Abstract: A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.

Abstract: A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.

Abstract: An automatic rotary transfer apparatus and method for conveying a plurality of lightweight articles, such as empty bottles, at a high speed and, optionally, providing at least one additional function, such as de-flashing, trimming, or inspecting, in a single rotation of the rotary transfer apparatus. The apparatus includes a carriage ring having an outer perimeter defining a plurality of cavities spaced along the outer perimeter. Each cavity is adapted to receive a single article. A drive assembly indexes and rotates the carriage ring about a central axis of rotation and is synchronized to a continuous stream of the plurality of articles from an upstream operation, such as blow molding. The apparatus may further include a modification device, such as a de-flasher or trimmer, and an inspection station with a sensor for discharging damaged or imperfect articles, which performs the functions in a single rotation of the carriage ring.

Abstract: A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.

Abstract: A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.

Abstract: An automatic rotary transfer apparatus and method for conveying a plurality of lightweight articles, such as empty bottles, at a high speed and, optionally, providing at least one additional function, such as de-flashing, trimming, or inspecting, in a single rotation of the rotary transfer apparatus. The apparatus includes a carriage ring having an outer perimeter defining a plurality of cavities spaced along the outer perimeter. Each cavity is adapted to receive a single article. A drive assembly indexes and rotates the carriage ring about a central axis of rotation and is synchronized to a continuous stream of the plurality of articles from an upstream operation, such as blow molding. The apparatus may further include a modification device, such as a de-flasher or trimmer, and an inspection station with a sensor for discharging damaged or imperfect articles, which performs the functions in a single rotation of the carriage ring.