Abstract: A support device for glass sheets in a vertical or substantially vertical position serve for holding them during various treatments associated with the operations of curving and/or toughening. The support device is constituted of one or more cross-members (2,3) on which the lower edge face of the glass sheet (1) rests, each cross-member being suspended from a lifting beam (12) by one or more pairs of stays (4) running down the two opposite faces of the glass sheets.

Abstract: A take out mechanism for a glassware forming machine comprises a parallel linkage for effecting movement of the takeout tongs. To enable adjustment of the position of the takeout tongs, the position of one of the fixed pivots of the parallel linkage may be adjusted.

Abstract: Mechanism for moving an operative member such as a blowhead funnel or baffle in a glassware forming machine comprises a piston rod on which the operative member may be mounted and two piston heads on the rod which may be operated independently of each other, one to cause axial movement of the rod and the other to cause rotation of the rod.

Abstract: A method for forming a glass preform into an optical element utilizing a formation chamber having a central axis and including a plurality of glass preform heaters, a plurality of glass preform pressing molds, and a conveyor, an exchanging chamber and a controller, comprises the steps of providing the heaters and the pressing molds along a circular path substantially concentric with the formation chamber and providing the conveyor to rotate coaxially with the central axis of the formation chamber. The operating condition of the heater is detected, the glass preform is conveyed from the exchanging chamber to a heater based on the detected condition of the heaters, and the glass preform is heated.

Abstract: A push out device for a glass container making machine has a series of pusher fingers mounted on a pusher head arranged for the conventional extended and retracted movement and rotation about a vertical axis. The pusher fingers are mounted in a support plate of the pusher head so that the spacing between a base of the pusher head and the support plate may readily be adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles such as glass containers from a first conveyor, on which the containers are traveling generally horizontally in line one after another, on to a second conveyor extending generally at right angles to the first conveyor from one side of the first conveyor. The apparatus is operable in cycles to transfer on each cycle a group of articles from the first to the second conveyor with the articles in the group extending in a row transversely of the second conveyor. The apparatus includes a support, a first carriage on the support movable generally parallel to the second conveyor, a second carriage on the first carriage movable with respect to the first carriage generally parallel to the first conveyor, and a third carriage on the second carriage movable vertically with respect to the first and second carriages. The third carriage carries a pusher bar.

Abstract: A pusher system for transferring formed glass bottles from a plurality of deadplates which are part of an I.S. machine to a common conveyor. A discrete pusher is associated with each dead plate and can transfer the bottles on that dead plate to either of two spaced lines along the conveyor thereby enabling a multiplicity of bottle rows to increase conveyor capacity.

Abstract: The fingers (20,22,24) of a push out device are constructed so that the spacing between then is adjustable between that appropriate to the spacing of containers on the dead plate (4) to that appropriate to a desired spacing of the containers on a conveyor.

Abstract: The ware handler is axially advanceable from a retracted position to an advanced position to receive ware deposited on a dead plate and during its pivotal movement to displace the ware through an arc onto a deadplate the ware handler is further advanceable in accordance with a predetermined feed program to maintain control over the received ware.

Abstract: A takeout jaw for use in a bottle-forming machine is formed in a semicircular shape and contains a spring clip for holding immovably a piece of non-metallic contact material within a pocket in the body of the takeout jaw.

Abstract: A mould mechanism for a glass forming machine comprises two mould supports which have first end portions which are mounted on parallel shafts for linear movement between mould open and mould closed positions. The mould supports are moved by mould operating mechanisms which each comprise a hydraulically operated piston and cylinder device providing one of the shafts. A clamping mechanism is provided to latch the mould supports together when in mould closed position.

Abstract: A glass object having protrusions and/or recesses, for example a glass lid (1) with a handle (2), is produced in an IS machine by pressing molten glass from above in a mould with the cover of the mould, in a mould defined by said cover, by a shaping mould (11) and by a mouth mould (13) disposed under the shaping mould. When the glass lid is formed its handle projects downwards and lies in the mouth mould. SUbsequently the glass lid is transferred together with the mouth mould to the finishing mould (12) and is at the same time returned into a position in which the handle projects upwards in the finishing mould in which it is cooled supported by the finishing mould.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism comprises first and second container gripping structures (50a, 50b) and independently operable moving structures (58a, 70a, 72a; 58b, 70b, 72b) therefor. Each moving structure comprises a first horizontally-disposed linear motor (70a; 70b) operable to move the gripping structures horizontally along the center-line of the machine, a second horizontally-disposed linear motor (72a; 72b) disposed perpendicularly relative to the first horizontally-disposed linear motor and operable to move the gripping structures horizontally perpendicular to said center-line, and a vertically-disposed linear motor (58a; 58b) operable to lower the gripping structures from the level at which they are moulded in the machine to a level at which they can be released on to a conveyor (30).

Abstract: An invert/neckring mechanism for an individual section (I.S.) glass forming machine including a rectangular shaft and a pair of neckring arm holders having a central passage which mates with the rectangular cross-sectional shaft to limit the movement between the shaft and the arm holders to axial movement all rotated through the invert arc by a hydraulic actuator in juxtaposition therewith. A plurality of springs bias the arm holders together to a closed position and a hydraulic double piston cylinder assembly is mounted adjacent to the shaft between the arm holders to open and close the arm holders.

Abstract: An article transfer mechanism to transfer glass articles between a receiving position and a delivering position, in straight line, between one or various sections of a process of manufacture of glass articles. The mechanism includes a frame. Guide shafts attached to said frame. A sliding support attached at said guide bars. A first planetary transmission coupled between said drive means and the sliding support, which through of a rotational movement of the transmission, the sliding support is moved in a straight line, with a backward-forward movement over said guide bars. A second planetary transmission coupled to said first planetary transmission, through the sliding support to generate a far larger stroke of the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for withdrawing a sample from a ass melting furnace. The apparatus includes a gripper for taking the sample and can be introduced through an opening in the furnace into the interior thereof. The apparatus includes a rectangular vertically upright open guide frame provided with vertical inner guides mounted on the sides of the frame. A carrier frame is mounted on the inner guides and is displaceable relative to the guide frame. The base of the guide frame is penetrated by a guide tube. A pull rod is coaxially and displaceably mounted in the guide tube and is fixedly attached to the base of the carrier frame. Two pairs of articulated lever units for pivoting two cooperating gripper half shells are mounted at the end of the guide tube and at the end of the pull rod. When pivoted together, the gripper half shells conjointly form a closed space to accommodate the sample.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine (10) of the individual section type has its sections (12) arranged along an arc of a circle. Apparatus incorporating such a machine has the sections arranged along an arc centered on a point below the median position (39) of the or all the orifices of a feeder of the apparatus which supplied gobs of molten glass to the machine (10).

Abstract: A glassware forming machine of the individual section type comprising a parison-forming station (10), an article-forming station (14), parison transferring means operable to transfer parisons to the article-forming station, and article removing means operable to remove articles from the article-forming station. The parison transferring means comprises a carriage (100), parison gripping means (114) mounted on the carriage, and servo-controlled drive means (136) operable to move the carriage (100) to and from the article-forming station (14). The article removing means comprises a further carriage (210), article gripping means (226) mounted on the carriage (210), and drive means (218, 220) operable to return the carriage (210) to the article-forming station (14). The carriages (100 and 210) are so aligned that, as the carriage (100) moves to the article-forming station (14), it pushes the further carriage (210) away therefrom.

Abstract: A pusher cylinder for moving one or more glassware articles from an associated dead plate through a predetermined arcuate path onto an adjacent moving conveyor. The pusher cylinder has a constant piston stroke length and rack and pinion for adjusting the position of the piston relative to the dead plate. Additionally, the pusher cylinder is provided with a splined central guide post for cooperative engagement with a complementarily splined bushing secured to one end of the piston of the pusher cylinder for providing longitudinal and rotational support for the piston.

Abstract: A support for an operating mechanism such as a takeout mechanism (10) of a glassware forming machine comprises a slideway (34) extending vertically above an operating position of the mechanism at a blow station of the machine, a carriage (40) mounted for vertical adjustment on the slideway, a seat (50) for the mechanism operating mechanism, and clamping means (62, 64, 70) operable to hold the operating mechanism in the seat. The seat (50) is in vertical alignment with the operating position.

Abstract: The support is for an operative member, e.g. a funnel, a baffle or a blowhead, which moves between operative and out-of-the-way positions along a path which has a vertical component and an arcuate component about a vertical axis. The support comprises a first portion (16), a second portion (30) movable vertically relative to the first portion, and clamping means (18,20,28) operable to clamp the first portion to the piston rod (14) of a piston and cylinder assembly which moves the member. The operative member is mounted on the second portion (30) and moving means (32,36) is operable to move the second portion (30) vertically relative to the first portion (16). Operation of the moving means (32,36) can be used to increase the vertical component of the path.

Abstract: A bottle manufacturing apparatus has a plurality of exchangable blow molds each having a bottom plate, a plurality of take-out mechanisms for taking a bottle formed in a corresponding blow mold out of the blow mold, a bottom plate height adjuster for each blow mold and each having an operating shaft for driving the height adjuster; a take-out mechanism height adjuster for each of the take-out mechanisms and each having an operating shaft for driving the height adjuster; a single driving shaft rotatable in opposite directions to first and second driving positions; and a plurality of rotating driving mechanisms connected between the driving shaft and the respective operating shafts, the driving mechanisms being in disengaged condition when the driving shaft is in a neutral position, and the driving mechanisms for the operating shafts of the bottom plate height adjusters being engaged when the driving shaft is in the first driving position and the driving mechanisms for the operating shafts of the take-out mecha

Abstract: A take-out mechanism of particular utility in a glassware forming machine is provided by a ring-shaped member having pivotally mounted gripping fingers mounted on an inner periphery thereof, the gripping fingers being moveable between a retracted position in which they are positioned within the ring-shaped member, and an extended position for gripping relationship with an article, the ring-shaped member being vertically adjustable in position.

Abstract: A take-out tong head assembly for a glass blowing machine is mounted in a take-out mechanism for omni-directional adjustment of the tong head assembly in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the blow molds for the purpose of eliminating checks in the blown articles formed in said glass blowing machine.

Abstract: A take-out mechanism for removing articles of glassware from a glassware forming machine comprises an arm turnable about a horizontal axis, a support (10) mounted on the arm, orientating means to maintain the orientation of the support as the arm turns, a tong carrier (14) and securing means securing the tong carrier to the support. The securing means comprising mating portions (10b,14b) having mating surfaces (10c,14c) and at least one projection (18) arranged to enter a recess (20) so that the surfaces can only mate in a particular desired orientation, and a screw (22) captive in the carrier and arranged to enter a threaded recess (24) in the support.

Abstract: A neck mold for a glass champagne bottle forming system for forming bottles on the well-known I.S. forming machine is made of two matching halves that form the transfer bead and lower portion of the neck of the bottle mates with an annular, one-piece guide ring carried by the neck ring. The annular guide ring has a relatively sharp edge that matches with the plunger that forms the interior of the bottle finish and also has a flat surface, adjacent the sharp edge, that extends at a 25.degree. angle with the horizontal and forms a planar sloping surface on the inner, upper surface of the bottle with the planar surface being joined to a flat, generally horizontal surface that extends to a curved surface that in turn extends over the top of the bottle finish to an outer annular line where the guide and neck ring mold meet. The resulting bottle produced is one which does not require fire polishing to remove any mold match lines or beads that might interfere with proper sealing of the corks.

Abstract: Parison transferring means for transferring glass parisons from a mould of a glassware manufacturing machine. A shaft (20) which carries supports (38) for neck rings which can grip or release a parison is turnable back and forth about a horizontal axis (22) to move the neck rings between gripping and releasing positions. The end positions of the arcuate movement about the axis (22) are determined by adjustable stops (70 and 100) which engage projections (42 and 102) of the shaft (20) or of the supports (38).

Abstract: Containers are removed from a mould by a take-out mechanism which comprises a container centring member which is mounted for movement between a lower, operative, position thereof, in which the member can project into a neck opening of a container before the container is gripped by gripper members of the take-out mechanism, and a upper, out-of-the-way position. In its operative position, the centring member prevents displacement of tilting of a container into which it projects.

Abstract: An operative member such as a blowhead (10) is moved between an out-of-the-way position thereof and an operative position thereof by moving means which comprises a vertical shaft (15), means for moving the shaft vertically and turning it about a vertical axis (14), and a support (18) for the operative member clamped to the shaft. The support (18) comprises an arm (20) on which the member is mounted and clamping means (30,34,38,40) to clamp the support to the shaft. Complementarily-shaped camming surfaces (22 and 36) of the shaft and the support urge the support into the correct orientation with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine of the individual section type has a parison catching device movable between an intercepting position, in which it is in the path of a glass parison being transferred between mould arrangements of the machine and, in the event of a machine break-down, can direct the parison to a cullet chute, and an out-of-the-way position of the device is above the intercepting position thereof and moving means for the device is arranged, in the event of a power failure, to move the device into its intercepting position.

Abstract: Two gripping means (50 and 58) are used alternately to transfer articles (16) from a blow station (14) to conveyor belts (20). The gripping means are mounted on a carriage (30) which is movable transversely of the blow station to move the gripping means in turn into alignment with the blow station or above one of the conveyor belts. Horizontal moving means (66 and 70) is associated with each gripping means to move it to and from the blow station to collect articles. Vertical moving means (42) is associated with each gripping means to move it downwardly on the carriage to release articles on to one of the conveyor belts.

Abstract: A parison transferring device for use in transferring glass parisons from a parison forming mold to a blow mold. The device comprises gripping members operable to grip or release a parison. The gripping members are movable about a horizontal axis between a gripping position and a releasing position. A cylinder is mounted on a horizontal shaft and has the gripping members mounted thereon. A piston is movable in the cylinder and is screw-threadedly connected to the shaft so that movement along the cylinder causes the piston to rotate about the horizonal axis. A driving connection between the piston and cylinder causes the cylinder to rotate when the piston does so.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism comprises a tong carrier supporting bottle-gripping tongs. The carrier is mounted on an arm which is turned about a horizontal axis to move the carrier between gripping and release positions. The mechanism also comprises turning means operable to turn the carrier during movement of the arm to maintain the carrier in a constant vertical alignment. The turning means comprises two pulleys one fixedly mounted on the turning axis of the arm and the other rotatable on the arm and carrying the carrier. The pulleys are interconnected by two belts, each fixed to both pulleys and passing around the pulleys in opposite directions.

Abstract: A take-out mechanism is turned about a horizontal axis between positions at which gripper members thereof can grip or release articles of glassware. The mechanism comprises an arm, a shaft on which the arm is mounted for rotation about the horizontal axis and moving means for turning the arm about the axis. The moving means comprises a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly comprising a piston, a first piston rod making a screw-threaded connection with an end cap of the cylinder so that movement of the piston causes it to turn, and a second piston rod connected to the arm to transmit rotation thereto.

Abstract: A neck ring mechanism for transferring a blank or parison from a blank mold section to a blow mold section of an I.S. glass forming machine includes a rock shaft and a pair of spaced cylinders reciprocable in opposition directions on the shaft. The rock shaft is provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves, and a like plurality of followers are arranged in the grooves so as to contact at least one side wall of each groove. The followers are supported on each cylinder. One or more piston rings are seated in associated annular grooves in the rock shaft so as to preclude air leakage.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing molded articles includes a plurality of mold section presses. A mold slide carriage of each press moves a mold among charge receiving, molding, and extraction stations. A charge is guided to the mold while at the receiving station by a trough, from a rotatable scoop. A mold clamp mechanism of drivable arms linked to the mold and wedgeable against cam blocks maintains the mold closed during molding. A mold plunger driven by a press head assembly mates the mold. A molded article is kicked up by a kick-up mechanism. A take-out mechanism rotates jaw members about two axes to grasp molded articles at the extraction station, lifting them to an article removal station.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism comprises gripper members and driving means operable to move an operating rod vertically to move the gripper members between gripping and releasing conditions thereof. The driving means comprises a cam which engages opposed surfaces of the operating rod, and motor means to turn the cam through a preselected angle to move the operating rod vertically. The cam maintains contact with the opposed surfaces of the operating rod throughout movement thereof so that the operating rod and, therefore, the gripping members are positively positioned.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism is operable to remove articles from the mould of a glassware forming machine. Two gripper member supports are mounted on a horizontal shaft for arcuate movement and driving means is operable to move the support to move grippers mounted on the supports. The supports are moved by moving two racks past the shaft on opposite sides of the shaft each rack being meshed with teeth on a surface of the support.

Abstract: A transfer station of a glass-forming machine includes a depositing plate for receiving at least two transversely spaced glass articles, such as bottles or the like, from the glass-forming machine. The depositing plate is mounted on a vertical shaft for turning therewith about the axis of the latter to move the glass articles thereon from a receiving to a transfer position, and the shaft with the plate is movable in vertical direction into the region of a transfer mechanism arranged to transfer the bottles from the plate to a conveyor adjacent to the plate.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism comprises a tong carrier (2) movable in an arcuate path between a position at which tongs (4) carried by the carrier can grip an article and a second position at which the tongs release the article on to a dead plate of the machine. A piston and cylinder assembly (58, 60) provides cushioning means operable to oppose the movement of the carrier (2) as it approaches its second position to thereby reduce any impact between the articles and the dead plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method and apparatus for making glass containers. A gob of molten glass is introduced into a parison forming device at the parison forming position. A glass parison is formed, cooled and transferred to an intermediate position where it is allowed to reheat and mechanically stretched to a desired length, while at temperatures between 1200.degree. F. and 2000.degree. F. The elongated parison is transferred to the blow mold position, expanded and cooled to form a glass container.

Abstract: There is herein disclosed a take-out arm mechanism for a glass forming machine particularly suited for the simultaneous handling of four or more containers wherein the arm is provided with an integrally molded and formed counterweight carried thereby to counteract the weight and mass of four take-out tongs, holders and attendant mechanisms. In addition, a novel tensioning means is provided for maintaining an adjustable, constant tension in an endless chain which extends between a pair of sprockets carried within the take-out arm. The sprockets and the chain together form, in essence, a parallel linkage mechanism which maintains the tong holder end of the take-out arm vertical relative to the movement of the arm through 180.degree. about the axis of the fixed spindle.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine is shown which has a baffle support arm. The baffle support arm provides for four individual baffle holders which are grouped in adjacent pairs. The pairs of holders are interconnected by an equalizer arm and are biased into position by a leaf spring above and by a coil spring below. The equalizer arms are connected intermediate their lengths to a third larger equalizer bar which is pivoted for a rocking motion. The apparatus further comprises means for lifting and moving the baffle support arm and a latch means for changing the baffle holders.

Abstract: The present invention was developed to provide an improved process for retaining the substantially pristine state of glass articles, particularly thin-walled, lightweight glass containers.

Abstract: A dual-mode takeout mechanism is provided for use in, for example, an individual section glassware forming machine. In the normal mode of operation, the formed ware is transported in a fixed radius vertical arc from a molding station to a cooling station and released for further processing. In the reject mode of operation, defective formed ware is transported in an enlarging vertical arc from the molding station to a disposal station. An arm of the takeout mechanism is capable of extending in telescoping fashion, and is activated in the reject mode so as to begin the extension process as the takeout mechanism begins to transport ware from the molding station. A controller is provided to detect when the reject mode has been commanded. The reject mode can be entered for a desired number of cycles by computer command, sensor command, or operator command (manual entry). If the reject mode has been entered, the controller operates a solenoid controlled valve which extends the arm pneumatically.

Abstract: An apparatus for making hollow glassware has at least one preform provided adjacent a turntable rotatable about an upright axis and carrying at least two angularly spaced final molds. The turntable can rotate about this axis so as to orbit the final molds through a transfer position close to the perform and a takeout position angularly offset from the transfer position and remote from the preform. At least one arm is provided above the turntable and final molds and carries at least two respective mold heads. This arm is pivotal about the axis with the mold heads being vertically alignable and engageable with the respective final molds. The arm and mold heads can be pivoted about the axis independently of the turntable and a source of air at a pressure different from ambient is connected to the mold heads through the arm.

Abstract: In a glassware forming machine, a non-handed transfer mechanism, for transferring freshly-formed hot glassware, by swinging through a right angle about a vertical axis, from a dead plate to an adjacent conveyor, comprises a side-by-side parallel pair of rams having pistons on the free ends of which is a pusher plate. A piston stop bar is located centrally of the pistons and is connected to a piston tie plate for arresting the pusher plate and pistons at the end of an extending stroke of the pistons.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a parison forming assembly and a final shaping assembly each having a mold, and a reheating and intermediate forming assembly provided between the two assemblies and having a cover or an intermediate forming mold for enclosing the parison in a confined space, the assemblies being associated with one another for sequential operation. Without prolonging the molding cycle time usually needed for the parison forming assembly and the final shaping assembly, unfinished parisons can be reheated sufficiently.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism on a glass container forming machine is operated by the vertical reciprocation of a fluid motor. The movement of the tongs into position to grasp a new container is controlled so that the tong arm which is swinging through an arc of 180.degree. degrees, is cushioned in its final movement so as to avoid excessive vibration of the mechanism.The pressure introduced into the motor for moving the tong arm into position over the dead plate is also connected to a second piston which is spring-biased in relation to the piston rod of the motor. When the tong arm has completed its movement and released the container at the dead plate, the pressure is discontinued at both the motor and the second piston which results in the rod of the second piston actuating the motor rod to cause the tongs to be lifted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A rotatable neck ring assembly for use primarily in an automatic blow molding machine includes an annular bushing and a concentrically arranged series of pivotally mounted foot members which in their closed position, cooperate with the bushing to grip the rim of a parison and hold it securely during the molding process. These pivoted foot members, which are spring biased to a closed position, are kept into firm engagement with the bushing by the upwardly moving parison mold. A first cam surface on the outer surface of the foot members cooperates with a corresponding surface on a concentrically surrounding sleeve to hold the foot members tightly against the bushing to grip the rim of the parison and hold it securely during the molding process. The cooperating cam surfaces on the foot members and the surrounding sleeve create a hoop tension in the bushing which must be overcome to pivot the foot members to open position at completion of the molding process.