Three IS machine improvements from Emhart Glass are expected to improve safety and make operations easier. In 2012, all IS and AIS machines were enhanced with the addition of P-Switches, programmable stop cycles and an electro pneumatic valve block with safety flaps to cover blow-side manual overrides. The pneumatic P-Switch (patent pending) replaces the existing "mushroom-type" P-Snap. Conveniently located within easier reach, it provides an easier, safer way for operators on the blow side to ensure that machine movement is inhibited so that the blow MOC remains in the "open" position and that the blowhead remains in the "up" position. During normal operation, the P-Switch, together with a special programmable cycle, makes it easier for the operator to match the required time window and remove collapsed containers from blow moulds quickly and safely. It also makes section interventions (to change blow moulds and other forming equipment), job changes and repairs quicker and easier. The 26-line EPVB features safety flaps covering the manual overrides on the blow side. This means that a two-handed blank-side operation is required for blow-side override events, preventing overrides from being triggered accidentaly.However, in the unlikely event that any overrides should be activated by mistake, the latest P-Switch will still prevent any motion.
