Inventors:
Hugh M. Trautmann - Renfrew PA
H. Dale Shaner - Ellwood City PA
Assignee:
Billco Manufacturing, Inc. - Zelienople PA
International Classification:
F26B 1500
Abstract:
In stationary equipment including a system for successively conveying curved glass sheets in a linear horizontal pathway through washing and rinsing zones, and than a drying zone, upper and lower air knife assemblies are utilized in the drying zone for simultaneously directing pressurized air streams on the opposite broad surfaces of the glass sheets to effect drying action. Each air knife assembly comprises an elongated bendable casing formed into a plenum disposed transverse to the pathway, with each plenum having a longitudinally extending slot serving as an orifice for emitting the air stream against the glass surface. The slot is defined by parallel spaced flexible strips sealed in longitudinal disposition on the casing. The strips, with the casing to which they are sealed, are adapted to be selectively adjustably shaped to generally conform to various glass sheet configurations. Conveying successive curved glass sheets through the drying zone is accomplished by continuously advancing spaced-apart cord-like belts supporting the sheets for movement along the pathway and preferably between the upper and lower air knife assemblies.