Methods and apparatus for heat treating glass sheets
US8042359B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B35/20
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods for heat treating glass sheets (13) are disclosed in which the sheets (13) are held in a vertical orientation in a treatment container (15) during the heat treatment. The container (15) includes a support system for the glass sheets (13) that comprises a bottom support (17), two side supports (19a, 19b), and a top support (21). The sheets (13) are slid into the container (15) without contact between their side edges (23a, 23b) and the side supports (19a, 19b). The top support (21) is then slid onto the tops of the sheets (13) without contacting the sheets' top edges (25). In certain embodiments, flushing air which has been HEPA filtered and pre-heated is passed through the container (15) during the heat treatment. Apparatus for practicing the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.