| CPC B29C 49/4205 (2013.01) [B29C 49/36 (2013.01); B29C 49/06 (2013.01); B29C 49/12 (2013.01); B29C 49/56 (2013.01); B29C 49/68 (2013.01); B29K 2101/12 (2013.01); B29K 2105/258 (2013.01); B29L 2031/7158 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |

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1. A method for producing containers from preforms, the method comprises the following steps:
loading the preforms successively into molds on a first wheel at a mold loading station, the molds having a mold cavity defining an external shape of the container to be produced, the molds each including at least two mold pieces moveable between an open position and a closed position;
removing the molds in the closed position from the first wheel while containing the preforms from the mold loading station;
transferring the molds in the closed position while containing the preforms from the first wheel of the mold loading station to a second wheel of a container forming station, the container forming station being distinct and separate from the mold loading station; and
at the forming station, injecting one of a gaseous or liquid fluid into the preforms causing the preforms to expand and acquire the shape of a container defined by a mold cavity of each the molds.
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