Abstract: A drive system is disclosed which is particularly suitable for use in the glass industry. The drive system is for a plurality of conveying mechanisms to support and to move a load which may be discrete glass objects or a strip or sheet of glass. An electrical line shaft is created by using a plurality of squirrel cage synchronous motors which are connected to drive the conveying mechanisms, whether they be transfer mechanisms for discrete objects or rolls for conveying the strip of glass. One or more electrical inverters supply power to the motors so that not only are the motors operated in synchronism but also in phase register. Thus where discrete glass objects are conveyed the phase register of the transfer mechanisms between glass machines prevents glass breakage, and where rolls are conveying a strip of float glass, the phase register prevents difference in phase rotation of the rolls which could mar the surface of the float glass.

Abstract: A reciprocable carriage carries means for dispensing hardenable liquid resin and reinforcing glass fiber material on a rotatable mandrel to produce a tank wall. The control system includes means for maintaining the carriage speed constantly proportional to the mandrel speed to produce a cylindrical portion of a tank wall and means for continuously changing the carriage speed at a constant rate with respect to the mandrel speed to produce a conical portion of a tank wall.