Abstract: Process for making transparent hollow bodies of terephthalate of polyethyleneglycol in which a preform is made, the preform is cooled rapidly to a temperature at least equal to the crystallization temperature, and is then rapidly expanded to obtain bi-orientation and solidification prior to substantial crystallization of the material. The preform can also be axially stretched during the operation. The apparatus for preforming the process includes a rotatable turret with mandrels, which operates to slightly expand the material on a mandrel.

Abstract: Hollow articles are made from a cylindrical preform by first elongating the preform to reduce its diameter and then blowing the elongated preform in a blow mold to produce the completed article, which is thus biaxially oriented.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing hollow bodies comprises a frame, a testing head mounted in the frame for axial motion with respect to and rotation about an axis, means for supporting at least one of the hollow bodies in axial alignment with the testing head and in a fixed position with respect to the axis during rotation of the testing head, means for imposing an axial motion to the testing head upon rotation of the head, means for feeding to the supporting means successive bodies to be tested, and means for removing from the supporting means bodies which have been tested.

Abstract: An inspection head to test objects such as plastic bottles for absence of leaks and crushing resistance includes a column having a seal for an aperture in the object which may be applied to the object to exert a crushing force and a fluid supply source to apply a pressure inside the object, which pressure is compared with a reference pressure by means of a movable diaphragm. When the object has an adequate resistance to crushing so that the column does not move beyond a certain point, and the object is free from leaks so that the difference in pressure does not exceed a given value, apertures in sliding members movable according to the positions of the diaphragm and column are in alignment, which fact may be checked by passing a light beam through the apertures. When the apertures are not in alignment the object may be rejected. The head may be used for continuous in-line inspection of objects which are produced successively.

Abstract: A blow molding machine having plural molds cyclically movable past an extruder for delivery to those molds of a tubular plastic parison includes a reciprocating blade which, upon interruption of the motion of the molds, is set in motion across the path of the parison emerging from the extruder to chop the parison into fragments and with a retractable trough for collecting the fragments for recycling or other disposition.

Abstract: A press for molding and blowing hollow articles includes plural mold halves disposed in a table at successive work stations about an axis, a platen carrying complimentary mold halves movable toward and away from the table, and a tool carrier journaled in that axis, reciprocatable with the platen and rotatable to index the tools from one station to another. A first collar journaled in the table about the shaft is rotatable for indexing purposes, and a second collar coupled to the shaft is provided for rotational engagement with the first collar to accept torque from the first collar while the mold halves are open, subject to manual disengagement of the collars by shift of the second collar axially of the shaft.