Glasstech, Inc.

Robert D Caswall

David B Nitschke

Dean M Nitschke

Eustace H Mumford

A method for heated mold changing at a forming station ( ) is performed by apparatus ( ) in a heated chamber ( ) where heated glass sheets are cyclically formed. A switching station ( ) is located adjacent the forming station ( ). An unloading station ( ) and a mold preheating station ( ) are each located adjacent the switching station. An unloading cart ( ) is initially movable from the loading station ( ) to the switching station ( ) and then to the forming station ( ) to receive one or more heated molds from the forming station and is subsequently moved from the forming station back through the switching station to the unloading station to permit unloading of each heated mold. A loading cart supports a second mold or a pair of molds for heating within the mold preheating station ( ) and is movable from the mold preheating station to the switching station ( ) and then to the forming station for mold loading.

Apparatus and method for mold changing in heated glass sheet forming station

Apparatus (32) and a method for heated mold changing at a forming station (24) in a heated chamber (22) where heated glass sheets are cyclically formed. A switching station (318) is located adjacent the forming station (24). An unloading station (320) and a mold preheating station (322) are each located adjacent the switching station. An unloading cart (324) is initially movable from the loading station (320) to the switching station (318) and then to the forming station (24) to receive one or more heated molds from the forming station and is subsequently moved from the forming station back through the switching station to the unloading station to permit unloading of each heated mold. A loading cart supports a second mold or a pair of molds for heating within the mold preheating station (322) and is movable from the mold preheating station to the switching station (318) and then to the forming station for mold loading.

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Elmore, OH, United States of America

Robert D Caswall