APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING MECHANICAL DEAD TIMES IN THE OPERATION OF A GLASSWARE FORMING MACHINE

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.