Abstract: A method for placing an oven (12) for heat-treating preforms (13) into standby, including: a device (16) for conveying the preforms (13); at least one heating lamp (22); at least one heat-accumulation element (24, 26); and an electronic unit for controlling the heating lamps (22), characterized in that the method includes, in series: a first switching-off step (E1) which is triggered when a stop in production is determined, and in which the heating lamps (22) are completely switched off; and then a second temperature-maintaining step (E2) which is triggered after the first step (E1), and in which the heating lamps (22) are activated at a predetermined intensity in order to reheat the accumulation elements (24, 26).

Abstract: The guide (3) of the invention includes two portions: a rail (11) in the form of a relatively rigid metal strip; and a profile (12) made of a thermoplastic material and snap-fitted onto said rail (11), said profile (12) being shaped so as to have a variable section on the entire height thereof for promoting the contact between said guide and the conveyed products at the lower portion of said products. The rail (11) includes a longitudinal rib (13) for stiffening and housing the heads of the screws (14) used for securing the same on the holder (2).