Abstract: A closed loop control system for a hydraulically actuated glass sheet press bending platen. Flow of fluid supplied to the cylinder operating the press platen is controlled through a servo solenoid valve. A linear motion transducer associated with the platen and sends appropriate signals to a programmable motion controller. The motion controller controls a position module operatively coupled to a servo solenoid valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to the cylinder. The motion controller utilizes data from the linear motion transducer for making necessary corrections to insure that the platen cycles precisely in accordance with a predetermined program. In a second embodiment of the invention, the closed loop control system for the hydraulically operated platen is combined with a precision control of a variable speed glass sheet conveyor means for improved registry of the glass sheet being bent with the platen member.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing glass sheets includes a furnace and a bending station traversed by a conveyor for carrying the glass sheets. A plurality of heaters mounted in the furnace each heat associated areas of the glass sheets in accordance with setpoint temperature signals representing desired values of temperatures for heating associated areas of the glass sheets. One or more parameters of the glass sheets, such as thickness and color, are sensed and the setpoint signal values are changed accordingly. The parameter values are also utilized to change the spacing between the upper and lower mold members in the bending station to adjust the bending pressure applied to the glass sheets. Furthermore, the parameters are utilized to change the speed of the conveyor sections in order to vary the time that the glass sheets are in the furnace and thus the amount of heat imparted to the glass sheets.

Abstract: A conveyor roll for use in a tempering section of a glass sheet fabrication line includes an elongated inner core member and an outer helical spring member mounted for rotation about said core member. The spring member can be coated with a suitable supporting material or attached to a plurality of collars for supporting and conveying glass sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning glass sheets moving on a conveyor line prior to shaping on a bending apparatus includes a pair of stops for engaging the leading edge of the glass sheets and a pair of side pushers for engaging the end edges of the glass sheets to align the glass sheets with respect to a reference line. The spacing between the side pushers is automatically selected in accordance with the predetermined sequence of glass sheets. In addition, a sensor detects a mark on the sheets to generate a sequence signal identifying the sheets. The sequence signal is utilized to signal that a sheet is missing or an improper sequence, and/or the signal is utilized to control the means for automatically adjusting the spacing of the side pushers. The stop pins can be adjusted individually in a direction parallel to the reference line and a direction transverse to the reference line.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for conveying formed, heated glass sheets from a glass forming station, through a glass tempering station, to a lehr, utilizes a shuttle ring conforming in outline and elevation to the marginal edges of the glass sheet. The shuttle ring receives the glass sheet from the lower shaping mold, by the relative downward vertical movement of the lower shaping mold away from the upper shaping mold. The glass sheet thus deposited on and supported by the shuttle ring is transported through the tempering station to the lehr.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a press bending apparatus incorporated in a mobile carriage mounted upon retractable wheels adapted to be carried upon rails extending transversely of the production line whereby it can be readily moved into and out of operative position in the line. Mechanism is included for vertically moving the carriage between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position. Centering and levelling means are provided for assuring proper alignment of the press members and associated conveyor rolls with the adjacent heating and tempering sections as the apparatus is moved into operating position.

Abstract: A pair of bearing rails support a plurality of conveyor rolls in a glass sheet bending station. Each of the bearing rails has a pair of linear actuators pivotally coupled to opposite ends thereof for permitting movement of the bearing rails in a vertical direction. The ends of each bearing rail are also coupled to a pair of roller racks which extend in a generally horizontal direction and are slidably attached to a supporting framework for moving the bearing rails toward and away from one another. The bearing rails are coupled to the roller racks by spherical bearings which permit the bearing rails to be canted or rotated about their longitudinal axes. The vertical, horizontal and rotational adjustments allow the conveyor rolls to be positioned for different configurations of glass sheets as the sheets are transported through the bending station.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for press bending glass sheets to a desired shape wherein heated glass sheets are advanced on a series of contoured conveyor rolls having arcuately curved central portions, into position above a press member of outline or ring-type construction. The press member includes a continuous peripheral shaping rail adapted to engage and lift the sheets from the conveyor rolls for pressing between complemental shaping surfaces. The end segments of the contoured rolls extend beneath the shaping rail and away from the glass sheets, and free-wheeling rollers are provided adjacent the shaping rail for supporting the end segments of the sheets while the shaping rail is in its retracted or lowered position.

Abstract: A lift assembly for a glass press bending apparatus of the type having upper and lower press bending members and including a reciprocally movable frame, a plurality of rotatable screwjacks operatively connected to the frame for moving the frame and a fluid actuator mounted on the movable frame by a trunnion mechanism and operatively connected to one of the press members by a self-aligning trunnion. A gear-drive mechanism operatively connected to the screwjacks rotate the screwjacks in unison.