Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a gob of molten glass as it enters a cavity in the mold of an automatic glassware forming machine. The detector includes a phototransistor sensor and circuitry for generating a gob detection signal. Two or more detectors can be combined to generate a signal indicating that the last gob has entered a multi-cavity mold so that the forming process can begin. The gob detection signal can also be utilized to adjust the timing of the glassware forming process for differences in the travel time between the gob forming apparatus and the mold.

Abstract: In the operation of a contact-type probe for sensing the level of glass in a tank or furnace, an arrangement is provided which will move the probe into contact with this molten glass at a relatively slow rate. After contact with the glass, the probe is quickly withdrawn from contact with the molten glass, the quick withdrawal being provided in the two embodiments. The first, by exhausting air from a diaphragm motor used to advance the probe and in the other embodiment electrically retracting the probe by the use of a solenoid.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing a surface coating on a glass container. In this apparatus, a glass container is chucked in place on a movable carriage. A second glass container is held in a fixed position above and touching the first glass container. A load of a pre-determined magnitude is then applied normal to the second glass container, the load thereby being transmitted to the first glass container. The carriage is moved to cause the two glass containers to translate relative to one another. The force required to move the carriage is transmitted through a load cell which gives an output signal indicative of the force. The surface coatings applied to the glass containers should withstand a normal load of about one hundred pounds before breaking down and allowing the glass containers to scratch one another. If a scratch occurs during the test, the force required to move the carriage will increase and this may be easily seen.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a gob of molten glass as it enters a cavity in the mold of an automatic glassware forming machine. The detector includes a phototransistor sensor and circuitry for generating a gob detection signal. Two or more detectors can be combined to generate a signal indicating that the last gob has entered a multi-cavity mold so that the forming process can begin. The gob detection signal can also be utilized to adjust the timing of the glassware forming process for differences in the travel time between the gob forming apparatus and the mold.