Apparatus and method for bending glass sheets
US4204854A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1978 |
| Grant date | May 27, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B35/24
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and a method disclosed for use in bending heated sheets of glass (G) transported generally horizontally on a conveyor (16) within a furnace heating chamber incorporate a holder (20) located above the conveyor in a spaced relationship such that a heated sheet of glass can be transported under the holder. Gas such as air is blown upwardly from below the conveyor against the heated sheet of glass such that the sheet is moved upwardly into engagement with the holder. The upwardly blown gas is provided by an array of gas jet pumps (60) positioned below the conveyor. A mold ring (44) is then movable under the holder to receive the glass sheet for bending. Holder (20) is disclosed as including curved and planar surfaces and as including curved and planar rings. A vacuum may be drawn with the holder embodiments having the surfaces so as to assist the upwardly blown gas in lifting the sheet of glass off the conveyor. Vertical movement of the holder facilitates the lifting and also enables the curved surface and curved ring embodiments of the holder to bend the lifted glass sheet between the holder and the mold ring. Gravity bending on the mold ring forms the glass on the planar su…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.