Patent ID: 6820396
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: B65B,B65G

Abstract:
A method of storing thermoplastic preforms in a storage container, said method comprising the steps of:transferring preforms from an injection-molding machine via a conveyor; dropping said preforms from an end of said conveyor opposite said injection-molding machine, into a receptacle; applying a lubricant to said preforms in said receptacle; transferring said preforms with applied lubricant from said receptacle to a storage container; and filling the storage container with said preforms to a predetermined level; wherein said preforms with applied lubricant orient themselves by sliding one over another thereby allowing the storage container to hold a quantity of preforms that is at least ten percent (10%) greater in number than a substantially identical storage container filled to said predetermined level with preforms that are similarly configured and shaped to said preforms without the applied lubricant.