Patent ID: 9643370
Date: 2017-05-09
CPC Classifications: B29C,B29D

Claim:
1. A system for pre-stretching a preform utilized in forming a container, the system comprising: an oven having a plurality of heating devices configured to direct heat toward preforms passing through the oven, the oven further having a passageway defined therethrough; and a conveyor system configured to transport the preforms through the oven along the passageway, the conveyor system including a plurality of carrier assemblies coupled to one another by a conveyor, the conveyor being connected to a drive mechanism whereby the carrier assemblies are continuously moved through the oven during operation thereof, each of the carrier assemblies having a mounting portion configured to engage and retain a preform therewith; a blow molding station having at least one mold with interior surfaces defining the shape of the container, the blow molding station including at least one blow nozzle coupled to a source of blowing medium, the blow molding station being a hydraulic blow molding station wherein the blowing medium is a non-gaseous blowing medium, wherein the blow molding station is configured to blow mold the preform within the mold into the container with the blowing medium; a transfer station configured to transfer a preform from the oven into the blow molding station; and a stretch rod, the stretch rod being movable between retracted and extended positions by an actuator coupled thereto, in the extended position the stretch rod is positioned interiorly of the preform whereby the preform is elongated by the stretch rod to form a pre-stretched preform, in the retracted position the stretch rod is not positioned interiorly of the preform, the stretch rod further being located relative to the oven, the transfer station and the blow molding station to engage the preform and form the pre-stretched preform prior to the blowing medium being introduced into the preform in the blow molding station and to be in the retracted position prior to the blow molding medium being introduced into the pre-stretched preform.