Patent GB-444637-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to automatic glass blowing machines
IPC: C03B9/193
Filed: 1934-09-24
Abstract: 444,637. Glass manufacture. NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP MAATSCHAPPIJ TOT EXPLOITATIE VAN UITVINDINGEN, 64, Leuvehaven, Rotterdam, Holland. Sept. 24, 1934, No. 27403. Convention date, Sept. 26, 1933. [Class 56] An automatic non - rotary glassblowing- machine, particularly intended for making small hollow articles such as small bulbs for electric lamps, comprises a number of moulding units arranged in a circle or closed path about a filling tube which conveys charges of molten glass from a feeder to each of the units in turn. The machine comprises a stationary annular table 1, Fig. 2, which is preferably suspended from an overhead support and on which a number of head moulds 2 are arranged in a circle. These moulds may be of the kind described in Specification 377,408. A second table 6, secured below the table 1, supports a stationary central bushing 10 within which a cylindrical member 11 rotates. A disc 17, secured to the member 11 and driven by a shaft 20<a>, also carries a drum 19 to which cams 33, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42 are secured. Blowing moulds 21 are mounted on the table 6 and are opened and closed by springs 32 and by cams 31 secured to the member 11. Pressing- moulds 24 slide vertically in bushes 25 secured to the table 6, and pressing-plungers 26 are carried by rods 28 which slide through bushes extending between the tables 1 and 6. Charges of glass, supplied by a feeder 57, Fig. 4, are conveyed to the moulds by means of a filling-tube 55. This tube is pivotally mounted at 70 on a tube 80 carried by a vertical cylinder 72 which is rotatably mounted on the centre of the table 1. The cylinder 72 is rotated step-by-step by a Geneva gear 46, 49, Fig. 2, driven from the cylindrical member 11, so that the lower end of the filling-tube 55 travels over the ring of moulds 2 and pauses over each in turn. The filling-tube is inclined, as shown in Fig. 4, and its upper end 56 remains stationary below the feeder 57. Means are provided for swinging the filling-tube about its support when the machine is to be put out of action, the charges of glass then falling through the tube 80 and the member 11. Cams 79 can be attached to a stationary table 77 in order to swing the filling-tube away from its receiving- position when any particular moulding unit is not required to operate. The filling tube and the moulds are cooled by circulating water. In operation, the pressing mould 24 of any particular moulding unit is raised by the cam 33 into contact with the head mould 2, and a charge of glass is dripped into the moulds from the filling-tube 55. After removal of the tube, the plunger 26 is depressed by a spring 38 and the cam 39 to press the glass in the moulds to form a parison. The mould 24 then descends and the parison, which is suspended by the head mould 2, is puffed out by air blown through passages in the pressing plunger 26, the supply of air being controlled by the cam 40. Next, the parison is heated by a burner 30, the supply of air and gas to be burned being controlled by a device 29 operated by the cams 41, 42. After the parison has been reheated, it is enclosed in the blowing mould 21 and is blown to the required shape. The mould then opens and the finished article is dropped on to an inclined plate 44, secured to the rotating drum 19, whence it falls on to a rotating ring 45 and is carried to a transporting belt.