Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for shaping glass sheets by roll forming

US4139359A · kind A · utility

58Cited by
31References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 2, 1977
Grant dateFeb 13, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 2, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC03B40/005
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Heat-softened glass sheets are shaped to either simple or compound bends while being continuously conveyed by means of forming rolls having transverse curvature, wherein, in at least the first portion of the bending station, the force of gravity alone causes the glass sheets to sag into substantial conformity with the transverse curvature of the forming rolls. Support for each glass sheet is gradually transferred from straight conveyor rolls to curved forming rolls without vertically reciprocating the rolls. Optionally, at the exit end of the forming station, a set of upper forming rolls having transverse curvature complementary to that of the lower forming rolls may be provided to assure close conformance to the desired curvature. Compound bends may be formed by providing the path defined by the lower forming rolls with a concave curvature in the direction of glass travel.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.