Abstract: A vertical deflashing machine for removing the flashing from blow molded, plastic objects such as containers. The machine has one or more object supporting cavities which support an object to be deflashed in a vertical position. While the object is being supported, a cutting plate moves through the object supporting cavities and strikes and cuts off the flashing affixed to the object. The object remains in a vertical position.

Abstract: A spin trimming machine for trimming the necks of objects that have a dome molded above the trim line of the object. The machine is capable of positioning the object being trimmed in a predetermined orientation with respect to its starting orientation. This is carried out by the adjustment of the position and angle of the knife, which adjustment can be carried out while the trimming machine is operating. Preferably, the trimmed objects drop onto a conveyor belt which is porous and a vacuum manifold draws air through the conveyor belt at the point where the object is separated from the dome which holds it.

Abstract: An automatic cutter for separating a blow molded plastic object into two parts. The cutter is capable of cutting a rectangular object into two parts. The cutter operates by grasping the blow molded object to be cut and piercing the object with a knife blade or other cutting means such as a laser. The object is then rotated and the height of the cutter is controlled depending upon the degree of rotation and the shape of the object. The method of performing the cutting operation is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A trimmer for making a circumferential cut through a hollow cylindrical object. The trimmer has a rotatably cup which holds a blade support assembly which rotates with the rotatable cup. A cam member is supported by the rotatable cup and rotates in the same direction as a rotatable cup but at a slightly different speed. In one cutting cycle, the cam member rotates one revolution different from the rotatable cup. This causes the blade to move in and out of contact with the object to be cut while the blade is rotating about the periphery of the object.

Abstract: A molded plastic container includes a one-piece bottom portion having a cylindrical mouth and a one-piece top portion having an extendable center spout and raised neck. The spout is held within the neck and moveable between extended and retracted positions. The container is filled through the cylindrical mouth after which the top and bottom portions are non-removeably joined. Initially, the spout, neck and cap are joined by a removeable tear-off ring which seals the container. Once the tear-off ring is removed, the spout is free to move between extended and retracted positions, and the cap may be placed on the neck to hold the spout in its retracted position and reseal the container.

Abstract: A plastic bottle is held from a dome molded above the bottle neck and the dome-held bottle is moved along a horizontal groove by a moveable belt. A heated knife is held against the turning bottle neck and cuts the dome and undesirable flashing from the bottle at the top of the neck.