Patent GB-541755-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to the production of thin hollow glass articles, such asdrinking glasses
IPC: C03B33/095
Filed: 1940-05-06
Abstract: 541,755. Mounting burners. UNITED GLASS BOTTLE MANUFACTURERS, Ltd., GERBAUD, L., and DORMAN, E. P. May 6, 1940, No. 8108. [Class 75 (i)] [Also in Group XXIII] Relates to a machine for dividing a thin, hollow glass article such as a drinking glass into two parts, particularly for separating the moil or an extension from the body of an article after it has been blown in a mould. In a machine according to the invention, the article is held stationary in relation to a ring of flames which is caused to revolve around it, so that the flames play upon a narrow line along which separation is to be effected. When the glass has softened sufficiently, the moil is gripped while the article is pulled to stretch the softened glass, the flames being then allowed to play on the thinned portion to cause it to crack along its junction with the thicker part. The machine comprises a number of holders which move in an endless circuit each co-operating with a number of synchronously moving heating units. During one cycle of movement, an article X, Fig. 11, is placed in a holder 32 at position I. The article is held in the holder by suction and the holder is then inverted so as to present the moil end to a rotating ring of burners 12 as shown in positions II and III. When the glass is softened along a narrow line, the article is raised and the moil or extension engaged by grippers 57, as shown at position V. The article is then lifted slightly to stretch the softened glass and, after the grippers have opened, the article is again lowered towards the burners. In this position, VI, the flames of the burners play on the thinned glass at its junction with the body of the article, and a crack forms. The moil then drops off and the flames glaze the edge of the article. Finally, the finished article is raised and reverted, as shown at position VIII. The machine comprises two tables, L, O, Fig. 1, which are rotated about a central vertical column C by a motor G1. The table L supports a number of burner units each of which comprises a hollow vertical shaft 9, Fig. 3, journalled in bearings on the table and provided with a sprocket wheel 10 by which it is rotated. The shaft carries an annular member 11a on which a number of burners 12 are mounted. Each burner is supported by a member 14 having an extension 17c that slides in radial grooves 16a in a corner plate 16, Figs. 3 and 10. The member also has a stem 17b that engages in a spiral slot 17a in a plate 17 which is rotatable on the cover plate 16. By turning the plate 17, the slots 17a cause all the burners to move simultaneously to and from the axis of the member 11b, to adjust the ring of burners to suit articles of various sizes. The table O, Fig. 1, supports a number of devices for holding the glass articles, one device being arranged vertically above each of the burner units. Each holder comprises a suction cup 32 carried by a member 31 which is rotated in horizontal bearings in a member 28 that slides vertically in guides in a bracket 21 secured to the table O. The holder 32 is lowered to invert and revert the glass articles, and the necessary vertical movements are imparted to the member 28 by a stationary cam 1. The application of suction to the cups 32 is controlled by a valve operated by a stationary cam 47. The grippers 57 are pivoted on the table L and are opened, closed at appropriate times by a stationary cam 2, one gripping-device being associated with each burner unit. The rotation of the tables about the column C may be continuous or step-by-step.