METHOD OF FORMING AND SETTING HEADSPACE WITHIN A CONTAINER

摘要

A method for forming and filling a container (12) with liquid and setting the headspace of the liquid within the container (12). The method utilizes a hydraulic blow molding device (14) and a liquid as the blow molding medium (16). The method engages an injection nozzle (44) in fluid tight communication with a preform (10) and extends a stretch rod (70) from a retracted position to a position within the preform (10). The blow medium (16) is injected into the preform (10), increasing the pressure within the preform (10) and forming the container (12) from the preform (10). After initial forming of the container (12), a holding pressure (100) is established and the seal pin (60) is closed while the container (12) is at the holding pressure (100). After the container (12) is formed into a final shape, the injection nozzle (44) is disengaged from the container (12), depressurizing the container (12) thereby providing a predetermined head space and a final fill level (114) of the liquid within the container (12).