Abstract: A cryogenic stretch blow molding apparatus including a stretching rod mounted to a blow mold rod seal assembly for sliding movement therethrough, into and longitudinally stretching a plastic parison, the stretching rod including a cooling fluid tube defining a cooling fluid inlet port for connection to a source of a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid outlet port to introduce the cooling fluid within the container, and a heater disposed in a cavity defined in the blow mold rod seal assembly for heating the blow mold rod seal assembly so that at least a portion of the stretching rod is maintained at a temperature above a preselected level to prevent accumulation thereon of ice sublimated from water vapor present in the blow air and portions of seals of the blow mold rod seal assembly are maintained at a temperature above a predetermined level to prevent seal failure.

Abstract: An injection blow molding system includes an injection molding station 22, a first delivery section 24, a cooling station 26, a heating station 30, a second delivery section 32 and a plurality of blow molding stations 34. The injection molding station 22 is designed to simultaneously injection mold M rows of N preforms 36 arranged in a second direction B perpendicular to a first direction A in which the preforms 36 are carried. The first delivery section 24 is designed to remove the M rows of preforms 36 injection molded by the injection molding station 22 through a removing mechanism 102 in their upright state while decreasing the pitch in the rows. The preforms 36 are inverted with the column pitch being changed by an inverting mechanism 104 before they are delivered to the cooling station in their inverted state. The cooling and heating stations 26, 30 are designed to cool and heat one row of N preforms 36 while parallel carrying them along a first carrying chain 200.

Abstract: A blow moulding machine comprising a heating wheel provided with a plurality of reception means for preforms and having a substantially vertical axis of rotation, and a blow wheel provided with a plurality of blow stations for hollow bodies such as for bottles, and having a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The heating wheel and the blow wheel are arranged on different levels and overlap each other at least partially. The preforms are moved from the level of the heating wheel to the level of the blow wheel by means of a transfer device. A substantial reduction of the floor space and of the production costs for the blow moulding machine is achieved in this way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for thermally profiling preforms prior to blow molding. The system includes a pallet for holding a plurality of preforms and a station, such as a heating oven, for thermally conditioning the preforms. In a first embodiment, the pallet comprises a self aligning pallet which is movable towards and away from the heating oven. In a second embodiment, the pallet holding the preforms is fixed in position and the heating oven is movable towards and away from the preforms. The pallet further includes rotatable mandrels for supporting the preforms and a programmable motor for rotating the preforms a desired amount and at a desired speed.

Abstract: An improvement for a stretch blow molding apparatus, including a cryogenic liquid pulse pump disposed in sealed fluid connection between a cryogenic liquid reservoir and a stretch blow molding machine, a subcooler connected between the reservoir and the pulse pump for supplying cryogenic liquid at a preselected temperature, a vacuum jacket casing disposed generally surrounding a stretch blow rod, the reservoir, and the pulse pump for preventing vaporization of cryogenic liquid prior to delivery into a container, and control means for controlling the pulse pump to deliver a preselected amount of cryogenic liquid into the container through the stretch rod during a predetermined time interval beginning at a preselected time after formation of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, post-mold cooling method and apparatus used in conjunction with an injection molding machine having an aggressive cycle time and a high output. The apparatus of the present invention includes a thermal conditioning device/station with cooling tubes for keeping separate the preforms of each batch and effecting cooling of the molded preforms, several separated cooling levels for simultaneously cooling multiple batches of preforms, and internal devices for automatically transferring each batch of molded preforms from one cooling level to the next. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal aconditioning device/station is partially sealed to create a controlled temperature environment for conditioning the molded articles. In another embodiment, the thermal conditioning device/station includes a level for re-heating the preforms.

Abstract: Equipment for moulding products of thermoplastics material where a pre-heated parison (1) is encompassed by reciprocating mould sections (4) for shaping and cooling the parison. The equipment comprises a first plate (8) that is affixed to a reciprocating carrier part (5) at its one side, and that supports a mould plate (10) at its other side. The mould plate (10) is provided with one or more mould elements (3, 12), that may be removable. The first plate (8) is provided with a cooling circuit (6, 17), and a network of bores or channels (7, 9a) that communicates with corresponding bores/channels (9b) in the mould plate, for conducting gas (air) to or from orifice means (13) in the mould plate. The contact surfaces between the mould elements and the mould plate and between the mould plate and the plate (8) may be provided with grooves or recesses (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), thereby providing a system of channels in the respective contact surfaces.

Abstract: Improved blow-molding prototype molding system, method and apparatus wherein a plastic container is first designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce a geometric computer software model of a hollow plastic container of desired contour. This model is then used to generate a geometric computer software model of a corresponding mold cavity. This data file in turn provides the control signal for a cutting tool of a CNC three axis mold machining tool operating on a starting blank for each mold half of metal material having predetermined and constant length, width and thickness outside dimensions. A mold cavity is thereby automatically machined in a front face of this blank that constitutes one of the two major and parallel face planes of the mold half block. The other half of the mold cavity is similarly formed in the front face of a second mold half block that cooperates with the first mold block to form the two mold halves of a complete blow mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a centering, perfusion catheter balloon. A mold member is formed having an axial aperture. A plurality of axially spaced sets of transverse holes through the mold member. Each set of holes includes one or more holes, with the holes in each succeeding set at a predetermined angle to the holes in the immediate preceding set. A tight fitting sleeve is provided around the mold member. A plastic tube is inserted into the axial hole and the assembly is heated and the tube is internally pressurized to cause the tube to expand the tube into the holes, forming outwardly extending knobs on the tube. The tube is cooled and fluid is evacuated from the tube, causing the tube to draw the knobs into the axial aperture to permit the completed tube to be withdrawn. The tube can then be assembled into a treatment catheter assembly with the knobs maintaining a treatment device centered in the balloon while the knobs allow fluid perfusion along the catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the thermal treatment of the body (2) of a preform (1) or of an intermediate container made of a thermoplastic material during a process for manufacture of the container, such as a flask or bottle, in particular by blowing or stretching-blowing, the entirety of the body (2) of the preform being heated to a temperature greater than the softening temperature of the material, at least one longitudinal portion (13) of the body (2) of the preform in rotation on itself being heated to a temperature greater than that of the rest (14) of the body, thereby making it possible to produce a finished container incorporating a body having a complex shape.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus for blow molding a preform into a container has a rectangular carrying path, carrier members each of which supports and carries the preform and container, an endless carrying member for circulatorily driving the carrier members along the path, a first transferring portion for transferring the preform supplied from outside of the apparatus to at least one of the carrying members, a heating section for heating the preform supported by the at least one carrying member, a blow molding section for blow molding the heated preform into the container, a second transferring portion for transferring the blow molded container outside of the apparatus, at least one guidable member disposed at each of the carrying members, and at least one guide member for guiding the at least one guidable member in each of the carrying members in order to transfer each of the carrying members along the rectangular carrying path.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for molding, in which a molten thermoplastic resin is firmly fitted onto a molding surface of a mold under a pressure lower than or equal to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 and is cured to obtain a molded product. The molding apparatus has a mold main body, and a mold body on which the molding surface is defined. The mold body is supported relative to the mold main body with maintaining a space on the back side of the molding surface in a heat insulative manner by a supporting member which includes at least a heat insulative supporting member having a thermal conductivity of 0.001 to 1 Kcal/mh .degree.C. and a longitudinal elastic modulus of 0.01 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. In the space, a heating fluid for heating the molding surface from the bask side to a temperature higher than or equal to Vicat softening temperate (T) .degree.C.

Abstract: A preform molding method and apparatus which can utilize a part of an injection mold to crystallize a neck of a preform. A rotary disc includes a plurality of neck cavity molds. An injection molding station, first heating station, second heating station and cooling/removing station are located at the respective positions where the neck cavity molds stops. The injection molding station injection molds a preform having a neck. The preform is sequentially conveyed the first and second heating stations while being held by neck cavity molds at the neck. Each of the heating stations heats the neck cavity molds so that the neck of the preform is heated up to a temperature of crystallization. Thereafter, the cooling/removing station cools the neck cavity molds. After the cooling step, the preforms are released and removed from the neck cavity molds. Thereafter, the neck cavity molds are returned to the injection molding station.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing hollow plastic articles, comprising a mold comprising a first part provided with at least one row of a number of cavities located next to each other and a second part provided with at least one row of a number of cores located next to each other, while the number of cores is twice the number of cavities, and the cores comprise two sets of cores, each set arranged in a manner corresponding to the position of the cavities, and means are provided for moving the second mold part back and forth in a direction transverse to the direction of opening and closing of the mold. A cooling device comprises a number of cooling cavities located between the cavities of a row and at both ends of the row of cavities. The cores of the two sets alternate with each other in a row of cores.

Abstract: A container obtained by biaxially stretch-blow-molding a resin. Except the mouth-and-neck portion, vicinities thereof and the center of the bottom portion, the container as a whole is reduced in thickness under a highly drawing condition without accompanied by whitening, and a portion constituting the bottom valley portions has an yielding load of not smaller than 25 kg/cm at 70.degree. C. The container exhibits excellent heat resistance, pressure resistance, shock resistance as well as self-standing ability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for manufacturing a receptacle from a preform of thermoplastic material, the receptacle being suitable for being subsequently subjected, without significant deformation, to relatively severe temperature conditions encountered during hot-filling or pasteurization processes. The installation includes means for manufacturing a receptacle blank having a hot-shrunk body from the preform, and molding means for forming a final receptacle from the blank. The means for manufacturing a receptacle blank are adapted to form a blank whose shrunk body is longer than the body of the final receptacle to be obtained. The molding means are described in detail.

Abstract: An injection blow molding machine utilizing an extruder and having interchangeable machine tooling components, for manufacturing injection blow molded articles of different configurations and sizes, includes a stationary machine platen; a movable machine platen which is movable toward and away from the stationary machine platen along a machine axis, to close and open a mold; opposite support rails mounted to the movable platen; a shuttle plate mounted on the movable machine platen between the opposite support rails for movement with the movable machine platen and movable perpendicular to the machine axis and having a rear surface in close proximity to the movable machine platen; core pin retainers mounted on the shuttle plate for movement therewith, each core pin retainer holding an interchangeable core pin that receives a parison to be blown into a bottle; slides movably mounted on the shuttle plate for movement with the shuttle plate and movable toward and away from each other in close proximity to a front

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for molding, in which a molten thermoplastic resin is firmly fitted onto a molding surface of a mold under a pressure lower than or equal to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 and is cured to obtain a molded product. The molding apparatus has a mold main body, and a mold body on which the molding surface is defined. The mold body is supported relative to the mold main body with maintaining a space on the back side of the molding surface in a heat insulative manner by a supporting member which includes at least a heat insulative supporting member having a thermal conductivity of 0.001 to 1 Kcal/mh .degree.C. and a longitudinal elastic modulus of 0.01 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. In the space, a heating fluid for heating the molding surface from the bask side to a temperature higher than or equal to Vicat softening temperate (T) .degree.C.

Abstract: A cooling system for use with a glassware machine having a plunger, a mold and a valve. The system includes a supply of cooling fluid such as air. The system further includes devices for cooling the plunger, the mold and the valve that are in communication with the supply of fluid.

Abstract: A quick change system and method of interchanging molds on plastic extrusion blow molding machines is disclosed wherein a universal standard subplate is provided for use with different blow molding machines on which a variety of different mold units are removably mounted on the standard subplate with the subplate establishing a preselected precisely aligned relation automatically between the mold unit and a machine platen. A quick release locking device is provided between each mold unit and a unitary standard water manifold and detabber assembly. The unitary standard assembly is provided as a one-piece component with fluid connections communicating respectively with water and air supply sources of the water manifold and detabber and which are conveniently maintained attached without being disconnected during detachment of the unitary standard assembly from the mold unit during a mold change.

Abstract: An in-line bottling plant essentially comprising a unit (1) for producing containers, particularly bottles, from a thermoplastic material, a unit (2) for filling the containers, and a unit (3) for conveying freshly produced containers, the conveying unit being arranged between an outlet (4) of the container producing unit (1) and an inlet (5) of the container filling unit (2). The container producing unit (1) and filling unit (2) are arranged as close together as possible and the conveying unit (3) is short and conveys the containers one after the other substantially without bumping them, particularly against one another. The in-line bottling plant preferably further comprises a unit (19) for temporarily retaining the containers, which unit is selectively connectable to the conveying unit (3) for receiving and retaining a number of containers.

Abstract: The heating device for a machine for transforming plastic materials, comprises a heating body (39) disposed between two parallel rows (41, 42) of preforms (14). It is provided with at least two heating tubes (40) having bidirectional heating blades (54). These latter are inclined at an angle (.alpha.) such that a first of their faces emits heating radiation (55) in the direction of the adjacent row of preforms and such that the second surface emits its heating radiation (56) substantially in the direction of the free space between the two opposite rows of heating tubes toward the farthest row of preforms. Reflectors (60) are moreover arranged so as to reflect the heating radiation in a horizontal plane toward the preforms (14). The device thus permits obtaining very high energy efficiency whilst avoiding a harmful elevation of the temperature of the machine into which it is integrated.

Abstract: A heat-resistant container molding apparatus and method which are compact and inexpensive and can reliably increase the crystallinity, reduce the residual stress in a container filled with a hot content such as thermally sterilized fruit juice, and prevent a thermal deformation with improved container stability at a raised temperature. The apparatus has a receiving and removing unit for receiving primary moldings obtained by blow-molding preforms and for removing final products, a heat treatment section for heating the primary moldings by bringing the primary moldings into contact with the inner wall of a heat treatment mold while pressurizing the interior of the primary moldings within the heat treatment mold, a final molding section for blow molding intermittent moldings into final products within a final blow mold, and a rotary plate, neck support fixing plate and neck support member for conveying the moldings through the receiving and removing unit, heat treatment section and final molding section.

Abstract: A compression mold and blow mold are provided in spaced relationship to each other. A preform is formed from a preform precursor in the compression mold and transferred to a blow mold while maintaining the spaced relationship between the compression mold and blow mold, and a container is formed from the preform in the blow mold.

Abstract: A preform heating method for heating a preform for a stretch blow molding is executed by an apparatus which comprises an outer heating die having a cavity for the preform, a thermal-insulating pot surrounding the outer heating die and a high-frequency heating unit installed around to the thermal-insulating pot. The heating of the preformed is executed by locating the heating die around the preform, applying alternating magnetic flux to the heating die to heat the preform through the heating die, and controlling the magnitude of the alternating magnetic flux to control the temperature of the preform.

Abstract: A blow molding method by horizontal blow molding of piercing the wall of a parison having been extruded by an extruder with a blow nozzle is disclosed, which comprises moving forward the blow nozzle to pierce the parison, introducing blow air at least in the direction toward the bottom, i.e., opposite to the bottle neck and, after shaping of a hollow container by the blow air, forming an opening in the parison at a position in the vicinity of or above the blow nozzle-pierced portion to discharge the blow air having circulated inside the hollow container.

Abstract: A method of making pairs of thread splits inserts used to injection mold bottle preforms. Machining a hollow outer part of the pair of thread split inserts with an opening therethrough and outer portions of two cooling conduits extending from the opening therethrough to respective inlets and outlets. Making an inner part of the pair of thread split inserts by injection molding a ceramic core with the required shape and investment casting the inner part around the ceramic core. The outer surface of the inner part having grooves to partially form inner portions of the two cooling fluid conduits. Then machining the cast inner part to fit in the opening through the outer part. Mounting the outer part around the inner part with the inner and outer portions of the two cooling fluid conduits aligned. Applying brazing material between the inner and outer parts and heating them in a vacuum furnace to integrally braze them together.

Abstract: A preform (3) for use in making a container such as a bottle from a thermoplastic material is selectively heated prior to at least one step of blow molding or stretch-blow molding the heated preform. For this purpose, at least most (7A) of the radiation (4) transmitted generally towards the preform by a source (1A) is focused (8) onto a preferred area (A) thereof, the source is located substantially opposite the preferred area of the preform, whereby said the preferred area (A) receives most (7A) of the radiation (4) while the areas adjacent to the preferred area (A) do not receive the radiation fraction initially transmitted towards them by the source.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus configured to receive plastic parisons and output blow molded containers including a support frame and a parison conveyor attached to the support frame and having a plurality of parison supports and a drive mechanism for driving the parison supports in a stepped movement circuit, advancing the parison supports by a curvilinear distance corresponding to a curvilinear spacing between a preselected number of parison supports. A first parison transfer assembly is adapted to receive the preselected number of the parisons from the parison supports.

Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding apparatus has an injection molding station and a blow molding station, with a transfer station positioned therebetween. The injection molding station has an injection molding section which molds preforms and a removal section which removes the preforms from an injection core mold. The blow molding station carries out circulating transfer of carrying members which support the preforms, and in the blow molding section the preforms are blow molded into containers. The transfer station has a receiving mechanism which receives preforms removed from the injection core mold in the injection molding station in the upright state, an inverting receiving mechanism which inverts the preforms and passes them in the inverted state to carrying members, and between the receiving mechanism and the inverting receiving mechanism, a movement mechanism transferring the preforms from the receiving mechanism to the inverting receiving mechanism.

Abstract: A hollow parison (P) of a glass container is formed from a gob of molten glass, the parison having a body portion (B) with a closed end and an open end. The body portion of the parison is formed in an annular blank mold (14). The parison also has a finish portion (F) at the open end of the body portion of the parison, the finish portion being formed by an annular neck mold (16) which is positioned against an end of the blank mold during the forming of the parison. An annular cage (26) surrounds a substantial axially extending portion of the blank mold. The annular cage receives cooling air and directs cooling air against cooling fins (24) on the exterior of the blank mold to cool the body portion of the parison while it is in the blank mold. Spent cooling fluid from the annular cage flows therefrom through an opening aligned with the open end of the body portion of the parison.

Abstract: The machine for the production of receptacles of plastic material includes a loading device (5) in which the preforms are disposed neck down on supports (7) of double carriers (8) heated in a heating device (10) and moved into a drawing-blowing device (12). In this latter, the receptacles are formed and then discharged into a discharging device (14). In the part (21) of the guide track (20) the supports (7) and the preforms are aligned in a single row, whilst in the part (22) the supports (7) and the preforms are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. Between each row of preforms of a row of carriers (8), the heating device (10) includes a heating body (42) arranged so as to heat bidirectionally the preforms located on each side of the heating body (42). The heating device can moreover be raised from an active position to an inactive position and vice versa. There is thus obtained a machine with a very high output, of reduced size and low consumption of energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a container has a standby section disposed between a heating section and a blow molding section. A preform is supported by carrier members, and is intermittently carried from the heating section via the standby section to the blow molding section. In the standby section are provided a temperature conditioning member which conditions temperature on the preform carried from the heating section; a positioning plate which positions a carrier member stopped at the standby section; and a cylinder which advances and withdraws the temperature conditioning member with respect to the preform, and simultaneously advances and withdraws the positioning plate with respect to the carrier member. The advanced positioning plate contacts with the carrier member to position the carrier member. The advanced temperature conditioning member is set enabling temperature conditioning of the preform.

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming stretch blow molded containers having uniform sidewall thickness from physical symmetric parisons. Parisons are heated non-uniformly by rotating at a non-uniform rate in a heating station. A sensor determines the angular orientation of the parisons emerging from the heating station. Each parison is angularly reoriented at a repositioning station prior to introduction into a stretch blow molding station having non-round interior surfaces, so that the temperature profile of each parison corresponds with differential expansion required to form the desired non-round container.

Abstract: A biaxially stretched blow molded bottle of a synthetic resin having a big foot type petaloid bottom is produced in a blow time of not more than 3 seconds, and after the bottle has been released from the mold, the temperature of the bottom portion of the bottom does not rise higher than 70.degree. C., thereby supplementing the capability of the metal mold for cooling the bottom portion. Thus, irregular deformation of the central part of the bottom portion is prevented, molding of the bottom portion with high pressure resisting and mechanical strength is achieved to avoid breakage, and a sufficient height of the central part of the bottom portion is ensured. Additionally, productivity of pressure resisting bottles is improved by reducing the blow time from 4-5 seconds to not more than 3 seconds.

Abstract: A cooling assembly includes a base and at least one body having at least one opening, each opening including an inner surface. An insert is situated within each opening, each insert having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of each insert confronts a corresponding body inner surface to define a volume. At least one connection is provided between the volume and a source of fluid coolant for filling the volume with the fluid coolant. The insert includes at least one surface which moves to conform at least in part to the outer surface of a molded article whereby heat transfer occurs between the molded article and the fluid coolant across the insert.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus which can be simplified in structure, reduced in size and facilitated in maintenance, and which can improve the heat efficiency and equalize the temperature gradations. The blow molding apparatus has a preform supply section, preform heating sections, a blow molding section, a product removing section and a conveying section. The conveying section intermittently conveys preforms while maintaining a fixed spacing between adjacent preforms. The preform heating section is divided into first and second heating portions. The first heating portion has heaters extending along the preforms while the second heating portion includes heaters extending in the direction of preform conveyance and aligned vertically. The first heating portion heats the preforms, and the second heating portion applies a temperature distribution to the preform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a plastic article. The plastic is introduced into a mold that can be tempered and that has at least one hollow chamber, the contour of which corresponds to the outer contour of the article. During manufacture, the mold is heated up and removal of the article is effected with a cooled mold. To shorten the cycling time, the inner region of the mold that adjoins the hollow chamber is cooled and heated at least partially independently of the outer region that is remote from the hollow chamber, while the outer region is held at a temperature that is higher than the temperature during removal.

Abstract: The invention concerns the manufacture of hollow plastic articles by inflating a preform (4) in a blowing mandrel. The aim of the invention is to reduce the so-called cycle time--the time interval between a preform (4) entering the blowing mould (1, 1') and the next preform (4) entering the same blowing mould (1, 1')--compared with prior art methods in which the initially open mould encloses the preform along the appropriate length when the preform is extruded from the blow-moulding nozzle, the mould then being transferred to a second station, adjacent to the tubular body receiving station, where the preform is inflated by insertion of an inflation and sizing mandrel. This aim is achieved by introducing the inflation gas into the preform, received by the mandrel, while the preform is being transferred from the first station, in which the tubular body is received, to the second station, in which release is effected.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a receptacle (23) suitable for being subsequently subjected to severe temperature conditions without deforming significantly, in which an intermediate receptacle (2) is molded by blowing or by stretching-blowing a preform (1) whose body is heated to at least the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, which intermediate receptacle possesses dimensions greater than those of the final receptacle (23) and from which a blank is produced having a hot-shrunk body of predetermined length greater than that of the body of the final receptacle (23) and from which the body of the final receptacle is molded or blow-molded with the exception of its bottom zone, the length of the receptacle having an unmolded bottom zone being substantially the same as the length of the final receptacle (23), and finally the body and its bottom zone are blow-molded to take up their final shapes and dimensions in order to obtain the final receptacle (23).

Abstract: To be able to guide the parisons in a reheat type blow molding machine having separate heat and blow paths along the path where they are heated up to blow temperature, i.e.

Abstract: The invention aims at enabling inexpensive manufacture of a preform carrying mechanism of a simple construction for a blow molding apparatus for biaxial stretching of hollow moldings such as PET bottles from preforms. The molding apparatus is provided with a linear carrying line for carrying preforms (P), and the carrying line comprises a beam (81), on which a multiplicity of carrying members (82) are supported, a carrying mechanism (83) and a lifting mechanism (84) for the beam. The carrying members (82) on the beam are repeatedly moved back and forth at a constant feed pitch by means of the mechanisms. A preform grasping/releasing mechanism (85) is actuated in synchronism with the movement so that while the respective carrying members (82) are caused to advance from backward positions, the preforms are delivered to the respective carrying members (82).

Abstract: An article handling and conditioning system for use between associated machines and associated processes are disclosed. The system comprises at least one initial molding machine and a finishing machine; a device for receiving initially molded articles from the at least one initial molding machine prior to finishing in the finish machine; a first mechanism for accumulating devices for receiving and the initially molded articles; a mechanism for transporting the device for receiving and the initially molded articles from the initial molding machine to the first mechanism for accumulating; a mechanism for moving the devices for receiving and the initially molded articles through the first mechanism for accumulating; and a device for transferring the initially molded articles from the first mechanism for accumulating to the finishing machine.

Abstract: A unitary mold member for shaping glass includes an inner surface which shapes molten glass blown thereagainst and an outer surface. A cavity within the unitary mold member is positioned between the inner and outer surfaces. The unitary mold member has passages at about the upper end thereof between the cavity and the surrounding atmosphere. The unitary mold member also has passages at about the lower end thereof between the cavity and the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: In a machine for promoting spherulite crystal growth in polyester bottle preform finishes, a gear arrangement for controlling the rate of vertical motion of a quill support platform to insure simultaneous engagement of all of the preforms onto adjacent gauges sized to a standard dimension for the preform finishes, the gear arrangement including two pairs of spur pinion gears positioned on opposite sides of the machine base engaging racks fixed to quill support platform and a plurality of rods fixed to the pinion gears and arranged in a rectangular array containing miter bevel gears fixed to the ends of the plurality of rods situated at the corners of the array, the miter bevel gears being engaged together in pairs to coordinate the rotation of all the rods and the vertical movement of the quill support platform.

Abstract: A base assembly for use as a part of a mold assembly for making containers comprises an adaptor, a base insert (or base plug), and a wear ring. The base insert is made from aluminum and has a lower surface positioned on a flat upper supporting surface of the adaptor. The base insert has an upper surface with a ledge surrounding a recessed contoured pattern in the base insert Which pattern corresponds to a base of the container to be formed. The base insert has an annular side wall portion. The wear ring has an inner annular surface surrounding and engaging the annular side wall portion of the base insert to protect the annular side wall portion. The wear ring comprises a hardened wear resistant steel ring adapted to reinforce the base insert during formation of the container. The base insert and wear ring are secured to the adaptor by threaded fasteners that pass through threaded apertures in the adaptor, the base insert and the wear ring.

Abstract: A blow molding method by horizontal blow molding of piercing the wall of a parison having been extruded by an extruder with a blow nozzle is disclosed, which comprises moving forward the blow nozzle to pierce the parison, introducing blow air at least in the direction toward the bottom, i.e., opposite to the bottle neck and, after shaping of a hollow container by the blow air, forming an opening in the parison at a position in the vicinity of or above the blow nozzle-pierced portion to discharge the blow air having circulated inside the hollow container.

Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding apparatus and method wherein while the preforms are amply cooled the injection molding cycle time is shortened and furthermore a small number of blow cavities are used. In an injection molding section, N (N.gtoreq.2) preforms are injection molded in an upright state and then released from the injection cavity mold. While the preforms are cooled by the injection core mold, they are carried to a preform ejecting section. After the preforms cool to a temperature at which they can be ejected, the preforms are ejected from the injection core mold. In a transfer station, an array pitch of the simultaneously molded preforms are changed to a blow molding pitch, and then the preforms are transferred to a blow molding station in an inverted state. In the blow molding station, each preform is carried by a carrier member through a heating section into a blow molding section. In the blow molding section, n bottles are simultaneously blow molded from n preforms.

Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding apparatus and method wherein while the preforms are amply cooled the injection molding cycle time is shortened and furthermore a small number of blow cavities are used and the operation rate of these blow cavities is increased. In an injection molding section, N (N.gtoreq.2) preforms are injection molded and then released from the injection cavity mold at a relatively high mold-release temperature. While the preforms are cooled by the injection core mold, they are carried to a preform ejecting section. After the preforms cool to a temperature at which they can be ejected, the preforms are ejected from the injection core mold. In a transfer station, n (1.ltoreq.n<N) of the simultaneously molded N preforms at a time are transferred to a blow molding station in (N/n) transfer operations. In the blow molding station, each preform is carried by a carrier member through a heating section and a standby section into a blow molding section.