Abstract: A method of and apparatus for establishing a predetermined thermal profile in a glass sheet immediately prior to press bending outside the heating furnace. The press bending members are provided with arrays of heating elements that are individually or zone regulated to assist in establishing an optimum temperature profile in the glass sheet conducive to proper bending. The temperature profile established in the heated sheet by the arrays of heating elements is coordinated with that established in the furnace and subsequently, modified by heat dissipation as the glass sheet advances to the bending station to achieve the proper bending temperature. The heating elements can also be utilized to create a temperature profile in the glass sheet generally higher than that originally established in the furnace.

Abstract: An improved support structure for an upper press member that broadens the bending capabilities of a conventional press bending apparatus. The support structure is carried on the upper platen frame of the bending apparatus and is adapted for providing reciprocating movement between the upper press member and the upper platen frame. The support structure comprises a base plate which is attached to the platen frame and a subplate which is adapted for supporting the upper press member. Fluid activated cylinders are mounted on the base plate, with the free end of their piston rods affixed in a supporting manner to the subplate whereby actuation of the cylinders will provide relative movement between the subplate and base plate and therefor the upper press member and the platen frame.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for establishing a predetermined thermal profile in a glass sheet immediately prior to press bending outside the heating furnace. The press bending members are provided with arrays of heating elements that are individually or zone regulated to assist in establishing an optimum temperature profile in the glass sheet conducive to proper bending. The temperature profile established in the heated sheet by the arrays of heating elements is coordinated with that established in the furnace and subsequently, modified by heat dissipation as the glass sheet advances to the bending station to achieve the proper bending temperature. The heating elements can also be utilized to create a temperature profile in the glass sheet generally higher than that originally established in the furnace.

Abstract: An improved support structure for an upper press member that broadens the bending capabilities of a conventional press bending apparatus. The support structure is carried on the upper platen frame of the bending apparatus and is adapted for providing reciprocating movement between the upper press member and the upper platen frame. The support structure comprises a base plate which is attached to the platen frame and a subplate which is adapted for supporting the upper press member. Fluid activated cylinders are mounted on the base plate, with the free end of their piston rods affixed in a supporting manner to the subplate whereby actuation of the cylinders will provide relative movement between the subplate and base plate and therefor the upper press member and the platen frame.

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 manufacturing line for tempering glass sheets includes a furnace, an oven, a bending station, and a chilling section positioned in order along a generally horizontally extending conveyor for the glass sheets. The oven extends between the furnace and the bending station to maintain the glass sheets at a predetermined temperature. The oven has sidewalls formed of a plurality of brushes and is selectively extensible along the path of travel of the glass sheets. The oven includes controlled heating devices. The chilling section includes a plurality of tubes positioned above and below the path of travel of the glass sheets and connected to a source of air under pressure. The tubes are arranged in rows generally perpendicular to the path of travel and columns generally parallel to the path of travel in order to cause the glass sheets to meet predetermined fragmentation specifications.

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.