Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating and electric resistance heating. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: Camera based inspection equipment is used in conjunction with a multiple-station forming device such as a blow molder for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or PEN bottle manufacturing. The inspection system relies on handling devices that present successive bottles for imaging, and due to their operation with the forming device it is possible to correlate inspection data with individual forming elements and/or transfer elements. A seal surface inspection module, a base/neck fold inspection module and a finish gauge inspection module are integrated into the route of preforms and containers through the container manufacturing equipment such that the inspection system is directed to view the passing bottles as they are carried on the transfer devices needed to load and unload the molder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of colored glass includes the steps of diverting a stream of clear molten glass from at least one glass melting furnace through one or more transport channels to a color treatment chamber. Recycled cullet and color additive are added to a charging end of the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber is heated to melt the cullet and further heat the remaining feedstock to form a molten bath of colored glass which is thermally and chemically homogenized in the treatment chamber. Refractory rotary paddle wheels positioned in the transport channels regulate the flow rate and level of the molten glass and provide for selective shut off of individual glass streams.

Abstract: A glass production system includes a glass forming machine having a multiplicity of operating mechanisms for converting gobs of molten glass into hollow glass containers, a plurality of solenoid valves responsive to valve drive signals for operating the multiplicity of operating mechanisms, and a plurality of valve driver circuits individually coupled to the solenoid valves and responsive to control signals to operate the valves and operating mechanisms in synchronism and in sequence for manufacture of the glass containers. An electronic controller has prestored control programming for generating valve control signals in synchronism and sequence, and a configurable or programmable logic array connected between the controller and the valve driver circuits for providing the controller-generated control signals to the valve driver circuits during normal operation.

Abstract: Improved bottle extractor for hollow glass molding machines of the type consisting of a mechanical arm for transfer of the hollow glass, with a stepping motor whose output shaft connects directly with the drive shaft of the mechanical arm, the motor being insulated from the rest of the extractor by means of a sheet of thermal insulating material and with a position detector based on the effect produced by an integral plate that has the same axis of rotation as the drive shaft.

Abstract: A parallel shear apparatus (10) for sequentially shearing each of a plurality of streams of molten glass (A,B,C, D) from a glass feeder into gobs for processing into glass containers by a glass forming machine. The apparatus (10) has first and second opposed carriages (12, 14) which are reciprocable along parallel slides (16, 18, 20) toward and away from one another, each of the carriages carrying one or more opposed knife elements (32a, etc., 34a, etc.), corresponding to the number of streams of molten glass, and the opposed knife elements (32a, 34a, etc.) overlap at the innermost limits of their travel to perform the shearing action. Motion of the carriages (12, 14) is actuated by a unidirectionally acting servo motor (36), which imparts oscillating motion to a bell crank (22) through a connecting rod (46).

Abstract: An I.S. machine system has a number of mechanisms which are driven by an inverter drive and a number of machine and section mechanisms which are driven by profiled motion actuators which are controlled by repetitive sequencers associated with each actuator. These repetitive sequencers are synchronized by taking the reference signal from a master clock which supplies the reference signal to the inverters and converts it to a once/cut sync signal for the machine mechanisms operated by profiled motion actuators and to a once/cycle sync signal for the section mechanisms and controllers.

Abstract: A control for a glass forming machine having at least one controlled mechanism which will generate position feedback signals representative of its position, comprising control profile means for generating a profile for each mechanism to be controlled, means for transforming the profile either into control signals for the mechanisms to be controlled or into simulated position feedback signals, a screen, and display means for receiving either the position feedback signals or the simulated position feedback signals and for generating display signals for the screen, and means for commanding operation either in a machine mode wherein the transforming means will transform the profile into the control signals and the display means will receive feedback position signals from the controlled mechanisms or in a simulation mode wherein the transforming means will transform the profile into the simulated feedback position signals and the display means will receive the simulated positoin feedback signals.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating and electric resistance heating. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: A test apparatus for measuring operating characteristics of a position sensor coupled to a parison mold plunger for glass gob weight control in a press-and-blow individual section glassware manufacturing machine includes circuitry for connection to the sensor to provide a signal as a function of electrical characteristics thereof, a switch network for selecting among a plurality of differing electrical characteristics to be measured, and a display responsive to the sensor signal for displaying the selected and measured electrical characteristic of the sensor to an operator. The measurement circuitry includes a measurement bridge for measuring resistance characteristics of the sensor, and an amplifier circuit for measuring sensor output as a function of position of the plunger. The switch network selectively connects the sensor signal to the measurement bridge and amplifier circuit in differing modes of operation of the test apparatus.

Abstract: A device for treating glassware and crystalware articles driven in rotation about an axis of rotation, which includes a mandrel upon which the articles is rotatably mounted. The device includes one of a heating source and a cooling source movable along a direction parallel to the treatment plane, and a data recording system having a control unit for storing and handling the data measured by a sensor relating to the angular position of each glassware or crystalware article. An intersection sensor is included to measure the distance between the external wall of each article and the heating mechanism. Further, a command unit controls the displacement and the location of the one movable heating and cooling source during treatment of the rotating article so as that a substantially constant spacing between the heating mechanism and the rotating articles is maintained.

Abstract: A cyclical machine for forming at least one glass container each machine cycle comprising a plurality of controllers for controlling regulators and/or profiled motion actuators, at least one displaceable structure, controllers controlling the operation of all the other controllers, each of the controllers including repetitive sequencer and operable in any of a plurality of states, the one controller determines the critical time when each of the states should begin, and instructs each of the other controllers to begin any of the states at the associated determined critical time.

Abstract: A glass bottle production line comprising a bottle mold which has a plurality of mold cavities arranged in a predetermined order for forming bottles from glass parisons and for transferring the bottles to a conveyor in a predetermined sequence corresponding to the predetermined order of the mold cavities. The conveyor has a hot end portion and a cold end portion for receiving bottles from the bottle mold at an elevated temperature at the hot end portion and conveying the bottles to the cold end portion. A hot bottle inspector located at a fixed inspection station along the conveyor at the hot end portion non-touchingly inspects the bottles as the bottles are conveyed past the inspection station by the conveyor. A mold transfer signal and bottle detection signal are processed to determine the mold cavity used to produce the bottle detected at the inspector's station.

Abstract: A method of molding an optical element numerically analyzes the thermal stress produced on a molded optical element product within a mold in a visco-elastic temperature range or elastic temperature range of an optical element material in a cooling step of the molding process is on the basis of a visco-elastic characteristic of the optical element material. A correction for the molding face of the mold is made on the basis of the value obtained by the numerical analysis so that any error between the optical functional face of optical element molded by the mold at room temperature and the optical functional face set on design may fall within a tolerance, thereby determining the molding face adapted to the shape of the optical functional face set on design.

Abstract: A molten glass gob distributor for a glass container manufacturing system that includes a plurality of gob discharges and a plurality of scoops for receiving gobs from each such discharge and distributing the gobs among a plurality of troughs leading to associated molds in an IS machine. Each scoop is mounted to rotate about a fixed axis with the upper end remaining positioned beneath the associated gob discharge while the lower end swings through an arc adjacent to the associated troughs. A plurality of electric servo motors are individually coupled to each associated scoop for selectively and individually rotating the scoops. The electric motors are connected to servo motor controllers for synchronizing operation of the motors and rotation of the scoops to each other and to operation of the forming machine. The motor controllers synchronize operation of each motor by means of a synchronizing input from the forming machine.

Abstract: A production installation for the contact toughening of glass sheets comprises a horizontal furnace for heating the glass sheets, a press containing two liquid-cooled pressing plates, a feed apparatus for transferring the heated glass sheets into the press and a removal apparatus for removing the toughened glass sheets out of the press. To the lower pressing plate, a solids-transmitted sound pick-up is coupled which, if a glass sheet breaks in the press, supplies an electrical signal. From this signal, after suitable processing of the signal, the control device is triggered, and as a result thereof interrupts the process sequence.

Abstract: A method of controlling the exit glass temperature and the thermal homogeneity of the glass exiting from a glass forehearth having at least two temperature control zones and having in each temperature control zone at least one temperature regulating means responsive to the difference between a set point signal and an actual value signal for each temperature control zone. The temperature control method includes adjusting the set point signal of each temperature control zone as a function of the temperature of the glass entering the glass forehearth and as a function of the temperature of the glass exiting the glass forehearth.

Abstract: A piston rod of a piston and cylinder device has an axial bore through which a fixed non-ferromagnetic monitoring member extends, and a detection insert of ferromagnetic materially extending generally axially of the monitoring member. A magnetic circuit is created through a base of the cylinder, a sidewall, the piston and the detection insert, and movement of the piston is detected by a Hall sensor which detects a change of flux in the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining the spacing between a ribbon of hot glass and a coater extending over the ribbon for forming a coating thereon by chemical vapor deposition. Position sensors are affixed to the coater at selected positions therealong. The sensors include an annular outlet through which a compatible gas is discharged against the glass surface from a position closely adjacent the surface, and a central opening for measuring the back pressure resulting from impingement of the gas against the glass surface. The back pressure is a function of the distance of the annular outlet from the glass surface, and the size of the annular passageway and rate of gas flow therethrough are such that a smooth well-defined pressure-versus-distance curve is produced for the range of distances within which the coater is intended to operate. Comparison of observed pressures with pressures at known distances indicate the sensor-to-glass, and hence the coater-to-glass, distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically inspecting and rejecting glass articles during the continuous manufacture thereof. In particular, an optical pyrometer is provided for measuring the top of each glass article and generating signals representative of the residual temperature thereof. A computer includes software which processes the temperature signals and generates actuating signals if the temperature does not fall within a range of predetermined temperature setpoints. Generation of such actuating signals actuates a hammer which removes each defective glass article.

Abstract: There is provided a plunger position detector for detecting a linear position of a plunger used for forming a parison over the entire range of moving of the plunger. Since there is correlation between the plunger position and the gob weight, the gob weight can be detected in response to an output signal of this detector and, in accordance with this detection, a gob forming operation is controlled to an optimum state so that the gob weight will become a predetermined weight. Since difference in center positions between a blank mold for forming a parison and the plunger causes variation in the state of movement of the plunger, this difference in the center positions can be detected in response to a plunger position detection signal and, in accordance with this detection, an optimum registering of the center positions can be performed.

Abstract: A method of and device for curving a glass sheet, in which the glass sheet is brought through a reheating furnace by a conveyor defining a substantially horizontal transportation plane, and is then taken over by a tool, by means of which the glass sheet is curved and/or transferred to a curving and/or discharge device. The effective position of the glass sheet is detected and the taking-over tool is repositioned as a function of the effective position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical element from glass material is accommodated between an upper member and a lower member of mold. The glass material is press-molded in a state and heated to a desired temperature, thereafter being cooled and released from the mold to form a product having a predetermined optical functional surface. When the product is released from the mold, the upper mold member is first lifted by a predetermined amount, where the product may adhere to the upper mold member. Upon or after releasing and falling of the molded product from the upper mold member due to its own weight or heat stress, the upper mold member is further caused to ascend and the mold is opened so that the molded product can be taken out.

Abstract: In a device for performing measurements on at least partly transparent objects such as optical fibres a radiation beam is directed on the object. The radiation deflected by the object is imaged by means of a lens system (321, 322) on a radiation-sensitive detection system (330). As a result of refraction on interfaces between areas having a different refractive index (311, 312) in the object and between the object and the surroundings (315), dark or light bands corresponding to the projection of the interfaces are produced on the radiation-sensitive detection system (330). Thus measurements can be performed on the internal structure of the object.

Abstract: In an optical fiber ribbon fusion-splicing device, a TV camera is set such that the horizontal direction of an image sensor contained in the TV camera in which direction a horizontal scanning is carried out and the resolution of the image sensor is higher than that in the vertical direction in which a vertical scanning is carried out is a direction perpendicular to the coaxial direction of a pair of grooved supporting members for supporting fibers of a pair of optical fiber ribbons to be fusion-spliced. Thus, when the fibers of the pair of optical fiber ribbons are set on the supporting members in the coaxial direction thereof, the horizontal direction of the image sensor is perpendicular to the coaxial direction of the fibers of the optical fiber ribbon. Since, therefore, misalignment of the fibers is involved in the high resolution direction, the misalignment can be detected with high precision, without decreasing the power factor of the image sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for fushion splicing optical fiber with three pairs at clamps; the outermost pair of clamps has one rotatable clamp mechanism that is manually operated and a second rotatable clamp mechanism that is operated by a motor. A rapid fine adjustment of the alignment of the polarization maintaining optical fibers can be made.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibers has one rotatable clamp mechanism that is manually operated and a second rotatable clamp mechanism that is operated by a motor. A three position stopper functions in the first position as a stopper against the optical fibers when the optical fibers are moved toward each other and in the second position as a mirror for reflecting an image of respective end faces of the optical fibers. A rapid fine adjustment of the alignment of the polarization maintaining optical fibers can be made.

Abstract: A variable pressure gas jet system for lifting and forming glass sheets including a controller (32) for providing an electrical signal corresponding to a preselected pressure to an electrical-to-pressure converter (34) which converts the received signal to a corresponding pressure. A remotely operated gas flow regulator (36) receives a small volume of the pressurized gas from the converter and transmits a large volume of gas at a corresponding pressure through the system to a series of gas jets (42) comprising an array of nozzles (24) which direct the pressurized gas onto the lower surface of the heated glass sheet to lift the glass sheet from a conveyor to the downwardly facing surface of an upper mold (22).

Abstract: A method of collecting data to indicate certain internal conditions during the function of a glass container forming machine, and apparatus for the practice of the method including sensing devices within a plunger cycling mechanism of the machine for transmitting information from the mechanism during the operation of the machine.

Abstract: The improved distributor for gobs of molten glass is self-actuated by means of a brushless motor having continuous current with microprocessor logic. The distributor permits to modify electronically the schedule of delivery and carry out small corrections of the angles of delivery. The motor is connected to the scoops via a toothed belt and a rack and pinion device.

Abstract: An H-28 machine is a glassware making machine having a plurality of glass making sections which rotate about a vertical axle. The complete process takes one revolution. Individual section mechanisms are controlled by electronically setable cams on a central timing drum and whenever two mechanisms sequentially occupy the same space in a section, machine speed is determined and the cam settings are checked to make certain that the mechanisms will not interfere.

Abstract: A softened section of length of a glass tube is expanded in a dimensionally accurate mold until it has assumed the dimensions of the mold, the mold being made of a material of lower thermal expansion than that of the glass, so that, after cooling, the calibrated section of tube can be released from the mold without any problems. A block of a .alpha.-o glass ceramic with a calibrated mold bore is preferably employed as the mold. It is possible for the first time to avoid a material-removing machining step, which causes damage to the glass surface, yet to be able to produce sections of the tube with a calibrated outside diameter of a dimensional accuracy which could previously be attained only by cylindrical grinding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production line for curved panes, in which the panes of glass are heated, brought in a horizontal position into a curving station where they are taken over by curving tools, and then finally conveyed into a quenching station, the stages of quenching and of entry of the glass into the curving station being at different heights. Defective glass sheets are removable from the production line intermediate the curving station and the quenching station by cracking with an atomized fluid jet and subsequent crushing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the heat transfer in cooling devices. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the heat transfer pattern caused by blastheads used in the tempering of automotive glass. A thin foil sheet disposed in front of the blasthead is heated according to a predetermined pattern. One side of the foil sheet is then exposed to a cooling blast of air from the nozzles of the blasthead, while the temperature of the opposite side of the foil sheet is monitored using an infrared camera. Then, using information generated by the infrared camera, heat transfer information can be determined.

Abstract: A optical fiber coupler manufacturing device is disclosed for the manufacture of fused-elongated type optical fiber couplers. The disclosed invention provides an optical fiber coupler manufacturing device having a chassis, a pair of movable stands provided within the chassis forming a space therebetween, optical fiber mounting units for mounting and fixing two or more component optical fibers on the above mentioned pair of movable stands, and a drive mechanism whereby the pair of movable stands can be driven back and forth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the component optical fibers.

Abstract: A beam carries two abutments and is moveable on the conveying direction of the conveyor. Starting from rest, the beam is accelerated to a speed less than that of the glass sheet moving on the conveyor, so that the glass sheet contacts the abutments while both are moving along the conveyor. Once the glass sheet is correctly oriented, the beam is accelerated and raised to permit the passage of the glass sheet. The beam is then retracted to the initial position for the next cycle of operation.

Abstract: When the tube of a feeder assembly for a glass forming machine is lowered into engagement with the spout bowl, the separation of the jack and the tube support lifts a ring assembly which normally rests on the jack housing. This exposes a pressurized air conduit resulting in a sensed pressure drop which confirms that the tube has engaged the spout bowl.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing glass comprises forming glass from molten mineral material, continuously discharging an auxiliary stream of molten mineral material, continuously measuring the temperature and the mass flow rate by laser means of the auxiliary stream, calculating the viscosity of the material using the measured mass flow rate and modifying a process parameter in response to the measured temperature and calculated viscosity of the auxiliary stream. The laser means is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of continuous measurement of the depth of fill of a radioactive ss melt flowing from a melting furnace or from a storage container into a chill mold (special steel receiver) consists in measuring the electrical resistance of the flowing jet stream. From the measured electrical resistance, which is proportional to the length of the jet of molten glass, the length of the stream of molten glass is determined. The length is a measure of the depth of fill. It decreases with increasing depth of fill. In an apparatus for the performance of the method the jet of molten glass is part of an electrical circuit which includes a current measuring instrument connected to an evaluator unit. The method and the apparatus enable the measurement of the depth of fill with the lowest outlay and the possibility of performing redundant diversionary measurements, whereby a high degree of availability may be achieved. Work of operation by hand on the chill mold is not impeded.

Abstract: A gob distributor is disclosed having a deflector which will be operated whenever gobs should be prevented from entering the gob distributor. The deflector is operated by an interceptor valve which is controlled by an air operated four-way pilot valve. A pilot valve maintenance circuit is provided to periodically blow collected water and oil out of the pilot valve. This circuit inlcudes a frequency timer which will periodically operate a solenoid valve and a duration timer which controls the duration of this operation. Means are provided for preventing the operation of these timers beyond selected ranges which assures that any water or oil collected in the pilot valve will be cleared.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting and inspecting containers includes an annealing lehr disposed on one side of a primary conveyor and a stacker having a reciprocating pusher bar adapted to transport containers from the primary conveyor into the annealing lehr. Inspection apparatus is positioned adjacent to the primary conveyor. The stacker pusher bar preferably has a series of gates which permit a predetermined container which is to be inspected to pass through the pusher bar when the pusher bar is moved toward the annealing lehr to deliver the other containers thereto. The gates may advantageously be slidable or rotatable and be operated on an individual basis by actuators. The inspection equipment may be provided with conveyors to transport the containers to be inspected from the primary conveyor to the inspection apparatus and to transport the inspected containers which pass inspection to the primary conveyor or annealing lehr.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying bottles, having a pusher for moving the bottles and a servomotor for reciprocally rotating the pusher within a predetermined angular displacement, comprising means for emitting start and stop signals of the servomotor, servo-control means for supplying a drive current to the servomotor so as to control the angular velocity of the servomotor, and for stopping the supply of the drive current to the servomotor when the servomotor is subject to an excess load above a predetermined value. The servomotor is an AC servomotor driven by the servo-control means.

Abstract: Gobs of molten glass are sheared and fall by gravity to a gob distributor which redirects the gobs to individual glassware forming sections. The location of the gob as it drops is monitored and at the time when the interceptor must be actuated if a gob is to be deflected into a cullet chute, the gob request is verified and section status is determined. If the specific section has not been enabled or if an out of sequence request has been received, the gob interceptor is actuated at this time.

Abstract: An electronics package for automatically inhibiting operation of the shear blades of an individual section glass machine is responsive to periodic signals from an encoder disc indicative of timing increments in a machine cycle and to motion detectors adjacent to the shear blades for detecting shear operation at the desired point in the machine cycle and for inhibiting shear activation in the absence of such operation. The lockout electronics package includes a programmable counter responsive to the cycle-increment signal for generating a first shear-inhibit signal in the absence of shear operation within the programmed number of cycle increments, and a watchdog timer responsive to the cycle-increment signal for generating a second shear-inhibit signal in the absence of a cycle increment signal above a preselected frequency. A solid state relay is responsive to either of the shear-inhibit signals for removing electrical power from the shear operating mechanism.

Abstract: A glassware production system includes an electropneumatic individual section glass forming machine having a multiplicity of operating mechanisms for converting a gob of molten glass into a hollow glass container. A glass forehearth feeds molten gobs at controlled temperature and weight to the forming machine. Electronic controllers individually and selectively control parameters of operation of the multiplicity of machine mechanisms and the forehearth. Glassware from the forming machine is inspected for manufacturing faults and for identifying each inspected container with its associated mold of origin. The glassware inspection devices provide fault signals indicative of a plurality of differing types of faults, which are thereafter associated not only with mold or section of origin but also with fault cause.

Abstract: The device comprises a three-dimensional grid of thermocouples which are immersed in a fluid, which is moving in a covered channel and has a temperature above that of its environment. Apertures in the sheathing of the channel can be progressively closed by shutters so as to control the cooling of the fluid through an outgoing radiation through the apertures. Burners with a variable intensity are placed within the channel and allow to heat up the fluid in the vicinity of each burner. The position of each shutter and the fuel flow to each burner are commanded severally, based on the values emitted by the ensemable of the thermocouples in order to obtain a homogeneous repartition of the temperature of the fluid, transversally with respect to the channel.

Abstract: A technique for generating isotherms representing the cross-sectional temperature profiles of molten glass flowing in a forehearth channel. A plurality of temperature sensors are placed at predetermined locations within the plane of the channel cross-section, advantageously in a rectangular grid, to provide a matrix of temperature readings. Digitalized temperature readings from these sensors are routed to a processor, which interpolates these temperature readings to approximate the temperatures intermediate the various sensing points, and optionally beyond the array of sensing points. The isotherms are obtained by fitting a Lagrangian interpolating polynomial through the various recorded temperatures. The interpolated values thus generated may be used to provide real time displays of isotherms in the forehearth cross-section under examination, or may be included in a control loop.

Abstract: An improved electronic control system for glassware forming apparatus having a heirarchy of machine level supervisory controllers (including a machine controller and an operator communications controller), section controllers, and individual mechanism controllers. The mechanism controllers may be dedicated to the control of a variety of functions admitting of automated control, such as servo-control of electrical motors, sequencing of solenoid valves, generating alarm signals, etc. The mechanism controllers include separate control programs designed for their associated forming mechanisms, and are subject to on-off timing control in real time from the section level controllers. In general, the machine controller and operator I/O controller handle set-up, operator modifications during operation, and other "non-real-time"interactions with the mechanism controllers; the machine controller also coordinates the operation of a plurality of mechanism controllers in accordance with machine-level parameters.

Abstract: An automatic machine for welding optical fibers end-to-end comprises a first plate (1) for supporting a first or "reference" fiber (2) and a second plate (5) for supporting a second or "moving" fiber (6). The second plate can be translated along Ox and Oy axes in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the fibers. The ends of the fibers are illuminated by light sources (30, 31), optical systems make images thereof, and optical pick-ups (12, 13, 18, 19) located at the image points provide optical signals representative of the positions of the optical fibers relative to each of said Ox and Oy axes. These signals are converted into electrical signals and are compared by electronic comparators (15, 21) which deliver corresponding error signals to control means (17, 23, 24) for moving the second plate until the moving fiber is in alignment with the reference fiber.

Abstract: A push button-actuated digital regulator circuit for use with inverter drives for use with inverter drives for A.C. motors of glassware manufacturing apparatus. The digital regulator responds to an operator is pushing UP and DOWN push buttons to increase or decrease the frequency of an oscillator output signal to the inverter. Maximum and minimum frequency limitations are preset at the oscillator and inhibit the operator command signal in the event a commanded increase or decrease would exceed one of the limits. A counter array provides adjustable frequency outputs to the inverter in binary-coded decimal. In a first embodiment, the circuit responds to continuous depression of one of the buttons by adjusting the output frequency at a rate established by an on-board oscillator. Alternatively, adjustment of the output over a plurality of frequency counts may require repeated pressing of the appropriate push button.