Patent Description:
Glass bottles that are used for pharmaceutical purposes (also known as so-called "vials") are usually prepared from borosilicate glass by hot-forming a borosilicate glass tube. In such a process in a first step the orifice of the vial is formed from the open tube end, wherein this orifice often has the form of a rolled-rim. Thereafter the vial bottom is formed and simultaneously the vial is separated from the residual of the glass tube. For the formation of the vial bottom the glass tube is, for example, secured in a vertical position by means of upper and lower clamping chucks and is then rotated around its longitudinal axis. The rotating glass tube in a certain region is heated by one or two separating gas burners until the heated mass of glass becomes deformable. As soon as this temperature is reached, the tube - under continuing rotation and heating by means of the burner - is extended in axial direction by means of a linear downwards movement of the lower chuck. Thereby the tube in the heated region extends under simultaneous tapering of its diameter, so that a constriction region in the form of a glass thread is formed. After the downward movement the constriction region is further heated. In this way the glass tube at the constriction region further contracts by means of the flow pressure of the burner gases so that the glass walls in the heated region melt together and finally the connection between the upper and the lower tube region pulls off. Thus, two tube regions (or sections) with closed ends are generated, wherein the lower tube region is the final vial, and the upper tube region is the residual glass tube from which further vials can be formed. In a subsequent step below the upper tube section a so-called "piercing burner" is placed to melt again the bottom of the upper tube section.

For the formation of the final shape of the glass bottom, different approaches have been applied.

In a first approach, the final shape of the glass bottom is formed using molding tools, for example in the form of a stamp, that are pressed against the molten mass of glass, as it is shown, for example, in <CIT>. By means of such a mold matrix it can be ensured that the glass containers are prepared within the required dimensional tolerances with respect to their height and the recess in the middle of the glass bottom. At the same time, the molding tool ensures that the glass containers can stand in a stable fashion on a plane base. A large variety of materials are used for the molding tools which are capable of withstanding the prevailing temperatures and are sufficiently resistant against abrasion, e.g., various ceramic materials such as ceramically bound SiC. However, since the mold matrix in this first approach is in direct contact with the rotating mass of molten glass during the shaping, even tiny irregularities in the outer surface of the molding tool will appear as grooves in the glass bottom. Such grooves, however, may have a disadvantageous effect on the mechanical stability of the glass containers, particularly towards axial loads.

In a second approach, the final shape of the glass bottom is formed in a contact-free manner. <CIT>, for example, discloses a process of free-shaping of the glass bottom of a glass container. In this process, the bottom is shaped without any pressing of a molding tool. The container, which is readily shaped in the orifice region, is severed from the remainder of the tube according to its required height and is molten together. By providing a precise setting of the burner it is possible to form the bottom without allowing it to come into contact with shaping material. A further contact-free approach of forming the final shape of a glass bottom is disclosed in <CIT>. Here, molding tools are used which, in contrast to the approach disclosed in <CIT>, do not come into direct contact with the glass surface, but are separated from the glass surface by means of an air cushion that is provided between the upper surface of the molding tool and the mass of molten glass. Due to the lack of direct contact between the mass of molten glass and the molding tool, grooves or irregularities in the circular glass bottom can be prevented. However, containers which are produced by free-shaping of the glass bottom show higher dimensional tolerances than containers in which the final shape of the glass bottom has been prepared using molding tools that come into direct contact with the mass of molten glass. As in case of glass vials used for pharmaceutical compositions the filled and sealed vials, i.e., the finished medical product, are usually optically inspected in automated and adaptive optical inspection machines, the high manufacturing tolerance with respect to the bottom geometry leads to a large number of results that cannot be interpreted by these inspection machines and whose associated products are ejected from the automated process.

<CIT> also discloses a method for forming a glass bottom, and discloses a process for the preparation of a glass container where the glass tube from which the glass container is to be formed, is heated. While being heated to its softening point with a heating element, the container is rotated around its major axis, and the heated glass tube is pulled along its major axis for stretching, thereby creating a container closure.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome a disadvantage arising from the prior art. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a process for the preparation of a glass container in a glass processing machine, particularly for the preparation of glass vials, which combines the advantageous of a process in which the final shape of the glass bottom is prepared by means of a direct contact of the molten glass with a molding tool (i. , the preparation of glass containers with low dimensional tolerances) and of a process in which the final shape of the glass bottom is prepared in a contact-free manner (i. , the preparation of glass containers being almost free of tiny irregularities on the outside of the circular glass bottom and being characterized by a high mechanical stability, particularly towards axial loads). More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process for the preparation of a glass container in a glass processing machine, particularly for the preparation of glass vials, which allows the preparation of glass vials with a reduced manufacturing tolerance compared to the process known from the prior art, particularly with a reduced manufacturing tolerance with respect to the bottom geometry, more particularly with respect to the evenness of the glass in the bottom region. Moreover, the glass containers obtained by such a process should be characterized in that they can be inspected in an optical inspection machine with a reduced number of vials that are ejected because the result obtained by optical inspection of that vial cannot be interpreted.

A contribution to at least partly solving at least one, preferably more than one, of the above objects is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments which contribute to at least partly solving at least one of the objects.

A contribution to solving at least one of the objects according to the invention is made by an embodiment <NUM> (= <NUM>st embodiment) of a process for the preparation of a glass container from a glass tube in a glass processing machine,.

wherein, while bringing the mold matrix into contact with the closed bottom in process step II), a distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck is decreased stepwise.

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that - if in a process according to the above described first approach of forming the final shape of the glass bottom (i. , in a process in which a direct contact between a molding tool and the mass of molten glass occurs) - the mold matrix is brought into contact with the mass of molten glass at the closed bottom in such a way that a distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck is decreased stepwise, glass containers can be obtained that are not only characterized by a particularly high evenness of the outer surface of the glass bottom and a high mechanical strength, particularly towards axial loads, but that also show a reduced manufacturing tolerance.

The "softening temperature" of the glass is the temperature at which the glass has a viscosity (determined according to ISO <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>) of <NUM><NUM> dPa×sec.

The "distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck" is the shortest distance between the upper end of the first clamping chuck and the bottom end of the mold matrix, i. , the surface of the mold matrix that comes into contact with the mass of molten glass, wherein Ym is measured in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis Ltube as shown in <FIG>.

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the first and second clamping chucks are adapted and arranged to hold the glass tube in a vertical position;.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the process further comprises a step Ia), between process step I) and process step II), of heating the closed bottom to a temperature above the glass transition temperature, preferably above the softening temperature of the glass. This embodiment is a <NUM>rd embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>st or the <NUM>nd embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the process further comprises a step Ib), between process step I) and process step II), preferably between step Ia) and step II), of moving the mold matrix towards the closed bottom;.

The "final distance" defined by a gap Yb preferably corresponds to the static distance of the mold matrix from the closed bottom in the corresponding process step after any movement and is measured in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis Ltube as shown in <FIG>. The "gap Yb" is preferably the shortest distance between outermost point (largest radius) of closed bottom surface and contact surface of the mold matrix, this distance again being measured in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis Ltube as shown in <FIG>.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, in process step II), preferably in process steps Ib) and II), the mold matrix is moved downwards;
wherein preferably in process step I) the lower portion of the glass tube is pulled downwards by moving downwards the lower clamping chucks. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment, more preferably on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, an air flow is applied through the first end of the first portion towards the closed bottom, preferably during process step II), more preferably during process steps Ia), Ib) and II). This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment, more preferably on the <NUM>rd or the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, an air flow directed towards the closed bottom is applied; preferably during process step II), more preferably during process steps Ib) and II). This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment, more preferably on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck in process step II) is decreased in a first step IIa) and a second step IIb), preferably further decreased in a third step IIc). This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the mold matrix is in contact with <NUM>% or more, preferably <NUM>% or more, more preferably <NUM>% or more, most preferably <NUM>% or more, and/or <NUM>% or less, preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, most preferably <NUM>% or less, of the surface area of the closed bottom during the first step IIa). This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th embodiment.

The "surface area of the closed bottom" is preferably π × (d<NUM>/<NUM>)<NUM>, wherein d<NUM> corresponds to outer diameter of the glass tube as that is heated in process step I).

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the mold matrix is in contact with <NUM>% or more, preferably <NUM>% or more, more preferably <NUM>% or more, most preferably <NUM>% or more, and/or <NUM>% or less, preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, most preferably <NUM>% or less, of the surface area of the closed bottom during the second step IIb). This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th or the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck is decreased in a first step IIa) by a first distance Y<NUM>m, and a second step IIb) by a second distance Y<NUM>m, wherein the first step IIa) and the second step IIb) are preferably successive. This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on anyone of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment. Y<NUM>m and Y<NUM>m are measured in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis Ltube.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the first distance Y<NUM>m is larger than the second distance Y<NUM>m. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the ratio between the first distance Y<NUM>m and the second distance Y<NUM>m is at least <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM> : <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM> : <NUM> and/or preferably less than <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM> : <NUM> and more preferably less than <NUM> : <NUM>. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th or the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the first distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less, and/or <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the second distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less, and/or <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, there is a time delay Δt between the first step IIa) and the second step IIb). This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the time delay Δt is <NUM> sec or more, preferably <NUM> sec or more, more preferably <NUM> sec or more, most preferably <NUM> sec or more, and/or <NUM> sec or less, preferably <NUM> sec or less, more preferably <NUM> sec or less, most preferably <NUM> sec or less. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the final distance defined by a gap Yb between the mold matrix and closed bottom is in a first step IIa) defined by a first gap Y<NUM>b and in a second step IIb) defined by a second gap Y<NUM>b, preferably the first step IIa) and the second step IIb) are successive. This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the first gap Y<NUM>b is larger than the second gap Y<NUM>b. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the ratio between the first gap Y<NUM>b and the second gap Y<NUM>b is at least <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM> : <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM> : <NUM> and/or preferably less than <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM> : <NUM>. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th or the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the first gap Y<NUM>b is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less, and/or <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more. This embodiment is a <NUM>st embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the second gap Y<NUM>b is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less and/or <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more. This embodiment is a <NUM>nd embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>st embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the mold matrix comprises, preferably is made of, carbon and/or ceramic. This embodiment is a <NUM>rd embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>nd embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the process process, the closed bottom is of circular shape. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the process according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>rd embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the clamping chucks are adapted such that they can be rotated, preferably at <NUM> to <NUM> rpm; and/or, preferably and
wherein the mold matrix is fixed.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the mold matrix is adapted and arranged such that it can be moved towards first clamping chucks which hold the glass tube comprising a closed bottom the contour of which is to be formed in the bottom contour forming station, wherein a distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck can be decreased stepwise. This embodiment is a <NUM>rd embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>st or the <NUM>nd embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the first clamping chucks are adapted and arranged to hold the glass tube in a vertical position. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>rd embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the bottom contour forming station comprises a first air supply unit by means of which an air flow can be directed through an open end of the glass tube comprising a closed bottom the contour of which is to be formed in the bottom contour forming station towards the closed bottom. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the bottom contour forming station comprises a second air supply unit by means of which an air flow can be applied towards the closed bottom. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the mold matrix is adapted and arranged such that the distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck can be decreased in a first step, and a second step, preferably further decreased in a third step. This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>rd to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the mold matrix is adapted and arranged such that the distance Ym between the mold matrix and the first clamping chuck can be decreased in a first step by a first distance Y<NUM>m and a second step by a second distance Y<NUM>m, wherein the first step and the second step are preferably successive. This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends the <NUM>th embodiment. Y<NUM>m and Y<NUM>m are measured in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis Ltube.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the first distance Y<NUM>m is larger than the second distance Y<NUM>m. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the ratio between the first distance Y<NUM>m and the second distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> : <NUM>, most preferably <NUM> : <NUM>. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th or the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the first distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less, and/or <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more. This embodiment is an <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the second distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, most preferably <NUM> or less, and/or <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, most preferably <NUM> or more. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the mold matrix is adapted and arranged such that there is a time delay Δt between the first step and the second step. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>th to the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the time delay is <NUM> sec or more, preferably <NUM> sec or more, more preferably <NUM> sec or more, most preferably <NUM> sec or more, and/or <NUM> sec or less, preferably <NUM> sec or less, more preferably <NUM> sec or less, most preferably <NUM> sec or less. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on the <NUM>th embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the glass processing machine, the mold matrix comprises, preferably is made of, carbon and/or ceramic. This embodiment is a <NUM>th embodiment of the glass processing machine according to the present invention that preferably depends on any one of the <NUM>st to the <NUM>th embodiment.

The glass container or the glass container contained in the plurality of glass containers may have any size or shape which the skilled person deems appropriate in the context of the invention. Preferably, the top region of the glass container comprises an opening, which allows for inserting a pharmaceutical composition into the interior volume of the glass container. The glass container comprises as container parts a glass body in the form of a glass tube with a first end and a further end and a circular glass bottom that closes the glass body at the first end. Preferably, the glass container is of a one-piece design that is prepared by providing a glass tube and by shaping one end thereof (i. the end that will be the opening of the glass container) so as to obtain a top region, a junction region, a neck region and a shoulder region followed by a step of shaping the further end of the glass tube so as to obtain a closed glass bottom. A preferred glass container is a pharmaceutical glass container, more preferably one selected from the group consisting of a vial, an ampoule or a combination thereof, wherein a vial is particularly preferred.

For the use in this document, the interior volume Vi represents the full volume of the interior of the glass container. This volume may be determined by filling the interior of the glass container with water up to the brim and measuring the volume of the amount of water which the interior can take up to the brim. Hence, the interior volume as used herein is not a nominal volume as it is often referred to in the technical field of pharmacy. This nominal volume may for example be less than the interior volume by a factor of about <NUM>.

The glass of the container may be any type of glass and may consist of any material or combination of materials which the skilled person deems suitable in the context of the invention. Preferably, the glass is suitable for pharmaceutical packaging. Particularly preferable, the glass is of type I, more preferably type I b, in accordance with the definitions of glass types in <NPL>. Additionally, or alternatively preferable to the preceding, the glass is selected from the group consisting of a borosilicate glass, an aluminosilicate glass, soda lime glass and fused silica; or a combination of at least two thereof. For the use in this document, an aluminosilicate glass is a glass which has a content of Al<NUM>O<NUM> of more than <NUM> wt. -%, preferably more than <NUM> wt. -%, particularly preferable in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass. A preferred aluminosilicate glass has a content of B<NUM>O<NUM> of less than <NUM> wt. -%, preferably at maximum <NUM> wt. -%, particularly preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass. For the use in this document, a borosilicate glass is a glass which has a content of B<NUM>O<NUM> of at least <NUM> wt. -%, preferably at least <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. -%, even more preferably at least <NUM> wt. -%, particularly preferable in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass. A preferred borosilicate glass has a content of Al<NUM>O<NUM> of less than <NUM> wt. -%, preferably less than <NUM> wt. -%, particularly preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass. In a further aspect, the borosilicate glass has a content of Al<NUM>O<NUM> in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, in each case based on the total weight of the glass.

A glass which is further preferred according to the invention is essentially free from B. Therein, the wording "essentially free from B" refers to glasses which are free from B which has been added to the glass composition by purpose. This means that B may still be present as an impurity, but preferably at a proportion of not more than <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. -%, in each case based on the weight of the glass.

The following measurement methods are to be used in the context of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, the measurements have to be carried out at an ambient temperature of <NUM>, an ambient air pressure of <NUM> kPa (<NUM> atm) and a relative atmospheric humidity of <NUM>%.

The wall thickness of the glass container at a given position as well as the inner or outer diameter of the glass container at a given position are determined in accordance with DIN ISO <NUM>-<NUM>.

A glass tube (Fiolax® clear, Schott AG, Germany) having an outer diameter d<NUM> of <NUM> and a wall thickness s<NUM> of <NUM> is loaded into the head of a rotary machine. While rotating around its major axis the glass tube is heated to its softening point with separation gas burners as shown in <FIG> and the heated glass is pulled along its major axis by moving the clamping chucks creating two separate portions of glass tube and forming a closed bottom at the upper end of the lower portion. Consecutively, the closed bottom is heated with gas burners to the glass transition temperature and brought into contact with a carbon mold matrix as further depicted in <FIG>. When bringing the mold matrix into contact with the closed bottom, the distance is decreased stepwise in a first and second step. The ratio of the distance decreased in the first step to the distance decreased in the second step (Y<NUM>m / Y<NUM>m; see <FIG>) was <NUM>. Furthermore, the second step was performed with a time delay (Δt) of <NUM> sec after the first step. In a Comparative Example representing the prior-art process the mold matrix is brought into contact with the closed bottom in a single step without any delay.

The conditions applied when forming the closed bottom in the Example according to the present invention and the Comparative Example are summarized in the following table:.

Unless otherwise specified in the description or the particular figure:.

<FIG> shows a glass processing machine <NUM> that illustrates a process for the preparation of glass container <NUM>. In such a glass processing machine <NUM> both the tubes (part A: large wreath 102A) and the separated vials (part B: small wreath 102B) are held vertically in rotating chucks on two adjacent rotating rings 102A, 102B. This type of machine has the working positions (<NUM> to <NUM>: part A and <NUM> to <NUM>: part B) arranged one after, between which the tubes and vials are transported by the wreaths in clocked fashion. Station 101a at the point that connects the two rings 102A,102B corresponds to the separation station at which the glass tube is heated at a defined position by means of two separation gas burners <NUM> so far that it becomes deformable. As soon as this temperature is reached, the tube - under continuing rotation and heating by means of the burner <NUM> - is extended in axial direction by means of a linear downwards movement of the lower chuck (see reference number <NUM> in <FIG>). Thereby the tube in the heated region extends under simultaneous tapering of its diameter, so that a constriction region in the form of a glass thread results. After the downward movement the constriction region can be further heated. After the lower portion of the glass tube has been finally separated (end of process step I; see <FIG>) of the process according to the present invention), the glass is liquefied on positions <NUM> to <NUM> of the B-wreath 102B under massive input of heat at the upper edge of the of the lower portion of the glass tube in order to finally shape the bottom geometry (see <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrate process step I) of the process according to the present invention as it can be performed, for example, at separation station 102a in glass processing machine shown in <FIG>. A glass tube <NUM> that comprises a first portion <NUM> with a first end <NUM>, a second portion <NUM> with a second end <NUM> and a longitudinal axis Ltube that passes through the centre of the first and the second end (<NUM>,<NUM>) is loaded in a glass processing machine <NUM> comprising a plurality of processing stations <NUM>, first and second clamping chucks <NUM>,<NUM> which are adapted and arranged to hold the glass tube <NUM> while rotating the glass tube <NUM> around its longitudinal axis Ltube and to transport the rotating glass tube <NUM> from one glass container processing station <NUM> to the next one, a heating device <NUM> and a mold matrix <NUM>. In process step I) of the process according to the present invention the glass tube <NUM> is heated at a defined position between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> to a temperature above the glass transition temperature while the glass tube <NUM> is rotating around its longitudinal axis Ltube (<FIG>) and the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are pulled apart (<FIG>). In the process shown in <FIG> the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are pulled apart by moving downwards the lower clamping chucks <NUM> while the glass tube <NUM> is rotating around its longitudinal axis Ltube. When moving downwards the lower clamping chucks <NUM> and thus also the lower portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM>, a glass thread <NUM> is formed (see <FIG>). At the end of process step I) the first portion <NUM> is separated from the second portion <NUM> and a closed bottom <NUM> is formed at one end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> illustrate process step II) of the process according to the present invention. As shown in that figure, a mold matrix <NUM> is moved towards the closed bottom <NUM> and is brought into contact with the closed bottom <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the process according to the present invention is characterized in that, while bringing the mold matrix <NUM> into contact with the closed bottom <NUM>, a distance Ym between the mold matrix <NUM> and the first clamping chuck <NUM> is decreased stepwise, wherein - as shown by means of the dashed lines in <FIG> - Ym is the shortest distance between the upper end of the first clamping chuck <NUM> and the bottom end of the mold matrix <NUM>, i. , the surface of the mold matrix <NUM> that comes into contact with the mass of molten glass at the closed bottom <NUM>, wherein Ym is measured in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis Ltube. In the preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second clamping chucks <NUM>,<NUM> are adapted and arranged to hold the glass tube <NUM> in a vertical position, wherein the second portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM> corresponds to the upper portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM> having an upper end <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM> corresponds to the lower portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM> having a lower end <NUM>. Accordingly, the first clamping chucks <NUM> are arranged as lower clamping chucks <NUM> holding the lower portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM> and the second clamping chucks <NUM> are arranged as upper clamping chucks <NUM> holding the upper portion <NUM> of the glass tube <NUM>, wherein the one end <NUM> is opposite of the lower end <NUM>.

<FIG> shows in more detail the movement of the mold matrix <NUM> relative to the first clamping chucks <NUM> in process II) of the process according to the present invention. As shown in that figure, distance Ym between the mold matrix <NUM> and the first clamping chuck <NUM> is decreased in a first step (as shown in <FIG>) by a first distance Y<NUM>m and a second step (as shown in <FIG>) by a second distance Y<NUM>m, preferably the first step and the second step are successive. As shown in <FIG>, the first distance Y<NUM>m is larger than the second distance Y<NUM>m, wherein the first distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> or less, and the second distance Y<NUM>m is <NUM> or less. Preferably, there is a time delay Δt between the first step shown in <FIG> and the second step shown in <FIG>, wherein Δt preferably is <NUM> sec or more.

As also shown in <FIG>, the final distance defined by a gap Yb between the mold matrix <NUM> and closed bottom <NUM> is in the first step preferably defined by a first gap Y<NUM>b and in the second step preferably defined by a second gap Y<NUM>b, wherein it is also preferred that the first gap Y<NUM>b is larger than the second gap Y<NUM>b. It is also preferred that the first gap Y<NUM>b is <NUM> or less and that the second gap Y<NUM>b is <NUM> or less.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a glass container <NUM>. For the purpose of an improved illustration the individual parts of the glass container (i. glass tube <NUM>, glass bottom <NUM> and curved glass heel <NUM>) have been separated from each other. However, as the glass container <NUM> according to the invention is obtained by a process in which a mother tube (which forms glass tube <NUM>), while rotating around its major axis, is heated to its softening point with flames, in which the heated glass is pulled along its major axis for stretching and creating a container closure and in which the container closure has been shaped to form a glass bottom <NUM> and a curved glass heel <NUM>, these parts are integrally connected in the glass container <NUM> according to the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the glass tube <NUM> is characterized by a first end <NUM> and a further end <NUM>. The glass bottom <NUM> comprises an outer region <NUM> that in the glass container <NUM> is connected to the curved glass heel <NUM>. The glass tube <NUM> is characterized by a longitudinal axis Ltube, an outer diameter d<NUM> and a wall thickness s<NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of glass container <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A process for the preparation of a glass container (<NUM>) from a glass tube (<NUM>) in a glass processing machine (<NUM>),
wherein the glass tube (<NUM>) comprises a first portion (<NUM>) with a first end (<NUM>), a second portion (<NUM>) with a second end (<NUM>) and a longitudinal axis Ltube that passes through the centre of the first and the second end (<NUM>,<NUM>),
wherein the glass processing machine (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of processing stations (<NUM>), first and second clamping chucks (<NUM>,<NUM>) which are adapted and arranged to hold the glass tube (<NUM>) while rotating the glass tube (<NUM>) around its longitudinal axis Ltube and to transport the rotating glass tube (<NUM>) from one glass container processing station (<NUM>) to the next one, a heating device (<NUM>) and a mold matrix (<NUM>),
wherein the process comprises the steps of
I) heating the glass tube (<NUM>) at a defined position between the first portion (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) to a temperature above the glass transition temperature while the glass tube (<NUM>) is rotating around its longitudinal axis Ltube and pulling apart the first portion (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) thereby separating the first portion (<NUM>) from the second portion (<NUM>) and forming a closed bottom (<NUM>) at one end (<NUM>) of the first portion (<NUM>);
II) moving the mold matrix (<NUM>) towards the closed bottom (<NUM>) and bringing the mold matrix (<NUM>) into contact with the closed bottom (<NUM>);
wherein, while bringing the mold matrix (<NUM>) into contact with the closed bottom (<NUM>) in process step II), a distance Ym between the mold matrix (<NUM>) and the first clamping chuck (<NUM>) is decreased stepwise.