Abstract: Each section of a multi-section glass forming machine contains a plurality of mechanisms for moving functional members in sequence for forming gobs into glass containers and for sweeping the containers from a cooling dead plate to a moving machine conveyor.A plurality of reversible, electric motors are provided for each section to operate the rotation of the sweepout mechanism and for operating the other mechanisms, namely, the parison mold opening and closing mechanism, the funnel operating mechanism, the baffle operating mechanism, the invert arm operating mechanism, the blow mold operating mechanism, the blowhead operating mechanism and the take-out mechanism. Each motor is coupled directly to the drive shaft of the mechanism and the rotation of each motor is controlled by a programmable controller which permits the adjustment of the timing and velocity during machine operation of each motor independently of the other electric motors.

Abstract: Hot glass panes are displaced without sagging through a treatment station, such as an oven, on a roller grate which is linearly reciprocated while the rollers of the grate receive a translatory angular velocity component and an angular oscillation so that the velocity at a glass pane relative to the traveling grate is R.multidot..omega..sub.osc +R.multidot..omega..sub.trans, where R is the radius of the rollers at a point of contact with the pane, .omega..sub.osc is the angular oscillation velocity component of the roller displacement and .omega..sub.trans is the angular translatory component.

Abstract: Article handling apparatus for use in conjunction with a glassware forming machine is effective to remove finished ware from a dead plate where it has been placed to cool and transfer it to a moving conveyor. An electronic control synchronizes the movements of the apparatus with the cycle of the forming machine and deposits the ware on the moving conveyor with a component of velocity in the direction of the conveyor movement which effects smooth transfer to the conveyor irrespective of variations in conveyor speed.

Abstract: An I. S. glassware forming machine is controlled by a minicomputer in which a stored sequence of events is accessibly stored in memory such that the identity and condition of a plurality of solenoid valves is programmed to occur at predetermined times in each cycle of the machine. The feeder provides a once per feeder cycle input to the minicomputer and a function generator produces trigger pulses each millisecond so that a factor Q can be calculated to relate these trigger pulses to fractional portions of the cycle, and hence to the event timings stored in memory. The sequence of events stored in memory comprise a threaded list of elements, each of which has four parts. The first part comprises the fractional part of the cycle at which the particular event is to occur and the last part the address of the next succeeding element. The second part contains information to be interpreted for display on an operator's console, and to permit orderly access to the information contained in the four word element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating clock pulses to an electronically controlled glassware forming machine from the variable frequency power present in a power selsyn multiple motor drive system is disclosed. The frequency of the power present in the selsyn rotor windings is subtracted from the frequency of the power present in the selsyn stator windings to generate a difference frequency signal. The difference frequency signal has a frequency which is directly proportional to the speed of the rotating selsyn rotors. The difference frequency signal can be scaled to provide a desired number of clock pulses and reset pulses per machine cycle.

Abstract: A traveling grate for hot glass prevents sagging of the glass by displacing the grate at a velocity different from the angular velocity imparted to the grate rollers in the opposite direction so that the translatory velocity imparted to the glass is an algebraic summation of the grate velocity and .omega.R where .omega. is the angular velocity of the rollers and R is the radius thereof.

Abstract: A programmable control signal generator controls the overall speed of an I.S. machine, the timing of sequential functions of each individual section, and the relative phasing of the IS machine sections. A time-based drive signal, derived from the time base signal of the programmable control signal generator, is applied to a stepper motor which is coupled to a gob feeder and plunger mechanism and a conveyor mechanism through respective gear reducers. The pulse repetition rate of the drive signal is controlled manually from an operator's speed control station or automatically from a computer to establish and vary the machine speed. The programmable control signal generator also provides a timing signal, coordinated with the drive signal, to time the sequential functions of the sections as a function of the number of elapsed time increments into which a machine cycle is divided. The timing signal has a pulse repetition rate which is preferably a calculated ratio of the repetition rate of the drive signal.

Abstract: A control system for a glassware forming machine determines the machine speed in accordance with the physical characteristics of the molten glass and the type of glassware being formed. The control system is loaded with timing data representing predetermined forming steps and a machine cycle speed and a control program for generating control signals to the machine forming mechanisms for forming the selected type of glassware. As the machine is operated, one or more physical characteristics of the molten glass entering the machine are sensed and utilized by the control system to adjust the machine speed to an optimum value. The control system also can utilize signals representing the operation of the forming mechanisms to adjust the timing within the machine cycle.

Abstract: A control system for individual section glassware forming machines is disclosed which includes a first storage means for storing a control program defining a series of predetermined forming steps and job history and other data from the individual sections. A plurality of individual sections control means, individual to each of the individual sections of the glassware forming machines, generate control signals to the glassware forming means in accordance with the control program. A forming supervisory control means is connected between the first storage means and the individual section control means for loading the control program and job history data into the individual section control means and for reading operating data from the individual section control means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the rate of operation of a glassware forming system including a temperature sensing device positioned in the blank and blow molds of an I.S. machine. The mean temperature over a period of time is derived for each of the molds. The mean temperature is compared to a predetermined optimum temperature. The optimum temperature is chosen to be the highest desirable temperature at which the corresponding molds should operate. In response to the comparison of the detected and optimum temperatures, the speed of the I.S. machine is varied to increase or decrease machine speed depending upon which the mean mold temperature is, greater than or less than the optimum temperature, respectively. However, before the speed is changed, if the detected and mean mold temperatures are greater than the optimum temperature, the amount of cooling air is increased until it reaches a maximum.

Abstract: Improved system for controlling the movement of rotary article conveying mechanism in IS glassware forming machines employing a reversing arm, operating mechanism for said arm to move same between a parison forming station and a blow molding station, said operating mechanism including a double action fluid driven actuator, solenoid controlled valves for the actuator, an arm position sensor, an actuator pressure sensor, a logic circuit receiving signals from the sensors, a digital valve responsive to signals from the logic circuit for fluid flow control from the actuator, a regulator controlling fluid pressure to the actuator, and a control panel containing digital indicators, mode switches and a mode indicator and a digital display for reception and transmission of signals to and from the logic circuit, the end result being the precise timing of reversing arm operation and elimination of impact at the end of reversing arm movement, with identical operational mechanism for the take-out arm, with the additional

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: A microprocessor-based control system for monitoring and controlling the processing of pairs of sheets of glass in a glass bending and tempering system. The glass sheets are conveyed by a horizontal roller conveyor which is driven by a drive motor. The roller conveyor conveys pairs of sheets of glass along the longitudinal length of an elongated heating chamber to a bending station where the glass sheets of each pair are simultaneously lifted by a bending apparatus. The glass sheets are controllably moved within the heating chamber while on a plurality of rolls adjacent the bending apparatus independent of glass sheet conveyance on the other rolls of the conveyor. The control system includes a photoelectric sensor pair mounted on the conveyor for sensing the glass sheets as the glass sheets are conveyed by the conveyor. The photoelectric sensor pair provides a glass sense signal to a control computer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an improved construction for a ten-section IS glass forming machine which incorporates on and in the machine frame, all of the control valving and piping necessary to operate all of the sections of the machine according to any selected one of a plurality of different types of processes, resulting in a significant decrease in the proliferation of pipes and valves that were previously required to be added to, and then removed from, the machine as the machine operation was changed from one type of forming process to another. The apparatus of this invention further applies individual controls for effecting the cooling of each parison mold cavity and each blow mold cavity of each multi-cavity section of the machine.

Abstract: A glass sheet bending system (10) disclosed includes a horizontal roller conveyor (16) having a roll operator for operating a plurality of conveyor rolls (18) adjacent an associated bending apparatus (22) to control conveyance thereon independent of conveyance on the other rolls of the conveyor. In one embodiment, the roll operator comprises a roll shifter (24) for shifting the rolls (18) along the direction of conveyance during continued rotational driving. In another embodiment, the roll operator comprises a positioning drive (140), that drives the conveyor rolls (18) adjacent the bending apparatus (22) independently of the other rolls of the conveyor. Both embodiments reduce the rate of glass sheet conveyance as the holder receives each glass sheet to reduce sliding at a surface (62) of the holder.

Abstract: A conveyor drive system including an improved control circuit for a glass manufacturing apparatus transports a glass sheet through a glass processing station. The conveyor drive system includes first and second conveyor drives disposed on opposed lateral sides of the station. Each of the conveyor drives includes first and second pulleys and a continuous drive loop trained thereover. The glass plate is supported on a plurality of elongated rollers that extend between the conveyor drives and have their opposed ends supported on and in frictional engagement with the continuous drive loops. A drive motor applies drive torque to the first pulleys, and a pair of counter-poised drive motors apply a counter-torque to the second pulleys. The control circuit for controlling the energization of the first drive motor and the pair of counter-poised drive motors includes a feedback circuit which provides degenerative speed feedback for stabilizing the motion of the conveyor drive system.

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: A roll drive mechanism (14) for a horizontal roller conveyor (12) of glass sheet processing equipment (10) has particular utility with a heating furnace (18) of a glass sheet tempering system. First and second continuous drive loops (22,24) of the drive mechanism extend along the conveyor and are alternately engageable in a driving relationship with conveyor rolls (16) over associated lengths (26,28,30) of the conveyor that are selectively adjustable to provide a desired transition between adjacent conveyor sections driven by different drive loops. First and second electric motor drives (32,34) respectively drive the loops to provide synchronous or independent glass sheet conveyance over the different lengths of the conveyor.

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: An electrically operated and electronically controlled hollow glass article (glassware) handling apparatus responsive to I.S. machine synchronous operation may have mechanical robot operation consistent with, and identical to, ideal mechanical cam driven glassware conveyor delivery apparatus (GCDA) operation and may be adjustable for varying pushout cylinder time-position characteristics and automatically may correct for loss of synchronization and loss of initial or "home" position reference.

Abstract: Controlling the exit temperature of heated glass sheets of different thicknesses within a predetermined thickness range and/or different heat absorbing characteristics e.g. color, so that each sheet arrives at the furnace exit at substantially the same elevated temperature required for subsequent treatment that is substantially equal from sheet to sheet.

Abstract: The diameter of an optical fiber being drawn is monitored and controlled by an optical measuring technique. An electrical input signal is generated from the fringe pattern produced by directing a laser beam onto the fiber. The input signal is connected to appropriate terminals of first, second, third and fourth comparators. The input signal is delayed 180.degree. to provide an input signal to the remaining two terminals of the first and second comparators and is delayed 90.degree. to provide an input signal to the remaining terminals of the third and fourth comparators. The output pulses from the comparators are shaped, summed and counted to provide a control signal for the fiber drawing apparatus.

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: 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: A method is provided for improving the uniformity of the surface weight of a mineral wool mat. The mat is produced from a mineral melt which is converted into fibers, these fibers being introduced into a gas-formed stream providing a transport medium for these fibers. The transport medium and the mineral fibers carried thereby are transported to a moveable collector band on one side of which the mineral wool is deposited so as to form the mineral wool mat, the transport medium being caused to pass through the collector band by means of a fan or the like. The method comprises measuring at least one variable which is characteristic of the transport medium and which varies in relationship to the amount of mineral wool deposited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filming and tempering a pre-cut glass sheet in a continuous process. The glass sheet is heated initially to a temperature sufficient for pyrolysis. The heated glass is sprayed with a coating composition which reacts with the glass to form a metal oxide film on its surface. The filmed glass is re-heated to both restore the heat lost by spraying and to bring its temperature to a level sufficient for tempering. The glass sheet is then tempered by subjecting it to rapid cooling. The method can be modified to include a secondary spraying wherein after the glass is first sprayed it is re-heated as in the initial step and then re-sprayed before completing the process. Apparatus for carrying out the above described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor drive for a glass manufacturing system transports a sheet of glass through a tempering station on a roller bed. The conveyor drive includes a pair of pulleys mounted at opposed ends of the tempering station. A continuous drive loop is trained over the pair of pulleys and engages the roller bed so that rotational motion of the pulleys is imparted to the roller bed. One pulley is driven by a motor to transport the glass through the station. The other pulley drives an electrical generator connected to a dissipative load. The generator and load provide an adaptive counter-torque to the other pulley in direct relation to its rotational speed. The counter-torque stabilizes the conveyor drive to prevent slip-stick friction from disrupting the transport of the glass sheet.

Abstract: In a turret press for moulding glass, a turntable is equipped with a plurality of equally circumferentially spaced mould-receiving stations which move past stationary operating stations comprising at least one glass charging station, at least one glass pressing station and at least one product withdrawing station. The turntable is driven by a Maltese cross mechanism connected to a continuously running motor by a clutch and brake device. Scanners provided for uncoupling and braking the Maltese cross mechanism are disposed at each said operating station to co-operate with actuators of the mould-receiving stations on the turntable. Any one actuator is operative to co-operate with the scanners only when a mould is present at the respective mould-receiving station.

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: 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 multi-step glass forming machine having a plurality of mechanically actuated valves adapted to initiate the various steps in the operation of the machine is disclosed herein and includes an electronically controlled valve block assembly for mechanically actuating the aforestated valves. The valve block assembly includes a plurality of piston and cylinder arrangements, the pistons of which are pneumatically movable from a retracted position to an extended position for actuating respective ones of the valves. In this regard, the pistons are moved to their respective extended positions in response to the energization of an associated electrically actuated control valve and by a common pressurized air supply which is preferably independent of the glass forming machine.

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: 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 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 of the gob distribution rate and typically is defined in terms of 360.degree..

Abstract: A conveyor drive mechanism for a glass manufacturing apparatus transports a glass sheet through a glass processing station. The conveyor drive mechanism includes first and second conveyor drives disposed on opposed lateral sides of the station. Each of the conveyor drives includes first and second pulleys and a continuous drive loop trained thereover. The glass plate is supported on a plurality of elongate rollers that extend between the conveyor drives and have their opposed ends supported on and in frictional engagement with the continuous drive loops. A first torque source applies drive torque to the first pulleys, and a second counter-torque source applies a counter-torque to the second pulleys. The cooperative effect of the first and second sources provides at least a minimum, predetermined level of tension in the active areas of the continuous drive loops at all times. A control circuit for controlling the energization of the first torque source and second counter-torque source is disclosed.

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 of producing clad glass rod of uniform diameter from which an optical fibre is drawn. The rate of drawing of the rod from a glass melt and the diameter of the drawn rod are sensed and the sensed values are fed to a coarse open loop control and a high gain closed loop control which regulate the draw speed of the rod and the movement of a cooling jacket which cools the rod as it is drawn.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling the temperatures of glass sheets moving bodily through a furnace by automatically varying the heat exposure time of the sheets in the furnace in accordance with temperature variations from a desired level detected in heated sheets exiting the furnace.

Abstract: The invention consists an automatic continuous process (kinematic) machine for the manufacture of glass objects characterized in that it comprises, between the blanking drum and the finishing drum, a sliding beam whose sliding motion enables the time period between the vehicles leaving the blanking drum and their entry into the finishing drum to be regulated instantly and precisely while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: A controlled glassware-forming machine is disclosed which has a plurality of individual machine sections each capable of individually forming glassware. Fluid actuators such as pneumatic pistons and cylinders are connected to move the various machine elements within each of the individual sections. These actuators are used to open and close the molds and to move the invert-revert arms, for example. The initiation of the movement of these machine elements is by way of a plurality of main valves to start and stop the movements. These valves are controlled by solenoids in turn controlled by electronic outputs of a computer or control means. The speed of movement of the machine elements is controlled by variable aperture valves such as needle valves, and a power means is provided to vary the aperture of such needle valves, also controlled by outputs of the computer.

Abstract: The glass tempering system includes an elongated furnace in which a horizontal conveyor oscillates a glass sheet between opposite ends of the chamber in a manner to shorten the necessary furnace length to heat the glass to its quench temperature. A load station at one end includes a horizontal conveyor driven by the same drive mechanism as the furnace conveyor during the index cycle so that a glass sheet is received while another glass sheet is being indexed to the quench unit. A second motor drives the quench unit conveyor in an oscillating manner. The two drive mechanisms are coupled during the index cycle so that a tempered glass sheet is conveyed from the quench unit to an unload station as a heated glass sheet is being conveyed to the quench unit. The conveyor of the unload station is driven by the quench unit drive during the index cycle to receive the tempered glass sheet. Each of the conveyors includes drive chains which frictionally drive their conveyor rollers.

Abstract: A system for conveying a series of glass sheets at a non-uniform speed through sheet treatment apparatus comprising a plurality of treatment stations. Longitudinally spaced conveyor rolls are rotated at a first speed at a first sheet treatment station where each sheet in turn is oriented and aligned properly relative to said conveying system and other rolls are rotated at a greater speed at a second sheet treatment station where the properly oriented and aligned sheet is treated.

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 glass sheet to be heated, for example to a bending or a quenching temperature, is supported on its lower edge in an upright disposition and is advanced along a horizontally disposed path through a furnace. Transient support is provided for the upper edge of the sheet which support is positioned to cause the sheet to lean at a near-vertical angle as it is advanced, and thermal conditions in the furnace as well as the time the sheet is within the furnace are set in dependence on the glass thickness so as to heat the glass to the required temperature while permitting the glass to relax as it is heated only by an amount less than a maximum acceptable deformation of the sheet which depends on the use to which the sheet is to be put.

Abstract: A control system for operation of the individual sections of a glassware forming machine includes a shaft position encoder associated with the mechanical drive for the feeder, and a digital computer for programming various events in the machine cycle in accordance with certain boundary event timings. The shaft encoder output is converted to binary coded decimal (BCD) form and is fed to the digital computer through a priority program which permits routine starting and stopping of the machine and its various sections, and which also includes manual means for setting up the desired cycle of operation for the various mechanisms associated with a given section and for later transferring these settings to the other sections of the machine with operation of each section being phase delayed in accordance with a predetermined "firing order". These settings can be revised during operation of the machine as a result of the program stored in the digital computer.

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.