Abstract: Shuttle blow molding apparatus having an extruder for substantially continuously extruding a thermoplastic material in tubular form at a moldable temperature downwardly along a vertical axis. A first finite length of the thermoplastic material is grasped by a first mold set, which then moves outwardly and downwardly with respect to the extruder to provide clearance for a second mold set to move to a position to grasp a second finite length of the extruded thermoplastic tube. The first mold set is then moved horizontally away to permit the finite length of thermoplastic tube therein to be blown into a hollow article, and thereafter removed from the first mold set at a second position of the first mold set.

Abstract: A method of inspecting wall thickness of blow-molded plastic containers includes providing a blow-molder having a plurality of molds and a plurality of associated spindles. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the electrical signals with stored information regarding desired wall thickness of the container and emits output thickness information. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the wall thickness information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The wall thickness information may be averaged over a period of time or a number of containers.

Abstract: Shuttle blow molding apparatus having an extruder for substantially continuously extruding a thermoplastic material in tubular form at a moldable temperature downwardly along a vertical axis. A first finite length of the thermoplastic material is grasped by a first mold set, which then moves outwardly and downwardly with respect to the extruder to provide clearance for a second mold set to move to a position to grasp a second finite length of the extruded thermoplastic tube. The first mold set is then moved horizontally away to permit the finite length of thermoplastic tube therein to be blown into a hollow article, and thereafter removed from the first mold set at a second position of the first mold set.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for continuously and permanently shaping a plate in plastic material according to an undulated profile. The apparatus includes a guide and positioning surface of the plate; a moulding and transferral wheel, peripherally shaped according to a plurality of seats, suitable for reproducing a continuous shaped profile; and a positioning, advancement and maintenance assembly in the form of a plate, peripheral with respect to the moulding wheel, of the mobile type, respectively; counter-clockwise in synchronization with the moulding and return wheel in a position independent of the moulding wheel. The assembly includes a pre-form presser, upstream of the surface involved in the shaping, set apart by at least one first stabilization and cooling presser, a moulding presser, interposed between the pre-form presser and a cooling presser; and a possible blade for detaching the plate from the seats.

Abstract: The method and the device are used for blow forming containers of a thermoplastic material. The preforms that are used are first temperature treated and then shaped into containers in the area of at least one blow station. Moulds to define the container shape are held by mould supports. At least two preforms are simultaneously shaped into containers within each blow station. Positioning of the preforms is done such that the preforms assume a positioning relative to one another when entering the blow station that differs from the positioning during the blow forming process. Spacing of the preforms relative to one another is changed during transport between entry into the blow station and blow positioning. In addition to this first change in spacing, a second change in spacing between adjacent preforms is performed relative to one another.

Abstract: Shuttle blow molding apparatus having an extruder for substantially continuously extruding a thermoplastic material in tubular form at a moldable temperature downwardly along a vertical axis. A first finite length of the thermoplastic material is grasped by a first mold set, which then moves outwardly and downwardly with respect to the extruder to provide clearance for a second mold set to move to a position to grasp a second finite length of the extruded thermoplastic tube. The first mold set is then moved horizontally away to permit the finite length of thermoplastic tube therein to be blown into a hollow article, and thereafter removed from the first mold set at a second position of the first mold set.

Abstract: In a single-row and expandable into a multi-row stretch blow molding method and apparatus, at least one row of tray plates in a tray unit is used to collect molded preforms ejected from the opening clamp of a preform-molding unit, transfer the preforms with or without transfer beads out of the molding area and align them with the center row distances of the downstream processing units. At least one robot having a universal gripper assembly is used to pick up either all or consecutively fractions of the preforms align them to the center distances of the blow mold cavities to place them at variable time intervals into a conditioning, stretch blow molding and oriented discharge unit, releases finished hollow articles and returns to a waiting position at the preform-molding and tray unit again at the preform mold's center distance independent of the preform-molding cycle. Simultaneously, component transfer devices may pick up external components, i.e.

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: A shuttle blow molding machine having two groups of mold units located on opposite sides of a series of workstations spaced along a horizontal workstation path. Each mold unit includes a mold that reciprocates in a direction transverse to the workstation path between a retracted position that is spaced from the workstation path and an extended position aligned with the workstation path. The mold units within each group are located in side-by-side relation adjacent each other and each group is indexed as a single unit along a path parallel to the workstation path. The transverse motion of the molds between their retracted and extended positions allows one group to be retracted out of the way while the other group advances through the workstations.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a sterile packaging container from a thermoplastic blank or preform which, during stepwise displacement between different processing stations (A-H), is subjected to a first heating to a temperature suitable for a subsequent sterilization with the aid of a chemical sterilization agent in gas form. A subsequent, additional heating stage imparts to the blank the desired moulding temperature, whereafter the blank, after displacement to a blow moulding station, is blow moulded to the desired configuration with the aid of mould halves (9) surrounding the blank. Hereafter, the blank is displaced to a filling station (E) in which it is filled with the desired contents in order thereafter finally to be sealed with the aid of a wafer (17) and discharged out of the apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: A blow molding method includes steps of moving a split mold to a parison receiving position where a parison is supplied and receiving a parison, closing the split mold, performing blow molding at a blow molding position, and opening the split mold at a product discharge position and thereby discharging a product. The method further includes steps of: sequentially reciprocating each split mold in trains of split molds provided opposed to each other across the parison receiving position to and from a position opposed to the parison receiving position; and sequentially reciprocating the split mold disposed at the position where the split mold is opposed to the parsion receiving position to and from the parison receiving position for performing blow molding. There is also provided a blow molding apparatus for carrying out this molding method.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus (10) including four molds (21, 22, 23, 24) that move into a common parison receiving position (26) from directions different from the directions that the molds move out of the parison receiving position (26). When in the parison receiving position (26), each mold receives, encloses and severs a length of parison then shapes the parison during blow molding. Two molds (21, 22) alternately move in respective first and second radial directions (36, 40) from the parison receiving position (26) to respective first and second outer positions (38, 39), to a common article take-out position (45) and then back to the parison receiving position (26) from a third radial direction (96). The third radial direction is angularly spaced between the first and second radial directions.

Abstract: Plant for blow moulding hollow plastic bodies, comprising: a plurality of preform blow-moulding dies (1); at least an acoustic/electric transducer apparatus (2) adapted to detect the sound issued outwardly by the individual blow-moulding dies (1) during the blow-moulding process, and to convert it into an electric signal, means adapted to process said electric signal and convert it into a signal capable of being compared with a reference signal, means adapted to perform such a comparison of said processed electric signal with said reference signal or level, means adapted to selectively reject said hollow bodies off the production line in accordance with the outcome of said comparison. Said acoustic/electric transducer apparatuses (2) are at least partially housed inside the platen or frame that is common to several dies (1), and are arranged in the vicinity of respective blow-moulding cavities.

Abstract: A shuttle blow molding machine having two groups of mold units located on opposite sides of a series of workstations spaced along a horizontal workstation path. Each mold unit includes a mold that reciprocates in a direction transverse to the workstation path between a retracted position that is spaced from the workstation path and an extended position aligned with the workstation path. The mold units within each group are located in side-by-side relation adjacent each other and each group is indexed as a single unit along a path parallel to the workstation path. The transverse motion of the molds between their retracted and extended positions allows one group to be retracted out of the way while the other group advances through the workstations.

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: At least one blow-molded plastic container and one compression molded lid are simultaneously produced in a blow mold. Preferably, the method and apparatus utilize a mold capable of simultaneously receiving a pair of extruded parisons. One of the parisons is utilized to produce a pair of aligned container bodies and the other of the parisons is utilized to form a pair of aligned closures. In this manner, a container and closure combination can be manufactured having perfect color matching and can be readily recycled in its entirety. In addition, the method and apparatus according to the present invention significantly reduces tooling costs and required machine capitol.

Abstract: Shuttle blow molding apparatus having an extruder or a blow head for substantially continuously emitting a thermoplastic material in tubular or parison form at a moldable temperature downwardly along a vertical axis. A finite length of the thermoplastic material is grasped by a first mold set, which then moves downwardly with respect to the extruder or blow head to provide clearance for a second mold set to move to a position to grasp a second finite length of the emitted thermoplastic. The first mold set is then moved horizontally away to permit the emitted thermoplastic length therein to be blown into a hollow article, and thereafter removed from the first mold set that is permitted to return and engage an other finite length of the thermoplastic material. The second mold set follows the first mold set in a path of travel traced by the first mold set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying labels to cylindrical portions of plastic bottles by in-mold labeling utilizes an indexing label magazine which dispenses labels to first label engaging heads and, following indexing of said label magazine, dispenses labels to second label engaging heads.

Abstract: Shuttle blow molding apparatus having an extruder for substantially continuously extruding a thermoplastic material in tubular form at a moldable temperature downwardly along a vertical axis. A first finite length of the thermoplastic material is grasped by a first mold set, which then moves outwardly and downwardly with respect to the extruder to provide clearance for a second mold set to move to a position to grasp a second finite length of the extruded thermoplastic tube. The first mold set is then moved horizontally away to permit the finite length of thermoplastic tube therein to be blown into a hollow article, and thereafter removed from the first mold set at a second position of the first mold set.

Abstract: Multiple parts may be molded from a single extruded parison. As the parison is extruded, it is slit vertically to divide the parison into two or more parison portions. A mold is then closed about the parison portion with a mold separator separating the mold portions. Each portion of the parison can then be formed into a separate molded part. The molding may be achieved by positive internal pressure similar to blow molding or by applying a vacuum to mold portions so that the forming process is similar to thermal forming.

Abstract: Provided is a swing-driving device for driving two low molding units so as to swing around corresponding swinging fulcrums, each of the blow molding units having a carriage, one end portion of which is supported by the swinging fulcrum so as to swing, and a blow molding mold disposed on the carriage. The blow molding mold of one blow molding unit receives a parison on a common receiving position and is made to be an mold close state. The blow molding mold swings around a swinging fulcrum, and moves from the receiving position to a shunting position via a detaching position. Thereafter, the blow molding mold returns to the detaching position and is made to be a mold open state. A hollow article formed by blow-molding the parison in the blow molding mold is take out and moved to the receiving position kept in the mold open state.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for inserting labels into blow-molded hollow articles. The blow-molding apparatus includes a carrousel mounted to rotate within a support frame. The carrousel carries four multi-cavity molds around a circular mold path. Two blow-molding workstations are disposed next to the mold path in fixed positions relative to the frame. The carrousel is indexed to cause each mold to pause by each workstation, and at a label-insertion station, one time during each carrousel revolution. An in-mold labeler inserts a label into each mold at the label-insertion station. The in-mold labeler includes four picker heads supported on a carriage that shuttles the heads between label dispensing magazines and the mold station path. Each magazine includes a label stack receptacle in which labels rest edgewise, by gravitational force on a pair of label guide surfaces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing hollow bodies including inserting into spaced mold halves of a blow mold of a blow molding machine plastic hose-shaped blanks at an extrusion station of the blow molding machine and closing the blow mold, displacing the closed blow mold from the extrusion station to a calibration station of the blow molding machine, inserting thereat blow mandrels into respective cavities of the closed blow mold, lifting, after expiration of predetermined blow time, the blow mandrels, together with the blown hollow bodies to an intermediate position and removing the blown hollow bodies from the blow mandrels lifting the blow mandrels to their initial position thereof, and displacing the blow mold from the calibration station to the extrusion station, with the displacing of the blow mold between the extrusion station and the calibration station being effected by displacing the blow mold at a right angle to a connection line of arranged side-by-side cavities of the blow mold.

Abstract: A heat-resistant container molding apparatus and method which are compact and inexpensive and can reliably increase the crystallinity, reduce the residual stress in a container filled with a hot content such as thermally sterilized fruit juice, and prevent a thermal deformation with improved container stability at a raised temperature. The apparatus has a receiving and removing unit for receiving primary moldings obtained by blow-molding preforms and for removing final products, a heat treatment section for heating the primary moldings by bringing the primary moldings into contact with the inner wall of a heat treatment mold while pressurizing the interior of the primary moldings within the heat treatment mold, a final molding section for blow molding intermittent moldings into final products within a final blow mold, and a rotary plate, neck support fixing plate and neck support member for conveying the moldings through the receiving and removing unit, heat treatment section and final molding section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of molding a double-wall bottle consisting of an outer bottle (12) and an inner bottle (14). A outer bottle (12) is first formed from a first preform by biaxial Stretch blow molding. After this molding step, a plurality of air vent holes (24) are formed in a biaxially orientated region of the outer bottle (12). Next, a second preform (70) and the outer bottle (12) are set together within a first blow cavity mold (100). Subsequently, the inner bottle (24) is formed by biaxial stretch blow molding from the second preform (70) while the air within the outer bottler (12) is expelled through the air vent holes (24). Circumferential concave ribs (22) are formed around the entire circumference of the outer bottle (12), and at least one of the air vent holes (24) is formed in a region either inside or outside the region in which the circumferential concave ribs are formed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for inserting labels into blow-molded hollow articles. The blow-molding apparatus includes a carrousel mounted to rotate within a support frame. The carrousel carries four multi-cavity molds around a circular mold path. Two blow-molding workstations are disposed next to the mold path in fixed positions relative to the frame. The carrousel is indexed to cause each mold to pause by each workstation, and at a label-insertion station, one time during each carrousel revolution. An in-mold labeler inserts a label into each mold at the label-insertion station. The in-mold labeler includes four picker heads supported on a carriage that shuttles the heads between label dispensing magazines and the mold station path. Each magazine includes a label stack receptacle in which labels rest edgewise, by gravitational force on a pair of label guide surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a receptacle (23) suitable for being subsequently subjected to severe temperature conditions without deforming significantly, in which an intermediate receptacle (2) is molded by blowing or by stretching-blowing a preform (1) whose body is heated to at least the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, which intermediate receptacle possesses dimensions greater than those of the final receptacle (23) and from which a blank is produced having a hot-shrunk body of predetermined length greater than that of the body of the final receptacle (23) and from which the body of the final receptacle is molded or blow-molded with the exception of its bottom zone, the length of the receptacle having an unmolded bottom zone being substantially the same as the length of the final receptacle (23), and finally the body and its bottom zone are blow-molded to take up their final shapes and dimensions in order to obtain the final receptacle (23).

Abstract: A system for moulding containers in thermoformable and heat-weldable material. The system includes a heating and welding station and a forming and shape-stabilizing station, with at least one welding and forming station in-between, producing progressive forming and shape-stabilizing of the containers.

Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding apparatus and method wherein while the preforms are amply cooled the injection molding cycle time is shortened and furthermore a small number of blow cavities are used. In an injection molding section, N (N.gtoreq.2) preforms are injection molded in an upright state and then released from the injection cavity mold. While the preforms are cooled by the injection core mold, they are carried to a preform ejecting section. After the preforms cool to a temperature at which they can be ejected, the preforms are ejected from the injection core mold. In a transfer station, an array pitch of the simultaneously molded preforms are changed to a blow molding pitch, and then the preforms are transferred to a blow molding station in an inverted state. In the blow molding station, each preform is carried by a carrier member through a heating section into a blow molding section. In the blow molding section, n bottles are simultaneously blow molded from n preforms.

Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding apparatus and method wherein while the preforms are amply cooled the injection molding cycle time is shortened and furthermore a small number of blow cavities are used and the operation rate of these blow cavities is increased. In an injection molding section, N (N.gtoreq.2) preforms are injection molded and then released from the injection cavity mold at a relatively high mold-release temperature. While the preforms are cooled by the injection core mold, they are carried to a preform ejecting section. After the preforms cool to a temperature at which they can be ejected, the preforms are ejected from the injection core mold. In a transfer station, n (1.ltoreq.n<N) of the simultaneously molded N preforms at a time are transferred to a blow molding station in (N/n) transfer operations. In the blow molding station, each preform is carried by a carrier member through a heating section and a standby section into a blow molding section.

Abstract: There is provided a method of molding a large container including the steps of preparing a preform from an injection-molded, thick-wall, closed-end parison by repeatedly and intermittently applying an air blow pressure to the parison and releasing the air blow pressure therefrom, and stretch blow molding the preform to a thin-wall large container. The closed-end parison is released from a mold immediately after a skin layer, keeping a parison shape, is formed on the surface of the closed-end parison having a high inner temperature, and is then molded to a preform with a preform mold heated to a predetermined temperature, while the surface temperature of the parison is increased by the inner temperature. The preform is kept at a stretch blow molding temperature and is stretch blow molded into a blow mold to produce a large container.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic material by use of extrusion blow molding, having at least two blow molding units and an extrusion system, in an operating cycle each blow molding unit is movable between a receiving position in which the opened blow molding mold receives a preform and at least one other position in which the expanded hollow body is removed from the blow molding mold. Each blow molding unit is firstly moved from a station remote from the removal station in at least one direction into the removal station and opened after reaching the removal station, whereupon the hollow body previously produced in the blow molding mold is removed. The respective blow molding unit is then moved by use of a second movement in another direction, with the blow molding mold open, into the receiving position which is arranged laterally displaced relative to the path of movement along which the blow molding unit is moved into the removal station.

Abstract: A multi-station injection blow molding apparatus for producing hollow plastic articles, including vertically stacked preform injection molds at a first station, vertically stacked blow molds at a second station and an indexing head assembly having upper and lower core bearing indexing heads which are rotatable in a horizontal plane when the molds are open and also are movable vertically relative to and in correspondence with movement of the molds during opening and closing of the molds. In one embodiment, the movable supports which support the mating mold portions of the upper and lower injection and blow molds are coupled to the mold clamping mechanism of the apparatus through mechanical linkage which causes the upper and lower molds to be opened and closed simultaneously. In another embodiment, the movable supports are coupled together, causing the upper and lower molds to be opened and closed sequentially.

Abstract: A blow molding machine comprising two calibration stations and an extruder arranged between the two calibration stations. The machine produces hose-shaped parisons to be blown into hollow bodies by mold forms in an alternating sequence and in a periodical sequence at the respective calibration stations. An extruder is located along a vertically extending longitudinal center plane of the blow molding machine along which the mold forms are displaceable back and forth between the associated calibration stations and the extruder. A transport device transports the respective hollow bodies blown at the calibration stations to at least one post processing station in sequence. A transport mask is displaceable back and forth along a transport path disposed at a lateral distance from the longitudinal center plane of the blow molding machine and parallel thereto.

Abstract: To place material accumulations, which is unavoidable upon blow-molding a bottle, in a separable two-part blow mold form away from a bottom fold line (2) of the bottle, in which the bottom portion of the bottle is formed with a generally inverted V-shaped depression (3) and the apex of the V defines the bottom fold line, the separating seam (9) in the bottom portion is placed at an angle (.alpha.) with respect to the bottom fold line (2), a central region of the bottom separating seam intersecting, at least approximately, the bottle axis (17). The mold form has a body separating plane (12) and an end portion separating plane (16, 23, 25) in which the end portion separating plane is angled by the angle (.alpha.) with respect to the body separating plane.

Abstract: The apparatus includes advancement clamps which move two mutually facing films along an advancement direction on which the following are arranged in sequence: two welding half-molds, which by mutually welding the two films in preset regions define cells which are open toward a longitudinal edge of the films; two half-molds for heating the welded films; a cell forming station. Air injection nozzles, inserted between the two flaps of the films on the side of the above mentioned longitudinal edge, and two forming half-molds, in which forming cavities are defined at the cells, operate in the forming station. Divaricators for divaricating the two flaps of the films are provided proximate to the forming station so as to facilitate the insertion of the air injection nozzles.

Abstract: A mold for controlling the weight and wall thickness distribution in a blow molded plastic manufactured article or a family or related articles involves simultaneous formation of the manufactured article and a waste article. The waste article is removed and recycled to manufacture further articles. The waste article forming chamber increases the apparent depth of the manufactured article chamber to create a larger apparent surface area, so that the parison is being blown over a much larger surface area, creating a reduced actual part weight and actual wall thickness.

Abstract: An improved part removal assembly (17) particularly for a shuttle-type blow molding machine (10). The part removal assembly includes a plurality of suction cups (95) mounted on a vertically moveable piston (87) that travels along a vertically oriented rodless cylinder (81) and a plurality of suction cups (115) mounted on a horizontally moveable piston (107) that travels along a horizontally oriented rodless cylinder (83). A mold assembly (15) shuttles between an extruder head assembly (11) where a plurality of parisons of molten plastic are captured in mold cavities (25) in the mold assembly, and a blow station assembly (13) where the parisons are blown to form a molded workpiece (31). The mold assembly then opens which causes a flash removal assembly (57) to remove a waste flash portion (55) from a bottom portion (31a) of the workpieces. The bottom of the workpieces are then engaged by the vertically moveable suction cups which lower the workpieces to a position adjacent to a conveyor (117).

Abstract: The bottle is made of thin-walled plastic produced by a blow-molding process; a bottom part (3) is pre-formed with an inwardly extending, in cross section essentially V-shaped folded part (13) which defines an elongated inner bottom fold line (8). The inner fold line (8) merges smoothly with body fold lines (15, 15a, 15b) extending longitudinally of the bottle. The inner bottom fold line (8) and the longitudinal fold line are in a single plane; the plane is transverse to the seam or junction lines (9) formed by molding the bottle in a two-part mold. The cross section of the bottle may be circular, rectangular, or hexagonal, and it is unitary with a pouring spout which extends, preferably with a reduced diameter, from the top portion of the bottle, so that, upon folding the bottle along the seam lines and expelling all air from the inside, the bottle can be compressed and reduced to small size upon air-tightly closing the spout.

Abstract: A vertically movable blow molding arrangement includes a whole set of molds and mold plates, two blowing needle cylinders, a set of oil spraying structures, and a conveying machine. The whole set of molds and mold plates can close or open for receiving, pinching, sealing and inflating a plastic material to shape, and moves up and down vertically between an extrusion head and the conveying machine by means of oil pressure. The whole set of molds and mold plates can automatically inflate the material without air blowing for shaping.

Abstract: A mold and a process for controlling the weight and wall thickness distribution in a blow molded plastic manufactured article or a family or related articles involves simultaneous formation of the manufactured article and a waste article. The waste article is removed and recycled to manufacture further articles. The waste article forming chamber increases the apparent depth of the manufactured article chamber to create a larger apparent surface area, so that the parison is being blown over a much larger surface area, creating a reduced actual part weight and actual wall thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels in the molds of a plastic blow molding machine of the type wherein a plurality of sets of molds are mounted on a wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis. Mold sections are moved toward and away from one another to enclose a parison, and the parison is then blown to the confines of the cavity between the mold sections. The apparatus removes labels successively from one or more magazines, and deposits labels on an endless conveyor that transports the labels to a position adjacent an open mold. The apparatus laterally transfers the labels successively from the conveyor to a position within the mold section, such that when a mold closes about a plastic parison and the parison is blown, the labels become adhered to the blown plastic article.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a label into a mold cavity of a bottom tool which can move up and down in a apparatus for thermoforming plastic containers from a film includes a feeder for the intermittent advancement of a strip of labels by a predetermined amount, a cutting means for cutting off a single label each time from the leading edge of the label strip, and transport means for transferring the single label to a final position in the mold cavity in which it lies against a side wall of the mold cavity and is held in place. The transport means is a transfer arm which grips the label strip and before the label is out off and, after it is cut off, carries it over the top edge of the mold cavity of the bottom tool while the latter is in its bottom, starting position, and lays it against one side wall of the mold cavity.

Abstract: An in-mold labeling apparatus for a blow molding machine having a primary circular multiple mold path. A continuous drive closed circuit is provided by a guide track means and forms a secondary path in which a carriage or trolley carrying an air actuated means for picking and holding a label for transport to a matched segmental transfer station at which the mold parts and the carriage move in unison at zero relative velocity during which the label is automatically deposited in a mold for application to the plastic part being formed by the mold. Thereafter, the carriage or trolley is conditioned to pick up another label. The continuous driving of both the blow molding machine and the in-mold label dispenser is synchronized for unison uninterrupted operation.

Abstract: A reheat blow mold machine includes a preform loader, an oven, a mold station and a preform transfer mechanism for transporting preforms from the oven to the mold station. A loader defines a plurality of lanes within which the preforms are supported. A reciprocal jaw assembly moves the preforms from a receiving end to a load end of the oven. The oven includes a plurality of tandemly arranged abutting pallets which rotatably support the preforms. The pallets are stepped through the oven and moved between a receiving end and a discharge end by a pair of elevators and a return conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes two sets of jaw assemblies, a pair of slidable actuators and a compensation mechanism to automatically adjust for tolerance variations in the diameter of the preforms. A mold station includes a pair of opposed platens which support mold halves. A bottom platen is positioned by a cam arrangement mounted on the opposed platens.

Abstract: In the forming of an article by blow molding parisons into conformity with cavities of an array of mold sections wherein parisons in the form of tubes are extruded from an extruder into an array of neck molds on a head, the head is moved axially away from the extruder to define the parisons, mold sections are closed about the parisons, and the parisons are blown outwardly, an apparatus for application of labels to the hollow blown plastic articles which comprises an array of vacuum cups mounted on the head and movable with the head and a mechanism operable to move the vacuum cups outwardly to engage labels on magazines and move the labels inwardly toward the head and to thereafter move the labels outwardly and deposit them in the mold cavities when the head moves adjacent the mold cavities.

Abstract: Blood flow in the aorta and pulmonary artery of a mammal, most typically a human, is measured volumetrically by a non-invasive, ultrasound apparatus. The apparatus (10) includes a tracheal tube or probe with of flexible tubing (11) having a transducer assembly (21) mounted at one end the tube. The transducer assembly (21) is disposed to transmit ultrasound in selected directions. Electrical conductors (24) extend the length of the probe from the transducer assembly. Improved means is provided to positively locate the probe in the trachea and to urge the ultrasound transducer assembly (21) into intimate contact with the inner wall of the trachea.

Abstract: This invention relates, in a clamping device in which two sets of clamping plates, each set of which comprises a pair, are provided between a pair of fixed plates on a base plate connected by tie bars passing through the tie bars, blow molds in the form of a split mold are mounted on each set of clamping plates and two sets of blow molds are arranged open- and closably between the fixed plates, and a plurality of external clamping cylinders are provided in position of both the fixed plates, a clamping device for blow molds wherein a small hydraulic cylinder whose ram stroke is very short is employed as a clamping cylinder, a plurality of such small hydraulic cylinders are disposed between blow molds arranged in two rows and between the blow molds and fixed plates, and an opening and closing cylinder is disposed between the clamping plates, whereby the opening and closing and clamping of each of the blow molds are carried out.

Abstract: In the forming of an article by blow molding parisons into conformity with cavities of an array of mold sections wherein parisons in the form of tubes are extruded from an extruder into an array of neck molds on a head, the head is moved axially away from the extruder to define the parisons, mold sections are closed about the parisons and the parisons are blown outwardly and a take out mechanism grasps and removes the containers after the mold sections are opened, the apparatus for application of labels to the hollow blown plastic articles which comprises a label carrier mounted for reciprocating movement between the open mold sections and supporting an array of spaced vacuum pick up devices.

Abstract: A method for making a partially crystalline, biaxially oriented heat set hollow plastic container from a hollow poly(ethylene) terephthalate parison having an open end and a closed end comprising engaging the open end of a plastic parison which is at a temperature within its molecular orientation temperature range, enclosing a hot mold about the hot parison, the mold being at heat setting temperature, expanding the plastic parison within the hot mold by internal pressurization to induce biaxial orientation of the plastic parison and force the plastic parison into intimate contact and conformance with the hot mold and to maintain contact by such internal pressurization between the mold and the biaxially oriented container for a time sufficient to induce partial crystallization in the biaxially oriented container, maintaining a lower internal pressurization of the container to prevent significant shrinkage, opening the hot mold while maintaining engagement of the open end of the blown hollow container, enclosin