Manufacturing process to reform glass tubes
US9890070B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B40/005
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for modifying the shape of a hollow structure. The method may comprise steps of providing a hollow structure having a cross-section with first and second diameters defining a first aspect ratio; heating at least a part of the hollow structure to at least its glass transition temperature, forming a malleable hollow structure; maintaining a positive pressure inside the malleable hollow structure to form a pressurized hollow structure; and pressing against a first side and an opposed second side of a heated part of the pressurized hollow structure, forming a hollow tabular structure having first and second opposed generally flat faces and a second aspect ratio greater than the first aspect ratio.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.