Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming the neck of plastic bottles includes means for rapidly rotating a cutting blade around the neck being trimmed while progressively moving the cutting blade through the thickness of the neck. During the cutting, a flat surface of the cutting blade rubs against the newly cut upper neck or finish surface to provide a polished surface therefor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming the neck of plastic bottles includes means for rapidly rotating a cutting blade around the neck being trimmed while progressively moving the cutting blade through the thickness of the neck. During the cutting, a flat surface of the cutting blade rubs against the newly cut upper neck or finish surface to provide a polished surface therefor.

Abstract: A two-step blow molding machine (10) having flexible cavitation which includes a plurality of stations, a preform loading station (12), a thermal conditioning station (14) where preforms are heated and thermally conditioned prior to blow molding, a blow molding station (16) having a plurality of molds, the number of which defines the cavitation of the blow molding station, and an article unloader station (18). The machine includes a plurality of carriers (22) adapted to receive the preforms thereon at said preform loading station. The carriers are transported about the machine in an unrestrained manner where spacing of the carriers does not correspond with cavitation of the machine. First and second conveyors and associated drives convey the carriers at different rates. The first and second conveyors and their associated drivers are independently controllable from one another such that the first and second rates are independently variable which allows changeable cavitation.

Abstract: A hot fill apparatus for use in the testing of hollow thermoplastic containers, the apparatus having a reverse osmosis filter system, a heater system and a fill head system. The reverse osmosis filter system removes chlorine and other particulates and contaminants from the water prior to the water entering the heater system. The heater system is designed to maintain strict temperature control of the water while maintaining a steady flow rate and pressure. The fill head system includes a manually operated spigot and an automatically operated fill head, the operations of which are mutually exclusive.

Abstract: A process for crystallizing a thermoplastic preform or container which utilizes a preheated plug to provide the sole upright support for a workpiece in the crystallizing process. The preheated plug aids in the crystallization process by applying heat to the interior surface of the finish area while heat is also applied to the exterior surface of the finish area to crystallize the finish area. The thermoplastic preform or container is then cooled and removed from the plug.

Abstract: A machine for crystallizing a thermoplastic preform or container is constructed from modular subassemblies and utilizes a preheated plug to provide the sole upright support for a workpiece in the crystallizing process. The first modular subassembly includes the workpiece in-feed and plug preheat structures and incorporates the drive apparatus for the entire machine. The opposed end of the crystallizing machine is constructed of a subassembly which operates to provide the turnaround and tensioning takeup for the carrier mechanism transporting the workpieces. Positioned between the first subassembly and the opposed end subassembly are heating and cooling processing modules which can be provided in any number depending on the size constraints and workpiece quantity restraints desired. The processing modules provide the heating and crystallizing processes for the desired area of the workpiece and the cooling process of the workpiece prior to unloading.

Abstract: A passenger lift system for mobile vehicular use which functions either as a retractable step system for the vehicle or as a vertically movable elevator platform for non-ambulatory passengers transporting non-ambulatory passengers from an upper position level with the vehicle to a lower position at ground level. The lift system includes a vertical safety barrier at the outermost edge of the platform which, when not in use, collapses to form the lowermost step in the step system. The lift is moved by hydraulic actuated motors or electro-mechanical devices, or the like, whose operation and motive power is independent of the vehicles propulsion system and is controlled by appropriate electrical sensors which detect and correct any malfunction thereof.

Abstract: An improved structure for supporting and positioning a planar glass workpiece within a glass grinding apparatus is disclosed. Three radially extending carriage assemblies are provided between a lower pan and an upper supporting platform. Each of the carriage assemblies extends radially outwardly from a central drive shaft connected to the supporting platform to the periphery of the lower pan. The radial inner ends of the carriage assemblies are rotatably supported about the drive shaft, while the radial outer ends are carried on respective motor assemblies connected to a gear formed on a lower pan. Energization of the motor assemblies causes the associated carriage assemblies to pivot relative to the lower pan. Each of the carriage assemblies also carries a locator cylinder assembly thereon. The locator cylinder assemblies are movable radially inwardly and outwardly throughout the length of the corresponding carriage assemblies by means of the associated motor assemblies.