Abstract: Improvements in devices for metering the flow of molten material such as glass include a catenary support structure, internal passageways in the bulbous valve body for directing molten material to the downstream side of the support arm or arms, and electrical isolation of the valve components from each other to recude electrolytic corrosion. An advantage of the invention is that use of precious metals such as platinum is avoided.

Abstract: A mold cooling arrangement includes a plurality of closed bores vertically disposed in the mold between the molding surface and the mold exterior. A manifold positioned vertically above the mold communicates with the interior of each bore and a condenser is disposed vertically above and communicates with the manifold. The bores and manifold are at least partially filled with a liquid such as distilled water which partially evaporized during operation of the mold and the vapor rinse to the condenser is converted back to liquid and return by gravity to the manifold and mold bores.

Abstract: According to the invention, ventilating air blown around and/or in the walls of a mould is cooled so as to maintain substantially constant, at least during predetermined periods of time, the temperature of the air around and/or in the walls of the mould, irrespective of the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A moulding mechanism for a glassware forming machine comprises a mould (30; 170, 172), a supporting plate (31; 174) supporting at least a bottom portion of the mould, a plenum chamber (32, 34; 176, 177) extending downwardly from the supporting plate and arranged to supply air at substantially equal pressure to passages (33, 175) in the supporting plate which communicate with cooling passages (50; 192, 194) in the mould, and a piston and cylinder assembly (36, 38; 178, 180) operable to raise and lower the supporting plate (31; 174). At least a portion of the plenum chamber (32, 34; 176, 177) is formed as a tubular piston rod (34; 177) extending upwardly from the piston (36; 178) of the piston and cylinder assembly.

Abstract: An electrically heated forehearth for use in glass production is heated by means of a plurality of radiant heating elements, each element traversing the forehearth substantially at right angles to the direction of glass flow and each element comprising heating zones at each edge portion and a central, non-heating zone. With the forehearth according to the present invention the molten glass is heated electrically at its edge, cooler, portions only. The central and therefore hotter part of the molten glass under the non-heating zone of the element is unheated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for cooling glass molding equipment such that the thermal considerations of the equipment design and the mechanical considerations thereof are uncoupled. The uncoupling of the thermal and mechanical considerations facilitates the utilization of the forming member at varying production speeds, since different cooling inserts, having the desired thermal characteristics for the particular production speed utilized, may be provided within the forming member. In order to effect good heat transfer between the forming member and the cooling insert, a gap is provided which is substantially filled with a low melting metal alloy.

Abstract: The mould of the mould arrangement comprises a bottom plate and two side portions which are movable to a first position in which they engage one another and the bottom plate to define a mould cavity and to a separated position. The side portions define cooling passages having entrances in bottom surfaces of the side portions and the bottom plate has at least one plenum chamber formed therein which has exits which, when the side portions are in their first position, communicate with cooling passage entrances so that air blown into the plenum chamber passes through the cooling passages. A bottom plate for the arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: An alcove for conducting molten glass to a plurality of forehearths for delivery to glassware forming equipment, comprising a series of zones with a trough extending through the zones and a barrel vault roof over the trough in each zone, the vault bearing on blocks at the top of the sides of the trough carrying burners, the vault having keystones formed to provide side channels over side portions of the stream of molten glass in the trough and a central channel over the central portion of the stream.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine having swinging arms carrying mold members with passages extending upwardly therethrough for flow of air for cooling said members, and first and second conduit members for delivery of air to a plenum associated with each arm, the first being oscillable on a fixed vertical axis and the second being slidably and sealably associated with the first and pivotally interconnected with a respective plenum.

Abstract: A fluid transferring mechanism especially adapted for providing cooling fluid to the scoops of a glass gob distributor having a housing and an oscillating member mounted therein. The housing has inlet and outlet passageway having an exit and entrance respectively at the interface between the housing and oscillating member. The oscillating member has first and second grooves in its outer surface which communicates with the exit and entrance respectively during the entire oscillation of the oscillating member. A passageway connects the first and second grooves to provide a path for the fluid from the inlet and outlet passageways.

Abstract: A vertical standpipe which has an internal fitting. The standpipe conveys a molten glass stream from a molten bath in a furnace forehearth to a spinner below the forehearth. The internal fitting has an orifice positioned so as to maintain a spaced-apart relationship between the interior surface of the standpipe and the molten glass stream issuing from the orifice. The mass flow rate of the molten glass stream is throttled by variable cooling means in the vicinity of the orifice.

Abstract: A lid construction for a heating vessel. Discrete insulating members are supported by water cooled pipes above the vessel. The cooling pipes fit into grooves along the vertical side walls of the insulating members. Each member has a support independent from the supports for the other members so that an individual member can be removed within having to remove additional members.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for a forming tool of a machine for forming molten glass or other thermoplastic materials, wherein the forming tool is coolable by a pressure fluid and turnable about a first pivoting axle, includes at least one stationary supply conduit having an outlet opening, a pressure distributing device for the forming tool turnable relative to said supply conduit about the first pivoting axle, and a connecting conduit arranged to connect each supply conduit with the pressure fluid distributing device and having an articulated conduit component turnable about a second pivoting axle which is fixed relative to the pressure fluid distributing device and is parallel to the first pivoting axle, the articulated conduit component having an inlet opening which is in a constant communication with the outlet opening of the supply conduit, the articulated conduit component being displaceable relative to the supply conduit in a displacement plane normal to the pivoting axles.

Abstract: The movable side portions of a mould of a cyclicly operating glassware forming machine have cooling passages passing upwardly therein from an entrance in a bottom surface of the side portion. A plenum chamber is formed beneath the side portions and has upwardly opening exits which communicate with the entrances of the cooling passages when the side portions are stationary in either an open or a closed position thereof so that cooling air can pass into the cooling passages. In this way, each cooling passage can be supplied with air at substantially the same pressure and low pressure air can be used.

Abstract: In the production of bonded mineral fibre wool, binder is injected in the chute (16) onto the fibres, as a result of which there is a tendency for the fibres to adhere to the walls of the chute (16) and to form encrustations due to binder becoming cured in the course of time. To avoid such encrustations, which can cause production shortfalls, the circumferential walls (18, 20) of the chute are constructed as jacketed walls and are cooled by passing cooling liquid in the hollow space (30) between the inner and outer surface portions (28, 29). It has been found, surprisingly, that as a result no solid encrustations can form even over prolonged periods, since temporarily adhering fibres cannot in fact become adhesively bonded due to insufficient curing of the binder at the low temperatures, but are continuously removed from the wall again.

Abstract: Device for continuous manufacture of fined glass in which the flow of molten material is transferred from a melting compartment (1) to a fining compartment (2) by a submerged throat (8), the fining compartment (2) comprising a chute (14) carrying the material, in an overall ascending current, and delivering it to the conditioning station (3), in a surface current, heating means (16-19) distributed in the chute (14) bringing the material to the usual debubbling temperature.This device is advantageously combined with a cupola type electric melting furnace, particularly for producing glasses with very volatile ingredients.

Abstract: A mold arrangement for a glassware forming machine in which the side portions of the mold have vertically extending cooling passages therein which communicate through a bottom plate and a distributor plate with a plenum chamber. The plenum chamber has openings which have a vertical interface with openings in the machine frame for passage of cooling air.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for the precise regulation of a stream of molten material such as molten rock or slag as it issues from a primary melter or holding device, comprising a frame retaining a valve, the valve comprising a pair of plate-form valve members, one fixed and one movable with respect to the other, each having an aperture or orifice provided therein. Maximum rate of discharge occurs when the apertures are in juxtaposition, and flow cut-off occurs when the apertures are not in juxtaposition. Power operated means is provided for the movable valve member to obtain proper stream regulation or complete cut-off. The apertures are so contoured that, as the valve is moved toward closed position, the cross-sectional shape of the effective opening and the flowing stream of molten material remains substantially uniform and unchanged.

Abstract: A forehearth for molten glass having at least one cooling zone which includes a trough and a roof over the trough. A pair of spaced projections extending downwardly from the roof to define a central channel over the molten glass and side channels over the respective side portions of the molten glass. The roof has an area of reduced thickness in the portion over the central channel. An enclosed upper cooling channel extends longitudinally over the area of reduced thickness and has an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet, and heating means are provided for each side portion of the forehearth.

Abstract: In a heating vessel wherein corrosive exhaust degrades exposed positions of the vessel, a high velocity gas jet injects gas between the corrosive exhaust and the exposed portions of the vessel. The gas minimizes contact between the exhaust and the exposed portions so as to reduce wear due to corrosive degradation.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for the precise regulation of a stream of molten material such as molten rock or slag as it issues from a primary melter or holding device, comprising a frame retaining a valve, the valve comprising a pair of plate-form valve members, one fixed and one movable with respect to the other, each having an aperture or orifice provided therein. Maximum rate of discharge occurs when the apertures are in juxtaposition, and flow cut-off occurs when the apertures are not in juxtaposition. Power operated means is provided for the movable valve member to obtain proper stream regulation or complete cut-off. Each valve member is formed of a plate of metal having an internal channel through which water is circulated to reduce the temperature of the valve member and to prevent its destruction by overheating.

Abstract: Hot molds are internally cooled by providing a plurality of cooling passages having first and second opened ends, in the body of said molds; a plurality of blowing heads, each of which having an inner flow convertor defining an inner anular chamber and a central suctioning passage, and is coupled to the first end of a corresponding cooling passage, in order to provide a tangential flow of cooling air to said cooling passage causing a swirl cooling current therethrough, which is accelerated by an air current that is suctioned through the suctioning passage of the blowing head, and which afterwards is exhausted through the second end of said cooling passage; and cooling air feeding means correspondingly coupled to each of said blowing heads, providing a flow of cooling air to said blowing heads.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of mineral fibers from a drawable material such as glass products, poured in the molten state onto a first centrifuging wheel before being conducted to a following wheel, each wheel transforming part of the molten material into fibers and dispatching the excess to the following wheel. A cooling water supply channel is arranged in the axis of each centrifuging wheel and is ridgidly coupled to the rotational movement of said wheel. Means of the helicoidal type, which are fixed to the channel, caused the water to advance to the end of the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for cooling the neck ring (26) and the parison mold (22) of the parison molding portion (20) of an individual section (162) of a glassware molding machine (164) by the use of fan air which is provided to the section box (166) by a motorized fan (300+302) and a fan box (298). The apparatus includes a damper valve (64) with a rotary actuator (82) for selectively controlling flow of fan air to the neck ring (26) and the parison mold (22); and the apparatus includes an isolation sleeve (146) and a temperature controlled valve (170) for utilizing the thermal energy of air discharged from cooling passages (122 and 124) in the parison plunger (116), and for automatically controlling the temperature of the fan air in the section box (166) regardless of ambient air temperatures.

Abstract: The mould arrangement comprises a mould (10) comprising a bottom plate (12) and two side portions (16,18). When the side portions (16,18) are in a first, closed, or a second, open, position thereof, cooling passages (20) formed therein communicate with exits (28) of a plenum chamber (24) beneath the bottom plate (12) so that cooling air can flow from the chamber and through the passages. The exits (28) of the chamber (24) are formed in a distribution plate (26). At least one air supply passage (50; 70) extends in the thickness of the distribution plate (26) to supply air to one or more further cooling passages (60; 80) in the side portions (16,18) to give enhanced cooling in selected regions.

Abstract: A mould portion (10) has one or more inner surfaces (16,18) arranged to define a portion of a mould cavity (14) in which molten glass can be moulded. A rod (20) of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the remainder of the mould portion extends from a region (22) of the mould portion requiring enhanced heat extraction into a recess (24) in an outer surface (26) of the mould portion. A passage (28) extends through the mould portion (10) and enters the recess (24). Cooling fluid, for example air, can be caused to flow through the passage so that the fluid enters the recess and cools the rod.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises two mould support arrangements (14; 114) each comprising a supporting arm (16; 116) pivotal about a first fixed axis (18; 118), a support (22; 122) for mould portions pivotal on the arm about a second vertical axis (24; 124), and a link (36; 136) pivotal about a third fixed vertical axis (28; 128) and on the support about a fourth fixed vertical axis (38; 138). The first axes (18; 118) of the support arrangements are spaced from one another and the first, second, third and fourth axes of each arrangement are arranged at the corners of a parallelogram to retain the relative orientations of mould portions as the arms (16; 116) pivot about the first axes (18; 118).

Abstract: A parison mold portion (20) of an individual glassware molding machine, of the type having a parison mold (22), a split neck ring (28), a neck ring holder (30), an upper receiver cap (40), and a parison plunger (116) , is provided with means for cooling the neck ring (28) and the parison mold (22). The means for cooling the neck ring (28) and the parison mold (22) includes a plurality of first cooling holes (214) in the upper receiver cap (40), a plurality of second cooling holes (216) in the neck ring (28) that communicate with the plurality of first cooling holes (214), and a plurality of third cooling holes (230) in the parison mold (22) that communicate with the plurality of second cooling holes (216).

Abstract: A parison mold portion (20) of a glassware forming machine, of the type having a parison mold (22) and a parison plunger (240), is provided with means for cooling the parison plunger (240). The means for cooling the parison plunger (240) includes a central cooling passage (258) that communicates with an end surface (246) and that extends longitudinally toward a nose (254), and a plurality of umbrella passages (162) that communicate with the end surface (246) radially outward from the central cooling passage (258), that are circumferentially spaced, and that intercept the central cooling passage (258) proximal to the nose (254).

Abstract: A forehearth having a delivery channel 2 for a molten liquid (e.g. glass) 1, provided with a channel ceiling 11 of an insulating refractory ceramic fibre material and with electrical heating means 6, is capable of greatly increased efficiency in energy usage relative to conventional gas-fired forehearths.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for equalizing the temperature of conveyor rolls in a glass-tempering furnace, said furnace comprising a thermally insulated housing (1) confining a heating chamber (8), conveyor rolls (4), extending horizontally between the side walls of chamber (8) and lying one after the other in the lengthwise direction of the chamber, heating resistors (5 and 6) in the chamber above and below the array of conveyor rolls, as well as means for driving the conveyor rolls unidirectionally during a first cycle and reciprocally during a second cycle. Since the reciprocating movement means that a glass sheet remains longer in contact with the midsection rolls, these rolls cool more rapidly. In order to equalize the temperature of the rolls, the end sections of the furnace are provided with screen plates (7) mounted between heating resistors (6) below the array of conveyor rolls and the rolls (4) themselves.

Abstract: The mould arrangement is for use in a cyclicly operating glassware forming machine. A plenum chamber, forming part of a bottom plate mechanism on which a bottom plate of the mould is carried, extends beneath a mould of the arrangement and has exits through which cooling air may leave the plenum chamber and enter cooling passages in side portions of the mould when the latter are in a closed position thereof. Air is blown into the plenum chamber for a predetermined period in each cycle of operation of the machine and leaves the plenum chamber through the exits thereby cooling the mould by passing through the passages in the side portions thereof. The air leaving the plenum chamber may first pass through passages in the bottom plate of the mould which communicate with the passages in the side portions.

Abstract: A lightguide furnace (10) includes a tube (32) at its base. The tube (32) has at least one opening (34) therethrough, in communication with, but substantially misaligned relative to, a corresponding opening (40) through a sleeve (36) coaxially aligned with, and rotatable about the tube (32). The substantial misalignment between each sleeve opening (40) and each tube opening (34) causes the cooling gas entering the furnace to be directed at least partially around the lightguide fiber (14). The cooling gas passes upwardly along the walls of the furnace away from the lightguide fiber (14) to reduce the likelihood of contamination thereof by particulates in the cooling gas. By rotating the sleeve (36) relative to the tube (32), the degree of misalignment of the sleeve openings (40) relative to the tube openings (34) can be adjusted to control the lightguide fiber cooling to regulate the tension.

Abstract: The mould used in manufacturing moulded articles is cooled by cooling fluid flowing along a cooling passage in the mould. In order to concentrate the cooling effect in a desired central region of the cooling passage, an exit portion of the passage is enlarged relative to the central region. If desired, the entrance portion may also be enlarged to further concentrate the cooling effect.

Abstract: In order to form a steam cushion between a glass and a metal mold during operation blowing the glass in the mold, the mold is provided with a large number of small holes mechanically-formed in and distributed over the inner surface of the mold for retaining water therein. Since the metallic inner surface of the mold is directly exposed to the molding cavity of the mold, the mold is not substantially subjected to abrasion and burning during the blowing operation so that the working life of the mold is extended.

Abstract: A burner tip for passing fuel into a glass melting chamber, the burner tip having at least a portion thereof extending a distance into a fuel input passageway fluidly communicating the chamber interior to the chamber exterior, the distance being sufficient to minimize inspiration of chamber exterior or ambient air through an unsealed space formed between the outside surface of the burner tip and the walls forming the fuel input passageway, into the chamber interior, wherein at least the portion of the burner tip which extends into the fuel input passageway is made of high temperature, high oxidation-resistant material capable of withstanding the chamber interior atmosphere during both firing and off-firing cycles, while in direct contact therewith over a substantial time period.

Abstract: The mould arrangement comprises two supports which support movable side portions of a mould and two plenum chambers each associated with one of the supports and movable therewith. Each plenum chamber extends above the mould side portion without obstructing an upwardly-opening entrance to the mould and has one or more exits which communicate with entrances of cooling passages formed in the side portion. Air supplied to the plenum chambers passes through the exits into the cooling passages and serves to cool the side portions.

Abstract: An improved pressing machine for the manufacture of glass articles, including a gyratory table composed of six mold supporters laid out equidistantly around the circularity of the table and at an intermediate position in respect of its radius, thereby moving the molds from one station to the next, as the table gyrates; six stations associated with such table, namely: a station for receiving the glass-gob charge, a pressing station, two article-cooling stations, one extracting station and one mold-cooling station; a system for the external cooling of the supporters and molds, formed by a source of cooling air and a plurality of ducts--internal and external--on the mentioned table, each one corresponding to each mold and mold-supporter, for sweeping the external surfaces of the supporters and molds; and a system for the continuous internal cooling of articles, same which encompasses, for each molds supporter, a cooling device consisting of ducts for causing certain cooling fluid to circulate in order to cool th

Abstract: A forehearth for the conveyance of molten glass has at least one cooling zone which includes a trough and a roof over the trough. A pair of spaced projections extend downwardly from the roof to define in the space below the roof a central channel over the central portion of the stream of molten glass and side channels over respective side portions of the stream of glass. The roof has at least one area of reduced thickness in the portion over the central channel. An enclosed upper cooling channel extends longitudinally of the forehearth over the area of reduced thickness and has an inlet and an outlet spaced longitudinally from the inlet. Heating means are provided for applying heat to each side portion of the stream of glass.

Abstract: The present invention is an auxiliary heated bushing block for a fiber forming furnace. The bushing block fits below an opening in the bottom of a forehearth of a glass melting furnace. A non-circular opening through the bushing block allows molten material to flow into a fiber forming bushing. Electrical resistance heater elements protrude through the ends of the bushing block into the non-circular opening into contact with the molten material. Each electrical resistance heater element has associated with it a separate adjustable power supply to provide individually variable power to each electrical resistance heater element. By varying the power settings of each power supply, the molten material as it flows through the non-circular opening of the bushing block can be selectively thermally conditioned.

Abstract: A method of cooling a blank mould which is used for making a parison in a glass container forming machine. The mould is provided with air passages which communicate with air passages in a baffle of the mould when the baffle is in position on the mould and air is blown through the passages in the baffle into the passages in the mould to cool the mould. The method may be used whether the parison is formed by blowing or by pressing. A baffle for use in the method is also claimed.

Abstract: During the manufacture of moulded articles, the temperature of the mould is detected and this information is used to control the operation of mould heating or cooling means. The temperature is detected by forming a passage in a mould portion which extends to an external surface, inserting an infra-red radiation transmitting device into the passage, and mounting an infra-red radiation detecting device so that it can receive radiation transmitted by the transmitting device when the mould portion is stationary.

Abstract: A conditioning section of a forehearth is disclosed with sidewall electrodes for Joule effect heating of glass positioned and connected to confine the current and Joule effect heating separately to the side portions of the molten glass flow path therein. Separate circuits, controls, temperature sensors and temperature set point control means are provided for the sidewall electrodes on each side. Glass temperature across the flow path is controlled and can be adjusted by separately controlling the flow of Joule effect current along each side of the flow path through manual or automatic, thermally actuated, controls for each side.

Abstract: The cooling wind for the molds on a glass bottle forming machine is controlled by a damper which is set by hand and positioned in the air passages from the section box or base of a glass forming machine and a nozzle base bolted to the top of the section box. As a further control for the air a piston operated vane positioned such that it will shut off the air to the air passages upon receipt of an air signal from the timing system of the machine is provided and is to be operated each cycle of the machine to prevent cooling air from impinging on bare glass.

Abstract: A centerline cooled forehearth for conditioning molten glass, wherein the sides of the flow channel of the forehearth are provided with external sheets of insulation. The channel is covered by a roof having vertical vents therethrough along the centerline with the usual burner blocks and burners spaced along the sides of the upper edge of the channel. Flue blocks are positioned immediately above the burner blocks, and their lower surfaces extend toward the centerline of the channel a greater extent than the burners, thereby serving as reflectors for the heat from the burners along the side walls of the channel.

Abstract: The mould arrangement comprises a mould body defining a mould cavity and cooling passages each having an opening in an upper surface of the mould body around an opening of the mould cavity. Air delivery means for delivering cooling air to the cooling passages comprises an annular chamber movable into an operative position in which openings in the bottom of the chamber communicate with the openings of the cooling passages so that air blown into the annular chamber enters the cooling passages. When the chamber is in its operative position, access can be obtained to the mould cavity through the center of the annular chamber.

Abstract: Forehearths for use in glass production comprise a refractory trough (52) for molten glass with an insulating roof thereover, means for heating glass in the trough and means for blowing cooling air across the inside of the roof surface; the forehearth being constructed of at least two sections (A, B and C) which have different insulating characteristics from each other. Preferably the forehearth roof is made up of prefabricated block members of refractory material lying side by side and each of which member spans across the trough. Different insulation is provided over the prefabricated block members to provide different insulating characteristics within sections of the forehearth. The invention also provides prefabricated members for use in the construction of the forehearth according to the present invention.

Abstract: A conventional glass tank furnace used in the manufacture of glass is provided with a system for recovering heat which inevitably escapes from the furnace roof or crown above the melting and refining tanks of the furnace. A heat recovery plenum means is mounted on top of the furnace roof or crown, and an air blower supplies cool air to the plenum means through a first duct means. The cool air directed to the plenum means cools the furnace crown and in the case of a suspended flat arch crown, the supporting steel work. The cool air in the plenum means is heated by heat escaping from the furnace crown, and thereafter is directed through second duct means to a main combustion air blower where the heated air from the plenum means is mixed with primary combustion air and directed to the furnace and to the furnace burners. Control means are provided to maintain the air in the plenum means at positive pressure so as to prevent air in the furnace from escaping through the furnace crown.

Abstract: A preform from which lightguide fiber is drawn is made by depositing optically suitable layers of doped silicon dioxide on an inner wall of a rotating glass substrate tube which is exposed to a moving zone of heat during a deposition mode and during a collapse mode. During at least a first pass following the deposition mode, a contact device is caused to engage each successive increment of length of the tube during exposure to the zone of heat. The contact device causes any sagged or offset portions of the tube to be reconfigured and causes the tube to have a central longitudinal axis which is a straight line which extends between stocks of a lathe by which ends of the tube are supported. The contact device may also be used to cause the tube to have a predetermined configuration along its length.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical fiber by means of the double crucible method. A double crucible is used of which at least the inner crucible has a double-walled construction. The double wall accommodates a metal wire coil. During the fabrication of the optical fiber the core glass is heated by means of a high-frequency electric field and the crucible wall is cooled with a cooling liquid.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a method of continuously fabricating optical fibers from a core glass and at least one cladding glass. The method uses an apparatus comprising two or more concentric crucibles (the "double crucible" method). The invention further relates to stepped index and graded index fibers obtained by this method and to an apparatus comprising at least two crucibles for use in this method.The "double crucible" method is a known technique for the continuous production of optical fibers of the graded index type as well as of the stepped index (monomode and multimode) type.