Abstract: The invention is directed to the press bending of individual heated glass sheets to be subsequently laminated in pairs to a plastic interlayer. The sheets are individually press bent between a female ring-type shaping rail and a continuous male mold surface having complemental shaping surfaces. In order to provide different pressure patterns for bending the two sheets of each pair, the male mold member comprises outer shaping rails supported in spaced relation upon a base plate. A separate flexible shaping member or pad is disposed in the space between the outer shaping rails to define the continuous shaping surface and is mounted in spaced relation upon a support plate. The support plate is affixed to the base plate by means of eccentrically mounted rotatable shafts.

Abstract: An improved covering for continuous surface press bending molds providing selectively variable rigidity for matching that desired in bending a particular part on the mold. The shaping element of the mold includes a resilient body having a latticework of flexible metallic bands encapsulated therein. The resilient body is covered by a plurality of superimposed individual sheets of a fibrous, heat-resistant, normally pliable material which, in turn, are covered by a layer of fiberglass cloth. One or more of the individual fibrous sheets is treated with a rigidizer to impart a selected suitable degree of rigidity to the shaping element.

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: An interruption closure apparatus for closing an interruption in a glass bending shaping rail includes a rail segment attached to one side of a plate and a universal joint attached to an opposite side of the plate. The universal joint is also attached to one end of an arm which in turn is rotatably connected to a shaft for rotating the rail segment into and out of an interruption in the shaping rail. A stop member attached to the arm limits movement of the plate to prevent rotational misalignment with the interruption in the shaping rail. A plurality of screws are threaded through apertures in the plate into contact with an under surface of adjacent portions of the shaping rail when the rail segment is in the interruption. Rotation of the screws permits the positioning of an upper surface of the rail segment with respect to an upper surface of the adjacent portions of the shaping rail to provide an uninterrupted smooth edge portion in a glass sheet being formed on the rail.

Abstract: A press bending mold having a flexible, continuous shaping surface that is readily adjustable to produce a wide variety of simple as well as more complex, compound shapes. The mold includes a plurality of adjustment controls that are operably connected at select points on the backside of the shaping surface. The controls are conveniently located outwardly of the press area to enable alterations to be made to the contour of the shaping surface, quickly and easily, without interference or interruption of the glass bending and tempering operation.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for press bending glass sheets into nonsymmetrical shapes including opposed press rings having complementary nonsymmetrical shaping surfaces, one of said press rings having a displaceable segment forming a part of the shaping rail to clamp the sheet against the opposed shaping rail and avoid drifting of the sheet relative to said shaping rails.

Abstract: An articulated press member having pivotal end sections for imparting complex shapes to glass sheets. The end sections are pivoted in unison by a single fluid cylinder operatively connected to a rack and pinion assembly in turn connected to both end sections for effecting concurrent and equal pivotal movement thereof. A series of adjusting screws are associated with the rack and pinion assembly for angularly adjusting the positions of the end sections in various operative positions of the press member.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for press bending sheets into complex shapes including at least one press member of outline or ring-type construction having a plurality of shaping pads mounted within the outline of the shaping ring in combination with configurated conveyor rolls for preliminarily bending a heat-softened glass sheet prior to final bending into the ultimately desired configuration.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for press bending glass sheets to special configurations including a press member of outline or ring-type construction having at least one shaping pad mounted for limited floating movement within the outline of the shaping ring for imparting a specially configurated curvature to the glass sheet. The shaping pad is provided with a cover of suitable material maintained in a wrinkle-free condition along both the length and width of the pad. Means are provided for adjusting the vertical disposition of portions of the pad.

Abstract: An adjustable rack for accommodating differently sized glazing units. Support elements are mounted on the rack and are formed to provide anti-friction, minimal heat conducting bearing surfaces for supporting heated glazing units thereon to facilitate slight relative movement therebetween to avoid optical defects and without adverse thermal influence on the glazing units.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending glass sheets to relatively sharp angles. The apparatus includes a sectionalized primary press bending member having articulated end sections for sharply bending portions of a glass sheet about lines superheated by a radiant energy heat source located above the primary press member. A reciprocal brake bar is extended into engagement with the glass sheet along the heated focal line to assist the articulated press end sections in bending the glass. Clamping devices can be used in lieu of the brake bar to secure the heat-softened glass sheet to the press member shaping surface during bending. A supplemental press member, mounted above the primary press member, is provided with shaping elements having shaping surfaces complemental to the shaping surfaces of the primary press articulated end sections for pressing the glass end portions therebetween into conformity with these shaping surfaces.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending and tempering a relatively thin glass sheet comprising heating the glass sheet to its softening point, advancing the sheet toward and between a pair of opposed press members, reheating the sheet during movement thereof between said press members, bending the sheet into the desired curvature between the press members and finally, chilling the sheet rapidly below the annealing temperature range of the glass.

Abstract: In apparatus for bending a flat sheet of glass to a relatively sharp angle wherein the apparatus includes a sectionalized, gravity mold structure provided with means for supplying electrical power to electrical conductor lines formed on the glass sheet supported on the mold apparatus and which lead to an electrically conductive path also formed on the sheet along the line about which it is desired to bend the sheet. Opposed electrical contactors, forming a part of the electrical supply means, are urged into engagement with portions of the conductor lines leading to the path to provide continuous contact therewith and uninterrupted current flow during the bending operation. After bending, these contactors are displaced from such conductor lines into an out-of-the-way position for easy removal of the bent sheet and the replacement thereof with a fresh sheet.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending a flat sheet of glass to a relatively sharp angle. The apparatus includes a sectionalized, gravity mold structure provided with means for delivering electrical power to electrically conducting lines formed on the sheet supported on the mold apparatus and which lead to an electrically conductive path also formed on the sheet along a line about which it is desired to bend the sheet. Opposed electrical conductors, which also serve as locator stops, are biased into engagement with portions of the conducting lines to assure continuous current flow thereto during the bending and movement of the sheet into its desired configuration.