Abstract: A bottling machine for filling or capping containers having a generally circular cross section is provided. The bottling machine includes a rotatable star wheel having a plurality of peripheral individual removable neck support assemblies for receiving and moving the containers through the machine. Each of the individual neck support assemblies includes a pocket support for holding the containers and a snap locking mechanism including a piston on the neck support assembly cooperable with a clamp pin on the star wheel for releasably attaching each of the neck support assemblies to the star wheel.

Abstract: A quick connect clamp for a bottling machine is provided. The quick connect clamp includes a bayonnet clamp having a rod portion and a complementary rod grasping portion. The rod portion including a handle at one end for actuating the clamp and locking projections on the other end for inserting within the rod grasping portion, the rod portion including a spring mechanism for placing the clamp in tension in a locked position. The locking projections coact with a cam surface on the rod grasping portion to lock and unlock the clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for removing a mold section C from a molded part M. The apparatus 10 includes a base frame 11 supporting a driver 12 and a power supply, and a support member 16 for engagement with the molded part M. The driver 12 is engaged with and driven by the power supply M. The support member 16 has a clamping station for receiving and clamping the mold section C engaged with the molded part M. The clamping station 20 also has an open position for receiving the mold section C engaged with the molded part, and a closed position in which the mold section and molded part are clamped within the clamping station. The clamping station 20 further includes a heater 44, to assist with partial heating of the molded part M and mold section C prior to removal of the molded part.

Abstract: A self-centering molding apparatus 10 for forming molded products including a first mold portion 14 and a second mold portion 15 together forming a mold cavity 16 for receiving molding material forming the molded product M. The first mold portion 14 has an alignment member 18 in fluid communication with the mold cavity 16 and for alignment and engagement with an injection press P for injecting molding material into the apparatus 10. The first mold portion 14 is adapted for self-centering, mating engagement with the second mold portion 15. The second mold portion 15 has a multi-section mold assembly 22, a support plate 24 and an operating assembly 26. The multi-section mold assembly 22 is adapted for self-centering, mating engagement with the first mold portion 14 and the operating assembly 26, and is supported on and engaged with the support plate 24 for opening and closing the multi-section mold assembly for accessing a molded product M supported within the mold cavity 16 .

Abstract: A guide finger mounting apparatus including positioning member having two flat surfaces extending longitudinally of the member, a pair of spring drop finger means one engaging each flat surface on the positioned member and a clip means engaging the fingers and the positioning member to retain the finger means in operative engagement. Complementary interengaging means may be formed on the finger means and the positioning member to aid in preventing relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A guide finger mounting apparatus including positioning member having two flat surfaces extending longitudinally of the member, a pair of spring drop finger means one engaging each flat surface on the positioned member and a clip means engaging the fingers and the positioning member to retain the finger means in operative engagement. Complementary interengaging means may be formed on the finger means and the positioning member to aid in preventing relative movement therebetween.