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: 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.

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 apparatus for washing curved glass sheets comprising a cluster of brushes including a pair of upper brushes and a lower brush mounted above and below, respectively, the horizontal path of movement of the glass sheets. Each brush is formed into an arcuately shaped configuration conforming to the shape of the glass sheets being processed. Each brush is mounted on a composite shaft having an arcuately shaped inner core and an outer, driven, flexible sleeve assuming the shape of the core and rotatable thereabout.

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: An apparatus for supporting and conveying thin glass sheets through a tempering area including a series of upper and lower conveyor rolls for continuously advancing heated thin glass sheets between the opposed blastheads of a tempering section. The upper series of rolls are specially configurated for accommodating a common drive element for both series of rolls and are mounted for floating movement as well as being individually pivotable into an inoperative, out-of-the-way position to facilitate access into the tempering area for maintenance and cullet removal.

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: A quick connect-disconnect coupling assembly detachably connecting the inner core member of a composite type conveyor roll to its mounting. The coupling assembly includes a tubular drive extension, a first coupling section rigidly secured to the core member and a second coupling section mounted within the drive extension.

Abstract: A press actuating hydraulic system for a glass bending apparatus including a pressure release valve assembly operable to assure press member retraction in the event of a pressure failure in the main pressure supply conduit controlling actuation of the press member.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and conveying glass sheets in a bending apparatus on a series of uniquely shaped conveyor rolls between narrow and/or irregularly shaped press members in a manner avoiding contact with the lower press member upon vertical displacement thereof. Each conveyor roll is formed of two sections rigidly interconnected to form a solid, unitary structure, each section having a load carrying, rotatable sleeve individually driven to convey the glass sheets thereon.

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: An apparatus for bending and tempering heat-softened glass sheets by differentially cooling the opposite surfaces of the sheets to warp or bow the sheets to desired curvatures. The sheets are conveyed through the tempering section by a series of upper and lower conveyor rolls, each of which is formed of a two-piece construction and curved in a manner providing adequate support for the opposite ends thereof and permitting easy access into the inner regions of the tempering section.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and conveying glass sheets on a series of conveyor rolls having arcuately curved central portions normally disposed in an upper common horizontal plane for supporting a flat sheet of heat-softened glass to be bent and pivotable into a lower angular position out of engagement with said flat sheet upon engagement thereof along its marginal edge portions by the shaping rail of an upwardly movable female press member. Each conveyor roll is provided with a two-piece coupling comprised of a first section secured to the conveyor roll and a second section operatively connected to a drive arrangement. The sections are angularly rotated relative to each other to effect precise angular adjustments therebetween for varying the angular attitude of the associated conveyor roll in its lower position of use.

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.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending and tempering a relatively thin glass sheet while supported horizontally and conveyed along a generally horizontal path comprising heating the glass sheet to its softening point, bending the sheet into the desired curvature, reorienting the bent sheet for further processing along said horizontal path, reheating the sheet to the temperature necessary for proper tempering, and finally, chilling the sheets rapidly below the annealing temperature range of the glass.