CHAMBERS AND METHODS FOR HEATING SHEETS OF GLASS

摘要

A method and apparatus for heat-treating sheets of glass is provided. The method includes moving sheets (12) in a first vertical column (16) in which the sheets are vertically oriented. The first vertical column is substantially enclosed by a first set of heating elements(22). The method further includes moving the sheets in a horizontal row (18) in which the sheets are oriented vertically. The horizontal row is substantially enclosed by a second set of heating elements(22). The method further includes moving the sheets in a second vertical column (20) in which the sheets are vertically oriented. The second vertical column (20) is substantially enclosed by a third set of heating elements (22). An transport apparatus (28) for moving the sheets (12) through the vertical and horizontal passages (16,18,20) is also provided.