Flexible plunger apparatus for a glass or other material forming machine.

摘要

A plunger/ring apparatus for press-forming articles of glass, or other formable materials within a mold is disclosed. The disclosed plunger/ring apparatus is provided with a plurality of spring loaded segments which extend outwardly from the plunger to coact with engineered passageways located upon the inner wear surface of the ring to form a seal in the plunger/ring interface area in which air, but not the material to be press-formed, may pass to and from ambient upon press-forming the formable material. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed in which the engineered passageways are located upon the wear surfaces of the segments and with optional additional passages located upon the upper periphery of the plunger. <IMAGE>