Abstract: A hydraulic mold clamping unit, in particular for an injection molding machines or a press, includes a fixed lower platen and an upper plated which is moved by an open-close mechanism in a vertical direction. The open-close mechanism includes at least one hydraulic cylinder of a first type having a double-acting piston, and at least one hydraulic cylinder of a second type. A hydraulic pump system is operatively connected to both sides of the hydraulic cylinder of first type, and a pressure accumulator is operatively connected to the hydraulic cylinder of second type. In order to realize an energy-efficient operation of the upper platen at little pressure build-up, a proportional or regulation valve is disposed in the pump system for modifying a back pressure in the hydraulic cylinder of first type, when closing the lower and upper platens.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing hollow bodies of plastic by stretch-blow molding heated parisons, in which the parisons are inspected before being heated and at least some of the defective parisons are heated and are not separated out until after being heated. This method and the respective device can be implemented at low cost and with low space requirements and it has only a minor negative effect on output of finished hollow bodies.

Abstract: A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. A feed (96) that supplies the building material to a building space (10) in the device (1) and at least two filler portions (98a, 98b) that are provided at the feed (96) and are independent from one another are provided, wherein one connector (99a, 99b) is provided for each building material supply container (100a, 100b) in order to supply the building material from outside of the device (1).

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a first mold part, a second mold part, and an alignment assembly. The two mold parts have an alignment axis and are configured for mating with each other to delimit molding cavity. The two mold parts respectively have a first surface and a second surface, which face each other. The alignment assembly is associated with the two mold parts and includes a light emitting member and a light receiving member. The two members are linked to the two mold parts, respectively. The light emitting member is configured for delivering light to a first location of the first surface at a predetermined position relative the alignment axis. The light receiving member is configured for receiving the light emitted at a second location of the second surface, at a same position relative the alignment axis as the first location.

Abstract: A filtration device including a filtration medium having a plurality of nanofibers of diameters less than 1 micron formed into a fiber mat in the presence of an abruptly varying electric field. The filtration device includes a support attached to the filtration medium and having openings for fluid flow therethrough. A device for making a filter material. The device includes an electrospinning element configured to electrospin a plurality of fibers from a tip of the electrospinning element, a collector opposed to the electrospinning element configured to collect electrospun fibers on a surface of the collector, and an electric field modulation device configured to abruptly vary an electric field at the collector at least once during electrospinning of the fibers. A method for making a filter material.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the structural integrity of an injection molding machine and/or a component thereof may comprise at least one sensor operatively connected to a component of the injection molding machine. The sensor may transmit a signal representative of the movement of the injection molding machine. A processor may convert this signal into a frequency domain signal and compare it against a frequency template. Changes to the structural integrity of the injection molding machine may result in changes to the system's frequency response spectrum such as, but not limited to, amplification of certain frequency peaks, amplitude variations, changes in the damping characteristics, the shifting of the fundamental mode (i.e., the first natural frequency), shifting of higher order modes (those above the fundamental mode), or the introduction of a new frequency mode of vibration that did not exist prior to the damage of the component.

Abstract: A system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.

Abstract: A device to visualize in-line the polymer melting in plasticating screw machines has an external metallic cylinder to be fixed in radial position regarding the barrel of the plasticating machine, a bushing with an optical window clear to the visible light spectrum resistant to pressure and temperature positioned in such a way that its external face is tangent to the internal surface of the barrel of the plasticating machine, and an internal metallic cylinder to guide the coolant gas and allow the use of an observation probe with operating temperature limits and an illumination system.

Abstract: A molding information printing system, including a network; a molding machine connected to the network; a printer for printing the molding information of the molding machine; a print control section connected to the network independently of the molding machine, for controlling the printer for printing of the molding information; and an instructing section for instructing printing of the molding information and transferring a command to the print control section through the network. The molding machine includes a control unit connected to the network, and the instructing section is provided in the control unit. Also, the system includes a computer connected to the network independently of the molding machine, and the print control section is provided in the computer.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce concrete moulded blocks, using a mould which is subjected to a vibrating process. Said mould comprises a frame (FR) and a moulding insert (FE) which is maintained therein. A device comprising receiving elements arranged in said moulding insert (FE) for receiving a displacement sensor (SE) is provided, in addition to an arrangement comprising said device and at least one sensor. The invention discloses advantageous embodiments and arrangements of said receiving elements. The arrangement of the sensor (SE) on the moulding insert (FE) is particularly advantageous and provides an additional displacement variable for relative displacement between the moulding insert and the frame by combining the displacement variables of a sensor (SE) on the moulding insert (FE) and a sensor (SE) on the frame (FR).

Abstract: A load determining device for an electrically-operated injection molding machine in which a load exerted on a movable part is detected based on the motor current or by an observer, with removing the influence of motor temperature. Upon start of continuous molding, a maximum load detected during retreat motion of an ejector or movable part is stored as a reference value Lr0. In every molding cycle, a maximum detected load Lra during the retraction of the ejector is determined. In the next molding cycle, load La detected during advance of the ejector is corrected based on the reference value Lr0 and the maximum detected load Lra to eliminate the influence of motor temperature rise, thereby determining the load Lfx(n) during the advance of the ejector. When there occurs a change in temperature of the ejector driving motor, the load detected based on the motor current or by the observer varies even if the actual ejector load is constant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy container having an integrated extruder for extruding a quantity of a deformable molding compound. The toy may include a container having a storage portion configured to receive and store components of a molding compound extrusion set, and an extruder portion having an extrusion opening and a receiving chamber configured to receive a quantity of the modeling compound. The toy may further include a lid moveably attached to the container and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The lid may have a plunger extending therefrom, and the receiving chamber may be configured to receive the plunger when the lid moves from the open position to the closed position. The plunger may engage a quantity of modeling compound disposed in the receiving chamber to force the modeling compound through the extruder opening as the lid moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a first mold part, a second mold part, and an alignment assembly. The two mold parts have an alignment axis and are configured for mating with each other to delimit molding cavity. The two mold parts respectively have a first surface and a second surface, which face each other. The alignment assembly is associated with the two mold parts and includes a light emitting member and a light receiving member. The two members are linked to the two mold parts, respectively. The light emitting member is configured for delivering light to a first location of the first surface at a predetermined position relative the alignment axis. The light receiving member is configured for receiving the light emitted at a second location of the second surface, at a same position relative the alignment axis as the first location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing inspection method for the cyclic production of injection-molded parts in multi-cavity casting molds involving a row-by-row monitoring of the injection-molded parts after they are removed from the casting molds, said monitoring being effected by sensors, particularly, photoelectric barriers. The invention also relates to an inspection device used during the cyclic production of injection-molded parts in multi-cavity casting molds involving a row-by-row monitoring of the injection-molded parts after they are removed from the casting molds, said monitoring being effected by sensors, particularly, photoelectric barriers.

Abstract: Improved powder compacting apparatus for feeding powder between rollers to form a compressed material with enhanced physical properties including uniformity to facilitate forming tablets and similar items therefrom. Side seals confine the powder between the rollers and can be movable independently from the rollers and optionally independently from one another to enhance even compaction. A housing defines a guide channel with a linear feed and shearing zone immediately prior to the nip zone for smoothing and leveling powder flow. One or more vents are provided for releasing gases generated.

Abstract: Installation to produce reinforced concrete parts, including a first conveyor (1) on which the model of the parts to be produced is carried out, a second conveyor (2) for the part drying and an outlet (3) to withdraw the formed parts, being formed the first conveyor (1) of a metal sheet band, on which a marking pencil (12) carries out the drawing to determine the forms of the parts, forming the cases of the mentioned forms respect to some continuous side bands (11) which are situated on the metal belt (1) in combined movement with it.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling parts ejected from an injection molding machine (10). More particularly, in one aspect, the invention is directed to a system (20) whereby data molded into the ejected part is used to provide useful feedback for the molding process. In another aspect, molded parts formed in a multiple molding die (12) are ejected from the die in a manner to maintain the relative sequential or matrix organization so that useful feedback information can be generated. This system is particularly useful with subsequent machine vision and inspection applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member includes a forming chamber adapted to receive a fluent fibrous material and a forming surface moveable within the forming chamber and adapted to collect fibrous material to form the absorbent member. A source of reinforcing web is disposed exteriorly of the forming chamber. A delivery tube has an inlet end open to the forming chamber exterior, a discharge end open to the forming chamber interior, and a central passage extending between the inlet end and the discharge end. At least a portion of the delivery tube adjacent the discharge end extends within the forming chamber interior. The delivery tube is arranged for receiving the reinforcing web from the source of reinforcing web into the central passage of the tube at the inlet end and for guiding the web to the discharge end for conveyance within the forming chamber toward the forming surface.

Abstract: In a molding machine, a fixed platen which supports a fixed die is disposed on one end of a base plate. A movable platen which supports a movable die and a supporting mount which supports each one end portion of the four tie bars are mounted on slide units. The movable platen and the supporting mount are advanced so as to close the die, a tip portion of each tie bar is locked to the fixed platen by a lock mechanism, and a die clamping cylinder provided on the movable platen is actuated to generate a clamping force so as to execute molding. After that, the lock mechanism executes an unlocking operation so as to cause the movable platen and the supporting mount to retreat to a die open position. Furthermore, an attaching and detaching mechanism releases the die clamping cylinder so as to cause only the supporting mount to significantly retreat from the movable platen, and thus the four tie bars are completely evacuated from the fixed die and the movable die.

Abstract: A pipe for supplying a dope to a co-casting die consists of a gooseneck portion connected to a feed block of the co-casting die, and a straight pipe portion connected to the gooseneck portion. The gooseneck portion has a radius of curvature of 50 mm to 400 mm, and the straight pipe portion forms an angle of 0 to 20 degrees to the horizontal plane. Venting valves are opened up at the beginning of dope feeding. and are closed to some extent as the dope comes out. After the air is completely vented out, the venting valves are completely closed. Thereby, an air collection is completely let out from the pipe, a plastic web discharged from die lips of the co-casting die would not contain any air bubbles, it is prevented that the web splashes to put on the die lips, causing streaks on the produced film.

Abstract: A vertical injection molding machine designed to move up/down a large weight by a toggle link mechanism so as to perform mold opening/closing. In a foreign matter detection region where a mold opening/closing servo-motor is subjected to speed feedback control during a mold closing process, a measured torque value of the mold opening/closing servo-motor is compared with a standard torque characteristic curve with no foreign matter between dies. Between a start position of the foreign matter detection region and a position of the foreign matter detection region in which a torque value is zero in the standard torque characteristic curve, it is concluded that there is a foreign matter between the dies when the measured torque is lower than the standard torque characteristic curve by a predetermined value or more.

Abstract: A mold monitoring apparatus for an injection molding machine captures an image of a cavity portion of an opened mold, and determines the state of the cavity portion by means of image processing. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit, an image capturing unit, and an image processing unit. The light emitting unit projects onto the cavity portion light rays other than visible light rays. The image capturing unit includes an image sensor for capturing reflection light rays that travel from the cavity portion to the image sensor via a filter for blocking visible light rays. The image processing unit determines the state of the cavity portion on the basis of an image signal output from the image sensor and through image processing.

Abstract: A crosshead position Cf for obtaining a set mold clamping force is obtained based on a mold touch position Ct obtained in mold clamping process in immediately preceding molding cycle, and a crosshead is allowed to move to the position Cf. During that time, it is determined whether a load La of a servomotor for mold clamping operation which drives a toggle mechanism exceeds a judgment load Ls, and a crosshead position Ca when the load La exceeds the judgment load Ls is stored as a mold touch position. In the next molding cycle, a crosshead position Cf where the set mold clamping force is obtained is obtained based on this stored mold touch position.

Abstract: In an injection mold comprising a stationary and a movable mold half for opening and closing the injection mold, an electronic data storage with a counter for detecting and retrievably recording the number of injection molding procedures and the number of closing movements of the mold halves in the data storage is provided and the data storage is removably mounted on the injection mold and, furthermore, a sensor is provided for recording the mounting state of the data storage and also a time recording element for determining any time period for which the data storage was removed from the data storage.

Abstract: A potter's wheel for working clay and other pottery material on a turntable driven by a DC brushless motor. In order that driving speed is not affected by the load due to user's access to the work of clay, the speed of the motor detected by a speed detector is fed back to a speed control signal generator and a motor driving control signal is generated as a function of the difference between the detected motor speed and a directed speed inputted through a speed setter in response to the operation to a manipulation member. Then, a motor control generates such a motor driving signal as to make the motor driving control signal zero, with the motor driving signal being fed to the motor, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the turntable to be a directed value regardless of the load applied to the turntable via the work.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a honeycomb structure provided with an extruder for the honeycomb structure capable of extruding a honeycomb structure in the gravity direction or an oblique direction at an angle of smaller than 30° with the gravity direction and at least one cradle, said apparatus being provided with a means of being able to place the honeycomb structure extending in length with progress of extrusion on the cradle with cell opening end face 9 of the honeycomb structure being pressure contacted with the cradle under a pressure smaller than the compressive strength at the end face and then to move the cradle at a speed capable of keeping the pressure contact state and in the same direction as the lengthwise direction of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A microencapsulation apparatus is provided which is configured to form co-axial multi-lamellar microcapsules from materials discharged from first and second microsphere dispensers of the apparatus. A method of fabricating and processing microcapsules is also provided which includes forming distinct droplets comprising one or more materials and introducing the droplets directly into a solution bath to form a membrane around the droplets such that a plurality of microcapsules are formed. A microencapsulation system is provided which includes a microcapsule production unit, a fluidized passage for washing and harvesting microcapsules dispensed from the microcapsule production unit and a flow sensor for sizing and counting the microcapsules. In some embodiments, the microencapsulation system may further include a controller configured to simultaneously operate the microcapsule production unit, fluidized passage and flow sensor to process the microcapsules in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of a system may include a mold assembly, a lens curing apparatus, a mold filling apparatus and a controller. In some embodiments, the system may include a conveyor system and/or a coating apparatus.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers (20) includes a columnator (26) and sound detector (24) responsive to a defect sound of pressure fluid escaping from a container being formed in a mold cavity (14). The columnator is effective to filter the defect sound from ambient noise. An output signal generated by the sound detector is processed to generate a control signal used to reject a defective container. Preferably, the open end of the columnator is positioned between 20° and 150° from the preform loading station in a rotary platform (12) blow molding machine.

Abstract: A part-forming machine having an in-mold integrated vision system and method therefor for verifying the presence, absence and quality of molded parts therein. The image of the mold and/or part is acquired at a substantially parallel angle relative to the image-capturing source thereby allowing the imaging of the mold while the mold is opening thus increasing the resolution, speed and accuracy of part-forming machine imaging systems.

Abstract: Provided is a molding apparatus for molding simultaneously a plurality of semiconductor devices. The molding apparatus includes a mold, a plurality of plungers, and a plunger block. The mold is prepared to mold a plurality of semiconductor devices. The plurality of plungers are plunged into the mold to inject a molding compound that will encapsulate the semiconductor devices in the mold. The plurality of plungers are assembled with the plunge block to operate at the same time. Each of the plurality of plungers includes a load sensor and/or a contact sensor, so as to sense separately whether the plungers are improperly operating.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes an injection mold, a mold injector, and means for monitoring the injection mold process using acoustic energy. The injection mold includes a cavity for receiving an injection mold material, such as a polymer as injected via the mold injector. The monitoring system includes an acoustic energy generator, an ultrasonic crystal, and an energy monitoring device. The acoustic energy generator produces continuous acoustic energy to be non-invasively applied to the injection mold as the polymer is delivered into the mold. The energy monitoring device monitors changes in dynamic parameters of a resulting continuous resonant frequency established by the acoustic energy generator through the ultrasonic crystal. The ultrasonic crystal serves also as a transducer to receive an output signal from the mold to be delivered to the energy monitoring device.

Abstract: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a honeycomb structure having an extruder, at least one cradle and a cutting device comprising a small-gage wire for cutting the honeycomb structure and a notching member; said cradle is provided with a means capable of moving the honeycomb structure extruded from the extruder in the lengthwise direction of the honeycomb structure at nearly the same speed as the extrusion speed of the honeycomb structure, said cutting device is constructed so that the cutting small-gage wire is moved to the honeycomb structure side on the same plane as the plane of stretched small-gage wire, a cutting induction groove is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the honeycomb structure by the notching member, and immediately thereafter the cutting small-gage wire is positioned in the induction groove, and the cutting small-gage wire is pressed into the honeycomb structure to cut the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: Injection-moulding machine with at least one handling device, with an electronic stored-program control (SPC) for the injection-moulding machine and an electronic stored-program control for the handling device, characterized in that the stored-program control (SPC IMM, 17) for the injection-moulding machine (IMM) and the stored-program control (SPC R, 29) for the handling device (10) are realized on one and the same, common digital computer (30).

Abstract: A rotating circular die for mounting on an extruder. The die incorporates an inner component comprising a cone with support independent of the outer component and extruder, thereby permitting forward and backward adjustment of the inner component in relation to the outer component during actual processing. Independent support for the inner cone eliminates the sanitary and microbial concerns that are present when die assemblies are housed within the extruder. The inner cone is self-centering to provide extrudate of uniform thickness and capable of imparting rotational shearing stresses on the extrudate to provide for starch alignment. The rotation of the inner component considered with the positional adjustability produces uniform extrudate as well as minimizes production downtime by reducing clogging and backup risks and providing for easy clean up.

Abstract: An apparatus which extrudes flowable material from a liquifier includes a system for loading filament supplied in a cassette. The cassette is loaded into a loading bay of the apparatus. A strand of filament from the cassette is engaged and advanced along a path to the liquifier using a drive wheel or roller pair. A conduit having an entrance in the loading bay guides the filament as it is advanced. The filament loading system of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: In the production of a spunbond web by aerodynamically stretching thermoplastic filaments from a spinneret, the stretching nozzle is formed by two nozzle-forming units each of which has a temperature control device, especially a heater, to minimize deformation at the stretching nozzle defining wall. The result is a reduction in the tolerance of the basis weight of the spunbond web.

Abstract: Method and system for the weighing of sheets (6) of wood material on a sheet forming line, on which line the sheets are carried on a conveyor from a sheet forming apparatus and cooled down in a cooling turn gear comprising a cooling wheel (3) provided with radial supporters (5). The sheets (6) are weighed using a weighing system (8) which has been fitted in the cooling turn gear and which weights the sheets (6) when they are turned to an upright position or at least to a nearly upright position. The invention makes it possible to leave out the conveyor weight meter from the press line, thus allowing the press line to be made shorter. The weighing accuracy is substantially better than in a conventional conveyor weight meter solution because only the sheet itself is weighed instead of weighing the relatively heavy conveyor together with the light sheets on it.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling parts ejected from an injection molding machine (10). More particularly, in one aspect, the invention is directed to a system (20) whereby data molded into the ejected part is used to provide useful feedback for the molding process. In another aspect, molded parts formed in a multiple molding die (12) are ejected from the die in a manner to maintain the relative sequential or matrix organization so that useful feedback information can be generated. This system is particularly useful with subsequent machine vision and inspection applications.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of a system may include a mold assembly, a lens curing apparatus, a mold filling apparatus and/or a controller.

Abstract: There is provided a molding machine controlling unit and method capable of preventing the operation of a molding machine from suddenly stopping due to the temperature of an electric motor.

Abstract: A sealing device (12) is provided for the cyclical opening and closing of the injection mould (M) and for applying the sealing force on a mould sealing unit on an injection moulding machine for the working of plastics. The sealing device is supported on a support. A high resolution surface deflection sensor (13) is provided as sensor means for recording the tool securing force and the sealing force, which is arranged on the support for the sealing device (12). A simple, economic and reliable measuring system is thus achieved, which can record the forces throughout the whole cycle.

Abstract: A waveform monitoring apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder which is incorporated in an injection molding device and ejects a molding material, a sensor which generates pressure data of the hydraulic cylinder, a determinant which forms a measured value waveform based on the pressure data and determines whether the pressure data exceeds a reference pressure waveform by a predetermined range, a marking applier which applies a marking to an excess portion of the measured value waveform determined by the determinant.

Abstract: A device (1) for conveying and checking containers, in particular preforms, comprises an infeed and accumulation section (2) for containers arriving from a forming station and a carrousel (3) located downstream of the infeed and accumulation section (2) in the direction of feed of the containers, to feed the containers through a sequence of checking stations (4) disposed in the periphery of carrousel (3). The infeed section is intermittently supplied with containers by the forming station while the carrousel (3) turns continuously. An endless chain (5) extends along a path defined by driving gearwheels (6) which partially overlaps the infeed and accumulation section (2) and the circular trajectory of the carrousel (3). A first and second driving gearwheels (9a, 9b) positioned along the path followed by the endless chain (5) are mobile to compensate the variations in the length of a delivery section and a return section of the chain (5).

Abstract: A stationary platen (14) and a movable platen (18), which are connected with each other by tie rods (28), to which metallic molds are respectively attached, are opened and closed by an electrically driven ball screw mechanism. The movable platen is composed of a platen body and a pressure plate (304) attached to the platen body which can be contacted with and separated from the platen body. Between the movable platen and the pressure plate, clamping is conducted by the expansion and contraction of a bladder (318) into which hydraulic oil for clamping can be introduced. The bladder houses an insert die (320), the shape of which is identical with an internal shape of the bladder, and a hydraulic oil path is formed in the insert die. While a ball screw member (102) of an electrically driven ball screw mechanism is being supported being capable of moving in the axial direction, a brake means (130) for restricting rotation is provided, and a mold releasing cylinder mechanism (116) is connected.

Abstract: An injection apparatus includes an injection frame, a stator attached to the injection frame, a rotor disposed radially inward of the stator to be rotatable relative to the stator, and a ball screw disposed radially inward of the rotor. The rotor includes a hollow and cylindrical member disposed radially outward of the ball screw, and a magnet attached to an outer circumference of the hollow and cylindrical member.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip molding apparatus includes an upper platen including an upper mold, a lower platen including a lower mold having a molding block configured to receive a lead frame, a controller, and an electrical detector for forming an electrical circuit between the controller and the lead frame when the lead frame is oriented improperly on the lower mold. A low-level test voltage is imparted to at least the lower mold. As a result, an electrical signal will flow from the detecting block when the lead frame rests on the detecting block. When such a signal is detected, therefore, the lead frame is determined as having been improperly set on the molding block. The signal generated is detected by a controller and used thereby to interrupt the operation of the molding apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a hot and a cold fluid reservoirs joined through a conduit and valving system to one or more pair of expandable bladders. A pump is engaged with the conduit system so as to enable the directing of the hot fluid from one of the reservoirs to one or more of the bladders and to enable directing the cold fluid from the other of the reservoirs to one or more of the other of the bladders. The bladders are mutually joined such that with either the hot or the cold bladders filled, both of the bladders are pressed against one or more workpieces, whereby heat is delivered to the workpieces when the one of the bladders, of each pair, is filled, and heat is extracted from the workpieces when the other, of each pair, of the bladders is filled while the other is deflated.

Abstract: A blow molding machine including at least a blow mold (12), wherein is introduced a preform (14) previously produced by injection molding, and a blow nozzle (22) for injecting pressurized air into the preform (14). It is equipped with a device for orienting the preform in the mold, the device including a grip member (30) adapted to grip the preform (14) by its neck (18) when it is engaged in the mold (12); a device (66) for driving in rotation the grip member (30); a device for detecting (70) at least a reference angular position of the preform (14); and a control device to cause the grip member to rotate until the detecting device detects the reference angular position of the preform.