Abstract: In a method for producing at least a single-walled tubular thermoplastic body in a machine, a nozzle head extrudes at least one tubular preform. The preform is expanded to a predefined dimension in a transverse direction and to a predefined shape in an expansion process using an expanding mandrel, the preform remaining open at the top and bottom. When the at least one preform has cooled off, the expanding mandrel is changed into a non-expanded state and the at least single-walled tubular body is removed from the machine.

Abstract: Method of blow moulding a container from a hollow, elongated parison of a thermoplastic material, wherein the method comprises: —arranging the parison in a closed moulding equipment comprising a moulding cavity and at least one aperture, wherein the at least one aperture provides an opening into the moulding cavity from outside the closed moulding equipment, wherein the circumference of the at least one aperture is larger than or equal to a circumference of the parison, such that a first section of the parison is arranged inside the moulding cavity, a second section of the parison is arranged within the at least one aperture and a third section of the parison is arranged outside the closed moulding equipment, —closing a shutter system around the third section of the parison, thereby pinching the parison and providing a closed volume inside the first and second sections of the parison, —arranging a blow conduit in fluid communication with the closed volume inside the second section of the parison, —blowing pre

Abstract: Distiller's Grain (DG) based bio-adhesives consisting of DG biomass, crosslinking agents, and fillers are described as substitutes for formaldehyde based wood glue for making wood panels. Algal bio-adhesives consisting of algal biomass, crosslinking agents, and fillers are described as substitutes for formaldehyde based glue for making wood panels. Processes for preparing such DG based bio-adhesives and algal bio-adhesives are provided, comprising the steps of: combining DG biomass or algal material with a cross-linking agent and inorganic fillers to form a blend; micronization or homogenization of the blend to obtain powdery material; and mixing the powdery material with additional water to form a bio-adhesive.

Abstract: A blow molding device includes a blow molding mold to which a preform is fitted, a blow nozzle that is fitted to a mouth tubular portion of the preform, and a pressurized liquid supply unit configured to supply a pressurized liquid to the blow nozzle, the preform being to be molded into a shape conforming to a cavity of the mold by filling the liquid into the preform through the blow nozzle. The blow nozzle includes a central hole and a plurality of peripheral holes having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the central hole and arranged to surround the central hole. The liquid is filled into the preform through the central hole and the plurality of peripheral holes.

Abstract: A blow cylinder and a method for actuating the same are provided. The blow cylinder includes a blow piston and a brake piston, wherein the brake piston is controlled independently of the actuation of the blow piston towards the extended position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to form a sheet of polymeric material have first and second mold halves which clamp together on a polymeric sheet. A vacuum mechanism draws the sheet into an interior space. The vacuum mechanism has a plurality of controllable vacuum ports positioned about the interior space to direct the vacuum at specific portions of the sheet. Also, the sensing mechanism determines the draw depth of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including a built-in neck, by molding a parison in a mold. The neck is molded by locally deforming the parison using a concave counter-form and a convex form configured to enter the counter-form, these two parts being secured one of them to the mold and the other to a core located inside the mold, or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of making a container includes the step of providing a preform having a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an end portion and an end feature protruding from the end portion. The preform is placed into a mold. The mold has a mold cavity for receiving the preform body and a feature cavity for receiving the end feature. A stretch rod is inserted into the interior cavity of the preform to a position adjacent the end feature, whereby the stretch rod will retain the end feature in the feature cavity. The preform is blow molded into a finished product. The stretch rod retains the end feature in the feature cavity during the blow molding step.

Abstract: A bottle of one-piece integrally formed construction has a body with a closed base and a shoulder at an end of the body remote from the base, and a neck extending from the shoulder along an axis and terminating in a neck finish for attachment of a closure. The bottle neck includes at least one internal embossment for affecting flow of liquid from the body through the neck. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one internal embossment includes at least one internal annular rib or at least one internal rib coplanar with the neck axis or at least one internal spiral rib or at least one internal elliptical rib.

Abstract: A blow-molding method for forming a squeezable or tubular plastic container is provided. The method includes molding a preform having a sidewall, an interior cavity, an open end, a closed end, and a neck adjacent the closed end of the preform. The neck of the preform has an engagement structure. The method includes providing a blow mold system including a blow mold cavity. The method includes placing at least a portion of the preform into the blow mold cavity, and blow molding a one-piece container body from the preform by inflating the preform within the blow mold cavity. The container body has an open end, a closed end and a neck adjacent to the closed end. Wherein the open end of the container body is formed from the open end of the preform, and the closed end of the container body is formed from the closed end of the preform. The method includes creating a dispensing opening through the closed end of the container body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vessels and processes that may be used to fabricate vessels.

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic containers (13) extrudes a plastic tube into opened movable mold parts (5, 7, 9). The main mold parts (7) form the container main part (18). The bottom parts are closed to close and weld the tube bottom end. The tube (3) is widened by a pressure gradient acting on it, forcing the tube against the wall of the mold parts (7, 9) to form the container. The mold parts are then moved into the position to open the mold for removal of the formed container (13). The container bottom is made in the form of a cup-like bottom part (19) axially extending into the container main part (18) by the bottom part being everted into the interior of the container (13) to form a bottom elevation (31).

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: Plastic aerosol container having a thermally crystallized neck finish configured to receive an aerosol valve assembly and an expanded strain oriented aerosol container body integral with the neck finish. A junction between the thermally crystallized neck finish and the strain oriented container body defines a pull point at which strain orientation begins.

Abstract: An improved composite wood adhesive extender, a method of producing the extender, and an adhesive mixture including the extender are provided, wherein the extender has performance satisfactory to the manufacturing needs of composite and ply wood products, while also extending the adhesive at a reasonable cost. The adhesive mixture may comprise a primary and secondary extender. The primary extender is composed of a wood-based product. The secondary extender of the present invention is composed of an amylaceous material comprising 100% substantially uncooked flour or starch, or an amylaceous material comprising 100% substantially uncooked flour or starch blended with a high fiber by-product. Alternatively, the secondary extender is composed of pre-gelatinized flour or starch and a mixture of pre-gelatinized flour or starch with flour comprising an advantageous quantity of raw starch. The secondary extender may substitute for about 25-40% of the primary extender on about a 1:1 ratio basis.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a hollow article provided with an internal component. The process comprises providing a molding station having first and second mold portions together defining a mold cavity. A parison having a top and bottom end is then positioned within the molding station. Using a carrier, at least one component mounted on the carrier is inserted into the parison through the top end of the parison. The parison is then pressed against the component using displaceable mold cores provided in each of first and second mold portions, after which the carrier is removed from the molding station. The top and bottom ends of the parison are sealed, and the molding station is closed. Blow molding pressure is applied to the parison to urge the parison against the contours of the mold cavity, after which the molding station is opened and the formed hollow article is removed.

Abstract: A blow-molding method for forming a squeezable or tubular plastic container is provided. The method includes molding a preform having a sidewall, an interior cavity, an open end, a closed end, and a neck adjacent the closed end of the preform. The neck of the preform has an engagement structure. The method includes providing a blow mold system including a blow mold cavity. The method includes placing at least a portion of the preform into the blow mold cavity, and blow molding a one-piece container body from the preform by inflating the preform within the blow mold cavity. The container body has an open end, a closed end and a neck adjacent to the closed end. Wherein the open end of the container body is formed from the open end of the preform, and the closed end of the container body is formed from the closed end of the preform. The method includes creating a dispensing opening through the closed end of the container body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a vessel is disclosed, wherein a plurality of bosses are disposed in a pattern die having a die cavity with a desired shape, a material is extruded through the mold, the material is blow molded to take the shape of the cavity, and the bosses are adhered to the material.

Abstract: An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.

Abstract: A method of removing flash extending in a plane from a plastic bottle forming a portion of a plastic one-bottle or multi-bottle blow molded log includes continuously moving a log holder and a punch assembly along a path. The untrimmed log is placed on the log holder. The punch assembly carries a punch that moves in a direction perpendicular to the flash to impact and remove the flash.

Abstract: A fuel tank that is substantially impermeable to fuel vapor has a shell with an interior for holding fuel, an opening for receiving fuel into the interior, and a fill nipple with a barrier layer. The fill nipple has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage extending between a pair of generally opposed ends of the fill nipple. One of the ends is attached to the shell such that the passage is aligned with the opening to allow fuel to flow through the passage and into the interior of the fuel tank. The fill nipple has an inner layer of material forming the inner surface, and an outer layer of material forming the outer surface, and has at least one intermediate layer of material forming the barrier layer. The intermediate layer is formed from a material that is different in composition from the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: A method of making a one-piece plastic container includes disposing a preform into a mold cavity having a mold surface. Blowing the preform against the mold surface to form an intermediate container. The intermediate container having a body portion, a spout and a moil portion. An intersection between the spout and the moil portion defines a cutting plane extending at an angle. Severing the moil portion from the spout at the intersection thereby defining an opening into the container at the spout.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including a built-in neck, by molding a parison in a mold. The neck is molded by locally deforming the parison using a concave counter-form and a convex form configured to enter the counter-form, these two parts being secured one of them to the mold and the other to a core located inside the mold, or vice versa.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish.

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming plastic from blow molded one-bottle or two-bottle logs during movement of the logs on log holders moving along a conveyor path extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. The apparatus includes a frame and, connected to the frame, a log conveyor, a punch assembly, and a trim assembly. The punch assembly is located at a first portion of the conveyor path and the trim assembly is located at a different, second portion of the conveyor path. The apparatus trims neck flash and neck rings from logs moving along the path.

Abstract: A method of making a plastic container having a threaded wide-mouth finish includes providing a preform having at least an exterior surface of molded polyester construction. The preform is placed in a mold cavity having a first portion for forming a container body, a second portion adjacent to the first portion for forming a cylindrical finish wall without threads, and a third portion adjacent to the second portion for forming a trim dome or moil. The preform is expanded within the mold cavity to form a one-piece intermediate product that includes a body, a cylindrical wide-mouth finish wall and a moil. After removing the intermediate product from the cavity, the moil is severed from the end of the finish wall. At least one thread is then formed on the finish wall by engaging the finish wall with at least one thread-forming tool, which may be heated to facilitate the forming operation.

Abstract: A horizontal cutter of double-bodied bottles attached to each other at a neck which comprises means (2) for advancing the bottles (3) and a cutting device (1) of the neck of the bottles. The cutting device (1) comprises a pair of blades (7), a pair of rotating plates (4) for drawing the bottles (3) along and a plurality of drive pulleys (9) in contact with the bottles (3), in such a way that as the rotating plates (4) move so do the bottles, at the same time rotating about their axes and in contact with the blades. The horizontal cutter ensures fast and effective cutting of the bottles, while occupying little space.

Abstract: For the manufacture of a polyethylene terephalate (P.E.T.) bottle with an off-centre neck, a preform is heated and its body is slightly angled with respect to its neck by sideways displacement. The preform is inserted in a blowing mould. A tilted stretching rod is advanced into the preform at the same time as it is blown to shape in the mould. The finished bottle has its neck off-centre with respect to the rest of the bottle.

Abstract: A housing is mounted to a slide that transports a series of preforms downward under the influence of gravity through a pre-heating apparatus toward a reheat blow molding machine. The housing is coupled to the slide so that a selected portion of each of the series of preforms is shielded from the general enviroment, and heating elements and directing elements are fixed within the housing so that heat from the heating elements is directed toward the selected portion of each series of preforms as the preforms desend down the slide to achieve a persistent thermal gradient in the preforms prior to the re-heating and blow-molding of the preform.

Abstract: A blow pin assembly is provided for inflating a parison and forming the neck portion of a plastic container in a blow molding apparatus. The blow pin assembly is mountable to a blow rod. It includes a blow pin body including an exterior surface having a tapered portion and a cutting edge beneath the tapered portion. The tapered portion cooperates with the master seal of the mold to automatically center the assembly before the cutting edge engages the shear steels to sever the blow molded article from the mold. The cutting edge adjoins a rim extending substantially perpendicularly from the blow pin body, and can be resharpened one or more times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a container (45″), with an opening (53), whose opening axis (57) is at an angle to the container axis (23), whereby a blank (45) is introduced into a blowing mould (11, 13), a fixing region (47) of the blank (45) pressed against a stop zone (41) on the blowing mould and the blank pneumatically formed in the blowing mould. The fixing region (47) of the blank (45) is pressed against a stop zone (41) on the blowing mould, inclined at an angle other than 90°. The moulding thus occurs such that an opening region axis (58) of the blank (45, 45′) is at an angle to the container region axis (59) of the blank (45, 45′). The opening axis (57), of the blowing mould (11), forms an angle to a longitudinal axis (51) of a stretching drift (49), which may be extended along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A preform assembly for blow molding a container includes a molded plastic preform having a body and a neck with an external surface. The neck includes a plurality of spaced lands molded integrally with the neck and the body and defining the external surface of the neck, and a plurality of open spaces between the lands. A plastic finish ring is molded separately from the preform and is externally secured over the lands. The open spaces between the lands reduce heat transfer between the preform neck and the finish ring. In two exemplary embodiments of the invention, the lands include either spaced axial ribs or spaced circumferential ribs on the preform neck, and the open spaces include either spaced axial channels or spaced circumferential channels between the ribs.

Abstract: A method of making a plastic container having a body and a finish with at least one external thread includes injection or compression molding a plastic preform having a body and a finish with at least one external thread, blow molding the body of the preform to form the body of the container, and either prior to, subsequent to or both prior and subsequent to blow molding the container body, expanding the injection or compression molded preform finish to form a container finish having at least one injection or compression molded external thread. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the finish is expanded after the container body is blow-molded. The invention can be implemented to expand a narrow-neck preform or container finish to a wide-mouth preform or container finish.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a blow molded plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, including heating the neck of the container and bending the heated neck of the container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blow molding a plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, plus a plastic container having an inclined or angled mouth and neck portion.

Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective method of designing and manufacturing a plastic blow molded container having highly artistic sculptural relief. Computer software is utilized to graphically design a container skin shape, create 2-D artwork designs, add 3-D relief to the artwork designs, and apply the artwork to the container skin to develop a desired container. The graphics data of the desired container is utilized to make blow molds which, in turn, are utilized to blow containers. A preferred container is disclosed which has a dome with an intricate fruit basket design.

Abstract: A top block assembly for a container blow mold system is provided together with a method of positioning the neck finish components of the assembly with respect to the front face of a top block half. A method and assembly for positioning a top block half with respect to a main mold half is further provided. The assembly for positioning the neck finish components includes a feeler gauge or spacer that is removably positioned between the top block half and the rear surfaces of the neck finish components. A recess may be provided in the top block half to accommodate the feeler gauge. The positions of the neck finish components with respect to the front face of the top block half are adjusted by positioning a feeler gauge between the top block half and neck finish components. The feeler gauge can be replaced with a second feeler gauge of different thickness in order to change the relative positions of the neck finish components and top block half whenever necessary. A heel is movably mounted to the top block half.

Abstract: Preforms or parisons are blow molded from synthetic resin into hollow articles including a neck region and a body area, the hollow articles having hooks and recessed areas formed into their outside walls. Flexible strings are molded below the neck region of varying thickness in the longitudinal direction to achieve molecular orientation of the synthetic resin. The flexible strings are looped around the hooks or lifted above the neck finishes to form flexible handle containers. Rigid handles or combined flexible string and rigid handle portions are incorporated into the hollow articles to form rigid handle containers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a blow molded plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, including heating the neck of the container and bending the heated neck of the container.

Abstract: A container is made in two stages from material such as thermoplastics that is deformable when heated. In the first stage a preform (1) is injection moulded, the mould parts easily releasing a tubular body (2) with a closed end and an outwardly projecting rim (3) at the open end. On or in the surface of the rim facing away from the body there is a formation such as a spiral rib (5) or groove. In the second stage the still heated preform (1) is blow moulded, possibly with some preliminary mechanical stretching, with the blow pin (9) seated in the open end of the body (2) and the preform held by the outer part (7) of its rim. The wall of the body (2) is expanded and the inner part (4) of the rim is urged away from the blow pin (9), deforming into a short tubular mouth with the formation (5) facing inwards. A spiral becomes a screw thread for receiving a screw-in cover.

Abstract: A sizing device adapted for automatic blow mandril adjustment for plastic blow molding machines is provided with at least blow mandril having a blow nozzle and a cutting edge and forming a module with a blow mandrel carrier. The blow mandril is guided in a guide plane extending perpendicularly to the axis of the blow mandril for adjustment in relation to a module carrier suitable for connection with the blow molding machine in the axial and any desired radial direction and in both directions is respectively able to be locked by means of a respective setting means on the blow mandril carrier adapted to be connected with the module carrier. The blow mandril is urged in relation to the module carrier axially toward the blow nozzle into the home position and is able to be moved in the opposite direction overriding the biasing action as far as engagement with the blow mandrel carrier. The setting means for locking the at least one blow mandril in position are able to be operated by means of pressure medium.

Abstract: The neck finish for a wide range of plastic water dispenser bottles is formed so that it has a smooth, straight inner diameter and is fully calibrated, not requiring any post trimming. The parison is extruded over a fixed blow pin, which also serves as an inner mandrel. The wall thickness of the parison is controlled to provide the desired amount of material to fill the neck area and compression mold the neck body. When the mold is closed on the parison, the area between the cutting ring and striker plate comes into contact to form a calibrated neck finish. The blow pin tip is completely water cooled to the upper end and includes a specially positioned orifices adjacent the end to distribute the blow air so that it spreads out material, thereby reducing material push out and also cools the lower neck area. The assembly is designed to be very rigid, to assist in part de-molding.

Abstract: A process of making a composite vessel with superior mechanical and aesthetic characteristics includes the steps of: A) preforming a composite thermoplastic shell (e.g., by winding a commingled roving of fiberglass and a thermoplastic material onto a thermoplastic liner) having an opening for access to the interior; B) placing the shell (which may optionally be preheated) into a mold (which itself may optionally be preheated); C) introducing an inflatable bag containing a heater into the shell through the opening; D) heating the inflatable bag to a temperature which is sufficient to render the shell fluid while pressurizing the interior of the inflatable bag; E) continuing step D) until the shell forms against the interior walls of the mold; F) allowing the formed composite vessel to cool; G) removing the inflatable bag; and H) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container is provided with a dispensing nozzle terminating in an aperture surrounded by locking lugs. A removable closure portion unitary with the dispensing nozzle and delineated by a frangible web that circumscribes the opening is provided as well so that the closure portion may be severed from the cap portion at the frangible web. An apparatus for fabricating such container is provided which includes a main mold assembly for molding the container body and dual seal mold assemblies for molding the container cap portion and container closure. The main seal mold assembly includes a top surface having a knife edge and an annular cavity. After the main seal mold assembly is closed during the molding process, a forming assembly including a mandrel is extended through the parison into abutting contact with the parison over the top surface of the main seal mold assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a wide mouth blow molded thermoplastic container comprising the steps of i) stretch blow molding from a preform, an intermediate article defining the container with the mouth being threaded and/or flanged, the mouth terminating in an accommodation element having a neck finish that supports the preform in the blow mold; ii) heat setting the intermediate article including the entire container while still in the mold, and iii) removing the intermediate article of manufacture from the mold and severing the accommodation element to produce the container, and an article when made by the method. The method also includes post forming of a rim portion of the container following separation of the container from the accommodation element.

Abstract: The apparatus has means (10, 11) for placing a parison (12) between two portions of a blow mold (14, 16). The parison (12) is put on the head of a blowpipe (32) placed between the two mold portions. On closing the mold, the top end of the parison is pinched in a top region of the mold and the bottom end of the parison is clamped against the blowpipe (32). A pre-blow step is performed on the parison to obtain an envelope which is then turned over by moving the blowpipe (32) upwards together with a turnover piston (34, 36), prior to performing a final blow step.

Abstract: A mold assembly is provided for use in the blow molding of plastic containers such as those used for containing milk or water. The assembly includes a pair of main mold bodies, each having a cavity which is used for forming the main body of the container. A top block assembly is removably mounted to each main mold body. Each top block assembly includes a top block body, a neck finish insert, a shear steel and a master seal. A rotatable cam is operatively associated with the top block assembly. Rotation of the cam causes a front face of the top block assembly to be moved with respect to the front face of the main mold body with which it is associated. Each top block body further includes alignment members, such as alignment pins and/or bushings, for ensuring proper alignment of the top block assemblies along the parting plane of the mold. The alignment members are preferably located at the tonnage pad sections of the top block bodies.

Abstract: A neck-finish top block for use in a container blow-mold system has a base with a vertical parting face. A cam having a cam surface parallel with and separated by a horizontal distance from the vertical parting face rotatably engages the base. Rotation of the cam varies the horizontal distance. A separable heel including a vertical rear surface transverse to and parallel to the vertical parting face is engaged to the base and adapted for horizontal translation relative to and normal to the parting face, and has a cam follower surface for engaging the cam surface such that variation of the horizontal distance varies the horizontal distance between the parting face and the rear surface and facilitates alignment of the parting surface and rear surface of the top block with the parting surface and rear surface of a standard container blow-mold, in spite of possible variations of the blow-mold size.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hose having an expanded portion and a compression formed portion, including making the expanded portion and the compression formed portion integral and almost simultaneously. The manufacturing process is simple and easy, and the number of manufacturing steps is reduced and the cost can be reduced. The process forms the expanded portion and the compression formed portion from a tube. A rigid, middle core member is inserted into at least one end portion of the tube. This structure is then mounted between mold sections which have an expanded interior cavity when closed. The mold sections are then closed and the end between the middle core member and the opposing inner surface of the mold sections are compressed and formed. After that, the tube is expanded in the mold to conform the tube to the cavity surface by introducing pressurized fluid into the interior of the tube. The conformed tube is removed from the mold sections as a hose with expanded and compression formed portions.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical plastic parison is expanded within a blow mold against the internal walls thereof to form a plastic drinking vessel with a rim having substantially smooth inner and outer surfaces thereon. The inner surface is formed by a reciprocating cutter head assembly including an annular cutter blade with an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of wall surfaces of the blow mold adjacent to a peripheral recess in the blow mold in which an external bead on the rim is formed. The cutter blade and cutter head assembly form a dome-shaped top in response to expansion of the parison. When the cutter blade is retracted axially from the blow mold the dome-shaped top is severed from the vessel. In an alternative embodiment the vessel and a partially severed dome-shaped top are removed as an integral unit from the blow mold and the dome-shaped top is then completely severed from the vessel utilizing a rotary cutter blade.