Blow-molding plant module, includes preform-followers reaching into molds to guide and complete expanding preform, operating in conjunction with special holder which maintains sterility inside colder neck

In this plant module, preforms arriving are blown to containers. In the blow-molding unit (12), preform-followers (79) reach into the mold cavity (46), traveling together with preform and mold. Each follower has a rest (81) contacting the external surface of the preform and/or container during formation. This accompanies and guides the preform during its blowing and formation. Preferred features: The rest (81) is at the low end of a rod (80) sliding in the upper part of the mold (45), and is designed for contact with the preform. An actuator (82) cylinder (83) controls rod movement directly. In a development, the rod carries a separate rest component which is retracted, ultimately reaching a position (90) where it forms part of the mold surface in an enlarged recess (not shown) in the mold wall. The rest rod includes a hollow section, in which pressure can be reduced, to hold the end of the preform during blowing and guidance. The rest is perforated. The central bore (29) of the preform support, has an external holder (40) for the preform neck. A second bore at the top accepts the neck of the preform and an intervening ring seal (38). A floating jet nozzle (not shown) held in the neck of the bottle without touching it, channels and directs the flow of pressurized blowing medium.