Device and Method for Tempering And/or Solidifying Glass Items

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to a system and method for tempering (strengthening) or solidifying glass items by dipping them into a molten salt bath. Uniquely, the process utilizes the movement of the glass carrier as it enters or exits the bath to create relative motion between the molten salt and a regeneration material. This enhances the regeneration or refreshing of the molten salt, allowing for more frequent and consistent tempering/strengthening cycles without constant replacement of the salt. The device includes a special arrangement for the regeneration material, which can be exchanged or moved as needed without interrupting the process.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Tempering or strengthening glass objects such as glassware, cookware, or industrial glass components to improve their durability and resistance to breakage.
• Manufacturing of specialty glass products requiring precise and repeated ion-exchange treatments in molten salt baths.
• Automated or semi-automated glass production lines in factories for high-throughput processing.
• Tempering of thin glass used in electronic displays, screens, or protective panels.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Increases the efficiency and throughput of glass tempering/solidifying processes by reducing downtime associated with salt bath replacement.
• Maintains the effectiveness of the molten salt bath for longer periods through active in-process regeneration.
• Enables consistent and high-quality strengthening of a large number of glass items in sequence.
• Reduces operational costs and resource usage due to less frequent replacement of costly molten salts.
• Allows easy maintenance and replacement of the regeneration material without stopping the production line.
• Improves safety and process reliability by minimizing manual intervention and automating key process steps.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for tempering and/or solidifying glass items, in which method a carrier, which carries at least one glass item to be tempered and/or solidified, is submerged by means of a submerging movement in a molten salt bath located in a basin, and then removed again from the molten salt bath by means of an emerging movement. The method is characterised in that the submerging movement and/or the emerging movement bring(s) about a relative movement between the molten salt bath and a regeneration material. The invention also relates to a device for tempering and/or solidifying glass items, which device comprises a basin having a molten salt bath in which a carrier having at least one glass item to be tempered and/or solidified can be submerged by means of a submerging movement and from which the carrier can then be removed again by means of an emerging movement.