Abstract: A pair of generally vertically aligned press bending molds are slidably mounted relative to each other. An alignment pin extends into alignment holes in the upper and lower molds when the molds are vertically aligned. Adjusting screws positioned around the periphery of each mold, contact and bias each mold in a desired direction so as to precisely align the upper mold relative to the lower mold.

Abstract: A shuttling frame to support and move a vacuum pickup from a heating furnace to a shaping station. Vacuum for the pickup is drawn through the shuttling frame. The frame slidably engages a fixed guide rail along a longitudinally extending edge and slides on a set of rolls along the opposing edge such that the frame can expand both longitudinally and transversely without buckling.

Abstract: A heat softened glass sheet is lifted within a heating furnace by a vacuum pickup and moved to a shaping station adjacent the furnace where it is deposited on an aligning frame. The location of the sheet is identified and the frame is moved to position the supported glass sheet at a predetermined location between a pair of vertically aligned upper and lower full surface press faces. A shuttle frame which moves the vacuum pickup has integral vacuum passageways so that vacuum for the pickup can be drawn through the shuttle frame.

Abstract: A glass sheet positioning system to correctly position a heat softened glass sheet between a pair of vertically aligned upper and lower full surface press faces. A video camera identifies a reference point on an edge of a glass sheet while supported on a frame between the press faces. A programmable computer and controller determine the distance between the reference point and a predetermined set point corresponding to the proper location between the press faces. The controller signals a drive that moves the frame with the glass sheet thereon to the proper predetermined position.