Abstract: The upper and lower halves of a blow mold define a blow mold cavity when the halves are closed together. A bottom plug which serves to form a dome in the bottom of the blown bottle is shifted into and out of a cooperating relationship with the two mold halves by cam mechanism that operates in response to raising and lowering of the upper die set upon which the upper mold half is mounted. The actuating mechanism comprises a pair of mutually opposed cam rods having a follower trapped therebetween that is in turn coupled with the bottom plug so that as the cam rods are shifted with the upper die set, the follower reacts to cam surfaces on the rods to impart a corresponding extension and retraction motion to the bottom plug. To handle multiple, side-by-side blow mold cavities, the bottom plugs for such cavities are ganged together on a common support bar that is in turn provided with operating shanks, each provided with a cam follower operated by a cam assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blow molding machine comprising a plurality of pillars 5 set up facing on a seat 4 above a base 3 located above a blow mold 2; a stationary platen 6 provided bridging on the top portions of the pillars 5; a moving cylinder 7 set on both side of the stationary platen 6; and a holding plate 9 of blow-core members, which is connected with a piston rod 7a of the moving cylinder 7, and in which the pillars 5 are inserted vertically movable; and a clamp plate 15 projecting at both ends from the holding plate 9 outwardly, and a clamp block 16, which includes internally a pair of hydraulic cylinders 18 to clamp the clamp plate 15 from both sides with rams when the holding plate 9 is in the lower limit position, which is provided on both sides of the seat 4.

Abstract: An extrusion blow-molding machine, including several molding units borne by a carrousel rotating about a substantially vertical axis (A1), wherein each molding unit is mounted on the carrousel such that it can be tilted about a substantially horizontal axis (An).

Abstract: Each of the clamping plates of the closing unit of the blow molding machine has secured thereto a pivotable locking means which in the calibration position in the swung-up state comes into engagement with a plate which is part of the calibration device. A short friction-type connection which is symmetrical relative to the mold parting plane is thereby established between the blow mold and the calibration cylinder during calibration so that the calibration forces are transmitted in an exact manner. The locking means swing downwards when the blow mold is opened and/or the closing unit returns to the head station. Collisions with other machine parts are thereby ruled out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for blow-molding thermoplastic products. This type of machine has a molding unit comprising two mobile supports (12), which are hinged in relation to each other and which are controlled by a mechanism comprising a traveling slide (16), between an open position and a closed position. Each support (12) is connected to the slide (12) by at least one associated connecting link (36). The inventive blow-molding machine is characterized in that in its closed position, the main axes of the connecting links (36) are oriented in the same direction, perpendicular to the hinge axis (A1), in such a way that the control mechanism can cause the molding unit to be locked in this closed position.

Abstract: The upper and lower halves of a blow mold define a blow mold cavity when the halves are closed together. A bottom plug which serves to form a dome in the bottom of the blown bottle is shifted into and out of a cooperating relationship with the two mold halves by cam mechanism that operates in response to raising and lowering of the upper die set upon which the upper mold half is mounted. The actuating mechanism comprises a pair of mutually opposed cam rods having a follower trapped therebetween that is in turn coupled with the bottom plug so that as the cam rods are shifted with the upper die set, the follower reacts to cam surfaces on the rods to impart a corresponding extension and retraction motion to the bottom plug. To handle multiple, side-by-side blow mold cavities, the bottom plugs for such cavities are ganged together on a common support bar that is in turn provided with operating shanks, each provided with a cam follower operated by a cam assembly.

Abstract: The outside surface, which is brought into contact with molds, of a lip mold is formed in different shapes for the injection mold and the blow mold. Then, mold clamping surfaces corresponding to the different shapes are formed on the injection mold and the blow mold, respectively, to prevent an air leakage from the blow mold.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus having a mold clamping apparatus of the clam shell type, and having a linkage controlling the opening and closing of the mold, the linkage being comprised of two links pivotally connected to each other and driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The links are configured to provide the cylinder with mechanical advantage so that little mold separation force is recognized at the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blow mould (1) for a stretching machine or a glass blowing machine, comprising two mould halves (3, 4) which are pivotably connected by at least one connecting pin (2). The blow mould has a shutting device and locking device in the form of a closing clamp (7) which can be slid directly onto the mould halves (3, 4) from the side of the connecting pin (2). The mould halves (3, 4) are closed around the connecting pin (2) by the sliding, pressing contact of the closing clamp (7) and in the closed position, are pressed against each other without a gap, resulting in a mechanically simple, space-saving blow mould (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a molding unit for an extrusion-blow molding machine comprising a mold in two parts, each mold-half (12, 14) being borne by a moveable support (16, 18), and of the type in which the molding unit (10) comprises, between at least one of the mold-halves (12) and the associated support (16), compensating means (30) which push the mold-half transversely toward the other mold-half, characterized in that the mechanism (24) for moving the supports is linked to at least said associated support (32), by means of elastically deformable means that are suitable for compensating for the deformation of the support (15[sic], 32), created by the forces exerted by the compensating means (30).

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic container and reinforced lid are simultaneously produced in a blow mold. A lid is reinforced by having a portion of the lid formed by blow molding techniques and another portion of the lid formed by compression molding techniques. The container and lid combination, a method for making the combination and apparatus for making the combination are provided.

Abstract: The invention proposes a molding unit comprising a mold in two parts, each mold-half (12) being borne by a support (17), of the type in which the two supports can be moved between an open position and a closed position, in which the supports are connected to each other by locking means, and of the type in which the molding unit comprises fluid pressure compensating means that push transversely at least one of the mold-halves (12) toward the other, characterized in that the fluid pressure compensating means are realized in the form of an inflatable flexible cushion (30) interposed between one rear face of the mold-half (12) and one front face of the associated support (17).

Abstract: The device is used for blow molding containers of a thermoplastic material and has at least one blow station with at least one blow mold. The blow mold is comprised of at least two blow mold segments held by supports. At least one of the blow mold segments is arranged such that it can slide relative to its support. The support is equipped with at least two guide elements for the movable blow mold segment. The guide element has a hard core that is connected to the blow mold segment. In addition, the core is embedded, at least in part, in an elastomer that is carried by the support. A circumferential seal made of an elastomer is provided in order to make available an area of pressure action in order to support pneumatic positioning of the blow mold segment; this seal has a seal lip that makes area contact with the support when pressure is applied.

Abstract: A clamping device for an injection blow molding machine incorporates separate clamp movement actuators for joining or separating opposing mold parts and clamping actuators for applying a clamping force to closed mold parts. Opposing locking columns and locking collars are locked together and a clamping force is applied to opposing locked columns and collars. A stroke movement of the locking collars can optionally be provided to allow maximum clamp area clearance for a preform or blow-molded product entering or leaving the clamp area. The distance of stroke movement can be adjusted to accommodate molds of varying sizes.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus comprising a wheel mounted rotationally on a base for rotating a plurality of molds past an extrusion die. The wheel is comprised of a hub mounted to a rotational shaft and a plurality of disk segments mounted about the hub to carry the plurality of molds. The disk segments may be individually selectively secured to the hub to facilitate simple replacement of disk segments.

Abstract: A blow molding method includes steps of moving a split mold to a parison receiving position where a parison is supplied and receiving a parison, closing the split mold, performing blow molding at a blow molding position, and opening the split mold at a product discharge position and thereby discharging a product. The method further includes steps of: sequentially reciprocating each split mold in trains of split molds provided opposed to each other across the parison receiving position to and from a position opposed to the parison receiving position; and sequentially reciprocating the split mold disposed at the position where the split mold is opposed to the parsion receiving position to and from the parison receiving position for performing blow molding. There is also provided a blow molding apparatus for carrying out this molding method.

Abstract: A machine for making thermoplastic containers by drawing and blowing a preform including at least a drawing rod which is slidably controlled along its axis (An) by an actuator from a retracted position to a maximum drawing position to draw the preform during the blowing process. When the drawing rod returns toward its retracted position, the actuator is idle, the rod return being ensured by the blowing pressure prevailing inside the container being produced and acting on the working end of the rod.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus having a mold clamping apparatus of the clam shell type, and having a linkage controlling the opening and closing of the mold, the linkage being comprised of two links pivotally connected to each other and driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The links are configured to provide the cylinder with mechanical advantage so that little mold separation force is recognized at the cylinder.

Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snugly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.

Abstract: A clamping device for an injection blow molding machine incorporates separate clamp movement actuators for joining or separating opposing mold parts and clamping actuators for applying a clamping force to closed mold parts. Opposing locking columns and locking collars are locked together and a clamping force is applied to opposing locked columns and collars. A stroke movement of the locking collars can optionally be provided to allow maximum clamp area clearance for a preform or blow-molded product entering or leaving the clamp area. The distance of stroke movement can be adjusted to accommodate molds of varying sizes.

Abstract: A method for tracking multiple SKUs of ophthalmic devices in a manufacturing line, comprises the steps of: assembling first molding devices, at least one of the first molding devices having an identification device, such as, a bar-code or an inductive transmitting/receiving device; reading the identification device of the first molding devices; forming first molded parts using the first molding devices; providing a plurality of carriers, the carriers having carrier indicators; transferring the first molded parts to at least one of a plurality of carriers; reading the carrier indicator of the carrier carrying the first molded parts; and storing in machine-accessible memory the information associated with the identification device of the first molding devices and the information associated with the carrier indicator of the carrier carrying the first molded parts.

Abstract: A mold assembly for blow molding plastic articles is provided having an upper mold member, a lower mold member and a lower support member. The lower mold member is preferably a relatively lightweight plate having a generally centrally located molding cavity matingly matched with an upper molding cavity in the upper mold member. The lower mold member is moved horizontally and optionally vertically beneath an extrusion head as a molten parison is extruded. The lower mold member is then transported to, and positioned within, the lower support member. The upper mold member is then closed over the lower mold member and lower support to close the mold assembly. The molten parison is then expanded in the mold cavity. After the molding operation, the plastic part may be removed and the lower mold member may be cooled by immersion in a cooling fluid. The apparatus to move the lower mold member during extrusion of the parison and to the molding station may be a robotic arm.

Abstract: A mold for use in blow molding has a first fixture and a second fixture. The fixtures correspond to typical mold halves or portions. The first fixture includes drive means, typically in the form of pins, while the second mold fixture has drive receiving means, typically in the form of holes, to receive the pins. When the second mold fixture is in registration with the first mold fixture, the pins or other drive means are extended to lock and locate the two fixtures together. Blow molding can then be carried out without the need of the typical blow molding presses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blow mould (1) for a stretch blow-moulding machine, comprising two lockable mould halves (3, 4). A locking element (9) is fixed onto one mould half (3) and a shaft (10a, b, c) with at least one recess is mounted in the other mould half (4). The shaft can be pivoted between a locking position, in which it lies against the locking element and a release position, in which the locking element can be displaced past the recess. A locking mechanism with a particularly simple construction can thus be achieved.

Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.

Abstract: A shuttle blow molding machine having two groups of mold units located on opposite sides of a series of workstations spaced along a horizontal workstation path. Each mold unit includes a mold that reciprocates in a direction transverse to the workstation path between a retracted position that is spaced from the workstation path and an extended position aligned with the workstation path. The mold units within each group are located in side-by-side relation adjacent each other and each group is indexed as a single unit along a path parallel to the workstation path. The transverse motion of the molds between their retracted and extended positions allows one group to be retracted out of the way while the other group advances through the workstations.

Abstract: In a mold tool clamping device (30) for a blow mold comprising two mold halves (13 and 13), which can be pushed together via a closure driver or actuator (17) in such a manner, that they lie directly against each other along a central plane (20) and are again separable from each other “symmetric to this central plane”, an electric or hydraulic linear actuator is provided as the closure actuator, which engages on the “back” side of the clamp plate (16), which is clamped tightly via a synchronization drive (28) against the “front” clamp plate (14) on which the “front” mold tool is tightly clamped, is synchronized, in such a manner, that both mold halves are displaceable by a defined stroke relative to the blow mold central plane.

Abstract: Machine for moulding containers (3a) made of plastic material, comprising an assembly (2) for extruding tubes (3) of plastic material, a blowing assembly (5), a mould for containing containers (3a), formed by two half-moulds (4a,4b) movable upon actuation of associated first means (100), in a longitudinal direction (X-X) and symmetrically with respect to a fixed axis (Z-Z) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, the assembly formed by the mould (4) and the associated first actuating means (100) being movable, upon actuation of second actuating means (200), in a transverse direction (Y-Y) from a position corresponding to the extrusion assembly to a position corresponding to the blowing assembly and vice versa, wherein said first means for actuation in the longitudinal direction are of the electric type and means (110) for symmetrically adjusting the distance of the two half-moulds (4a,4b) from said fixed axis (Z-Z) are provided.

Abstract: A mold system has a pair of mold halves movable toward and away from each other, a threaded spindle coupled to one of the mold halves, and a nut threaded on the spindle and coupled to the other of the mold halves. A high-speed low-torque brakable spindle motor is connected to the spindle and operable to rotate the spindle in the nut and a low-speed high-torque nut motor separate from the spindle motor is connected to the nut and operable to rotate the nut on the spindle. In a first mold-closing stage the spindle motor is operated to rotate the spindle in the nut and move the mold-halves rapidly toward each other. Thereafter in a second and subsequent mold-clamping stage the spindle motor is braked and the nut motor is operated to rotate the nut on the spindle and press the mold halves against each other.

Abstract: A molding system has a slide displaceable parallel to an axis through a relatively long stroke relative to a stationary overhead extruder head, a center support fixed on the slide, and a pair of end supports displaceable axially through relatively short strokes on the slide between inner and outer end positions. A pair of inner mold halves carried on the center support are directed axially oppositely therefrom toward the end supports. Respective outer mold halves carried on the end supports are axially engageable with the respective inner mold halves in the inner positions of the end supports. An end-support drive connected between the slide and the end supports moves the end supports between their end positions and a slide drive connected to the slide moves the slide axially relative to the head. Each of the end-support drives includes a respective motor mounted on the slide.

Abstract: A blow-molding machine for producing blow-molded hollow bodies from a thermoplastic material, includes two blow-mold halves which can be horizontally displaced and provided with separate drive units for a transport drive and for the sequence of movements of the mold closing and locking device to open and close the blow mold halves. Conventional blow-molding machines are still equipped with hydraulic drives at least for the mold closing and locking device. In order to provide a blow-molding machine that can for example be operated under clean-room conditions, the drive unit of the blow-molding machine according to the invention is configured for the clamping elements of the mold closing and locking device as an electromotive direct drive with a spindle drive and a spindle mechanism with recirculating rollers.

Abstract: A blow molding machine comprising an extruding device 2, one pair of mold-clamping devices 3, 3′, and hammering devices 4, 4′ for hammering blow pins 40, 40′ respectively into molds 30, 30′ in the one pair of mold-clamping devices 3, 3′, for blowing, a parison P extruded from the extruding device 2 being clamped by alternately switching the mold-clamping devices 3, 3′ and then, the blow pins 40, 40′ being hammered into the molds 30, 30′ by the hammering devices 4, 4′, respectively, wherein the one pair of mold-clamping devices 3, 3′ are linearly arranged in the same direction as an opening- and-closing direction of the molds 30, 30′ in the mold-clamping devices 3, 3′.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material by blow molding of preforms using a closing support structure having at least first and second blow molding molds, a common drive means engages a drive plate and a first carrier plate which carries a mold portion. The drive plate is connected to a second carrier plate carrying another mold portion. At least one further carrier plate is arranged displaceably in the opening and closing direction between the first and second carrier plates. At each of its two sides the further carrier plate carries a respective mold portion, each thereof with a mold portion carried by an adjacent carrier plate forming a respective blow molding mold. Each of the two blow molding molds afforded thereby is provided with a means for locking the respective mold in the closed condition thereof.

Abstract: A system and method of cooling glassware molds by directing liquid coolant to the blank or blow mold halves of a glassware forming machine through an enclosed pivotal rotary union-type structure. A coolant manifold is carried by each pivotal mold arm, and communicates with coolant inlet and outlet ports at the lower end of each mold part. The manifold is connected by a floating shaft seal and a rotary union assembly and a crank arm to a coolant source and coolant return in the section box of the associated machine section. Each pivotal connection—i.e., between the section box and the crank arm, between the crank arm and the rotary union assembly, and between the rotary union assembly and the floating shaft seal—comprises a bi-directional rotary union for feeding liquid coolant to the manifold and mold parts, and returning coolant from the manifold and mold parts.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first fluid supplying means for supplying inflating fluid to between opposite portions of thermoformable material, first and second parts for receiving said portions between them, one of the parts being in the form of a shell defining a recess having a surface against which said inflating fluid presses one of said opposite portions driving means operable to bring the shell into a closed conditions relative to the other part and to maintain the shell in said closed condition, and second fluid supplying means arranged to supply operating fluid to said driving means, wherein the driving means and the second fluid supplying means are pneumatic.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing three-dimensional low-waste articles including at least one horizontally separated blow mold formed of upper and lower half-molds, a device for vertically displacing at least one of the upper and lower half-molds between an open mold position in which the upper half-mold is spaced from the lower half-mold, and a closed mold position in which the upper and lower half-molds engage each other, a device for locking the upper and lower half-molds in the closed position, and a device for pivoting the upper half-mold in the open mold position about a horizontal axis by substantially 90° and/or displacing the upper half mold in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for extrusion molding that includes an extruding die that permits extrusion of a material into a hollow tubular molding, a molding die, first and second clamping devices and a device for releasing compressed air. The first and second clamping devices are positioned along opposite end portions of the molding die and configured to clamp the molding independently from one another to form an air-tight space therebetween. The molding die includes two die cavity halves and is arranged to close around the air-tight space and compress the molding to conform the same to a final product configuration. The device for releasing compressed air is arranged to release compressed air before the die cavity halves are separated.

Abstract: Apparatus for blow molding hollow plastic bodies (7) comprising a plurality of pairs of mutually joinable half-molds (2, 4) capable of being opened and closed, associated to an appropriate rotary apparatus (10) carrying said half-molds (2, 4), a retrieval device adapted to remove the finished container (7) from the respective pair of half-molds (2) after the opening thereof, an opening and closing mechanism adapted to close the half-molds (2, 4) after the passage thereof through the position of the preform feeding mechanism, and to open them before the passage thereof through the position of the finished-container removal mechanism, in which said pairs of half-molds (2, 4) are constituted by a fixed half-mold (2) and a moving half-mold (4) that is capable of being opened from and closed against said fixed half-mold (2).

Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding machine utilizing a horizontal clamping arrangement and extruder for manufacture of injection stretch blow-molded articles, includes a stationary machine platen; an injection mold mounted to the stationary machine platen, the injection mold having temperature controlled injection cavities; first and second blow-mold assemblies positioned to opposite sides of the stationary machine platen; a shuttle assembly reciprocally movable along a machine axis of the machine toward and away from the stationary machine platen; a movable platen connected with the shuttle assembly for movement toward and away from the stationary machine platen; a retainer plate mounted to the movable platen; a core mold assembly mounted on the retainer plate, the core mold assembly including core pins; a shuttle plate mounted to the shuttle assembly and reciprocally moving perpendicular to the machine axis, the shuttle plate formed with openings and being in close proximity to the retainer plate in a machin

Abstract: A blow clamp for a blow molding apparatus having first and second platens movable between a closed and an open position. The blow clamp includes at least two clamping piston nuts secured to the first platen and respective tie bars secured to the second platen for registering with the clamping piston nuts. The tie bars are rotatable by an actuator between engaging and disengaging configurations. In the engaging configuration the tie bars are axially fixed relative to the clamping piston nuts. In the disengaging configuration the tie bars are freely axially movable relative to the clamping piston nuts. Means are provided to apply an axial closing force to the clamping piston nuts in which force is transferred to the tie bars through engagement with the clamping piston nuts in the clamping configuration.

Abstract: An improved blow mold shell, and a blow mold shell assembly, for use in blow molding containers is disclosed. The blow mold shell comprises an elongate unitary blow mold shell body defining a partial molding cavity, the partial molding cavity having a container neck forming portion and a container body forming portion. A first continuous cooling circuit is defined within the shell with respect to the neck forming portion of the molding cavity. A second separate, and independent, continuous cooling circuit is defined within the shell with respect to the body forming portion of the molding cavity. So constructed, the neck and body portions of a blow mold container may be separately cooled, and/or heat-treated, as desired, during the molding process to allow the sidewall portion of the container to be molded in as thin a sidewall section as possible in contrast to the neck portion of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing packaging containers of plastics, a packaging container, in particular produced according to said method, a method of producing filled and closed packaging containers, a molding station for a plastic packaging container and a packaging machine having such a molding station. According to the invention a packaging container is produced in a continuous method and an associated packaging machine in a combined deep-drawing/blow-molding operation with undercuts and is subsequently filled in a continuous process with a packaging material and sealed, wherein the closed packaging containers are subsequently separated from one another and discharged, optionally provided with a reclosable cover.

Abstract: A car jacking prevention system that is triggered in a number of ways and that allows a vehicle owner or driver to establish a safe distance between himself/herself and the car jacker before the car jacking prevention system triggers a number of anti-theft mechanisms. The anti-theft mechanisms include an engine cut-off mechanism, an audible alarm, a visual alarm, and a radio transmitted location system to communicate to a central location the location of the vehicle for retrieval and immediate response by police or the like. As an option, the car jacking prevention system can include a trunk activation mechanism that triggers the car jacking prevention system while simultaneously unlocking the trunk of the vehicle. Another optional mechanism is a hidden camera that, when triggered, takes multiple pictures of the car jacker while the car jacking is in progress.

Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.

Abstract: A neck ring arm assembly for a glass container forming machine of the individual section type comprising a horizontally extending invert shaft and a vertically extending cylinder with a rack that engages a spur gear attached to the invert shaft to oscillate the invert shaft. In a first embodiment, the invert shaft has an inner annular sleeve keyed to it, and the inner annular sleeve has a polygonal exterior, preferably a hexagonal exterior. First and second outer annular sleeves surround the inner annular sleeve to be oscillatable therewith, but reciprocable with respect thereto.

Abstract: An extrusion molding process including the steps of: i) extruding a material through an extruding die into a tubular molding. ii) driving two clamping devices to clamp the tubular molding at different elevations, causing an air-tight space to be formed within the tubular. iii) closing two symmetrical halves of a molding die on the molding between the clamping devices and simultaneously lowering one clamping device to stretch the molding downwards, causing the molding to be compressed in a die cavity between the two symmetrical halves of the molding die and molded into the desired finished product: and iv) opening the molding die from the finished product and returning the clamping devices to their former positions.

Abstract: A mold closing apparatus in which two linearly-shiftable mutually juxtaposed yokes carry respective halves of a mold for shaping thermoplastic articles. A linear force generator acts directly on each of the yokes in a line and in line with the direction of shifting movement for selectively drawing the yokes together and displacing them apart. The closing forces are applied symmetrically to both yokes.

Abstract: In a single-row and expandable into a multi-row stretch blow molding method and apparatus, a robot having a universal gripper assembly is used to pick up molded preforms during the clamp opening stroke of a preform-molding unit and then transfer the preforms at variable time intervals to a conditioning, stretch blow molding and discharge unit, releases finished hollow articles and returns to a waiting position at the preform-molding unit independent of the preform-molding cycle. Simultaneously, component transfer devices pick up external components, i.e. labels, valves or handles during the stretch blow molding phase and release the components into the blow-mold cavities while the universal gripper assembly is in the waiting position. The universal gripper assembly can alternatively also be pivoted to pick up preforms from a lateral reheat unit to supplement the molded preform supply.

Abstract: A cross head mounted at an end portion of an extruder for extruding a parison between a pair of elements of a metallic mold and a filling nozzle lifting apparatus having a filling nozzle are provided in parallel, and opening and closing of the metallic mold by a mold clamping apparatus, back and forth movement of the mold clamping apparatus between a parison receiving position and a filling position by a metallic mold feeding apparatus, upward and downward movement of the filling nozzle and back and forth movement of a parison cutter of a parison cutting apparatus are electrically operated. Further, a metallic mold body of the metallic mold is formed from a ventilation material, through which air in the metallic mold is sucked by vacuum to expand the parison. Furthermore, a clean air box is constructed so that it can accommodate the filling nozzle, and clean air is jetted from a jetting hole provided in a lower wall of the clean air box so that a clean air atmosphere may be provided above the metallic mold.