Abstract: A carrier ring for achieving attachment to the thermoplastic perform as the preform is formed in a split injection mold is disclosed. The split injection mold defines a mold cavity into which a core pin is positionable. The mold cavity, along with the position core pin, defines the principle portion of the preform cavity. The remainder of the preform cavity is provided by an annular groove in the carrier ring. This annular groove has a substantially horizontal outwardly extending first wall, a substantially horizontal inwardly extending second wall downwardly displaced from the first wall, and a downwardly and inwardly extending third wall emanating from the outwardmost extent of the first wall and terminating at the inward most extent of the second wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflashing a plastic article is disclosed. In operation, an operator places the article having flash in a nest which positions the article so that the flash is in a horizontal plane. A powered shuttle assembly picks the article up from the nest and places it upon an anvil. The anvil has striking edges which follow the line of juncture between the article and the flash. A punch apparatus is lowered onto the article and strikes the flash at the line of juncture disjoining the flash from the article. The power shuttle then removes the article without the flash to a discharge point. Optionally, at the discharge point, there may be provided an orientation assembly wich orients the deflashed article so that it may be placed upon a conveyor belt which carries the article to a collection point.