Apparatus and method for mass producing 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets
US8573005B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B35/24
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for mass production of 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets includes a heating section having a heating station that includes a heating chamber adapted to receive a 2D glass-containing sheet, a pneumatic bearing system proximate to the heating chamber for suspending the 2D glass-containing sheet inside the heating chamber, and a heater system proximate to the heating chamber for supplying heat to the heating chamber. A forming section downstream of the heating section has a forming station that includes a mold system adapted to shape a heated 2D glass-containing sheet into a 3D article. A cooling section downstream of the forming section has a cooling chamber adapted to controllably cool off one or more 3D articles. A method of mass producing 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets involves use of the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.