Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically stopping an automatic glassware forming machine in an orderly sequence of steps. When it is desired to start the machine, a start routine is initiated to move the various glassware forming mechanisms into the appropriate starting positions such that the glassware forming cycle can begin. A stop routine is provided to cycle the glass from the machine and to move the various glassware forming mechanisms into a stationary position where they can be easily accessed. In accordance with the present invention, if the stop routine is intiated before at least one predetermined exit point in the start routine, the stop routine will be entered at an intermediate step such that only those steps concerned with moving the forming mechanisms into the final stationary position will be performed.

Abstract: An impact rod is vertically guided within a guide cylinder to drop into a glass bottle to be tested which is held vertically below by a bottle gripper, the impact rod thereby striking the bottom of the bottle with preset impact force. A plurality of these guide cylinders with respective impact rods and corresponding bottle grippers are supported on structures revolving unitarily around a pole, the bottle grippers operating to grip successively bottles supplied from a production line and to carry the bottles around a partial circle as they are tested by the corresponding impact rods which are operated by adjustable cam action. The impact force is adjustably variable by adjusting the height of drop and/or weight of the impact rod.

Abstract: A hole through each of opposed walls of a combustion chamber of a glass melting apparatus and piping interconnect the chamber atmosphere to an oxygen analyzer. A sample of the chamber atmosphere is continuously moved through each of the holes and piping to the analyzer by the biasing action of the positive pressure differential between the chamber atmosphere and the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An electronic glass gob distributor for machines which form glassware, thermoplastic or similar articles, comprising one or more glass gob distributing channels each supported on its rotatable shaft, a step motor for actuating each rotatable shaft to move the associated distributor channel toward respective forming stations, a pulse signal generator for each step motor, a pulse amplifier for each glass gob distributor channel to amplify and feed the pulse controlling signals to the respective step motor, and a microcomputer programmer for controlled sequence of the generated pulse signals eminating from a data processing unit connected to an operator's control panel, with suitable conductors from the data processing unit to gob feed sensors and to distribution channel position sensors, with additional conductors to solenoids operating a pneumatic valve adapted to actuate a fluid operated linear motor for moving rejecting channels into gob receiving position to prevent feeding of a gob into the glassware formi

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically removing stuck and down ware from an automatic glassware ware forming machine conveyor produces a first signal for each item of normal ware, stuck ware and down ware which is conveyed past an inspection location. Each of the first signals has a duration corresponding to the time required for passage of the corresponding item past the inspection location. The apparatus also produces a second signal simultaneously with the production of each of the first signals, the second signals having a predetermined duration corresponding to the time required for a normal upright and spaced item of ware to be conveyed past the inspection location. The generation of a reject signal during the duration of each of the second signals is inhibited and a reject signal is generated if a first signal is present after the termination of the corresponding second signal, which actuates a signal responsive automatic ware removal mechanism.

Abstract: A glassware-making apparatus has a premold adapted to make a parison and a final mold spaced from the premold and adapted to receive and blow-mold the parison. An arm removes the parison from the premold and displaces it along a path to the final mold. A scrap chute can be displaced by a controller into a position intercepting this path to catch the parison and divert it to a recycle/scrap bin when the controller detects a malfunction at the final mold or downstream therefrom.

Abstract: In order to provide an end face of an optical fiber with a spherical curvature of predetermined radius, designed to optimize the transfer of luminous intensity from an adjoining light source such as a light-emitting diode, a flat fiber is heated to a temperature near its melting point while its profile is optically enlarged. When that profile is found to have reached a predetermined shape criterion, as determined by visual observation or by electronic scanning, heating is terminated.

Abstract: A method of vertically positioning ribbon engaging devices in a glass forming chamber includes suspending a contact member within the chamber a known vertical distance relative to the device, moving the contact member toward the surface of a pool of molten metal contained within the glass forming chamber while moving the device to maintain the known vertical distance; and generating a signal when the contact member engages the pool of molten metal to indicate that the device is vertically positioned said known vertical distance from the surface of the pool of molten metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting strand are provided comprising: supplying a first strand segment; rotating a member to collect the first strand on the member; varying the speed of the rotatable member according to a predetermined pattern; sensing the absence of the first strand being wound around the member to identify a reference point in the pattern at the incidence of sensing the absence of the first strand; supplying a second strand segment to the member; initiating collection of the second strand upon the member having the first strand segment thereon substantially at a speed substantially corresponding to the reference point in the pattern; and continuing to rotate the member according to the pattern subsequent to the reference point to wind the second strand segment therearound.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for coding articles of manufacture which are produced in a die or mold, such as by molding, casting or other process in which a moldable material is either flow formed or pressure formed to shape. In one form, a plurality of projectible and retractable pins or shafts are movably supported within at least one section of a mold and are selectively advanced or retracted to either partly extend across the mold or die cavity or extend completely thereacross for producing a coded array of cavities or such an array of holes extending completely through a portion of a wall of an object formed in the mold. Projection and retraction of the pins or shafts is effected by respective powered devices, such as fluidic cylinders, motors or electric solenoids. In another form, a plurality of pins or otherwise shaped devices are selectively actuated or disposed by a manipulator operating from outside the mold while the mold is open, against respective portions of the mold cavity wall.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a method of and apparatus for automatically and remotely detecting and indicating when any filament breaks out or other discontinuity occurs in the process of attenuating streams of filament-forming material, such as glass, into filaments and wherein a break-out or discontinuity results in an accumulation or collection of the material or glass at the region of the break-out.

Abstract: A cooling system includes means for maintaining electronic control components of a glassware forming machine at a safe operational temperature. A circuit board heat sink is attached to and substantially covers the component mounting surface of a printed circuit board. The circuit board heat sink includes a thermoconductive pad for each component and a metallic panel. Thermoconductive means engage a portion of the circuit board heat sink to transmit heat energy from the components through the heat sink to a coolant manifold. The thermoconductive means includes at least one card guide for frictionally engaging the circuit board and the circuit board heat sink, and a card rack for supporting the card guide. A coolant manifold has a plurality of passages formed therein for the passage of coolant throughout. The manifold is attached to a housing which encloses and is attached to the card rack and receives the heat energy from the components.

Abstract: An electronic control system for an automatic glassware forming machine includes a plurality of position sensors for monitoring the motions of individual glassware forming mechanisms. The sensors generate output signals which define the start and stop times and/or motion of the respective forming mechanisms. The electronic control is responsive to the sensor output signals for identifying any mechanical dead times in the forming cycle. Mechanical dead time is defined as time during which no machine motions are occurring, but could be occurring without interfering with essential heat transfer functions. The electronic control can then reduce or remove selected mechanical dead times to reduce the machine cycle length, and consequently, increase the production rate of the machine.

Abstract: A device for sensing the oxygen content in exhaust gases in a regenerative furnace for evaluating combustion efficiency includes an oxygen probe and conduit cast in a ceramic block. Water moved through the conduit provides structural stability to the ceramic block and protects the probe against thermal damage.

Abstract: A starting safety control circuit for preventing automatic starts after a stop is accomplished in a glassware forming machine. When the machine start switch is actuated, a flag is reset. When the start switch is released, the flag is set. If the machine undergoes a stop, the subsequent actuation of the start switch and the presence of the flag will enable the machine to enter its start and run routines respectively. If the start switch fails in the on mode, the reset flag is not set and, after a stop, the machine is disabled by the presence of the reset flag even though the start signal is being generated by the failed start switch. The resetting and setting of the flag can be delayed by different predetermined times to prevent stray siganls or inadvertent momentary actuation of the start switch from changing the status of the flag. The machine stop can result from the actuation of an emergency stop switch, a programmed stop switch, or a sample switch.

Abstract: A pair of glass ribbon edge detectors each have a power source connected to a carbon probe suspended over the molten metal bath of a glass forming chamber and to the molten metal bath to form a pair of capacitors. The voltage output of each capacitor has a first value when the probe is over the molten metal bath, a second value when the probe is over the glass ribbon and a third value when the probe is over a portion of the molten metal bath and a portion of the glass ribbon edge. Displacement and direction of displacement of each probe is used to determine glass ribbon width.A tweel for metering glass onto the molten metal bath has linear displacement gauges mounted at each side thereof and directly connected to the tweel so as to monitor displacement of the tweel to determine the flow of molten glass into the forming chamber. Movement of the tweel in response to the capacitors' output controls the flow of molten glass to control the ribbon width.

Abstract: A swab reject apparatus identifies and rejects articles that are made in a particular section and mold of a multi-gob, individual section (IS) glassware machine during a particular cycle of operation. The apparatus includes a manually actuated mold switch for each mold of the machine and a pulse generator that generates pulses corresponding to all of the articles made by the machine. Controls responding to the pulse generator and the manually actuated mold switches identify those articles while the articles are moving in series along an output conveyor. Once identified, the article or articles produced during the machine cycles immediately following swabbing are removed from the series on the conveyor.

Abstract: Method and machine for making vials from glass tubing, wherein at least one glass tube (22) with closed bottom is loaded on a rotatable plate (11), having a series of holes circumferentially passing therethrough, and is then grasped by upper pliers (23'), provided on a plane not coincident with the rotatable plate (11), and then grasped by lower pliers (23) also provided on a horizontal plane not coincident with a lower rotatable plate (10), the tube (22) being continuously rotated on its axis by rotating elements of the pliers (23, 23'), and rotated throughout the circumference of the machine by rotation of the suitably controlled rotatable plates (10, 11). In this rotation the tube, as drawn or pulled at suitable intervals by the pliers, is caused to pass in front of a series of burners (17) arranged in suitable number on the entire periphery of the machine, such burners being provided with parabolic arc flames.

Abstract: A process for fusion joining the ends of optical fibers includes aligning the ends of the two fiber cores to be joined facing each other such that at least one of the ends is free to be displaced laterally and there is no axial force between the two ends. The ends of the fibers are heated by producing a heat field with a predetermined distribution, for a predetermined period until attenuation of light transmitted through the fused joint increases, so as to cause partial fusion of the cores while maintaining sheathing of the fibers intact. A device for fusion splicing the two ends includes two opposed fiber supports for maintaining the end portions of the optical fibers to be fusion spliced in an approximately aligned position, the supports being slidable along the axes of the fibers being mounted on said supports such that their ends are free to move laterally.

Abstract: In the drawing of an optical fibre from a glass preform or gathering mould maintained at an appropriate temperature, a process and a system is described for controlling and regulating the characteristics of the optical fibre. To this purpose the fibre formation temperature within the drawing furnace is controlled by a measurement of the tensile stress. The heating of the furnace is regulated, while maintaining constant the tensile stress on the glass fibre at the fibre formation point. A gauge with an electronic measuring bridge is used to carry out a measurement at the preform suspension point, while correcting the effect of the weight reduction of the preform during drawing.

Abstract: A viewing tube extension for an infrared radiation pyrometer includes a tube having a heater therein. The heater has a passageway so that the pyrometer sights a glass ribbon moving through a forming chamber of a flat glass making apparatus. Vapors from the heating chamber moving into the tube are maintained above their dew point as a purge gas moves the vapors out of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for automatic control of the production of optical fiber are disclosed. The process comprises continuously depositing and sintering borosilicate glass particles on a fused silica rod or a graded index rod in such a manner that the glass exhibits a uniform, radially increasing concentration of boron. The appropriate boron oxide/silica concentration ratio in the glass particles is controlled by the time of deposit and the weight and diameter of the rod, which are continuously monitored. The concentration of boron oxide and silica in the particulate is likewise continuously monitored to insure that the correct portion of boron oxide/silica is deposited.The apparatus for conducting the process, includes means for continuously monitoring the weight and diameter of the rod and the boron oxide content of the glass particles and means for automatically regulating the equipment used to produce the optical fiber in response to readings from the monitoring means.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an apparatus for controlling the diameter of a glass bait tube during the deposition of glassy layers therein. The exhaust end of the bait tube is connected to a vented chamber. A gas source is connected to the chamber by a mass flow controller. A moving hot zone is generated within the bait tube while reactant gases flow therethrough in order to form uniform glassy deposits within the bait tube. An outer diameter monitor measures the bait tube diameter within the hot zone and provides an output signal to a controller which compares the output signal to a set point and provides a control signal to the mass flow controller. By varying the flow of gas into the chamber, the pressure within the bait tube is maintained at the level necessary to provide the desired tube diameter.

Abstract: A glass forming machine having a plurality of sections each of which includes a plurality of movable components which operate in timed relationship with respect to one another. An electronic control system effects the automatic synchronous operation of the various sections of the machine to thereby automatically and continuously form hollow glass articles. An automatic override system monitors each of the plurality of sections to determine whether each of the plurality of movable components are in the proper position at any given time. If the aforementioned movable components are not in the proper position at any given time, the machine is either stopped or the operation thereof modified to appropriately correct the operation of the machine.

Abstract: An individual section of a multiple section glassware forming machine has three operating stations in spaced apart relation along the longitudinal center line of the section. A parison formed in the first station is transferred to the second station and released there by a first transfer means. A second transfer means which is operated independently of the first transfer means engages the parison at the second station and moves the parison to a third station in which an article of glassware is formed. By adjusting the time of operation of either transfer means relative to the other, the period of time during which the parison reheats may be changed without altering the relative timing of any of the machine functions which together make up the parison-forming cycle or the relative timing of any of the machine functions which together comprise the glassware forming cycle.

Abstract: A programmable automatic controller for operating a section of a glassware forming machine having a plurality of components which operate in a timed or sequential relationship with one another. The controller includes a timing means for generating a digital signal in synchronism with the operation of the machine, wherein the digital signal provides an instantaneous indication of the time elapsed in each cycle of operation of the machine. A random access memory (RAM) stores the status of every section component at each increment of time during each cycle of machine operation. The digital signal addresses the RAM so that the statuses of all components for the corresponding time are directed to drivers which provide component enable or inhibit command signals.Control means for adjusting the actuation and deactuation times of the section components provide information of a computer which updates an internal memory table organized similarly to the RAM.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the volume and shape of a falling gob of glass. Two cameras are used to make section by section measurements of the horizontal extent of the moving gob. Timing of the measurements is controlled so as to cause measurements to be made at equal increments of the motion of the gob. The measurements are made 90.degree. apart with respect to the gob and are utilized to determine the volume of each section of the gob. The volumes of the individual sections of the gob are then summed to determine the total volume of the gob. An image of the gob is generated on a television screen to aid in the determination of the shape of the gob.

Abstract: Each station has a push-off unit which transfers glass articles produced at such station onto a common outfeed conveyor. Each push-off unit comprises a cylinder-piston unit mounted for swinging movement on a vertical swing shaft, the piston thereof carrying a push-off arm. The push-off arm extends and engages the articles to be transferred, the cylinder swings towards the belt transferring the article, and the push-off arm retracts and the cylinder swings back. The push-off units of the plural stations are activated sequentially, in correspondence to the sequence in which glass gobs are fed into the respective machine stations. Plural electric motors are provided, one per station, and the swing motion of the push-off unit is generated by the respective electric motor. The rotation of each electric motor is controllable, by open- or closed-loop control, independently of the other electric motors. The operator selects the sequence in which the electric motors are to be activated.

Abstract: A noncontacting-type pyrometer for measuring the temperature of a glass ribbon has a hot junction at the center of a circular black body adjacent a first surface thereof and a layer of thermal insulating material on the opposite second surface. The radius (a) of the black body, the spacing (b) of the pyrometer from the glass ribbon and the thickness (c) of the black body is selected to satisfy the equation b<a/5c in order that the temperature of the black body as measured by the hot junction is approximately the temperature of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the mass of a moving molten glass gob. The gob is directed along a curved channel having a force measuring device over which the gob passes for measuring the force exerted by the gob normal to its path. The velocity of the gob is determined both before and after the normal force is measured by means of two sets of two position sensors, one set located on each side of the force measuring device, and a timer which determines the time period for the gob to move between the position sensors of each set. The timer also determines the time between velocity measurements. The data is used to calculate a value of acceleration which is substantially proportional to the acceleration normal to the path. The acceleration value and the output of the force measuring device are then interrelated in order to calculate the mass of the gob.

Abstract: A control system for a glassware forming machine which has a plurality of individual machine sections each capable of individually forming glassware articles. The control system includes a machine supervisory control means connected to a separate section control means for each of the individual sections and to a data storage means. The machine supervisory control means loads each section control means with a control program and timing data from the storage means for forming a specific article of glassware. As the individual sections form the glassware under the control of the section control means, the machine operator can change any of the timing data for each individual section. The machine supervisory control means obtains the current timing data from each of the section control means at predetermined intervals and sends it to the storage means. Thus, in the case of a power failure, for example, the current timing data is available and can be loaded into the section control means to resume operation.

Abstract: An improved microcomputer controlled winder for attenuating a plurality of streams of molten glass issuing from a bushing into fibers and for collecting a strand of such attenuated fibers into a package. The microcomputer controls the winder speed in accordance with error between programmed data and a winder collet speed signal from a tachometer. The tachometer signal is modified to compensate for temperature variations in the bushing when a package is started after the bushing has been shut down for a period of time.

Abstract: This is an improvement to current processes and apparatus for producing monofilament glass fibers from a single or a multitude of streams of molten or plastic glass, being drawn through an orifice feeder into fibers and collected on a winder. A speed control is provided to the winder motor, to alter the speed of the motor in response to a change in temperature of the orifice, or to an interruption in the drawing process. The result is that at start-up after an interruption or with a drop in temperature at the orifice, the monofilament strands are of constant diameter. A predetermined time after start-up or when the temperature of the orifice changes, the speed control changes the rate of drawing the monofilaments and the diameter of the monofilaments are maintained consistent subsequent to an interruption to the process or when the temperature of the orifice changes.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine including means for distributing gobs of molten glass to individual sections of the machine at a predetermined rate, drive means responsive to electrical power of a selected frequency generated by a power source for driving the gob distributing means at the predetermined rate and an automatic control means responsive to timing signals for controlling each of the individual sections in a predetermined timed sequence of steps for forming the glassware wherein the power source generates the timing signals at a frequency proportional to the selected frequency of the power source. Each piece of glassware is formed during a machine cycle which is related in duration to the gob distribution rate and typically is defined in terms of 360.degree.. The power source includes a timing pulse generator which synthesizes the timing signals from the power source electric power frequency at the frequency required for defining 360.degree. per machine cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically producing a frozen parison sample in an automatic glassware forming machine which includes a blank mold station for receiving a gob of molten glass for forming a parison in a first portion of a predetermined sequence of steps and a blow mold station for receiving the parison and completing the formation of the glassware in a second portion of the predetermined sequence of steps. When an operator requests a frozen parison sample, a control means automatically alters the first portion of the predetermined sequence of steps by extending the time the parison typically remains in the blank mold such that the parison freezes. The frozen parison sample is then transferred to the previously disabled blow mold station where it can be subsequently removed for inspection.

Abstract: An electronic timing control system for glassware and other thermoplastic articles forming machines of the kind having a plurality of unitary forming sections and a single molten glass gob feeding and distribution means, each forming section comprising glass gob guiding channels, a blank forming station, a blow molding station and/or a take out station, and finished ware take out means, comprises a preprogrammed controller capable of sequentially controlling all the ware forming operations, a constant frequency pulse generator to operate as a real time clock to measure the timing and duration of each operation sequentially controlled by said controller, a glass gob release sensor to detect the instant when a glass gob is cut and released from said glass gob feeding and distribution means and feed back a signal to said controller to indicate the end of a prior cycle and the initiation of a new cycle of operations, a temperature sensor to detect the passage of a glass gob from said guiding channels into said bl

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for continuously monitoring an optical fiber's attenuation or loss as it is being formed, which includes: a light source, which may be the heated fiber itself during drawing operations or an external source; passing the light through the fiber being produced; positioning the end of the fiber in a holder adjacent to a light detector, for example a photodiode with or without passing the transmitted light through a filter; detecting the light transmitted by the fiber from the light source; converting the detected light into an electrical equivalent signal; amplifying the signal if necessary and recording or observing the changes in the signal to determine an objective measure of the optical fiber's attenuating characteristic.

Abstract: This invention pertains to determination of relative elevations of various components of a float glass producing facility. The extremely flat top surface of the bath of molten tin upon which the glass ribbon is formed is utilized as a reference plane. The elevation of this surface is precisely determined, with the elevation serving as a common bench mark for measuring the relative elevations of various components along both sides of the float glass facility.

Abstract: Monitoring the temperature profile of a series of glass sheets heated while conveyed through a furnace where they are heated preparatory to their rapid cooling required for tempering. Representative temperatures are taken at selected portions of the upper and lower surfaces of selected sheets to determine the temperature difference between the top and bottom surfaces and an indication of the temperature profile transverse to the direction of glass sheet movement. The temperature monitoring system may also include an additional temperature measuring station at a suitable position in a quenching zone where the heated glass sheets are rapidly cooled.

Abstract: Optical fibers in long line communication links fail often in tensile strength. Analysis of tensile properties reveals a variation in tensile strength with fiber length, pointing to uncommon structural defects randomly occurring along the fiber length. Failures occur from crack propagation at these defects. The defects can be revealed according to the invention by nondestructive monitoring during production via off-plane light scattering. A narrow light beam incident across the fiber diameter is refracted in a pattern characteristic of the fiber geometry. Variations in that pattern are produced by structural variations in the fiber or by surface contamination. The nature of the pattern change can indicate the type of defect.

Abstract: For accurately detecting the position of an edge of a glass ribbon in a process for manufacturing float glass, wherein the glass ribbon is moved forwardly along a longitudinal bath of molten metal, a radiation receiving edge of a radiation pyrometer is inserted transversely of the glass ribbon and thereabove from the side wall of the tank supporting the molten metal bath. The radiation receiving edge is reciprocably moved so as to detect the position at which the indication of a predetermined temperature changes, or the position where the temperature increases rapidly, and the position of the edge of the glass ribbon is detected by measuring such position of the radiation receiving edge where the temperature indicated increases rapidly.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for identifying articles emanating in a predetermined sequence from a plurality of sources and formed into rows prior to conveyance to an identification area. The system is particularly useful for identifying glass bottles and, more particularly, for remote marking of defective glass bottles that emanate from glass forming molds so that the defective bottles can be later separated from acceptable ware. The electronic system utilized generates a series of pulses corresponding to formation of each row of bottles to be conveyed and these pulses are coupled to a shift register used for signal delay with the shift register also receiving pulses that are timewise related to the rate of row conveyance. The delayed pulse output from the shift register is coupled through a delay selector switch and fine adjust delay so that the pulse output is delayed a time equivalent to that required from formation of each conveyed row until that conveyed row arrives at the marking, or identification, area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the elevation of the fusion interface between batch and molten glass in an electric glass-melting furnace is disclosed. A probe is driven vertically downwardly through the batch by a combination of a motorized drive assembly and a pneumatic hammer device. When the bottom tip of the probe penetrates the fusion interface, a current path is established from a furnace electrode through the molten glass to the probe tip, with such current flow thereby giving indication that the probe tip has descended to the elevation of the fusion interface.

Abstract: The system described herein constitutes an apparatus and method for internally treating glass containers as they are moving from the forming machine on the single-line conveyor to the entrance to the annealing lehr. A preferably refrigerated enclosure or housing positioned beside the path of travel of the containers is provided with a supply of sulfur pellets, with the pellets being delivered to a gating device, which also constitutes a propulsion device, for feeding or ejecting a pair of pellets from the gating device through an elongated tube whose outlet is positioned above and in alignment with the line of movement of the necks of the containers to be treated. The gating device is activated or triggered by a sensing device mounted to the conveyor in position to view the containers as they are moved by the conveyor.

Abstract: Two detecting means move in the direction perpendicular to that of the advancement of a glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is carried on a roller conveyor and stop upon detecting its side edges. Then the distance between the two detecting means, which corresponds to the width of the glass ribbon, is indicated in a form of an electrical signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a controlled opening or bubble in the bore of a glass clinical thermometer comprises directing a narrow light beam at the heated glass while introducing pressurized fluid into the bore. The light beam is chosen to form a diffraction pattern including a shaprly imaged area whose width corresponds to the bore diameter. The diffraction image area width is used to obtain the desired bubble dimensions.

Abstract: A sensor laterally scans a glass ribbon, while it is advanced on a molten metal confined by a bath, by laser beam to detect an unmelted extraneous substance floating on the glass ribbon generating an electrical signal representative of the presence of the extraneous substance. Heating means, which is positioned in the vicinity of the exit of the bath, is automatically energized in response to the signal to prevent cracking of the glass ribbon due to the extraneous substance when it is picked up from the bath to roller conveyors of a lehr.

Abstract: A control system for a cyclic process includes a pulse generator incorporating three rotatable gears for generating pulses. A first gear having n ferromagnetic teeth is mounted on a main generator shaft for generating a train of pulses in a magnetic perception head upon rotation of the main generator shaft, and also mounted on the main generator shaft is a second gear wheel having n + 1 teeth. The second gear wheel drivingly engages with a third gear wheel having n teeth which is mounted for rotation on another shaft, and the second and third gear wheels each carry a ferromagnetic element movement of which past respective further magnetic perception heads causes the generation of a single pulse during each rotation of the second and third gear wheels.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continually monitoring the surface temperature of a moving glass ribbon at a given distance from the edge of the ribbon where the ribbon moves through a critical portion of an annealing lehr where the rate of cooling determines whether the ribbon may be cut easily after annealing and whether the ribbon is subjected to spontaneous breakage during annealing.