A method for controlling a machine block comprising a blow-moulding machine for producing bottles and comprising a filler for filling a liquid product into bottles, and a corresponding machine block. Accordingly, the blow-moulding machine comprises an electronic blow-moulding machine controller and an even number of circulating blow-moulding stations, and the filler comprises an electronic filler controller and an even number of circulating filling stations. Since the blow-moulding machine controller specifies a division selection, and the filler controller automatically selects, on the basis of the division selection, one of several filler operating modes all of the machine controllers in the region of the machine block can be instructed in a superordinate manner by the blow-moulding machine controller to automatically adjust the respective operating mode.

First, a composite preform 70 including a preform 10a and a plastic member 40a in close contact with the outer surface of the preform 10a is made by preparing the preform 10a made of plastic material and arranging the plastic member 40a to surround the outer surface of the preform 10a. Subsequently, the composite preform 70 is heated and inserted in a blow molding die 50 and undergoes blow molding in the blow molding die 50, by which the preform 10a and the plastic member 40a of the composite preform 70 are inflated integrally and a composite container 10A is obtained.

A composite preform including a preform and a plastic member in close contact with the outer surface of the preform is made by preparing the preform made of plastic material and arranging the plastic member to surround the outer surface of the preform. Subsequently, the composite preform is heated and inserted in a blow molding die and undergoes blow molding in the blow molding die, by which the preform and the plastic member of the composite preform are inflated integrally and a composite container is obtained.

A method for manufacturing a thermoplastic container may include locally heating a middle zone of a thermoplastic tube; gripping the tube on either side by using retaining members; pulling the tube apart, causing a middle zone to narrow; pushing the inner wall of the middle zone against each other to obtain a closure; and cutting through the closed-off middle zone to obtain two separate tubular parts. Further is provided a system for pulling apart a tube, the system may include a first retaining member which is provided for insertion into the first zone via the first end and a second retaining member provided for insertion into the second zone via the second end, each retaining member being adjustable between a first position in which the retaining member fits inside the tube and a second position in which, in use, the retaining member exerts a pressure on the inner wall of the tube.

[Problem] To provide: a composite container which can be given various functions and characteristics; a method for producing such composite container; a preform; and a composite preform.

[Solution] A composite container according to the present invention includes: a container body which is made of a plastic material; and a plastic member disposed on the outer surface of the container body, wherein the container body and the plastic member are integrally inflated by means of blow molding, and wherein the plastic member includes a colored layer and/or a print layer where a print is made.

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.

Some embodiments are directed to an extrusion blow-molding method for the manufactures of blown objects with at least one label integrated in situ, and also including a robot implementing this method.

A composite preform including a preform and a plastic member in close contact with the outer surface of the preform is made by preparing the preform made of plastic material and arranging the plastic member to surround the outer surface of the preform. Subsequently, the composite preform is heated and inserted in a blow molding die and undergoes blow molding in the blow molding die, by which the preform and the plastic member of the composite preform are inflated integrally and a composite container is obtained.

The objects of this invention are to set a predetermined height position for the portion of parison or preform that is the first to come in contact with body molding planes of a split mold and to prevent air from being trapped between in-mold labels and the container which is blow molded from the parison or the preform. In-mold labels are fixed to the entire outer surface of body of main container. An annular thinnest wall portion is formed in the wall of the body so that the thinnest wall portion is the first to come in contact with the body molding planes of a split mold. Under this construction, no bulge of air is formed between the body and the in-mold labels fixed to the entire surface of the body.

Methods for producing toothbrush handles having an inner cavity are provided.