Abstract: The supervisor is connected to at least one hollow glassware production line including a plurality of controlled moving members, and is defined by a line agent unit generating a virtual image of the line, a database memorizing all the data required for operation of the line, an interface, and an instruction analyzer. The database is defined by individual memory areas separately memorizing data relative to the structure of each line in a line table; data relative to production processes to be performed in a process table; and specific elementary operation instructions for the line members by means of a recipe table memorizing conditions relating the memorized lines and production processes. The instruction analyzer processes the line structure data and production process data, and generates specific instructions on the basis of the entered data.

Abstract: A timing control system for a hollow glassware production line having a plurality of sections includes a machine controller; a plurality of section driving boards; a main serial bus interposed between the machine controller and the section driving boards; and a plurality of actuators controlled by the section driving boards; the intelligent control operations being concentrated in the machine controller.

Abstract: A method of setting manually/automatically activated operations on a hollow glassware production line, and including the step of relating a button on the line to a function performable by at least one controlled moving member. To set the functions of each button, a special language is used containing instructions relating specifically to control of the I.S. machine. The language employs predefined tables defining a database storing data relative to the line, the process and the product for manufacture. The method provides for setting machine operating cycles extremely easily and flexibly to define any required function, and in particular for conditioning the existence of events and functions, and for selecting instruction performance time to perform instructions immediately or after a given delay, when specified conditions or events occur, at predetermined machine stages, or when a given condition is determined.

Abstract: The supervisor is connected to at least one hollow glassware production line including a plurality of controlled moving members, and is defined by a line agent unit generating a virtual image of the line, a database memorizing all the data required for operation of the line, an interface, and an instruction analyzer. The database is defined by individual memory areas separately memorizing data relative to the structure of each line in a line table; data relative to production processes to be performed in a process table; and specific elementary operation instructions for the line members by means of a recipe table memorizing conditions relating the memorized lines and production processes. The instruction analyzer processes the line structure data and production process data, and generates specific instructions on the basis of the entered data.