Electronically controlled glassware-forming machine

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. The movement of the machine elements actuates control switches, such as limit switches, and these provide feedback to the computer so that the actual position of the machine elements at any given time is provided as an input to the computer. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.