Abstract:
A thermoforming system includes a thermoplastic preprinted billet and a thermoforming machine. The thermoforming machine includes a loading station configured to load the preprinted billet onto a frame. The thermoforming machine also includes a heating apparatus configured to heat the preprinted billet and a forming station configured to form the preprinted billet into a container.
Abstract:
A system for measuring a profile of an object comprising a source creating a beam of electromagnetic energy. An electromagnetic beam receiver spaced from the source for processing an output signal proportional to the girth of the object being measured. A platform for providing rotational and vertical movement of the object being measured causing the object to obstruct a portion of the electromagnetic beam generated by the source. A processor for processing the output signal from the electromagnetic beam receiver to form a composite profile of the object measured.
Abstract:
Contaminants are removed from RPET flakes by a process which includes the steps of comminuting the RPET flakes to produce RPET particles and driving the contaminants out from the RPET particles.
Abstract:
A thermoforming machine includes a loading station configured to load a thermoplastic billet onto a frame. The frame has an outer ring and a billet support blade defining a channel therebetween. The billet support blade engages the billet to maintain the billet on the frame during heating of the billet. A heating apparatus is configured to heat the billet and a forming station is configured to form the billet into a container.
Abstract:
An improved nozzle for gas-assisted injection molding and a method of gas-assisted injection molding using the improved nozzle are provided. This improved nozzle employs a very simple design to vent the gas from the mold cavity once the plastic article has cooled sufficiently to be self supporting. In one especially preferred embodiment of this invention, the improved nozzle contains a separate plastic shut-off valve, a separate gas inlet passage with a check valve, and a separate gas venting passage containing a movable pin. Venting of the pressurized gas occurs by movement of the movable pin so that the pressurized gas can burst through the thin layer of plastic material covering the gas venting passage. The improved nozzle design and method allow for almost continuous operation with minimal operator attention to the nozzle.
Abstract:
A check valve is provided that is especially useful in gas-assisted injection molding wherein pressurized gas is injected into molten plastic material. A tapered or cone-shaped valve member which seats into a correspondingly tapered or cone-shaped valve chamber provides the mechanism by which the valve seals against reverse flow. Any plastic material entering the gas passageway would contact the base end of the tapered or cone-shaped valve member and not any sealing surfaces. By minimizing contact with the sealing surfaces, the useful lifetime of the check valve is significantly increased.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a temperature probe and use thereof. The temperature probe is configured to obtain a temperature of a blow molding preform, especially a temperature of an inside surface of the blow molding preform. In this manner, effectiveness of heating the preform can be evaluated, the presence of one or more temperature gradients ascertained, and the blow molding process can be optimized for a given preform.
Abstract:
An overmolded preform and a container blow molded from the same are disclosed, wherein the overmolded preform and the overmolded container include an inner foamed layer.
Abstract:
An extension for a heating element includes a bracket for a quartz lamp within a furnace of a blow molding machine. The extension includes a base that is coupled to the furnace where the extension directs the heating element toward an end of a preform. The extension may include a parabolic lens to provide controlled and directed heating of the end of the preform to optimize material distribution upon blow molding.