Abstract: A glass forming system having a plurality of machines, each of which includes a plurality of individual sections having movable components which operate in timed relationship with respect to one another. An electronic control system effects the automatic synchronous operation of the various individual sections of each machine to thereby automatically and continuously form hollow glass articles. The electronic control system includes a mini computer with associated storage units for storing data for controlling the operation of the glass forming machinery. Information is written into and read out of the mini computer by means of a printer and cathode ray tube console.

Abstract: An apparatus for individually controlling the delivery of each gob within a group of gobs intended for simultaneous delivery to the molds of a section of a multiple section glassware forming machine. In a multiple gob multiple section glassware forming machine adapted to receive a plurality of gobs simultaneously at each successively activated section of the machine, a corresponding plurality of interceptors are associated adjacent the paths of the gobs and may be selectively activated to reject selected ones of the gobs in each cycle of the machine.

Abstract: The machine has a plurality of individual glassware forming sections each having a plurality of glassware forming mechanisms and means for distributing gobs of molten glass to each of the individual sections in an ordered sequence over one machine cycle consisting of a fixed number of clock pulses by cycling the forming mechanisms in a predetermined sequence of forming steps. Each individual section has an electronic control system responsive to each clock pulse for providing a load signal and forming signals to actuate the forming and a circuit for providing a gob load signal in response to a load signal from any one of the control systems and means responsive to the absence of a gob load signal for deflecting a gob from being distributed to an individual section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of gobs to each section of a multiple section glassware forming machine to assure that no one section can authorize the delivery of a gob of molten glass to any other section. The invention discloses means for monitoring the time of occurrence within a machine cycle of the delivery enable pulse from each section and for determining whether this delivery enable pulse occurs within a predetermined time window. In the event either the leading or trailing edge of this pulse occur outside predetermined time windows, the gob interceptor associated with the machine is activated to reject the gobs intended for that section. The invention also discloses means for monitoring the motion of a gob interceptor to provide assurance to an operator that the interceptor has moved to either a delivery or intercept position in a timely manner.

Abstract: A signal is produced which is representative of a position of a part of a mould (1b, 7b, 8b, 9b) at a time in a cyclic process of forming glassware when the mould (1, 7, 8, 9) should be closed. This signal is compared with a signal representative of the position of the mould part (1b, 7b, 8b, 9b) when the mould is correctly closed. This latter signal is produced by averaging a selected number of the immediately preceding signals representative of the position of the part of the mould at the time when the mould should be closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically or manually controlling the rejection of specific articles of glassware or other objects produced by I. S. Machines or other manufacturing equipment includes a control circuit for monitoring the sequence of operation of a plurality of individual identical manufacturing machines and for electronically controlling a rejector apparatus in relation to the programmed operation of any of particular ones of the individual manufacturing machines or in response to operator manual control.

Abstract: Appratus for automatically removing stuck and down ware from an automatic glassware 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. In order to prevent the generation of spurious first signals, two spaced radiant energy beams are sensed which are directed transversely across the transport path of the wares and which are in coplanar alignment perpendicular to the transport path of the wares. A first one of the beams is aligned with the bases of upright wares and the other of the beams is aligned above the first beam. The first signal is produced if either of the beams is interrupted.

Abstract: A delivery system for use for delivering gobs of glass from a plurality of feeder orifices to a plurality of sets of a plurality of blank molds. The blank mold sets are rotated about a central axis with each blank mold of each set being positioned a different radial distance from the axis. The delivery system includes individual gob guiding units each having a lower end positioned over its associated blank mold as each set of blank molds are rotated underneath. The lower end of each unit is moved at a different relative tangential velocity to match the different relative tangential velocity of its associated blank mold. The scoops of the gob guiding units are independently moveable into and out of their feeding positions.

Abstract: A short circuit proof driver and alarm circuit for a solenoid actuator in a glassware forming machine is disclosed. Power to the solenoid is switched from a power source by a VMOS enhancement mode power transistor. Under normal operating conditions, the power transistor will be operated in saturation, whereby very little voltage is dropped between the drain and the source. When a short circuit condition occurs in the solenoid or connecting cable, the power transistor will be pulled out of saturation and the amount of voltage drop will become significant. Circuitry is provided for limiting current flow through the power transistor to a value somewhat above the maximum normal load current. The components of the system are selected to operate properly in the short circuit condition, thereby preventing the accidental activation of a solenoid in the glassware forming machine.

Abstract: An improved system for applying internal treatment gas in the manufacture of glassware such as bottles or the like. An independent primary treatment system and backup treatment system are disclosed, with each treatment system monitoring itself to detect malfunctions. The backup system is automatically actuated whenever the primary system malfunctions. Simultaneous malfunctions of both systems cause glassware to be rejected from the conveyor line for a predetermined period, producing a gap which pinpoints the arrival of possibly untreated ware.

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: 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: 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: Molten waste glass and rejected hot glass bottles from glass moulding processes are flattened in an apparatus comprising two rollers independently driven for rotation in opposing directions and having a gap therebetween through which the hot glass fed to the apparatus can be flattened, the two rollers being urged towards each other in normal operation at least one of the rollers being pivotally mounted. In order to prevent jamming of the apparatus there are provided means for swinging the pivotally mounted roller away from its normal operating position in the event of a foreign object being accidentally dropped into the apparatus and in the event of a power failure. Also there may be provided with a cam such that by rotation of the cam the pivotally mounted roller can be moved and the normal operating gap between the rollers altered. The gap between the rollers can be altered according to the rate of glass feed, the nature of glass fed to the apparatus and the required size of cullet granules.

Abstract: A machine parts protecting system for protecting those parts of a machine that may be in close proximity to high temperature flames. This system is for a machine used for processing workpieces and has a plurality of workpiece holding members which are indexed in a stop-and-go fashion through a number of operating stations. The protecting system includes a photo-detector to detect that a workpiece is not being held by one of the workpiece holding members and to send a first signal to a memory circuit which retains that information until a predetermined time when the empty workpiece holding member arrives at an operating station with high temperature flames. At that time the memory circuit initiates a second signal opening a solenoid valve, thereby permitting an air jet to blow the high temperature flames away from the empty workpiece holding member.

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: 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: The invention relates to a machine for working glass tubes, with several chucks circulating on a common axis and sweeping past several processing stations, there being mounted above each chuck a stepwise rotating magazine storing several glass tubes, each tube resting by its lower end on a non-rotating supporting plate which has a hole for the glass tubes to fall through for engagement by the chuck therebelow, the machine having a switch which causes the magazine to rotate, one step at a time, each step corresponding to the distance between two neighbouring tubes, in order to bring the next glass tube to the hole, and wherein between the hole of the supporting plate and the chuck therebelow there is a mobile arrestor blade which allows the magazine to rotate stepwise without a tube falling through the hole, until the chuck is empty, whereupon the blade can disengage so that it no longer blocks the hole.

Abstract: A press actuating hydraulic system for a glass bending apparatus including a pressure release valve assembly operable to assure press member retraction in the event of a pressure failure in the main pressure supply conduit controlling actuation of the press member.

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: The invention relates to a machine for making containers from glass tubes, with several chucks circulating through a succession of processing stations, each chuck having jaws to grip a glass tube or container, and with the chucks being brought successively to a position in which they are superposed above a stationary supporting plate at at least one processing station, this plate being for limiting downward movement of the length of tube which falls downwards through the chuck, wherein the chucks move up and down on at least one circulating column, the processing station which has the supporting plate being equipped with a senser which triggers a releasing device which releases the chuck which has reached this station, so that it moves downwards, the senser responding to the absence of a tube above the upper surface of the jaws of the chuck by initiating downward movement of the chuck.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming glass containers wherein the glass is expanded to its final shape in a blow mold. A blowhead is brought onto vertical registry with the blow mold cavity. In the conventional Hartford I.S. forming machine, the mechanism for moving the blowhead onto and out of registry with the blow mold is pneumatically operated. The blowhead and the arm that supports the blowhead or blowheads is of considerable mass, and when an operator is required to change blow molds, or in some instances repair mechanisms which are at the blow mold location, it is necessary to maintain the blowhead in its up position. Air lockout systems have been used in the past but have not been foolproof. Accidents may occur. The present invention utilizes a mechanical lockout arrangement which locks the piston rod in its elevated position to avoid any possibility of the blowhead dropping.

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: 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.