Post-mold processing of preforms
AssigneeF&S Tool, Inc.
InventorRobert D. SICILIA
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods are generally directed to cooling preforms in a receptacle having a controllable shape. As compared to cooling preforms in a receptacle having a fixed shape, the devices, systems, and method of the present disclosure may facilitate faster and more reliable post-processing of preforms. As an example, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may reduce the likelihood of transfer issues associated with moving a preform into the cavity while also facilitating faster cooling of the preform disposed in the receptacle.
Claims21
(canceled)
A cooling device for post-mold processing a preform, the cooling device comprising:
- a base defining a chamber;
- a receptacle disposed in the chamber, the receptacle including a flexible section defining at least one portion of a cavity;
- and
- an actuator configured to change a force applied by the flexible section of the receptacle to the preform and, in response to the change in force applied by the flexible section of the receptacle to the preform, the flexible section of the receptacle is deformable between an expanded state to provide a loose-clearance fit for the preform and a compressed state to provide an interference fit for the preform relative to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle.
A method of post-mold processing, the method comprising:
- inserting a body portion of a preform into a cavity defined by a receptacle disposed in a chamber defined by a base;
- compressing a flexible section of the receptacle into a compressed state to apply a force on the preform in the cavity;
- cooling the body portion of the preform while the flexible section of the receptacle is in the compressed state;
- with the body portion of the preform cooled, expanding the flexible section of the receptacle to an expanded state to change the force applied on the preform;
- and
- removing the body portion of the preform from the cavity.
A cooling device for post-mold processing a preform, the cooling device comprising:
- a base defining a chamber;
- a receptacle disposed in the chamber, the receptacle including a flexible section defining at least one portion of a cavity;
- and
- an actuator actuatable to cause deformation of the flexible section of the receptacle between an expanded state and a compressed state relative to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle to apply a radial force on the preform,
- wherein the flexible section has a thickness of less than 25.4 microns.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.