Graham Packaging Company, L.p.

Other

Gregory Duane Taylor

Roy N Krohn

Matthew Crider

Bernd Klingenmaier

Jeffery C Enfield

Scott E Bysick

David W Cargile

Garrett R Pennington

Lawrence Korpanty

Patrick Matthew Oconnell

Roman Justice

Ryan Smith

Jennifer Y Douglin

Robert P Bartnik

Thomas Scott Smeltzer

David Wayne Cargile

A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

Universal in-mold labeling apparatus and system incorporating the apparatus

An apparatus (') and a machine () for reforming a portion of a plastic package () using induction heating. The apparatus and machine comprise a frame () engaging the plastic package and a workpiece support () having an electrically conducting workpiece (). An induction workhead () provides an alternating current power supply to an induction element (). The induction element is positioned proximate the workpiece of the workpiece support and heats the workpiece via induction. A mechanism () positions the plastic package proximate the heated workpiece so that the workpiece transfers heat to the portion of the plastic package thereby softening the portion. A forming die () supported on the frame engages the portion to reform the portion. Also provided is a process of using the apparatus and machine to reform a portion of a plastic package using induction heating.

Method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a plastic container using induction heating

An apparatus for producing a parison having a plurality of resin layers and at least one resin layer of varying thickness is disclosed. The parison is used to form containers in a blow mold machine. An extruder is in communication with a flow head to form the parison. The apparatus includes a valve block having a duct providing communication between a second extruder and the flow head. Flow of resin from the second extruder directly to the flow head is controlled by a valve in the valve block. An accumulator cylinder and piston are also in communication with the duct and control the resin pressure within the duct. Opening and closing the valve and stroking the piston sends resin from the second extruder to the flow head and forms a resin layer having a varying thickness on the parison. A method of forming a varying layer is also disclosed.

Apparatus for producing a multi-layer parison having a layer of varying thickness

A method of ejecting a container from a blow mold comprises the steps of: opening a blow mold containing a container, the blow mold comprising a pair of pistons having a head and a heel, an end cap disposed behind the heel, and a pair of ejector rods, each ejector rod coupled to a different one of the pair of pistons; forcing a fluid against each head of each of the pair of pistons, extending each of the ejector rods to maintain contact with an opposite side of a center portion of the container in the blow mold and pushing the container from the blow mold; and forcing a fluid against the heel of each of the pair of pistons operative to retract the pair of ejector rods away from the container when the container is separated from the blow mold.

Center cylinder ejection assist

Apparatus and method for transferring hollow blow molded articles from a vertically disposed wheel blow molding machine to a horizontally-disposed takeaway conveyor. Each mold on the wheel releases multiple blown articles at the six o'clock position on the wheel such that the articles fall freely from the wheel. An inclined end of a takeaway conveyor is located directly underneath the six o'clock position in order to receive the free falling blown articles and transport them to a horizontal transporting section of the takeaway conveyor. Flanges which extend upwardly from the conveying surface of the takeaway conveyor in combination with a powered endless positioning belt which extends a spaced distance along the inclined receiving end are utilized to confine the blown articles on the receiving end and uniformly position the blown articles on the takeaway conveyor.

Takeout and transfer apparatus and method for a wheel blow molding machine

A method of ejecting containers from a blow mold comprises the steps of: opening a blow mold containing containers, the blow mold comprising a pair of pistons having a head and a heel, an end cap disposed behind the heel, and a pair of ejector rods, each ejector rod coupled to a different piston; simultaneously with the opening forcing a fluid against each head of each of the pair of pistons, extending each of the ejector rods to maintain contact with an opposite side of a center portion of the containers in the blow mold and pushing the containers from the blow mold; and forcing a fluid against the heel of each of the pair of pistons operative to retract the pair of ejector rods away from the containers when the containers are separated from the blow mold.

An apparatus, mounted to a mold, for injecting air into a mold cavity and removing exhaust from the mold cavity, comprising: a blow cylinder body block mounted to the mold having a conduit to the mold cavity, wherein the blow cylinder body block comprises an insulator and the conduit has walls; a needle passing through the blow cylinder body block and the conduit, wherein the needle is connected to a piston, wherein the needle has a needle passage, and wherein compressed air is applied to the piston to extend the needle into the mold cavity and retract the needle from the mold cavity; and an insulator between the needle and the conduit walls.

Insulated apparatus for injecting and removing compressed air from a cooled mold cavity

Takeout and transfer apparatus for a wheel blow molding machine

A telecopier cover sheet comprising transparent membrane for legible marking thereon and at lease one oppositely disposed membrane section assembled thereagainst and adapted for supporting a document therebetween. The transparent cover sheet allows a person sending the document by telecopier to create a writing that appears thereagainst in the telecopied mode and yet is subsequently erasable. The telecopy document is retained within the oppositely disposed membranes comprising the assembly to therein facilitate the handling and telecopying thereof.

Growing community of inventors

York, PA, United States of America

Gregory Duane Taylor