Reshaping Of Planar Sheet Patents (Class 65/106)
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Patent number: 5782947Abstract: A method for heating a glass sheet includes the steps of heating a glass sheet to a first predetermined temperature and applying microwave energy to the glass sheet to heat the glass sheet to at least a second predetermined temperature to allow the glass sheet to be formed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Premakaran Tucker Boaz
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Patent number: 5769919Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for shaping glass sheets to deeply sagged configurations using a lower outline mold and an upper shaping mold while minimizing marking of the sheets by shaping molds. The outline mold includes a support rail which generally corresponds to the desired curvature of a peripheral portion of the sheets to be shaped and supports the glass sheets as they are heated and sagged by gravity to a preliminary shape. The outline mold and the upper mold are then moved relative to each other to position the molds either in close proximity to each other or to press the upper mold against the glass sheets. Pressurized gas is then directed from the mold to at least the unsupported central portions of the preliminarily shaped sheets, to urge these unsupported portions downward and shape the sheets to a desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: George R. Claassen, Irvin A. Wilson, David B. Rayburn, John L. McLaughlin, Rudolph A. Karlo, Jeffrey L. Marietti
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Patent number: 5759220Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for manufacturing shaped laminated glass panes comprising an inner glass sheet, and intermediate layer such as thermoplastic material and an outer glass sheet. The method comprises providing a layer of silicate water-based paint on at least a portion of a glass sheet surface which is to bear against the intermediate layer, drying the paint at moderate temperature to remove water and cure the paint, placing the glass sheets together so that the surfaces which are to bear against the intermediate layer are in proximity with one another and are parallel, bending the glass sheets simultaneously into a final shape at elevated temperature, and cooling the glass sheets.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Premakaran Tucker Boaz
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Patent number: 5755845Abstract: The invention relates to the press bending and tempering of glass sheets, especially for use as glazings in vehicles. When the press bending system is not located in a heated environment such as a furnace, it is important to maintain the glass sheets at a sufficiently high temperature for an adequate degree of temper to be achieved on quenching the sheet. The present invention provides a method of bending and tempering a thin glass sheet comprising pressing the substantially horizontal sheet between moulds having opposed complementary shaping surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being heated, and subsequently quenching the surfaces of the sheet characterised in that the heated shaping surface is maintained at a temperature in the range from 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1997Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignees: Pilkington Glass Limited, Flachglas Aktiengesellschaft, Libbey-Owens-Ford CompanyInventors: Alan Charles Woodward, Han-Dieter Funk, Richard A. Herrington
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Patent number: 5743931Abstract: A press bending apparatus for shaping heat soften glass sheets between an upper press member and a lower press member is provided. The conveyor system for transferring the sheets of glass in the press bending apparatus includes concave shaped rollers such that the glass sheets tend to sag into conformity with the rolls as the sheets are positioned for bending operations between the upper and lower press members. The lower press member is a continuous press bending ring to prevent improper sagging of the glass sheet around the peripheral edges of the sheet. The concave shape of the rolls mounted inside of the press ring provides maximum support for the formed glass sheet to prevent sagging of the glass. Additional production benefits can be obtained by forming the conveyor system and lower press member as modular unit and the upper press member as a modular unit for each model of bent glass to facilitate changing the press members for production model changes.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.Inventors: Jeffrey Ronald Flaugher, William J. Skilliter, Vince Dew
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Patent number: 5735922Abstract: Glass sheets are press bent and tempered, especially for use as glazings in vehicles. Such glazings are required to be accurately bent to a complex shape while meeting high standards of optical quality and fracture safety at an acceptable cost. A method of bending and tempering a glass sheet is provided comprising heating the sheet in a furnace, including heating at least one portion of the sheet to a higher temperature than another portion, conveying the sheet out of the furnace and into a press bending station, shaping the sheet by pressing it between opposed complementary upper and lower press members, at least one of the members being internally heated, transferring the bent glass sheet onto a shuttle carrier ring conforming to the periphery of the sheet, and tempering the sheet while supported on the carrier ring. A corresponding apparatus is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignees: Pilkington Glass Limited, Flachglas Aktiengesellschaft, Libbey-Owens-Ford Company, Nippon Sheet Glass Co., LimitedInventors: Alan Charles Woodward, Hans-Dieter Funk, Richard A. Herrington, Kazunori Yuki
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Patent number: 5716425Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.Inventors: Jennifer R. Wolfe, Allan T. Enk, Robert G. Revells, Gary A. Smith
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Patent number: 5714420Abstract: A ceramic enamel composition consists of an oxide frit, a bismuth silicate seed material, a pigment, and a vehicle. A preferred bismuth silicate seed material is selected from crystalline Bi.sub.12 SiO.sub.20, Bi.sub.4 (SiO.sub.4).sub.3, and Bi.sub.2 SiO.sub.5, and mixtures thereof. Upon firing a glass substrate coated with the enamel, components of the enamel adhere to the substrate. The glass can be formed with a die to a desired shape with reduced sticking of the coated region to the die. The ceramic enamel is particularly useful in providing a colored border around automotive glass, which enhances appearance and reduces degradation of adhesives by ultraviolet radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Cerdec Corporation - Drakenfeld ProductsInventors: George E. Sakoske, Joseph W. Ryan
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Patent number: 5713976Abstract: Process for bending glass sheets, particularly in pairs, in which the glass sheets undergo a pre-bending under the effect of gravity in a horizontal position on a concave annular bending ring (3) whose profile corresponds to the desired final profile of the glass sheets, until the edges of the glass plates are applied entirely to the bending block (3). A monolithic convex bending block (31) is then applied over the whole surface and acts from above on the glass sheets (21). The inner part of the sheets then undergoes supplementary bending which gives it the desired final shape, the glass sheets being pressed by suction, against the monolithic convex bending block, at the edge of the monolithic convex bending block (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1994Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Saint Gobain VitrageInventors: Hans-Werner Kuster, Karl-Josef Ollfisch, Georgios Hariskos, Herbert Radermacher, Marco Muller
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Patent number: 5697999Abstract: Glass sheet bending apparatus (20) including at least one deformable mold (22) has a linkage (26) that extends between mold members (24) and includes connector links (28) fixed to the mold members and having pivotal connections (32) to each other about axes that extend parallel to the glass sheet throughout the bending, and the linkage also has control links (34) that have pivotal connections (36) about axes that extend perpendicular to the glass sheet throughout the bending as well as having universal connections (38) to each other such that the linkage moves the mold members for bending with a constant radius of curvature. The bending apparatus (20) preferably has a pair of the deformable molds (22,44) that are arranged in lower and upper locations and have respective linkages (26,48) as well as having the mold members (24,46) thereof provided with quench openings (66) through which quenching gas is supplied to quench the bent glass sheet for heat strengthening or tempering.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.Inventor: Pauli T. Reunamaki
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Patent number: 5695538Abstract: A flexible ring mold for shaping heat softened glass sheets lifts a heat softened glass sheet and presses it against the shaping surface of an upper mold. Prior to the peripheral portions of the glass sheet contacting the upper mold, the flexible ring deforms to preliminarily shape the glass sheet.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dennis M. Goolsbay, Larry W. Deffendoll, Patrick L. Singleton
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Patent number: 5695537Abstract: An apparatus for press bending glass sheets carried on a mold, the apparatus including a die having a lower surface shape to mold a glass sheet positioned thereunder to a desired curved shape, a first counterbalance assembly connected to the die for providing the die with a selected net weight, a frame mounted above the die, a plurality of flexible members connecting the die to the frame for suspending the die below the frame whereby the die is capable of unconstrained lateral and tilting movement relative to the frame and die moving device connected to the frame for vertically moving the die.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Pilkington Glass LimitedInventor: David Sykes
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Patent number: 5693112Abstract: In a process and to an apparatus for bending a glass sheet heated to the bending temperature in a horizontal furnace, through which it is passed by a motor roller conveyor, which passes it into a bending cell where it is kept at an ambient temperature substantially identical to the bending temperature, the glass sheet is immobilized in the bending cell in an upper bending mold perpendicular to an annular countermold surrounding an element for supporting the central part of the glass sheet in the bending cell. The annular countermold is raised in order to press the glass sheet against the upper bending mold.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1994Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Jean-Luc Lesage, Jean-Pierre Douche, Jean-Marc Petitcollin, Arnaud Borderiou, Marc Watin
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Patent number: 5683483Abstract: The present invention provides large, high-purity quartz glass plate with a high degree of smoothness and flatness, its manufacturing method and equipment. The invention is characterized by the procedure in which a quartz glass tube with an opening over a specific width, in the direction of the tube shaft, that is preferably band-shaped, is heated and softened in a band-shaped area over the entire width, in the direction of the tube shaft, progressing sequentially along the direction of tube circumference from a specific position on the glass tube. While softening and heating, the quartz glass tube is pulled in a line approximately tangential to the specific position to flatten the glass tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Shin-Etsu Quartz Products Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ise Yosiaki, Asajima Kazuo, Okosi Shinichi, Kimura Hiroyuki
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Patent number: 5679123Abstract: When heating and bending glass sheets in a furnace, it is desirable to raise the sheets towards the furnace heat sources to increase obtainable temperature differentials and reduce heating power.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignees: Triplex Safety Glass Limited, Nippon Sheet Glass Co. LimitedInventors: Colin Michael Bennett, Masuhide Kajii, Kazuo Yamada
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Patent number: 5672189Abstract: Press-bending station for bending sheets of glass during the course of automated production of identical motor vehicle windows within specified batch sizes, where the glass sheets to be bent are heated in a continuous furnace to a specified bending temperature and directly after leaving the continuous furnace are fed in horizontal position with the aid of a horizontal conveyor into the press-bending station. It incorporates a male press mold and a female press mold. The male press mold is a cast full mold and consists of an aluminum alloy. The male press mold possesses heating passages for fluid heating with the aid of a liquid heat transfer medium and can be heated with sufficiently homogeneous temperature distribution to a thermal expansion temperature which is below the bending temperature. The temperature of the male press mold can be controlled and/or regulated by means of the liquid heat transfer medium.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Flachglas AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dieter Funk, Dieter Bruns, Rolf Wenning, Walter Brans
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Patent number: 5669953Abstract: A system (20) and method for forming a glass sheet includes a locating assembly (28) for locating at least one glass sheet below a downwardly facing surface (58) of a topside support device (26) that receives the heated glass sheet from a conveyor (24,24') in preparation for transfer thereof to an associated mold (33) on a mold shuttle (30). The locating assembly (28) includes a support (82) that is mounted outside of the system housing (22) at factory ambient temperature and has a horizontal arm (84) extending therefrom through the housing into its heated chamber (37) with first and second locators (92) and (94) for locating the suspended glass sheet as well as having a third locator that cooperates with the first and second locators to provide the glass sheet location. At least one of the first and second locators (92) and (94) is rotatively driven.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.Inventors: James P. Schnabel, Jr., Paul D. Ducat, Robert L. Boyles, Jr.
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Patent number: 5669952Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for shaping glass sheets to deeply sagged configurations using a lower outline mold and an upper shaping mold while minimizing marking of the sheets by shaping molds. The outline mold includes a support rail which generally corresponding to the desired curvature of a peripheral portion of the sheets to be shaped and supports the glass sheets as they are heated and sagged by gravity to a preliminary shape. The outline mold and the upper mold are then moved relative to each other to position the molds either in close proximity to each other or to press the upper mold against the glass sheets. Pressurized gas is then directed from the mold to at least the unsupported central portions of the preliminarily shaped sheets, to urge these unsupported portions downward and shape the sheets to a desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: George R. Claassen, Irvin A. Wilson, David B. Rayburn, John L. McLaughlin, Rudolph A. Karlo, Jeffrey L. Marietti
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Patent number: 5656053Abstract: A method for heating and forming a glass sheet includes the steps of heating a glass sheet to at least a first predetermined temperature, applying microwave energy to the glass sheet to heat the glass sheet to at least a second predetermined temperature, cooling an outer surface of the glass sheet to at least a third predetermined temperature and forming the glass sheet using forming rollers to a predetermined configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Premakaran Tucker Boaz
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Patent number: 5651805Abstract: In a method and apparatus for bending glass plates, the glass plates are heated in a horizontal position in a continuous furnace (1) to the bending temperature and in a following bending chamber (5) are pressed by an upwardly flowing hot gas stream against a convex bending mold (7) positioned above the conveying plane. The bent glass plates (3') are placed on a displaceable shaping ring (13) and transferred with the latter into a following cooling station (16). The glass plates (3) are raised from the conveying roller train (2) of the continuous furnace (1) by a suction plate (3) are positioned relative to the transfer ring (28) on the latter. With the aid of the transfer ring (28) the glass plates (3) are transferred into the bending chamber, where in the end position of the transfer ring (28) they assume the desired end position relative to the bending mold (7).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1994Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Hans-Werner Kuster, Luc Vanaschen
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Patent number: 5651806Abstract: An apparatus sculpturing from sheet material a vacuum formed glass mold. The sheet material is cut into a plurality of sections that are combined into laminated structure is that is welded together and mounted on a mold base. The top surfaces of the individual sections are machined to form a glass forming surface that can be used to vacuum form glass that conforms to the shape of the forming surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Frank Edward Moulding, Gerald Post, Eugene Stankiewicz
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Patent number: 5649990Abstract: A flexible shaping ring for shaping heat softened glass sheets lifts a heat softened glass sheet and presses it against the shaping surface of an upper mold. As the shaping ring presses the marginal edge portion of the sheet against the upper mold, its shaping surface deforms to generally conform to a corresponding portion of the upper mold. A press ring subsequently contacts the shaping ring and presses it against the upper mold to further shape the marginal edge portion of the glass sheet and ensure the marginal edge completely conforms to the shape of the upper mold.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Frank, Samuel E. Behanna, Rudolph A. Karlo, Jeffrey L. Marietti
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Patent number: 5641334Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a sequential bending furnace for bending glass sheets. According to the method, carriages are advanced in the furnace into a section downstream in the traveling direction of the carriages for a subsequent bending cycle essentially by using at least two transfer assemblies, providing a transfer mechanism and including first and second locking elements which are in a transfer-force transmitting relationship during the course of a transfer. This is followed by disengaging the locking elements and then transfer and locking rods included in the transfer assemblies are returned to a transfer commencing position in such a manner that at least one transfer assembly is in a locking position during transfers.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Lamino OyInventors: Esko Kianta, Rauno Salonen
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Patent number: 5634957Abstract: An apparatus for press bending glass sheets, the apparatus comprising an upper die, a suspension system for the upper die for suspending and vertically moving the upper die, a lower gravity bending mould and a plurality of spacer devices for spacing the upper die and the lower mould a selected distance from each other when the upper die presses a glass sheet on the lower mould, the suspension system being adapted and the spacer devices being configured to permit lateral movement of the die relative to the mould. There is also provided a method of press bending glass sheets.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Pilkington Glass LimitedInventors: David Sykes, Alan C. Woodward
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Patent number: 5626642Abstract: A method of and a device for curving glass sheets preheated to curving temperature operate by passage of the glass sheets simultaneously over a principal shaping bed having a longitudinal trajectory which is substantially circular or substantially a cone of revolution, and one or more secondary shaping beds, the generatrices of which are inclined relative to those of the principal bed. The invention is applicable, notably, to the production of automobile panes having angled corners.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Bernard Letemps, Jacques Leclercq
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Patent number: 5622539Abstract: A device for supporting and transferring, in a shaping station (2), at least the central part of glass sheets which have been heated to their shaping temperature. The device includes a pressurized box (21) generating an air cushion. The box has a plurality of individual compartments (53), transverse with respect to the axis of travel of the glass sheets (28), each of the compartments (53) having a width measured parallel to said axis which is small by comparison with the "height" of the glass sheets and, being provided with gas having at least two pressure distribution levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Jean-Luc Lesage, Jean-Marc Petitcollin, Jean-Pierre Douche, Pascal Tinelli
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Patent number: 5605591Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating laminated glazing comprising at least one enamel layer, wherein is deposited an enamelled composition comprising an anti-adhesive frit, a medium and, optionally, a low melt point frit on a portion of the internal face of a glass sheet; the enamelled glass sheet is subjected to heat treatment at a temperature between 150.degree. C. and the glass deformation temperature, and a second glass sheet is placed on the enamelled side of the first glass sheet before simultaneous bending of the two glass sheets, final firing of the enamel taking place during bending.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Andre Beyrle, Walter Goerenz, Dieter K ustner, Wolfgang Schafer
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Patent number: 5599367Abstract: Process for operation of a press-bending station for bending glass sheets during the course of automated production of motor vehicle windows, during which manufacture the glass sheets to be bent are fed into a cyclically operating press-bending station, and after the bending operation are fed out of the press-bending station with the aid of a means of conveyance in the form of a shuttle ring into a cooling and/or toughening station. The press-bending station incorporates in its press an upper male press mold with vacuum-locating device for the bent glass sheet, a lower female press mold and the shuttle ring. The press incorporates a press upper beam which is movable up and down, to which a male press mold is attached. The bent glass sheet retained under the male press mold with the aid of the vacuum-locating device is fed to the shuttle ring by a downward movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Flachglas AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dieter Funk, Dieter Bruns, Rolf Wenning, Walter Brans
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Patent number: 5591245Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing an edge stress in a windshield bending furnace. Adjacent to a ring mould is located a metallic, flat extra frame in a manner that the lower surface of a bent windshield remains at a small distance from extra frame. The compression stress of glass edge can be adjusted by varying the distance of extra frame from glass and/or by varying its glass-oriented dimension.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Tamglass Engineering OyInventor: Tauno T. Salonen
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Patent number: 5584902Abstract: A high performance, durable sputter coated, heat-treatable glass which after heat-treatment exhibits about 76% or more visible transmittance, a hemispherical emissivity (E.sub.h) of about 0.16 or less, and a normal emissivity (E.sub.n) of about 0.12 or less is formed by sputter coating a layer system on a glass substrate which includes an undercoat and overcoat of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, a silver layer, and two nickel or nichrome layers on opposite sides of the silver layer, and wherein the lower nickel-based layer is about three times as thick as the other nickel based layer. The increased thickness of the lower nickel-based layer allows the coated glass article to be both heat-treatable, and "low-E" after the heat-treatment. This allows matching with other known glasses in the family of layer components by way of the heat-treatment process.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Klaus W. Hartig, Philip J. Lingle
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Patent number: 5578104Abstract: The glass sheet is heated to a heat-softened condition in a furnace, and conveyed to a prescribed position above an upper shaping surface of a ring mold. The sheet is then transferred onto the ring mold by lowering part of the conveyor means, and bent by a process involving raising both the ring mold and the conveyor means. This combination minimizes the introduction of optical distortion into the sheet. A preferred bending process is to press bend the sheet between the ring mold and an opposed upper bending mold.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Pilkington Glass LimitedInventors: Alan C. Woodward, Geoffrey Greenhalgh
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Patent number: 5573566Abstract: A method of making a quartz dome for a reactor chamber from a substantially flat quartz disk. The quartz disk is placed on a graphite ring which is rotated. The quartz disk is heated until the disk is softened slightly and it begins to slump. The softened portion of the disk is drawn by a change in pressure to contact a fixed wiper blade. The wiper blade controls the size and shape of the deformation of the quartz disk to form the dome surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Materials America, Inc.Inventors: Dane H. Anderberg, Lewis C. Barnett
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Patent number: 5562748Abstract: The invention relates to an improved color paste for the manufacture of internally printed, curved laminated glass panes.Prior art color pastes cause problems with respect to adhesion and optical accuracy or require a higher technical complexity during the baking process for producing internally printed laminated glass panes.Color pastes which constitute the invention and overcome the previous drawbacks are characterized by a print medium which contains 5,6,8-trihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone in addition to solvents.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Cerdec Aktiengesellschaft Keramische FarbenInventor: Adalbert Huber
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Patent number: 5562750Abstract: Glass sheets which have been heated to bending temperature are bent by passing the glass sheets over a shaping bed having a substantially circular or substantially conical profile of revolution as seen in the longitudinal direction of the shaping bed. The shaping bed is composed of an assembly of revolving elements adapted for driving the glass sheets and at least one hot air cushion acting on the glass sheets in the first part of the bending zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Bernard Letemps, Jacques Leclercq
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Patent number: 5556444Abstract: A glass sheet bending method is performed by apparatus (20) including at least one deformable mold (22) has a linkage (26) that extends between mold members (24) and includes connector links (28) fixed to the mold members and having pivotal connections (32) to each other about axes that extend parallel to the glass sheet throughout the bending, and the linkage also has control links (34) that have pivotal connections (36) about axes that extend perpendicular to the glass sheet throughout the bending as well as having universal connections (38) to each other such that the linkage moves the mold members for bending with a constant radius of curvature. The bending apparatus (20) preferably has a pair of the deformable molds (22,44) that are arranged in lower and upper locations and have respective linkages (26,48) as well as having the mold members (24,46) thereof provided with quench openings (66) through which quenching gas is supplied to quench the bent glass sheet for heat strengthening or tempering.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.Inventor: Pauli T. Reunamaki
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Patent number: 5549726Abstract: A process for bending a glass sheet according to which the glass sheet is heated in horizontal position until its bending temperature is reached and is brought into contact with an upper bending form by a force of a pneumatic nature. A fluid barrier is generated at the periphery of the glass sheet, the fluid barrier limiting the entry and exit of air near the upper bending form.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Jean-Marc Petitcollin, Jean-Luc Lesage, Arnaud Borderiou
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Patent number: 5498275Abstract: Glass sheet bending apparatus (20) including at least one deformable mold (22) has a linkage (26) that extends between mold members (24) and includes connector links (28) fixed to the mold members and having pivotal connections (32) to each other about axes that extend parallel to the glass sheet throughout the bending, and the linkage also has control links (34) that have pivotal connections (36) about axes that extend perpendicular to the glass sheet throughout the bending as well as having universal connections (38) to each other such that the linkage moves the mold members for bending with a constant radius of curvature. The bending apparatus (20) preferably has a pair of the deformable molds (22,44) that are arranged in lower and upper locations and have respective linkages (26,48) as well as having the mold members (24,46) thereof provided with quench openings (66) through which quenching gas is supplied to quench the bent glass sheet for heat strengthening or tempering.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.Inventor: Pauli T. Reunamaki
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Patent number: 5484657Abstract: A method for the preparation of glass sheets with a view to laminating them consists of curving the glass sheets by causing them to pass one after another along a curved trajectory, then cooling them by passage between blowing chests, and of dispatching them by batches to the assembling station, and a laminated pane, the sheets of which have, in the central zone, a core compressive stress of from 1 to 50 MPa.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Franz Kramling, Herve Charrue, Frederic Weber, Bernard Letemps, Claude Didelot
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Patent number: 5472469Abstract: A method and a furnace for bending glass sheets. Glass sheets are heated to a bending temperature by supporting them on a mould (11) and carrying them from one heating station to another. In a bending station (4), the glass sheet is heated for effecting a desired bending partially or entirely through the action of gravity. During a bending operation, the temperature distribution of a glass sheet is subjected to the action of convection blasting. By focusing the blast on the mid-section of a glass sheet it is possible to create a progressively curving pocket.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Tamglass Engineering OyInventors: Erkki Yli-Vakkuri, Arto Kaonpaa, Tapio Salonen, Jukka Nikkanen
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Patent number: 5470366Abstract: The present invention provides a glass sheet shaping arrangement whereby a glass sheet may be conveyed through a shaping station without being shaped and deposited into a glass collector beneath an upstream portion of the adjacent quench without impacting the lower quench or interfering with the operation of the quench. A furnace, shaping station and cooling station are all linearly aligned so that a glass sheet progresses through the glass sheet shaping arrangement without changing its advancing direction. A glass sheet is conveyed in a first direction along a first generally horizontal plane through the furnace to heat the sheet to its heat softening temperature. The sheet continues into the shaping station where it is lifted into engagement with an upper vacuum surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Frank, James H. Schwartz
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Patent number: 5451280Abstract: A curved, laminated car glazing having a decorative enamel coating formed as a frame along the edge of a laminated glazing, on a surface adjacent to the intermediate, thermoplastic layer of one of the individual glass sheets is prepared by printing an enamel as the decorative coating on a glass sheet, which is then dried, printing an enamel containing metallic silver as a narrow strip on the decorative coating, firing or baking the coated glass sheet, superimposing the baked glass sheet with a mating glass sheet with the printed coating on the inside, and with the result that the bent sheets do not stick together because of the presence of the silver-containing strip, and completing the lamination of the curved glass sheets.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventor: Manfred Gillner
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Patent number: 5443669Abstract: In the production of a glass laminate wherein two panes are subjected to deformation with single or double curvature, a screen-printed pattern on at least one of the panes is dried by heating below 300.degree. C. to evaporate the printing oil before the panes are stacked for deformation and simultaneously baking on the dry enamel pattern. The panes are then separated, a plastic sheet interposed and the resulting stack is bonded to form the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Flachglas AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gerhard Tunker
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Patent number: 5437703Abstract: A method is provided in which a glass sheet is bent on a mould having a movable end, comprising the steps of: heating the glass sheet to its bending temperature; subjecting the glass sheet to an initial gravity bending step; providing support to a portion of the glass sheet located on the movable end of the mould; while providing said support, lowering said movable end away from the glass sheet; subjecting the glass sheet to a press bending step; cooling the bent glass sheet. Support may be provided by a reduced pressure within an upper mould, a mechanical arm, or gas directed in a generally upwards direction. The invention may be used for bending glass for architectural or automotive purposes, e.g. for bending a pair of glass sheets, one on top of the other, for use in the manufacture of a laminated windscreen, to achieve deep and/or complex bent shapes.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1994Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Pilkington Glass LimitedInventors: Neil W. Jacques, Brian J. Thomas, David Sykes, James Boardman
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Patent number: 5403369Abstract: Apparatus (10) for positioning a heated glass sheet G includes a longitudinally extending air flotation conveyor (12) for receiving and floating the heated glass sheet, a glass sheet vacuum mold (14) movably mounted above the air floatation conveyor for receiving the heated glass sheet, a glass sheet positioner (16) mounted relative to the mold for peripherally engaging and laterally and longitudinally positioning the glass sheet with respect to the mold and an array of lift jets (18) interspersed amongst the air flotation conveyor and located beneath the mold for lifting the glass sheet onto the vacuum mold through the application of lifting air on the bottom surface of the glass sheet. A glass sheet processing ring (26) transversely movable relative to the air flotation conveyor (12) subsequently receives the glass sheet from the mold (14).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.Inventor: Ronald A. McMaster
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Patent number: 5401286Abstract: A flexible ring mold for shaping heat softened glass sheets is provided with an inner ring having a plurality of posts which help support the ring mold and maintain the mold's generally planar configuration during the initial lifting and shaping of a supported glass sheet. Prior to the entire glass sheet being pressed against an upper mold surface, the ring mold is separated from the support posts.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dennis M. Goolsbay, Larry W. Deffendoll, Patrick L. Singleton
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Patent number: 5397647Abstract: A method for the preparation of glass sheets with a view to laminating them consists of curving the glass sheets by causing them to pass one after another along a curved trajectory, then cooling them by passage between blowing chests, and of dispatching them by batches to the assembling station, and a laminated pane, the sheets of which have, in the central zone, a core compressive stress of from 1 to 50 MPa.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1992Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Franz Kramling, Herve Charrue, Frederic Weber, Bernard Letemps, Claude Didelot
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Patent number: 5395415Abstract: A method of and apparatus for precisely shaping heated glass sheets as the sheets advance along a bed of conveyor rolls. The conveyor rolls comprise a core member having axially aligned opposite sections and an arcuately curved central portion, with a flexible sleeve surrounding the core member. The sleeves are rotated in unison about the core members to convey the sheets. The core members are pivotable in unison between a first position where the curved control portions lie in a common plane for conveying the flat sheets and a second, lowered position whereat the curved portions define the shape to which the sheets are to be deformed. Vertically reciprocable top surface press units are mounted above the path of the glass sheets. The press units include curved stationary mandrels having freely rotatable flexible sleeves thereon.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.Inventors: Jody H. Akens, Robert J. Boisselle
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Patent number: 5393316Abstract: A glass plate is bend-shaped by transferring a glass plate by way of transferring rollers in a heating furnace; sucking and suspending the glass plate by way of a glass plate sucking and suspending device which is disposed in the heating furnace and at the downstream side of the transferring rollers; moving arms of a positioning device disposed at the lower portion of the glass plate sucking and suspending device in the direction parallel to a glass plate suspension surface of the glass plate sucking and suspending device; sucking and suspending glass plate supporting portions each connected to the top end of each of the arms by interposing a joint portion so as to keep the distance between the glass plate supporting portions and the glass plate sucking and suspending device at a predetermined value; supporting edge portion of the glass plate by the glass plate supporting portions, and positioning the glass plate to a predetermined position by advancing and retracting the arms in the direction parallel to theType: GrantFiled: October 29, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Sugiyama, Kenji Maeda
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Patent number: 5383947Abstract: The invention relates to a press-bending method and apparatus for bending glass sheets. The press bending is effected between an upper curved mold surface (12) and a lower ring mold (13). Air is blown through pores included in an upper mold (2) into a space (3) between mold surface (12) and a glass sheet (11), and vacuumed from the edges of the space for developing in the space (3) a negative pressure (P.sub.2) capable of bearing a glass sheet (1) in the immediate proximity of the mold surface (12), yet without contacting the mold surface (12).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Tamglass Engineering OyInventor: Jori Montonen
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Patent number: 5383990Abstract: In a curved laminated glass comprising a plurality of glass plates which are bent in a substantially convex form, laminated and bonded together, an outer glass plate is softened faster than an inner glass plate when they are located in an atmosphere of high temperature which is higher than a temperature capable of bending glass.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuji