Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting and maintaining the setpoints of a plurality of product variables for a continuous fibrous glass product on a production line. A computer may be programmed to establish and maintain the setpoints in response to feedback signals representing the actual values of the product variables. In order to minimize lost time and waste material when a job change requires the generation of new setpoints, the computer is programmed to drive the present values of the setpoints to new values for the new product by incrementing each setpoint in sequence until the new values are attained. The initiation of the drive for each setpoint is based on the movement of the product down the line so as to minimize the amount of material sacrificed between the end of the old product and the beginning of the new product.

Abstract: A glass-melting furnace is provided with means for sensing the batch in the furnace. More specifically, the sensor determines the level or height of the batch in the furnace without physical contact therewith and with the aid of this value, the thickness of the batch can be determined. With the batch thickness known, the power input for the electrodes of the furnace can be changed or the supply of batch to the furnace can be altered to maintain the batch thickness at a constant value in the furnace or to maintain the glass level constant.

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 apparatus for the weighing of mass produced articles, especially highly-tempered glass products shortly after their formation, which are transferred with the interposing of a balancing device, by means of a weighing conveyor belt from a delivery conveyor belt on to a removal conveyor belt which runs at an angle to the delivery conveyor belt. The apparatus aids quality control by monitoring article weight. It operates dependably even in dirty, turbulent, high temperature environments.

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: A technique for monitoring the drawdown zone of an optical fiber preform is disclosed. The technique involves detecting the caustic rays emanating from the drawdown zone. Analysis of these rays allows one to determine the geometric properties of both the drawdown zone and the resultant optical fiber. In addition, detailed information concerning the index of refraction distribution in the fiber may be obtained. The process is amenable to realtime applications during the drawing of an optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a glass parison comprises a spindle and a plunger mounted in the spindle for axial displacement. Mechanism is provided for axially displacing the plunger relative to the housing. A press mould has a cavity for carrying glass melt and is movable into a working position aligned with the plunger so that the plunger may enter the mould cavity. A recess is provided in the housing in communication with the mould cavity to receive excess glass melt displaced thereinto in response to positioning of the plunger within the mould cavity. The plunger functions as a valve to alternately block and establish access between a blowing air passage and the front end of the plunger to allow air to be blown against a glass parison being produced. Retaining ring segments which partly define the melt-receiving recess are pivotable between a first position retaining a parison in place, and a second position allowing removal of the parison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for protecting the apparatus employed in the formation of glass fibers, glass fiber strands and the products produced therein. The method involves continuously contacting the moving glass fiber strand during the forming thereof from glass fibers with a strand detecting means provided between a gathering shoe and winding means and automatically deactivating the winding means and spiral assembly associated therewith in addition to protecting the application surface of the applicator when a loss of contact of strand between the gathering shoe and winding means is detected. This deactivation of the winding means and spiral prevents damage from glass beads which may form after a strand breakout in a glass fiber forming operation. The strand breakout is detected by means located between the gathering shoe and collet.

Abstract: A method for maintaining constant the width of a glass band manufactured by a float method. A pair of position detectors are positioned within the melted metal bath chamber to produce position signals representing positions of both edges of glass band floating on the melted metal. The position signals are converted into a band width signal which is used for regulating the height or opening of the tweel.

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: Apparatuses for attenuating a body of hot glass moving over a body of molten metal are each provided with a nip sensing device, a linear movement monitoring device and an angular movement monitoring device. The nip sensing device includes a plurality of discrete phototransistors positioned over the glass and molten metal in a direction generally transverse to the direction of glass movement. When the selected ones of the phototransistors are not conducting, the circuit operates to appropriately energize a motor to move the attenuating apparatus with respect to the edge of the ribbon to provide a nip width within a predetermined range. The linear movement monitoring device includes a potentiometer on each opposed attenuating apparatuses giving an output which is monitored to determine the width of the ribbon. The angular movement monitoring device includes a potentiometer which yields an output which varies with the movement of the apparatus along an arcuate path relative to the edge of the ribbon.

Abstract: A glass batch feeder for an electrically-heated, glass-melting furnace is provided. The furnace typically includes a glass melting tank with electrodes immersed therein and with a batch feeder extending across the tank and movable back and forth from one end to the other to supply a layer of glass batch over molten glass in the tank. The batch is deposited gently on the top of the batch layer and in a positive, uniform manner to assure proper control of the thickness of the layer. The feeder includes a hopper and a rotatable distributor which intercepts batch from the hopper and deposits it in uniform increments onto the batch layer.

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 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.