Graphical interface driven injection blow molding apparatus

摘要

An improved injection blow molding apparatus. The apparatus includes an injection blow molding machine having work stations and molds. The apparatus includes a process controller for operating the blow molding machine according to a set of processing parameters. Each processing parameter has a respective desired operating range. The apparatus includes a touch screen for inputting signals to the processor for commanding the process controller to adjust the processing parameters. Display software and hardware coupled to the process controller and the touch screen cause the monitor to display respective icons representing each processing parameter. The value of each respective processing parameter is displayed adjacent to the icon. Graphing software generates signals which are transmitted to the monitor. The monitor displays a graph of the selected processing parameter value as a function of time. The graph is plotted in response to an operator touching a portion of the touch screen beneath which the selected icon is displayed. Alarm software causes the monitor to display an alarm message. The alarm message identifies whether any one of the processing parameters is operating outside its desired operating range.