SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PREHEATING TWO STAGE PREFORMS
Exemplary methods and apparatuses for heating preforms are disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus for heating a preform includes a gripping portion for gripping a preform. In addition, a heat shield portion configured to extend up into a preform above the base is also included, wherein the heat shield portion limits transfer of radiant heat through at least a portion of the interior of the preform to at least a portion of the back of the preform
1 . An apparatus for heating a preform comprising:
a gripping portion for gripping a preform;
a heat shield portion configured to extend up into a preform above the base; and
wherein the heat shield portion limits transfer of radiant heat through at least a portion of the interior of the preform to at least a portion of the back side of the preform.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gripping portion and the heat shield portion are part of a spindle.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat shield portion is a solid surface.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat shield portion includes one or more cutouts.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat shield portion extends along a substantial length of a preform.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat shield has a planer configuration.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat shield has a circular cross-section.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the heat shield is contoured.
9 . A method of heating a preform comprising:
inserting a spindle having a gripping portion and a heat shield portion into the preform;
heating the preform with one or more heat lamps on a first side of the preform;
rotating the spindle and preform;
wherein the heat shield limits at least a portion of radiant heat from the heat lamps from passing through a first side of the preform to the interior of second side of the preform.
10 . The method of claim 9 further comprising heating a first portion of the preform to a temperature that is higher than a second portion of the preform.
11 . The method of claim 9 further comprising removing the heat shield from the preform.
12 . An apparatus for heating a preform comprising:
a plurality of heat lamps on a first side;
a spindle having a gripping portion for gripping a preform;
a rotator for rotating the spindle; and
a heat shield portion configured to extend up into a preform above the gripping portion;
wherein the heat shield limits transfer of heat through a first side of the preform, the interior of the preform and to the interior of at least a portion of a second side of the preform.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield portion is a solid surface.
14 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield portion includes a plurality of cutouts.
15 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield portion extends along a substantial length of a preform.
16 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield has a planer configuration.
17 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield has a circular cross-section.
18 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield has a cross-shaped cross-section.
19 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the heat shield is opaque and reduces the heat transferred through the interior of the preform.
20 . The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least a portion of the heat shield is contoured.