Abstract: A static mixer comprising a mixer body with a first and a second array of intermeshed and interconnecting passageways formed therein that connect, and provide a convoluted flow path between, flow faces at ends of the mixer body. The first and second arrays of passageways preferably interconnect such that the boundaries of adjacent intermeshed passageways overlap to form mixing portals. When used in an injection molding system, a singular melt flow is initially divided at the first flow face of the static mixer, wherein the melt flow divides into the intermeshing passageways and further divides and re-combines at the locations of mixing portals before exiting the static mixer at the second flow face as homogenized melt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for injection molding and cooling molded articles such as preforms so as to avoid crystallinity. The apparatus and method make use of a take-off plate for removing articles from a mold, which plate may include heat transfer devices for cooling exterior surfaces of the molded articles or preforms, and a system for cooling in a controlled manner interior surfaces of the molded articles or preforms.

Abstract: An injection-molding machine cooling tube, which cools molded plastic parts, includes a porous cooling tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. Preferably, the porous cooling tube has a porosity in the range of 3-20 microns. A cooling fluid passageway is preferably disposed adjacent the porous cooling tube outer surface and is configured to carry a cooling fluid to extract heat from the porous cooling tube. Fluid flow structure, preferably a vacuum, is configured to cause a molded plastic part inside the porous cooling tube to expand into contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of the porous cooling tube.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Post mold cooling apparatus and method having transverse movement preferably includes structure and/or steps for cooling a plurality of plastic articles molded on a row of mold cores. A post mold cooling device is provided having (i) a first row of cooling tubes configured to hold a first plurality of the molded plastic articles, and (ii) a second row of cooling tubes configured to hold a second plurality of the molded plastic articles. A cooling station is disposed adjacent the cooling device and is configured to provide a cooling fluid to an interior of both the first and second pluralities of molded articles inside the respective first and second rows of cooling tubes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for injection molding and cooling molded articles such as preforms so as to avoid crystallinity. The apparatus and method make use of a take-off plate for removing articles from a mold, which plate may include heat transfer devices for cooling exterior surfaces of the molded articles or preforms, and a system for cooling in a controlled manner interior surfaces of the molded articles or preforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for injection molding and cooling molded articles such as preforms so as to avoid crystallinity. The apparatus and method make use of a take-off plate for removing articles from a mold, which plate may include heat transfer devices for cooling exterior surfaces of the molded articles or preforms, and a system for cooling in a controlled manner interior surfaces of the molded articles or preforms.