A liquid blow molding method comprises: a preliminary pressurization step of operating a pressurization supply source (30) in a state in which a blow nozzle (23) is closed by a seal body (27), to preliminarily pressurize a liquid (L) between the pressurization supply source (30) and the blow nozzle (23); an operating condition setting step of setting an operating condition of the pressurization supply source (30) based on data obtained as a result of the preliminary pressurization step; and a blow molding step of operating the pressurization supply source (30) under the operating condition set in the operating condition setting step in a state in which the blow nozzle (23) is opened, to liquid blow mold a preform (2) into a container of a predetermined shape.

A multi-functional utility skid for use with an air compressor, a chiller, and a connection having a first end engaging the chiller and a second end to provide utilities to a blow-molding machine for blow-molding articles. The skid is located proximate the machine and includes a pump engaging the second end of the connection, receiving chilled water from the chiller, being located proximate the chiller to minimize the length of the connection, and providing chilled water to both the machine and a separate supply of chilled water. The skid further includes an integral unit combining a dehumidifier that controls the humidity of the environment surrounding the machine with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit that receives the supply of chilled water from the pump, controls the temperature of the environment surrounding the machine, and supplies conditioned air to the dehumidifier thereby avoiding the need for a heat exchanger.

A method and system for hydraulic blow molding a container from a preform 24. A molding medium is injected into the preform from a nozzle 12 during a first molding stage. In the first molding stage, the molding medium is injected so as to be specifically directed at a closed end of the preform 24. During the first molding stage, the preform is axially stretched in response to the force exerted on the preform by the molding medium. The molding medium is also injected into the preform during a second molding stage, where the molding medium is injected at a flow rate greater than a flow rate during the first molding stage. During the second molding stage, the preform is radially expanded into the shape of the container.

A liquid-blow molding apparatus including a blow-molding mold that houses a preform leaving a mouth that serves as an open end thereof; a blow nozzle that supplies a pressurized liquid into the preform; a partition-wall member that closely surrounds a periphery of an outer-wall surface of the mouth of the preform and defines a mouth-external pressurized space with the outer-wall surface; and pressurized liquid-supply means for supplying a pressurized liquid into the mouth-external pressurized space so that pressure in the mouth-external pressurized space is higher than pressure inside the preform during liquid blow-molding.

A blow molding device, having: a mold; a blow nozzle tightly communicating with a mouth tubular part of a preform when the preform fitted in the mold; and a stretch rod, the blow molding device imparting shape to a container by longitudinally stretching the preform by means of the stretch rod and stretching the preform into an expanded shape by means of a pressurized liquid fed, via the blow nozzle, from a pressurized liquid feeding part separately provided, in which the blow nozzle has a support part for supporting the posture of the stretch rod, and a filling head part communicating with the mouth tubular part of the preform, the filling head part having a feed channel formed therein in the axial direction; and the support part and the filling head part are configured to be detachably coupled to each other in the vertical direction.

A method for forming and filling a container with liquid. The container being formed from a preform located within a mold and the method utilizing a hydraulic blow molding device that is coupled to a source of the liquid, which is used as the blow molding medium. The hydraulic blow molding device has a blow nozzle and a member that is extended from a retracted position to a position within the preform. A blow nozzle engages in fluid tight communication with an open end of the preform so as to provide a sealing engagement of the blow nozzle with the preform. The liquid blow medium is injected into the preform so as to form the container after sealing engagement of the blow nozzle with the preform. The member initiates its advancement into the preform prior to the time of sealing engagement of the blow nozzle with the preform.

Ways to produce a container (315, 415, 515, 720, 815, 915) having a shaped tail (610, 910) are provided that include blow molding a precursor having a tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) and shaping the tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) to form the shaped tail (610, 910). Various types of blow molding can employ various types of precursors having tails (510). Injection blow molding can be used where a preform (105, 200, 305, 405, 505) having a tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) is optionally longitudinally stretched and is expanded with a gas or a liquid. Extrusion blow molding can be used where a parison (705) having a tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) is expanded. A tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) shaping means can be part of the blow molding process or can be employed after the container (315, 415, 515, 720, 815, 915) is produced from the precursor having the tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910). The shaped tail (610, 910) can impart functionality to the container (315, 415, 515, 720, 815, 915), including where the tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) is shaped into a coupling point that can serve as an attachment point, hanging point, or hook, for example.