Abstract: The invention involves a system for detecting power failures in a glass ware forming machine and for effecting either a programmed stop of the machine which permits removal of all molten glass in the machine prior to a shutdown or a more rapid emergency stop. Also a machine speed monitoring system shuts down the machine when the speed slows below a predetermined limit. A supplemental battery system is provided to maintain power during emergencies to permit a sequenced shut down. The programmed control is organized to shut down the elements of the machine to initialized positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer control system for a glass factory having a plurality of individual section glassware forming machines. The glass factory control system preferably comprises four microprocessor systems, respectively responsible for overall factory control, overall shop control, individual shop control and individual section control. At the most general level, a microprocessor called the factory supervisory computer performs such functions as scheduling jobs, controlling inventory, forecasting sales, determining fuel availability and cost, performing IS machine simulation and providing maintenance information. At the next level, another microprocessor called the console computer stores and manages all job history files, provides shop status information on demand and collects selected production data. Each shop computer performs such functions as controlling a stacker motor, monitoring temperatures, storing section status information and storing job timing information in nonvolatile storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the rate of operation of a glassware forming system including a temperature sensing device positioned in the blank and blow molds of an I.S. machine. The mean temperature over a period of time is derived for each of the molds. The mean temperature is compared to a predetermined optimum temperature. The optimum temperature is chosen to be the highest desirable temperature at which the corresponding molds should operate. In response to the comparison of the detected and optimum temperatures, the speed of the I.S. machine is varied to increase or decrease machine speed depending upon which the mean mold temperature is, greater than or less than the optimum temperature, respectively. However, before the speed is changed, if the detected and mean mold temperatures are greater than the optimum temperature, the amount of cooling air is increased until it reaches a maximum.