Abstract: The heating device for a machine for transforming plastic materials, comprises a heating body (39) disposed between two parallel rows (41, 42) of preforms (14). It is provided with at least two heating tubes (40) having bidirectional heating blades (54). These latter are inclined at an angle (.alpha.) such that a first of their faces emits heating radiation (55) in the direction of the adjacent row of preforms and such that the second surface emits its heating radiation (56) substantially in the direction of the free space between the two opposite rows of heating tubes toward the farthest row of preforms. Reflectors (60) are moreover arranged so as to reflect the heating radiation in a horizontal plane toward the preforms (14). The device thus permits obtaining very high energy efficiency whilst avoiding a harmful elevation of the temperature of the machine into which it is integrated.

Abstract: The machine for the production of receptacles of plastic material includes a loading device (5) in which the preforms are disposed neck down on supports (7) of double carriers (8) heated in a heating device (10) and moved into a drawing-blowing device (12). In this latter, the receptacles are formed and then discharged into a discharging device (14). In the part (21) of the guide track (20) the supports (7) and the preforms are aligned in a single row, whilst in the part (22) the supports (7) and the preforms are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. Between each row of preforms of a row of carriers (8), the heating device (10) includes a heating body (42) arranged so as to heat bidirectionally the preforms located on each side of the heating body (42). The heating device can moreover be raised from an active position to an inactive position and vice versa. There is thus obtained a machine with a very high output, of reduced size and low consumption of energy.

Abstract: For stretching blowing up a preheated preform, the preform is mechanically stretched longitudinally by a rod simultaneously to its blowing up, causing its transverse deformation. The displacement of the stretching rod is caused by a pneumatic piston fed by the same pressurized air supply as feeds the inside of the preform for its blowing up. Air is supplied under pressure inside the preform through a regulating valve which does not open until the stretching rod has contacted a closed end of the preform. An open end of the preform is sealed against a sleeve which is mounted for movement relative to but in the same direction as the rod. The pressurized air is applied against this sleeve to force the sleeve into sealing contact with the open end of the preform with a sealing pressure that varies as the pressure of the pressurized air. A piston on the sleeve rides in a cylinder into which the pressurized air is introduced on a side of the piston opposite the preform.

Abstract: A plant for producing articles by drawing-blowing of preforms in plastic material comprising a transport device for the preforms comprising independent supports (2,3) each receiving a preform and sliding in guides (1) forming a polygonal shape under the action of corner jacks (22, 23). The length of the path can be modified by adding portions of sliding rails (1) and the distance between centers of two adjacent preforms can be modified along the whole path.

Abstract: An articulated casing for ski boots comprises a plurality of rigid sections articulatedly interconnected for vertical swinging movement relative to each other about horizontal axes. In a preferred form, four such elements are provided, one comprising a sole or base, another comprising an upper which is pivotally mounted to the front of the base, and which may be in two parts that swing about axes parallel to the length of the base, and a third and fourth forming the front and rear of a boot top, at least one of which is pivoted to the rear of the base, the other being pivoted also to the rear of the base or to the rear of the upper. The various elements can be latched together in closed relationship, in which case they fold down upon each other to internest. Means are provided for securing the articulated parts in extended or use position; and the same means may hold the parts in the folded nested position. A waterproof sock can be provided within the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the leg of a skier to a ski comprises a casing comprised of rigid sections articulatedly interconnected for vertical swinging movement relative to each other about horizontal axes perpendicular to the length of the ski. In a preferred form, four such elements are provided, one comprising a sole or base, another comprising an upper pivotally mounted to the front of the base, and the third and fourth forming the front and rear of a boot top, at least one of which is pivoted to the rear of the base, the other being pivoted also to the rear of the base or to the rear of the upper. The various elements can be latched together in closed relationship; and means are provided for deliberately unlatching the elements to free the skier's foot, or for automatically unlatching the elements upon excessive forward or rearward bending or force application, or excessive torsional force. A waterproof sock can be provided within the casing.