Abstract: A timing and control system for a glassware forming machine includes a ship computer system resident within a control room and a hot end console on the shop floor adjacent a multi-section glassware forming machine. The shop computer system executes a number of subroutines which permit configuration of the shop and of each IS machine section, such as routines for identifying on and off angles for the several mechanical devices associated with the sections. The hot end display includes a touch screen which permits the floor operator to implement certain changes in the timing and sequence of operation of the machine mechanical devices. The shop computer system implements subroutines which test for and detect potential conflicts or collisions between machine devices due to changes in the event times for the devices. The conflict testing occurs when the operator inputs the timing change information, issuing warning messages and disallowing the configuration change in the event of a conflict.

Abstract: A gob guide apparatus for guiding the delivery of gobs of molten glass between a gob distributor scoop and a blank mold opening of a glassware forming machine. The apparatus includes a deflector, a trough pivotally mounted at its upper end to the machine frame and extending downwardly between the scoop and the deflector so that its lower end is aligned along a first axis, a holder mounted to the machine frame receiving the lower end of the trough, and a deflector exit adjustment means for pivotally adjusting the angular position of the lower end of the deflector relative to the entrance of the blank mold opening. The holder includes a carriage having first and second adjustment means for permitting respective longitudinal and transverse movement of the deflector relative to the first axis with the holder maintaining centerline alignment between the upper end of the deflector and the lower end of the trough during the movement of the deflector.

Abstract: An electronic timing control system for a glassware-forming machine includes a mini-computer master controller which controls the timing and sequence of operation of each of the individual section glassware-forming machine components. The master controller includes a plurality of control modules for section timing, conveyor motion, etc., each module of which outputs information to a corresponding serial multiplex I/O module. Each of the I/O modules connected to the master controller feeds data to a common data cable, according to a multiplexing scheme administered by the master controller. Data from the data cable is fed to each of the sections of the I.S. glassware forming machine, and particularly to a plurality of serially connected serial multiplexer modules. Each of the serial multiplexer modules corresponds to a section functional component operable to receive and form molten glass gobs into glassware articles. Each serial multiplexer module has a unique address.

Abstract: An improved gob guide apparatus for a glass bottle molding machine having interconnected gob guiding parts including a trough and a deflector adapted for mounting on a machine frame. The trough is pivotably secured to the frame and interconnected to the deflector at its lower end by a carriage supporting the deflector and permitting arcuate movement of the trough in response to movement of the carriage. The apparatus permits rapid alignment of the deflector with the mouth of a blank mold of a glass bottle molding machine.

Abstract: An article transfer mechanism for use with an I.S. glassware forming machine includes a pusher arm having fingers for engaging a number of glassware articles formed by the I.S. machine, the pusher arm being movable between a first position to engage the glassware at the dead plate and a second position at which the glassware is transferred to a take-away conveyor. A stepping motor is provided for moving the pusher arm between the first and second positions according to a velocity profile. A microcontroller and electronic circuitry associated with each section of the I.S. machine determine a new current position of the pusher arm as the arm moves according to the velocity profile.

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.