US766275A

US766275A - Apparatus for drawing glass.

Info

Publication number: US766275A
Application number: US72943699A
Authority: US
Inventors: John H Lubbers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1899-09-05
Filing date: 1899-09-05
Publication date: 1904-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 1921-08-02

Description

PATBNTBD AUG. 2, 1904.

J. H. LUBBERS. APPARATUS FOR DRAWING GLASS.

APPLIOATION FILED SBPT.6, 1899.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

Si ww www www INVENTQR PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904.

J. H. LUBBERS. APPARATUS. FOR DRAWING GLASS.

APPLICATION FILED BEPT.5. 1899.

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` N0.76G,275. PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904. J. H. LUBBERS. 1 APPARATUS EUR DRAWING GLASS.

APPLlGTION FILED SEPT.5. 1899. l H0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEBT 4.

w'n'nssses I INVENTon chamber, partly broken away, and showing UNITED STATES Patented August 2, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

APPARATUS Fon DRAWING GLASS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 766,275, dated August 2, 1904.

Application filed September 5, 1899. Serial No. 729,436. (No model.)

being had to the accompanying drawings,` forming part of this specification, in which-' Figure 1 is a longitudinal section, partly brokenaway, showing the drawing-chamber and leer of my improved apparatus. Fig. 2 is a top plan View, partly broken away. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-section `through the leer, partly broken away,`to show the drawingframe in its chamber. Fig. et is a cross-section of the drawing-chamber, showing the sheet after it has been severed. Fig. 5 is a side elevation, partly broken away, showing the receiving-car at the end of the leer. Fig; 6 is a longitudinal vertical section of the drawingmy preferred construction of muiile-walls; and Fig. 7 is a detail. end view of the baitholder. My invention relates to the formation o glass articles, such as sheets or cylinders, by drawing such articles from a body of molten l glass within a suitable furnace or chamber, and

it is designed to overcome thenumerous difficulties which have heretofore prevented the obtaining of commercial glass sheets or articles in this manner.

To that end it consists in shields arranged over the body of molten glass and adapted to protect the bath at the point at which the sheet is drawn from the surrounding heat;

further, it consists in a chamber into which portions, so as to prevent warping or bowing; also in devices for cutting off the lower end of the sheet from the bath after it has been drawn the desired length and in a leer which leads from the drawing-chamber and in which the glass is gradually annealed and cooled, so that it may be saved, and, further, it consists in certain combinations and features ofcoustruction, as hereinafter more fully described, vand set forth in the claims.

In the drawings, in which I show my invention arranged for drawing glass sheets, 2 represents the end portion of a tank-furnace for making glass, and 3 an offset chamber or forehearth portion containing the molten glass from which the sheets are drawn, the glass iiowing into this chamber from the main furnace ortank. In the roof of the chamber?) is a transverse slot or opening Within which are placed the tilting shields or partitions 4. 4, which normally extend downwardly to or nearly to the surface of the molten glass. These shields, which are preferably of refractory material, are secured to transverse bars 5, projecting over the roof, and they may be turned by levers 6, held in any adjusted position by pins 7, placed in holesv in inclined braces 8. By this means the shields may be adjusted vertically to vary their distance above the glass-bath, and consequently the heat at the point of drawing the sheet.

In order to allow a more rapid drawing of the sheet than would otherwise be possible, I preferably provide cooling devices, which in the form shown consist of U-shaped watercooling pipes 9, which rest upon the shields and swing therewith, these water-cooling pipes being provided with suitable vinlets 10 and outlets 11, by which a continuous flow of water may be maintained therethrough. These cooling devices are not, however, necessary, though the drawing must be done more slowly if they are not'used.

The glass-drawing operation is carried out between the shields by means of aV bait 12,

which may consist of a piece of sheet-glass or a metal strip, the glass sheet, if such is used,

being clamped between the forked jaws 13 of -which contact with the bait, the jaws being drawn together by suitable bolts 14. The

` vertical bars 15 of the drawing-tool are joined by a transverse bar 18 and are provided with upper oppositelyprojecting hooks 16 and with lower oppositely-projecting lugs 17.

In the drawing operation the hooks 16 are engaged by the spring-jaws 19 of the drawingframe 20, this frame having a guide 21 at one end engaging a vertical strap in the end of the chamber 23 and rollers 22 at the opposite end, which contact with the walls, as shown in Fig. 3, thus keeping the frame in the proper position during lifting. The drawing-frame is supported and moved vertically by chains or wire ropes 24, which may pass over suitable pulleys to a winding-drum actuated in any desired manner.

The drawing-chamber 23, into which the sheet rises as it is formed, is preferably made with hollow walls, forming muies, which are heatedby suitable gas-burners 25, projecting into their lower portions, the ames and gases rising between spacing-bricks 26 'and .escaping through suitable outlet-ports 27 at the tops.

I have found in practice that where the horizontal zones of the drawing chamber are equally heated in a horizontal direction, as the edge portions of the glass will cool more rapidly than the intermediate portion, the

` sheet Will be warped or curved, and to prevent this action I preferably form the drawing-chamber so that the sheet receives more heat in its outer portions than its intermediate portions, thus vcouvnteracting the quickery cooling of its-outer portions and preventing warping or twisting of the sheet. Thus in Fig. 6 I show each hollow wall or muiiie as provided with outwardly-inclined baiile plates or partitions 28.V .The burners 29 are locatedv at the outer sides `of these baffles, so that the rising heat-currents will heat the outer portions to a greater extent lthan the central or intermediate portions. This is an important feature of my invention, since if the heat is not applied more to the edge portions than .to the intermediate partof the sheet the glass tends to warp, and I intend to cover the same, broadly, irrespective of the particular construction for obtaining this result.

The mulie-chambers may, if desired, be open at their lower ends, so as to receive the heat from the furnace and the extension thereof, and in any form the heat of the walls is gradually decreased upwardly, so that the temperature of the sheet will be graduallyreduced to prevent breakage during the setting or stiiening thereof.

The forehearth or extension 3 is preferably provided with end heating-burners 30 and a side burner 3l, these being employed to keep the glass in the outer portion ofthe bath ofl comme the same consistency or temperature as that in the inner portion next to the main tank. The gases from these burners may be taken olf through a downtake-lne 32.

In the opposite sides of the chamber 3 and between the shields are provided holes 33, through which asbestos-faced tongs 34 may be inserted. When the sheet. is being drawn, the operators insert these tongs from time to time, as may be necessary, and seizing the edge portions of the glass drawer stretch it outwardly, so as to keep the sheet oi' about the same width and prevent its narrowing down. These portions ol the sheet may be merely held against narrowing, if desired, though I prefer to positively pull or stretch the glass in a horizontal direction. The upper end of the drawing-chamber is closed by hinged inwardly-projecting plates or dampers 35, which will swing' upwardly to allow passage therethrough of the drawing tool and frame.`

'In carrying out the drawing operation the bait-holder is lowered until the bait enters the bath and being heated thereby the glass will adhere to it. The holder is then slowly and steadily lifted, and as the bait rises the molten glass adhering to it will be drawn upwardly from the bath and assume the form of a sheet as it emerges, and this operation is continued until a sheet of the desired length has thus been drawn slowly upward. The thickness of the glass sheet so formed is easily changed by regulating the temperature of the molten glass and changing the position of the shields and the speed at which the bait is drawn upwardly.

After the desired length of sheet has been obtained it may be severed from the glass in the bath by means of shears 36, supported from a suitable hanger 37, moving on track 38, as shown in Fig. l, the shears being'inserted through one of the holes 33, or, if de- IDO sired, the lower end of the sheet may be cut from the glass in the tank by lifting the shields a short distance and allowing the heat or ames to cut off the sheet near the level of the bath by a melting action, the shields then being swung down to-their normal position.

As the sheet is drawn upwardly within the drawing-chamber its temperature is gradually reduced and the sheet becomes set or stiffened into form. After it has been severed at its lower end it is lifted into the position shown in Fig. 4and thence taken through an annealing-leer 39. This leer connectswith one end of the drawing-chamber, and the leer is normally cut off from this chamber and itself separatedintodifferent chambers by horizontally-swinging dampers 40, provided 4with-'projecting levers 41, connected by rod 42. These dampers are actuated by a cord 43,- connected to one of the lever-arms and passing down over asuitable pulley 44. The

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lcer-walls are preferably made hollow and heated by suitable .burners 45, which may be regulated so that the temperature will be gradually lowered as the glass sheerl is carried through the leer.

The top of the leer-chamber is closed by plates 46, a narrow slot being left between their inner ends for the passage of the sheetholder. The leer is provided above the top of the annealing-chamber with parallel longitudinal bars 47, supported upon suitable hangers 48, with a narrow space between them for the bait-holder. Below and in line with these stationary bars are movable bars 49, having downwardly-projecting webs which fit within grooved pulleys 50, carried upon shafts 51,

pivoted at their outer ends to brackets 52. These pulleys are moved vertically by bellcrank levers 53, having depending links provided with straps taking about the inner jortions of the shafts. The bell-crank levers are actuated by connecting-rods 54, the ends of which are connected by chains 55 to sprocketwheels 56, secured to a common shaft 57.

One of the wheels or pulleysis provided with a lever-arm 58, 'having a depending cord 59,

by means of which the shaft maybe rocked,

and the supporting-pulleys 50 thus raised or.

lowered simultaneously. The two movable bars are connected at their outer ends by a' plate() and are moved longitudinallyover 'the supporting-pulleys by a cord 6l, passing over a pulley 62. 4

After the drawn sheet has' been' cut off. and raised into the position shown 'in Fig. 'l the .movable bars are slid forward on each side of the bait-carrier until thebars are beneaththe 'lugs 17. The' bait carrier or holder is then lowered to allow the lugs to rest on these bars and carry the weight of the sheet and holder, the spring-jaws of the drawing-frame springing outwardly and releasing themselves from the hooks 16.` The dampers 40 are then opened, and the movable bars arelifted and drawn rearwardly so as to bring the sheet into the rst'chamber of the leer. The pulleys 50 are then lowered, allowing the hooks' 16 of the bait-holder to rest on the stationary bars. The dampers are then closed. Another drawing-tool, with a bait clamped therein, is then hung on the frame 20, and the bait.

being lowered into the bath another sheet is drawn, as before. The movable bars are again slid forward and engaged with the lugs 17 of the next bait-holder. The pulleys and movable bars then being lifted and the' dampers opened, the bars are'drawn rearwardly, thus bringing the -rst'sheet into the next chamber of the leer and the second sheet into the first chamber. The dampers 40 are' then closed. These operations'are'continued, and

the sheets as they emerge from the leer may be received upona car 63." (Shown in Fig.

l5.) This car is 'provided with supporting-l rods 64 for the glass sheets and with sepa- -ratus is provided by which sheets or other y rating-bars G5, which are wound with asbestos and project between the sheets. The baitholders are detached from the sheet at this point, the carv being' moved along slightly as each sheet is inserted until its interior is filled, when it may be moved away and another car brought into position.

rlhe advantages of nay-invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, since appaarticles of'glass of an even thickness and fine nish may be drawudirectly from a molten bath.

The advantages of my invention result from -the obtaining of a practical apparatus by awaywith, ifv desired, the drawing-chamber may be heated in many. other ways than that shown, the leer may be formed as an upward extension of the drawing-chamber, the construction of the -leer .may be altered, and many other changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the partswitho'ut departing from my invention;

l. In apparatusfor drawing glass, the combination with a chamber containing molten glass,'of means for heating the same` ashield arranged to protect the molten glass at the point at which the article is drawn, from the surrounding-heat, mechanism for drawing the glass upwardly out of contact with any forming-surface, and a drawing-chamber into which' the article passes as it is drawn; substan- 'tially as described.

2..'In sheet-'drawing apparatusifthe combination with a heated chambercontaining molten. glass, of glass-drawing mechanism ar- IOO IIO

ranged to draw the glass upwardly out of contact with any forming-surface, shields arranged to protect the glass at .the point at which the Iarticle is drawn, from the surrounding heat, and radiating surfaces arranged to artificially cool the article as it is formed; substantially as described'.

3. Inapparatus for drawing glass, the com- -bination .with a chamber containing molten glass, of means for heating the same, a shield .arranged to protect the glass at the point at which the article is drawn fromthe surround- 1 ing heat, a radiating device arranged to cool vthe article by.radiation or conduction as it is formed, and a drawing-chamber into which the article is drawn; substantially as described.

4. ln apparatus for drawing glass, the comanism, vertically-adjustable shields arranged termediate portion; substantially as described.

combination with a chamber containing molten 'glass at the point where the sheet is drawn,

-bination with a chamber containing molten' glass, and glass-drawing mechanism arranged f to draw the glass upwardly therefrom out of; contact with any forming-surface, of a draw- Y ing-chamber into which the glass article passes, and which is arranged to retard itsA cooling; substantially as described.

5. In apparatus for drawingsheet-glass, the combination with achamber containing molten f glass, and glass-drawing mechanism arranged to draw the glass upwardly therefrom out of, Contact with any forming-surface, of a cham- 5 ber into which the sheet passes, said chamber being arranged to retard the cooling of the? outer portions of the sheet relatively to the in- 6. In apparatus for drawing glass, the combination of a furnace or chamber containingf molten glass, glass-drawingr mechanism arranged to draw an article upwardly out of? contact with any forming apparatus, and a; leer systemarranged to anneal the glass dur-1 ing and after drawing; substantially as described.

7. In apparatus for drawing sheet-glass, the

glass and glass-drawing mechanism, of grip-` pers arranged to seize the edge portions of. the sheet toprevent'its narrowing; substantially as described.

8. In apparatus for drawing sheet-glass, a chamber containing molten glass, glassdraw-. ing mechanism, and grippers arranged to stretch the glass transversely as the sheet isi formed; substantially as described.

9. In apparatus for drawing glass, a chamber containing molten glass, glass-drawing mechanism, shields arranged to protect the from the surrounding heat, and a drawingchamber arranged to retard the cooling of the glass and prevent breakage; substantially as described. l

10. In apparatus for drawing sheet-glass, a tank containing molten glass, glass-drawing mechanism arranged to draw asheet upwardly out of contact with any forming-surface, a drawing chamber into which the sheet is drawn, and which is arranged to retard its cooling, and a leer extending from the drawing-chamber; substantially as described.

11. In apparatus for drawing sheet-glass, a chamber containing molten glass, shields arranged to protect the glass at the point at which the sheet is drawn, a drawing-chamber into which the sheet passes, grippers arranged to seize the edge portions of the sheet to prevent narrowing, and a leer leading from the drawing-chamber; substantially as described.

12. In glass-drawing apparatus, a chamber containing molten glass, glass-drawing mechto protect the glass at the point where the drawing is carried out, from the surrounding substantially as described.

heat and a drawing-chamber into which the article passes it is drawn; substantiallgY as described.

13. The combination with a chamber containing molten glass, means for heating thc glass in said cl'iamber, glass-drawing mechanism, swinging shields arranged to protect the glass at the point of drawing from the applied heat, and mechanism for adjusting the shields to diiferent positions; substantially as described.

14. The combination with a chamber containing molten glass, and means for heating the same, of glass-drawing mechanism, shields arranged te protect the glass at the point of drawing from the applied heat, and watercooled pipes arranged to cool the article as it is drawn; substantially as described.

15. In apparatus fordrawing sheet-glass, a chamber containing molten glass, glass-drawing mechanism, and gripping-tongs arranged to be inserted through side holes in the chamber to hold the edges of the sheet; substantially as described.

16. In glass-drawingmechanism,a chamber containing molten glass, drawing mechanism arranged to draw the glass upwardly therefrom out of contact with any forming-surface, and a vertically-extending drawing-chamber arranged to inclose the article as it is drawn upwardly; substantially as described.

17. rEhe combination with a chamber containing moltcn glass, and a glass drawing mechanism arranged to draw the glass upwardly therefrom out of contact with any forming-surface, of a Verticallyextending drawing-chamber into which the article passes, and means for heating said chamber to prevent sudden cooling of the glass; substantially as described.

18. The combination with a chamber containing molten glass, and glass-drawing mechanism, of adrawing-chamber into which the article passes, said chamber having hollow walls` means for directing heat within the walls, and partitions arranged to heat the outer portions of the walls more than the intermediate portions; substantially as described.

19. The combination with a chamber containing molten glass, of a vertically-movable drawing-frame, a drawingtool detaehably supported thereon, and a leer having supports for the drawing tool; substantially as described. l

20. In glass-drawing apparatus, the combination with achamber containing molten glass, and glass-drawing'mechanism arranged to draw the glass upwardly therefrom out of contact with any forming-surface, of a drawingchamber into which the glass passes, said chamber being arranged to retard the cooling, and shears arranged to sever the lower end of the article from the glass of the bath;

IOO

ILO

Q1. In apparatus for drawing glass,the combnation with a chamber containing molten glass, and glass-drawing mechanism arranged to draw the glass upwardly therefrom out of Contact with any forming-surface, of a drawing chamber into which the glass article passes, and which is arranged to retard its cooling1 said chamber having hollow walls and means for introducing heat Within saidwalls; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JOI-IN H. LUBBERS. I/Vitnesses:

MARsi-IALL H. RENO, L. A. CONNER, Jr.