Apparatus and method for shaping or forming heated glass sheets
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorsJohn Christopher Thomas, Larry Gene Smith, Michael Timothy Brennan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for bending thin glass sheets are described. The methods and apparatus described include positioning an auxiliary heater between a furnace and an entrance to glass bending station and/or positioning a downstream auxiliary heater between a glass bending station and a quench station. Also described are apparatus and methods for bending thin glass sheets by compensating for heat loss and maintaining the glass viscosity within a workable range for the bending or forming operation. Auxiliary heating elements can be placed in locations that would otherwise provide for excessive heat loss.
Claims13
An apparatus for bending heated glass sheets comprising:
- a glass sheet bending station including a glass sheet receiving end, such that when the glass sheet bending station is located adjacent to an upstream furnace, the glass sheet bending station receives glass sheets conveyed from the upstream furnace, the glass sheet bending station further including a glass sheet exit end, and a bending member positioned such that when the glass sheet is conveyed into the glass sheet bending station, the glass sheet is bent, the glass sheet bending station further including an optional internal heater to impart heat to the glass sheet bending station between the receiving end and the exit end;
- and
- at least one auxiliary heater positioned adjacent the receiving end of the glass sheet bending station, wherein at least one of the at least one auxiliary heater is positioned above the glass sheet and is positioned to direct heat toward the glass sheet when the glass sheet exits the furnace and is conveyed into the receiving end of the glass sheet bending station.
An apparatus for bending heated glass sheets comprising:
- a furnace including a conveyor to convey a glass sheet having a width through the furnace from an entrance end to an exit end;
- and
- a glass sheet bending station positioned downstream from the furnace, the glass sheet bending station including a glass sheet receiving end, to receive the glass sheet when the glass sheet is conveyed from the furnace, the glass sheet bending station further including a glass sheet exit end, a bending member positioned to bend the glass sheet as it is conveyed into the glass sheet bending station;
- and
- at least one auxiliary heater positioned adjacent the receiving end of the glass sheet bending station, wherein at least one of the at least one auxiliary heater is positioned above the glass sheet and is positioned to direct heat toward the glass sheet when the glass sheet exits the furnace and is conveyed into the receiving end of the glass sheet bending station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.