Patent ID: 7946842

Claim:
A transfer chain for a preform heater, comprising: a support ( 79 ); a rolling track ( 63 , 65 ) fastened to the support; an articulated chain ( 14 ) with an element ( 75 ), the articulated chain configured to be driven by a motor means; a heater ( 31 , 91 ); a preform configured to travel in the heater; successive preform support means ( 60 ) mounted on the articulated chain; a means for rotating the preform as the preform travels in the heater ( 31 , 91 ), said means for rotating the preform comprising a shaft ( 77 ) fastened to the element ( 75 ) and carrying a pinion ( 62 ) compelled to roll along the rolling track ( 63 , 65 ) when said articulated chain is driven by the motor means; a translation means ( 71 , 73 ) for translational movement of the preform support means ( 60 ); and a support plate ( 67 , 69 ) accommodated to the support ( 79 ), the support plate being a rail-shaped, approximately vertical panel comprised of i) an upper portion ( 69 ) making a rail intended to support a load of the translation means ( 71 , 73 ), and ii) a lower part ( 67 ) fastened to the rolling track ( 63 , 65 ) for the pinion ( 62 ).