Abstract: An apparatus and method for precision bending a glass sheet that includes an oven for heating the glass sheet to a temperature near the softening temperature of the glass sheet. A stage for supporting the glass sheet. A pair of reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the glass sheet on the stage. At least one bending mechanism on a pair of arms inside the oven for bending an edge portion of the glass sheet. Inward facing first stop surfaces on the arms that contact reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the bending mechanism on the arms relative to the stage and the glass sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finishing mold comprising a cavity for receiving a paraison the glass item and delimited by a central body arranged between a lid and a bottom. The central body is formed by an even number of complementary sectors at least equal to four, radially and simultaneously movable between an active position for molding the item from said paraison in which the sectors are laterally applied against one another, and a passive position for stripping the item in which said sectors are laterally spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A mold of a glassware forming machine has a longitudinal plane of symmetry, and two half-molds movable between a closed position and an open extraction position by a powered mold opening/closing device, which has a fixed fastening and supporting structure, two mold-holders, and, for each mold-holder, a respective supporting and actuating arm hinged to the relative mold-holder to rotate about a movable hinge axis, and to the fixed structure to rotate about a fixed hinge axis; the fixed hinge axes being located on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry, and at such a distance from the plane of symmetry that, when the half-molds are in the closed position, the line intersecting the fixed axis and movable axis of each arm extends substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: In a machine for forming glass items, a mold having two half-molds movable between a closed forming position and an open extraction position by a mold opening/closing group is provided. The mold includes two handling arms, each connected to a respective half-mold, which are rotated about respective fixed hinge axes by a single linear actuator. The mobile member translates in a direction parallel to the fixed hinge axes, and is connected to the handling arms by a mechanical transmission having a respective guide-and-slide assembly for each handling arm.

Abstract: A mold of a glassware molding machine has two half-molds movable between a closed molding position and an open extraction position by a mold opening/closing assembly, wherein two actuating arms, each fitted to a respective half-mold, are rotated about respective fixed hinge axes by an actuator assembly having a central linear actuator, and two lateral linear actuators located substantially on opposite sides of the central actuator; the actuators having respective movable members translating respectively along a central axis and two lateral axes parallel to one another and to the fixed hinge axes; and the central axis being located at a distance from a plane of the lateral axes.

Abstract: A mold of a glassware forming machine has a longitudinal plane of symmetry, and two half-molds movable between a closed position and an open extraction position by a powered mold opening/closing device, which has a fixed fastening and supporting structure, two mold-holders, and, for each mold-holder, a respective supporting and actuating arm hinged to the relative mold-holder to rotate about a movable hinge axis, and to the fixed structure to rotate about a fixed hinge axis; the fixed hinge axes being located on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry, and at such a distance from the plane of symmetry that, when the half-molds are in the closed position, the line intersecting the fixed axis and movable axis of each arm extends substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing mold arms in a glassware forming machine includes a gearbox for mounting on a glassware machine frame, a cylinder housing suspended beneath the gearbox, and a cylinder disposed within the cylinder housing. The cylinder has a piston with an extending piston rod and a gear rack machined or otherwise formed in the piston rod. A first drive gear in the cylinder housing is coupled to the gear rack and a drive shaft extends from the first drive gear and the cylinder housing into the gearbox. A second drive gear is disposed in the gearbox and coupled to the drive shaft. Laterally spaced operating shafts extend upwardly from within the gearbox. Means including an idler gear couple the second drive gear to the operating shafts such that the operating shafts are rotated simultaneously in opposite directions by the cylinder, the gear rack, the first and second drive gears and the idler gear.

Abstract: A mold assembly (10; 40) for molding a hollow glass article comprising a mold (12) that is made up of a separable pair of mold elements (12a, 12b; 42) and a mold holder (14; 44) that surrounds a portion of the mold of substantial axial length. The mold is separable from the mold holder, and the exterior of each mold segment is provided with a plurality of cooling fins (12e; 42e). The mold holder is made up of a separable pair of mold holder sections (16, 18; 46), and each mold holder section has a fluid flow passage (20; 50) extending therethrough. The fluid flow passage is radially open to permit fluid flowing therethrough to flow inwardly against the fins of an adjacent mold element. Each mold holder section has a perforated screen (26; 56) affixed thereto to vary the distribution of the flow of fluid from the mold holder section against the fins of the adjacent mold element.

Abstract: A mold open and close mechanism uses the hook of a blank mold half and the associated ridges of the upper mold support hanger to maintain the blank mold half on the mold but defines a vertical locating structure for placing the bottom surface of the blank mold half on the top horizontal surface of the lower mold support hanger with a vertical space between the hook of the blank mold half and the upper mold support hanger.

Abstract: A mold open and closed mechanism for an I.S. machine is disclosed which has a mold carrier supported for displacement between mold open and closed positions. The mold carrier has a front mold mounting face vertical and horizontal mold alignment structure and a vertical face for transmitting clamping forces to a supported mold.

Abstract: A mold of a glassware forming machine has a longitudinal plane of symmetry, and two half-molds movable between a closed position and an open extraction position by a powered mold opening/closing device, which has a fixed fastening and supporting structure, two mold-holders, and, for each mold-holder, a respective supporting and actuating arm hinged to the relative mold-holder to rotate about a movable hinge axis, and to the fixed structure to rotate about a fixed hinge axis; the fixed hinge axes being located on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry, and at such a distance from the plane of symmetry that, when the half-molds are in the closed position, the line intersecting the fixed axis and movable axis of each arm extends substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: An I. S. Machine is provided wherein the blow molds are closed to a slightly cracked location whereby applied cooling air can not leak into and pressurize the blow mold thereby damaging the parison during reheat. When reheat is completed, the blow molds are fully closed and the parison is transformed into a bottle by applying compressed air and/or vacuum.

Abstract: A press molding apparatus includes upper and lower molding dies each having a molding surface facing each other, and a driving device which moves at least one of the upper and lower molding dies in a vertical direction so that the upper and lower molding dies are opened and closed. The driving device includes a main shaft which supports the at least one of the upper and lower molding dies, an ascending and descending member which, while supporting the main shaft, ascends and descends, a plurality of screw shafts which is located eccentrically from an axis line of the main shaft, and engages a plurality of screws formed in the ascending and descending member in order to move up and down the ascending and descending member, a driver which synchronously rotates each of the screw shafts, and a controller which controls the driver.

Abstract: A mold cooling system is disclosed for the blank mold halves of an I.S. machine. The mold halves are supported at their bottom by a lower hanger assembly which includes a discrete plenum for each of the mold halves. Each plenum is isolated and has its own air supply which includes an adjustable flow control. This provides complete control of the mold cooling process.

Abstract: A mold support mechanism for an I.S. machine has a carrier that is releasably connected to the shaft on which the drive links of a drive are rotatably supported.

Abstract: A glass container forming machine section (10) in which the mold carrying arms (12, 14) that are pivoted on shafts (20, 22), respectively, about a common axis (A) are caused to counteroscillate between open positions in which the mold halves (16, 18) that are respectively carried by the arms (12, 14) are separated, and closed positions in which the mold halves are joined to define molding cavities therebetween. The opening and closing motions of the mold carrying arms are powered by a single reversible electrical servo motor (24), which drives a drive gear (26). The drive gear (26) directly drives a first driven gear (28) and an intermediate driven gear (30) which, in turn, directly drives a second driven gear (34). Turning motion of the driven gears (28, 34) is imparted to stub shafts (38, 40), respectively, which carry coaxial drive gears (42, 44), respectively. The drive gears (42, 44) drive sector gears (46, 48), respectively, that are disengagably secured to the shafts (22, 20), respectively.

Abstract: A system and method of cooling glassware molds by directing liquid coolant to the blank or blow mold halves of a glassware forming machine through an enclosed pivotal rotary union-type structure. A coolant manifold is carried by each pivotal mold arm, and communicates with coolant inlet and outlet ports at the lower end of each mold part. The manifold is connected by a floating shaft seal and a rotary union assembly and a crank arm to a coolant source and coolant return in the section box of the associated machine section. Each pivotal connection—i.e., between the section box and the crank arm, between the crank arm and the rotary union assembly, and between the rotary union assembly and the floating shaft seal—comprises a bi-directional rotary union for feeding liquid coolant to the manifold and mold parts, and returning coolant from the manifold and mold parts.

Abstract: An I.S. machine is disclosed which has at least one section having a mold station wherein a glass forming operation is performed within a mold which includes an opposed pair of mold halves each of which has a blank diameter which can vary within a selected range and a planar surface to be clampingly engaged with the planar surface of the other mold half at a mold centerline. The section has a mold open and closed mechanism which includes a pair of opposed displaceable mold holders for holding one or a plurality of opposed pairs of mold halves, and a drive assembly for displacing the mold holders from a selected open position, the location of which is a direct function of the dimension of the blank diameter of the mold halves supported on the mold holders, to a closed position.

Abstract: A mold half for mounting on a mold holder of a mold open and close mechanism of an I.S. machine. The mold holder includes an insert having a central locating lug on the top thereof and an annular front face. The insert also has an annular upwardly projecting rib, on either side of the lug, the outer surface thereof defining the top portion of the annular front face and inner surface thereof defining the front wall of corresponding annular groove segments. The mold half comprises a blank diameter portion, which can have a dimension within a predetermined dimensional range, to be located adjacent the annular front face of the insert proximate the lug and a two segment annular flange projecting outwardly from the blank diameter portion to be located on either side of the lug. Each of the annular flange segments includes a downwardly projecting annular lip segment for insertion into a corresponding annular groove segment on the insert.

Abstract: A neck ring arm assembly for a glass container forming machine of the individual section type comprising a horizontally extending invert shaft and a vertically extending cylinder with a rack that engages a spur gear attached to the invert shaft to oscillate the invert shaft. In a first embodiment, the invert shaft has an inner annular sleeve keyed to it, and the inner annular sleeve has a polygonal exterior, preferably a hexagonal exterior. First and second outer annular sleeves surround the inner annular sleeve to be oscillatable therewith, but reciprocable with respect thereto.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for a section of an I.S. machine includes a mold carrier assembly and horizontal axially extending shafts. A housing supports these shafts for axial displacement and includes first and second vertically extending ducts which terminate at their tops with a sleeve. A manifold assembly includes a manifold including a plenum which overlies each of the mold halves. A spacer secured beneath said frame and having vertically extending holes communicates with the downwardly opening exit of the plenum for delivering cooling air from the plenum to the vertical cooling air passages of the mold halves. The manifold includes a pair of horizontally extending cylindrical inlet holes A pair of cylindrical tubes are received by the cylindrical holes and first and second elbows connect a second end of each of the cylindrical tubes to the sleeves so that cooling air from the ducts will be delivered to the pair of tubes.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for a section of an I.S. machine includes a mold carrier assembly and horizontal axially extending shafts. A housing supports these shafts for axial displacement and includes first and second vertically extending ducts which terminate at their tops with a sleeve. A manifold assembly includes a manifold including a plenum which overlies each of the mold halves. A spacer secured beneath said frame and having vertically extending holes communicates with the downwardly opening exit of the plenum for delivering cooling air from the plenum to the vertical cooling air passages of the mold halves. The manifold includes a pair of horizontally extending cylindrical inlet holes A pair of cylindrical tubes are received by the cylindrical holes and first and second elbows connect a second end of each of the cylindrical tubes to the sleeves so that cooling air from the ducts will be delivered to the pair of tubes.

Abstract: A neck ring arm assembly for a glass container forming machine of the individual section type comprising a horizontally extending invert shaft and a vertically extending cylinder with a rack that engages a spur gear attached to the invert shaft to oscillate the invert shaft. The invert shaft has an inner annular sleeve keyed to it, and the inner annular sleeve has a polygonal exterior, preferably a hexagonal exterior. First and second outer annular sleeves surround the inner annular sleeve to be oscillatable therewith, but reciprocable with respect thereto. Each of the first and second outer annular sleeves has a polygonal interior which is complementary to the polygonal exterior of the inner annular sleeve, and each is provided with a plurality of replaceable wear pads each of which is adjustable toward a surface of the polygonal exterior of the inner annular sleeve to provide for close, low backlash engagement of the inner annular sleeve by the outer annular sleeves over a prolonged duration.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism includes an aligning mechanism which has a horizontal mounting plate including a number of vertical openings for the number of molds, that is supported by a pair of spaced vertical uprights secured to the section frame top surface. A plurality of aligning cylinders are located in the vertical openings in the horizontal mounting plate and move parallel with the mold holder motion. Each cylinder includes surfaces configured to mate with the clamping surfaces of the mold holders. The axis of one of the aligning cylinders is held but not clamped at the theoretical centerline so it can move to the actual centerline when the mold holders are located at the advanced clamped closed position.

Abstract: Opposed mold supports of a mold opening and closing mechanism are driven by electronic motors between retracted and advanced positions. The motors are electronically geared together and follow a feed program which initially advances the associated mold supports a set distance which is half the separation distance. When the displacement of both supports stops, both motors are operated at a slow velocity. When it is determined again that both supports have stopped, the location of each is verified to be within an acceptable range and each motor is then operated to apply a desired clamping load.

Abstract: An I.S. machine has a plurality of individual sections each having a blank station for forming a parison from a gob of molten glass in opposed pairs of blankmold halves supported by opposed mold carriers displaceable between retracted and advanced positions and a blow station for forming a parison into a bottle in opposed pairs of blowmold halves supported by opposed mold carriers displaceable between retracted and advanced positions. The drive assemblies for the four mold carriers are identical having the same transmission for converting a rotary input into a linear output, and motor having a rotary output connected to the rotary input of the transmission.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for an I.S. machine having a plurality of individual sections each having a section frame having a top wall. A pair of mold support mechanisms are supported above the top wall of the section frame for linear displacement and displaced by a motor having, a rotary output, secured to the top wall, via a rotary to linear transmission supported above the top wall of the section frame horizontally adjacent the mold support mechanisms.

Abstract: An I.S. machine has a plurality of individual sections arranged in side by side relation. Each section has a blank station for forming a parison from a gob of molten glass, and a blow station for forming a parison into a bottle. An invert and neck ring holder mechanism is located between these stations for transferring a parison between from one station to the other. Each station has a mold opening and closing mechanism which has a pair of opposed mold support mechanisms supported for linear displacement between a retracted position and an advanced position. Each mold support mechanism is supported by a first shaft on one side of the center of the mold opening and closing mechanism, proximate the invert and neck ring holder mechanism, extending perpendicularly to the engagement plane, and by a second shaft on the other side of the center of the mold opening and closing mechanism, remote from the invert and neck ring holder mechanism, extending perpendicularly to the engagement plane.

Abstract: A mold assembly (34) for cyclically forming heated glass sheets includes a lower mold (36) having an upwardly oriented mold face (356) and an upper mold face having a downwardly oriented mold face (56) that opposes the upwardly oriented mold face of the lower mold to form a heated glass sheet during movement of the molds toward each other. Alignment guides (122,124) align the molds (36,38) with each other as necessary during movement of the molds toward each other. Detachable connectors (362) detachably connect the molds to each other for installation and are disconnectable to permit the molds to be used for glass sheet forming. In one embodiment, the detachable connectors (362) are latches that include a latch member (364) and a keeper (366), and in another embodiment the detachable connectors are retainers (370) engageable and disengageable from the molds to provide their detachable securement.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for an I.S. machine including a pair of mold support mechanisms supported for displacement between a retracted position and an advanced position where they will engage. A mold support mechanism is displaced by a transmission including a lead screw which is supported by a housing, left hand and right hand nuts operatively associated with the lead screw, and links interconnecting the left hand and right hand nuts and the mold support mechanism.

Abstract: An invert arm assembly for a glass container forming machine of the I.S. type, the invert arm assembly having an opposed pair of invert arm segments that are movable toward and away from one another and define one or more neck ring assembly receiving apertures when the invert arm segments are disposed adjacent to one another. A neck ring assembly is placed in each aperture and is locked in place with respect to the invert arm segments. Each neck ring assembly can be removed from the aperture in which it is located by inserting a portion of a hand tool in a portion of the invert arm segments to unlock the neck ring assembly from the aperture without moving the invert arm segments with respect to one another.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for an I.S. machine which has a pair of mold support mechanisms supported for horizontal displacement between a retracted position and an advanced position. These support mechanisms are linearly displaced by a drive assembly which includes a lead screw, a housing secured to the section frame for supporting the lead screw, a motor coupled to the lead screw, nuts operatively associated with the lead screw, and links interconnecting the nuts with their associated mold support mechanism. The housing has a rear wall defining a flat surface, and the nuts have flat rear bearing surfaces with a selected spacing therebetween when the mold support mechanism is fully retracted.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for an I.S. machine having a plurality of individual sections. A pair of opposed mold holding mechanisms is supported on top of the section frame for linear displacement between a separated retracted position whereat each mold support mechanism is located at a start position and an advanced position whereat molds held by the mold support mechanisms will forcefully engage. A mold holding mechanism is secured to the free ends of a pair of round shafts which are slidably supported within horizontally separated bearings in a housing supported on the section frame and extending vertically upwardly.

Abstract: An I.S. machine is disclosed which has a plurality of individual sections arranged in side by side relation. Each section has blank mold and blow mold opening and closing mechanisms and an invert and neck ring holder mechanism for transferring a parison between these mechanisms. Each of the mold opening and closing mechanisms has a pair of opposed mold support mechanisms which are supported for linear displacement. Ways at either end of the section support one end of each pair of mold support mechanisms and the other end is supported on a pair of shafts located between the mechanisms. One of these shafts is supported between the spaced vertical supports of the invert and neck ring holder mechanism and the other shaft has a first part supported between one of the spaced vertical supports and the vertical invert housing and a second part is supported between the other one of the spaced vertical supports and the vertical invert housing.

Abstract: A mold carrier assembly for use with a support housing having a pair of parallel, spaced, horizontally extending bores and located on the top wall of a section frame of an I.S. machine. The quick change mold carrier assembly has a mold support mechanism including an insert for supporting at least one mold half which is mounted on a carrier. First and second parallel round shafts are secured at one end to the carrier with the round shafts extending horizontally in parallel relationship and each of the round shafts have a free end remote from the carrier for slidable insertion into the bores of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for pressing a glass article. The apparatus includes a frame. A mold having first and second mold halves are mounted on the frame. The mold halves define a cavity for receiving a glass gob. The mold halves are movable between open and closed positions. The apparatus includes a device for opening and closing the mold halves. A plunger is movably mounted on the frame adjacent the cavity. The plunger presses the glass gob into the cavity to form the glass article. The apparatus further includes a device for moving the plunger. An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to a machine for pressing a plurality of glass articles at a high cavity rate. In this embodiment, the machine includes at least two apparatus as described above mounted on a device for moving the apparatus.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for an I.S. machine has a pair of opposed mold support mechanisms for carrying at least one opposed pair of mold side portions. Each mold support mechanism includes a yoke having a first vertical bore and a second horizontal bore. Molds are carried by upper and lower inserts which also have a hole extending vertically therethrough. An insert carrier is linearly displaceable between retracted and advanced positions and the inserts and the yoke are secured to the carrier by a first pin slidably extending vertically through the vertical holes in the inserts and yoke, and through a vertical hole in the carrier. A second pin slidably extends through this yoke horizontal hole and the drive assembly is connected to this second pin.

Abstract: Opposed mold supports of a mold opening and closing mechanism are driven by electronic motors between retracted and advanced positions. The motors are electronically geared together and follow a feed program which initially advances the associated mold supports a set distance which is half the separation distance. When the displacement of both supports stops, both motors are operated at a slow velocity. When it is determined again that both supports have stopped, the location of each is verified to be within an acceptable range and each motor is then operated to apply a desired clamping load.

Abstract: A mold opening and closing mechanism for an I.S. machine having a plurality of individual sections each having a pair of opposed mold support mechanisms displaceable between a separated retracted position whereat each mold support mechanism is located at a start position and an advanced position whereat molds carried by the mold support mechanisms will forcefully engage. The drive which is operatively associated with each mold support mechanism includes an electronic motor. A predetermined torque is applied to the motors for a period of time when the opposed pair of mold support mechanisms are at the advanced position. To return the mold support mechanisms to the start position the electronic motors are operated to displace the mold support mechanisms at a slow velocity for a predetermined period of time and then operated to displace the mold support mechanisms to rapidly displace the mold support mechanisms to the start position following the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing a reflex mold wherein a flexible or bendable, thin plate is provided for use in the manufacturing process. A reflex prism assembly is clamped together and metal is applied over the surface of the prisms to make a flat, thin layer of bendable material. A model of curvature is then provided and the thin layer is clamped on the model to assume the desired configuration. More metal is then applied over the back surface of the thin layer until sufficient thickness is obtained to make the reflex mold suitable to receive deposition of lens material for the production of a reflex lens.

Abstract: A mould mechanism for use in a glassware forming machine comprise two mould arms which are mounted on a single transverse rod. The rod is of hardened steel, one of the mould arms is secured to a cast iron sleeve which slides on the rod, the other to a hardened steel sleeve which slides on the cast iron sleeve. A slide member on each mould arm engages a horizontal slideway and is adjustable to determine the position of the mould arms.

Abstract: A mold mechanism for use in a glassware forming machine comprises two mold arms which are mounted on a single transverse rod. The rod is of hardened steel, one of the mold arms is secured to a cast iron sleeve which slides on the rod, the other to a hardened steel sleeve which slides on the cast iron sleeve. A slide member on each mold arm engages a horizontal slideway and is adjustable to determine the position of the mold arms.

Abstract: Each neck tool half is mounted on a neck tool holder and together they are movable from the illustrated initial position in a parison mold station to a finishing mold station. On each neck tool holder is secured a movable part of a distribution device for cooling air. A stationary part of the distribution device transfers cooling air from a stationary supply device having a valve. Between the stationary and movable parts there is a jointing gap which is inclined to the vertical. The cooling air is blown through nozzle apertures against the outside of the neck tool half.

Abstract: A parallel movement mould mechanism for use in a glassware forming machine comprises mould mounted for movement on horizontal shafts and means (90, 102) for moving the mould supports comprising a cage assembly in which a piston and cylinder device linked to the mould supports is mounted, the cage assembly being mounted for adjustable pivotal movement with respect to shafts so that adjustment of the position of the cage assembly adjusts the position of the centre line of moulds supported on the mould supports.

Abstract: A parallel movement mould mechanism for use in a glassware forming machine comprises mould supports mounted for movement on horizontal shafts and means for moving the mould supports comprising a cage assembly in which a piston and cylinder device linked to the mould supports is mounted, the cage assembly being mounted for adjustable pivotal (22) movement with respect to shafts so that adjustment of the position of the cage assembly adjusts the position of the center line of moulds (18) supported on the mould supports.

Abstract: An adjustable glass forming apparatus includes a peripheral frame having a shape which generally conforms to the shape of the glass sheet to be formed. Though preferably defining an L-shape in cross section, the frame may define other suitably rigid cross sections. A plurality of adjustable supports are disposed in close proximity about the frame. Each support includes a curved upper surface which contacts the lower face of the glass and a stanchion or shank which is received within a suitable opening in the frame. Preferably, the shank and opening define complementary male and female threads or other adjustable structures. The support may be readily adjusted up or down by rotation thereof and a jam nut maintains the support in the selected position.

Abstract: Mould portions supporting arms of a mould arrangement are moved by drive means between mould-open and mould-closed conditions. The drive means comprises two vertical drive shafts (20) connected to the supporting arms and arranged to move the arms when turned in opposite directions by motor means (40). The motor means (40) is connected to the drive shafts (20) by connecting means comprising a driving pulley (70) driven by the motor and two driven pulleys (72 and 74) mounted on the shafts (20). The pulleys are interconnected by belts (76,78,80 and 82) whose ends are attached to the pulleys. During motion in each direction, two of the belts move the driven pulleys and hence turn the shafts (20) while the other two belts act to maintain tension in the first-mentioned belts.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises two mould support arrangements (14; 114) each comprising a supporting arm (16; 116) pivotal about a first fixed axis (18; 118), a support (22; 122) for mould portions pivotal on the arm about a second vertical axis (24; 124), and a link (36; 136) pivotal about a third fixed vertical axis (28; 128) and on the support about a fourth fixed vertical axis (38; 138). The first axes (18; 118) of the support arrangements are spaced from one another and the first, second, third and fourth axes of each arrangement are arranged at the corners of a parallelogram to retain the relative orientations of mould portions as the arms (16; 116) pivot about the first axes (18; 118).

Abstract: A support for a mould portion comprises an upwardly-facing recess into which a hook portion of the mould portion is received. The support further comprises a projection which enters a slot in the mould portion to prevent transverse movement thereof. The support also comprises a locking member, movable into an operative position in which it projects over an upwardly-facing surface of the mould portion and prevents upwards movement thereof, and moving means for moving the locking member between its operative position and an out-of-the-way position thereof.

Abstract: A mould opening and closing mechanism for a plurality of mould portions of a glassware container manufacturing machine. The mechanism comprises fixed rods (26) carrying fixed pistons (30) on each of which a cylinder (32; 54) is slidably mounted. When fluid under pressure is introduced into the cylinder, the cylinder is caused to slide along the rod. The cylinder is connected to a shaft (18,20, 22,24) so that movement of the cylinder causes the shaft to turn about its longitudinal axis. The shaft is connected to a mould portion carrier so that, when the shaft turns, the mould portions are moved to open or close them.