Patent GB-310422-A (GB)
Title: Improved method of and apparatus for feeding and forming glass
IPC: C03B9/18
Filed: 1928-04-24
Abstract: 310,422. Eckert, F. April 25, 1928, [Convention date]. Blowing ; delivering molten metal.- A device for feeding glass to the moulds of a forming-machine comprises a forehearth having an outlet aperture, means for bringing each mould into contact with the aperture, means for exerting suction within the mould for filling it directly from the forehearth, and means for applying suction above the surface of the glass and compressed air below the outlet aperture in order to stop the flow of glass during the time that one mould is being replaced by another. Blowing. The feeder is shown in conjunction with a forming-machine comprising two mould turrets 4, 56 which carry the parison moulds 17 and finishing moulds 55, respectively. The parison moulds are supported by housings 5 that are free to slide between vertical guides and carry the shafts and the bevel wheels 7, 8 by which the moulds are inverted. The bevels 8 are secured to pinions 11 which engage a broad gear-wheel 12 secured to the stationary column 3 of the turret, so that the gears 11, 12 remain in mesh although the housings 5 are moved vertically. When a mould arrives in the charging position beneath the outlet aperture 33 of the feeder, a pneumatic cylinder 61 raises the housing 5 so that the open end of the inverted mould is brought into contact with the feeder aperture. After the mould is charged it is lowered, and the turret is rotated to bring a new mould into place, and the charged mould is turned over by the gears 7, 8, 11, 12. The mould then opens and leaves the parison suspended from the ring mould 18, as shown, ready to be enclosed by a finishing mould 55. Delivering molten metal. The feeder comprises a forehearth A having a bottom outlet 33 and an upper chamber 25, communication with the tank being effected by means of a conduit a below the surface level of the glass. The chamber 25 is made gas tight, and it is connected by a pipe 26 to a valve B which puts it into connection either with the atmosphere or with a suction conduit 29. Below the aperture 33 a suction head 35 is carried by the piston-rod 36 of a pneumatic cylinder 37, and when a parison mould has been lifted into contact with the outlet 33 the suction head is raised into contact with the ring mould 18. Suction is then applied to the head through a pipe 38 connected to a valve 40, and the applied suction accelerates the flow of glass through the aperture 33 and assists in rapidly filling the mould. Passages formed in the mould also connect the suction head with the space at the upper end of the mould, and air is sucked through these passages from the space above the glass in the mould. The casing of the forehearth has a downward extension which forms a ring 45 around the outlet, and the lower edge of this ring is engaged by a shear blade 46 which is moved by a pneumatic cylinder 47. When the mould is fully charged, the blade is moved inwards to cut off the flow of gas. The blade remains closed and compressed air is admitted by a valve 50 to the chamber 48 formed by the blade and the ring 45. The air pressure stops the flow of glass and forces the stub end upwards into the outlet. Suction is then applied to the interior of the chamber 25 to hold the glass in the outlet, the blade 46 is withdrawn, and the charged mould is replaced by another.