Molding systems and related methods

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system for conditioning a preform for molding includes a heating cavity for receiving the preform, a heater configured to heat a gas, and a blower configured to force the gas heated by the heater into the heating cavity. In another embodiment, a method of conditioning a preform for molding includes positioning the preform in a heating cavity and forcing a heated gas into the heating cavity onto an exterior surface of the preform.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for conditioning a preform for molding, comprising:
 a heating cavity for receiving the preform;   a heater configured to heat a gas; and   a blower configured to force the gas heated by the heater into the heating cavity onto an exterior surface of the preform.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a nozzle including at least one sidewall and positioned within the heating cavity for at least partially surrounding the preform. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sidewall includes at least one aperture for directing gas therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one aperture is configured to direct gas to a predetermined portion of the exterior surface of the preform. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one aperture includes at least one of a bore, a slot, a curve, or a funnel. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one aperture includes an adjustable cross dimension. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one sidewall includes at least one cylindrical sidewall, and wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures arranged in a uniform pattern on the at least one cylindrical sidewall. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature gauge for measuring a temperature of the gas. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature controller for adjusting an output temperature of the heater. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the heater is in communication with the heating cavity. 
     
     
         11 . A method of conditioning a preform for molding, comprising:
 positioning the preform in a heating cavity; and   forcing a heated gas into the heating cavity onto an exterior surface of the preform.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising positioning a nozzle having at least one sidewall within the heating cavity to at least partially surround the preform. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one sidewall includes at least one aperture, and wherein forcing the heated gas into the heating cavity includes directing the heated gas through the at least one aperture. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein directing the heated gas through the at least one aperture includes directing the heated gas to a predetermined portion of the exterior surface of the preform.