Patent ID: 6032491
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
Apparatus for changing a heated mold at a forming station in a heated chamber where the mold cyclically forms heated glass sheets, the apparatus comprising:a switching station located adjacent the forming station;an unloading station located adjacent the switching station;a mold preheating station located adjacent the switching station;an unloading cart initially movable from the unloading station to the switching station and then to the forming station to receive the heated mold from the forming station, and the unloading cart subsequently being movable from the forming station back through the switching station to the unloading station to permit unloading of the heated mold;a loading cart that supports a second mold for heating within the mold preheating station, the loading cart being movable to move the heated second mold from the mold preheating station to the switching station and then to the forming station for loading of the second heated mold within the forming station; anda primary railway and an auxiliary railway that extend perpendicular to each other at the switching station and that are cooperable to support the unloading cart for movement between the unloading station and the forming station through the switching station and to also support the loading cart for movement between the mold preheating station and the forming station through the switching station.