Abstract: Ways to produce a plurality of preform (5) temperature profiles are provided that employ systems having a first heating means, a second heating means, and a first transfer means. The a first heating means has a first preform (5) path, imparts a first temperature profile to a preform (5) passing through the first preform (5) path, and has a first dispensing means configured to selectively dispense the preform (5) passing through at least a portion of the first preform (5) path. The second heating means has a second preform (5) path, imparts a second temperature profile to a preform (5) passing through the second preform (5) path, and has a second dispensing means configured to selectively dispense the preform (5) passing through at least a portion of the second preform (5) path. The first transfer means selectively transfers a preform (5) between the first preform (5) path and the second preform (5) path.

Abstract: Ways of simultaneously forming and filling a container include and/or use a mold (14), a pressure source (20), a blow nozzle (22), and one or more dampening means. The mold (14) has a cavity defining an internal surface and is configured to accept a preform (12). The pressure source (20) is configured to provide a pressurized liquid (18). The blow nozzle (22) is configured to receive the pressurized liquid (18) from the pressure source (20) and transfer the pressurized liquid (18) into the preform (12) to urge the preform (12) to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity (16) and form a resultant container, where the liquid (86, 96) remains within the container as an end product. The one or more dampening means is/are configured to reduce water hammer, for example, by coupling such dampening means to one of the blow nozzle (22) and the mold (14).