Cold rolling of glass preforms
US6761046B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B23/004
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for making cylindrical glass preforms with convex, optical quality convex end surfaces is taught. A glass ball preform is placed on a heated lower platen. The temperature of the glass ball preform is raised to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the glass ball preform. The glass ball preform is engaged with an upper platen. At least one of the upper platen and the lower platen is moved vertically to cause the gap between the upper platen and the lower platen to narrow to a predetermined dimension. Simultaneously, at least one of the upper platen and the lower platen is moved horizontally relative to the other platen to cause the glass ball preform to roll between the upper platen and the lower platen and form a cylindrical preform having a predetermined diameter, the cylindrical preform having convex, optical quality end surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.