Abstract: An adjustable valve assembly as disclosed wherein a plurality of valve blocks may be stacked or ganged side by side, and each used to control a machine part. Each valve block has a solenoid actuated valve to control flow of fluid such as air into a piston and cylinder assembly to move a part of the machine. The air flow is adjustably throttled by a needle valve in either the forward stroke or return stroke of the machine part. The needle valve has a normal at-rest position and may be moved in two directions toward opening and toward closing to establish a variable orifice in the valve block. First and second line shafts extend transversely to all of the various valve blocks for actuating the needle valves in the several valve blocks. Such actuation includes for each valve block first and second drive trains from the line shafts to the needle valve member with first and second clutches in the first and second drive trains and selectively actuable for opening and closing movements of the valve member.

Abstract: A controlled glassware-forming machine is disclosed which has a plurality of individual machine sections each capable of individually forming glassware. Fluid actuators such as pneumatic pistons and cylinders are connected to move the various machine elements within each of the individual sections. These actuators are used to open and close the molds and to move the invert-revert arms, for example. The initiation of the movement of these machine elements is by way of a plurality of main valves to start and stop the movements. These valves are controlled by solenoids in turn controlled by electronic outputs of a computer or control means. The speed of movement of the machine elements is controlled by variable aperture valves such as needle valves, and a power means is provided to vary the aperture of such needle valves, also controlled by outputs of the computer.

Abstract: An adjustable valve assembly as disclosed wherein a plurality of valve blocks may be stacked or ganged side by side, and each used to control a machine part. Each valve block has a solenoid actuated valve to control flow of fluid such as air into a piston and cylinder assembly to move a part of the machine. The air flow is adjustably throttled by a needle valve in either the forward stroke or return stroke of the machine part. The needle valve has a normal at-rest position and may be moved in two directions toward opening and toward closing to establish a variable orifice in the valve block. First and second line shafts extend transversely to all of the various valve blocks for actuating the needle valves in the several valve blocks. Such actuation includes for each valve block first and second drive trains from the line shafts to the needle valve member with first and second clutches in the first and second drive trains and selectively actuable for opening and closing movements of the valve member.