Programmable speed controller

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. In addition, the programmable control signal generator provides a cycle reference signal, coordinated with the drive signal, to control phasing of the sections. The reference signal has a pulse repetition rate which is preferably a calculated ratio of the repetition rate of the timing signal.