Abstract: A moil crack-off system for a funnel is provided, wherein a pick-up apparatus is arranged intersectionally above a conveyor that is extended from the shaping process of the funnel, and a pair of ware transfers are arranged in parallel on either side of the conveyor. The funnel that is riding on the conveyor is absorbed at a predetermined position by vacuum pads that are loaded on the carriers of the pick-up apparatus, and is moved in a three-dimensional manner to either of the ware transfers. The ware transfers deliver the three-dimensionally moved funnel to a scoring part and a two-step fire polishing part, which are arranged within the ware transfers, so that the moil of the funnel is cracked off automatically.

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: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for bending a glass sheet. A glass sheet (5) is supported on a bending mould (6) in a heating furnace and heated close to a softening temperature by means of a heating field generated by heating elements (4). Glass sheet (5) is placed adjacent to the heating field whose energy distribution is adjusted as desired. Glass sheet (5) is controllably pulled away from the heating field as the glass heats up and begins to bend.

Abstract: An optical fiber soot synthesis apparatus which synthesizes around a fiber starting member forming a core of an optical fiber an optical fiber soot forming a cladding and which accurately calculates in real time the mass of the optical fiber soot when deposited so as to control the synthesis of the optical fiber soot. The optical fiber soot synthesis apparatus measures the weight of the rotating fiber starting member and optical fiber soot by a pair of soot weight detection sensors arranged at a fiber starting member support and rotational drive mechanisms divided so as to prevent the weight of the rotational drive mechanisms from having much of an effect. The computation and control apparatus performs operational processing from the measured weights and calculates the mass of only the optical fiber soot synthesized on the fiber starting member in real time. The computation and calculation apparatus refers to the calculated mass to control the synthesis of the optical fiber soot.

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: 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: 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: In order to provide a substrate such as an optical preform rod (24) which is suitable for insertion into a tube and which has a transverse cross section that is substantially circular and disposed concentrically about a longitudinal axis of the substrate substantially along its entire length, a force-applying means such as a graphite roller (52) is adapted to be moved incrementally toward an axis of rotation (35) about which the preform rod is turned rototably. Movement is discontinued when there is an indication that the force-applying means has been in continuous engagement with the preform rod for at least a predetermined portion of the periphery of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement of the force-applying means and the preform rod is discontinued after a predetermined time, whereafter the force-applying means again is moved toward the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing small tubular lamps, a moving amount of a tube stock is adjusted according to a wall thickness thereof to make the stock-guide amount uniform, and the internal pressure during the stock-guide step is also adjusted so as to produce a suitable dimension of the outside diameter thereof, whereby the working amount in the succeeding step is reduced to decrease errors in dimensional tolerances, particularly in wall thickness and internal volume.

Abstract: Plural article transfer mechanisms are operated in timed sequence by an electronic control synchronized to a main drive shaft. Each article transfer mechanism transfers articles from a dead plate to a moving conveyor. An extensible-retractable pusher arm engages, moves and releases the articles between 90.degree. positions under control of a fluid motor mounted on a turntable. Operation of the fluid motor is based on rotary alignment of a pair of turntable ports with a pair of fluid supply channels in a turntable drive body. The turntable is stepped in rotary increments between 90.degree. positions by an electric stepping motor. The angular speed profile of the pusher arm between the 90.degree. positions is governed by a programmed electronic control, including a PROM, which drives the stepping motor. An adjustable finger clip assembly is snap-fitted on the pusher arm and provided with a handle for ease of replacement.

Abstract: A blanket charger for feeding raw batch material into a glass making furnace, particularly an end fired, sidewall fed type furnace. The charger has a main support frame with a raw batch hopper chute thereon and a reciprocable charger plate positioned under the hopper chute for receiving raw batch material therefrom. The charger plate is reciprocally moved by a fluid driven cylinder and piston device motivated by a fluid, preferably a nonflammable, water-glycol solution or by air. The travel distance of the charger plate in the forward and rearward strokes is selectively controlled by a pair of adjustable striker rod assemblies positioned on the charger plate which alternately contact a pair of frame mounted limit switches. Stroke speed of the cylinder may be varied by selective adjustment of appropriate control devices.

Abstract: Concerning the manufacture of sheet glass by the float process using, as a glass melting and refining tank furnace, a common regenerative furnace having two oppositely arranged sets of burners which are periodically alternately operated with a temporary interruption of firing operation at each reversal of firing, the invention relates to the control of the rate of feed of molten glass from the tank furnace onto a molten metal bath through a canal provided with a control tweel which can be moved upward and downward. At each reversal of firing in the furnace the tweel is temporarily lifted so as to compensate for a decrease in the volumetric rate of flow of molten glass through the canal caused by the temporary interruption of firing operation.

Abstract: In order to provide a substrate such as an optical preform rod (24) which is suitable for insertion into a tube and which has a transverse cross section that is substantially circular and disposed concentrically about a longitudinal axis of the substrate substantially along its entire length, a force-applying member such as a graphite roller (52) is moved incrementally toward an axis of rotation (35) about which the preform rod is turned rotatably. Movement is discontinued when there is an indication that the force-applying member has been in continuous engagement with the preform rod for at least a predetermined portion of the periphery of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement of the force-applying member and the preform rod is discontinued after a predetermined time whereafter the force-applying member again is moved toward the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support frame for a glass sheet heated to beyond its deformation temperature and having a shape adapted to the contour of the glass sheet and mounted on a moving trolley, which has a contactless glass sheet detection device, the detected quality being converted into electrical pulses.

Abstract: The method for decorative processing is performed with repetitively pulsed cross discharge at atmospheric pressure by CO.sub.2 -laser with pulse energy 1 to 5J, power density at operation from 1.10.sup.6 W/cm.sup.2 to 6.10.sup.7 W/cm.sup.2, pulse duration from 50 to 100 ns and average power 1 to 1000W whereby the mated area with one shot is from 0.5 to 2 cm.sup.2.The device for laser engraving comprises a base with mounted console, on which are fastened parallel elements and a screw that is seated in its upper end in a thrust and in its lower end it is linked by a hinge to an electric motor. There is a fork which is seated in parallel elements whereby to this fork by means of handle and fixator is fastened a slide with longitudinal channels and a plate for axial inclination per 15.degree.. To this slide is fastened a second electric motor, and on its axis is mounted a bearer on which is fastened a mask in which is fixed the item to be decorated.

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 rapid fine adjustment of the alignment of the polarization maintaining optical fibrs can be made.

Abstract: The specification of the instant invention discloses improvements in methods for making various types of mats of fiberous material. In particular, the improvements relate to methods for making continuous fiber glass strand mats using reciprocating strand feeders and a programmable motion controller to control both the rate of reciprocation and the rate at which strand is deposited from the feeders onto a moving conveyor so as to form mats of uniform density and thickness. Electric servomotors are used to reciprocate the feeders and also deposit strand therefrom. A closed-loop feedback circuit is used to accurately monitor and control the position of the feeders with respect to the conveyor as well as the rate of strand deposition. Methods for using the programmable motion controller described herein can increase the uniformity of needled, resin-impregnated, and uni-directional fiber glass mats.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in making mats of continuous fiber strand using controlled reciprocating strand feeders. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in making continuous fiber glass strand mats having more uniform density by electronically controlling both the rate of reciprocation and the rate at which strands are deposited onto the surface of a moving conveyor while also reducing the vibration associated with the feeders. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in the production of two continuous fiber glass strand mats, one having uniform mechanical properties while the other possesses directionally dependent ones.In the preferred embodiment, brushless stepper or indexing motors are used to reverse the direction of reciprocating strand feeders quickly and smoothly so as to minimize their vibration.

Abstract: A glass melting furnace comprises a base structure (6) defining a melting chamber (8) an intermediate chamber (10), and a working chamber (12), in which chambers heaters are located. An opening (22) is provided into the melting chamber (8), through which batch material may be deposited on the body of molten glass in the melting chamber. Glass flows from the melting chamber (8) through an outlet (26) at a lower part thereof, which may open into the intermediate chamber (10), and flows over a wier (30) from the intermediate chamber (10) into the working chamber. Located in the outer walls of the working chamber are working outlets (34), through which blowing irons or the like tools may be entered, for a manual withdrawal of molten glass from the chamber (12).

Abstract: A raw material supplying device having a gas tight tank for receiving a material to be gasified by heating; a heater for heating the raw material within the tank and a plurality of pipes for conveying a plurality of streams of gas in parallel to each other to a plurality of ports of a reaction apparatus, and a process for using the raw material supplying device. The raw material supplying device can be used in a system for manufacturing glass fibers in which the ends of the plurality of pipes are connected to the gas feed ports of at least one multi-layer burner.

Abstract: Plural article transfer mechanisms are operated in timed sequence by an electronic control synchronized to a main drive shaft. Each article transfer mechanism transfers articles from a dead plate to a moving conveyor. An extensible-retractable pusher arm engages, moves and releases the articles between 90.degree. positions under control of a fluid motor mounted on a turntable. Operation of the fluid motor is based on rotary alignment of a pair of turntable ports with a pair of fluid supply channels in a turntable drive body. The turntable is stepped in rotary increments between 90.degree. positions by an electric stepping motor. The angular speed profile of the pusher arm between the 90.degree. positions is governed by a programmed electronic control, including a PROM, which drives the stepping motor. An adjustable finger clip assembly is snap-fitted on the pusher arm and provided with a handle for ease of replacement.

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: The displacement of one or more of the plungers in an individual section glass forming machine is monitored so that the location of the plungers, when each mold cavity has completely filled (parison formation point), can be determined. When a plunger is located at the parison formation point the feed pressure is reduced by a selectable amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to the precise positioning of sheets of glass on a conveyer, particularly in an installation for curving sheets of glass. Positioning the sheets of glass by means of a combination of actions, in whole or in part, comprising orientations, longitudinal centerings and transversal centerings.

Abstract: A controller for use in connection with a central control for a glass sheet processing system including an operator interface and a master computer, the controller including a slave computer, a port for two-way communication of data signals between the master computer and the slave computer, a position encoder corresponding to each of the movable components monitored by the controller, and a port for communicating a digital signal representative of the position of the movable component, issued by the position encoder, to the slave computer. The slave computer includes logic for receiving position information from the position encoders and continuously comparing this information to preselected position parameters downloaded from the master computer to determine whether an unsafe condition exists, sending a signal for deactivating the power switch to the drives for the affected components, and sending an error condition message back to the master computer.

Abstract: The image of an edge (MK) of material in strip form, the width of which is to be monitored, is stored and shifted toward both sides parallel to the tolerance limits (TG1, TG2). The coordinates of the picture elements of the tolerance limit (TG1, TG2) are stored and compared with the coordinates of the picture element of the respective actual edge (AK). If its picture elements lie on or outside of the tolerance limits (TG1, TG2), an indication signal is generated.The method is used in the manufacture of plate glass.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber preform having a support for rotatably holding a reaction tube, a raw material supply unit for supplying a glass raw material from one end of the reaction tube to the interior of the reaction tube and a heater for heating the reaction tube by reciprocating in the axial direction of the reaction tube which comprises a pressure measuring unit at the other end of the reaction tube, a gas pressure control chamber having a gas inlet and an exhaust port, and a blower capable of controlling the introduced gas pressure according to the measured value of the pressure memasuring unit in the gas inlet. Thus, the apparatus can accurately control the internal pressure of a reaction tube in good responsiveness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing mineral fibers comprises forming mineral fibers from molten mineral material, continuously discharging an auxiliary stream of molten mineral material, continuously measuring the temperature and the mass flow rate 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.

Abstract: A three-fluid heat exchanger cools the compressed air from the supercharger by engine-cooling water and air in a radiator with coaxial-tube bundles.

Abstract: In glassware article forming machines such as the well known I.S. machine, sensors continuously detect the velocity of operation of each individual mechanism of the machine in order to derive a signal for each mechanism representative of the actual velocity of operation of the associated mechanism, and a control receives the signal and compares the detected actual velocity of the mechanism with a predetermined maximum optium velocity for the mechanism to provide a signal compensating for deviations from the determined maximum velocity for that mechanism, and a command signal to trigger the operation of a succeeding mechanism of a glass forming sequence, when the preceeding mechanism has reached to its point of cushioning, thereby optimizing in this way both the velocity of each individual mechanism, and, the total time of a glassware article forming cycle of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting cullet for the presence of unwanted materials among the pieces of glass. A light source such as a laser directs light onto the cullet. At least one array of at least two light detectors is positioned to detect reflected light from the cullet. The detectors differentiate between non-uniformly scattered light from the cullet and generally uniformly scattered light from the debris. Signalling means are provided to signal the differentiation thereby to indicate the presence of debris in the cullet under inspection. When cullet is present on a moving cullet belt, light from the light source is intermittently scanned over the cullet in a raster-type scan. A multi-faceted rotatable mirror may be employed intermittently to reflect light onto the cullet.

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: Method and apparatus for electronically controlling a servo motor drive for glass gob distribution apparatus, to provide accurate high speed motion of one or more scoops. At the set-up stage, the operator adjusts the scoop position with respect to each trough to align scoop and trough in a straight line. During automatic operation, upon receipt of a MOVE command a motion control computer provides digital output signals to move the scoops through a prescribed motion profile, such profile having suitable characteristics to move the scoops over various distances without vibration or overshoot. A digitalized cubic-parabolic-cubic (CPC) curve or similar cam profile is scaled to the amplitude and direction of the required motion, and the motion profile computer outputs command signals on a point-by-point basis over the time span of this stored motion profile. Such time span is designed to provide sufficient dwell time to allow the gobs to traverse the scoops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing glass TV tube faceplates employing a microprocessor controlled ram and plunger operated with open loop position based speed control at relatively high rates of motion when the plunger is not in critical contact with the glass, at uniform speed as the plunger enters the glass and at closed loop pressure control after the viewing region of the cavity for the faceplate between plunger and mold has been filled out at uniform plunger pressing speed. Pressure control is employed to ramp pressure down to a pressing dwell pressure and maintain that pressure.

Abstract: In a multi-section I.S. glassware article forming machine including handling and forming means such as a molten glass feeder, a glass gob cutting mechanism, glass gob distributor, article molding means, a take out apparatus to bring the green articles out of the molding means, a 90.degree. push out apparatus to bring the finished articles to a carrier conveyor, and a transfer apparatus for transferring the finished articles to a cross conveyor in order for a pusher apparatus to transfer rows of articles to a lehr; synchronizaiton of the velocity of both the 90.degree. push-out apparatus and of the carrier conveyor of each and every section of said I.S. glassware article forming machine is set and controlled at will by sensing the velocity of operation of the glass gob cutting mechanism, of the 90.degree.

Abstract: An electronic system for automatically controlling the weight and shape of glass gobs in a molten glass feeder.

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: An improved electronic control system for glassware forming apparatus having a hierarchy 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: The apparatus for manufacturing the ink jet glass tubes includes a vertical mandrel which receives the tubes one at a time from a feeder and rotates them relative to a pair of gas nozzles for their heating. The tube is heated in an axially limited intermediary zone so as to form an hour-glass shaped profile.The profile of the tube is scanned by a television camera which generates two signals indicative of the internal diameter. These are compared electronically with a stored indication of the desired diameter and the two nozzles are rotated into an inactive position when this diameter is reached. The tube is cut along a plane so as to make the profile of the nozzle coincident with a reference profile by a device including an optical device connected to a cutting wheel to permit comparison of the hour-glass profile of the element with the reference profile. The severed end of the tube is then lapped and covered with a non-wettable material.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism for use in forming a gob of molten glass into a parison comprises a cylinder (30), a piston (32) movable in the cylinder upon the introduction of hydraulic fluid, a piston rod (34), means (40) for mounting a plunger on the piston rod, a servo-mechanism (58) to control the flow of fluid, a position or velocity feedback device (60), and control means (70) responsive to the feedback device operable to control the servo-mechanism so that the plunger moves with a predetermined position against time curve.

Abstract: The bushing balance controller is an electronic device which measures the voltage drop across each segment of a multiple segment glass fiber forming bushing and measures the current flow in the bushing. The device uses these measurements to produce error signals proportional to the difference in the set point temperature and the instantaneous temperature of each segment of the bushing. The device diverts current from each segment of the bushing whose error signal is greater than the average of the error signals for all segments of the bushing. The device also sums all error signals and passes this signal to a bushing controller which adds current to the bushing when the sum of the error signals falls below a preset value.

Abstract: A control system for the control of a multisection glassware forming machine in a manner which enables totally independent operation of any section regardless of the status of remaining sections. The control program for each section is stored in unalterable, read-only memory within a local computer associated respectively with each section. Each local computer is provided with at least two communication ports. A local terminal may be selectively connected to any local computer via one of the communication ports to enter and display timing setting data. A machine terminal or machine supervisory computer may be selectively connected to any local computer through the other one of the ports. A bidirectional communications interface enables data transfer between the selected local computers and selected data input/output devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring data from automated ware identification and reject devices in a glassware production line, and for producing operator-formatted reports on ware production and losses. Production data is obtained from a swab ware reject system, which is synchronized with machine section operation, and from a down and stuck ware inspection assembly. These reject assemblies both rely upon a light source-sensor to monitor the procession of containers on a hot end conveyor. A single production monitor can compile data from a plurality of production shops, and produce hardcopy production reports automatically or on command. The production monitor logs data in a plurality of counting memory registers, which are addressed by production category, real time interval, and source mold cavity. The user specifies report formats and data compilation parameters over an input/output device such as a CRT terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing the movement of glass sheets through a furnace includes a stop for holding the sheets at the entrance to the furnace. An actuator is responsive to a synchronizing signal for moving the stop and releasing the sheet into the furnace. A reference point sensor detects a reference point associated with a rotating conveyor roller adjacent the entrance to the furnace when the reference point is in a predetermined spatial relationship to the glass sheet which is being held at the entrance. Thus, each glass sheet enters the furnace and engages the conveyor rollers in the same position such that any roller corrugation pattern is reproduced in the same position on each glass sheet. When two such glass sheets are laminated together to form a windshield, the roller corrugation patterns can be matched to reduce the optical distortion produced by the corrugation.

Abstract: An improved system of speed control for glass article forming machines includes an operator's control panel which is provided with controls to feed to the system the geometry parameters of the glass article to be manufactured as well as the timing of the manufacturing cycle; a data processor capable of calculating the speed of each mechanism of the machine in response to the data received by said operator's control panel; an EPROM-erasable programmable read-only memory which is used to contain tables including sequence profiles for the opening of actuating valves and speed mechanism profiles; a table selector circuit which is coupled to said programmable memory and the said data processor to select sequence tables from said programmable memory and which is able to solve the speed equations by using the speed information that it receives from the said data processor, and which is also able to provide the starting times of the various mechanisms; a random access memory coupled to said table selector circuit and

Abstract: A temperature control system for a forehearth, said forehearth for thermally conditioning molten glass to be fed to a glassware forming machine, and being divided into a plurality of zones. Each of the forehearth zones is provided with devices for monitoring the temperature of molten glass within the zone, and apparatus for selectively heating the glass. A microprocessor-based time sharing system controls the temperature of the plurality of zones, using adaptive control loops. Each zone is assigned a time period for monitoring temperature and taking appropriate corrective action. Temperature adjustments may be made independently zone-by-zone, or in cooperation, and other physical parameters may be taken into account such as glass viscosity or combustion pressure. Certain time-sharing periods may be associated with monitoring and displaying functions only.