, supplying a high-frequency power to the discharge electrode to create the plasma between the discharge electrode and the molding surface of the sector, and applying to the electrode table a high-frequency voltage having a frequency lower than a high frequency wave supplied to the discharge electrode to make the electrode table generate a negative self-bias.

Abstract: An installation for fabricating a mass of rubber comprises a vessel for compounding the mass of rubber. The vessel includes an outlet opening for the mass of rubber; a gate for closing the opening and movable between a position in which the opening is closed, and a position in which the opening is disengaged; scraper means for scraping the rubber adhering to a so-called internal surface of the gate, this device including a movable scraper member comprising an edge designed to scrape the rubber adhering to the internal surface; and synchronization means for synchronizing the movements of the gate and of the scraper member.

Abstract: A mold and a process for non-manually cleaning the undercut along the bottom edge of the division plate which with a pallet under the mold defines a lip-forming subcavity results in a dry cast concrete block with an inside lip radius that is controlled to be within certain tolerances. Non-manually cleaning the undercut during the molding process can include spraying a jet of fluid, such as compressed air, at the undercut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary table press with washing device and to a rotor for it, said rotor being provided at least with a bottom-punch guide ring (11) having guides (12) for bottom punches and with a die plate (17) arranged between the punch guide rings, wherein at least one sealing element (26) interacting with the associated punch is provided for the bottom punches. In order to improve the use of an automatic washing device, a leakage passage (30) for draining off the washing liquid is formed according to the invention in the bottom-punch guide ring for each bottom punch guide. The leakage passages are preferably to perform their draining function only when leakages are occur unnoticed at individual sealing elements of the bottom punch guides.

Abstract: The resin molding machine is capable of cleaning a resin molding die while performing a molding action without stopping the molding action and capable of securely removing contaminations from the resin molding die. The resin molding machine comprises: a press unit including a resin molding die; and a cleaning unit for cleaning a molding face of the resin molding die. The cleaning unit has an energy ray irradiation section, which irradiates an energy ray to the molding face of the resin molding die so as to easily peel off a contamination, which has been stuck on the molding face during a molding action, from the molding face. The contamination is stuck onto resin of a molded product when the product is resin-molded, so that the molded product is released from the resin molding die together with the contamination.

Abstract: A vertical molding machine has an upper mold, a lower mold matched with the upper mold to define a molding cavity therebetween and at least one cleaning device having a base body mounted to a side of the upper mold. A top surface of the lower mold is acted as a mating surface. The base body defines a passageway with one end opened freely for receiving external gas. The base body further defines at least one blowhole. One end of the blowhole is connected with the passageway and the other end thereof penetrates through the base body to be exposed towards the mating surface of the lower mold so as to make the external gas flown onto the mating surface of the lower mold blow through the passageway and the blowholes.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for transforming plastic preforms into containers, comprising at least one blow mould (2) which forms a cavity (4), inside which the plastic preforms can be transformed into containers, comprising a pressure application device (14) for applying a medium to the plastic preforms in order to expand the latter against an inner wall (8) of the blow mould delimiting the cavity (4), comprising a stretching rod (12) for stretching the plastic preforms in the longitudinal direction (L) thereof, and comprising an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the blow mould (2), wherein the apparatus comprises a cleaning device (10) for cleaning regions of the blow mould (2). According to the invention, the cleaning device (10) comprises at least a first cleaning element (16, 18) for cleaning the inner wall (8) of the blow mould, and this cleaning element (2) is arranged at least at times outside the blow mould (2).