Abstract: A blow clamp for a blow molding apparatus having first and second platens movable between a closed and an open position. The blow clamp includes at least two clamping piston nuts secured to the first platen and respective tie bars secured to the second platen for registering with the clamping piston nuts. The tie bars are rotatable by an actuator between engaging and disengaging configurations. In the engaging configuration the tie bars are axially fixed relative to the clamping piston nuts. In the disengaging configuration the tie bars are freely axially movable relative to the clamping piston nuts. Means are provided to apply an axial closing force to the clamping piston nuts in which force is transferred to the tie bars through engagement with the clamping piston nuts in the clamping configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drive system for rotatable members in molding machines. The drive system comprises at least one frameless, brushless electric motor having a stator mounted to the machine and a rotor directly coupled to the rotatable member. Each rotor is coupled to the rotatable member so that the axis of rotation of the rotor is concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member.