Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a container from a thermoplastic parison, the container being produced from the parison with the aid of a fluid, either by blow molding and subsequent filling with a fluid that is in particular liquid, or being produced by hydroforming and subsequently containing the liquid fluid as contents, and, during the blow-molding process and/or when receiving the in particular liquid fluid, the container revolves about and is spaced apart from an axis of rotation extending, in particular, vertically, in a mold that can be opened. According to the invention, the closed mold adopts, at least temporarily, an inclined position, i.e. that deviates from a perpendicular position.

Abstract: What is presented is a system for blind securing injection mold components to an injection molding machine. The system comprises a shuttle plate that has at least one locking mechanism mounted to it. Each locking mechanism has a larger installation area and a smaller lock area. Each injection mold component has a notch that has a corresponding geometry to the lock area such that the said injection mold component is configured to be inserted into the installation area and the shuttle plate is configured to move to seat the notch into the lock area and secure the injection mold component to the shuttle plate.

Abstract: A fluidic actuator comprises a chamber. The chamber is provided using a mass manufacturing technique. The chamber is formed from a material that has a higher strength in at least two axes relative to at most one other axis. The chamber allows a volume change by localized bending of a chamber wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing an axial-flow compressor from stalling by employing a casing treatment includes an outer casing having an inner wall with a slot formed to face a rotor blade, an inner casing moveable so as to open the slot in an unstable operating region and close the slot of the outer casing in a stable operating region, and a drive means for moving the inner casing along the axial direction of the outer casing. Thus, the apparatus can be applied not only to a casing treatment structure where the slope of a slot does not vary with the rotational position of the rotor, but also to a casing with a variously shaped slot such as a radial slot or an axial skewed slot.

Abstract: An actuator (100) for a molding system (900) is disclosed. The actuator (100) includes a linear actuator (102). The linear actuator (102) is configured to move a payload (160) relative to a support structure (170). The linear actuator (102) is connectable to the support structure (170) and the payload (160). The actuator (100) also includes a first compensator (104). The first compensator (104) is configured to compensate for a relative misalignment between the linear actuator (102) and the payload (160). The actuator (100) further includes a second compensator (106). The second compensator (106) is configured to compensate for a relative misalignment between the linear actuator (102) and the support structure (170).

Abstract: A mold comprising at least two mold portions, at least one of which includes a vent opening out to the inside of the cavity and to the outside of the mold and presenting a flow section that is predetermined to enable air to be exhausted when the mold is closed. Said mold portion comprises at least two parts that extend over an entire dimension of the mold cavity and that are assembled together, the parts being held apart from each other by at least one spacer so as to define between them a gap that opens out to the inside of the cavity and to the outside of the mold in order to form the vent. A blow-molding machine including such a mold.

Abstract: A lens mold carrier (1; 2) comprises: a frame (10; 20) extending in a plane (x,y; u,v) and comprising a plurality of individual compartments (100; 200); at least one mold unit (11; 21) arranged in one of the individual compartments (100; 200) in a manner secured against falling out, the at least one mold unit (11; 21) including an adapter piece (110; 210) and a lens mold (112; 212) fixedly connected to the adapter piece (110; 210). The adapter piece (110; 210) is floatingly arranged within the compartment (100; 200) to allow for limited movement of the adapter piece (110; 210) within the compartment (100; 200) at least in a translation plane parallel to or coincident with the plane (x,y; u,v) in which the frame (10; 20) extends.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of molding a large returnable container includes a heat treatment step for subjecting a thick preform formed of a polyester resin or a primary blow-molded article to intermediate blow molding with heating to obtain an intermediate molded article, and a final blow molding step that includes subjecting the intermediate molded article that has shrunk to final blow molding with heating to obtain a large returnable container. The heat treatment step includes disposing the preform or the primary blow-molded article in a heat treatment mold, and pressurizing the preform or the primary blow-molded article so that a shoulder and a body obtained by blow molding close contact to a cavity surface of the heat treatment mold, and are subjected to a heat treatment, the shoulder being heated at a low temperature as compared with the body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool arrangement, comprising a tool holder, a tool, and at least one locking device for detachably locking the tool with the tool holder, wherein a counter-tool is provided and the tool holder includes a compressed-air duct. The locking device is designed such that it unlocks as soon as a given pressure has been reached in the compressed-air duct. The disclosure is distinguished by a vent hole which is in fluid connection with the compressed-air duct and is arranged in such a manner that it is not closed until the tool rests upon the counter-tool.

Abstract: The mold clamping device is provided with a first platen to which a stationary mold is attached. A movable mold unit is capable of approaching and moving away from the stationary mold. A second platen is linked to the first platen via a tie bar. When the movable mold unit and the stationary mold are closed, a wedge member is driven onto the movable mold unit to generate mold clamping force. The second platen has a pressure receiving surface. The pressure receiving surface receives, through the wedge member, mold opening force that is generated by filling, with a molding material, the stationary mold and the movable mold unit that are in the closed state.

Abstract: A modular mold system for manufacturing a shell part of an oblong composite structure having a longitudinal direction from a fiber reinforced matrix material. The modular mould system includes a number of mold sections, which are adapted to being assembled to an assembled mold part. The number of mold sections includes a first mold section having a first molding surface with a contour that defines a surface of a first longitudinal part of the shell part and a first end section; and a second mold section having a second molding surface with a contour that defines a surface of a second longitudinal part of the shell part and a second end section; which, when the modular mold system is assembled to the assembled mold, the second end section of the second mold section abuts the first end section of the first mold section.

Abstract: An adjustable platen assembly and method of assembly therefore. The platen assembly has a platen and a pressure plate attached to the platen. The pressure plate may be rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the rod according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The platen assembly may have at least one platen support mounted to the platen. The at least one platen support may be rotatably mounted to the mold clamp. The at least one platen support can be rotated according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The adjustable platen provides support to the mold half to reduce the amount of deformation to the mold half that is caused by the application of a closing force.

Abstract: A mold for forming a temporary prosthesis has at least two mold members at least partially separable from each other. The at least two mold members cooperatively define a generally enclosed interior cavity for forming the temporary prosthesis. The mold has a securement structure mounted on the at least two mold members for securing the at least two mold members to each other during the forming of the temporary prosthesis. The securement structure is removable from the at least two mold members by hand and without the use of a tool.

Abstract: In a mold used for manufacturing a composite material structure of the present invention, first segments and second segments each having a plate shape and a convex-shaped obverse surface are each fastened at its end surface to support rings one by one, with the obverse surface being at an upper side, and adjacent segments are joined together at side surfaces thereof, to retain them as a cylindrical mold. In this configuration, in the mold having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, the segments are assembled in the cylindrical shape with high position accuracy and in a simplified manner.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for providing a flexible shape low volume autoclave are disclosed. In one embodiment, an autoclave includes an elongated pressure vessel that is sealed on both ends and has a circumferential joint between a first portion and a second portion. The autoclave further includes the portions defining an interior configured for accepting an elongated part, the joint being configured to create an angle between the portions and further creating an opening with a seal, the opening facilitating an insertion of the part into the interior, and the seal enabling pressurization of the interior.

Abstract: An adjustable platen assembly and method of assembly therefore. The platen assembly has a platen and a pressure plate attached to the platen. The pressure plate may be rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the rod according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The platen assembly may have at least one platen support mounted to the platen. The at least one platen support may be rotatably mounted to the mold clamp. The at least one platen support can be rotated according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The adjustable platen provides support to the mold half to reduce the amount of deformation to the mold half that is caused by the application of a closing force.

Abstract: A locking device for columns of presses with two pairs of locking clamps, wherein the locking clamps of one or both the pairs are mechanically connected to each other through at least one mechanism suited to guide in a synchronized way the relative translational motion of the two locking clamps of the same pair, and wherein the guide mechanism is integral with the moving plane in at least one fixed point, thus guaranteeing the symmetry of the motion of the locking clamps with respect to the fixed point.

Abstract: A bracket is described for clamping a mould to a supporting structure. The bracket includes a first part and a second part for attaching to the mould and to the supporting structure, respectively, or vice versa. The first and second parts are connected together and configured to provide constrained relative movement along a first axis to accommodate thermal expansion of the mould relative to the supporting structure in a first direction parallel to the first axis. The first and second parts of the bracket are connected via an articulated joint that allows the first and second parts to pivot relative to one another without moving the first axis such that the bracket can independently accommodate misalignments between the mould and the supporting structure.

Abstract: An alignment interlock for reciprocating tooling that includes a female lock having a central engagement area and a corresponding male lock having a profile shaped to matingly engage with the central engagement area. A plurality of particle rings are preferably formed on an engagement surface of the profile and an engagement ramp having a polished, radiused lead-in is preferably formed at a leading edge of the profile.

Abstract: A translating die apparatus and method for forming a piece of material into a part having complex contours. The translating die apparatus may comprise upper and lower mounts, fixed upper and lower dies fixed to the upper and lower mounts, respectively, and movable upper and lower dies translatably coupled with the mounts and configured to translate laterally toward and away from the fixed upper and lower dies. The piece of material may be placed between the upper and lower dies and one of the mounts may be actuated toward another of the mounts to sandwich the piece of material between the upper and lower dies. Simultaneously, the movable upper and lower dies may translate toward the fixed upper and lower dies, until the movable and fixed dies abut each other when the upper and lower dies are fully pressing the piece of material therebetween.

Abstract: A pre-cast concrete wall system for crawlspace applications is herein disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected pre-cast concrete wall panels having a recessed area along one side to reduce concrete usage and weight, while maintaining load bearing properties. The wall panels are securely fastened to a substructure, such as footers, using anchors and to each other by opposingly aligned keyways and connecting fasteners. Each wall panel includes at least one (1) pair of leveling bolts which provides for the leveling of the wall panels and correct for any unevenness in the footer. The wall panels are fabricated using a rotating casting table which allows an operator to pour concrete at ergonomic heights and rotate the casting table and cured wall panel member to a vertical position for convenient unloading and transportation of the wall panel to a job site.

Abstract: A splash pan of a pottery wheel arranged to cover bottom and side areas of a turntable, includes a plurality of split dish members split in a circumferential direction and provided with a clay-storing concave portion, the split dish members being separably connectable to each other through substantially horizontal movement thereof. The split dish members are two in number and include a first split dish member having boss portions formed on an outer surface thereof and a second split dish member having engagement portions engageable with the boss portions. The engagement portions are formed on an outer surface of the second split dish member in radial positions corresponding to the boss portions and opened toward the boss portions. The engagement portions of the second split dish member are elastically deformable when engaging with the boss portions of the first split dish member.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a melting chamber (6) in communication with a molding cavity made up by two half-molds (1, 2) in a close position, an inlet duct (3) through which plastic material is fed into said melting chamber (6), an ultrasound vibration element (4) activated by an ultrasound generator (5) and provided with an end portion inserted in the melting chamber (6) through an access opening thereof, and motion means for generating a relative displacement between the ultrasound vibration element (4) and the melting chamber (6). The ultrasound vibration element (4) is supported by adjustment means so as to adjust the position of a longitudinal axis (E) thereof in two cross directions (X, Y) perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to an axial direction (Z) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the melting chamber (6).

Abstract: A blade mould assembly with lockdown mechanism for opening, closing or clamping blade mould assemblies is provided. The blade mould assembly includes a top mould portion, a bottom mould portion, and a lockdown mechanism. The lockdown mechanism includes an upper frame coupled to the top mould portion including an upper bearing device, a clamping pin extending substantially horizontally in the upper bearing device, and a lower frame coupled to the bottom mould portion. The lower frame includes a lower bearing device adapted to engage the under bearing device, a protractile rod, a latching element coupled to the protractile rod including a pivoting component, an inward clamping side, and an outward sliding side wherein the outward clamping side includes a pivoting recess and the inward clamping side includes a clamping recess. A guiding pin extends substantially horizontally in the pivoting recess when the protractile rod is fully extended.

Abstract: Provided is a tire vulcanizer capable of adjusting the height of an upper mold attaching member or a lower mold attaching member while fixing the position of the upper mold attaching member or the lower mold attaching member, with a simple structure. A tire vulcanizer (2) includes: a guide frame (5) that supports an upper mold attaching member (21) and a base frame (26); a fixed rack (6) that is provided to the guide frame (5) along the height direction of a mold (23) and includes a plurality of teeth, the mold (23) including an upper mold (4) placed in the upper mold attaching member (21) and a lower mold (35) placed in the base frame (26); a movable rack (7) that is provided to the upper mold attaching member (21), meshes with the fixed rack (6), and includes a plurality of teeth; and an air cylinder that moves the movable rack (7) in the height direction of the mold (23) with respect to the upper mold attaching member (21) while keeping the height of the upper mold attaching member (21) constant.

Abstract: A shaping or forming apparatus, comprising a plurality of members, means to selectively lock the rows in a set position with a force greater than that used to position unlocked members, and means to selectively position members relative to each other in more than three different positions. A non definitive list of practical applications comprise at least one of: form, deform, shape, cast, mold, haptic output, visual output, control of material flow, control of force.

Abstract: Making candles, vases or ornamental articles, by rotating a mold in elevation and azimuth, pouring wax into the mold, allowing the wax to partially or completely harden, and repeating these steps to build up layers of wax in different inclined planes. Apparatus is described for carrying out this method, having a support rotatable in elevation and a mold holder rotatable in azimuth on the support. An alternative apparatus is described having a vessel that may be optionally temperature controlled and containing flowable material supporting a mold. Further apparatus is described having means to support a mold at variable angles of elevation and azimuth. The apparatus and materials for carrying out the method may be supplied as a kit, with the apparatus either fully assembled or supplied as separate parts to be assembled by the user.

Abstract: An adjustable aligning device (300) for large composite molds comprising a first half part and a second half part includes a first member (1) and a second member (2) which are coupled to the first half part and the second half part of the molds respectively. The first member (1) and the second member (2) have mating portions and are capable of moving relative to each other. The adjustable aligning device (300) allows the fine calibration of overbite of the mold, and can reduce the time and skill needed for aligning the molds.

Abstract: A stamping apparatus for stamping a shading film includes a stamping head, at least one locking member and a sleeving ring. The sleeving ring defines an axial sleeving hole and includes a stamping portion formed on a distal end thereof and surrounding the axial sleeving hole. The sleeving ring is detachably sleeved on and locked to the stamping head via the at least one locking member. The stamping portion matches with the stamping head for cooperatively stamping the shading film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes a first mold, a second mold, a first locking member, a second locking member and a pushing member. The first locking member is fixed in the first mold. The first locking member includes an engaging slot. The second locking member is pivotably mounted in the second mold. The second locking member includes an engaging portion. The engaging portion is engaged in the engaging slot to latch the first mold to the second mold, and the pushing member is adapted to push the second locking member to disengage the engaging portion from the engaging slot.

Abstract: A mold press for use with an injection mold, the mold press including a first press section connectable to a first portion of the injection mold, a second press section connectable to a second portion of the injection mold and a locking arm system. The locking arm system being configured to secure the first press section to the second press section. The locking arm system including at least one structural member coupled with the first press section, and at least one swing arm pivotally connected to the second press section. The swing arm encounters the structural member and interacts with the structural member to draw the first and second press sections toward each other causing the first and second portions of the mold to become proximate each other.

Abstract: A mould system for manufacturing a container which includes a movable mould half and a stationary mould half which are positioned opposite to each other, wherein the movable mould half includes a core plate provided with a core, a plate-like seal ring that is movable relative to the core, a seal surface which surrounds the core, and a collar ring that is movable relative to the core and the stationary mould half includes a mould plate provided with a mould cavity and a seal surface, wherein in the mould system, a plate-like insert is connected to the seal surface of the seal ring, the insert including a recess which is in contact with a front edge of the seal surface, so that it is in flow communication with molten plastic material flowing from the direction of the collar ring.

Abstract: A mould system for manufacturing a container which includes a movable mould half and a stationary mould half which are positioned opposite to each other, wherein the movable mould half includes a core plate provided with a core, a plate-like seal ring that is movable relative to the core, a seal surface which surrounds the core, and a collar ring that is movable relative to the core and the stationary mould half includes a mould plate provided with a mould cavity and a seal surface, wherein in the mould system, a plate-like insert is connected to the seal surface of the seal ring, the insert including a recess which is in contact with a front edge of the seal surface, so that it is in flow communication with molten plastic material flowing from the direction of the collar ring.

Abstract: Connection devices for a moulding core for producing a fibre composite component are provided. Such a connection device can include a base element for receiving a coupling portion of the moulding core for subjecting the moulding core to a medium, a clamping element for fixing and sealing the coupling portion of the moulding core on the base element, and a locking mechanism for locking the clamping element with respect to the base element and the coupling portion of the moulding core.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes a first mold, a second mold, a first locking member, a second locking member and a pushing member. The first locking member is fixed in the first mold. The first locking member includes an engaging slot. The second locking member is pivotably mounted in the second mold. The second locking member includes an engaging portion. The engaging portion is engaged in the engaging slot to latch the first mold to the second mold, and the pushing member is adapted to push the second locking member to disengage the engaging portion from the engaging slot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing seals (e.g., metal end cap (MEC) seals) having inner and/or outer surfaces that include grooves are provided. In particular, seal mold assemblies may include removable, flexible, non-metallic annular mold inserts (e.g., sleeves) that may be inserted into annular mold cavities of inner and outer annular mold rings. As such, the mold inserts may be used interchangeably and modularly to create many different types of grooved seals, without the need to use different inner and outer annular mold rings. Using mold inserts in this manner eliminates the need for secondary machining processes on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the grooved seals, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs and time as well as providing greater consistency and repeatability between manufactured grooved seals.

Abstract: A ball lock clamp includes a cylinder housing. A first piston is movable in the cylinder housing in response to a first fluid pressure. A second piston is movable in the first piston. A rod extends from the first piston. A biasing member is positioned in the cylinder housing to provide a biasing force between the first piston and the housing. A plunger is at a terminal end of the rod. The plunger includes at least one ball moving radially in and out of the plunger. A receiver receives the plunger. The receiver retains the plunger in a locked position in the receiver. A mechanism releases the plunger from the receiver. The mechanism includes a member in the rod to move the at least one ball radially in and out of the rod.

Abstract: A mould clamping system (1,101) for a mould (2,102) having a first half part and a second half part includes a first portion (4,104) and a second portion (5,105) coupled to the first and second half parts of the mould (2,102) respectively. The first portion (4,104) is provided with a first engaging part (41,141), and the second portion has a second engaging part (6,106) which is movable, by means of a predetermined actuating means (7,107), between a first operating position where the second engaging part (6,106) is engaged with the first engaging part (41,141), and a second rest position where the second engaging part (6,106) is disengaged with the first engaging part (41,141). The clamping system (1,101) of the present invention eliminates the labor of installing the clamping systems, and ensures sufficient clamping force.

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic containers (13) extrudes a plastic tube into opened movable mold parts (5, 7, 9). The main mold parts (7) form the container main part (18). The bottom parts are closed to close and weld the tube bottom end. The tube (3) is widened by a pressure gradient acting on it, forcing the tube against the wall of the mold parts (7, 9) to form the container. The mold parts are then moved into the position to open the mold for removal of the formed container (13). The container bottom is made in the form of a cup-like bottom part (19) axially extending into the container main part (18) by the bottom part being everted into the interior of the container (13) to form a bottom elevation (31).

Abstract: A clamping mechanism having: a drive; a shaft connected to the drive; an eccentric hub that is driven to rotate by the shaft; a fixed support structure that supports the eccentric hub such that the eccentric hub can rotate; and a moving support structure that is connected to the eccentric hub such that the moving support structure is driven substantially linearly based on rotational motion of the eccentric hub and serves to clamp an object between the moving support structure and a fixed structure adjacent to the moving support structure. A clamping system is provided having, a single drive; a shaft connected to the drive; and a plurality of clamping mechanisms.

Abstract: In a mold clamping device including a fixed platen, a movable platen, a plurality of tie bars, and mold clamping half nuts, a pair of additional half members which is restricted in the axial direction of the tie bar and moves in an opening/closing direction of the half nuts relative to the mold clamping half nuts is further provided, and when the mold clamping half nuts are closed and mated with the screw or the ring groove of the tie bar, the additional half members are closed to hold the tie bar so that play at mated parts is removed or cancelled by fixation.

Abstract: A mold and method for making a hollow core concrete block. The mold has two opposing side walls; a bottom wall; a front wall; a top side with an opening through which the block can be removed from the mold; a cover, and a rear side through which liquid, such as concrete, can be poured into the mold. Extending from the two side walls are a pair of trunnions about which the mold is rotatable, such that when the mold is suspended by the trunnions and the mold is empty, gravity rotates the mold from a block-removal orientation in which the top side faces upwards to a mold-filling orientation in which the rear side faces upwards. The trunnions are also positioned such that when the mold is filled with the liquid, gravity rotates the mold from the mold-filling orientation to the block-removal orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tonnage regulating structure and a mold incorporating same. For example, a tonnage regulating structure (302, 1002, 1202) for use in a mold (502) of a molding machine, the mold (502) being associated with an opening clearance (520) between mold faces in a mold closed and clamped configuration, is provided. The tonnage regulating structure (302) comprises a body (304, 1040, 1240) having a first height (306) in a resting configuration, the first height (306) selected to be larger than the opening clearance (520) between the mold faces in a mold closed and clamped configuration; the body (304, 1040, 1240) including a compensating structure (308), the compensating structure (308) for regulating, in use under applied clamp tonnage, the body (304, 1040, 1240) to a second height (320), the second height (320) being smaller than the first height (306).

Abstract: A molding system including a component formed in a generally closed loop shape and having a plurality of radially extending teeth. The component includes a plurality of discrete segments coupled together.

Abstract: A ball lock clamp includes a cylinder housing. A first piston is movable in the cylinder housing in response to a first fluid pressure. A second piston is movable in the first piston. A rod extends from the first piston. A biasing member is positioned in the cylinder housing to provide a biasing force between the first piston and the housing. A plunger is at a terminal end of the rod. The plunger includes at least one ball moving radially in and out of the plunger. A receiver receives the plunger. The receiver retains the plunger in a locked position in the receiver. A mechanism releases the plunger from the receiver. The mechanism includes a member in the rod to move the at least one ball radially in and out of the rod.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine for producing expanded-grain cakes. The machine includes a frame, a mold unit, a grain supply unit, a grain transfer unit, a mold pressure arm, a drive unit, an open cam, a control unit and a cover unit. A precise charge of cereal grain is metered at the grain supply unit and in synchronism with the mold open cycle, distributed evenly over the mold cavity. Then with the mold unit clamped closed, the charge is heated and, at the end of the baking cycle, a preform is produced with gases at high pressure entrained therewithin. Upon release from the mold, the preform expands to a grain cake of the desired size. The machine controls the thermal energy input, the cycle frequency, the size of the grain charge, and the ejection trajectory. Several interrupts are used to ensure conformance to the control parameters and to enhance operator safety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold wherein one bottom surface member (2) and four lateral surface members (3) are assembled. The sides of each lateral surface member (3) are respectively provided with a projection (5) and a recess (6) for combining the lateral surface members together, and the projection (5) of one lateral surface member (3) is engaged with the recess (6) of the adjacent lateral surface member (3). By using the one bottom surface member (2) and four lateral surface members (3), a mold can be assembled or disassembled without using screw or bolts. Consequently, the assembly or disassembly work of the mold is dramatically simplified, thereby improving work efficiency significantly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed.

Abstract: An adjustable platen assembly and method of assembly therefore. The platen assembly has a platen and a pressure plate attached to the platen. The pressure plate may be rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the rod according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The platen assembly may have at least one platen support mounted to the platen. The at least one platen support may be rotatably mounted to the mold clamp. The at least one platen support can be rotated according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The adjustable platen provides support to the mold half to reduce the amount of deformation to the mold half that is caused by the application of a closing force.