Abstract: The take-out device for use with a machine for injection molding plastic articles such as PET preforms has a plurality of cooling tubes that receive hot preforms from the molding machine, carry them to a position remote from the molds of the machine for cooling, and then eject the cooled preforms onto a conveyor or other handling apparatus. The preforms are retained within the cooling tubes by vacuum pressure, but are then ejected by positive air pressure. A retaining plate spaced slightly outwardly beyond the outer ends of the cooling tubes is shiftable into a closed position in which it momentarily blocks ejection of the preforms during the application positive air pressure, yet allows them to be dislodged slightly axially outwardly from the tubes. Such slight dislodging movement is inadequate to vent the air system to atmosphere such that sufficient dislodging air pressure remains in tubes where the preforms might otherwise tend to stick and resist ejection.

Abstract: An improved mold apparatus (10) includes a cutout (30) between the nozzle cap sealing surface (32) and the injection mold cavity (14) configured for receiving the tip (38) of an insert (20). The cutout (30) shortens the material passage (24) leading to the mold space (22) between the mold cavity (14) and core (12) so that the resulting molded product presents a short gate. The cutout (30) is also configured so that material space surrounds the tip (38) for receiving mold material in order to surround and thermally insulate the tip (38) from the injection mold cavity (14).