Abstract: A glass product transport apparatus is provided. The glass product transport apparatus includes a slotted element assembly configured to engage a narrowed portion of a glass product. A carriage assembly has a longitudinal slot configured to receive the slotted element assembly for longitudinal movement. An actuator is connected to the slotted element assembly and configured to move the slotted element assembly in a longitudinal direction. A rail structure is configured to support the carriage assembly. The slotted element assembly is configured to retain the glass product in the event power is removed from the actuator.

Abstract: A glass product stress evaluation system is provided. The glass product stress evaluation system includes a background light source to selectively transmit light of different wavelengths and illuminates a glass product. An imaging device is mounted in proximity to the glass product and develops digitally encoded representations of internal annealing stresses formed within the glass product. The imaging device converts the digitally encoded internal stress representations into digital signals. A plurality of optical devices provides a converging view of the glass product. A plurality of filters is mounted in proximity to the plurality of optical devices and selectively transmits light of different wavelengths to the optical devices, thereby transforming detected imaged stresses in the glass product into visible colors. A processing unit receives the digital images from the imaging device and converts the digital images into visible images. The digital images can be classified into annealing grades.

Abstract: A glass product stress evaluation system is provided. The glass product stress evaluation system includes a background light source to selectively transmit light of different wavelengths and illuminates a glass product. An imaging device is mounted in proximity to the glass product and develops digitally encoded representations of internal annealing stresses formed within the glass product. The imaging device converts the digitally encoded internal stress representations into digital signals. A plurality of optical devices provides a converging view of the glass product. A plurality of filters is mounted in proximity to the plurality of optical devices and selectively transmits light of different wavelengths to the optical devices, thereby transforming detected imaged stresses in the glass product into visible colors. A processing unit receives the digital images from the imaging device and converts the digital images into visible images. The digital images can be classified into annealing grades.

Abstract: A glass product transport apparatus is provided. The glass product transport apparatus includes a slotted element assembly configured to engage a narrowed portion of a glass product. A carriage assembly has a longitudinal slot configured to receive the slotted element assembly for longitudinal movement. An actuator is connected to the slotted element assembly and configured to move the slotted element assembly in a longitudinal direction. A rail structure is configured to support the carriage assembly. The slotted element assembly is configured to retain the glass product in the event power is removed from the actuator.

Abstract: This machine is a cell for bulk palletizing a load such as the packaging of containers (bottles). The machine comprises a tier building system, a bulk load and dunnage supply systems. The cell also includes a programmable robot with cantilevered arm including an effector for transferring pallets, tiers of bulk product, tier sheets and top frames to the load build area. The effector includes an inverted drawer, suction means, pallet gripper means and top frame grippers for doing the transferring.