Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for manufacture of containers (13), such as bottles, pots, and all other types of hollow bodies, by heat treating, then blow-molding, plastic preforms (1). The machine includes at least two wallet-type molds (41, 44) positioned on the periphery of a circular conveyor. Each mold incorporates at least two mold cavities. The machine includes a preform heat-treatment apparatus in which the pitch (P1) between the longitudinal axes of two successive preforms is smaller than the pitch (P2) between the longitudinal axes of two adjacent cavities belonging to the same mold, and means (5A) for modifying the pitch of the preforms between the drive mechanism and a mold.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container or container blank having a neck (1) with a cylindrical inner wall is positioned in a predetermined angular orientation on a carrier mandrel (10) inside the neck (1), the mandrel (10) having a mandrel body (11) and a retaining member (13) actively engaging the neck (1) to secure it to the mandrel body. The retaining member (13) is freely rotatable on the mandrel body so that the neck (1) is axially secured to the mandrel body but freely rotatable thereon. A fixed abutment (14) radially projects from the mandrel body at a point thereon which is in a predetermined angular orientation and at least partially opposite a given axial portion of the inner wall of the neck (1) held on the mandrel. A radial projection (9) is at least partially located at an angularly predetermined point on the axial portion of the inner wall of the neck (1).

Abstract: A machine manufactures containers such as bottles, pots, or other hollow bodies by thermal conditioning and blow molding of plastic preforms. The machine has two portfolio molds on the periphery of a carousel, and each has at least two molding cavities. The machine also has a device for steering and for holding the preforms on a path between thermal conditioners. The preforms are separated at a pitch that is less than that of the molding cavities. The machine features a device for changing the pitch of the preforms between the steering device and the mold.