MX2007000152A

MX2007000152A - Coating process and apparatus for forming coated articles.

Info

Publication number: MX2007000152A
Application number: MX2007000152A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Said Farha; Gerald A Hutchinson; Patrick J Finlay; Robert A Lee; Sriram Tharmapuram
Original assignee: Advanced Plastics Technologies
Priority date: 2004-07-09
Filing date: 2005-07-11
Publication date: 2007-03-30
Also published as: WO2006010141A2; EP1765573A2; NO20070734L; BRPI0513163A; CA2573140A1; JP2008505785A; AU2005265401A1; KR20070041558A; WO2006010141A3

Abstract

Methods and apparatus can be used to make coated articles (1) with one or more layers.The layers can be applied by dip, spray or flow coating. The apparatuses and methodscan make coated containers, preferably comprising polyethylene terephthalate,from coated preforms (1). In some arrangements, the apparatus and method permitthe coated container or preform (1) to be made in an energy-efficient manner thatreduces the danger of coating damage and thus increases the efficacy of the finalcontainer.

Description

COATING PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING COATED ARTICLES Related Requests This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of the provisional patent applications of the U.S.A. Serial number 60 / 586,854, filed July 9, 2004, Serial No. 60 / 644,044, filed on January 14, 2005, and Serial No. 60 / 672,321, filed on April 18, 2005, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their totalities. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing articles coated with one or more layers by dip coating, spray coating or flow coating. In one embodiment, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing coated containers, preferably comprising polyethylene terephthalate, from the precursor of coated forms. Description of the Related Art Form precursors are the products from which containers are made by blow molding. Unless otherwise indicated the term "container" is a broad term and is used in its Ordinary sense and includes, without limitation, both the shape precursor and the bottle container that is obtained from it. A number of plastic and other materials have been used for containers and many are quite adequate. Some products such as carbonated drinks and foods require a container, which is resistant to the transfer of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. The coating of these containers has been suggested for many years. A resin now widely used in the container industry is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), by that term we include not only the homopolymer formed by the poly-condensation of [beta] -hydroxyethyl terephthalate but also copolyesters containing minor amounts of units derived from other glycols or diacids, for example isophthalate copolymers. The manufacture of biaxially oriented PET containers is well known in the art. Biaxially oriented PET containers are strong and have good resistance to progressive plastodeformación. Can be produced containers with relatively thin wall and light weight, which are able to withstand, without undue distortion over the shelf life desired, the pressures exerted by carbonated liquids, particularly beverages such as carbonated beverages, including soft drinks and beers. Thin-walled PET containers are permeable to some extent to gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen and therefore allow loss of carbon dioxide under pressure and oxygen ingress, which can affect the taste and quality of the contents bottled In a commercial operation method, shape precursor is made by injection molding and then blown into bottles. In the commercial size of two liters, a shelf life of 2 to 16 weeks can be expected, but for smaller bottles such as half a liter, the larger surface-to-volume ratio severely restricts shelf life. Carbonated beverages may be pressurized to 4.5 volumes of gas, but if this pressure falls below the specified acceptable levels of the product, the product is considered unsatisfactory. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, this invention relates to methods and apparatuses for producing articles, preferably plastic articles, having coatings comprising one or more layers. These layers may comprise thermoplastic materials with good gas barrier characteristics as well as layers which provide UV protection, wear resistance, resistance to redness, resistance to chemicals and / or active properties such as 02 or C02 purification. In some modalities, a method to produce multiple items layers is provided. The method comprises supplying substrate articles to a transfer system. The substrate articles are passed over the transfer system to a loading system. The loading system places the substrate articles in carriers configured to contain the substrate articles. The carriers are selectively moved to transport the substrates over a processing line. A first coating material is deposited on at least a portion of each substrate article to form a first coating on each substrate article. The first coating material is removed from a smaller section of each substrate article. In some modalities, the coating material is removed from the lower section of each substrate article. In some embodiments, a second coating is applied to at least a portion of the section of each article of the substrate after the first coating material is removed from that substrate article.

In some embodiments, a method for producing a multiple layer article is provided. The method comprises supplying substrate articles to a conveyor system. Carriers of the conveyor system are configured to hold the substrate articles. The carriers transport the substrates on a process line. A coating material is deposited on at least a portion of each substrate article to form a first coating on each substrate article. The coating material is removed from a section of each substrate article. In some embodiments, excess coating material is removed from each substrate article. In some embodiments, a system for removing material is used to remove the material from the coated article. In some embodiments, a coating system has a transfer system and a carousel system. The transfer system supplies substrate articles continuously or discontinuously to the carousel system. In some embodiments, the transfer system batch feeds the substrate articles to the carousel system. In some embodiments, the carousel system has a loading system configured to remove items from the substrate of the transfer system and supplying the substrate articles to the carousel system. In some embodiments, substrate articles with an outer liquid coating are provided. At least a portion of the outer coating can be removed by a material removal system. In some embodiments, the material removal system removes a portion of the liner in the end cap region of the article. In some embodiments, the substrate article is heated to a temperature high enough to promote the coating material to coat the portion of the article. In some embodiments, the article itself is coated due to severity, causing the liquid coating material to flow over the portion of each article. In some embodiments, an apparatus for producing multilayer articles is provided. The apparatus comprises a transfer system configured to receive and transport substrate articles. A loading system comprises a plurality of loaders. The loaders are mobile between a loading position and a discharge position. A plurality of movable carriers may have attachment mechanisms that are configured to hold substrate articles selectively The loaders are configured to receive articles of substrate from the transfer system when the loaders are in the loading position. The loaders are configured to deliver the substrate articles to the mobile carriers when the loaders are in the unloading position. The plurality of mobile carriers is configured to retain and transport the substrate articles on a processing line. A coating unit is located along the processing line. The coating unit is configured to supply material on the substrate article retained by the carriers. In some modalities, mobile carriers are connected to a conveyor. The carriers may have one or more fastening mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism can be dimensioned to fit in an interior of a corresponding substrate article for example a shape precursor or container. Each clamping mechanism is movable between a first position for holding a substrate article and a second position for receiving a substrate article. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism is in the form of a mandrel. In some embodiments, a coating system is configured to coat Substrate articles. The coating system comprises a controller in communication with a plurality of temperature sensors and a curing system configured to cure a layer of material in the substrate articles. The controller selectively controls the output of the curing system, in response to at least one temperature signal from at least one of the sensors. In some modalities, the temperature sensors are pyro or thermocouples. Temperature sensors can measure the temperature of the substrates during the production cycle. In some embodiments, a transfer system supplies substrate articles to a carousel system. The transfer system comprises at least one vane wheel or sprocket system. The vane wheel system includes a plurality of peripheral cavities with dimension and shape for receiving substrate articles. The plurality of peripheral cavities is rotatable with respect to a pulse arrow of the vane wheel system. In some embodiments, the transfer system comprises a plurality of paddle wheels. The vane wheels can be arranged to transport articles of substrate to a carousel system.

In some embodiments, a system for producing multi-layered articles is provided. The system comprises a conveyor system that has carriers. Each carrier is configured to transport at least one substrate on a processing line. A coating system is located next to a processing line. The coating system comprises a supply system that is configured to supply coating material on substrates retained in the carriers that move on the processing line. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a coating unit. A modular tank system is mobile and located with respect to the conveyor system. In some embodiments, the modular tank system comprises a tank configured to contain coating material and a pump in communication with the tank. The modular tank system is mobile between a remote position and a supply position. In some embodiments, when the modular tank system occupies the supply position and operates the pump, the coating material is supplied from the tank to the supply system. In some embodiments, when the modular tank system occupies the supply position and operates the pump, the modular tank system is close to the supply system and Coating material is supplied from the tank to the coating system. In some assemblies, the conveyor system is a carousel system. In some embodiments, the modular tank system comprises a transport system configured to advance on a support surface. The transport system may comprise one or more wheel assemblies. In some embodiments, the transport system comprises four wheel assemblies arranged from a frame of the modular tank system. In some embodiments, the transport system comprises linear slides. The modular tank system may comprise a filtration system in fluid communication with the tank. The filtration system may comprise a plurality of filters configured to remove substances or impurities from the coating material. In a preferred embodiment, a process for the production of a coated article is provided. The process comprises providing an article, preferably a container or precursor comprising polyethylene terephthalate; applying to the article a coating of an aqueous dispersion of a thermoplastic epoxy resin on the article; and cure / dry the coating. In embodiments wherein the article is a shape precursor, the preferred method further comprises a blow molding operation, which preferably includes stretching the precursor in dry coated form axially and radially, in a blow molding process, to a suitable temperature for orientation, in a bottle-container. In the process, the thermoplastic epoxy coating is applied by dip, spray or flow coating of the article and the coating and the drying is applied in more than one step such that the coating properties are increased with each coating layer. The volume of coating position can be altered by the temperature of the article, the angle of the article, the solution / dispersion temperature, the solution / dispersion viscosity and the number of layers. Multiple coatings of preferred processes result in multiple layers without substantial distinction between the layers, improved coating performance and / or reduction of surface voids and coating holidays. In addition, a preferred multiple coating process results in successive layers that require decreased amounts of coating material to completely coat the article. In preferred modalities, the process of coating and drying results in improved surface tension properties. Also, in preferred processes, the drying process of articles has a repairing effect on superficial defects of the finished article. In addition, in preferred processes, the drying / curing process produces articles that do not exhibit a substantially whitish or turbid color. According to one embodiment, a process for producing articles coated with thermoplastic resin is provided, the process comprising: applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of a first thermoplastic resin to the outer surface of an article substrate by dip, spray or flow coating; removing the dip coating article from spray or flow at such a rate to form a coherent first film; curing / drying the coated article until the first film is substantially dried to form a first coating. Optionally, the method may further include applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of a second thermoplastic resin to the outer surface of an article substrate by spray or flow immersion coating; removing the article from the immersion coating spray or flow at a rate to form a second coherent film; cure / dry the coated article until the second film is Dry substantially to form a second coating. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the first and second thermoplastic resins comprises a thermoplastic epoxy resin and the first and second resins may be the same or different. According to a preferred embodiment, a method for dip coating articles is provided, comprising the steps of: a) immersing the article in a solution / dispersion of aqueous coating containing either a static tank or a coating applicator by flow with the article that rotates to achieve complete exposure to the flow; b) removing the article from the static tub or applicator by flow coating below the speed at which a coherent film is observed; c) exposing the article and film to infrared heaters until the film is substantially dry; optionally while the article is cooled with air. According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for dip coating articles comprising: an article conveyor that transports articles through a dip coating system; a tank or tub containing a dispersion / aqueous solution coating material, where the conveyor extracts or submerge the items through the tank or tub; and a curing / drying unit comprising an oven or chamber in which a curing / drying source is located in which the articles are moved through the oven or chamber by the conveyor. The curing / drying unit is optionally coupled with a fan or blower to cool the article with air. A further preferred apparatus may comprise a second tank or tub of coating material and a second curing / drying unit. In another preferred apparatus, the conveyor transports the articles back through the tank and / or the curing / drying unit to provide a second coating in the article. A preferred apparatus may optionally include one or more drip eliminators located between the coating tank or tub and the curing / drying unit or elsewhere before the curing / drying unit. According to another preferred embodiment, a method is provided for coating articles comprising the steps: a) spray coating the articles with an aqueous coating solution / dispersion with the article rotating to achieve full flow exposure; b) spraying the article at a rate at which a coherent film is observed; c) exposing the article and the film to heaters infrared until the film is substantially dry; optionally while the article is cooled with air. According to a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for spray coating articles is provided comprising: an article conveyor, which transports the articles through a spray coating system; one or more spray nozzles is in fluid communication with one. dispersion / aqueous solution of coating material such that it may be contained in a tank or tub; a collector of coating material that receives unused coating material; and a curing / drying unit comprising an oven or chamber in which a drying / curing source is located, wherein the articles are passed through the oven or chamber through the conveyor. The curing / drying unit is optionally coupled with a fan or blower to cool the article with air. A further preferred apparatus may comprise a second tank or tub of coating material, a second cluster of one or more spray nozzles and / or second curing / drying unit, or to provide a second coating, one or more components of the first system Spray coating can be used. A preferred apparatus may optionally include one or more drip eliminators located between the sprayer and the curing / drying unit or elsewhere before the curing / drying unit. According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for flow coating articles, comprising the steps of: a) coating the article with an aqueous coating solution / dispersion with the article rotating to achieve full flow exposure; b) removing the article from the sheet of the flow coating at a rate at which a coherent film is observed; c) exposing the article and film to infrared heaters until the film is substantially dry; and optionally d) cooling the article with air. According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for flow coating articles comprising: an article conveyor which transports the articles through a flow coating system; a tank or tub containing an aqueous solution / dispersion of coating material that is fluidly communicating with a fluid guide, wherein the coating material flows out of the fluid line to form a descending sheet or bath curtain; A collector of coating material that receives coating material does not used; and a curing / drying unit comprising an oven or chamber in which a curing / drying source is located, wherein the articles are moved through the furnace or chamber by the conveyor. The curing / drying unit is optionally coupled with a fan or blower to cool the article with air. A further preferred apparatus may comprise a second tank or tub of coating material, a second fluid guide, and / or a second curing / drying unit, or to provide a second coating, one or more components of the first coating system of flow can be used. A preferred apparatus may optionally include one or more drip eliminators located between the tank or coating tub and the curing / drying unit or elsewhere before the curing / drying unit. In one embodiment, a preferred apparatus includes means for entering the article into the system; dip coating, spray or flow the article; optional removal of excess material; dried or cured; optionally cooling, during and / or after drying / curing and expelling from the system. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a single integral processing line that contains multiple stations where each station coats the article, thereby producing a article with multiple coatings. In another embodiment, the system is modular, where each processing line is self contained with the ability to transfer to another line, thus allowing simple or multiple coatings, depending on how many modules are connected and thus allowing maximum flexibility of processing. According to one embodiment, a multilayer article is provided comprising: a substrate and at least one layer comprising thermoplastic epoxy resin coating material placed on at least a portion of the substrate to form a coated article, wherein the coated article preferably does not exhibit substantially whitened or whitish or turbid color when immersed in water or otherwise directly exposed to water. In particular embodiments, these articles also do not exhibit substantially whitish or cloudy or bleached color when exposed to high humidity, including humidity of about 70% or greater. Said exposure or immersion to water or high humidity may occur for several hours or more, including approximately 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and more and / or may occur at temperatures around room temperature and at reduced temperatures. In one modality, the articles coated do not exhibit substantially color release or bleached when immersed in or otherwise directly exposed to water at a temperature from about 0 degrees C to 30 degrees C, including about 5 degrees C, 10 degrees C, 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C , 22 degrees C, and 25 degrees C for approximately 24 hours. In preferred embodiments, the substrate comprises a polymeric material, preferably a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamides and acrylics. In embodiments wherein the article is a shape precursor or bottle having a body portion and neck portion, the coating is preferably placed substantially only on the body portion of the shape precursor. In a preferred embodiment, one or more additional coating layers are placed in the article. In these three or more layer embodiments, preferably substantially no distinction between coating layers and / or one or more additional layers comprise thermoplastic materials. The coating layer or layers may contain one or more of the following characteristics in preferred embodiments: gas barrier protection, UV protection, wear resistance, color output resistance, chemical resistance.

According to a preferred embodiment, a multi-layer container is produced, preferably a shape precursor or bottle having a body portion and a neck portion. Preferably, the container, shape precursor or bottle comprises a substrate of thermoplastic material and one or more layers of thermoplastic resin coating material. Preferably, the thermoplastic substrate material is selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides and acrylics. Preferably, the coating layers contain one or more of the following characteristics: gas barrier protection, UV protection, wear resistance, whitish or cloudy color resistance, chemical resistance. Preferably, the coating is placed substantially only on the body portion of the shape precursor. In addition, the finished product preferably has substantially no distinction between layers. In a preferred embodiment, the coated article or container formed of a precursor of coated form, does not show substantially whitish or turbid color or bleached when exposed to water or high humidity at room temperature or reduced or elevated temperatures (relative to room temperature) for period of several hours. In one embodiment, the coated article or container does not exhibit substantially whitish or turbid color when immersed in or otherwise exposed to water. In related embodiments, the infrared heating is replaced with flame curing, gas heaters, electron beam processing or UV radiation optionally followed by or combined with air cooling. All these modalities are intended within the scope of the inventions described herein. These and other embodiments of the present inventions will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the appended figures, the inventions are not limited to any or any particular preferred embodiments described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a precursor of uncoated form as used as a starting material for preferred embodiments. Figure 2 is a cross section of a preferred uncoated shape precursor of the type that is coated according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a shape precursor coated. Figure 4 is an enlargement of a section of the wall portion of a coated shaped precursor. Figure 5 is a cross section of another embodiment of a precursor of coated form. Figure 6 is a cross section of a precursor, preferably in the cavity of a blow molding apparatus of a type that can be used to produce a preferred coated container of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a coated container prepared according to a blow molding process. Figure 8 is a cross section of a preferred embodiment of a coated container having characteristics according to the present invention. Figure 9 is a three layer modality of a shape precursor. Figure 10 is a non-limiting flow diagram illustrating a preferred process. Figure 11 is a non-limiting flow diagram of a preferred process embodiment wherein the system comprises a single revistment unit.

Figure 12 is a non-limiting flow chart of a preferred process wherein the system comprises multiple coating units in an integrated system. Figure 13 is a non-limiting flow chart of a preferred process wherein the system comprises multiple coating units in a modular system. Figure 14 is a non-limiting top view of a preferred process embodiment wherein the system comprises a single flow coating unit. Figure 15 is a non-limiting front view of a preferred process embodiment, wherein the system comprises a single flow coating unit. Figure 16 is a non-limiting cross-sectional view of a preferred process embodiment wherein the system comprises a single flow coating unit. Figures 17A and 17B illustrate non-limiting views of one embodiment of a preferred IR drying / curing unit. Figure 18 is a non-limiting top view of one embodiment of a coating system Figure 19 is a non-limiting perspective view of one embodiment of a transfer system of the coating system of Figure 18, wherein the transfer system is not loaded with shape precursor. Figure 20 is a non-limiting partial top view of the transfer system of Figure 19, wherein the transfer system couples a shape precursor. Figure 21 is a non-limiting partial side view of the transfer system of Figure 19, wherein the transfer system couples a shape precursor. Figure 22 is a non-limiting view of one embodiment of a transfer system of a coating system. Figure 23 is a non-limiting view of a portion of an embodiment of a carousel system of the coating system of Figure 18. Figure 24A is a non-limiting side view of a portion of a loading system, wherein the system Load is not loaded with shape precursor. Figure 24B is a non-limiting top view of a portion of the loading system and the transfer system, wherein the system of Coating is not loaded with shape precursor. Figure 25 is a non-limiting side view of one embodiment of a clamping mechanism. Figure 26A is a non-limiting rear view of a mode of a carrier of a carousel system. Figure 26B is a non-limiting side view of a mode of a carrier of a carousel system. Figure 27 is a non-limiting perspective view of one embodiment of a flow coating system of the coating system. Figure 28 is a non-limiting cross-sectional view of a tank of the flow coating system of Figure 27. Figure 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional view on line 29-29 of Figure 28. Figure 30 is an enlarged view of a portion of a tank of a coating system. Figure 31 is a non-limiting schematic illustration of one embodiment of a fluid system of a coating system. Figure 32 is a non-limiting cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a tank of collection of a coating system. Figure 33 is a non-limiting illustration of a portion of a carousel system transporting shape precursor and a coating system coating the shape precursors. Figure 34 is a non-limiting side view of a reservoir of the fluid system of Figure 31. Figure 35 is a non-limiting illustration of a portion of a carousel system and one embodiment of a removal system. Figure 36 is a non-limiting top view of one embodiment of a removal system. Figure 37 is a non-limiting side view of the removal system of Figure 36. Figure 38 is a non-limiting side view of one embodiment of a precursor so that it is partially covered with the coating material. Figures 39A to 39E illustrate non-limiting views of various modes of removal systems. Figure 40 is a schematic non-limiting illustration of one embodiment of a fluid system of a coating system. Figure 41 is a side view not limiting a shape precursor in a curing system. Figure 42 is a non-limiting cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a clamping mechanism holding a shape precursor. Figure 43 is a non-limiting side view of another embodiment of a shape precursor in a curing unit. Figure 44 is a non-limiting perspective view of a cooling system. Figure 45 is a top plan view of a coating system according to another embodiment. Figure 46 is a perspective view of a portion of the coating system of Figure 45. Figure 47 is a perspective view of a portion of the coating system of Figure 45. Figure 48 is a non-limiting side view of a flow coating system of the coating system of Figure 45. Figure 49 is a side view of a clamping mechanism and a shape precursor, the clamping mechanism being in a first position to receive the shape precursor. Figure 50 is a side view of the clamping mechanism of Figure 49 in a second position to hold a shape precursor. Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of a clamping mechanism according to another embodiment. Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening mechanism of Figure 51 holding a shape precursor. Figure 53 is a non-limiting side view of a clamping mechanism holding a shape precursor. Detailed Description of Preferred Modalities A. General Description of Preferred Modalities. Methods and apparatus for coating articles comprising one or more layers are described herein. These layers can comprise thermoplastic materials with good gas barrier characteristics, as well as layers or additives that provide UV protection, wear resistance, resistance to color output, chemical resistance and / or active properties for purification or sweeping of 02 and / or C02 As currently contemplated, one embodiment of a coated article is a shape precursor of the type employed for beverage containers. Alternately, modalities of articles coated with the present invention can take the form of jars, tubes, trays, bottles for containing liquid foods, medical products, or other products sensitive to gas exposure. However, for reasons of simplicity, these modalities will be described here primarily as an article or precursor of forms. In addition, the articles described herein can be described specifically in relation to a particular substrate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but preferred methods apply to many other thermoplastics of the polyester type. As used herein, the term "substrate" is a broad term used in its ordinary sense and includes embodiments wherein "substrate" refers to the material used to form the coated base article. Other suitable article substrates include but are not limited to various polymers such as polyesters, polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamides, including nylons or acrylics. These substrate materials can be used alone or in conjunction with each other. Examples of more specific substrates include but are not limited to polyethylene 2, 6- and 1,5-naphthalene (PEN), polytetramethylene 1,2-dioxybenzoate and copolymers of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene phosphthalate. In one modality, PET is used as the polyester substrate that is coated. As used herein, "PET" includes but is not limited to, modified PET, as well as PET mixed with other materials. An example of a modified PET is "PET with high IPA" or PET modified with IPA. The term "high IPA PET" refers to PET where the IPA content is preferably greater than about 2% by weight including about 2-10% IPA by weight. One or more layers of a coating material are used in preferred methods and processes. The layers may comprise barrier layers, UV protective layers, oxygen scavenging layers, carbon dioxide scavenging layers, and other layers as required for the particular application. As used herein, the terms "barrier material", "barrier resin" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation to materials which, when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the substrate of the article and have a lower permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide than the substrate of the article. As used herein, the term "UV protection" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation to materials which, when used to coat articles, Preferably they adhere well to the substrate of the article and have a higher UV absorption ratio than the substrate of the article. As used herein, the term "oxygen scavenging" and the like, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation to materials that when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the substrate of the article. article and have a higher oxygen absorption ratio than the article's substrate. As used herein, the terms "carbon dioxide purification" and the like, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation to materials which, when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the substrate of the article and have a higher carbon dioxide absorption ratio than the substrate of the article. As used herein, the terms "interlaced", "interlaced" and the like, are broad terms and are used herein in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation to materials and coatings ranging from a very small degree of entanglement to including fully interlaced materials such as epoxy thermoset. The degree of entanglement can be adjusted to provide the appropriate degree of resistance to abuse chemical or mechanical for the particular circumstances. Once a suitable coating material is chosen, an apparatus and method for commercially manufacturing a coated article is necessary. A similar method and apparatus are described below. Preferred methods provide a coating to be placed in an article, specifically a shape precursor, which is subsequently blown into a bottle. These methods are in many cases preferable to placing coatings on the bottles themselves. The shape precursors are smaller in size and in a more regular way than the blown containers there, making it simpler to obtain a uniform and regular coating. In addition, bottles and containers of varying shapes and sizes can be made from precursor shapes of similar size and shape. In this way, the same processing equipment can be used to coat shape precursor to form various types of different containers. The blow molding can be carried out a little after the molding of the coating or can be made shape precursor and stored for subsequent blow molding. If form precursors are stored before blow molding, their size smaller allows them to occupy less space in storage. Although it is often preferable to form containers from the precursor of coated forms, the containers can also be coated. The process by blow molding presents several challenges. A stage where the greatest difficulty arises is during the blow molding process where the container is formed from the shape precursor. During this process, defects such as de-lamination of the layers, cracking or cracking, cracking or microcracking of the coating surface, non-uniform coating thickness and discontinuous coating or voids may result. These difficulties can be overcome by using suitable coating materials and coating the shape precursors in a manner that allows good adhesion between the layers. In this manner, preferred embodiments comprise suitable coating materials. When a suitable coating material is used, the coating adheres directly to the precursor in a manner without any significant de-lamination and will continue to adhere as the precursor is blow molded into bottles and subsequently. The use of a suitable coating material also helps to reduce the incidence of defects Cosmetic and structural features that may result from blow molded containers as described above. A common problem seen in articles formed when coating using coating solutions or dispersions is "whitish or cloudy" or bleached when the article is immersed in (which includes partial immersion) or exposed directly to water or high humidity (which includes at or about 70% relative humidity). In preferred embodiments, the articles described herein and articles produced by the methods described herein, exhibit minimally or substantially no whitish or turbid color or bleached when immersed in or otherwise exposed directly to water or high humidity. Said exposure may occur for several hours or more, including about 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and more and / or may occur at temperatures around room temperature and at reduced temperatures, such as would be seen when placing the article in a refrigerant that contains ice or water-ice. Exposure can occur at elevated temperature, such as elevated temperature that does not include temperatures high enough to cause appreciable softening of the materials forming the container or coating, including temperatures approaching the Tg of the materials. In one embodiment, the coated articles do not exhibit substantially whitish or cloudy or bleached color when immersed in or otherwise directly exposed to water at a temperature of from about 0 degrees C to 30 degrees C, including about 5 degrees C, 10 degrees C , 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 22 degrees C, and 25 degrees C for approximately 24 hours. The process used to cure or dye coating layers appears to have an effect on the whitish or turbid color resistance of the articles. B. Detailed Description of the Drawings With reference to Figure 1, a precursor of a preferred uncoated shape is illustrated. 1. The shape precursor is preferably made from an FDA approved material such as virgin PET and can be from either a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The shape precursor shown in Figure 1 is a 24 gram shape precursor of the type that will form a carbonated beverage bottle with a capacity of 475 ml. (16 oz.) But as will be understood by those skilled in the art, other shape precursor configurations may be employed depending on the desired configuration, characteristics and use of the final article. The uncoated precursor 1 can be made by injection molding as is known in the art or by other convenient methods. Now with reference to Figure 2, a cross-section of a preferred uncoated shape precursor 1 of Figure 1 is illustrated. The uncoated shape precursor 1 has a neck portion 2 and a body portion 4. neck 2, also referred to as the neck finish, starts at opening 18 inside the shape precursor 1 and extends to and includes support ring 6. Neck 2 is further characterized by the presence of threads 8, which provide a form of fastening a cap for the bottle produced from the shape precursor 1. Body portion 4 is an elongated and cylindrically shaped structure that extends down the neck 2 and culminates in the rounded end cap 10. The precursor thickness of shape 12 will depend on the total length of the shape precursor 1 and the wall thickness and total size of the resulting container. It will be noted how the terms "neck" and "body" are used herein, in a container which is colloquially referred to as a "long neck" container, the elongated portion just below the support ring, threads and / or lip, in where the lid is held will be considered part of the "body" of the container and is not a part of the "neck". In other embodiments that are not illustrated, the neck portion 2 does not include a finish of neck for example has no threads 8 (but includes the support ring). In other embodiments not illustrated the neck portion 2 does not include a neck finish or a support ring. With reference to Figure 3, a cross section of a type of coated shape precursor 20 having features according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated. The coated form precursor 20 has a neck portion 2 and a body portion 4 as in the uncoated shape precursor 1 in Figures 1 and 2. The coating layer 22 is placed with respect to all surfaces of the portion of the body 4, ending at the bottom of the support ring 6. A coating layer 22 in the embodiment shown in the Figure does not extend to the neck portion 2, nor is it present on the interior surface 16 of the precursor so that preferably It is made of an FDA approved material such as PET. The coating layer 22 can comprise a layer of a single material, a layer of several materials combined or several layers of at least 2 materials. The total thickness 26 of the shape precursor is equal to the thickness of the precursor initially, plus the thickness 24 of the coating layer (s), and depends on the total size and the desired coating thickness of the resulting container.

Figure 4 is an enlargement of a wall section of the precursor so as to show the constitution of the coating layers in a form precursor embodiment. Layer 110 is the substrate layer of the shape precursor while 112 comprises the coating layers of the shape precursor. The outer skin layer 116 comprises one or more layers of material, while 114 comprises the inner skin layer. In preferred embodiments, there may be one or more outer coating layers. As shown herein, the coated form precursor has an inner coating layer and two outer coating layers. Not all shape precursors of Figure 4 will be of this type. With reference to Figure 5, another embodiment of a coated shape precursor 25 is shown in cross section. The primary difference between the precursor of coated form 25 and the precursor of coated form 20 in Figure 3, is that the coating layer 22 is placed on the support ring 6 of the neck portion 2 as well as the body portion 4. Preferably any coating that is placed on, especially on the top surface or on the support ring 6, is made of an FDA approved material such as PET.

The shape precursors and coated containers may have layers with a wide variety of relative thicknesses. In view of the present description, the thickness of a given layer and the precursor in a total form or container, either at a certain point or especially the container, can be selected to suit a coating process or a particular final use for the container. In addition, as discussed above with respect to the coating layer of Figure 3, the coating layer and the shape and container precursor embodiments described herein may comprise a single material, a layer of several materials combined or several layers of at least one two or more materials. After a precursor of coated form as illustrated in Figure 3 is prepared by a method and apparatus such as those discussed in detail below, it is subjected to a blow-molding and stretching process. With reference to Figure 6, in this process a precursor of coated form 20 is placed in a mold 28 having a cavity corresponding to the shape of the desired container. The coated form precursor is then heated and expanded by stretching and by forced air into the shape precursor 20 to fill the cavity within the mold 28, creating a coated container 30.

The blow molding operation is normally restricted to the body portion 4 of the shape precursor with the neck portion 2 including the threads, anti-theft ring, and support ring retaining the original configuration as in the shape precursor. With reference to Figure 7, a coated container embodiment 40 is described according to a preferred embodiment, such as that which can be made from blow molding the coated shape precursor 20 of Figure 3. The container 40 has a neck portion 2 and a body portion 4 corresponding to the neck and body portions of the coated shape precursor 20 of Figure 3. The neck portion 2 further is characterized by the presence of the threads 8 which provide a way of fastening a lid on the container. When the coated container 40 is seen in cross section, as in Figure 8, the construction can be seen. The liner 42 covers the exterior of the entire body portion 4 of the container 40, stopping just below the support ring 6. The interior surface 50 of the container, which is made of an FDA approved material, preferably PET, remains uncoated such that only the inner surface 50 is in contact with the packaged product such as drinks, food or medicine. In a preferred embodiment that is used as a carbonated beverage container, a 24 gram precursor is blow molded in a 475 ml (16 oz.) Bottle with a coating in the range of about 0.05 to about 0.75 gram, including about 0.1 to about 0.2 gram. With reference to Figure 9, a preferred 3-layer shape precursor 76 is shown. This precursor form of coated form is preferably made by placing 2 coating layers 80 and 82 in a form 1 precursor such as that shown in FIG. Figure 1. With reference to Figure 10, a non-limiting flow diagram is shown, illustrating a preferred process and apparatus. A preferred process and apparatus involves an article entry to the system 84, dip coating or flow of the article 86, removal of the excess material 88, drying / curing 90, cooling 92 and ejection of the system 94. With reference to Figure 11 , a non-limiting flow diagram of a preferred process embodiment is shown wherein the system comprises a single coating unit, A of the type in Figure 10, which produces a single-skinned article. Article it enters the system 84 before the coating unit and leaves the system 94 after leaving the coating unit. With reference to Figure 12 there is shown a non-limiting flow diagram of a preferred process wherein the system comprises a single integrated processing line containing multiple stations 100, 101, 102, wherein each station coats and dries or cures the article , in this way producing an article with multiple coatings. The article enters the system 84 before the first station 100 and leaves the system 94 after the last station 102. The mode described herein illustrates a single integrated processing line with three coating units. It will be understood that the numbers of the coating units above or below are also included. With reference to Figure 13 as a non-limiting flow chart of a preferred process modality is shown. In this embodiment, the system is modular in which each processing line 107, 108, 109 is self-contained with the ability to transfer to another line 103, thus allowing single or multiple coatings depending on how many modules are connected from this way allowing maximum flexibility. The article first enters the system at one of several points in the system 84 or 120. The article may enter 84 and advance through the first module 107 after the article may exit the system at 118 or continue to the next module 108 through a transfer mechanism 103 known to those skilled in the art. The article then enters the next module 108 into 120. The article can then proceed to the next module 109 or exit the system. The number of modules can be varied depending on the production circumstances required. further, the individual coating units 104, 105, 106 may comprise different coating materials depending on the requirements of a particular production line. The exchange capacity of different modules and coating units provide maximum flexibility. With reference to figures 14, 15 and 16 alternate views of non-limiting diagrams of a preferred process mode are shown. In this embodiment, the top view of a system comprising a single flow coating applicator 86 is shown. The shape precursor enters system 84 and then advances to flow coating applicator 86, where the shape precursor 1 passes. through the water fall of the coating material. The coating material advances from the tank 150 through the space 155 in the tank down the angle fluid guide 160 where it forms a water drop (not shown) as it passes to the shape precursors. The space 155 in the tank can be widened or narrowed to adjust the flow of material. The material is pumped from the tank (not shown) into the tank or tank at a rate that maintains the level of the coating material over the space 155. Advantageously, this configuration ensures a constant flow of coating material. The excess amount of material also dampens any fluid fluctuations due to the pump cycle. Since the shape precursor passes out of the coating water fall, the excess material drips into the material collection tank 170. The coating material collector (not shown) receives any unused coating water fall and returns the material to the coating tank or tank. The excess material is then removed from the bottom of the shape precursor 88. The shape precursor then advances to the drying / curing unit 90 before being expelled from the system 94. As shown here, the shape precursors are allowed to stand before expulsion to cool. The collection deposit and the The coating material collector is preferably emptied into the tank that feeds the tank or the tank to allow waste reduction of the system. With reference to Figures 17A and 17B, non-limiting views are shown of one embodiment of an IR 90 drying / curing unit, preferred. As shown in Figure 17A, unit 90 is open. The arrow at the bottom of the unit indicates how the unit will close. On one side of the processing line a series of 10 lamps 200 is shown. Beneath the shape precursors an angled reflector 210 is shown which reflects heat towards the bottom of the shape precursors for a more complete cure. Opposite the lamps is a semicircular reflector 230 that reflects the IR heat back on the shape precursors allowing a more complete and efficient curing. Reflectors of other shapes and sizes can also be employed. With reference to Figure 17B there is an enlarged section detailing the lamp placement in a preferred IR drying / curing unit embodiment 90. The lamps in this mode are adjustable 220 and can move closer to or further from the shape precursor. allowing maximum flexibility in drying / curing. A preferred method and apparatus for producing coated articles, more specifically precursor of forms, are discussed in more detail below. C. General Description of Preferred Materials. The articles described here can be made from a wide variety of materials as discussed here. Although some articles may be specifically described in relation to a particular base-form precursor material or a coating material, these same articles and the methods used to make the articles are applicable to many other thermoplastics including but not limited to polyesters, polyolefins, polylactic acid, polycarbonate and the like. Other suitable materials include but are not limited to polymeric materials including thermoset polymers, thermoplastics such as polyesters, polyolefins including polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamides including nylons (eg, Nylon 6, Nylon 66) and MXD6, polystyrenes, epoxy copolymer blends, graft polymers, and / or modified polymers (monomers or their portion having another group as a side group, for example polyesters modified with olefin). These materials can be used alone or in conjunction with others in multi-layer structures, blends or co-polymers, and can also be combined with various additives, such as nanoparticle barrier materials, oxygen scavengers, UV absorbers, foaming agents and the like. Examples of more specific materials include but are not limited to ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene 2,6- and 1,5-naphthalene (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly ( cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polystyrene, cycloolefin poly-4-methylpentene-l poly (methylacrylate) acrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride (PVDC), styrene acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene, polyacetal polybutylene terephthalate, polymeric ionomers such as PET sulfonates, polysulfone, polytetrafluorothylene, polytetramethylene 1,2-dioxybenzoate, polyurethane and copolymers of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene isophthalate and copolymers and / or mixtures of one or more of the foregoing. As used herein, the term "polyethylene terephthalate glycol" (PETG) refers to a PET copolymer, wherein an additional comonomer, cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) is added in significant amounts (e.g., about 40% or more by weight) to the PET mixture. In one embodiment, preferred PETG material is essentially amorphous Suitable PETG materials can be purchased from various sources. A convenient source is Voridian, a division of Eastman Chemical Company. Other PET copolymers include CHDM at lower levels such that the resulting material remains crystallizable or semi-crystalline. An example of a PET copolymer containing low levels of CHDM is Voridian 9921 resin. Another example of modified PET is "high IPA PET", or PET modified with IPA, which refers to PET where the IPA content is preferably greater than about 2% by weight, including about IPA from 2 to 20% by weight, also including IPA from 5 to 10% by weight. Through the specification, all percentages in formulations and compositions are given by weight unless other forms are established. In some embodiments, polymers that have been grafted or modified can be used. In one embodiment, polypropylene or other polymers with polar groups can be grafted or modified, including but not limited to, maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate, acryl methacrylate and / or similar compounds to improve adhesion. In other embodiments, polypropylene to clarified polypropylene is also referred to. As used here, the term "clarified polypropylene" is a broad term and is used in accordance with its meaning ordinary and may include without limitation, a polypropylene that includes nucleation inhibitors and / or clarification additives. Clarified polypropylene is a generally transparent material compared to the polypropylene block homopolymer or copolymer. The inclusion of nucleation inhibitors can help to avoid and / or reduce crystallinity or crystallinity defects, which contribute to the turbidity of the polypropylene within the polypropylene or other material to which they are added. Some clarifiers work not so much to reduce total crystallinity but to reduce the size of the crystalline domains and / or induce the formation of numerous small domains as opposed to the larger domain sizes that can be formed in the absence of a clarifier. Clarified polypropylene can be purchased from various sources such as Dow Chemical Co. Alternatively, nucleation inhibitors can be added to polypropylene or other materials. A convenient source of nucleation inhibitor additives is Schulman. In certain preferred embodiments the materials may be virgin, pre-consumer, post-consumer, re-ground, recycled and / or combinations thereof. For example, PET can be virgin, pre- or post-consumer, recycled or PET re-ground, with polymers of PET and its combinations. In preferred modalities, the finished container and / or the materials employed therein are benign in the recycle stream of subsequent plastic containers. In preferred embodiments, a substrate that is an article such as a container, jar, bottle or shape precursor (sometimes referred to as a base form precursor) is coated using apparatus methods and materials described herein. The base form or substrate precursor can be made by any convenient method, including those known in the art, including but not limited to, injection molding, including monolayer injection molding, injection molding over injection, and co-injection molding. , extrusion molding, and compression molding, with or without subsequent blow molding. The substrate can be made from any material or combination of materials, including glass, plastic, metal and the like. Polymers such as thermoplastic materials are preferred. Examples of suitable thermoplastics include but are not limited to poly esters (eg, PET, PEN), poly olefins (PP, HDPE), polylactic acid, polycarbonate and polyamide. Each one or more layers coating the substrate is formed by applying a layer composition coating according to the methods described herein. Preferred coating layer compositions include solutions, suspensions, emulsions and / or dispersions comprising at least one polymeric material (a thermoplastic material) and optionally one or more additives. Preferred additives provide functionality to the dry or cured coating layer (e.g. UV resistance, barrier, scratch or scratch resistance) and / or to the coating composition during the process (e.g., thermal improver, anti-foaming agent) . A polymeric material employed in a layer composition can itself provide functional properties such as gas barrier and the like. The coating layer compositions may include aqueous and / or organic solvents, although it is preferred that the material minimize the amount of volatile organic compounds (low VOC). When multiple layers are employed, it is preferred that each layer be completely dried (ie the volatile solvent removed) before a subsequent layer is applied. In embodiments of the preferred methods and processes, one or more layers may comprise barrier layers, UV protection layers, oxygen scavenging layers, oxygen barrier layers, purification of carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide barrier layers and other layers as required for the particular application. As used herein the terms "barrier material", "barrier resin" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation to materials which, as when used in preferred methods and processes, have less oxygen permeability , carbon dioxide and / or that one or more of the other layers of the finished article (including the substrate). As used herein, the terms "UV protection" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials having a higher UV absorption rate than one or more other layers of the article . As used herein, the terms "oxygen scavenging" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials having a higher oxygen absorption rate than one or more other layers of the article. As used herein, the terms "oxygen barrier" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials that are passive or active in nature and slow the transmission of oxygen within and / or out of an article. As used here, the term "carbon dioxide scavenging" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials that have a higher carbon dioxide absorption rate than one or more other layers of the article. As used herein, the terms "carbon dioxide scavenger" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer without limitation, to materials that are passive or active in nature and slow the transmission of carbon dioxide within and / or outside of an article. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, applicants consider that in applications where a carbonated product, for example a carbonated beverage, contained in an article, is over carbonated, the inclusion of a carbon dioxide scavenger in one or more layers of the article Allows excess carbonation to saturate the layer it contains in a carbon dioxide scrubber. Therefore, as carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere of the first article it leaves the article layer instead of the product contained therein. As used herein, the term "intertwine", "interlaced" and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials and coatings varying in degree from a very small degree of entanglement including fully interlaced materials. The degree of entanglement can be adjusted to provide desired or appropriate physical properties, such as the degree of chemical or mechanical abuse resistance for the particular circumstances. Another functionality that is delivered by one or more coating layers, alone or in conjunction with another functionality, includes color, including but not limited to dyes and pigments, adhesion promoters to improve adhesion of the coating layers to the substrate and / or another coating layer and abrasion resistance. D. Examples of Preferred Coating Materials and Articles 1. Examples of Coating Materials In a preferred embodiment, preferred coating materials comprise thermoplastic materials. An additional preferred embodiment includes "Fenoxi Type Thermoplastics". Phenoxy type thermoplastics as the term is used herein, include a variety of materials, including those discussed in WO 99/20462. In one embodiment, materials comprising thermoplastic epoxy resins (TPEs), a subset of Fenoxi Type Thermoplastics. An additional subset of Phenoxy type thermoplastics and thermoplastic materials are certain preferred hydroxyphenoxy ether polymers of which certain polyhydroxy-amino ether copolymers (PHAEs) are additional preferred materials. See, for example, US patents. Number 6,455,116; 6,180,715; 6,011,111; 5,834,078; 5,814,373; 5,464,924; and 5,275,853; see also PCT applications Nos. WO 99/48962; WO 99/12995; WO 98/29491; and WO 98/14498. In some modalities, PHAEs are TPEs. Preferably, the Phenoxy Type Thermoplastics employed in preferred embodiments comprise one of the following types: (1) Hydroxy-functional poly (amide ethers) having repeating units represented by any of the formulas la, Ib or le: OH O O OH -0CH2CCH20Ar NHC 1 CNHAr OCHaCCHzOAr2- the R R OH OR OH? C - 0CH2C ICH20ArC IINHAr OCH2C ICH2OAp- R R (2) poly (hydroxy amide ethers) having repeating units independently represented by any one of the formulas lia, Ilb or lie: OH O O - 0CH2C ICH20Ar NH ICI R1 ClNHAr- Ha R OH O O -0CH2CCH20Ar CNH R1 NHCAr- pb 0 OH O - OCH2CCH2OArCNHAr- Ec R (3) Amide- and hydroxymethyl-functionalized polyethers having repeating units represented by Formula III: (4) Hydroxy functional polyethers having repeating units represented by Formula IV: (5) Hydroxy functional poly (ether sulfonamides) having repeating units represented by the Formula Va or Vb: OH R2 O O R2 OH - 0CH2CCH2N S R1 S NCH2CCH20Ar-j - Va R O O R Vb (6) Poly (hydroxy ester ethers) having repeating units represented by Formula VI: (7) Hydroxy-phenoxyether polymers having repeating units represented by Formula VII: OH OH -OCH2CCH2 X CH2CCH20 Ar vp R R Y (8) poly (hydroxyamino ethers) having repeating units represented by Formula VIII: OH OH - 0CH2CCH2 A CH2CCH20A? ~ - vm wherein each Ar individually represents a divalent aromatic portion, divalent asthmatic portion substituted or heteroaromatic portion, or a combination of different divalent aromatic portions, substituted aromatic portions or heteroaromatic portions; R individually is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbyl portion; each Arx is a divalent aromatic moiety or combination of divalent aromatic moieties containing amide or hydroxymethyl groups; each Ar2 is the same as or different from Ar and is individually a divalent aromatic moiety, substituted aromatic moiety or hetero aromatic moiety or a combination of different divalent aromatic moieties, substituted aromatic moieties or hetero aromatic moieties; Rx is individually a predominant hydrocarbylene moiety, such as a divalent aromatic moiety, substituted divalent aromatic moiety, divalent heteroaromatic moiety, divalent alkylene moiety, substituted divalent alkylene moiety or divalent heteroalkylene moiety or a combination of these moieties; R2 is individually a portion of a monovalent hydrocarbyl; A is an amine moiety or a combination of different amino moieties; X is an amine, an arylenedioxy, an arylenedisulfonamido or an arylendicarboxy portion or combinations of these portions; and Ar3 is a "cardo" portion represented by any of the formulas: wherein Y is null, a covalent bond, or a linking group, wherein convenient linking groups include for example an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a carbonyl group, a sulfonyl group or a methylene group or similar bond; n is an integer from about 10 to about 1000; x is 0.01 to 1.0; and y is 0 to 0.5. The term "predominantly hydrocarbylene" means a divalent radical that is predominantly hydrocarbon, but optionally contains a small amount of a heteroatom portion such as oxygen, sulfur, imino, sulfonyl, sulfoxyl and the like. The hydroxy-functional poly (amide ethers) represented by Formula I are preferably prepared by contacting a N, N 'bis (hydroxyphenyl amido) alkane or arene with a diglyceryl ether as described in US Pat. Numbers 5,089,588 and 5,143,998. The poly (hydroxy amide ethers) represented by Formula II are prepared by contacting a bis- (hydroxyphenyl) -alkane or arene or a combination of 2 or more of these compounds such as N, N-bis- (3-hydroxyphenyl) -adipamide. or N, N-bis- (3-hydroxyphenyl) glutaramide, with an epihalohydrin as described in the US patent Number 5,134,218. The functionalized amide and hydroxymethyl polyethers represented by Formula III can be prepared, for example by reacting the diglycidiethers such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, with a dihydric phenol having secondary portions of amido, N-substituted amido and / or hydroxyalkyl such as 2. , 2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide and 3,5-hydroxybenzamide. These polyethers and their preparations are described in U.S. Pat. Numbers 5,115,075 and 5,218,075. The hydroxy-functional polyethers represented by Formula IV can be prepared by example by allowing a diglycidyl ether or combination of diglycid ethers reactions with a phenolhydric or a combination of dihydric phenols using the process described in US Pat. Number 5,164,472. Alternately, hydroxy-functional polyethers are obtained by allowing a dihydric phenol or combination of dihydric phenols to react with an epihalohydrin by the process described by Reinking, Barnabeo & Hale in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 7, p. 2135 (1963). The hydroxy-functional poly (ethersulfonamides) represented by Formula V are prepared, for example, by polymerizing an N, N'-dialkyl or N, N'-diarylsulfonamide with a diglycidyl ether in US Pat. Number 5,164,472. The poly (hydroxy ester ethers) represented by Formula VI are prepared by reacting diglycidyl ethers of aliphatic or aromatic diacids, such as diglycidyl terephthalate or diglycidyl ethers of dihydric phenols with aliphatic or aromatic diacids such as adipic acid or isophthalic acid. These polyesters are described in U.S. Pat. Number 5,171,820. The hydroxy phenoxy ether polymers represented by Formula VII are prepared for example when contacting at least one dinucleophilic monomer with at least one diglycidyl ether of a bisphenol thistle, such as 9,9 bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene, phenolphthalein or phenolphthalimidine or a substituted biphenol thistle, such as a substituted hydroxyphenyl fluorene bis a substituted phenolphthalein or a substituted phenolphthalimidine, under conditions sufficient to cause the nucleophilic portions of the dinucleophilic monomer to react with epoxy portions to form a polymer backbone containing secondary hydroxy portions and ether, imino, amino, sulfonamido or ester linkages. These hydroxy-phenoxy ether polymers are described in U.S. Pat. Number 5,184,373. The poly (hydroxy amino ethers) ("PHAE" polyetheramines) represented by Formula VIII, are prepared by contacting one or more of the diglycidyl ethers of a hydro-phenyl-hydroxide with an amine having 2 amine hydrogens under conditions sufficient to cause the portions amine react with epoxy portions to form a polymer backbone having amine bonds, ether linkages and secondary hydroxyl moieties. These compounds are described in U.S. Pat. Number 5,275,853. For example, polyhydroxyamino ether copolymers can be made from resorcinol diglycidyl ether, hydroquinone diglycidyl ether, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether or mixtures thereof. The hydroxy phenoxy ether polymers are the condensation reaction products of a polynuclear dihydric phenol, such as biphenol A and an epihalohydrin and have the repeating units represented by Formula IV, wherein Ar is an isopropylidene diphenylene moiety. The process for preparing this is described in U.S. Pat. Number 3,305,528, here incorporated by reference in its entirety. In general, preferred phenoxy type materials form relatively stable aqueous base solutions or dispersions. Preferably, the properties of the solutions / dispersions will not be adversely affected by contact with water. Preferred materials range from about 10% solids to about 50% solids, including about 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45% and ranges that encompass these percentages, although the values per above and below these values are also contemplated. Preferably, the material used is dissolved or dispersed in polar solvents. These polar solvents include but are not limited to water, alcohol and glycol ethers. In for example the patents of the U.S.A. Numbers 6,455,116, 6,180,715, and 5,834,078, which describe some solutions and / or dispersions of type Preferred phenoxy A preferred phenoxy type material is a polyhydroxyamino ether dispersion or solution (PHAE). The dispersion or solution when applied to a container or shape precursor greatly reduces the rate of permeation of a variety of gases through the walls of the container in a predictable and well-known manner. A dispersion or latex made for this, comprises 10-30 percent solids. A solution / dispersion of PHAE can be prepared by stirring or otherwise stirring the PHAE in a solution of water with an organic acid, preferably acetic or phosphoric acid, but also including lactic, malic, citric or glycolic acid and mixtures thereof. These PHAE dispersions / solutions also include salts of organic acid as can be produced by the reaction of the polyhydroxy-amino ethers with these acids. In some embodiments, phenoxy type thermoplastics are mixed or stirred with other materials using methods known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a compatibilizer may be added to the mixture. When compatibilizers are employed, preferably one or more properties of the blends are improved, these properties include but are not limited to color, haze and adhesion between a layer comprising a mixture and other layers.

A preferred mixture comprises one or more phenoxy type thermoplastics and one or more polyolefins. A preferred polyolefin comprises polypropylene. In one embodiment, polypropylene or other polyolefins can be grafted or modified with a polar molecule, group or monomer, including but not limited to, molecular anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate, acryl methacrylate and / or similar compounds to increase compatibility. The following solutions or dispersions of PHAE are examples of suitable solutions or dispersions of the phenoxy type that can be employed if one or more resin layers are applied as a liquid such as by immersion coating, by flow or spray, as described in WO 04/004929 and in the US patent Number 6,676,883. A suitable material is the BLOX® experimental barrier resin for example XU-19061.00 made with phosphoric acid manufactured by Dow Chemical Corporation. This particular PHAE dispersion is said to have the following typical characteristics: 30% solids, a specific gravity of 1.30, one pp. of 4, a viscosity of 24 centipoise (Brookfield, 60 rpm, LVl, 22 degrees C) and a particular size of between 1,400 and 1,800 angstroms. Other suitable materials include resins BLOX® 588-29 based on resorcinol have also shown superior results as a barrier material. This particular dispersion is said to It has the following typical characteristics: 30% solids, a specific gravity of 1.2, a pH of 4.0, a viscosity of 20 centipoise (Brookfield, 60 rpm, LVl, 22 degrees C.) and a particle size between 1500 and 2000 angstroms . Other variations of the polyhydroxy-amino ether chemistry can prove to be useful such as crystalline versions based on hydroquinone diglycidyl ethers. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyamino ether solutions / dispersions by Imperial Chemical Industries ("ICI," Ohio, E.U.A.) available under the name OXIBLOK. In one embodiment, PHAE solutions or dispersions may be partially entangled (semi-entangled), completely or to the desired degree as appropriate for an application including when using a formulation that includes interlacing material. The benefits of entanglement include but are not limited to one or more of the following: improved chemical resistance > Improved abrasion resistance lower whitish or turbid color and lower surface tension. Examples of interlacing materials include but are not limited to formaldehyde, acetaldehyde or other members of the aldehyde material family. Convenient interleavers can also allow changes to the Tg of the material, which can facilitate the formation of certain containers. Other convenient materials include BLOX® 5000 resin dispersion intermediate, BLOX® series XUR 588-29, BLOX® 0000 and 4000 series resins. Solvents used to dissolve these materials include but are not limited to polar solvents such as alcohols, water, glycol ethers or mixtures thereof. Other suitable materials include but are not limited to, BLOX® Rl. In one embodiment, preferred phenoxy type thermoplastics are soluble in aqueous acid. A polymer solution / dispersion can be prepared by stirring or otherwise stirring the thermoplastic epoxy in a solution of water with an organic acid, preferably acetic or phosphoric acid, but also including lactic, malic, citric or glycolic acid and / or its mixtures In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of acid in the polymer solution is preferably in the range of about 5% -20%, including about 5% -10% by weight based on the total weight. In other preferred embodiments, the acid concentration may be below about 5% or about 20%; and it can vary depending on factors such as the type of polymer and its molecular weight. In other preferred embodiments, the acid concentration is in the range of about 2.5 to about 5% by weight. The amount of polymer dissolved in a preferred embodiment it is in the range of approximately 0.1% to approximately 40%. A free and uniform flow polymer solution is preferred. In one embodiment, a 10% polymer solution is prepared by dissolving the polymer in a solution of 10% acetic acid at 90 degrees C. Then, while the solution is still hot, it is diluted with 20% distilled water to give an 8% polymer solution. At higher polymer concentrations, the polymer solution tends to be more viscous. A preferred non-limiting hydroxy-phenoxy ether polymer, PAPHEN 25068-38-6, is commercially available from Phenoxy Associates, Inc. Other preferred phenoxy resins are available from InChem® (Rock Hill, South Carolina), these materials include but are not limited to the PKHH and PKHW product lines of INCHEMREZ ^. Other suitable coating materials include preferred copolyester materials as described in U.S. Pat. Number 4,578,295 awarded to Jabarin. In general, they are prepared by heating a mixture of at least one reagent selected from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid and their C x to C 4 alkyl esters with 1,3 bis (2-hydroxyethoxy) benzene and ethylene glycol. Optionally, the mixture may further comprise one or more dihydroxy ester-forming hydrocarbons and / or bis-4-beta-hydroxyethoxyphenyl (sulfone). Especially preferred polyester materials are available from Mitsui Petrochemical Ind. Ltd. (Japan) as B-010, B-030 and others from this family. Examples of preferred polyamide materials include MXD-6 from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (Japan). Other preferred polyamide materials include nylon 6 and nylon 66. Other preferred polyamide materials are polyamide and polyester blend, including those comprising about 1 to 20% polyester by weight, including about 1-10% polyester by weight, wherein the polyester preferably is PET or a modified PET, including PET ionomer. In another embodiment, preferred polyamide materials are blends of polyamide and polyester, including those comprising about 1-20% polyamide by weight, and 1-10% polyamide by weight, wherein the polyester is preferably PET or PET modified, including PET ionomer. The mixtures may be ordinary mixtures or they may be compatibilized with one or more antioxidants or other materials. Examples of these materials include those described in the U.S. patent publication. Number 2004/0013833, filed on March 21, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other preferred polyesters include but are not limited to PEN and PET / PEN copolymers. Certain coating materials are preferably applied as part of a layer or Superior coating that provides chemical resistance such as to caustic or acidic materials, which layer immediately underlying the top coating. In certain embodiments, these upper layers or coatings are water-based or non-aqueous based polyesters, polyolefins and mixtures thereof which are optionally partially or completely entangled. A preferred water-based polyester is polyethylene terephthalate, however other polyesters may also be employed. A suitable water-based polyester resin is described in U.S. Pat. Number 4,977,191 (Salsman), incorporated herein by reference. More specifically, the US patent. Number 4,977,191 discloses an aqueous-based polyester resin comprising a reaction product of 20-5.0% by weight of terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight of at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one polyol Oxyalkylated Another suitable water-based polymer is a sulfonated water-based polyester resin composition as described in U.S. Pat. Number 5,281,630 (Salsman), incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the US patent. Number 5,281,630 discloses an aqueous suspension of a polyester resin dispersible in water or soluble in sulfonated water comprising a reaction product of 20-50% by weight of terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight of at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one oxyalkylated polyol to produce a prepolymer resin having hydroxyalkyl functionality wherein the prepolymer resin is further reacted with about 0.10 mol to about 0.50 mol of alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid per 100 g of prepolymer resin, and in this way produce resin, terminated by a residue of an alpha dicarboxylic acid , beta-ethylenically unsaturated, is reacted with about 0.5 mole to about 1.5 mole of a sulfite per mole of alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid residue, to produce a sulfonated-terminated resin. Yet another convenient water-based polymer is the coating described in US Pat. Number 5,726,277 (Salsman) incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the US patent. No. 5,726,277 discloses coating compositions comprising a reaction product of at least 50% by weight of waste terephthalate polymer and mixture of glycols including an oxyalkylated polyol in the presence of a glycolysis catalyst wherein the reaction product is reacts additionally with a difunctional organic acid and where the proportion in Acid weight to glycols is in the range of 6: 1 to 1: 2. While the above examples are provided as preferred aqueous-based polymer coating compositions, other water-based polymers are suitable for use in the products and methods described herein. By way of example only and not with the intention of limiting, suitable aqueous base compositions are described in US Pat. Number 4,104,222 (Date, et al.) Incorporated herein by reference. The patent of the U.S.A. Number 4,104,222 discloses a dispersion of a linear polyester resin which is obtained by mixing a linear polyester resin with a surfactant of the ethylene oxide / higher alcohol addition type, melting the mixture and dispersing the resulting melt by pouring it into an aqueous solution of a alkali under agitation. Specifically, this dispersion is obtained by mixing a linear polyester resin with a surfactant of the ethylene oxide / higher alcohol addition type, melting the mixture and dispersing the resulting mixture upon pouring it into an aqueous solution of an alkanolamine under stirring at a temperature of 70. -95 degrees C, the alkanolamine is selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monomethylethanolamine, monoethylethanolamine, diethylethanolamine, propanolamine, butanolamine, pentanolamine, N-phenylethanolamine and a Glycerin alkanolamine, the alkanolamine is present in the aqueous solution in the amount of 0.2 to 5% by weight, the ethylene oxide / higher alcohol addition type surfactant is an ethylene oxide addition product of a higher alcohol having an alkyl group of at least 8 carbon atoms, a substituted alkyl phenol or a sorbitan monoacylate and wherein the surfactant has an HLB value of at least 12. Likewise, as an example, the patent of the E.U.A. No. 4,528,321 (Alien) discloses a dispersion in a water-immiscible liquid of water-soluble or swollen polymer particles which have been made by reverse phase polymerization in the water-immiscible liquid and which includes a non-ionic compound selected from C4-i2 alkylene glycol monoethers, their C1-4 alkanoates, C6-? 2 polyalkylene glycol monoethers and their C-4 alkanoates. In some embodiments, a coating material can also be used as a base-form precursor material. 2. Additives to Improve Revolving Materials One advantage of the preferred methods described herein is their flexibility allowing the use of multiple functional additives in various combinations and / or in one or more layers. Additives known to those skilled in the art area for their ability to provide improved C02 barriers, 02 barriers, UV protection, wear resistance, whitish or cloudy color resistance, impact resistance and / or chemical resistance, are among those that can be used. For the additives cited herein, the percentages given are percent by weight of the materials in the coating solution excluding the solvent, sometimes referred to as the "solids" although not all solvent materials are solids. Preferred additives can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the additives can be mixed directly with a particular material, they can be dissolved / dispersed separately and then added to a particular material, or they can be combined with a particular material for addition of the solvent that forms the solution / dispersion of material. In addition, in some embodiments, preferred additives may be employed alone as a single layer or as part of a single layer. In preferred embodiments, the barrier properties of a layer can be improved by the use of additives. Preferred additives are present in an amount of up to about 40% of the material, also including up to about 30%, 20%, 10%, %, 2% and 1% by weight of the material. In other embodiments, the preferred additives are present in an amount less than or equal to 1% by weight, preferred ranges of materials include but are not limited to from about 0.01% to about 1%, to about 0.01% to about 0.1% and about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the preferred additives are stable under aqueous conditions. Resorcinol derivatives (m-dihydroxybenzene) can be used in conjunction with various preferred materials as mixtures or as additives or monomers in the formation of the material. The higher the resorcinol content, the greater the barrier properties of the material. For example, resorcinol diglycidyl ether can be used in PHAE and hydroxyethylether resorcinol can be used in PET and in polyesters and copolyester barrier materials. Another type of additive that can be used are "nanoparticles" or "nanoparticle material". For convenience the term nanoparticles will be used here to refer to both nanoparticles and nanoparticle material. These nanoparticles are small in size, microns or submicrons (diameter), particles of materials including inorganic materials such as clay, ceramics, zeolites, elements, metals and compounds of metals such as aluminum, aluminum oxide, iron oxide and silicon, which improve the barrier properties of a material, usually by creating a more tortuous path for migrating gas molecules, for example oxygen or carbon dioxide, to take in accordance permeate a material. In preferred embodiments, the nanoparticle material is present in amounts in the range of 0.05 to 1% by weight, including 0.1%, 0.5% by weight and the ranges encompassing these amounts. A preferred type of nanoparticle material is a clay-based microparticle product available from Southern Clay products. A preferred product line available from Southern Clay products are Cloisite® nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticles comprise montmorillonite modified with a quaternary ammonium salt. In other embodiments, nanoparticles comprise montmorillonite modified with a tertiary ammonium salt. In other embodiments, the nanoparticles comprise natural montmorillonite. In additional embodiments, the nanoparticles comprise organoclays as described in U.S. Pat. Number 5,780,376, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference and forms part of the description of this application. Other clay-based products of suitable organic and inorganic microparticles may also be employed. Are too Suitable both man-made and natural products. Another type of preferred nanoparticle material comprises a material composed of a metal. For example, a suitable compound is a water-based dispersion of aluminum oxide in the form of nanoparticles from BYK Chemie (Germany). It is considered that this type of nanoparticle material can provide one or more of the following advantages: increased abrasion resistance, increased scratch resistance, increased Tg and thermal stability. Another type of preferred nanoparticle material comprises a silicate-polymer compound. In preferred embodiments, the silicate comprises montmorillonite. Suitable silicate-polymer nanoparticle materials are available from Nanocor and RTP Company. Other preferred nanoparticle materials include fumed silica such as Cab-O-Sil. In preferred embodiments, the UV protection properties of the material can be improved by the addition of different additives. In a preferred embodiment, the UV protection material used provides UV protection up to about 350 nm or less, including about 370 nm less, and about 400 nm or less. The protective material UV can be used as an additive with layers that provide additional functionality or applied separately from other materials or functional additives in one or more layers. Preferably, additives provide enhanced UV protection that are present in the material from about 0.05 to 20% by weight, but also include about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight and in the ranges that these amounts cover. Preferably the UV protection material is added in a way that is compatible with other materials. For example, a preferred UV protection material is Milliken UV390A ClearShield®. UV390A is an oily liquid for which mixing is first aided by formulating the liquid with water, preferably in approximately equal parts by volume. This mixture is then added to the material solution, for example BLOX® 599-29, and stirred. The resulting solution contains approximately 10% UV390A and provides UV protection up to 390 nm when applied to a PET-shaped precursor. As previously described, in another embodiment, the UV390A solution is applied as a single layer. In other embodiments, a preferred UV protection material comprises a polymer inserted or modified with a UV absorber that is added as a concentrate. Other preferred UV protection materials include but are not limited to benzotriazoles. phenothiazines and azafenothiazines. UV protection materials can be added during the melt phase process before use, for example before molding-injection exclusion, palletizing, or adding directly to a coating material which is in the form of a solution or dispersion. Suitable UV protection materials include those available from Milliken, Ciba and Clariant. Carbon dioxide purification properties (C02) can be added to one or more materials and / or layers. In a preferred embodiment, these properties are achieved by including one or more scavengers, such as active amine which reacts with C02 to form a high gas barrier salt. This salt then acts as a passive CO2 barrier. The active amine can be an additive or it can be one or more portions in the resin material of one or more layers. Suitable carbon dioxide scrubbing materials other than amines can also be used. Oxygen purification properties (02) can be added to preferred materials by including one or more 02 scavengers such as anthraquinone and others known in the art. In another embodiment, a convenient 02 scrubber is 02 AMOSORB® scrubber available from BP Amoco Corporation and ColorMatrix Corporation is described in the U.S.A. Number 6,083,585 granted Cahill et al. , the description which is incorporated here in its entirety. In one embodiment, purifying properties of 02 are added to preferred phenoxy type materials or other materials, by including 02 scavengers in phenoxy type material with different activation mechanisms. Preferred 02 scrubbers can act spontaneously, gradually or with delayed action, for example not acting until they are initiated by a specific activator. In some embodiments, the 02 scrubbers are activated by exposure to UV or water (for example present in the contents of the container) or a combination of both. The 02 scrubber, when present preferably, is present in an amount of about 0.1 about 20% by weight, more preferable and in an amount of about 0.5 about 10% by weight and more preferably in an amount of about 1 about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the coating layer. The materials of certain embodiments may be interlocked to improve thermal stability for various applications, for example hot fill applications. In one embodiment, inner layers may comprise low entanglement materials while outer layers may comprise high entanglement materials or other combinations convenient. For example, an inner lining on a PET surface may use non-interlaced or low-interlacing material such as BLOX® 588-29, and the outer lining may use another material such as EXP 12468-4B from ICI, capable of interlacing in order of providing greater adhesion to the underlying layer such as a PET or PP layer. Suitable interlacing additives can be added to one or more layers. Suitable interleavers can be selected depending on the chemistry and functionality of the resin or material to which they are added. For example, amine crosslinkers can be useful for crosslinking resins comprising epoxide groups. Preferably, entanglement additives, are present, are present in an amount of about 1% to 10% by weight of the coating solution / dispersion, preferably about 1% to 5%, more preferably about 0.01% to 0.1% by weight. weight as well as including 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 7%, 8%, and 9% by weight. Optionally, a thermoplastic epoxy (TPE) can be employed with one or more entanglement agents. In some modalities, the agents (for example carbon black) can also be coated or incorporated into a layer material including TPE material. The TPE material can be part of the articles described herein. It is contemplated that carbon black or similar additives may be used in other polymers to improve the properties of the material. The materials of certain embodiments may optionally comprise an agent that improves curing. As used herein the term "curing enhancing agent" is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning and includes without limitation, a chemical entanglement catalyst, thermal enhancement agent and the like. As used herein the term "thermal enhancer" is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning and includes, without limitation, materials which, when included in a polymer layer, increase the rate at which this polymer layer absorbs thermal energy and / or increases the temperature compared to the layer without the thermal improver. Preferred thermal improvers include but are not limited to transition metals, transition metal compounds, radiation absorbing additives (carbon black). An effective amount of the thermal improvement agents can be used to improve the curing process. Suitable transition metals include but are not limited to cobalt, radio and copper. Suitable transition metal compounds include but are not limited to metal carboxylates. Preferred carboxylates include but are not limited to neodecanoate, octoate and acetate. Thermal improvers they can be used alone or in combination with one or more other thermal improvement agents. The thermal improvement agent can be added to a material and can significantly increase the temperature of the material that can be achieved during a given curing process, as compared to the material without the thermal improver. For example in some embodiments, the thermal enhancement agent (carbon black) can be added to a polymer, such that the heating rate or final temperature of the polymer subjected to a heating or curing process (i.e. IR radiation) is significantly greater than the polymer without the thermal enhancement agent when subjected to the similar or similar process. The heating rate increases of the polymer caused by the thermal improvement agent can increase the speed of curing or drying and subsequently increase the production rates because less time is required for the process. In some embodiments, the thermal enhancement agent is present in an amount of about 5 to 800 ppm, preferably about 20 to about 150 ppm, preferably about 50 to 125 ppm, preferably about 75 to 100 ppm, also including about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm and the ranges that these amounts cover. The amount of thermal improvement agent can be calculated based on the weight of the layer comprising the thermal improvement agent or the total weight of all the layers comprising the article. In some embodiments, a preferred thermal enhancement agent comprises carbon black. In one embodiment, carbon black can be applied as a component of a coating material in order to improve the curing of the coating material. When used as a component of a coating material, carbon black is added to one or more of the coating materials before, during and / or after the coating material is applied (eg, impregnates, coats, etc.). ) to the article. Preferably carbon black is added to the coating material and stirred to ensure complete mixing. The thermal improvement agent may comprise additional materials to achieve the desired material properties of the article. In another embodiment, where carbon black is used in an injection molding process, carbon black can be added to the polymer blend in the melt phase process. In some embodiments, the polymer includes about 5 to 800 ppm, preferably about 20 to about 150 ppm, preferably about 50 to 125 ppm, preferably about 70 to 100 ppm, also including about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm of thermal improvement agent and the ranges covering these quantities. In a further embodiment, the coating material is cured using radiation such as infrared (IR) heating. In preferred embodiments, IR heating provides a more effective coating than curing using other methods. Other thermal and curing enhancement agents and methods for using them are described in U.S. patent application. Serial number 10 / 983,150 filed on November 5, 2004 with the title "Catalyzed Process for Forming Coated Articles", the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the addition of anti-foaming agents / bubbles is convenient. In some embodiments, using solutions or dispersions, they form foam and / or bubbles that can interfere with preferred processes. One way to avoid this interference is to add anti-foaming agents / bubbles to the solution / dispersion. Suitable anti-foam agents include but are not limited to nonionic surfactants, alkylene oxide-based materials, siloxane-based materials and ionic surfactants. Anti-aging agents foam preferably present, are present in an amount from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, of the solution / dispersion, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2% but also including about 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05 %, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.25%, and the ranges that these amounts cover. In another embodiment, foaming agents may be added to the coating materials in order to foam the coating layer. In a further embodiment, a reaction product of a foaming agent is used. Useful foaming agents include but are not limited to azobisformamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, diazoaminobenzene, NN-dimetryl-N, N-dinitroso terephthalamide, NN-dinitroso-penta ethylene-tetramine, benzensulfinyl-hydrazide, benzen-1,3-disulfonyl hydrazide, diphenylsulfon- 3-3, disulfonyl hydrazide 4,4'-oxybis benzen sulfonyl hydrazide, p-toluene sulfonyl is icarbazide, barium azodicarboxylate, nitrile butylamine, nitroureas, trihydrazino triazine, phenyl methyl urethane, P-sulfon hydrazide, peroxides, ammonium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate. As currently contemplated, currently available foaming agents are included but not limited to foam EXPANCEL®, CELOGEN®, HYDROCEROL®, MIKROFINE®, CEL SPAN®, and PLASTRON®. Foaming agents and foamed layers are described in greater detail below. The foaming agent is preferably present in the coating material, in an amount of about 1 to about 20% by weight, more preferably about 1 about 10% and more preferably about 1 about 5% by weight, based on the weight of the coating layer (i.e. solvents are excluded). More recent foaming technologies, known to those skilled in the art, using compressed gas can also be used as an alternate means to generate foam instead of the conventional blowing agents mentioned above. 3. Examples of Preferred Items In certain preferred embodiments, the finished article is formed from a process comprising two or more coating layers applied sequentially on a base article, which may be in the form of a shape precursor or a bottle or any other type of container. The base article may be manufactured from a thermoplastic material that has a lower gas barrier performance and / or other functional performance than one or more of the coating layers subsequently applied, and may understand PET, but in other modalities, it can also be PEN, PLA, PP, polycarbonate or other materials as previously described. In another embodiment, the base form precursor or article may incorporate an oxygen scavenger, preferably one that is benign to the subsequent recycle stream after the finished article has been discarded. A coating layer that is applied to the base article preferably comprises a thermoplastic material which, when applied to a layer having a low thickness compared to the base substrate, imparts improved gas and / or aroma barrier properties on the substrate. base article only. Suitable materials to be used in a first coating layer include thermoplastic epoxy, PHAE, phenoxy-type thermoplastics, with blends including phenoxy-type thermoplastics, MXD, nylon in nanoparticles or nanocomposites and mixtures thereof, PGA, PVDC or other materials described herein. The material is preferably applied in the form of a water-based solution or dispersion, but it can also be applied as a solvent-based solution or dispersion, preferably exhibiting low VOCs. Preferred materials are those approved by the FDA for direct contact with food, but such approval is not necessary. Additives to a First coating layer may include UV absorbers, coloring agents and adhesion promoters to improve the adhesion of coating to the substrate. To achieve desired properties, suitable materials may be partially heat-cured and / or interlaced to varying degrees depending on the application. The coating layer material is preferably applied by dip, spray or flow coating, as described herein, followed by drying / curing as necessary, preferably with IR. If the coating material is applied in the form of a similar solution or dispersion, the coated substrate is preferably completely dried before the second or top coating layer is applied. One or more additional coating layers may be applied. In one embodiment, an additional coating layer preferably comprises a thermoplastic material imparting chemical resistance and / or abrasion resistance to the base article alone. To achieve the desired properties, suitable materials may be partially heat-cured and / or interlaced to varying degrees depending on the application. The material is preferably applied in the form of a solvent or aqueous solution or dispersion, preferably exhibiting low VOCs. Additives a An additional coating layer may include lubricants, thermal improvement agents, UV absorbers and adhesion promoters. The preferred application is by dip-coating, spraying or flow-in a precursor hot, followed by drying and curing, preferably with IR. E. Preferred Foam Materials In some embodiments, a foam material may be used in a substrate (base article or shape precursor) or in a coating layer. As used herein the term "foam material" is a broad term and is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning and may include without limitation a foaming agent, a mixture of foaming agent and a binder or carrier material, a cellular material expandable and / or a material that has gaps. The term "foam material" and "expandable material" are used here interchangeably. Preferred foam materials may exhibit one or more physical characteristics that improve the thermal and / or structural characteristics of articles (e.g., containers) and may allow preferred embodiments to be able to withstand physical and processing stresses typically experienced by the containers. In one embodiment, the foam material provides support structured to the container. In another embodiment, the foam material forms a protective layer that can reduce damage to the container during processing. For example, the foam material can improve the abrasion resistance, which can reduce damage to the container during transport. In one embodiment, a foam protective layer can increase the impact or shock resistance of the container and thus prevent or reduce rupture of the container. In addition, another embodiment can provide a foam with a comfortable fastening surface and / or improve the aesthetics or attractiveness of the container. In one embodiment, foam material comprises a foaming or blowing agent and a carrier material. In a preferred embodiment the foaming agent comprises expandable structures (e.g., microspheres) that can be expanded and cooperate with the carrier material to produce foam. For example, the foaming agent may be thermoplastic microspheres such as EXPANCEL® microspheres sold by Akso Nobel. In one embodiment, the microspheres may be thermoplastic hollow spheres comprising thermoplastic shells encapsulating gas. Preferably, when the microspheres are heated, the thermoplastic cover softens and the gas increases its pressure causing the expansion of the mirospheres from an initial position to an expanded position. The expanded microspheres and at least a portion of the carrier material can form the foam portion. of the articles described here. The foam material can form a layer comprising a single material (for example a generally homogeneous mixture of the foaming agent and the carrier material), a mixture or formulation of materials, a matrix formed of two or more materials, two or more layers, or a The plurality of microlayers (sheets) preferably including at least two different materials. Alternatively, the microspheres can be any other expandable material conveniently controllable. For example, microspheres can be structures that . they comprise materials that can produce gas in or from structures. In one embodiment, the microspheres are hollow structures containing chemicals that produce or contain gas, wherein an increase in the gas pressure causes the structures to expand and / or burst. In another embodiment, the microspheres are structures made of, or containing, one or more materials that decompose or react to produce gas, thereby subjecting the microspheres to expansion and / or bursting. Optionally, the microspheres in general can be solid structures. Optionally, The microspheres can be filled with solids, liquids and / or gases. The microspheres can have any suitable shape or configuration to foam. For example, the microspheres may be generally spherical. Optionally, the microspheres can be elongated or oblique spheroids. Optionally, the microspheres can comprise any suitable gas or gas mixture for expansion of the microspheres. In one embodiment, the gas may comprise an inert gas such as nitrogen. In one embodiment, gas in general is not flammable. However, in certain embodiments, non-inert gas and / or flammable gas can fill the covers of the microspheres. In some embodiments, the foam material may comprise foaming or blowing agents as are known in the art. Additionally, the foam material can be foam agent primordially or totally. Although some preferred embodiments contain microspheres that do not generally burst or rupture, other embodiments comprise microspheres that can be broken, burst, fractured and / or the like. Optionally, a portion of the microspheres can be broken while the remaining portion of the microspheres does not break. In some modalities, up to about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% 70%, 80%, 90% by weight of microspheres and the ranges that cover these amounts, are broken. In one embodiment, for example, a substantial portion of the microspheres may burst and / or fracture when expanded. Additionally, various mixtures and formulations of the microspheres can be used to form foam material. The microspheres can be formed from any suitable material to cause expansion. In one embodiment, the microspheres may have a shell comprising a polymer, resin, thermoplastic, thermofix or the like as described herein. The microsphere shell may comprise a single material or a mixture of two or more different materials. For example, the microspheres may have an outer shell comprising ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA"), polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polyamides (eg nylon 6 and nylon 66), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), PEN, PET with PET polymers and their combinations. In one embodiment, a PET copolymer comprises CHDM comonomer at a level between what is termed PETG and PET. In another embodiment, comonomers such as DEG and IPA are added to PET to form microsphere shells. The appropriate combination of material type, size and interior gas can be selected to achieve the desired expansion of the microspheres. In one embodiment, the microspheres comprise shells formed of material at high temperature (eg, PETG or similar material), which is capable of expansion when subjected to high temperatures, preferably without causing the microspheres to burst. If the microspheres have a cover made of a low temperature material (e.g. as EVA), the microspheres may break when subjected to high temperatures which are suitable for processing certain carrier materials (eg PET or polypropylene having high point of fusion). In some circumstances, for example EXPANCEL® microspheres can break when processed at relatively high temperatures. Advantageously, medium or high temperature microspheres may be employed with a carrier material having a relatively high melting point to produce expandable foam material, in controllable form without breaking the microspheres. For example, microspheres may comprise a medium temperature material (PETG) or a high temperature material (for example acrylonitrile) and conveniently may be for relatively high temperature applications. In this way, a blowing agent for foaming polymers can be selected based on the processing temperatures used. The foam material can be a matrix comprising a carrier material, preferably a material that can be mixed with a blowing agent (e.g. microspheres) to form an expandable material. The carrier material can be a thermoplastic, thermoset or polymeric material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA"), linear low density polyethylene ("LLDPE"), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly (hydroxyamino ethers) ("PHAE "), PET, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, (" PS "), pulp (for example pulp of wood or paper fibers, or pulp in mixture with one or more polymers), their mixtures and the like. However, other suitable materials for transporting the foaming agent can be used to achieve one or more of the optical structural and / or other desired thermal characteristics of the foam. In some embodiments, the carrier material has properties (e.g. of fusion) for easier and faster expansion of the microspheres, thus reducing the cycle time, resulting in increased production. In preferred embodiments, the material to be formed may comprise two or more components including a plurality of components each having different processing windows and / or physical properties. The components can be combined in such a way that the material to be formed has one or more desired characteristics. The proportion of components can be varied to produce a desired processing window and / or physical properties. For example, the first material may have a processing window that is similar to / or different from the processing window of the second material. The processing window can be based on, for example, pressure, temperature, viscosity or the like. In this way, components of the material to be formed can be mixed to achieve a desired range for example of pressure at temperature to form the material. In one embodiment, the combination of a first material and a second material can result in a material having a processing window that is more convenient than the processing window of the second material. For example, the first material may be suitable for processing over a wide range of temperatures, and the second material may be suitable for processing in a narrow range of temperatures. A material having a portion formed of the first material and a portion formed of the second material, may be suitable for processing over a range of temperatures that is wider than the narrow range of processing temperatures of the second material. In one embodiment, the processing window of a multi-component material is similar to the processing window of the first material. In one embodiment, a forming material comprises a multilayer sheet or tube comprising a layer consisting of PET and a layer comprising polypropylene. The material formed from both PET and polypropylene can be processed (for example, extruded) within a wide temperature range, similar to the convenient processing temperature range for PET. The processing window can be for one or more parameters such as pressure, temperature, viscosity and / or the like. Optionally, the amount of each component of the material can be varied to achieve the desired processing window. Optionally, the materials can be combined to produce a suitable formable material to process over a desired pressure range, temperature, viscosity and / or the like. For example, the proportion of the material that has a more convenient processing window can be increased and the proportion of material that has a less undesirable processing window can be decreased to result in a material that has a window of processing that is very similar to or substantially the same as the processing window of the first material. Of course, if the most desired processing window is between a first processing window of a first material and the second processing window of a second material, the ratio of the first and second material can be selected to achieve a desired processing window of the material formable Optionally, a plurality of materials each having windows of similar or different processing may be combined to obtain a desired processing window for the resulting material. In one embodiment, the rheological characteristics of a formable material can be altered by varying one or more of its components that have different rheological characteristics. For example, a substrate (PP) can have a high melting strength and this is susceptible to extrusion. PP can be combined with another material, such as PET, which has low melting strength making it difficult to extrude, to form a suitable material for extrusion processes. For example, a layer of PP or other strong or resistant material can support a PET layer during coextrusion (eg horizontal or vertical co-extrusion). In this way, the formable material, formed PET and polypropylene can be processed, for example extruded, in a temperature range generally convenient for PP and not generally suitable for PET. In some embodiments, the composition of the formable material can be selected to affect one or more properties of the articles. For example, the thermal properties, structural properties, barrier properties, optical properties, biological properties, favorable taste properties and / or other properties or characteristics described herein can be obtained by using formable materials described herein. F. Preferred Items. In general, preferred articles herein include precursor forms or containers having one or more coating layers. The coating layer or layers preferably provide some functionality such as barrier protection, UV protection, impact resistance, wear or scratch resistance, whitish or cloudy color resistance, chemical resistance, antimicrobial properties and the like. The layers can be applied as multiple layers, each layer has one or more functional characteristics, or as a single layer that contains one or more functional components. The layers are applied sequentially, with each coating layer being dried / partially or completely cured before the next coating layer is applied. A preferred substrate is a PET shape or container precursor as described above. However, other substrate materials can also be used. Other suitable substrate materials include but are not limited to polyesters, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamides and acrylics. For example, in a multi-layer article, the inner layer is a primer or base coat that has functional properties for improved adhesion to PET, debugging 02, UV resistance and passive barrier and the one or more outer coatings provide passive barrier and strength. to wear or scratches. In the present descriptions regarding coating layers, interior is taken as closest to the substrate and exterior is taken as closest to the exterior surface of the container. Any layers between the inner and outer layers are generally described as "intermediate" or "medium". In other embodiments, articles of multiple coatings comprise an inner coating layer comprising a 02 scrubber, a protective layer of UV active intermediate, followed by an outer layer of partially or highly interlaced material. In another embodiment, multiple precursor coated forms comprise an inner coating layer comprising a 02 scrubber, an intermediate CO 2 scrubber layer, an intermediate active UV protection layer followed by an outer layer or a partially or highly interlaced material. These combinations provide increased hard interlacing coating that is suitable for carbonated beverages such as beer. In another embodiment useful for carbonated beverages, the inner coating layer is a UV protection layer followed by an outer layer of interlaced material. Although the above embodiments have been described in connection with particular beverages, they may be employed for other purposes and other layer configurations may be employed for the referred beverages. In a related embodiment, the final coating and drying of the shape precursor provides wear or scratch resistance to the surface of the shape precursor and finished container in which the solution or dispersion contains diluted or suspended wax or paraffin, slip agents, polysilane or low molecular weight polyethylene for reduce the surface tension of the container. G. Methods and Apparatus for the Preparation of Coated Articles Once suitable coating materials are chosen, the shape precursor is preferably coated in a manner that promotes adhesion between the two materials. Although the following discussion is in terms of precursor forms, such discussion should not be taken as limiting, since the described methods and apparatus may be applied or adapted for containers and other articles. In general, adhesion between coating materials and the shape precursor substrate increases as the surface temperature of the shape precursor increases. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the coating in a precursor in a hot manner, although preferred coating materials will adhere to the precursor form at room temperature. Plastics in general, and precursor to PET forms specifically have static electricity that results in form precursors attracting dust and getting dirty quickly. In a preferred embodiment, the shape precursors are taken directly from the injection molding machine and coated, including while still hot. By coating the precursors of As soon as they are removed from the injection molding machine, not only the dust problem is avoided, it is considered that hot shape precursors improve the coating process. However, the methods also allow coating the precursors so that they are stored prior to coating. Preferably, the shape precursors are substantially clean, however, cleaning is not necessary. In a preferred embodiment, an automated system is used. A preferred method involves entry of the precursor form into the system, dip coating or form precursor flow, optional removal of excess material, drying / curing, cooling and ejection of the system. The system may also optionally include a recycling step. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a simple integral processing line containing two or more flow or spray immersion coating units, and two or more curing / drying units that produce a shape precursor with multiple coatings. In another embodiment, the system comprises one or more coating modules. Each coating module comprises a self-contained processing line with one or more flow or spray immersion coating units and one or more curing / drying units. Depending on the configuration of the module, a shape precursor may receive one or more coatings. For example, a configuration may comprise 3 coating modules in which the shape precursor is transferred from one module to the next, in another configuration, the same 3 modules may be in place but the shape precursor is transferred from the first to the third module by skipping the second. This ability to switch between different module configurations allows for flexibility. In a further preferred embodiment, either the modular or integrated systems can be directly connected to a shape precursor injection molding machine and / or a blow molding machine. The injection molding machine prepares shapes precursor for use in the present invention. The following describes a preferred embodiment of a coating system that is fully automated. This system is described in terms of currently preferred materials, but it is understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art that certain parameters will vary depending on the materials employed and the particular physical structure of the precursor in the form of the desired final product. This method is described in terms of producing precursor of coated 24 gram forms having from about 0.05 to about 0.75 total grams of deposited coating material, including about 0.07, 0.09, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60 , 0.65, and 0.70 grams. In the method described below, the coating solution / dispersion at convenient temperature and viscosity to deposit about 0.06 to about 0.20 grams of coating material per coating layer in a 24 gram form precursor, also including about 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19 grams per coating layer in a 24 gram precursor. Preferred deposition amounts for articles of varying sizes can be scaled according to the increase or decrease in surface area compared to a 24 gram precursor. Accordingly, articles other than precursor to 24 gram forms may fall outside the ranges stated above. In addition, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to have a single layer or total coating amount in a 24 gram precursor disposed outside the ranges set forth above. The apparatus and methods can also used for other precursor shapes and containers of similar size, or can be adapted for other sizes of articles as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the following discussion. Currently preferred coating materials include TPEs, preferably phenoxy type resins, more preferably PHAEs, including BLOX resins noted above. These materials and methods are given by way of examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of dimension in any way. 1. System Entry Form precursors are first brought into the system. An advantage of a preferred method is that precursor of ordinary forms such as those normally employed by those skilled in the art may be employed. For example, precursor of 24-gram monolayer forms of the type commonly used to produce 473 ml (16 oz) bottles can be used without alteration before entering the system. In one embodiment the system is directly connected to a shape precursor injection molding machine providing hot shape precursor to the system. In another embodiment, precursor of stored forms are added to the system by methods well known to those skilled in the art including those which charge shape precursor in an apparatus for further processing. Preferably, the stored shape precursors are preheated to approximately 37.8 to 54.4 degrees C (approximately 100 to 130 degrees F) including approximately 48.9 degrees C (approximately 120 degrees F) before entering the system. The stored precursors of form are preferably clean, although no cleaning is necessary. Precursors of PET forms are preferred, however, other form precursor substrates and containers may be employed. Other suitable article substrate includes but is not limited to various polymers such as polyolefin polyesters including polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate polyamides including nylons or acrylics. 2. Immersion, Spray or Flow Coating Once suitable coating material is chosen, it can be prepared and used for either immersion, spray or flow coating. The material preparation is essentially the same for spray and flow immersion coating. The coating material comprises a solution / dispersion made from one or more solvents wherein the resin of the coating material dissolves and / or suspends. The temperature of the coating solution / dispersion can have a drastic effect on the viscosity of the solution / dispersion. As the temperature increases, viscosity decreases and vice versa. In addition, as viscosity increases, the rate of material deposition also increases. Therefore, temperature can be used as a mechanism for deposition control. In one embodiment using flow coating, the temperature of the solution / dispersion is maintained in a sufficiently cold range to minimize curing of the coating material but sufficiently hot to maintain a convenient viscosity. In one embodiment, the temperature is approximately 15.6 to 26.7 degrees C (approximately 60 to 80 degrees F) including 21.1 degrees C (approximately 70 degrees F). In certain cases, solutions / dispersions that may be too viscous for use in spray coating or flow may be used in dip coating. Similarly, because the coating material can spend less time at high temperature in a spray coating, higher temperatures for coating by immersion or flow will be recommended because of curing problems can be used in spray coating. In any case, a solution or dispersion can be used at any temperature where it exhibits properties suitable for the application. In preferred embodiments, a control system of Temperature is used to ensure constant temperature of the coating solution / dispersion during the application process. In certain embodiments, as the viscosity increases, the addition of water may decrease the viscosity of the solution / dispersion. Other embodiments may also include a water content monitor and / or viscosity monitor which provides a signal when the viscosity falls outside a desired range and / or which automatically adds water or another solvent to achieve viscosity within a desired range. In a preferred embodiment, the solution / dispersion is suitably at a temperature and viscosity to deposit about 0.06 to about 0.2 grams per coating on a precursor of 24 grams, also include about 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1. , 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19 grams per coating layer on a 24 gram precursor. The preferred deposit amounts for articles of various sizes can be scaled according to the increase or decrease in surface area as compared to the 24 gram shape precursors. Accordingly, articles other than 24 gram form precursors may fall outside the above mentioned ranges. Also, in some In embodiments, it may be desirable to have a single layer on a precursor in the form of 24 grams outside the ranges stated above. In one embodiment, the coated shape precursors produced by dip, spray or flow coatings are of the type seen in the Figure. The coating 22 is disposed in a portion of the body 4 of the shape precursor and the portion of the neck 2 is not coated. The interior of the coated shape precursor 16 is preferably uncoated. In a preferred embodiment this is accomplished through the use of gripping mechanisms comprising a clamping mechanism or expandable clamp that is inserted into the precursor in a combined manner with a housing that surrounds the outside of the neck portion of the precursor of form. The clamp is expanded by stopping the precursor in place between the clamp and the housing. The housing covers the outside of the neck including the threads, thereby protecting the interior of the shape precursor as well as the neck portion of the neck. In preferred embodiments, precursor of coated forms produced by immersion, spray or flow coating, produce a final product substantially without distinction between layers.

In addition, in immersion or flow coating processes, it has been found that the amount of coating material deposited in the shape precursor decreases slightly with each successive layer. to. Immersion Coating In a preferred embodiment, the coating is applied through a dip coating process. The shape precursors are submerged in a tank or other suitable container containing the coating material. The immersion of the shape precursors in the coating material can be done manually by the use of a holding shelf or the like, or it can be carried out by a fully automated process. Although the apparatus shown in Figure 14 shows an automated flow coating unit embodiment, in certain embodiments that automated dip coating is used, the position of the flow coating applicator 86 may represent the position of the tank for dispersion by immersion or other suitable container for the coating material. In a preferred embodiment, the shape precursors are rotating while being immersed in the coating material. The shape precursors preferably rotate at a rate of about 30 -80 RPM, more preferably around 40 RPM, but 50, 60, and 70 RPM are also included. This allows a complete coating of the shape precursor. Other speeds can be used, but preferably not so high that they cause loss of the dispersion material decided at centrifugal forces. The shape precursor is preferably immersed for a sufficient period of time to allow a complete coating of the shape precursor. Generally, they are within the range from around 0.25 to around 5 seconds however times above and below this range have been included. Without wishing to be subject to any theory, it appears that longer residence times do not provide any additional beneficial coating. To determine the immersion time and therefore the speed, the turbidity of the coating material must also be considered. If the speed is too high, the coating material can become wave or splash forms causing coating defects. Other considerations are that many solutions or dispersions of coating materials form foam and / or bubbles that can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the immersion speed is preferably chosen to avoid excessive agitation of the coating material. If required Anti-foam agents / bubbles can be added to the coating solution or dispersion. b. Spray Coating or Sprays In a preferred embodiment, the coating is applied through a spray or spray coating process. The shape precursors are sprayed with a coating material which is in fluid connection with a tank or other suitable container containing the coating material. The spraying of the shape precursors with the dispersion material can be done weekly with the use of retention shelves or the like, or it can be carried out with a fully automated process. Although the apparatus shown in Figure 14 shows an embodiment of an automated flow coating unit, in certain embodiments using the automated spray coating, the position of the flow coating applicator 86 may represent the position of the spray coating apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the shape precursors are rotating while being sprayed with the coating material. The precursor preferably rotates a speed of about 30 to 80 RPM, more preferably around 40 RPM, but also around 50, 60, and 70 RPM may be included. Preferably, the shape precursor rotates at least about 360 ° while proceeding through the coating spray. This allows a coating of the shape precursor. The shape precursor can, however, remain stationary while the spray is directed towards the shape precursor. The shape precursor is preferably sprayed for a sufficient period of time to allow a complete coating of the shape precursor. The amount of time required for spraying depends on several factors, which may include the spraying expense (spray volume per unit time), the area covered by the spray, and the like. The coating material is contained in a tank or some other suitable container in fluid communication with the production line. Preferably a closed system is used in which unused coating material is recycled. In one embodiment, this can be accomplished by collecting any unused coating material in a coating material collector that is in fluid communication with the coating material tank. Many solutions or dispersions of coating materials form foam and / or bubbles, which can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the coating material is preferably removed from the bottom or the half of the tank. Additionally, it is preferable to decelerate the flow of material before returning it to the coating tank to further reduce the foam and / or bubbles. This can be carried out by means known to those skilled in the art. If necessary anti-foam / bubble agents can be added to coating solutions / dispersions. To determine the spray times and associated parameters such as nozzle sizes and their configuration, the properties of the coating material must also be considered. If the speed is too high and / or the nozzle sizes are incorrect, the coating material may splash causing coating defects. If the speed is too low or the sizes of the nozzles are incorrect, the coating material can be applied in a thicker way than desired. Suitable spray apparatus includes those sold by Nordson Corporation (Westlake, Ohio). Another consideration is that many solutions or dispersions of coating materials form foam and / or bubbles which can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the spray speed, the nozzles used and the Flow connections are preferably chosen to avoid excessive agitation of the coating material. If necessary, anti-foam / bubble agents can be added to the coating solutions / dispersions. c. Flow Coating In a preferred embodiment, the coating is applied through a flow coating process. The purpose of flow coating is to provide a curtain material, similar to a curtain-shaped shower or water fall, through which the shape precursor passes through for a complete coating. Advantageously, preferred flow coating methods allow for a short residence time of the shape precursor in the coating material. The shape precursor needs only to pass through the curtain for a sufficient period of time to coat the surface of the shape precursor. Without wanting to be bound by any theory, it seems that longer residence times do not provide any additional benefit in the siding. With reference to Figures 14, 15 and 16 where alternative views of non-limiting diagrams of a preferred flow coating mode are shown. In this modality, it is shown the top view of a system comprising a simple flow coating applicator 86. The shape precursor enters system 84 and then proceeds to flow coating applicator 86 where the shape precursor 1 passes through the cascade of material of coating (not illustrated). The coating material comes from a tank or reservoir 150 through the space 155 in the tank down the angled fluid guide 160 where the cascade is formed while passing to the shape precursors. Other modalities may have flow guides that are substantially horizontal. The space 155 in the tank 150 can be widened or narrowed to adjust the flow of the material. The material is pumped from the container (not shown) into the tank or tank 150 to a flow that maintains the level of the coating material above the space 155. Advantageously, this configuration ensures a constant flow of the coating material. The excess amount of material also dampens any fluid fluctuation due to pump cycles. For the purpose of providing a uniform coating the precursor preferably rotates or rotates as it proceeds through the curtain of the coating material. The precursor preferably rotates at a speed of about 30-80 revolutions per minute (RPM), more preferably around 40 RPM, but 50, 60 and 70 RPM may also be included. Preferably, the shape precursor rotates at least around two full rotations or 720 degrees while it has been carried through the curtain of the coating material. In a preferred embodiment, the shape precursor is rotated and positioned at an angle while being carried through the curtain of the coating material. The angle of the shape precursor is preferably sharp to the plane of the curtain of the coating material. This advantageously allows a complete coating of the shape precursor without coating the neck portion or interior of the shape precursor. In another preferred embodiment, the precursor of form 1 as shown in Figure 16 is vertical, or perpendicular to the floor, while proceeding through the curtain of coating material. It has been found that while the sheets of coating material are brought into contact with the shape precursors, the curtains tend to rise towards the wall of the shape precursor from the initial point of contact. A person skilled in the art can control this effect of progressive creep when adjusting the parameters such as the radius of flow, the viscosity of the material of coating, and the physical position of laminar coating material relative to the shape precursor. For example, while the flow is increased the progressive creep effect may also be increased and possibly cause the coating material to override the precursor in a way that is desirable. As another example, by decreasing the precursor angle relative to the curtain of coating material, the coating or coating thickness can be adjusted to retain more material to the center or body of the shape precursor while the angle adjustments decrease the amount of material removed or displaced to the bottom of the precursor by gravity. The ability to manipulate this progressive plastodeformation effect advantageously allows a complete coating of the shape precursor without coating the neck portion or the interior of the shape precursor. The coating material is contained in a tank or other suitable container in fluid communication with the production line in a closed system. It is preferable to recycle any unused coating material. In one embodiment, this can be accomplished by collecting the flow of the returnable water drop in a collector of coating material that is in fluid communication with the material tank.

Coating. Many solutions or dispersions of coating materials form foam and / or bubbles that can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the coating material is removed preferably from the bottom or from the middle of the tank. Additionally, it is preferable to decelerate the flow of material before returning to the coating tank to subsequently reduce the foam and / or bubbles. This can be carried out by means known to those skilled in the art. If necessary, anti-foam / anti-bubble agents can be added to the coating solutions and dispersions. In choosing the proper flow rate of the coating materials, several variables must be considered to provide appropriate laminations, including the viscosity of the coating material, the flow rate, length and diameter of the shape precursor, line speed and spacing. of the shape precursor. The flow rate determines the accuracy of the curtain of material. If the flow rate is too fast or too slow, the material may not accurately coat the shape precursors. When the flow is too fast, the material may splash or over-firing the production line caused an incomplete coating to the shape precursor, waste of the coating material, and increases in bubble and / or foam problems. If flow rate is too slow, the coating material can only partially coat the shape precursor. The length and diameter of the shape precursor to be coated should also be considered when choosing the flow. The sheets of material must cover the precursor completely, therefore adjustments in the flow rate may be necessary when the lengths and diameters of the shape precursors are changed. Another factor to consider is the separation between shape precursors in the line. While form precursors are traversed through the curtain of material a so-called wake effect can be observed. If the next shape precursor passes through the curtain in the wake of the precursor in the above manner it may not receive an appropriate coating. Therefore, it is important to monitor the speed and centering of the line of shape precursors. The speed of shape precursors will depend on the performance of the specific equipment used. 3. Excess Material Removal Preferred methods advantageously provide such deposition efficiency that virtually all of the coating in the shape precursor is used (ie there is virtually no excess material to be removed). Nevertheless, there are situations where it is necessary to remove excess coating material after the shape precursor has been coated by immersion, spraying, or flow methods. Preferably, the rotation speed and gravity will work together to normalize the curtain in the shape precursor and remove any excess material. Preferably, the shape precursors are allowed to normalize for about 5 to up to 15 seconds, more preferably about 10 seconds. If the tank that retains the coating material is positioned in such a way as to allow the shape precursors to pass over the tank after coating, the shape and gravity precursor rotation may cause some excess material to drip from the precursor to form towards the coating material tank. This allows the excess material to be recycled without any additional effort. If the tank is located so that the excess material is not dripping into the tank, other means are adequate to receive the excess material and return it to be recycled. used, such as a collector of coating material or container in fluid communication with the tank or coating tank, may be employed. When the methods mentioned above are impractical due to production circumstances or insufficient, various methods and apparatus, such as a drip eliminator 88 can be used to remove excess material. See for example Figures 14, 15 and 16. For example, suitable drip eliminators include one or more of the following: a cleanser, brush, sponge roller, air knife, or air flow, which may be used alone or in together. In addition, any of these methods can be combined with the methods of rotation and gravity described above. Preferably any excess material removed by these methods is recycled for later use. 4. Drying and Curing After the precursor of form 1 has been coated and any excess of material removed 88, precursor of coated form is subsequently dried and cured 90. The drying and curing process is preferably carried out by infrared heating ( IR) 90. See Figures 14, 15, 17A and 17B. In one embodiment, a 1000 Watt 200 quartz infrared (IR) lamp is used as the source. A preferred source is the lamp of Tungsten-Halogen from General Electric Q1500 T3 / CL Quartzline. This particular source and equivalent sources can be purchased commercially from any number of sources including General Electric and Phillips. The source can be used at full capacity, or it can be used at partial capacities such as around 50%, around 65% or about 75% and the like. Preferred modes can use a single lamp combination of multiple lamps. For example, six infrared lamps can be used at 70% capacity. Preferred embodiments may also use lamps where the physical orientation with respect to the shape precursor is adjustable. As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the position of the lamp 200 can be adjusted 220 to position the lamp closest or furthest from the shape precursor. For example, in a modality with multiple lamps, it may be desirable to move one or more of the lamps located below the bottom of the shape precursor and closer to the precursor of - shape. This advantageously allows a complete cure of the bottom of the shape precursor. Modalities with adjustable lamps can also be used with precursor shapes with varying widths. For example, if a shape precursor is wider in the part higher than in the background, the lamps can be positioned closer to the shape precursor in the lower part of the shape precursor to ensure a uniform curing. The lamps are preferably oriented to provide a relatively uniform illumination of all the surfaces of the coating. In other embodiments, reflectors are used in combination with infrared lamps to provide a complete cure. In preferred embodiments, lamps 200 are positioned on one side of the process line while one or more reflectors 210 230 are located on the opposite side or below the process line. This advantageously reflects the exit of the lamp back to the precursor in a way allowing a greater and more complete cure. More preferably, an additional reflector 210 is located below the shape precursor to reflect the heat of the lamps upwards towards the bottom of the shape precursor. This advantageously allows a complete cure of the bottom of the shape precursor. In other preferred embodiments, various combinations of reflectors can be used depending on the characteristics of the articles and the infrared lamps used. More preferably reflectors are used in combination with the adjustable IR infrared lamps described above . Figure 17 shows a view of a non-limiting mode of a drying / curing infrared unit. On one side of the process line a series of lamps 200 is shown. Beneath the shape precursors an angled reflector 210 is shown which reflects the heat towards the bottom of the shape precursors for a more complete cure. In opposition to the lamps there is a semicircular reflector -230 that reflects the infrared value back to the precursor in a way allowing a more thorough and efficient cure. Figure 17B is an elongated section of a lamp demonstrating a mode where the location of the lamp is adjustable 220. The lamps can be moved closer or farther from the precursor so allowing maximum flexibility in drying and in the cured. further, the use of infrared heating allows the thermoplastic epoxy coating (for example PHAE) to dry without overheating the PET substrate and can be used during the pre-heating of the precursor in a form prior to blowing, thus allowing an efficient system of energy. Also, it has been found that the use of infrared to heat can reduce color alteration and improve the chemical resistance. Although this process can be carried out without additional air, it is preferred that the infrared heating is combined with forced air. The air used can be hot, cold, or ambient. The combination of curing by means of infrared and air provides the unique attributes of superior chemical resistance, color alteration, and wear of the preferred embodiments. Furthermore, without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the chemical resistance of the coating is a function of curing and crossing. The more complete the curing is, the chemical resistance will be greater. To determine the length of time necessary to thoroughly dry and cure the coating, several factors such as coating material, deposition thickness, precursor substrate form must be considered. Different coating materials heal faster or more slowly than others. Additionally, as the degree of solids increases, the curing range decreases. Generally, for the infrared curing, precursor forms of 24 grams with about 0.05 to about 0.75 grams of coating material the curing time is around 5 to 60 seconds, without However, times above and below that range can also be used. Another factor to consider is the surface temperature of the shape precursor since it relates to the transition temperature of the glass (Tg) of the substrate and the coating materials. Preferably the surface temperature of the coating exceeds the Tg of the coating materials without heating the substrate above the Tg of the substrate during the curing / drying process. This provides the desired film formation and / or crosslinking without distortion of form due to overheating of the substrate. For example, when the coating material has a higher Tg than the substrate material of the shape precursor, the surface of the shape precursor is preferably heated to a temperature above Tg of the coating while maintaining the temperature of the substrate at or below the temperature of the substrate. substrate Tg. One way to regulate the drying / curing process to achieve this balance is to combine infrared heating and air cooling, however other methods can be used. An advantage of using air In addition to infrared heating is that the air regulates the The surface temperature of the shape precursor thereby allowing flexibility to control the penetration of radiant heat. If a particular mode requires a lower cure speed or deeper infrared penetration, this can be controlled only with air, time spent in the infrared unit, or the frequency of the infrared lamp. This can be used alone or in combination. Preferably, the shape precursor rotates while traversing through the infrared heater.

The shape precursor preferably rotates at a speed of about 30-80 revolutions per minute (RPM), more preferably around 40 revolutions per minute (RPM). If the rotation speed is very high, the coating will splash causing non-uniform coating of the shape precursor. If the rotation speed is lower, the shape precursor will dry out disproportionately. More preferably, the shape precursor rotates at least about 360 degrees while advancing through the infrared heater. This advantageously allows a complete curing and drying. In other preferred embodiments, electron beam processing can be used in place of infrared heating or other methods. He Electron beam processing (EBP = Electron Beam Processing) has not been used for the curing of polymers used for and in conjunction with molded injection precursors and containers primarily because of their large size and relatively high cost. However growing advances in this technology, it is expected to lead to smaller and less expensive machines. EBP accelerators are typically described in terms of power and power. For example, for the curing and crosslinking of coatings for food film coatings, accelerators with energies of 150 to 500 keV are typically used. EBP polymerization is a process in which individual groups of molecules combine together to form a long group (polymer). When a substrate or coating is exposed to highly accelerated electrons, a reaction occurs where the chemical bonds in the material break and a new, modified molecular structure is formed. Polymerization causes significant physical changes in the product, and may result in desirable characteristics such as high gloss and abrasion resistance. EBP can be a very efficient way to start polymerization processes in many materials.

Similar to polymerization by EBP, cross-linking by EBP is a chemical reaction, which alters and improves the physical characteristics of the material to be treated. It is the process by which a network of chemical bonds or bonds interconnected between large polymer chains to form a stronger molecular structure. EBP can be used to improve the thermal, chemical, barrier, impact properties and other properties of cheap thermoplastics. EBP of cross-linked plastics can give materials that improve dimensional stability, reduced stress crack, higher setting temperatures, reduced permeability to water and solvents, and improved thermomechanical properties. The effect of ionizing radiation on polymeric materials is manifested in one of three ways (1) those that by nature have an increase in molecular weight (not crossed), (2) those that by nature have a reduction in molecular weight (cleavage), (3), in the case of radiation resistant polymers, those in which there is no significant change in molecular weight when observed. Some polymers can carry out a combination of (1) and (2). During irradiation, excision or chain cutting occurs simultaneously and competitively with the cross union, the final result is determined by the radius of the results of these actions. Polymers containing one hydrogen atom to each carbon atom predominantly result in cross-linking, while those polymers containing quaternary carbon atoms and polymers of the type -CX2-CX2- (when X = halogen), cleavage predominates. chain. Aromatic polystyrene and polycarbonate are relatively resistant to EBP. For polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and PET, both directions of transformation are possible, certain conditions exist for the predominance of each one. The ratio of cross-linking to cleavage may depend on several factors, including the total radiation dose, the range of doses, the presence of oxygen stabilizers, radical scavengers, and / or impediments derived from crystalline structural forces. The total effects of the properties by the crosslinking can be contrary and conflicting, especially in the mixtures and copolymers. For example, after EBP, highly crystalline polymers, such as HDPE may not show a significant change in tensile strength, a property derived from the crystalline structure, but may demonstrate significant improvement in the properties associated with the behavior of the amorphous structure, such as impact resistance and crack crack resistance. The aromatic polyamides (nylons) have a considerable response to ionizing radiation. After being exposed, the tensile strength of the aromatic polyamides does not improve, but for a mixture of aromatic polyamides with linear aliphatic polyamides, an increase in tensile strength is derived together with a substantial decrease in elongation. EBP can be used as an alternative to infrared for a more accurate and faster curing of TPE coatings applied to shape precursors and containers. It is believed that when used in conjunction with immersion, spray and flow coatings, EBP may have the potential to provide lower cost, improved speed and / or better control in crosslinking when compared to infrared curing. . EBP can also be beneficial because the changes that take place occur in the solid state opposite to the alternate chemical and thermal reactions carried out with molten polymer. In other preferred embodiments, Gas heaters, ultraviolet radiation, and flame can be used in addition to or instead of infrared curing or EBP. Preferably the drying / curing unit is located at a sufficient or isolated distance from the coating material tank and / or the flow coating curtain to prevent unwanted curing with the unused coating material. 5. Cooling The shape precursor is subsequently cooled. The cooling process is combined with the curing process to provide improvements in chemical resistance, to the alteration of color, and to abrasion. It is believed that this is due to the removal of solvents and volatiles after a simple coating and between sequential coatings. In one embodiment, the cooling process occurs at room temperature. In another embodiment, the cooling process is accelerated by the use of forced air at room temperature or cold. There are several factors to consider during the cooling process. It is preferable that the surface precursor surface temperatures are below the Tg of the lowest Tg of the shape or coating precursor substrate. For example, some coating materials have a lower Tg than the substrate material of the shape precursor, in this example, the shape precursor can be cooled to a temperature below the Tg of the coating. Where the substrate of the shape precursor has a lower Tg the shape precursor should be cooled below the Tg of the shape precursor substrate. The cooling time is also affected by where the cooling process occurs. In a preferred embodiment, multiple coatings are applied to each shape precursor. When the cooling step is prior to a subsequent coating, the cooling times may be reduced since the elevated temperature of the shape precursors is believed to improve the coating processes. Although the cooling times vary, they are generally around 5 to 40 seconds per precursor in the form of 24 grams with about 0.05 to about 0.75 grams of coating material. 6. Ejection of the System In a modality, once the shape precursor has been cooled it will be separated from the system and prepared for packing. In another embodiment, the shape precursor will be separated from the cooling system and sent to a blow machine for subsequent processes. In yet another modality, the precursor in a coated form it is taken to another coating module where more coating or coatings are applied. This system may or may not be connected to subsequent coating modules or to a blow molding machine. 7. Recycling Advantageously, bottles made by, or resulting from, a preferred process described above, can be easily recycled. Using ordinary recycling processes, the coating can be easily removed from the recovered PET. For example, a coating based on a hydroxyamino ether applied by immersion coating and cured by infrared heating can be removed in 30 seconds when exposed to an aqueous solution at 80 degrees C with a pH of 12. Additionally, aqueous solutions with a pH equal to or less than 4 can be used to remove the coating. Variations in acid salts made from polyhydroxy-amino ethers can change the conditions necessary to remove the coating. For example, the acid salt resulting from an acetic solution of a polyhydroxy-amino ether resin can be removed with the use of an aqueous solution at 80 degrees C at a neutral pH. Alternatively, recycling methods as set forth in US Pat.

Number 6,528,546, with the title "Recycling of Articles Comprising Hydroxy-phenoxyether Polymers", can also be used. The methods described in that application are incorporated herein by reference. 8. EXAMPLE I A laboratory scale flow coating system was used to coat precursor PET forms of 24 grams. A system as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16 was used, and comprises a single flow coating unit with an infrared curing / drying unit. Form precursors are manually loaded into the process line. The clamp clips used to hold the 24-gram shape precursors were spaced 1.5 inches apart at the center of each. It was found that this distance provides adequate spacing to avoid the wake effect while the shape precursor passed through a coating or curtain drop. The coating material was pumped into a tank using a pump without shear or shear stress. The coating material was circulated outside the tank forming a water drop or curtain that coated the shape precursors as they passed through the curtain. The shape precursors moved along the line at a speed of 7.62 cm (3 inches) per second, for the purpose of securing two full rotations while passing through the coating curtain. Once through the curtain the velocity of the line allowed the shape precursors to drip for approximately 10 seconds before passing over a sponge roll to remove an excess of coating material from the bottom of the shape precursor. The shape precursor was then passed to an infrared curing / drying unit. Five 1000 W Tungsten-Halogen lamps from General Electric Q1500 T3 / CL Quartzline at 60% capacity were used as a source. The lamps were positioned at 1.52 cm (0.6 inch) above the center line. The shape precursors remained in the infrared drying / curing unit for about 10 seconds. While the shape precursors were moved out of the curing / drying unit they were cooled for about 10 seconds with forced air at room temperature before being removed from the system. The coating material used in this example was a PHAE dispersion, BLOX® XUR 588-29 (from The Dow Chemical Company), having 30% solids. The average deposit (single layer in a precursor form of 24 grams was around 97 milligrams. 9. Example II FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a coating system. The coating system 300 is preferably an automated system for rapidly coating the shape precursors. The illustrated coating system 300 comprises a transfer system 310, a conveying system or carousel system 312, a coating unit 316 (e.g. a delivery system, a flow coating unit, etc.), a system material removal 318, a temperature control system 320, and a system for removing shape precursors 346. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature control system 320 comprises a pair of curing units 330, 332 and a system of cooling 336. The coating system 300 can be used to coat substrate articles, such as containers, shape precursor and the like. For reasons of simplicity, the embodiments described above are described with respect to precursor shapes that can be blown as containers. Generally, the transfer system 310 can feed shape precursor to the carousel system 312. The carousel system 312 can move the shape precursors along a process line in such a way that the shape precursors are coated by the coating unit 316, treated by the removal system 318, and subsequently passed through a temperature control system 320 to cure the coating layer. The coated shape precursors are then cooled by the cooling system 336 and discharged from the carousel system 312. In some embodiments, the coating system 300 can receive hot shape precursor to assist in the curing process. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 18 the coating system 300 can receive hot shape precursor from a substrate producing system 340. The illustrated substrate producing system 340 is an injection molding machine, such as a Gaylord type injection machine or other type of molding machine by injection. The shape precursors manufactured by the injection molding machine can be quickly transported to the coating system 300 via a delivery system 342. The delivery system 342 can be a typical system used to transport shape precursor away from the molding machines by injection and therefore will not be discussed more widely.

The inherent heat of the hot shape precursors can provide one or more of the following: reduction in curing time, resulting generally with fully cured coating layers, minimizing the number of bladders or blisters formed in the coating layer, promoting layers of coherent coating, and / or something similar. In a non-limiting mode, the temperature of the hot shape precursors are in the range of about 30 degrees C to 70 degrees C when the shape precursors are coated by the coating unit 316. The temperatures of the shape precursors are generally preferable greater than about 30 degrees C when the shape precursors are coated by the coating unit 316. Advantageously, there may be less contamination (eg, dust) on the surfaces of the shape precursors due to the rapid transfer between the injection molding machine 340 and coating system 300. Reduced levels of contamination can promote adhesion between the coating layers and the injection molded shape precursors. The shape precursors exits from the injection molding machine can be cooled to a desired temperature before being processed by the coating system 300.

The substrate producing system 340 may be any suitable system for producing substrates. In some embodiments, the substrate producing system 340 is an extrusion blow molding machine. Extruded blow molding containers can be removed from the substrate producing system 340 and supplied to the coating system 300 to apply a coating layer. Alternatively, the substrate producing system 340 may be a compression molding system or other type of apparatus for producing substrate articles. In other embodiments, the shape precursors may be fed indirectly from a system producing substrate articles, such as an injection machine, to coating system 300. For example, shape precursors may be manufactured and stored for an extended period of time. of time before these precursor forms can be processed by the coating system. If the shape precursors are soiled or otherwise contaminated, the shape precursors can be cleaned by, for example, a washing process. Any suitable cleaner can be used to clean the shape precursors. For example, cleaning agents, water, or chemical agents, surfactants, combination thereof, and the like can be used to clean the shape precursors to ensure that the surface of the shape precursors are suitable for receiving the coating layers. The shape precursors can be washed before and / or after they enter the coating system 300. A washing unit (not shown) can be located along the process line between the transfer system 310 and the delivery system. Coating 316. It has been contemplated that the shape precursors can be washed at any point along the process line. Preferably any liquid in excess of the cleaning process can be removed before the shape precursors enter the flow coating system 312. Of course, the shape precursors can be coated by the coating system 300 with or without cleaning, or other types of preparation processes. Optionally, a temperature control unit can be located along the process line to heat the shape precursors before the coating material is deposited in the shape precursors. The temperature control unit (not shown) can be located along the process line between the transfer system 310 and the flow coating unit 316. The temperature control unit may comprise a furnace, a power supply system (for example one or more heat lamps) or other suitable equipment for controlling the heat and / or cooling of the precursors of shape. In some embodiments, the temperature control unit can pre-heat the shape precursors and immediately before the shape precursors are coated by the coating unit 316. With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the transfer system 310 can receive and then feed the shape precursors to the carousel system 312 at any desired feed expense. In some embodiments, the transfer system 310 may feed the form precursors either continuously or in batches to the carousel system 312. Additionally, a plurality of transfer systems 310 may be used to receive and deliver form precursors to the system. of carousel 312. The illustrated transfer system 310 continuously feeds shape precursors to the carousel system 312. The transfer system 310 can deliver shape precursor generally at a fixed or variable rate, preferably a shape precursor. the time However, precursor of multiple forms can be deliberated simultaneously and continuously to the carousel system 312. Advantageously, the shape precursors can be passed through the coating unit 316, preferably at a constant line speed, without stopping the movement of the carousel system 312. Fluctuations in the line speed can cause an undesired distribution of the coating materials on shape precursors. Additionally, the continuous feeding of the shape precursors can increase the output of the coating system 300 and can ensure that the coating material flowing from the coating unit 316 is efficiently utilized. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 19, the transfer system 310 comprises one or more doors 348, a star plate or vane wheel 350 attached to a cardan 352, and an outer guide member 354. The shape precursors can be passed through the gate 348 and delivered to 350. The star plate 350 and the guide member 354 can cooperate to bring the shape precursors to the carousel system 312. The gate 348 is configured to inhibit or allow the delivery of the shape precursors to the plate. 350 star. Gate 348 has a bar movable between an open position to allow the delivery of the shape precursors towards the star plate 350 and a closed position in which the shape precursors are not delivered to the star plate 350. When the rod 360 occupies the closed position , the end of the rod for the shape precursors so that they are not delivered to the star plate 350. When the rod 360 occupies an open position, the shape precursors can be delivered to the star plate 350. Air lines can supply air Pressurized that is used to operate gate 348. In some embodiments, gate 348 can be operated manually, electrically, mechanically, pneumatically (illustrated), and / or by any suitable means. The star plate 350 may have slits or spouts 362 configured to engage shape precursors, as shown in FIG. 20. Star plate 350 may have several slits 362 positioned around its periphery. Each slit 362 is configured to wrap at least a portion of the pro forma body. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 18 to 20, the cavities 362 are curved segments having a radius of curvature similar to the radius of the upper portion of the body 4 of the precursor of form 1. The precursor of form 1 within the cavities 362 is captured between the guide of the outer member 354 and the star plate 350, as shown in FIG. 20. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the lower surface 363 of the support ring 6 can slide and engage the upper surface 364 of the star plate 350 and an upper surface 368 of the outer member 354. The gimbal or drive shaft 352 can rotate to generally at a speed of constant rotation to continuously feed the shape precursors to the carousel system 312. In some embodiments, the gimbal 352 rotates at fixed and / or variable speeds during the production cycle. When the gimbal 352 rotates, each of the slits 362 and the corresponding shape precursor that capture rotate in unison. While the shape precursor moves, the support rings 6 of the shape precursors slide along the stationary top surface 368 of the outer member 354. Thus the shape precursors can travel through a curved route extending from for example the supply system 342 to the carousel system 312. The rotation speed of the star plate 350 can be determined for a desired delivery of the coating system 300, and the size and configuration of star dish 350. For example, a star dish having a greater ray can rotate at a lower speed than a star dish 350 having a smaller radius. In a non-limiting mode, star dish 350 can deliver 5,000 to 15,000 form precursor per hour to coating system 300. In another non-limiting mode, star dish 350 can deliver up to about 40,000 form precursors per hour to the coating system 300. In a non-limiting mode, the star plate 350 can deliver more than 45,000 shape precursors per hour to a coating system 300. Optionally, the rotation speed of the star plate 350 can be based on the delivery capacity of injection molding machine 340 (FIG.18) to optimize the production of shape precursors. The star plate 350 can have any number of slits 362 disposed along its periphery. The number of slits 362 can be selected by the size and configuration of the uncoated shape precursors 1. Preferably, the transfer system 310 has a tolerance so that the shape precursors of various sizes can be transferred to the transfer system 310 without no adjustment or modification.

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment where a transfer system can be used with a coating system 300. The transfer system can batch deliver the shape precursors to a carousel system 312. For example, a specific number of shape precursor can be delivered simultaneously to the carousel system 312. The carousel system 312 can receive and carry the shape precursors along the process line. After a period of time, another batch can be delivered to the carousel system 312. The transfer system 370 can have fasteners 372, each configured to stop a precursor in an uncoated form 1. The fasteners can be any type of mechanical mechanism. clamping or equipment that can selectively stop and release shape precursors. The supply system 342 (FIG.18) can feed one or more shape precursor to the transfer system 370 at a time. After the transfer system 370 receives the form 1 precursors, the transfer system 370 can move the shape precursors to any desired position. For example, the transfer system 370 can move the shape precursors in a horizontal and vertical direction indicated by the arrows 374, 376, respectively. The transfer system 370 can also move the shape precursors in a transverse direction depending on the configuration of the carousel system 312. Transfer systems, such as the transfer systems described above, can carry and deliver the precursors of form 1 to a loading system 377 (FIG 24A) which is configured to load the shape precursors onto the carousel system 312. In some embodiments, the transfer system can simultaneously deliver a plurality of shape precursor 1 to the loading system 377. However, the transfer system can sequentially deliver shape precursors to the loading system 377 in other embodiments. With respect to FIG. 18, the carousel system 312 may comprise one or more conveyors 374 that are configured to receive the shape precursors of the transfer system 310. The conveyors 374 move along the carousel system while carrying one or more shape precursor. In one embodiment, each transporter 374 takes and transports a precursor in a single way. In another embodiment, including the illustrated embodiments, each transporter takes and transports more than one shape precursor, preferably at least 2 shape precursors. The carousel system 312 can have a motor (not shown) that moves the conveyor 374 around the carousel system 312. Optionally, the conveyor 374 can rotate the shape precursors while the feeder moves along the periphery of the conveyor system. carousel 312. For example, each conveyor 374 can continuously rotate one or more shape precursor while the conveyor 374 moves along the process line. Optionally, the conveyors 374 can move or rotate the shape precursors in an inward and / or outward direction relative to the carousel system 312. With respect to FIG. 24A, the loading system 377 of the carousel system 312 can be used to place the shape precursors on the conveyors 374. The illustrated loading system 377 comprises one or more loaders 376 which are located below the conveyors 374. The loaders illustrated 376 move axially in a vertical direction between a loading position and a discharge position. In one embodiment, the loader 376 receives one or more precursor shapes delivered by the transfer system 310 when the loader 376 occupies the loading position. The magazine 376 can be moved vertically to the unloading position for the purpose of lifting the shape precursors to the mobile conveyor 374. The conveyor 374 can receive the raised shape precursors. The carrier 374 can then retain and carry the shape precursors along the process line. Each magazine 376 and its corresponding carrier 374 preferably moves in unison along at least a portion of the process line. Each magazine 376 may comprise a lifter cam, a follower, or any other mechanism suitable for the delivery of the shape precursors to the carrier 374. A curved guide member 380 (Figure 24B shown in dotted lines) may contact the precursor in a non-conforming manner. coated 1 taken between the cavities 362 and the star plate 350 to the position of the precursor of form 1 between a pair of stop members or pliers 386 of the loaders 376. The support ring 6 of the precursor of shape 1 can rest on the upper surface 389 of the loader 376 and subsequently elevated to the corresponding carrier 374. When the loader 376 reaches the unloading position, the shape precursor is delivered to the carrier 374. In this manner, one or more shape precursors can be transferred from the plate from star 350 to the carriers 374. The loaders 376 can be adapted to raise any number of shape precursors 1. In a modality, for example, the chargers 376 are configured to carry only one form precursor 1. In another embodiment, the chargers 376 are configured to charge a plurality of form precursors 1. With reference to Figure 24B, the chargers 376 can move in the direction indicated by arrow 388 and star plate 350 can rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 390. Chargers 376 and star dish 350 can be synchronized so that each pair of handles 386 matches the corresponding slit or cavity 362 of star dish 350. Preferably, member 380 is positioned above and stationary relative to charger 376 and star dish 350. Again with reference to Fig. 24A, chargers 376 can load and lift shape precursors to the plate 376. corresponding carrier 374. The carriers 374 can then receive and stop the shape precursors for their next transport along the carousel system. In some embodiments, each magazine 376 comprises a rail 400, basket 402, and an elongated member 404 that connects to the basket. 402. The end of the elongate member 404 includes a roller 408 configured to pass through a slot in the cam 412. The magazine 376 can move along the carousel system 312 and can move vertically while the roller 408 rotates along the length of the curved slot 412. After the loader 376 takes the shape precursor 1, the magazine 402 of the magazine 376 can slide vertically upwards along the rail 400 to lift the shape precursor towards the holder 374. When the basket 402 reaches a high position (eg, discharge position), the carrier 374 can receive and take the neck 2 of the shape precursor 1. The basket 402 can then be moved vertically downward so that the tongs 486 are separated from the shape precursor After the carriers 374 have received the shape precursors, the carrier 374 can transport these precursors around the periphery of the carrousel system 312 in the to the direction indicated by arrows 375 of Figures 18 and 23. The carriers 374 may be connected to each other so that the carriers 374 move together. Any suitable means, such as a belt, links, a rod in the form of a coupling strut or the like can be used to interconnect the carriers 374. In one embodiment, all or a substantial number of carriers 374 of the coating system 300 are attached to the adjacent carrier 374 on either side. To retain or take the shape precursors, the carrier 374 couples the inner portion (the inner surface 16) of the shape precursors. In another embodiment, the carriers 374 may couple both in the internal portions or in the outer portions of the shape precursor. For example, each carrier 374 may be coupled to the inner surface 16 and the threads of the outer surface 8 of the neck 2. In yet another embodiment, each carrier 374 may be attached only to the outer portion (eg, the outer portion of neck 2) of the shape precursor. Preferably, each carrier 374 does not extend down past the outer portion of the support ring 6 so that the body 4 can be completely coated with the material. With respect to Figures 24A and 25, the carriers 374 may have one or more gripping mechanisms 420 configured to fit within and extend towards the interior of the shape precursor, as shown in Figure 42. The gripping mechanism may comprise a chuck or other suitable equipment to surely take the shape precursor. The illustrated gripping mechanisms are in the form of mandrels. How I know used herein, the term "mandrel" is a broad term and its ordinary meaning and may include but is not limited, a clamp, snap fastener, shape precursor fastener, and the like. The mandrel can be used to selectively retain a shape precursor. In some embodiments, the mandrel is moved between a holding or grasping position and a releasing position. The mandrel can stop a shape precursor when it is occupying the grip position and can discharge or receive a shape precursor when it is occupying the discharge position. In some embodiments, the mandrel 420 is generally an elongated cylindrical body of adequate size to fit within the shape precursor aperture. Optionally, the mandrel 420 may extend within and along a substantial portion of the neck of the shape precursor. In another embodiment, the mandrel 420 can extend all the way into the interior of the shape precursor and can terminate along the body 4 of the shape precursor. Preferably, at least a portion of the mandrel 420 is configured to engage the interior of the surface of the shape precursor. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the mandrel 420 can be moved to stop and / or release a shape precursor. Preferably, at least a portion of the mandrel 420 can move radially inwardly or outwardly as desired. For example, the mandrel 420 can be moved radially outwardly to engage and hold the interior of the surface 16 of the shape precursor. The mandrel 420 can move radially inward to release the shape precursor of the mandrel 420. With reference to Fig. 24A, the mandrel 420 can have an expandable ring, such as an opening or sliding ring 424. In another embodiment, the ring 424 is an annular body having a space so that the ring can conveniently expand in a radial direction. The sliding ring 424 may be biased inward to strongly round the body of the mandrel 420. Referring to Figure 25, the mandrel 420 may have an upper lip 430, a body 432, and a groove 436. The upper lip 430 may having a bottom surface 431 suitable for contacting the upper edge of the precursor so that the shape precursor can be safely recharged against the upper lip 430. When the loader 376 delivers the shape precursor to the holder 374, the loader 376 can lift The shape precursor until The shape precursor contacts, or is adjacent to, the bottom surface 431. Groove 436 is adapted to receive at least a portion of ring 424 (shown in a cross section). One or more openings 440 along the groove 436 may cooperate with one or more projections 444 to selectively act on the ring 424. The projections 444 are generally spherical bodies that may extend from an associated circular opening 440. When the projections 444 extend from the openings 440, the projections 444 push the ring 424 in an outward direction so that the outer surface of the ring 424 can apply sufficient pressure towards the interior of the surface to stop the shape precursor. The projections 444 may be retracted into the body 432 of the mandrel 420 so that the projections 444 generally do not apply a force to the ring 424, thereby allowing the ring 424 to be biased inward to strongly encircle the body 432. When the projections 444 are retracted, the shape precursors can easily be loaded onto the mandrel 420, or discharged from the mandrel 420. Therefore, the projections 444 can move between the extended position and the retracted position in order to stop or discharge, respectively, the precursor so. Projections 444 can have any form suitable for coupling the inner surface of the ring 424. In the embodiment illustrated, the mandrel 420 has four openings 440 and four corresponding protuberances 444. However, any number of projections 444 and openings 440 can be used. With respect to Figures 26A and 26B each carrier 374 may have a system of levers 450 adapted to selectively control the movement of the ring 424. The mandrels are not shown. The levers system 450 can be articulated to cause the mandrel 420 (not shown) to either strongly grip the shape precursor or release the shape precursor. For example, when the mandrel 420 occupies the first position, the mandrel 420 can take the shape precursor strongly. When the mandrel 420 occupies the second position, the mandrel can release or receive a shape precursor. The mandrel 420 can act between many positions as desired. The lever system 450 illustrated is attached to the body 452 of the carrier 374, and preferably comprises a lever 454, a base 455, and rods 456, 458. As shown in Figure 26B, the lever 454 extends from a pivot 462 and rotate in the direction indicated by dates 460. The end of the lever 374 may be a roller 464 for coupling the first track of the carousel system 302. Contact pallets 468, 470 of the lever 454 (Figure 26A) can contact the upper ends of the rods 456, 458, respectively. The base 455 can be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrows 478 and extended from a pivot 482, as shown in Figure 26B. The end of the base 455 may have a roll 484 for coupling a second track of the carousel system 312. In the illustrated embodiments of Figures 26A and 26B each of the rods 456, 458 extends through a hole in the base 455. Again with reference to Figure 26A, the upper ends 490, 492 of the rods 456, 458, can be brought into contact with the contact paddles 468, 470, respectively, to cause movement in the rods 456, 458 relative to the base 455. Springs 494, and 496 disposed "about a portion of the rods 456,458, respectively, bias the ends 490, 492 toward the lever 454. When the carrier 374 moves along the carousel system 312, each one of the rollers 464, 484, may be arranged in a corresponding track of the carousel system 312. While the carrier 374 moves on the tracks the distance between the tracks can be increased or decreased to move the rolls 464, 484 away or close to each other. When the rollers 464, 484 are close enough to them, the lever 454 applies a force towards the rods 456, 458 sufficient to overcome the bias of the springs 494, 496, from there to push the rods 456, 458 out of the ends of the cylindrical housings 500, 502, respectively. Each of the cylindrical housings 500, 502 can be arranged through a cylindrical passage 515 (Figure 25) in a corresponding mandrel 420. In operation, the mandrels can be mounted in each of these cylindrical housings 500,502. The diameters of the rods 456, 458 can be varied such that in different positions relative to the housings 500, 502, the projections 444 (not shown) extend or retract. With respect to Figures 26A and 26B, the carrier 374 may have a drive to engage a portion of the carousel system 312 to cause rotation in the mandrels. In the illustrated embodiment, a driving mechanism 503 (Figure 26B) has a driving gear 505 that can couple teeth, a gear, a chain, a brush, and / or any structure of the carousel system 312. While the carousel motor moves the carriers 374, along the carousel system 312, the driving gear 505 of the driving mechanism 503 can cause the rotation of the rods 456, 458 which, in turn, rotate to the corresponding mandrels. Optionally, the rods 456, 458 may be interconnected by a belt. Alternatively, the rods can independently move through one or more movement mechanisms, for example, each rod 456, 458 can be moved by a brush gear. As shown in Figure 24A, the mandrels 420 may be disposed around the housings 500, 502, so that the rods 456, 458 may extend out from the lower ends of the mandrels 420. For example, the housing 500 may be disposed within of passage 515 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 25) of mandrel 420. Preferably, housing 500 and mandrel 420 are aligned so that one or more of openings 510 of housing 500 are aligned with openings 440 of mandrel 420 The projections 444 can therefore pass out of the openings 440, 510. The housing 502 can be similarly aligned with another mandrel 420. With reference to FIG. 26A, the body 452 of carrier 374 may have mounting holes 516, 518, configured to receive fasteners to grip carrier 374 to a movable portion of carousel system 302. With reference to Figures 18 and 27, coating system 300 may have one or more coating units 316. The illustrated coating unit 316 is in some form a flow coating system. It is understood that the flow coating system 316 can be replaced by an already immersion or wet system depending on the application. As illustrated in Figures 27 and 28, the flow coating system 316 may comprise a tank or container 550 that is preferably in fluid communication with a fluid source. The fluid within the tank 550 can be supplied by the flow coating system 316 over passing form 1 precursors. The fluid in the tank 550 may comprise, but is not limited to, barrier materials (e.g., a gas barrier material, such as phenoxy thermoplastics), additives (e.g., antifoaming agents), dyes, thermoplastics, polymers, and similar. Any desired fluid can be stored inside tank 550.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 28, the tank 150 comprises a housing 552 and a flow control system 558. The housing 552 has walls 556 that define a chamber 554 adapted to stop the coating material (e.g., fluid coating material). Modes of housing 552 may have any suitable shape to contain the coating material. The chamber 554 can be sized to retain any desired amount of coating material, preferably in a liquid state. It has been contemplated that the size of the chamber 554 can be selected depending on, for example, the discharge of the coating system 300, the size and configuration of the shape precursors, the properties of the coating material, the amount of coating material. to be applied, and / or similar. The fluid control system 558 can be used to selectively control the flow of the coating material delivered out of the flow coating system 316. The fluid control system 558 can provide coating material at a generally constant or variable flow rate during the production cycle. In one embodiment, the fluid control system 558 comprises a movable gate 562 and a positioning gate assembly 564 (FIG. 27) configured to selectively move gate 562 relative to flow guide 566. As shown in FIG. 29, an edge 568 of gate 562 and flow guide 566 define a space or passage 570. Edge 568 of gate 562 may be generally straight along the length of gate 562. In another embodiment, edge 568 may be curved or have any other suitable shape to provide one or more slits. or space between gate 562 and flow guide 566. Optionally, edge 568 can advantageously promote a laminar flow of the coating material flowing along the surface of fluid guide 566 and over the shape precursors. Tank 550 may have other means to reduce turbulence of the coating material. The edge 568 has a surface 574 that is generally parallel with the surface of the fluid guide 566. In other embodiments, the space 570 may have a height that varies along its length and / or width. Additionally, the surface 574 may be curved and / or oriented at any angle to the fluid guide 566. The size of the space 570 may increase or decrease, respectively increase or decrease, the amount of fluid flowing towards the fluid guide 566 and on shape precursors. While the coating material flows out of the coating system 316, the upper surface of the coating material in the tank 550 is preferably larger than the space 570. If the coating material has bubbles or foam, the bubbles or foam may receive in the top surface of the coating material. Advantageously, the coating material flowing through the space 570 can be substantially free of bubbles, foam or other contaminants which have a tendency to float in the coating material. The positioning gate assembly 564 of FIGS. 27 and 30 can selectively position gate 562 to obtain any desired aperture size 570. The gate positioning assembly 564 may have one or more nuts 580 which by means of rope engage one or more bolts 581. While the nuts 580 are rotated they move a support 582, which is attached to the gate 562, in the vertical direction . The positioning gate assembly 564 may be supported by a member 560 that is coupled to the housing 552 of the tank 550. In other embodiments, the positioning gate assembly 564 may rotate and / or provide movement. transverse gate 562. Also, the gate positioning assembly 564 can move gate 562 continuously and / or incrementally. In certain embodiments, the positioning gate assembly 564 may comprise one or more motors (eg, step motors), solenoids, actuators moved by a screw, and / or the like which may be used to move the gate 562. It is contemplated that the gate positioning assembly 564 can be manually or automatically controlled. For example, the gate positioning assembly 564 can be controlled numerically by a control system (eg, a digital control system). Optionally, at least one of the gate 562 and the flow guide 566 may have means for producing laminar flow. For example, gate 562 and flow guide 566 may have fins, coating treatment surfaces, or other structures to reduce turbulence of the coating material delivered to flow coating system 316. With reference to Figure 28 , tank 550 may optionally comprise a cover or cover 593 covering tank 550 to limit or prevent contamination of coating material within chamber 554. Cover 593 may be removable or attached to housing 552 for conveniently removing and accessing chamber 554. In some embodiments, fasteners may be used to permanently or temporarily attach lid 593 to housing 552. In some embodiments, tank 550 comprises an overflow system 592 for regulate the amount of material in the tank 550. The overflow system 592 maintains a desirable amount of coating material within the tank 550. If the level of the coating material rises above an opening 594 of the overflow system, flow 592, preferably comprises a tube 591, the coating material flows into an opening 594 and through the tube 591 out of the tank 550, whereby the amount of coating material in the tank 550 is reduced. In the embodiment illustrated, the tube 591 extends upwardly from the bottom of tank 550 and into chamber 554. Optionally, tank 550 may include a level sensor 596 which may be useful Lifting to determine the level of the coating material in the tank 550. The overflow sensor 596 may be in communication with one or more pumps, valves, and / or other equipment that maintains the desired level of the coating material. For example, a valve can act to allow the coating material to flow outside the tank 550 directly or indirectly based on a signal from the sensor 596. With respect to Figure 31, a flow system 530 may be in fluid communication with the tank 550. The flow system 530 is a closed system that recirculates the material of coating to efficiently reject the unused coating material. However, the fluid system 530 can be an open system. Additionally, the fluid system 530 can be either a closed system for one or more portions of the production cycle or an open system for one or more portions for the production cycle. With continuous reference to Figure 31, the fluid system 530 may comprise one or more lines, tanks, pumps, and other types of filtration systems. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system 530 comprises a tank system 600. An overflow line 604 and a drain line 606 extending between the tank 550 and a vessel or tank 610. A pump 614 is located at along the outlet of line 612 extending between container 610 and tank 550. In one embodiment, tank system 600 comprises a collection tank 620 that receives the unused material from the flow coating system 316. As shown in Figure 33, the collection tank 620 may be disposed below the precursors so that they have been coated and / or below the end of the guide 566. The collection tank may be in the form of an open tank for receiving, or another type of structure configured to receive unused coating material. Optionally, the collection tank 620 may have means to reduce foaming and / or bubbles in the collected coating material. Foam or bubbles in the coating material can result in a non-level or imperfect coating of the resultant multilayer shaped precursors. The coating material collected in the tank 620 can be reused to coat the shape precursors. Therefore, it may be advantageous to limit or prevent the formation of foam and / or bubbles in the coating material within the tanks 620. As shown in Figure 32, the collection tank 620 has a bulkhead 622 to reduce or prevent the foam formation and / or bubbles. The unused portion of the curtain of facing material 624 (that is, the coating material that does not remain in the shape precursors) can flow to and from length of the screen without producing any substantial turbulence. In another embodiment, a plurality of screens reduce the foaming of the coating materials. Although it is not illustrated, other structures can be used to limit the formation of foam / bubbles in the coating material. For example, various surfaces with slopes, fins, channels, and / or any other suitable structure can be used to reduce foam formation. It has been contemplated that the position and type of the structures to prevent the foam can be selected to achieve a desirable flow outside the collection tank 620 and towards a collection tank line 630. Additionally, the tank 620 can have structures, which they can also be structures for preventing foam, which promote the vortex to accelerate the flow of unused coating material to line 630. Tank 620 may have no means to reduce foaming / bubbles. Of course, the configuration of the tank 620 can be selected based on the properties of the coating material. The distance between tank 550 and collection tank 620 may be determined by the desired rolling action of the coating material, properties of the coating material (eg, foam characteristics, viscosity, etc.), flow rate, line speed of the carousel system 312, spacing of the shape precursors, and / or other process parameters. The collection tank line 630 can be extended between the collection tank 620 and the container 610. The material collected by the collection tank 620 can deliver to the container 610 via a collection tank line 630. With continuous reference to the Figure 31, the overflow line 604 may extend from the tank 550 to the vessel 610. The fluid passing through the overflow tube 591 may subsequently pass through the overflow line 604 and into the container 610. In some embodiments, material from collection tank 620 may not be delivered to container 610. For example, overflow line 604 may deliver coating material to an off-line storage tank. Optionally, the fluid system 530 may have a drain line 606 extending from the tank 550 to the vessel 610. In some embodiments, the drain line 606 is used to drain the tank 550 to prevent curing of the material of coating on tank 550 when the pumps are not in operation. Additionally, tank 550 can be drained for cleaning the interior surfaces of tank 550, or for carrying out any other type of maintenance. A flow regulator (eg, a valve system) may be positioned along drainage line 606. The flow regulator may be used to inhibit or allow fluid flow out of tank 550 through the line of flow. 606. The container 610 can store coating material, especially for prolonged periods of time, and can have any suitable size or configuration for storing coating material. For example, container 610 may be a container containing a capacity of more than about 18.9 1 (5 gallons), 37.85 1 (10 gallons), 56.78 1 (15 gallons), 75.7 1 (20 gallons), 113.56 1 (30 gallons), and ranges surrounding such volumes. In some embodiments, container 610 may have a capacity greater than about 56.78 1 (15 gallons), 94.6 1 (25 gallons), or 132.49 1 (35 gallons). In one embodiment, the coating system 300 may comprise a plurality of containers 610. One of the containers 610 may be in line while another container may be out of line. After a certain amount of coating material has been used from the line container 610, the container that is in line 610 can be replaced by the container that is out of line 610, preferably filled with coating material. The empty container 610 can then be filled, preferably off-line. In this way, the coating material can be rapidly added to the coating system 300, thereby increasing the output of the shape precursors. With continued reference to Figure 31, the pump 614 is disposed at some point along the outlet line 612. The pump 614 can remove coating material from the container 610 and pressurize the coating material so that the coating material flows through the outlet line 612 and to the tank 550. The pump 614 can be any suitable device for sufficiently pressurizing the coating material. For example, the pump 614 can be a diaphragm pump, a screw type pump, or a similar one and can have fixed or variable displacements. In one embodiment, for example, pump 614 is a diaphragm pump that preferably produces little or no cutting. Advantageously, the diaphragm pump 614 can be used with cutting sensitive coating materials and can comprise one or more diaphragms. In a non-limiting mode, the pump 614 is a double diaphragm pump. Optionally, a plurality of pumps may be used at various locations along the fluid system 530 to pressurize the coating material. As shown in Figures 31 and 34, the inlet 632 of the outlet line 612 is connected to a lower portion of the container 610. The illustrated inlet 632 is connected to the middle of the bottom of the container 610. In a non-limiting mode, the inlet 632 is less than 5.08 cm (2 inches) from the bottom of the container 610. In a non-limiting mode, the inlet 632 is disposed along the bottom of the container 610. Advantageously, the inlet 632 may be positioned below of the surface of the coating material in the container 610 in order to thereby remove the coating material with a minimum amount of bubble or foam. However, the inlet 632 can be connected to any point along the container 610 suitably to receive coating material. Optionally, the fluid system 530 may have a filtration system. With respect to Figure 31, a filtration system 650 is configured to remove unwanted substances that may be present in the coating material circulating through the fluid system 530. For example, the filtration system 650 can capture selected impurities, such as cured portions of the coating material, contaminants (example, powder that may be present on the surface of the shape precursors and in the unused coating material captured by the collection tank 620), and / or any other substances. The filtration system 650 may comprise one or more filters that are suitable for removing a variety of undesirable substances. The illustrated filtration system 650 comprises an inlet line 652, a pump 654, a pump line 656, a filtration unit 660, and an outlet line 666. The inlet line 652 extends from the container 610 toward the pump 654. The pump 654 may be similar to or different from the pump 614. The line of the pump 656 extends between the pump 654 and the filtration unit 660. Fluid in the vessel 610 may pass through the lines 652 , 656, the filtration unit 660 and then through the outlet line 666 and back to the vessel 610. The filtration system 650 may be located at other points in the fluid system 530. For example, instead of drawing 610 tank fluid, the filtration system 650 may be positioned along the outlet line 614. The filtration system 650 may be located at any other location suitable to effectively filter the coating material. The filtration unit 660 may have one or more filters. The illustrated filtration unit 660 comprises a pair of filters 662, 664 which may have similar or different filtering nominal capacities. In some non-limiting embodiments, the filter 662 may have a nominal capacity (eg, nominal capacity of one miera) in a range of about 30 to 70 microns. In a preferred embodiment, the filter 662 has a range of microns of about 50 microns. The 664 filter can have a nominal capacity of less than 10 microns. In a non-limiting mode, the filter 664 may have a nominal capacity of about 5 microns. The 662 upstream filter can filter relatively large contaminants so that the 664 filter can filter out small contaminants without clogging with large particles. Filters 662, 664 may have bags, cartridges, and / or other filtration structures that may be periodically replaced or cleaned (eg, the particles may be removed from the filter structures).

The flow of the coating material through the filtration system 650 can be reduced, preferably stopped, for the purpose of changing the line filters. Optionally, valves may be disposed along lines 652, 656 to control the flow through the filtration system 650. Advantageously, the coating system 300 may be diverted from the filtration system 650 to continue to coat the shape precursors while the 650 filtration system is being maintained. However, the coating system 300 can be completely stopped when the filtration system 650 is being maintained. In operation, the coating material can flow from the tank 610 to the inlet line 652. The pump 654 can remove the coating material through the inlet line 652 and can cause the material to flow along both the line 656 pump and filtration unit 660. Filtration unit 660 can remove undesirable substances from the coating material. The filtered coating material is subsequently passed through the outlet line 666 and returned to the container 610. Referring again to Figure 18, after the shape precursors have been Coated by the flow coating system 316, the carousel system 312 can move the shape precursors to the material removal system 318 configured to remove the excess coating material from the shape precursors. Typically, the coating material remains liquid when the precursor of coated forms reaches the removal system 318. The coating system 300 can provide such efficient deposition that virtually all of the coating material of the shape precursors is used (ie, not there is generally excess material to be removed) to form the precursor in a resulting multilayer manner. In some embodiments, almost all or all of the coating material deposited in each of the shape precursor is cured to form the resulting precursor of multilayers. However, there are situations where it may be desirable to remove the excess coating material after the forming precursor has been coated. In one embodiment, the rotation of shape precursors and gravity work together to generally normalize the curtain of the coating material on the shape precursors and remove at least a portion of excess material.

In some embodiments, the removal system 318 may be used to remove additional unwanted material. If the shape precursors have excess material, the excess material may blister, burn, or otherwise produce substantial imperfections, therefore the shape precursors may be unsuitable for subsequent blowing and use. FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the removal system 318. The removal system 318 can remove at least a portion of the coating layer from the shape precursors for the purpose of producing shape precursor with a something uniform coating. Preferably, the coating layers have not been cured when the coated shape precursors reach the stripping system 318. The stripping system 318 illustrated is a stripping unit having a surface 700 adapted to contact and remove material from the precursors. so. The removal system 318 may have an absorbent component that removes the coating material from the formator precursor while the formator precursor passes through. The absorption component can rotate to subsequently improve the removal of the coating material. With respect to FIGURES 36 and 37, the surface 700 is defined by a sponge-shaped roller or belt 702 which is coupled to a motion wheel 704 (FIGURE 37) moved by a motor 706. One or more wheels 710 can tension the belt 702. The surface 700 of the belt 702 preferably it comprises an absorbent material, such as an open cell foam (eg, open cell polyurethane foam). In other embodiments, belt 702 comprises a non-absorbent material. The material forming the belt 702 can be selected based on the desired amount of material absorbed by the belt 702. The removal system 318 illustrated includes a wiper removal system 711 configured to remove material from the removal system 318. The system of wiper removal 711 includes a wheel 712 that can compress the belt 702 between the wheel 704 to remove belt lining material 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt 702 is compressed between the wheels 704, 712 to squeeze the liquid coating material . Such a cleaner removal system can be used to prevent belt saturation 702. In operation, after the flow coating system 316 coats the shape precursors, the coated shape precursors are moved to along the process line in the direction indicated by the arrow 720 shown in FIGURE 35. While the shape precursors move and engage the removal system 318, the motor 706 can rotate the driving wheel 704 which, in turn, cause the movement of the belt 702 and its surface 700. The surface 700 may have the same or different linear velocity as the line speed of the carousel system 312. The surface 700 may be compressed against one or more shape precursors to remove the material of shape precursors. In the illustrated embodiment, the removal system 318 can simultaneously remove at least a portion of the coating material from the bodies of several shape precursors. A fluid can be fed onto the belt 702 to subsequently improve the removal of the coating material. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of FIGURE 36, a line 715 delivers liquid, eg, water, solvent, coating material, and the like on the surface 700 of belt 702. Any number of lines can be used to deliver liquid towards the removal system 318. The liquid can assist in cleaning the belt 702 and can improve the efficiency of the belt 702. Optionally, the surface 700 can be a stationary surface that couples and removes excess material from shape precursors. Shape precursors can be dragged through stationary surface 700. Removal system 318 can remove material from at least a portion of each shape precursor. A substantial portion of the coating, preferably in the liquid state, on the surface of the final rounded lid can be removed by the removal system 318. In some embodiments, the removal system 318 can remove almost all or all of the coating material from the final rounded lid. The removal system 318 can leave a thin film of coating material disposed on the surface of the final cover. The removal system 318 can also be used to remove coating material from other portions of the shape precursors. The removal system 318 can move relative to the shape precursors to adjust the amount of material removed from the coated shape precursors. As shown in Figures 35 and 38, the removal system 318 can remove the material from the end portion 716 a precursor so that it has a length 1? . The end portion 716 is the section from the shape precursor where the 318 removal system to removed material. The shape precursor can have a total length L2. In some non-limiting embodiments, the end portion 716 has a length Li which is generally less than the radius, r, of the end cap 10. In some non-limiting embodiments, the end portion 716 has a length Li which in general is equal to the radius of the end cap 10. In some non-limiting embodiments, the end portion 716 has a length Lx that is generally less than about 1/2 of the length L2. In another non-limiting embodiment, the length Li is in the range of about 5% to 30% of the length L2. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the length Lx has the range of about 10% to 40% of the length L2. In some non-limiting embodiments, the length Lx is approximately 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% of the length L2 and ranges encompassing these percentages. In some non-limiting embodiments, the removal system 318 removes approximately 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% by weight of the coating material in the shape precursors and the ranges that cover these percentages. It is contemplated that any percentage of the material 714 can be removed by the removal system 318.

Any number of removal systems 318 can be used to remove material from shape precursors. For example, a first removal system 318 can remove a first quantity of material from each of the precursors so that they move on the processing line. A second removal system 318 can subsequently remove a second quantity of material from each of the shape precursors. The first quantity of material can in general be the same as or different from the second quantity of material. In one embodiment, the first quantity of material is greater than the second quantity of material. Each removal system 318 can remove material from it and / or different portions of the shape precursor. In one embodiment, a first removal system 318 can remove material from a first portion of each shape precursor. A second removal system 318 can remove material from a second portion of each shape precursor. In one embodiment, the first portion has a length generally greater than the length of the second portion. It is understood that any number of removal systems 318 can be employed and oriented in various convenient positions to remove material from the precursors in a manner held by the carriers 374.

It is contemplated that the particular position of the removal system 318 can be selected based for example on the viscosity of the coating material, rotational speed of the shape precursors, line speed, settings of the temperature control system 320, the desired quality of the the shaped precursors and / or similar. For example, if an undesirable number of blisters or bladders are formed by the coating material during the curing process, the removal system 318 can remove excess material that can contribute to blisters. For example, if the ampoules are formed in the end cap 10 during curing, the material can be removed from the end cap 10 before the coated precursor enters the temperature control system 320. The coating material in the The shape precursor can then re-coat the end cap to form a relatively thin layer of material on the end cap 10. The thin layer can preferably cure without forming an undesirable number of blisters. When the coated-form precursor enters the temperature control system 320, the temperature control system 320 can heat the precursor in coated form, thereby causing the viscosity of the coating material to decrease, thus causing the coating material 714 to extend or spread toward the end of the shape precursor. The removal system 318 can be positioned relative to the shape precursor to compensate for these changes in viscosity of the coating material. In some embodiments, the coating material 714 may cover the portion 716 before and / or during the curing process, such that the cured coating layer covers the end cap 10. The shape precursors may be oriented vertically or a angle with respect to a vertical axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape precursors are passed over the removal system 318 while they are angled from the vertical axis such that a portion of the end cap 10 contacts the removal system 318. In some non-limiting embodiments , the longitudinal axis (Fig. 38) of the shape precursor generates an angle less than 90 degrees with the vertical axis. In a non-limiting mode, the longitudinal axis 722 of the shape precursor, forms an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees with the vertical axis. In a non-limiting mode, the longitudinal axis 722 of shape precursor generates an angle in the range of about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees with the vertical axis. In some embodiments, precursor of generally vertical oriented shapes pass through the sheet of coating material produced by the coating system 316 and then, the orientation of the shape precursors is changed before the shape precursors reach the removal system 318, as shown in Figure 35. Additionally, the shape precursors can be rotated about their longitudinal axes 722 as they move over the 318 removal system to improve the distribution and / or removal of material on the surfaces of the precursors. . For example, shape precursors may be angled and rotated to retain more coating material in their body portions. In one embodiment, for example the orientation and rotation of the shape precursors results in retention of coating material in the upper and / or central portions of the bodies of form 4 precursors, and may also promote the formation of a uniform layer of coating material. How, in other embodiments, the shape precursors can not be rotated with respect to their longitudinal axes 722 as they move down the processing line. In some modalities, shape precursors may rotate continuously or periodically as they pass over one or more systems of Removal 318. The surface 700 of the removal system 318 may have any convenient size and configuration to remove material from the precursors transported on the carousel system 312. With reference to Fig. 39A, the surface 700 may have a surface treatment or structure (s) 730. The surface structure (s) 730 may comprise one or more grooves or dentures, ridges, protuberances, grooves, channels and / or any other structure that can facilitate the removal and / or dispersion of the coating material. With reference to Fig. 39B, the surface 700 may have one or more channels 730 to improve the removal of the coating material in the shape precursors. The coating material can be received in and passed over channel 730 away from the shape precursor. In some embodiments, the channel 730 may be parallel or transverse to the arrow 720 shown in Fig. 35. Optionally, the removal system 318 may have one or more lines 715 that can feed fluid (for example water, thinner solvent or thinner (thinner)), surfactants, their combinations or similar (to surface 700). The combination of structure 730 and liquid can quickly remove material from overcoating in shape precursors. The surface 700 can also be a generally smooth surface. Preferably, a fluid flow is provided by the line 715 to direct the uncured coating material from the shape precursors and on the smooth surface 700. It is contemplated that any amount of liquid (eg droplets, deposits and / or liquid stream). ) can be used to remove excess material from shape precursors. The shape precursors may or may not contact the surface 700. In one embodiment, the fluid on the surface 700 contacts the shape precursors, but the surface 700 is separated from the shape precursor. Of course, the surface 700 can contact the shape precursors during the removal process. The removal system 318 may extend over a row of shape precursor in the carousel system 312 to simultaneously remove the multiple precursor coating material from shapes. However, the removal system 318 can be adjusted and configured to remove material from one precursor in a manner at a time. Line 715 can optionally supply coating material to the removal system 318. The coating material can be used to direct or extract a similar or different coating material separating it from the shape precursors. For example, coating material can be supplied by line 715 to surface 700. As the coating material flows over at least a portion of surface 700, it can remove material, preferably material in a liquid state, placed in the precursor shape. In one embodiment, the coating material can both ensure that the excess material is removed from the shape precursor while leaving a thin layer of coating material in the shape precursor. With reference to FIG. 39C, the removal system 318 can direct a fluid flow to remove and / or redistribute coating material 714 in the shape precursor 20. The removal system illustrated at 318 comprises a fluid source 750 which sends out a directed high-velocity stream of fluid to one or more shape precursor. The fluid may be a gas, such as nitrogen oxygen air and / or the like. In some embodiments, the oxide 750 source may extend over the array of shape precursor in the carousel system 312 to simultaneously remove coating material in each of the shape precursors. The illustrated fluid source 750 is a air knife. A line 752 can supply air to the air knife 750 which, in turn, supplies the air from the nozzle 756 to the shape precursor to blow-off excess material from the shape precursor. Although not illustrated, the fluid source 750 could comprise a plurality of fluid sources, such as air knives. Optionally, the fluid source 750 can spray liquid to remove coating material from the shape precursor. With reference to Fig. 39D, the removal system 318 may use energy such as potential energy, to remove coated material from the precursor. In the illustrated embodiment, the removal system 318 comprises a power source 760 that can produce an electrical charge. The electrical charge can remove the uncured material from the shape precursor. The power line 762 can provide power to the power source 760. Although not illustrated, the power source 760 may comprise a plurality of energy sources. With reference to Fig. 39E, the removal system 318 is a bath 764 which may comprise one or more of the following liquids: water, coating material, surfactants, mixtures thereof and the like. At least one precursor portion of coated form it can be dragged through the bath 764 in a tank 766 in order to remove material from the shape precursor. For example, the shape precursor may be positioned such that the end cap of the shape precursor is immersed in the liquid, such that at least a portion of the coating on the end cap is removed. Alternatively, the bath 764 can be used to deposit coating material on the shape precursor. It is contemplated that one or more of the removal systems 318 described herein may be placed at any point on the processing line. For example, one or more of the removal systems 318 may be placed between the curing units 330, 332 of the temperature control system 320. The removal system 318 may have a fluid removal system for recycling fluid withdrawn from the precursors. so. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 40, a fluid removal system 800 may be in fluid communication with the fluid system 530 described herein. The fluid system 800 comprises a collection tray 802, an outlet line 804 and a tank 806. The tray 802 can collect excess fluid that is removed by the removal system 318. Preferably the tray 802 is sized and configured to catch fluid (for example water, solvents, thinners) lines (coating materials, surfactants, their combinations or the like) that fall from the shape precursors and / or the removal system 318. If the 318 removal system uses coating material to remove material from the shape precursors, the material can be recycled and subsequently used. by the flow coating system 316 and / or the removal system 318. The tray 802 can be located underlying any portion of the process line. The collection tray 802 can be positioned down the line of the flow coating system 316 underlying the removal system 318. The output line 804 extends between the tray 802 and the tank 806. Fluid captured in the tray 802 can flow to through line 804 and into tank 806. A pump 810, which may be similar to or different from pump 614 may direct fluid from tank 806 and to line 715. Pump 806 may pressurize the fluid in such a manner that fluid passes through and out of line 715. Tank 806 may optionally have an agitator 811 to agitate and mix the fluid contained in tank 806. Agitator 811 may promote mixing of the material contained therein. 806 tank to minimize the curing of the coating material, improving the homogeneity of the mixture and the like. With continuous reference to Fig. 40, the fluid removal system 800 may be in fluid communication with the fluid system 530. In one embodiment, the fluid may pass between the 530, 800 systems to ensure an adequate amount of fluid is within one or both of the fluid systems 530, 800. In one embodiment, a fluid line 814 provides fluid communication between the tank 806 and the tank 610. A filter unit 660 can optionally be placed on the line 814 to remove contaminants of the passing fluid. A pump 614 may be placed on line 814 to pressurize the fluid circulating between tank 610 and tank 806. In one embodiment, at least one of tanks 610, 806 may have one or more sensors 816 to determine the amount of fluid in the tanks. If the amount of fluid in one of the tanks reaches an undesirable level, the pump 614 can be used to allocate the fluid between the tanks 610, 806 as desired. The sensor 816 can be configured to detect and send a signal indicative of the components of the working fluid. The signals of the sensors 816 can be used to adjust the percentage of the components of the material. Additives can be added to the working fluid based on the signals to obtain a desired mixture. For example, sensors 816 can be configured to measure the properties (eg, viscosity, density, amount of bubbles, optical characteristics, refractive index, etc.) of the coating material, to determine if they will be added to the additive fluid. For example, if the sensor 816 detects a low amount of anti-foaming agent in the fluid, anti-foaming agent can be added, for example manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the sensors 816 may comprise an optical analysis system (eg, a spectrometer system, colorimetric analysis systems, etc.), refractometer, the like suitable for determining the concentration of various components of the coating material. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 816 may send a signal to a controller. The controller can be used for selective control of the amount of fluid constituents. The devices and methods described in U.S. Pat. Numbers 6,067,151 and 5,309,288, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, may be used. The sensors 816 can also be configured to measure other parameters of the coating material. The 816 sensors can measure the working fluid parameters continuously or intermittently depending on the particular application. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sensors 816 can be configured to measure the temperature, viscosity, concentration, amount of constituents etc. of the coating material. In some embodiments, the fluid system 530 has a fluid temperature control system 817 to selectively control the temperature of the coating material. The fluid temperature control system 817 can be in any position on the fluid system 530. For example, one or more fluid temperature control systems 817 can be located on the fluid lines, inside tanks, or on any other convenient locations to change the temperature of the coating material. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 40, the fluid temperature control system 817 is a heat exchanger that can rapidly change the temperature of the fluid material in the tank 610. The fluid temperature control system 817 It can operate to ensure that the temperature of the coating material is maintained within a desired temperature range to minimize, for example decomposition of material, curing and the like. Any convenient type of heat exchanger can be used. With reference again to Fig. 18, after the coating material has been removed from the shape precursors, the shape precursors can be passed through the temperature control system 320 to cure the coating layer. The temperature control system 320 can cure at least a portion of the coating material placed on the outer surface of the shape precursors. The temperature control system 320 preferably cures a substantial portion of the coating material in each shape precursor. The physical orientation of the temperature control system 320 can be adjustable with respect to shape precursors. As shown in Fig. 41, one or more lamps 736 can be displaced relative to the precursor so that it is held by the mandrel 420. In the illustrated embodiment, each lamp 736 can be moved individually towards and / or away from the precursor so . It may be convenient to locate one or more of the lamps 736 near the end cap 10 as shown in Fig. 41. This advantageously allows complete curing of the bottom of the shape precursor. For example, gravity can cause the coating material (Fig. 38) to disperse through body 4 towards the end cap 10. The coating material can accumulate in the end cap 10. This accumulated coating material can be completely cured due to the spacing between the lower lamps of the curing unit 330 and the shape precursors. Modalities with adjustable lamps can also be used with precursor of variable width shapes. For example, if a shape precursor is wider at the top than at the bottom, the lamps can be located closer to the bottom of the precursor in order to ensure uniform curing. The lamps are preferably oriented to provide relatively uniform illumination of all the surfaces of the coating. One or more lamps 736 may in general be equally spaced from coated precursor. Additionally, the shape precursors can be oriented vertically or arranged at an angle from a vertical axis. The shape precursors can rotate about their longitudinal axes 722 as the lamps 736 pass, to achieve a generally uniform cure of the coating material. In some embodiments, the coating material in the substrate article may comprise an agent that improves curing. For example, the coating material may comprise carbon black and / or Another agent that improves curing that can facilitate entanglement of the coating material. An effective amount of an agent that improves curing can be added to the coating material based on the coating material, design of the curing unit, desired production time and the like. Any suitable interlacing agent can be used to improve the curing process. With continuous reference to Fig. 41, the curing units 330, 332 may have one or more reflectors 740 which can reflect the output of the lamps 76 towards the shape precursors. The reflector can be used with infrared (IR) 736 lamps to maximize the curing of shape precursors. The lamps 736 are located on one side of the processing line while a reflector 740 is located on the opposite side of the processing line. This design advantageously reflects the output of the lamps 736 back onto the shape precursor allowing faster and more complete curing and efficient use of the output of the lamps 736. Although not illustrated, additional reflectors can be located in any convenient position for to the shape precursor to reflect the IR rays of the lamps towards the shape precursor. The reflector 740 can in general be flat, curved have a surface treatment and / or similar to achieve the desired amount of reflected energy. The temperature control system 320 may use one or more of the following: conduction, convection and radiation to control the temperature of the shape precursors. Any heating and cooling mode can be used to control the temperatures of the shape precursors. For example, convection may be employed to selectively regulate the surface temperatures of the shape precursors, thereby providing flexibility to control the penetration of radiant heat. In some embodiments, the temperature control system 320 may have a flow system to provide a fluid flow (e.g., a gas flow) to control the surface temperature of the shape precursors. The fluid can be heated or cooled. Preferably, a cooled gas is used to form a cold boundary layer on the surface of the shape precursor to reduce the surface temperature of the coating layer. The boundary layer may be heated ambient air separated from the shape precursor for improved thermal insulation. This can allow a fast and complete curing of the coating in the precursor shape without overheating the surface of precursor in coated form. The temperature of the reduced surface of the coating layer can conveniently retard the formation of a surface layer in the coating layer. If a surface layer is formed in the coating material, the surface layer can be blister as entrapped fluid (eg water, air, etc.) migrates out of the coating material and bursts through the skin. Of course, if a particular modality requires a slower curing speed or a deeper IR penetration, the curing speed can be controlled with one or more of the following, cooled gas, a temperature controlled clamping mechanism (eg mandrels). controlled by temperature), time spent in the IR unit, the frequency of the IR lamp and its combinations. The temperature control system 320 and the carriers 374 can work alone or in combination to control the temperature of the shape precursors. In one embodiment, the coating surface temperature may yield the Tg of the coating material without heating the substrate on the substrate Tg during the curing / drying process. This provides the desired film formation and / or interlacing without distorting the shape of the precursor of form due to overheating of the substrate. For example, with the coating material having a higher Tg and an interlacing temperature than the shape precursor substrate material, the coating surface is preferably heated to a temperature to cause entanglement of the coating while maintaining the temperature of the substrate in or below the Tg of the substrate. One way to regulate the drying / curing process to achieve this balance is to combine IR heating and air cooling (as discussed above), although other methods may be employed. As such, the substrate can be maintained at a desired temperature while at least a portion of the coating material can be maintained at a different temperature. In a modality illustrated in Fig. 42, the mandrel 420 has a means for controlling the precursor temperature therein positioned. The mandrel 420 comprises one or more channels 744 for controlling the temperature of the shape precursor, preferably the neck 2 of the shape precursor. The body 432 of the mandrel 430 may extend through a portion of the inner chamber of the shape precursor. Hot or cold fluid can pass through the mandrel 420 to regulate the precursor temperature of form 20 there detained. Cold fluid (for example a refrigerant, water, air or the like) can flow through channels 744 to transfer heat out of the shape precursor. The lamps 736 and mandrel 420 can be used in combination to achieve a crystalline neck finish in the shape precursor. Additionally, while the shape precursor 20 and the associated mandrel 420 cede it on the processing line through the temperature control system 320, the mandrel 420 and the shape precursor 20 can rotate about the axis 722 to further secure a generally uniform heat distribution through the body of the shape precursor 20. The temperature control system 320 may have a structure to block or reduce the amount of radiant heat penetrating the shape precursor and / or the coating layer. As shown in Fig. 43, a screen or shield 750 can block at least a portion of the radiant heat emitted by the lamps 736. The shield 750 can block most or all of the radiation produced by one or more of the lamps 736 The shield 750 can be a piece of metal or plastic, for example, which blocks a portion of the radiation that is sent out by the lamps 736 and can be dimensioned and configured in such a way that extends over the upper portion of the precursor shape to prevent radiation from penetrating, for example in neck 2 of the shape precursor. The screen or shield 750 may extend over the entire length of the lamps 736. Optionally, the display 750 may comprise an opaque material that allows some radiant energy produced by the lamps 736 to pass. Optionally, a plurality of displays 750 may be employed to inhibit or avoid radiation that penetrates different portions of the shape precursor. It is contemplated that one or more of the curing units (e.g., curing units 330, 332) may have one or more screens 750 depending on the application. The curing units 330, 332 may be maintained at any convenient temperature to cure the coating layer in the shape precursor. The temperature inside the coating units preferably decreases over the processing line. The ascending line curing unit 330 can output a large amount of radiant energy which can penetrate the coating layer when a surface layer is not formed on the outer surface of the coating layer. According to the shape precursors advance down the line, the curing unit or units going down line 332 can emit a decreased amount of radiant energy compared to the ascending line curing units in order to avoid blistering or the formation of other imperfections. However, one or more curing units may output a generally constant amount of radiant heat. Optionally, the lamps down the line 736 near the end cap 10 of the shape precursor can produce low amounts of radiant energy to reduce blistering of the coating layer. After the shape precursors are subjected to the curing process, the shape precursors can be cooled. In some embodiments, the shape precursors are cooled after the shape precursors exit all curing units. However, the shape precursors can be subjected to a cooling process between curing units. The cooling process may comprise using ambient air, with or without forced convection. In some embodiments, the cooling process is accelerated by the use of forced chilled air. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 14, the cooling system 336 comprises a channel 770 that a blower or fan (not shown) can displace ambient air (preferably cooled air) through the way. The air can cool the shape precursors that are held by the carriers 374 and transported along the length of the channel 770. Any convenient means may be employed to cool the cured coating layer in the shape precursors. After the shape precursors are cooled a desired amount, they are released from the carriers 374 and transported away by the removal system 346 which can be a conveyor system. Optionally, the coating system 300 may have one or more temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the temperature sensors are optical pyrometers 824 which can be placed carefully on the processing line to measure the temperature of the shape precursors. Advantageously, the pyrometers 824 can directly determine the temperature of the shape precursors by measuring the light radiation emitted by the shape precursors. As such, pyrometers can measure the temperature of the liquid coating material without contact and disturb the coating material. In the illustrated embodiment, the coating system 300 has 4 pyrometers 824. The first pyrometer 824 is located between the transfer system 310 and the flow coating system 316. A second pyrometer 824 is located between the material removal system 318. and the control system temperature 320. A third pyrometer 824 is located between the temperature control system 320 and the cooling system 336. A fourth pyrometer 824 is located in the downstream of the cooling system 336. The cooling system 300 may employ any amount of pyrometers 824 at any point to measure the temperature of the components of the coating system or the precursors so that they are processed. However, other temperature devices can be used to measure the temperature of the shape precursors and / or components of the coating system 300. For example, one or more thermocouples can be used to measure the temperature of the shape precursors or the components of the coating system 300. The temperature control system 320 can be a closed loop or open loop system. For example, the temperature control system 320 may be a closed loop system, whereby the energy to the lamps 736 is controlled based on feedback signals from one or more temperature sensors (eg pyrometers 824), and that can adjust the amount of radiant heat produced by lamps 736 based on those readings. Alternatively, the temperature control system 320 may be an open loop system where the amount of heat radiant produced by lamps 736 is adjusted by user power. For example, lamps 736 can be set to a fixed power mode. Each of the lamps 736 can be adjusted to a desired target energy or temperature output. It is contemplated that the temperature control system 320 may be switched between a closed and an open loop mode. In some embodiments, a controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the temperature control system 320. The controller can selectively control the output of the temperature control system 320 in response to at least one signal from at least one of the temperature sensors. With reference to Fig. 18, the coating system 300 can have a controller 860 that can operate a user to control one or more of the components of the system 300. The controller 860 can receive and display readings for example of the pyrometers 824. The controller 860 can store and execute programs and control the coating system 300, so that the coating system 300 can coat the precursor of shapes of different sizes. Each program can be used to move one or more components of the coating system 300. The various components of the coating system 300 such as the transfer system 310, the flow coating system 316, the removal system 318 and / or the temperature control system 320 may have a mechanism for location. For example, exemplary systems for movement may comprise linear slides and drive systems (eg spindle driven actuators). The controller 860 can instruct drive systems (e.g., one or more solenoids, motors, including step or step motors and the like) to move components of the coating system 300 to a desired position. These components can be controlled numerically by the 860 controller (for example, a digital control system). In some embodiments, each component has one or more degrees of freedom to locate the component of interest in a desired position. In this way the components of the coating system 300 can be located at any desired point on the processing line. Each component can have different position based on the configuration size of the precursors so that they are processed. The controller 860 can have predetermined programs stored where a program can be selected and executed based on the shape precursor configuration, type of material coating, operating conditions (e.g. ambient temperature, humidity and the like) or other parameters known in the art. The coating system 300 can therefore be used to coat a variety of different types of shape precursor. 10. Example III Fig. 45 illustrates another embodiment of the coating system, which in general may be similar to the embodiments illustrated above, except as detailed below. When possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numbers in the illustration of the modalities described above. The coating system 1000 includes a feeding system 1002 that supplies form precursor to a transfer system 1004 which in turn supplies shape precursor to the carousel system 312. As the shape precursors are transported over the processing line by the Carousel system 312, a coating system 1010a deposits material in the precursors so that they move on the processing line in the direction indicated by the arrows 375. With reference to Figs. 45 and 46, the feeding system 1002 may comprise a plurality of conveyors and slides configured to supply shape precursor to transfer system 1004. As shown in Fig. 46, the feed system 1002 includes an upper conveyor line and a lower conveyor line (not shown) that extends downwardly within the coating system 1000 to the transfer system 1004. Although not illustrated, the feed system 1002 may have a gate or other system for controlling the supply of shape precursor from system 1002 to transfer system 1004. Transfer system 1004 may comprise a plurality of vane wheels. The transfer system 1004 includes a first vane wheel 1016 and a second vane wheel 1018. Vane wheel 1016 has peripheral cavities 1020 configured to receive and contain shape precursor supplied by the feed system 1002. Vane wheel 1016 it can rotate to pass the shape precursors to the cavities 1022 of the vane wheel 1018. The vane wheel 1018 then rotates and supplies the shape precursors to the carousel system 312. Any nr of vane wheels can be used depending on the design of the system of coating . As described above, the carriers 374 can receive and hold the shape precursors supplied by the transfer system 1004. The carousel system 312 can move the carriers 374 and precursor of associated shapes beyond the coating system 1010a. The coating system 1010a is a flow coating system that is preferably removably connected to a housing 1023 (Fig. 46) of the carousel system 312. The housing 1023 can surround and protect the coating system 1000. As shown in FIG. shown in Figs. 45 to 47, a flow coating system 1010a preferably comprises a tank system 1030 and a supply system 1032. The tank system 1030 may have a modular construction comprising a frame 1036 and a tank 1038 there placed. The modular tank system 1030 is preferably capable of being transported towards and away from the coating system 1000. As used herein, the term "modular" is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning and may include without limitation an apparatus or independent system In some embodiments, the modular tank system is mobile between a remote location and a supply position. When the tank system 1030 occupies the supply position, the modular tank system can then be proximate to the supply system 1030 and coating material is supplied from the tank 1038 to the supply system when a pump 1065 of the tank system 1030 operates . In some embodiments, the tank 1038 is mounted within the frame 1036 and is in fluid communication with the delivery system 1032. The frame 1036 can be a housing that surrounds and supports the tank 1038 for convenient transportation. The tank 1038 may in general be similar to or identical to the tank or tanks 610, and therefore will not be described in greater detail. The frame 1036 is preferably releasably coupled with the housing 1023 in such a way that the tank system 1030 can be coupled and uncoupled. The tank system 1030 may comprise a transport system 1039. The illustrated transportation system 1039 comprises a plurality of wheel systems 1040 coupled to the tank system 1030. As such, the tank system 1030 may be conveniently rolled on a surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel systems 1040 are connected to the bottom of the frame 1036. Although not illustrated, the frame 1036 may be mounted on other convenient means for transporting tank system 1030. For example, frame 1036 may be mounted on runners (eg, an aligned slide system) in a frame system, on rollers or other means of transportation known in the specialty. With continuous reference to FIG. 46, housing 1023 of coating system 312 may have a frame (e.g., an opening) for receiving tank system 1030. When frame 1036 engages housing 1023, one or more mechanisms 1050 interlock may be used to temporarily couple the tank system 1030 with the housing 1023. Optionally, alignment structures may be employed to assist in aligning the tank system 1030 with the housing 1023. Tank 1038 contains coating material that may be supplied in precursor of shapes conveyed by the carousel system 312. Advantageously, when the level of the coating material within the tank 1038 reaches a predetermined low level, the tank system 1030 can be easily rolled away from the housing 1023 and can be replaced with another tank system 1030, preferably a tank system filled with material from coating. In this way, modular tank systems 1030 can be quickly replaced and secured to housing 1023. When an empty tank system 1030 has been removed from the coating system 1000tank 1038 can be replenished with coating material such that tank system 1030 can again be used to supply material to supply system 1032. The supply system 1032 can comprise a coating unit, including a coating unit. by flow, immersion coating unit, spray or spray coating unit and combinations thereof. A person with skill can select the size, configuration, transportation means of the tank system 1030 and the like, depending on the amount of the coating material contained by the tank 1038. The tank system 1030 may comprise an upper tank 1060 located on the tank 1038. Material within tank 1038 can be supplied through fluid line 1062 to tank 1060. Upper tank lining material 1060 can be emptied onto the precursors so that they move over the processing line by the lining system 1032 In some embodiments, the tank system 1030 may comprise at least some of the fluid system components 530 of Fig. 31. For example, the filtration unit 660 can be mounted to tank system 1030. In some embodiments, the entire fluid system 530 is mounted to the tank system 1030. In this way, The tank system 1030 may comprise one or more sensors 816, systems for fluid temperature control 817, lines for fluids and the like. The illustrated coating system 1000 of FIG. 45 is configured to deposit a plurality of layers in shape precursor while the shape precursors are retained in a corresponding carrier. A first layer can be deposited in each of the shape precursors by the coating system 1010a. A second coating system 1010b can deposit a second layer on precursor coated. The coating system 1010b may be similar to the coating system 1010a. Each of the coating systems 1010a as 1010b may comprise one or more delivery systems 1032. The modular tank systems of the coating systems may be configured to couple with a corresponding delivery system. In some modalities, precursor of forms with a first material are covered by the system of coating 1010b. The coated shape precursors can be passed through the material removal system 318 and through a temperature control system 320. The temperature control system 320 can heat precursor coated, thereby curing at least a portion of the material Coating. The coated form precursor can be moved over the processing line and can be supplied to the second coating system 1010b. A second layer can be deposited by the second coating system 1010b on the precursor in coated form. The coated shape precursors passed out of the temperature control system 320 may be hot. The heat inherent in the shape precursors can promote adhesion, curing and / or drying of the material deposited by the second coating system 1010b. Alternatively, the coated shape precursors displaced outside the temperature control system 320 may be cooled prior to delivery to the second coating system 1010b. In some embodiments, the first and second coating system 1010a, 1010b may be placed side by side on the processing line. As such, the coating layer deposited by the system 1010a may be uncured when the second coating system 1010b deposits a second layer of material on top. Any number of coating systems can be used to form a multilayer article having any number of layers. With reference to Fig. 48, the delivery system 1032 is configured to supply coating material on precursor forms transported by the carriers 374. The delivery system 1032 preferably comprises a fluid guide 1070 for supplying material from the tank 1060 on the precursor so that it passes in this way. The shape precursors that move on the processing line through the opening 1061 are coated with the coating material 1063. To trap coating material 1063 that falls off the shape precursors, a total capture tank 1074 is located by below the newly coated shape precursors. The total capture tank 1074 can then supply the coating material to tank 1038, an off-line tank and / or a disposal system. The total catch tank 1074 can be any type of collection tank. The fluid guide 1070 and / or the tank Total capture 1074 can be mounted movably in a support structure 1080. A positioning system 1082 can be used to move the fluid guide 1070 and / or the total capture tank 1074. The location system 1082 can comprise a system of displacement by spindleLiner or liner actuator, motors, controller and / or other convenient means for locating the fluid guide 1070 and / or total capture tank 1074. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 1080 is a linear slide extending in the vertical direction to allow vertical movement of the fluid guide 1070 and the total capture tank 1074. The location system 1082 may be operated to move the fluid guide 1070 and / or the total capture tank 1074 to a desired position. Referring again to FIG. 47, a collection tray 1086a in the form of a channel may be positioned to trap coating material falling from the shape precursors. The channel 1086a may be an elongated tank underlying the coated shape precursors, and preferably extends from the total catch tank 1074 down the line on the processing line. As shown in Fig. 45, the channel 1086a extends to the removal system 318. Preferably, the channel 1086 extends at least to the half between the flow coating system 1010a and the removal system 318. In some non-limiting embodiments, the channel 1086a has a length greater than about 0.61, 0.914, 1.22, 1.83 meters (2, 3, 4, 6 feet) and ranges that cover these lengths. In some embodiments, the channel 1086 has a length that is more than half the distance between the flow coating system 1010a and the removal system 318. Optionally, a fluid line can be connected to the channel 1086 to supply the material of Content lining to tank 1038, or tank tank. In this way, the coating material falling from the shape precursors and into the channel 1086 can be recycled and used to coat shape precursor for efficient use of the coating material. With respect to Fig. 49, the carriers described above may have a clamping mechanism in the form of a mandrel 1100 configured to hold a shape precursor. The mandrel 1100 has an elongate body 1102 that can be operated in a controllable manner to selectively hold a shape precursor 1103. The illustrated mandrel 1100 is in a first position. The elongate body 1102 may have a plurality of movable portions relative to each other. The illustrated elongate body 1102 is segmented in a first portion 1106 and in a second portion 1108. As shown in Fig. 49, shape precursor 1103 can move vertically (indicated by arrows 1120) on elongated body 1102. Once elongated body 1102 is located in the Shape precursor 1103, first portion 1106 and second portion 1108 can move apart from one another to couple the inner surface of shape precursor 1103 so as to securely hold a shape precursor. In this way, the mandrel 1100 in the first position (Fig. 49) can receive the shape precursor 1103. To hold the shape precursor 1103, the mandrel 1100 can move (Fig. 50) to a second position. With respect to Fig. 50, the mandrel 1100 may have one or more actuators 1130 to move the first portion 1106 and the second portion 1108 away from each other. Optionally, the mandrel 1100 may have an inlet 1136 to facilitate sliding and advancing the shape precursor 1103 over the mandrel 1100. • Fig. 51 illustrates another embodiment of a mandrel 1150. The mandrel 1150 includes an elongated body 1152 that houses a 1154 mechanism for coupling and holding a shape precursor. The mechanism 1154 is movable between a latching position and a releasing position. The elongated body illustrated 1152 comprises a groove 1156 which is configured to receive at least a portion of a movable member 1161 (eg a split ring) of the mechanism 1154. A drive 1160 of the mechanism 1154 can selectively move the split ring 1161 outwardly and / or inwardly as desired . The split ring 1161 can move outwards and can occupy a holding position to hold a shape precursor. The split ring 1161 can move inward to occupy the release position either to receive a shape precursor or to release a shape precursor. In some embodiments, the pulse mechanism 1160 comprises a push member 1162 and a spring 1164. The spring 1164 moves the push member 1162 outwardly against the split ring 1161. Any number of pulse mechanisms 1160 may be employed. When a shape precursor is advanced over the elongate body 1152, the shape precursor aperture slides on the elongated body 1152 until it contacts the lower outer surface of the split ring 1161. As the precursor is advanced more over the mandrel 1150 , the shape precursor overcomes the spring bias 1164, thus moving the split ring 1161 inward as the precursor continuously advances upwardly on the mandrel 1150.

A pulse apparatus 1181 may be connected to the mandrel 1150. The illustrated pulse apparatus 1181 may comprise a gear, sprocket, brush or any convenient apparatus for imparting rotary motion to the mandrel 1150. For example, the pulse apparatus 1181 may comprise a gear that Coupling with a gear or chain of a carousel system. Alternatively, the pulse apparatus 1181 may be a brush that couples a brush of the conveyor system. In still another embodiment, the pulse apparatus 1181 may be a brush holder gear configured to rotate the mandrel 1150. The mandrel 1150 can thus rotate about its longitudinal axis as it moves over the processing line. The pulse apparatus 1181 can be connected directly or indirectly to the mandrel 1150. The illustrated pulse apparatus 1181 is connected to a mandrel 1150 by a connecting member 1183. With respect to Fig. 52, when the shape precursor 1170 has been inserted completely on the mandrel 1150. The drive mechanism 1160 applies an outwardly directed force to a split ring 1161. The frictional interaction between the outer surface of the split ring 1060 and the inner surface of the shape precursor 1170 is enough to hold the shape precursor there. Advantageously, the shape precursor 1170 can be easily slid over the mandrel 1150 and held on without having to employ complicated mechanisms, thereby reducing parts that can fail or require maintenance. By removing the shape precursor 1170 from the mandrel 1150, the shape precursor can be easily detached from the mandrel 1150. For example, as the carriers 374 move relative to the carousel system 312, the coated shape precursors can be moved over a mechanism of detachment that removes the shape precursors 1170 downwards. The release mechanism applies a suitable force to overcome a frictional force between the mandrel 1150 and the shape precursor. In some embodiments, the release mechanism may comprise a cam surface that is configured to engage the upper surface of the precursor support ring so that it passes to urge the precursor out of the mandrel 1150. With respect to FIG. 53 , a holding mechanism 1200 can hold the outside of the neck finish of the shape precursor. The clamping mechanism 1200 is a precursor support so that it can have structures 1202 (for example protuberances, flanges and / or similar) for coupling a portion of the shape precursor, preferably the neck finish (eg the threads) of the shape precursor. The shape precursors may be coupled to the mandrel or support 1200 by vertical advance of the shape precursor through the opening and into the support 1200. The support 1200 may comprise a divided annular body defining the portion 1204 adapted to apply a pressure to the finish of the neck To remove the shape precursor from the holder 1200, the shape precursor can be detached downward in order to slide the shape precursor out of the holder 1200. In some embodiments, the holder 1200 can be driven and moved to an open position to allow drop the precursor of form. Of course, the mandrel may or may not rotate the shape precursor, as the shape precursor travels over the processing line. The components of the coating systems can be designed to facilitate the removal of the coating material. Release agents can be applied to the surface of the coating systems to aid in the cleaning of the coating system. For example, surfaces of the coating system that come into contact with the coating material may comprise a release material. which allows easy removal of the coating material. The release agent may comprise one or more of the following release materials: Teflon®, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefins (for example nylon). For example, the inner surface of the collection tray 1086a may be coated with a release agent for easy removal of uncured coating material (e.g., thermoplastic materials such as phenoxy type materials) that fall off the precursors so that move over the processing line. Any of the components of the coating systems may comprise a release material. For example, the collection tray 1086a can be a molded PVC tray. Any surface contacting the coating material can be formed of a release material to aid in removal of unused coating material. All patents and publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Except as written here, certain modalities, characteristics, systems, material devices, methods and techniques described herein may in certain embodiments be similar to any one or more of the modalities, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described in the patents of the U.S.A. Nos. 6,109,006; 6,808,820; 6,528,546; 6,312,641; 6,391,408; 6,352,426; 6,676,883; patent applications of the U.S. Serial Numbers 09 / 745,013 (Publication Number 2002-0100566); 10 / 168,496 (Publication Number 2003-0220036); 09 / 844,820 (2003-0031814); 10/090,471 (Publication Number 2003-0012904); / 395,899 (Publication Number 2004-0013833); 10 / 614,731 (Publication Number 2004-0071885), provisional application of patent of the E.U.A. Serial Number 60 / 563,021 filed April 16, 2004, provisional patent application of the U.S.A. Serial Number 60 / 575,231, filed May 28, 2004, provisional patent application of the U.S.A. Serial Number 60 / 586,399, filed July 7, 2004, provisional patent application of the U.S. Serial Number 60 / 620,160, filed October 18, 2004, provisional patent application of the U.S.A. Serial Number 60 / 621,511, filed on October 22, 2004 and provisional patent application of the U.S.A. Serial Number 60 / 643,008, filed January 11, 2005, patent application of the U.S.A. Serial No. 11 / 108,342 entitled "MONO AND MULTI-LAYER ARTICLES AND COMPRESSION METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME" filed on April 18, 2005. In US patent application. Serial number 11 / 108,345 with title "MONO AND MULTI-LAYER ARTICLES AND INJECTION METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME", presented on April 18, 2005. In a patent application of the U.S. Serial No. 11 / 108,607 titled "MONO AND MULTI-LAYER ARTICLES AND INJECTION METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME", filed on April 18, 2005, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, the modalities, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may in certain embodiments be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the modalities, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described in patents and applications mentioned above.

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it will be understood that not necessarily all of the objects or advantages described can be achieved in accordance with any particular modality described herein. In addition, the person with skill in the specialty will recognize that various characteristics can be exchanged in different ways. Similarly, such diverse characteristics and stages discussed above as well as other known equivalents for each characteristic or similar stage, can be mixed and matched by a person with ordinary skill in this specialty to perform methods according to the principles described herein. Although the invention has been described in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically described embodiments to other alternate embodiments and / or obvious uses and modifications and their equivalents. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific descriptions of the preferred embodiments herein.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for producing multi-layered articles, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a transfer system configured to receive and transport substrate articles; a loading system comprising a plurality of loaders, the loaders are movable between a loading position and a discharge position; a plurality of mobile carriers having fastening mechanisms, configured to selectively support articles of substrate, wherein the loaders are configured to receive articles of substrate of the transfer system, when the loaders are in the loading position and configured to supply the articles of substrate to the mobile carriers, when the loaders are in the unloading position, the plurality of mobile carriers is configured to retain and transport the articles of substrate on a processing line; and a coating unit positioned along the processing line, the coating unit is configured to supply coating material on substrate articles retained by the carriers. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping mechanisms comprise mandrels, each mandrel is dimensioned to fit within an interior of a corresponding substrate article, and each mandrel is movable between a first position for holding a substrate article and a second position for receiving a substrate article. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer system comprises at least one vane wheel system, the vane wheel system includes a plurality of peripheral cavities dimensioned and arranged to receive the substrate articles, the plurality of peripheral cavities is rotatable with respect to a pulse arrow of the vane wheel system. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer system comprises a plurality of vane wheel systems, substrate articles are transferred between the vane wheel systems, when operating the vane wheel systems. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each holding mechanism is movable between a holding position for holding a substrate article and a release position for releasing a substrate article. 6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a system for removal of material, located on the processing line, the material removal system is configured to remove or remove coating material placed on the substrate articles, when the substrate articles are transported by the carriers on the processing line, beyond the material removal system. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the substrate articles comprise a plurality of shape precursors, each shape precursor has a neck, body and an end cap, and the system for material removal is located and configured to remove a substantial portion of uncured coating material in the end caps of the shape precursors. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a heat exchanger configured to effectively control the temperature of the coating material. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor configured to continuously detect the viscosity of the coating material. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a system for fluid comprising a tank and a filtration system, the tank is configured to contain coating material, the tank is in fluid communication with the filtration system and the unit Coating, and the filtration system is configured to receive and filter the tank lining material. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a mobile tank assembly that is in fluid communication with the coating unit, the mobile tank assembly comprises a housing containing a tank, the tank is configured to contain coating material that is supplied to the coating unit. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the mobile tank assembly is mounted on a plurality of vane wheel assemblies. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a tank in fluid communication with the coating unit, the tank is sized and configured to contain at least 37.85 liters (10 gallons) of coating material. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a temperature sensor at least, the temperature sensor at least is located to measure the temperature of the substrate articles that move on the processing line. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a controller, in communication with the temperature sensor at least and a curing system, configured to cure coating material in the substrate articles, the controller selectively regulates the curing system output, in response to at least one temperature signal from the minimum temperature sensor. 16. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the temperature sensor comprises at least one pyrometer. 17. A system for producing articles of multiple layers, the system is characterized in that it comprises a conveyor system having carriers, each carrier being configured to transport at least one substrate on a processing line; a system of coating located next to the processing line, the coating system comprises: a supply system configured to supply coating material on substrates retained in the carriers moving on the processing line; a modular mobile tank system and located with respect to the conveyor system, the modular tank system comprises: a tank configured to contain coating material; a pump in communication with the tank; and wherein the modular tank system is movable between a remote position and a supply position, where the modular tank system occupies the supply position and the pump operates, the modular tank system is close to the supply system and supplies coating material from the tank to the supply system. 18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that it also comprises a second supply system placed on the processing line, the second delivery system is configured to supply coating material on substrates retained in the carriers that move on the processing line. 19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the system Modular tank comprises a transport system, configured to roll on a support surface. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the modular tank system further comprises a filtration system in fluid communication with the coating material in the tank. The system according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises a second coating system, the second coating system comprising: a second delivery system; and a second modular, mobile tank system which is located with respect to the conveyor system, the second modular tank system is configured to mate with the second supply system, wherein the coating material of the second modular tank system is deposits on substrates through the second delivery system. 22. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises: a transfer system configured to receive and transport substrates; a loading system comprising a plurality of loaders, the loaders are movable between a loading position and a discharge position, wherein the loaders are configured to receive the substrate of the transfer system, when the loaders are in the loading position and configured to supply the substrates to the transport system when the loaders are in the unloading position; and at least one curing unit located on the processing line, the curing unit is at least configured to cure the coating material deposited on the substrates. 23. A method for producing multilayer articles, the method is characterized in that it comprises: supplying substrate articles to a transfer system; passing the substrate articles on the transfer system to a loading system, the loading system places the substrate articles on carriers configured to hold the substrate articles, the carriers are movable to transport the substrate articles on a processing line; depositing a first coating material on at least a portion of each substrate article, to form a first coating on each substrate article; provide a material removal system, located on the processing line; and the material removal system removes the first coating material from a lower section of each substrate article. 24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that it further comprises applying a second coating to at least a portion of the lower section of each substrate article after the first coating material is removed from the substrate article. 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the application of the second coating comprises heating the first coating material to a sufficiently high temperature to promote the first coating material flowing over the lower section of each substrate article, to form the second coating. 26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the application of the second coating comprises self-coating the substrate articles due to gravity, causing the first coating material to flow over the lower section of each substrate article. 27. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises rotating the substrate articles as the first and second coatings are cured. 28. The method of compliance with claim 23, characterized in that the substrate articles are precursors of shapes and each lower section is at least a portion of an end cap of one of the shape precursors. 29. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the transfer system continuously supplies substrate articles to the loading system. 30. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the transfer system batch feeds substrate articles into the loading system. 31. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the loading system comprises a plurality of loaders and each of the loaders is movable between a loading position and a discharge position. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises placing substrate articles in the loaders in the loading position; move the loaders to the unloading position; and transfer the substrate articles to the loaders, when the loaders are in the loading position. 33. The method of compliance with claim 23, characterized in that the first coating material comprises phenoxy type thermoplastics. 34. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the first coating comprises carbon black.