Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an optical element, and a method of manufacturing an optical element, whereby variance of dropping positions of glass droplets can be suppressed even with a low-cost and simple configuration. The positions where the glass droplets are discharged from a discharged port 51c are controlled by having a predetermined force applied to the glass droplets from the wall surface of a passage 51b of a correcting member 51 in a non-contact manner, the glass droplets passing through the passage 51b. Therefore, variance of dropping positions of the glass droplets can be suppressed without surrounding the whole manufacturing apparatus. Consequently, a highly accurate optical element can be manufactured with the low-cost and simple configuration.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling the weight of a glass gob on a glassware molding machine has a punch for at least partly penetrating the gob and controlled by a fluidic linear actuator having an outer sleeve of paramagnetic material, and a piston which slides inside the sleeve; the piston being connected integrally to the punch; and movement of the piston being controlled by a linear transducer having a movable member fitted to the piston, and a fixed member located outside the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention significantly modifies “The Overflow Process”. It includes a method and apparatus for measuring glass flow rate and maintaining a constant glass flow rate. It also embodies design features and methods that support and stress the forming apparatus in a manner such that the deformation that results from thermal creep is corrected, thus minimizing the effect of the thermal creep on the thickness variation of the glass sheet. The present invention also embodies design features that change the process from a single step (combined flow distribution and cooling) to a two step process; step one being flow distribution and step two being cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of solar grade silicon comprising crystallization of large high purity silicon crystals in a hyper eutectic binary or ternary alloy containing silicon, or a refined silicon melt, wherein small silicon crystals are added to the melt and the resulting large silicon crystals are separated from the melt. The separation may be performed by centrifugation or filtration.

Abstract: Method of filling a mould (8) with a glass gob (10) through an opening (12) of the mould (8), for forming a glass product in the mould (8), by using a delivery system (14) for delivering the glass gob to the opening (12) of the mould (8). The delivery system (14) has an inlet (16), an outlet (18), and guiding means (20) for guiding the glass gob through the delivery system (14). The method includes observing the glass gob, at at least one moment and/or during at least one period after the glass gob has passed the inlet (16) of the delivery system (14), by using an optical imaging device (4). The method includes determining a glass gob observation result that includes a glass gob velocity, for predicting a glass distribution of the glass product formed in the mould (8) and/or for controlling ling a next glass gob.

Abstract: A process for producing a glass molding, in which a glass molding of stable quality can be efficiently produced through minimizing of temperature fluctuation of molten glass drops at pressure molding operation; and an apparatus for production of a glass molding used in this process. Molten glass drops are fed into an inferior die by causing the molten glass drops to fall from above toward the inferior die. The arrival of molten glass drops having fallen at a given location is detected, and pressurization of the molten glass drops by means of molding dies is initiated upon the passage of a given time since the detection.

Abstract: The present invention is that, in a glass passage where it is usual that the flow rate near the center tends to become high, stirring effect for the glass flow is enhanced whereby temperature distribution is made uniform and generation of stria and devitrification is reduced. As a result, there is provided a passage by which glass blocks of highly refractive glass or low-Tg glass in recent years where selection of molding conditions is very difficult are able to be obtained easily and in high quality. Another object is to provide a passage by which simple control in a short distance is made possible whereby miniaturization of the device is possible even in the conventional glass. A passage which is connected to a melted glass vessel and flows out the melted glass which is characterized in that, in the inner wall, the above-mentioned passage has a control board for controlling the flow of the melted glass.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine system includes a glassware forming machine having first operating mechanisms for converting gobs of molten glass into articles of glassware, a gob delivery system having second operating mechanisms for delivering gobs of molten glass to the glassware forming machine, a ware handling system having third operating mechanisms for receiving and conveying articles of glassware from the glassware forming machine, and an electronic control system for controlling and coordinating operation of the first, second and third operating mechanisms. The electronic control system includes a machine controller coupled to the first operating mechanisms of the glassware forming machine for controlling and coordinating operation of the first operating mechanisms to produce articles of glassware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for simultaneously making different hollow glass products having different gob sizes comprising at least one feed apparatus (12), that has at least one glass reservoir (14), at least one plunger (18a, b), and at least one appurtenant cutting device (24a, b) in the discharge from the reservoir, at least one conveying means (28) to successively transport at least one of the gobs discharged from the feed apparatus (12) into a plurality of shape-imparting units (32a–c) disposed next to each other for variously sized gobs, at least one controller (22) to control the plunger (18a, b) and the cutting device (24a, b) of the feed apparatus (12), the conveying means (28), and the shape-imparting units (32a–c), and said controller (22) controls the activity of the shape-imparting units (32a–c), the feed apparatus (12), and the conveying means (28) in coordination with the gob-size-specific processing time of the products in the shape-imparting units (32a–c) or their cyc

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated method for producing a blown glass body, in particular a glass wall of an electrochemical sensor, wherein an immersion tube (10), through which air or gas can flow, is immersed into molten glass an amount of molten glass from the molten glass mass, and wherein the (8) and subsequently withdrawn to remove removed glass is blown into the form of the glass body to be produced by means of the air or gas flowing through the immersion tube (10), comprising the following features:—the position of the surface (42) of the molten glass (8) in the adjustment direction of the immersion tube (10) is determined; an adjustment means (18) for the immersion tube (10) is controlled in correspondence with the determined position of the surface (42) such that the free end of the immersion tube is first immersed into the molten glass mass (8) up to a certain predetermined immersion depth (h) of molten glass; and then removed thereby retaining a predetermined amount—following removal from the mo

Abstract: Production of a glass body provided with a glass membrane is disclosed, for a chemical sensor, in which a displaceably mounted dip tube through which a gaseous medium can flow is dipped into a mass of molten glass and pulled out again to withdraw a gob which is then put into the desired shape by supply of the gaseous medium. The dip tube is inserted into a mount, which is connected to a displaceably supported carriage which is then displaced as far as a lower end position (P1), which is defined on the basis of an adjustment device such that when the carriage moves downward the dip tube dips into the molten glass, and upon the retraction of the carriage the dip tube withdraws a gob that is suitable for processing. After one or more withdrawals of a gob, the one-piece or multiple-piece adjustment device is readjusted manually or automatically by a certain amount, to compensate for changes in the level of the molten glass caused by the withdrawal of gobs.

Abstract: A machine cycle unwrapper for use with a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines a 360° machine cycle having a set cycle time. The cycle unwrapper converts the “on” and “off” angles around the wrapped 360° programmable sequencer to “on” and “off” times along an unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more then two machine cycles to complete.

Abstract: A glass forming machine has a set machine cycle time. Each of the mechanisms, etc., is cycled during the time of one machine cycle. A computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete is defined to facilitate the analysis and control of the machine cycle.

Abstract: A control for defining data for setting the times for controlled events in a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines the time of a machine cycle. A computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process is provided with computer analysis for analyzing the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem for determining, with inputs including the following: 1. the motion durations of each of the mechanisms from the retracted position to the advanced position and from the advanced position to the retracted position, 2. the submotion durations, 3. the machine cycle time, and 4. the time in an unwrapped bottle forming process for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”, and 5. the target time for an optimized machine cycle, the machine cycle time and the event times for an optimized process.

Abstract: A control for defining data for setting the times for controlled events in a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines the time of a machine cycle. The control includes a computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process and a computer for analyzing the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem for determining, with the following data inputs: 1. the motion durations, 2. the submotion durations, 3. the machine cycle time, 4. the event time in an unwrapped bottle forming process for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”, and 5. thermal forming process duration “N”. define the fastest machine cycle time for a feasible schedule and the event time in the unwrapped bottle forming process for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”.

Abstract: A control for defining optimized data for setting the times for controlled events in a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines the time of a machine cycle. The control includes a computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete and a computer for analyzing the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem for determining, with the following data inputs: 1. the motion durations, 2. the submotion durations, 3, the machine cycle time, 4. the time in an unwrapped schedule for each event, and 5. the duration of each thermal forming process, whether an optimized process can be defined, and for identifying any active constraint that is restricting further improvement.

Abstract: A control for defining data for setting the times for controlled events in a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines the time of a machine cycle. The control includes a computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete and a computer for analyzing the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem for determining, with the following data inputs: 1. the motion durations, 2. the submotion durations, 3, the machine cycle time, 4. the event time for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”, and 5. the thermal forming process durations, whether there is a feasible optimized schedule and the machine cycle time and the event time for each displacement to begin and for each valve to be turned “on” and “off”.

Abstract: A control for a glass forming machine. Each machine mechanism, etc., is turned “on” and “off” at selected angles around a wrapped 360° machine cycle. The control unwraps the “on” and “off” angles around the wrapped 360° machine cycle to “on” and “off” times along an unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete and the unwrapped schedule is analyzed to determine whether an optimized schedule is possible and once a schedule is optimized, the analysis is done again with all the optimized values locked except one or more of the motion durations which are targeted at their maximum duration. This second optimization defines the motion durations at their longest possible setting so that the associated motor(s) can be concomitantly slowed down to minimize wear.

Abstract: A control for use with a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines a machine cycle having a set cycle time. A computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process is provided for determining whether, with the following inputs: the time in an unwrapped bottle forming process for each displacement to occur; the machine cycle time; the motion durations of each of the mechanisms from the retracted position to the advanced position and from the advanced position to the retracted position and the collision zones between interfering paths, a collision will result between the gob, the parison, the bottle or any mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described, with which individual rectangular glass panes of thickness between 0.03 mm and 2 mm can be cut from a glass band (2) drawn vertically from a hot forming device (1) in an in-line process with reduced rejects and reduced waste. The method provides that the glass band (2) drawn vertically downward through a vertical zone is cooled below a lower cooling point of the glass and subsequently is deflected through a bending zone (3b) with a bending radius between 0.1 m and 4 m into a horizontal zone (3c) in which it is horizontally oriented. The vertical alignment of the glass band (2) in the vertical zone (3a) is continuously monitored. At least one cutting process is performed on the horizontally oriented glass band (2) in the horizontal zone (3c). The device (20) for monitoring the vertical alignment of the glass band (2) includes at least three sensors (22a, 22b, 22c; 22a′, 22b′, 22c′) that detect the glass edges These sensors can be mechanical rollers.

Abstract: A glass forming machine has a set machine cycle time. Each of the mechanisms, etc., is cycled during the time of one machine cycle. A computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete is defined to facilitate the analysis and control of the machine cycle.

Abstract: A glassware manufacturing system includes at least one blank mold and a loading funnel for feeding molten glass gobs in sequence into the blank mold. A temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the external surface of the funnel for providing an electrical signal indicative of temperature at the funnel due to heat imparted thereto by the molten glass gobs falling through the funnel. Electronics are responsive to the sensor signal for indicating an increase in gob diameter as a function of an increase in temperature at the funnel external surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling rate of molten glass flow through a forehearth that includes a flume disposed in the forehearth for restricting the width of the forehearth to glass flow, such that there is a difference in level of molten glass in the forehearth upstream and downstream of the flume. Sensors measure the level of molten glass upstream and downstream of the flume, and a controller is responsive to the sensors for determining rate of molten glass flow through the forehearth as a function of a difference in molten glass level between the sensors. Rate of glass flow through the forehearth is controlled as a function of the difference in glass level across the flume as compared with a desired flow rate set by an operator.

Abstract: The production of mineral fibers by centrifuging on rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) with horizontal axes from a stream (1) of molten material includes determining the relative position of the stream (1) of molten material in relation to the first roller (3), and controlling this position by use of CCD cameras (8, 11, 40). A camera (11) observes the periphery of a fiber-drawing roller (4).

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a first orifice for receiving core glass from a first source. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by a chamber that communicates with the second orifice through a gap between the first and second orifices. A spout delivers casing glass from a second source through a tube to the chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream. Rate of glass flow through the second or casing glass source is measured and compared with one or more preset limits. Rate of casing glass flow from the second source to the chamber surrounding the orifices is adjusted when rate of flow through the second source departs from the preset limit. In this way, a desired ratio of casing glass to core glass is automatically maintained.

Abstract: A machine for making glass containers having a number of displaceable mechanisms comprising a plurality of selectively operable regulators for controlling the operation of the displaceable mechanisms, a control panel including a corresponding plurality of toggle switches switchable between select and deselect positions, each toggle switch being associated with one of the regulators. The control panel is enabled when all of the toggle switches are in the down position and start motion buttons pushed simultaneously will implement the machine state defined by the operator by locating specific toggle switches in the select position.

Abstract: A process for determining a weight of free-falling molten glass gobs has the steps of providing an electromagnetic alternating field, passing a glass gob through the electromagnetic alternating field in a free fall, measuring resultant eddy current losses of the electromagnetic alternating field caused by the glass gob during passage through the electromagnetic alternating field, and determining a weight of the glass gob via the detected resultant eddy current losses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the delivery of multiple gobs to the blank molds of a glass forming machine having multiple cavities or sections, wherein multiple gobs are delivered from a glass feeder to plural scoops that are oscillated to deliver the gobs in multiples to aligned troughs and funnels in a timed sequence. An infrared gob sensor at each exit detects passage of a gob, and a computer controls application of air under pressure to control the velocity of delivery of each gob to the scoops in order to influence gob exit timing at the deflectors that are positioned adjacent the mold cavities.

Abstract: A glass gob production device for producing a glass gob from molten glass. The glass gob production device has a crucible which accommodates molten glass, a nozzle one end of which is connected to the crucible and from the other end of which the molten glass in the crucible is discharged, and a support member opposite to the other end of nozzle and having an indentation on the surface thereof for receiving and retaining the discharged molten glass in the indentation to form a glass gob. The indentation of the support member has a bottom surface and a reference surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the circumference of the bottom surface.

Abstract: A needle assembly (30) for controlling the flow of molten glass from a feeder bowl (76) through one or more orifices (84) in an orifice plate (86) beneath the feeder bowl. The needle assembly includes a vertical needle (32) for each orifice and each needle is precisely adjustable along its vertical axis by a stepper motor (34). The stepper motor for each needle is positioned remotely from the needle and drives the needle through a potentiometer (72) and a linkage mechanism (36). Each linkage mechanism includes a generally horizontally extending member (38), a vertically extending member (40), and a bevel gear drive (88) to permit the generally horizontally extending ember to drive the vertically extending member.

Abstract: A gob distributor for glassware forming machines which include at least one curved distribution scoop mounted on a vertical turning shaft, for each one of the gobs which are simultaneously fed by a feeder. A housing which having at least one gear which turns on its axial axis, together with a central shaft, coupled at the housing and, which is coupled in coincidence with the vertical shaft of each one of the distribution scoops. A rack coupled in coincidence with the gears of each one of the distribution scoops to move said gears with a rotational movement and thus, provide a simultaneous and synchronized turn to each one of the scoops. A rotatory driver member coupled to the rack, in order to permit a forward and backward movement of the rack and thus be able to effect the rotational movement of the gears.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming a glass-ceramic which melts raw materials and forms melted glass to a predetermined shape without cutting the melted glass and thereafter continuously crystallizes the formed glass to the glass-ceramic is provided.

Abstract: An I.S. machine system has a number of mechanisms which are driven by an inverter drive and a number of machine and section mechanisms which are driven by profiled motion actuators which are controlled by repetitive sequencers associated with each actuator. These repetitive sequencers are synchronized by taking the reference signal from a master clock which supplies the reference signal to the inverters and converts it to a once/cut sync signal for the machine mechanisms operated by profiled motion actuators and to a once/cycle sync signal for the section mechanisms and controllers.

Abstract: A molten glass gob distributor for a glass container manufacturing system that includes a plurality of gob discharges and a plurality of scoops for receiving gobs from each such discharge and distributing the gobs among a plurality of troughs leading to associated molds in an IS machine. Each scoop is mounted to rotate about a fixed axis with the upper end remaining positioned beneath the associated gob discharge while the lower end swings through an arc adjacent to the associated troughs. A plurality of electric servo motors are individually coupled to each associated scoop for selectively and individually rotating the scoops. The electric motors are connected to servo motor controllers for synchronizing operation of the motors and rotation of the scoops to each other and to operation of the forming machine. The motor controllers synchronize operation of each motor by means of a synchronizing input from the forming machine.

Abstract: An I.S. machine is made up of a plurality of independent individual sections for receiving gobs of molten glass and for forming the gobs into glass containers. A gob distributor delivers gobs to the sections. The controller of these sections and the gob distributor are synchronized by means for generating a once per cut signal, a divide by N circuit where N is the number of sections which are to have gobs distributed to them, means for defining N, means for applying N to the divide by N circuit, means for supplying the once per cut signal to the divide by N circuit, and means for distributing the output signal of the divide by N circuit to each of the section and gob distributor controllers.

Abstract: There is provided a plunger position detector for detecting a linear position of a plunger used for forming a parison over the entire range of moving of the plunger. Since there is correlation between the plunger position and the gob weight, the gob weight can be detected in response to an output signal of this detector and, in accordance with this detection, a gob forming operation is controlled to an optimum state so that the gob weight will become a predetermined weight. Since difference in center positions between a blank mold for forming a parison and the plunger causes variation in the state of movement of the plunger, this difference in the center positions can be detected in response to a plunger position detection signal and, in accordance with this detection, an optimum registering of the center positions can be performed.

Abstract: The improved distributor for gobs of molten glass is self-actuated by means of a brushless motor having continuous current with microprocessor logic. The distributor permits to modify electronically the schedule of delivery and carry out small corrections of the angles of delivery. The motor is connected to the scoops via a toothed belt and a rack and pinion device.

Abstract: Plural article transfer mechanisms are operated in timed sequence by an electronic control synchronized to a main drive shaft. Each article transfer mechanism transfers articles from a dead plate to a moving conveyor. An extensible-retractable pusher arm engages, moves and releases the articles between 90.degree. positions under control of a fluid motor mounted on a turntable. Operation of the fluid motor is based on rotary alignment of a pair of turntable ports with a pair of fluid supply channels in a turntable drive body. The turntable is stepped in rotary increments between 90.degree. positions by an electric stepping motor. The angular speed profile of the pusher arm between the 90.degree. positions is governed by a programmed electronic control, including a PROM, which drives the stepping motor. An adjustable finger clip assembly is snap-fitted on the pusher arm and provided with a handle for ease of replacement.

Abstract: Plural article transfer mechanisms are operated in timed sequence by an electronic control synchronized to a main drive shaft. Each article transfer mechanism transfers articles from a dead plate to a moving conveyor. An extensible-retractable pusher arm engages, moves and releases the articles between 90.degree. positions under control of a fluid motor mounted on a turntable. Operation of the fluid motor is based on rotary alignment of a pair of turntable ports with a pair of fluid supply channels in a turntable drive body. The turntable is stepped in rotary increments between 90.degree. positions by an electric stepping motor. The angular speed profile of the pusher arm between the 90.degree. positions is governed by a programmed electronic control, including a PROM, which drives the stepping motor. An adjustable finger clip assembly is snap-fitted on the pusher arm and provided with a handle for ease of replacement.

Abstract: When the tube of a feeder assembly for a glass forming machine is lowered into engagement with the spout bowl, the separation of the jack and the tube support lifts a ring assembly which normally rests on the jack housing. This exposes a pressurized air conduit resulting in a sensed pressure drop which confirms that the tube has engaged the spout bowl.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing glass comprises forming glass from molten mineral material, continuously discharging an auxiliary stream of molten mineral material, continuously measuring the temperature and the mass flow rate by laser means of the auxiliary stream, calculating the viscosity of the material using the measured mass flow rate and modifying a process parameter in response to the measured temperature and calculated viscosity of the auxiliary stream. The laser means is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bottom tap of a glass melting furnace comprises a tap brick with a tap hole in which glass is frozen when the tap is not in operation and seals the tap. A tap gate of refractory and non-oxidizing metal is urged against the tap brick underneath the tap hole which is connected as an electrode to a counter-electrode situated in a glass bath. A tap chamber is situated underneath the tap gate, and a removable insulation is provided for the tap chamber.

Abstract: The individual needles of a glass feeder mechanism which control the volume of the streams of molten glass sheared into discrete gobs are displaceable to adjust the size of the sheared gobs. The controller for the motor, which raises or lowers a stream, receives positional data from the plunger, which forms the gob into a parison, and determines the Parison Formation Point for that parison and raises or lowers the needle to maintain that point at a desired plunger location.

Abstract: Gobs of molten glass are sheared and fall by gravity to a gob distributor which redirects the gobs to individual glassware forming sections. The location of the gob as it drops is monitored and at the time when the interceptor must be actuated if a gob is to be deflected into a cullet chute, the gob request is verified and section status is determined. If the specific section has not been enabled or if an out of sequence request has been received, the gob interceptor is actuated at this time.

Abstract: The displacement of the plungers in a multi-gob individual section glass forming machine is monitored so that the location of the plungers, when each mold cavity has completely filled (parison formation point), can be determined. The desired location for the parison formation point for each plunger can be selectively chosen and the occurrence of these parison formation points can be synchronized to achieve fuller control over the parison formation process.

Abstract: A glassware production system includes an electropneumatic individual section glass forming machine having a multiplicity of operating mechanisms for converting a gob of molten glass into a hollow glass container. A glass forehearth feeds molten gobs at controlled temperature and weight to the forming machine. Electronic controllers individually and selectively control parameters of operation of the multiplicity of machine mechanisms and the forehearth. Glassware from the forming machine is inspected for manufacturing faults and for identifying each inspected container with its associated mold of origin. The glassware inspection devices provide fault signals indicative of a plurality of differing types of faults, which are thereafter associated not only with mold or section of origin but also with fault cause.

Abstract: A gob distributor is disclosed wherein the displacement of the gob scoops is controlled by positioned data generated by a linear displacement transducer. The transducer has an elongated tube having a free end and a screw section at the other end of the tube. The screw section is secured into a mounting bracket aperture which is secured to the drive housing. The tube (and screw portion) passes freely through an enlarged bore in the housing and the tube passes through a movable sensing head and its free end is releasably secured by a spring clamp supported by the drive housing.

Abstract: In a pressing machine for the manufacture of glass articles, which comprises, a base; a gyratory table composed of mold supporters equidistantly laid out around the table, thereby carrying the molds from one station to the next as the table gyrates intermittently, said table comprising a number of stations, among which are stations of charging, stations for pressing and cooling articles, extracting stations and stations for the cooling of the molds, wherein such stations includes a series of mechanisms; means to drive the rotating table coupled to said table to rotate the same; and a feeder in combination with said machine which provide a gob of glass to the station of charging by each cycle of the machine, a method and an apparatus is provided to controlling the cycle of operation of the machine and the operation of the diverse mechanisms including: a sensor to determine the instant in which a gob of glass is cut from said feeder and position sensors to detecting the real position of the diverse mechanisms o

Abstract: A gob distributor comprising a head including at least one gob scoop having a pinion and a rack for interconnecting with the pinion so that the gob scoop can be rotatively displaced through a predetermined angular range including an intermediate location whereat the scoop is parallel to the rack. The gob scoop can be displaced by structure which includes a ball screw, a nut, a housing, and a carriage secured to the nut. The carriage has an upstanding arm, and is located at a selected location by the operation of first and second opposed single acting cylinders which are mounted on the ball screw housing with the rods thereof intersect the upstanding arm. The rods advance to a fully advanced position locating the upstanding arm at the selected location with the gob scoop at the neutral position.

Abstract: The drive system comprises a motor (10) to drive a glass gob producing feeder, a motor (18) to drive a gob distributor for distributing the gobs to sections of a glass container manufacturing machine of the individual section type, and a motor (34) to drive a container-removing conveyor. The drive means supplies electrical signals to cause the motors to operate at desired speeds. The drive system comprises a source (52) of a basic frequency signal which can be varied by varying means (54) to determine the speed of the entire production line, means (58) for producing a gob distributor controlling signal by dividing the basic frequency by a factor reflecting the number of machine sections, and means (62,66) for producing a conveyor system controlling signal by multiplying the basic frequency by a factor reflecting the number and spacing of the containers.