Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic containers includes: a forming machine for producing plastic preforms; a blow-moulding machine for blowing the preforms to obtain containers, provided with a blow-moulding carousel having a plurality of blow-moulding moulds that expand the preforms to obtain the containers; a thermal conditioning station interposed between the forming machine and the blow-moulding machine; a storage station, configured for receiving and containing preforms; a supplying system for feeding the thermal conditioning station with preforms contained in the storage station.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for consistently maintaining the surface temperature of the parison molds within a desired range. Implementation of this system/method can result in more consistent production of higher quality parisons and molded articles. Additionally, this system/method reduces the discretion required by the IBM operator and shifts the burden of consistently making high-quality parisons and molded articles onto the designer of the IBM tooling.

Abstract: In an aspect, an injection molding machine is provided and incorporates a mold block with a plurality of sides including an injection side at which hollow parts are formed in mold cavities, a first post-mold cooling side whereat the hollow parts are cooled, and a part transfer side where parts are transferred out of the mold block. Optionally additional post-mold cooling sides are provided. A takeout structure is provided to remove the hollow parts from molding cores on the injection side, to transfer the hollow parts to the first post-mold cooling side, and to subsequently transfer the hollow parts to the part transfer side. The takeout structure holds the hollow parts by their neck portions and cools their neck portions.

Abstract: Plastic container manufacturing plant comprising devices for injection-compression of plastic in molds and effected by means of at least one rotary carousel actuated by electro-pneumatic actuators, of the single-stage type integrating at least one first rotary carousel (2) for molding of the preforms and a second rotary carousel (7) for stretch blow molding of the preforms. Moreover, the plant comprises a transport system (5) between said first (2) and second rotary carousel (7) comprising further handling wheels, of which at least one (8) comprises means for thermal conditioning of the preforms.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an injection stretch blow molding device includes an injection molding section that produces N (N is an integer equal to or larger 2) preforms by injection molding, a cooling section that subjects the N preforms transferred from the injection molding section to forced cooling, a heating section that continuously transfers and heats the N cooled preforms, and a blow molding section that subjects the N heated preforms to stretch blow molding in n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2) operations, the blow molding section simultaneously stretch blow molding M (M=N/n, M is a natural number) preforms among the N preforms into M containers.

Abstract: A method for providing an internal surface temperature profile of a thermoplastic preform (10, 22) during a stretch blow molding production process comprising at least the steps of: (a) heating a plurality of in-line cold preforms (10) in the production process to provide a plurality of in-line heated preforms (22); (b) diverting at least one of the in-line heated preforms to provide at least one off-line heated preform (30); (c) providing the remaining the in-line heated preforms to one or more stretch blow molds (24) for forming the heated preforms into blow molded products (12); and (d) locating one or more temperature sensors (34, 36) inside the or each off-line heated preform (30) of step (b) to provide an inside surface temperature profile of said preform(s).

Abstract: Ovens for preforms in plastic material, applicable in particular but not exclusively to blowing machines and stretch blowing machines, are provided.

Abstract: A heating device and a heating method for a blow molding machine comprise a heating element for radiating heat radiation for heating of preforms. A bottom reflector is movable relative to a counter reflector and is arranged opposite to the heating element for reflection of heat radiation radiated by the heating element in the direction of the preforms. A setting device is used for setting a position (LA+BM, LB+BM) of the bottom reflector relative to the counter reflector.

Abstract: A method of treating devices of a plant for producing plastics material containers may include the steps of selection of at least one treatment device, acting upon the treatment device with a sterilization temperature in order to sterilize the treatment device, supplying at least one plastics material pre-form to the treatment device, shaping the plastics material pre-form to form a plastics material container, and removal of the at least one plastics material container from the treatment device.

Abstract: A device for molding plastic blanks to give plastic containers with a blow mold may include a cavity within which a plastic blank may be molded to give a plastic container. The blow mold has a base part to form a base section of the container. The base part defines the cavity. The device may include a filling device for introducing a gaseous medium into the plastic blank via the mouth thereof, in order to expand the plastic blank within the blow mold, with a rod-like body, which may be moved relative to the blow mold in order to draw the plastic blank during the molding process. The base part has a forming section defining the cavity, for forming the base section of the container which matches the shape of the base section of the container, and the forming section has a projection running in the direction of the cavity in a central region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding device (10) for a machine for manufacturing containers, in particular bottles, made of a thermoplastic material by blow-molding or stretch blow-molding a preheated preform. The molding device (10) includes: two half-molds (14), each of which is provided with a half-cavity (16) and each of which includes a sealing surface (18) and an outer surface (20); two mold carriers (34), each of which has a recess (40) for receiving a corresponding half-mold (14); and an attachment element (44, 52) for removably attaching each half-mold (14) into the recess (40) of the corresponding mold carrier (34), characterized in that the attachment element (44, 52) is controlled by the attraction of the half-mold (14) against the back wall (42) of the recess (40) of the mold carrier (34).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the heating of plastics material pre-forms (10) with a conveying device (2) which conveys the plastics material pre-forms (10) along a pre-set conveying path (T), with at least one heating element (4) which is arranged along the conveying path (P) of the plastics material pre-forms (10) and which heats the plastics material pre-forms (10), wherein in addition a cooling device is provided which cools the plastics material pre-forms (10) and/or at least one element of the apparatus (1) during the heating of the plastics material pre-forms (10) by acting upon them with a gaseous medium.

Abstract: A container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The container includes a finish, a sidewall portion extending from the finish, and a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity. The base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container. The container also includes at least one strap extending along the base portion in the transverse direction. The strap defines a strap surface, and the strap surface is spaced offset in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from the contact surface. The strap surface extends in the transverse direction to be adjacent the sidewall portion such that the at least one strap surface is visible from a side of the container.

Abstract: The injection stretch blow molding device includes an injection molding section that produces N (N is an integer equal to or larger 2) preforms by injection molding, a cooling section that subjects the N preforms transferred from the injection molding section to forced cooling, a heating section that continuously transfers and heats the N cooled preforms, and a blow molding section that subjects the N heated preforms to stretch blow molding in n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2) operations, the blow molding section simultaneously stretch blow molding M (M=N/n, M is a natural number) preforms among the N preforms into M containers.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for manufacturing plastic containers with a heating device (2) for heating plastic preforms (10) and a shaping device (4) for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers, which shaping device is located downstream of the heating device (2) in a transportation direction of the plastic preforms, and with a transportation device (6), which transports the plastic preforms separately through the heating device (2) by means of a multiplicity of transport elements (14). Herein, the apparatus (1) is equipped with a stopper device (8) for temporary interruption of the flow of plastic preforms (10) to the heating device (2), wherein this stopper device (8) enables an interruption of the flow for individual plastic preforms (10). According to the invention, the heating device (2) is equipped with a multiplicity of heating elements (18) to heat individual plastic preforms (10) or groups of plastic preforms (10).

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of molding a large returnable container includes a heat treatment step for subjecting a thick preform formed of a polyester resin or a primary blow-molded article to intermediate blow molding with heating to obtain an intermediate molded article, and a final blow molding step that includes subjecting the intermediate molded article that has shrunk to final blow molding with heating to obtain a large returnable container. The heat treatment step includes disposing the preform or the primary blow-molded article in a heat treatment mold, and pressurizing the preform or the primary blow-molded article so that a shoulder and a body obtained by blow molding close contact to a cavity surface of the heat treatment mold, and are subjected to a heat treatment, the shoulder being heated at a low temperature as compared with the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heating of plastics material pre-forms includes a conveying device, which conveys the plastics material pre-forms along a pre-determined conveying path, and at least one heating device, which heats the plastics material pre-forms during the transportation thereof. The conveying path of the plastics material pre-forms extends at least locally through a sterile room, wherein the sterile room is separated from the environment by a plurality of walls.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for blow-molding containers are disclosed. A parison made of a thermoplastic material is first subjected to a thermal treatment in the zone of a heating section along a conveying path. The parison is then shaped into the container within a blow mold under the effect of a blowing pressure. Once the container has been blow-molded, a wall thickness is measured on at least one vertical level of the container. A preset value for the wall thickness is fed to a controller as a desired value, and the measured wall thickness is fed thereto as an actual value. The controller presets the quantity of at least one parameter influencing the blowing process in accordance with a difference between the desired value and the actual value. More specifically, the controller presets the quantity of at least one parameter influencing the supply of blowing gas. The quantity of the parameter is preset on the basis of a blowing process simulation model implemented in the controller.

Abstract: A device for forming containers from heated parisons of thermoplastic material, which includes a heating section and a blow molding unit provided with at least one blow molding station. The parisons are held along at least a portion of a transport path between the heating section and the blow molding unit by a carrying element, which has a head that can be inserted into a mouth section of a parison and which includes at least two positionable clamping elements. At least one of the clamping elements is positioned in a recess provided on a side of the head relative to a longitudinal axis of the carrying element. The recess has upper and lower sliding surfaces that extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis for acting on the clamping element. The upper head part and the lower head part are braced relative to each other by at least one spring.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a spring tube melting machine of an air suspension system. The spring tube melting machine includes an inner molding part (100) and an outer molding part (200), which can mold an integrated spring tube by compressing half-finished spring tube materials at high temperature in order prevent bad molding due to the remaining air and overlap of spring tube materials and simplify maintenance due to repeated use.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously forming and filling a container comprising a mold having a mold cavity defining an internal surface and adapted to accept a preform, a pressure source urging a first liquid toward the preform, means for maintaining a desired saturation of gas in solution in the first liquid, and a blow nozzle adapted to receive the first liquid from the pressure source and transfer the first liquid at a pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and create a resultant container, wherein the first liquid remains within the container as an end product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing more than one inflatable cuff per blow molding operation is provided. The method includes using two or more molds arranged in series and/or in parallel to simultaneously form two or more cuffs. The two or more cuffs may then be used in the manufacture of two or more respective endotracheal tubes. Apparatuses and systems for simultaneously forming the two or more cuffs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven for preforms in plastic material, and particularly to a heating module to be used in said oven. Particularly, the present invention relates to a heating module (10) for ovens (1) for heating preforms (P).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moulding plastic preforms into plastic containers, including a transport unit, on which a plurality of moulding stations is provided and which moves the moulding stations along a predefined transport path, wherein the moulding stations respectively have blow mould parts that are movable relative to each other, the parts are movable relative to each other for opening and closing blow moulds; and including a clean room that surrounds a transport path, along which the moulding stations are transported, and which is separated from an environment by at least one wall; wherein the apparatus includes a cooling system for cooling at least one element of the respective moulding stations; and wherein the apparatus includes a supply unit that supplies a gaseous medium to the clean room. The apparatus also includes a drying unit for drying the gaseous medium supplied to the clean room via the supply unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping plastics material preforms into plastics material containers, having a multiplicity of shaping stations arranged on a movable carrier. The shaping stations each comprise blow moulds, inside which the plastics material preforms can be shaped into plastics material containers by application of a free-flowing medium, as well as blow mould carriers for holding these blow moulds. The blow mould carriers comprise at least two blow moulding carrier parts movable in relation to one another to open and close the blow moulds, and having at least one fastening element, via which at least one element of the shaping stations is arranged on the carrier. A clean chamber surrounds the individual shaping stations, at least in part, so that the shaping stations are movable inside this clean chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for tempering plastics material pre-forms with a tempering mould for tempering an outer wall of the plastics material pre-forms, wherein the tempering mould has at least one first mould part which is movable and wherein the first mould part contacts a first wall portion of the plastics material pre-form at least for a time, in order to temper this wall portion. The apparatus has a supply unit in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms to the tempering mould, and this supply unit has a holding device for holding the plastics material pre-forms as well as a movement device which, in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms into the tempering mould, produces a relative movement between the plastics material pre-form and at least one portion of at least one mould part in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastics material pre-form.

Abstract: A plant for blow-molding plastic containers (2), particularly bottles, from respective parisons (3) is equipped with a plurality of molding units (15), each having at least two respective cavities (19) for blow-molding respective containers (2), and with a transfer device (39) for transferring the parisons (3) from a flexible feed conveyor (41) to the respective molding cavities (19). The transfer device (39) is connected to the flexible feed conveyor (41) at a transfer station (40), where the spacing (P1) of the parisons (3) is equal to the distance (D2) between the longitudinal axes (19a) of the molding cavities (19) of one molding unit (15).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a heated mould (12, 14, 16) of a device (10) for blow-moulding thermoplastic containers, the device including: a mould (12, 14, 16) having an internal face which delimits a moulding cavity (18) and which includes an external face (20, 28) which surrounds the moulding cavity (18); heating elements for heating the mould to a determined temperature and which are deactivated when the cooling method is implemented; characterized in that the mould (12, 14, 16) is cooled by circulating heat-transfer fluid directly in contact with the external face (20, 28) thereof.

Abstract: An oven (10) for the thermal conditioning of preforms made of a thermoplastic material, includes at least one cooling circuit (6) with air flow circulation which sequentially extends from the upstream side to the downstream side through at least one cooling air intake area (16a), a heating area (16b) in which a preform heating element (22) and the cooling air flow projected by ventilation elements are provided, and an air extraction area (16c) to which at least one air extraction duct (42) is connected, characterized in that the oven includes a confining housing that extends from the air extraction duct to at least the heating area, and is capable of insulating at least the heating area from the outside of the oven in order to prevent the pollution of the inside of the oven by airborne pollution particles.

Abstract: Installation for heating the bodies (1) of thermoplastic preforms (2) with a view to manufacturing containers by blow-molding or stretch-blow-molding, while the preforms (2) are being moved along with their bodies (1) following a predetermined path (T), this installation comprising at least one directional source (5) of electromagnetic radiation directed towards a location (E) on the path (T); the source (5) is inclined by an angle (?) of between about 60° and 10° and preferably less than about 45°, with respect to the tangent (6) to the path (T) at the location (E); thus, the electromagnetic radiation can pass through several preform bodies or parts of bodies without being appreciably reflected back towards the source (5).

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having upper and lower die sets and a plurality of upper and lower mold half blocks each attached to a respective die set. Each of the upper mold half blocks has a corresponding lower mold half block with which it cooperatively defines one or more cavities for forming the exterior shape of the body of one or more of the parisons. The individual, independent attachment of the mold half blocks to the die sets allows easy individual replacement of faulty or worn mold blocks. Further, such an independent attachment configuration also permits the mold half blocks of each die set to be spaced from one another, so as to reduce thermal expansion problems and ease dimensional tolerances required for the width of the mold half blocks.

Abstract: The equipment consists of a mould (1) with external heating elements (3) and with asymmetric heads (4) at the ends thereof, allowing insertion of the corresponding tubular profile or plastic tube (6) inside the already hot mould (1) at the same temperature as the actual mould (1) in order to prevent any heat exchange. The mould (1) is mounted on a support (2) that can tilt and rotate, while the heads (4) include a vacuum take-off orifice (5), fastening means (7) for the plastic tube (6), which, once inserted into the mould (1) rests on the lower generatrix of the latter, and inlet (8) and outlet (9) means for fluids for expanding the plastic tube (6) and for cooling same, the mould (1) incorporating, on the side, an inlet orifice for a lubricating fluid that facilitates removal of the plastic tube (1) once the latter has been shaped. The tube (6) expands owing to the introduction of the expander fluid through the inlet (8).

Abstract: A blow molding machine with a stationary and a rotating part, comprising a tempering device for tempering blow molds of the blow molding machine using a medium, and a respective method, characterized in that the tempering device is arranged within the blow molding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms to form plastics material containers includes a conveying device on which a plurality of blowing stations are arranged. Each of these blowing stations has a blow mold inside which a plastics material pre-form is capable of being shaped to form a plastics material container. The apparatus has a clean room inside which the plastics material pre-forms can be conveyed. The region of the conveying device on which the blowing stations are arranged is situated in the clean room, and at least one further region of the conveying device is arranged outside the clean room.

Abstract: A hollow stretching rod (10) of a device for blow molding containers is disclosed, wherein the stretching rod (10) has a temperature control medium in an internal conduit (12) for controlling the temperature, and wherein a distance is formed, at least over a certain portion, between the internal conduit (12) and an inner wall (14) of an outer enclosure (13) of the stretching rod (10).

Abstract: A method and device for producing blow-molded containers, at least some regions of which are sterile. A parsion made of thermoplastic material is first heated and then exposed to a pressurized fluid. A sterilization means is introduced into an area of the parison. Sterilization is carried out at a sterilization site a spatial distance away from a blowing unit, which shapes the parison. Instead of maintaining the entire area of the blowing device as a sterile space, the parison is transported from the sterilization site to the blowing unit at least along a portion of a transport path along a sterile channel.

Abstract: Systems for spacing and transferring objects between operative stations are provided. Such systems can be used with ovens for preforms for plastic material, in blowing or stretch-blowing machines and for other applications in the packaging field. Such systems provide spacing and transferring of objects advancing in procession on transport elements, from a minimum pitch to a preset pitch larger than said minimum pitch, and for transferring said spaced objects to handling elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastics-material performs includes a conveying device which conveys the plastics-material performs along a pre-determined conveying path. A heating device is arranged along this conveying path and which heats the plastics-material performs. The apparatus has at least one first contacting element arranged downstream with respect to the heating device for acting upon a wall of the plastic-material perform with a temperature profile varying in a peripheral direction and/or longitudinal direction of the plastics-material perform. The contacting element touches with a contact face a pre-determined region— bounded in the peripheral direction and/or longitudinal direction of the plastics-material performs— of a wall of the plastics-material perform in order to act upon this region with a temperature profile different from regions not touched by the contacting element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating of preforms formed of plastic with infrared radiation, whereby the preform is struck by cooling air at its neck finish and on its body. Furthermore, the infrared radiators are struck by cooling air at their ends. The invention relates to a heating device in which the three cooling air streams may be controlled or regulated independently from each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers by a blow molding machine, where the blow molding machine is operated such that at least two different plastic containers are output from the blow molding machine within one production cycle.

Abstract: A cooling sleeve for receiving a preform comprising a receiving cavity having a receiving opening so that a preform can be inserted into the receiving cavity, and a fluid passage arranged so that when the receiving opening is closed a fluid can be introduced into or removed from the receiving cavity by way of the fluid passage, wherein the cooling sleeve extends along a longitudinal axis and the fluid passage has a passage opening which is arranged near the longitudinal axis and which is arranged opposite the receiving opening. The cooling sleeve allows accelerated cooling of the sprue region of the preform without corresponding noses or markings being formed at the outside of the preform. Arranged in the fluid passage in the region of the passage opening is a support element having a support surface for contacting the preform when the preform is inserted into the cooling sleeve.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for cooling a mold in a compression or injection molding assembly, thereby enabling increased cycling speed and efficiency. Embodiments include a coolant flow path that transports a fluid coolant into and out of a cooling ring around the molding assembly's core. The coolant flow path may divide into several channels within the cooling ring. The coolant flow path may also include a series of stages with varying volumes or cross sectional areas designed to regulate the flow of coolant.

Abstract: A blowing machine used to produce containers of correctly temperatured preforms in blowing stations including correctly temperatured blow molds, having functional get-up components such as at least electric servomotors assigned to at least the blowing stations to control and/or monitor secondary functions of functional get-up components during production. In order to bring at least some of said functional get-up components for secondary functions to the correct temperature, an electrically operated, controllable liquid temperature control system is supplied by at least one temperature control device and is integrated into the blowing machine and guided through the functional get-up components.

Abstract: A method of treating plastics material pre-forms may include conveying plastics material pre-forms by means of a conveying device, heating the plastics material pre-forms, during said conveying step, by a heating device, and treating the plastics material pre-forms, after said heating step, by a further treatment device in a further pre-set manner. The heating device and the further treatment device are operated in a synchronized manner at least for a time. In the event of an error state occurring in said further treatment device arranged downstream of the heating device, a supply of the plastics material pre-forms to the heating device is interrupted by means of a blocking device. Chronologically after the occurrence of the error state the further treatment device is brought into synchronism again with the heating device during a pre-set synchronization period.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets, two body mold halves, and two neck mold halves. Each of the neck mold halves is attached directly to one of the die sets. The neck mold halves are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of one or more parisons. This type of neck mold attachment configuration can allow for better temperature control of the neck portion of the parison being molded therein. Further, such a neck mold configuration can reduce the cost of fabricating, installing, and/or replacing the neck molds.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first operating machine arranged for processing objects, a second operating machine positioned downstream of the first operating machine and arranged for further processing the objects, an accumulating arrangement interposed between the first operating machine and the second operating machine and arranged for receiving the objects, and a command and control arrangement arranged for detecting a parameter indicating the quantity of the objects contained in the accumulating arrangement and regulating the operation of the second operating machine on the basis of the parameter. A method includes dispensing synthetic plastics in a pasty state, compression-moulding the plastics to obtain a perform, blowing the perform to obtain a container, and filling the container with a product. Each step maintains its own regulated temperature so that the dispensing temperature is greater than the blowing temperature and the blowing temperature is greater than the filling temperature.

Abstract: A method for operating a transforming device for transforming plastic preforms into plastic containers may include at least one blow mould carrier and a multi-part blow mould arranged on the blow mould carrier. A holding connection may be provided between the blow mould and the blow mould carrier. The holding connection between the blow mould carrier and the blow mould may be detached or established in an at least partially automated manner.

Abstract: The blow molding device includes a heating section that continuously transfers and heats preforms that respectively include a neck along a heating transfer path while supporting the preforms using transfer members in an inverted state, a blow molding section that simultaneously blow-molds N (N is an integer equal to or larger than 2) preforms that have been heated by the heating section in an upright state to form N containers, and an intermittent transfer section that intermittently transfers the N preforms from the heating section to the blow molding section. The intermittent transfer section includes a pitch conversion section that converts the arrangement pitch of the N preforms from a first pitch P1 to a second pitch P2 (P2>P1), and an inversion section that includes N inversion arms that respectively invert the N preforms from the inverted state to the upright state.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a cavity insert for a molding system, the cavity insert having a deformable portion. More specifically, A cavity insert (106) is provided, the cavity insert (106) is for a molding stack (102) for use in an injection mold, the cavity insert (106). The cavity insert (106) comprises a body (122) configured to be received, in use, within a cavity plate (104) of the injection mold; the body (122) defining: a cavity molding surface (124) along an inner portion thereof; a circumferentially deformable portion (123); and an actuator interface (134) configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary actuating interface (136) that is defined on a compression member (138) to generate a compressive force that selectively elastically deforms the circumferentially deformable portion (123).

Abstract: The injection stretch blow molding device includes an injection molding section that produces N (N is an integer equal to or larger 2) preforms by injection molding, a cooling section that subjects the N preforms transferred from the injection molding section to forced cooling, a heating section that continuously transfers and heats the N cooled preforms, and a blow molding section that subjects the N heated preforms to stretch blow molding in n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2) operations, the blow molding section simultaneously stretch blow molding M (M=N/n, M is a natural number) preforms among the N preforms into M containers.