Apparatus and method for moulding glass objects
US3961927A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/57
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of shaping glass to a desired form comprises delivering molten glass on to a porous support member while feeding a gas under pressure through the porous support member from the reverse side thereof, so as to support the molten glass out of contact with the support member on a cushion of gas, allowing the glass to assume a shape approximating to that of the support member under the forces of surface tension, gravity and gas cushion pressure, cooling the glass while thus supported on the gas cushion to a temperature at which it is so conditioned that it can be shaped by contact with a solid surface without any substantial surface damage, and shaping the conditioned glass by a shaping process which involves contact with a solid surface. The shaping process may be a moulding process, which can be carried out either in the porous support member or in a separate mould to which the glass is transferred. The gas, e.g. nitrogen or nitrogen + 5% hydrogen, may be fed to the porous support member at ambient temperature. Alternatively, for controlling the rate of heat transfer from the supported glass, the temperature and/or flow rate of the gas may be controlled, or the temperature of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.