Abstract: A machine for making thermoplastic containers by stretching and blowing a preform including at least a stretch rod which is slidably controlled along its axis by an actuator from a retracted position to a stretching position to stretch the preform during the blowing process. When the stretch rod returns toward its retracted position, the actuator is idle, such that the stretch rod is returned by a blowing pressure prevailing inside the container being produced so as to act on a working end of the stretch rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hollow bodies, in particular bottles and similar containers provided with an evacuation opening, of thermoplastic includes a lower machine part and a beamlike upper machine part. The lower machine part is equipped with at least two blow molds, each provided with a cavity. A number of blowing and calibration mandrels corresponding to the number of blow molds is disposed on the beamlike upper machine part disposed above the lower machine part. One blow mold is assigned to each blowing and calibration mandrel. The blowing and calibration mandrels can be axially fed jointly toward the blow molds and can be moved with their calibration region into an orifice of the cavity until an annular shoulder of the blowing and calibration mandrels comes into contact with a counterpart face on the associated blow mold. The blowing and calibration mandrels are retained axially freely movably, within predeterminable limits, in the upper machine part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate and/or the pressure of a fluid transferred from a high-pressure reservoir (H) to a reservoir (S). A first valve (1) provided with a control (2) is mounted in a pipe (10, 11, 12) connecting the two reservoirs (H, S). A Laval nozzle (3) located downstream of the first valve (1) is provided with an electrical pressure-drop sensor (4). A second valve (5) provided with a control (6) is connected between the downstream part of the Laval nozzle and an exhaust orifice (R). A micro-programmed system (7), designed to receive the values read by the pressure-drop sensor (4) and to drive the two controls (2, 6) of the two valves (1, 5) makes it possible to regulate the flow rate and/or the pressure of the fluid transferred from the first reservoir (H) to the second reservoir (S).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing containers from a plastic material that can be shaped by means of stretch blow forming and whose inner space corresponds to the finished container, said container being retained on its open end by a receiving element with gas flow pipes. A moveable stretch die (1) is axially guided through the receiving element and an ignition device is mounted in order to ignite an explosive gas mixture inside the container. In order to produce plastic containers having a better outer appearance, such as a substantially clear, transparent wall, and improve reliability of production, the receiving element can be engaged in a fluidically tight manner with the main distribution block (2) by the end thereof that faces the container, the stretching die (1) being movably guided through said distribution block in the axial extension of the receiving element.

Abstract: Each of the clamping plates of the closing unit of the blow molding machine has secured thereto a pivotable locking means which in the calibration position in the swung-up state comes into engagement with a plate which is part of the calibration device. A short friction-type connection which is symmetrical relative to the mold parting plane is thereby established between the blow mold and the calibration cylinder during calibration so that the calibration forces are transmitted in an exact manner. The locking means swing downwards when the blow mold is opened and/or the closing unit returns to the head station. Collisions with other machine parts are thereby ruled out.

Abstract: A blow molding machine with at least one blow mold for producing hollow bodies from heated performs, at least one blow nozzle for leading the blow air into the performs and a plurality of valves for controlling the feeding and the removal of the blow air to and from the blow nozzle, whereby the valves are arranged on an annular valve carrier surrounding the blow nozzle, resulting in a compact design with short cycle times.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the “vertical” position of a blow mandrel (10) of a blow molding machine provided to be moveable up and down on a blow mandrel carrier (11) associated with the machine frame of the blow molding machine, upon which at least two blow mandrels are provided, wherein the blow mandrel is provided axially displaceable in a receptacle mounted fixed to the carrier and is adjustable, for example, by means of an adjusting screw (29), which is guided screwable in a threaded bore (26) of the blow mandrel receptacle, the axis (27) of which intersects, preferably perpendicularly, the central axis (28) of the blow mandrel (10), and a force-form-locking achieving translation device (29, 32, 34) is provided, which translates the axial adjustment stroke of the adjusting screw into an adjustment stroke of the blow mandrel, which occurs in the direction of the central longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A blow moulding device configured to provide and exhaust compressed air at a plurality of points of use, the device comprising a compressed air source for providing compressed air at the points of use, a compressed air manifold to allow a transporting of the compressed air to the points of use, a plurality of exhaust valves positioned at the points of use for exhausting the compressed air, and a plurality of valves to effect the providing and exhausting of the compressed air at the points of use.

Abstract: A blow pin assembly is provided for inflating a parison and forming the neck portion of a plastic container in a blow molding apparatus. The blow pin assembly is mountable to a blow rod. It includes a blow pin body including an exterior surface having a tapered portion and a cutting edge beneath the tapered portion. The tapered portion cooperates with the master seal of the mold to automatically center the assembly before the cutting edge engages the shear steels to sever the blow molded article from the mold. The cutting edge adjoins a rim extending substantially perpendicularly from the blow pin body, and can be resharpened one or more times.

Abstract: Apparatus for blow moulding plastic containers, comprising a plurality of pairs of half-moulds (1, 2) capable of being coupled with each other, separated from each other and clamped together, said pairs (1, 2) being associated to an appropriate central structure and constituted by a stationary half-mould (1), which is substantially attached to said structure, and a respective moving half-mould (2) capable of being opened and clamped with a rotary motion, in which there are provided means adapted (3, 4) to arrange a respective preform (7) in a pre-defined position adapted for blow moulding, and to hold this preform (7) in this position regardless of the position of the respective half-moulds (1, 2), these means being in particular constituted by: a fork means (3) firmly joined to a respective stationary half-mould (1), a pincer-like gripper (5) adapted to transfer a respective preform (7) from an external position and fit it on to the respective fork means (3), and a small-tube (4) assembly adapted to be inser

Abstract: A device for manufacturing containers from a plastic material which can be formed by stretch-blowing with a mold, the internal space of which corresponds to the finished container, which is held by its open end by a receiving portion, wherein lines connected to a metering unit are provided on the receiving portion, a moveable stretching die is guided axially through the receiving portion, and an ignitor is arranged for igniting an explosive gas mixture inside the container, and wherein a heater and cooler are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for blowing containers, in particular bottles, from a preform (1) with a gas and recuperating said gas, comprising at least means for supplying the device with gas at a first pressure and at a second pressure, drawings means and container forming means (2). It comprises means for recuperating said gas (6, 7) until a predetermined expansion pressure is reached in the container, means for controlling said recuperating means and adjusting means for adjusting the operating conditions of said control means.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an arrangement for the production of blow-molded hollow bodies from plastic with a blow molding machine, wherein a cooling medium can be blown via a conduit into a blow mold respectively into the hollow body for blowing up and cooling of the blow-molded hollow body. For improvement of cooling the interior of the hollow body within the blow mold, a closed conduit system is provided, in which the cooling medium circulates and is kept at an elevated pressure level and is cooled by means of a heat exchanger. Thereby, a higher yield of piece per time is realized at lower production cost. The closed cooling medium circulation system can be essentially retrofitted to all blow molding machine in order to raise efficiency.

Abstract: A blow molding machine including at least a blow mold (12), wherein is introduced a preform (14) previously produced by injection molding, and a blow nozzle (22) for injecting pressurized air into the preform (14). It is equipped with a device for orienting the preform in the mold, the device including a grip member (30) adapted to grip the preform (14) by its neck (18) when it is engaged in the mold (12); a device (66) for driving in rotation the grip member (30); a device for detecting (70) at least a reference angular position of the preform (14); and a control device to cause the grip member to rotate until the detecting device detects the reference angular position of the preform.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing a biaxially oriented, heat set plastic container, including a blow mold; a high-pressure gas source; a high-temperature gas source; a fluid source; a mixer coupled to the high-temperature gas source and to the fluid source; a blow core assembly having an exhaust; and a controller coupled to the high-pressure gas source, to the, high-temperature gas source, and to the fluid source. The PET containers produced by the machine have an average sidewall crystallinity greater than about 30%, which allows the PET container to maintain its material integrity during any subsequent pasteurization or retort process of the contents in the PET container, and during shipment of the PET container.

Abstract: A holding jig for such a preform formed of a synthetic resin into a bottomed cylindrical shape as is to be assembled by inserting a mouth cylinder portion to an insertion limit into the leading end portion of a cylindrical jig body having a pin inserting bore formed therethrough at its center for a drawing pin to be inserted thereinto. The holding jig comprises a support portion disposed in the inner circumference of the leading end portion of the jig body at a position to confront a peripheral projecting ridge of the mouth cylinder portion, for making such external contact with the outer circumference of the peripheral projecting ridge as to insert and extract of the mouth cylinder portion, thereby to hold the assembled posture of the preform. The holding jig can hold the preform stably in a predetermined posture thereby to achieve a high productivity for the biaxial orientation blow-molded bottle.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing a biaxially oriented, heat set plastic container, including a blow mold; a high-pressure fluid source; a high-temperature fluid source; a blow core assembly having an exhaust; and a controller coupled to the high-pressure fluid source, to the high-temperature fluid source, and to the exhaust. The PET containers produced by the machine have an average sidewall crystallinity greater than about 30%, which allows the PET container to maintain its material integrity during any subsequent pasteurization or retort process of the contents in the PET container, and during shipment of the PET container.

Abstract: A rotary machine for blowing thermoplastic containers starting with a previously injected preform, comprising several blowing stations (10) each of which can bear a double cavity mould (16), wherein each station includes a blowing unit (26) which is fixed on a mount frame element (22) and provided with two blow nozzles (24). The machine can be transposed into a single cavity configuration wherein each station bears a single cavity mould (36), and the blowing unit (26) includes a second position for being fixed on the mount frame element wherein one of the nozzels (24) is arranged to correspond with the main axis (A4) of the single moulding cavity (38) of the single cavity mound (36).

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic container and reinforced lid are simultaneously produced in a blow mold. A lid is reinforced by having a portion of the lid formed by blow molding techniques and another portion of the lid formed by compression molding techniques. The container and lid combination, a method for making the combination and apparatus for making the combination are provided.

Abstract: To blow plastic hollow bodies, each mold (7) has its respective compression chamber (21) connected to it, constituted by a cylinder (20)-piston (19) assembly; pressure is initialized in the chamber; the fluid is compressed in the chamber; the chamber is connected (22, 24, 25) with the blank (9) when the piston position attains a predetermined position and chamber volume continues to be reduced to complete the blowing. The invention can be applied in particular to the blowing of small-volume hollow bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing containers from a plastic material that can be shaped by means of stretch blow forming and whose inner space corresponds to the finished container, said container being retained on its open end by a receiving element with gas flow pipes. A moveable stretch die (1) is axially guided through the receiving element and an ignition device is mounted in order to ignite an explosive gas mixture inside the container. In order to produce plastic containers having a better outer appearance, such as a substantially clear, transparent wall, and improve reliability of production, the receiving element can be engaged in a fluidically tight manner with the main distribution block (2) by the end thereof that faces the container, the stretching die (1) being movably guided through said distribution block in the axial extension of the receiving element.

Abstract: A simplified preform handling device including an end-effector arranged to substantially conform, in use, to an end portion of a preform and to seal therewith. The device also includes an aligning jig to align the preform with the end-effector. The device provides improved preform thermal and angular orientation characteristics when used in a transfer apparatus of an injection blow molding system, or a simplified end-of-arm tool for two-stage preform production. The device may also be operated to condition a preform retained on the injection mold core plate assembly of an injection mold.

Abstract: A blow molding machine and method for blowing sealed aseptic bottles includes a blow pin having separate blow air and exhaust passages. The retracted blow pin is dwelled in a pin housing filled with sterile air. The housing is connected to the pin by two thin rolling diaphragm seals. Sterile air in the chamber maintains the sterility of the sides and end of the blow pin. The separate blown air and exhaust passages maintain sterility of the machine despite possible rupture of a parison or bottle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blow molding a plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, plus a plastic container having an inclined or angled mouth and neck portion.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a blow molding machine with at least one blow mold for producing hollow bodies from heated preforms, at least one blow nozzle for leading the blow air into the preforms and a plurality of valves for controlling the feeding and the removal of the blow air to and from the blow nozzle, whereby the valves are arranged on an annular valve carrier surrounding the blow nozzle. This results in a compact design with short cycle times.

Abstract: A forced exhaust pipe is connected to an exhaust pipe connected with a cross head so that a negative pressure may be formed within an air passage so as to effect rapid control of air pressure (amount) within a parison, thereby stabilizing the air pressure within the parison. A parison stabilizing method and a system therefor for use in a hollow formation molding machine, according to the present invention, are so formed that a forced air-discharge is carried out through an exhaust pipe connected with the air passage formed within the cross head, so that a negative pressure is formed within the air passage. In this way, the above-mentioned system can effect quick control of an air pressure (amount) within the prison during a pre-blowing treatment, shorten a time period necessary for determining molding conditions, without having to increase the inner diameter of the air passage.

Abstract: The internal depressurization of thermoformed containers (C) is performed by means of the secondary suction circuit of a Venturi meter or ejector (15), the primary circuit of which is passed through by compressed air at pressure values regulated by a proportional valve (19) controlled by an electronic control unit (10) which detects the internal pressure or vacuum of the containers by means of a transducer (9) which is programmed by means of a special apparatus (11) and which, upon reaching of the predetermined vacuum inside the containers, activates means (Z) for closing the end portion of the said thermoformed containers.

Abstract: A blow molding machine capable of relatively high production rates at relatively low cost is provided. The blow molding machine comprises a base, a reciprocating shuttle mechanism supported by the base, a single blow molding station supported by the base, and adapted to receive a parison for forming the hollow article at the blow molding station, a pair of cooling stations supported by the base on flanking sides of the blow molding station, a pair of blow pin carriages spaced from one another, each of which is connected to the shuttle mechanism and is indexable to the blow molding station and to one of the cooling stations. Each blow pin carriage can comprise one or more blow pin assemblies that are movable independent of the shuttle mechanism between a rest position and a blow position.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the “vertical” position of a blow mandrel (10) of a blow molding machine provided to be moveable up and down on a blow mandrel carrier (11) associated with the machine frame of the blow molding machine, upon which at least two blow mandrels are provided, adapted to simultaneously blow into die cavities of a blow molds (16, 16′) provided below the blow mandrel carrier, wherein the blow mandrel during entry into the blow mold both defines the gauge or calibration of a neck region of the mold hollow body as well causes separation of excess plastic material protruding outwards from the neck, wherein the separation occurs by pinching the protruding material (23) via a ring shaped cutting edge (18) of the respective blow mandrel, which during penetration into the blow mold lies against a conical counter surface (22) of the blow mold and by this contact along a circular line of the conical surface causes the cutting off of the projecting plastic material and, wherein the blow

Abstract: A multi-station rotary blow molding machine suitable for molding hollow articles from a thermoplastic parison is described. Plural, indexable dials present blow mold assemblies for parison insertion at a common, shared parison insertion station. The parisons can be extruded parisons or injection molded preforms.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hollow bodies, in particular bottles and similar containers provided with an evacuation opening, of thermoplastic includes a lower machine part (2) and a beamlike upper machine part (7). The lower machine part (2) is equipped with at least two blow molds (3a, 3b, 3c), each provided with a cavity (4). A number of blowing and calibration mandrels (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the number of blow molds is disposed on the beamlike upper machine part (7) disposed above the lower machine part (2). One blow mold is assigned to each blowing and calibration mandrel. The blowing and calibration mandrels (8a, 8b, 8c) can be axially fed jointly toward the blow molds (3a, 3b, 3c) and can be moved with their calibration region into an orifice (5) of the cavity (4) until an annular shoulder (9) of the blowing and calibration mandrels (8a, 8b, 8c) comes into contact with a counterpart face (6) on the associated blow mold (3a, 3b, 3c).

Abstract: A blow molding machine and method for blowing sealed aseptic bottles includes a blow pin having separate blow air and exhaust passages. The retracted blow pin is dwelled in a pin housing filled with sterile air. The housing is connected to the pin by two thin rolling diaphragm seals. Sterile air in the chamber maintains the sterility of the sides and end of the blow pin. The separate blown air and exhaust passages maintain sterility of the machine despite possible rupture of a parison or bottle.

Abstract: A blow pin assembly for a mold of a rotary blow molding machine includes a base, a carriage supported by and movable relative to the base, a sub-base supported by and movable relative to the carriage, and a blow pin mounted to the sub-base for movement between a home position and a mold-engaging position. The blow pin is constructed with a low profile to clear an extruder head above the mold. This permits a method of forming a blow molded product to be used wherein the blow pin is inserted into the mold (and a parison in the mold), while the mold is at the extrusion workstation of the blow molding machine or very nearly so.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus and a nozzle operable to provide fluid into an interior of a blank. The blank is supported in a mold such that a neck of the blank emerges from a wall of the mold. The nozzle includes a nozzle tip and an opening that surrounds the neck of the blank. A peripheral edge of the opening comes to rest on the mold and a seal is provided between the opening and the mold. In one embodiment, the seal is held on the nozzle by a locking ring.

Abstract: A method for producing a biaxially oriented, heat set plastic container, including the steps of providing a plastic preform within a mold cavity; expanding and stretching the plastic preform into conformity with the surfaces defining the mold cavity to form a biaxially oriented plastic container; inducing crystallinity in the plastic container by using convection heat transfer to heat a surface of the plastic container to a temperature of at least 120° C.; and removing the plastic container from the mold cavity. The PET containers produced by the method have an average sidewall crystallinity greater than about 30%, which allows the PET container to maintain its material integrity during any subsequent pasteurization or retort process of the contents in the PET container, and during shipment of the PET container.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring application of air through a dual-stage blowhead to blow mold a container includes a first solenoid valve for applying final blow air through the blowhead to a container in a mold and a second solenoid valve for applying finish cooling air through the blowhead around the finish of the container in the mold. Electronic circuitry is coupled to the first and second solenoid valves for detecting timing of application of first and second electrical valve control signals to the valves. Air pressure sensors are operatively coupled to the first and second solenoid valves for generating associated electrical signals indicative of timing of application of air by the first and second solenoid valves to the blowhead.

Abstract: A method for producing a biaxially oriented, heat set plastic container, including the steps of providing a plastic preform within a mold cavity; expanding and stretching the plastic preform into conformity with the surfaces defining the mold cavity to form a biaxially oriented plastic container; inducing crystallinity in the plastic container by using convection heat transfer to heat a surface of the plastic container to a temperature of at least 120° C.; and removing the plastic container from the mold cavity. The PET containers produced by the method have an average sidewall crystallinity greater than about 30%, which allows the PET container to maintain its material integrity during any subsequent pasteurization or retort process of the contents in the PET container, and during shipment of the PET container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing a blow molded plastic preform and container in a blow mold during a demolding operation. The blow mold has a first mold section, a second mold section, and a mandrel. The mandrel cooperates with a pair of spring loaded jaws slidingly coupled to one or both of the mold sections. With the mold sections in their fully open position, the mandrel with an attached preform and/or container travels into the blow mold. During the final stage of closing the mold sections, the jaws contact the finish and restrain the container. As the mold sections begin to open, the jaws prevent any movement of the container relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: The internal depressurization of thermoformed containers (C) is performed by means of the secondary suction circuit of a Venturi meter or ejector (15), the primary circuit of which is passed through by compressed air at pressure values regulated by a proportional valve (19) controlled by an electronic control unit (10) which detects the internal pressure or vacuum of the containers by means of a transducer (9) which is programmed by means of a special apparatus (11) and which, upon reaching of the predetermined vacuum inside the containers, activates means (Z) for closing the end portion of the said thermoformed containers.

Abstract: The neck finish for a wide range of plastic water dispenser bottles is formed so that it has a smooth, straight inner diameter and is fully calibrated, not requiring any post trimming. The parison is extruded over a fixed blow pin, which also serves as an inner mandrel. The wall thickness of the parison is controlled to provide the desired amount of material to fill the neck area and compression mold the neck body. When the mold is closed on the parison, the area between the cutting ring and striker plate comes into contact to form a calibrated neck finish. The blow pin tip is completely water cooled to the upper end and includes a specially positioned orifices adjacent the end to distribute the blow air so that it spreads out material, thereby reducing material push out and also cools the lower neck area. The assembly is designed to be very rigid, to assist in part de-molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of cooling molded preforms. The apparatus and method make advantageous use of air amplifiers to create a flow of cooling air over the molded preforms. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the air amplifiers are mounted to a part removal and cooling robot. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of air amplifier stations are positioned about an index block to cool the molded preforms. In a third embodiment of the present invention, a vacuuming system is provided to improve the adherence of the air flow created by the air amplifiers to the exterior surfaces of the molded preforms. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the air amplifiers are mounted to a movable plate and each amplifier has an internal bore sized to receive a molded preform to be cooled.

Abstract: A blow-pin assembly includes a circular body, a ring member, and a seal assembly. The body and the ring member define a central passage. The seal assembly comprises a seal band. The body and the ring member retain the seal band proximate an outer circumferential surface of the body. A neck portion of a parison is positioned over the outer circumferential surface. Pressurized air is routed through the central passage and into the parison during blow-molding operations. The pressurized air causes the parison to expand into the sides of a surrounding mold, thus forming the parison into a hollow object such as a container. The pressurized air also urges the seal band into the parison neck portion, thereby inhibiting leakage of the pressurized air between the neck portion and the blow-pin assembly.

Abstract: The neck finish for a wide range of plastic water dispenser bottles is formed so that it has a smooth, straight inner diameter and is fully calibrated, not requiring any post trimming. The parison is extruded over a fixed blow pin, which also serves as an inner mandrel. The wall thickness of the parison is controlled to provide the desired amount of material to fill the neck area and compression mold the neck body. When the mold is closed on the parison, the area between the cutting ring and striker plate comes into contact to form a calibrated neck finish. The blow pin tip is completely water cooled to the upper end and includes a specially positioned orifices adjacent the end to distribute the blow air so that it spreads out material, thereby reducing material push out and also cools the lower neck area. The assembly is designed to be very rigid, to assist in part de-molding.

Abstract: A multilayer container including an outer relatively rigid plastic layer having a body portion, a finish defining an opening and a base having an atmospheric vent opening therethrough. The container includes an inner flexible plastic layer of relative thin flexible material throughout which does not adhere to the outer plastic layer. The inner flexible layer has a closed bottom portion engaging the inner surface of the finish of the outer plastic layer and a radially extending flange portion of the inner layer overlying the finish of the outer layer. The outer layer preferably comprises an olefin and the inner layer preferably comprises amorphous nylon.

Abstract: A sizing device adapted for automatic blow mandril adjustment for plastic blow molding machines is provided with at least blow mandril having a blow nozzle and a cutting edge and forming a module with a blow mandrel carrier. The blow mandril is guided in a guide plane extending perpendicularly to the axis of the blow mandril for adjustment in relation to a module carrier suitable for connection with the blow molding machine in the axial and any desired radial direction and in both directions is respectively able to be locked by means of a respective setting means on the blow mandril carrier adapted to be connected with the module carrier. The blow mandril is urged in relation to the module carrier axially toward the blow nozzle into the home position and is able to be moved in the opposite direction overriding the biasing action as far as engagement with the blow mandrel carrier. The setting means for locking the at least one blow mandril in position are able to be operated by means of pressure medium.

Abstract: The neck finish for a wide range of plastic water dispenser bottles is formed so that it has a smooth, straight inner diameter and is fully calibrated, not requiring any post trimming. The parison is extruded over a fixed blow pin, which also serves as an inner mandrel. The wall thickness of the parison is controlled to provide the desired amount of material to fill the neck area and compression mold the neck body. When the mold is closed on the parison, the area between the cutting ring and striker plate comes into contact to form a calibrated neck finish. The blow pin tip is completely water cooled to the upper end and includes a specially positioned orifices adjacent the end to distribute the blow air so that it spreads out material, thereby reducing material push out and also cools the lower neck area. The assembly is designed to be very rigid, to assist in part de-molding.

Abstract: Extrusion blow molding apparatus (10) having a blow mold (12), a neck mold (14) positioned above the blow mold and an anvil (30) positioned in an outwardly facing cavity (32) of the neck mold. A container (C) is produced in the molding apparatus from a parison of a heated thermoplastic material by introducing pressurized blowing fluid into the container being formed by way of a blow pin assembly (16) that is reciprocable relative to the blow mold. The blow pin assembly has an inner tubular member (20) with a free end that is within the container during blowing, and an outer tubular member (22) that surrounds the inner tubular member and defines an annulus therewith for withdrawing spent blowing fluid from the container. The outer tubular member has radial ports (24) for directing spent blowing fluid against a moil (M) being formed at a rim (R) of a finish (F) of the container.

Abstract: A cryogenic stretch blow molding apparatus including a stretching rod mounted to a blow mold rod seal assembly for sliding movement therethrough, into and longitudinally stretching a plastic parison, the stretching rod including a cooling fluid tube defining a cooling fluid inlet port for connection to a source of a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid outlet port to introduce the cooling fluid within the container, and a heater disposed in a cavity defined in the blow mold rod seal assembly for heating the blow mold rod seal assembly so that at least a portion of the stretching rod is maintained at a temperature above a preselected level to prevent accumulation thereon of ice sublimated from water vapor present in the blow air and portions of seals of the blow mold rod seal assembly are maintained at a temperature above a predetermined level to prevent seal failure.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for holding a preform, including a mandrel having a collar for locating within an interior surface defined by a finish portion of the preform, a plurality of preform guides pivotably mounted to the mandrel for generally radial movement and contact with the interior surface, a plurality of resilient members for biasing the preform guides for contact against the interior surface with a preselected frictional force, so that the preform may be held by the mandrel against forces less than the preselected frictional force and the preform is capable of movement relative to the mandrel upon application of forces greater than the preselected frictional force, each resilient member attached to the mandrel and bearing against and biasing at least one of the preform guides for rotation generally radially outward.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in shaping and injection molds, the assembly includes a support having compressed air channels, and a mandrel extending upwardly from the support and having spaced-apart ramps extending radially outwardly therefrom. A cap slidingly fits over the mandrel and has a free end positioned over the compressed air channels of the support. The cap also has an inner groove loosely receiving the ramps of the mandrel such that the cap is secured to the mandrel yet is able to slide up and down on the mandrel such that the free end of the cap will cover and uncover the channels. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mandrel has an outer groove, and a plurality of balls are received in the outer groove. The cap has an inner groove corresponding to the outer groove that loosely receives the balls such that the cap is secured to the mandrel yet is able to slide up and down on the mandrel such that the free end of the cap will cover and uncover the channels.