Abstract:
A deformation apparatus for reforming a glass sheet (180, 190) comprises a central portion (110), a first edge mold (130a) movably coupled to a first end of the central portion and configured to be linearly translated along a linear mold axis (120) in a first direction toward the central portion. The deformation apparatus further includes a second edge mold (130b) movably coupled to the second end of the central portion and configured to be linearly translated along the linear mold axis in a second direction opposite the first direction and toward the central portion. Methods are also provided including the step of cooling a reformed glass sheet, wherein a greater shrinkage of the reformed glass sheet relative to a shrinkage of the deformation apparatus is accommodated by a movement of at least the first edge mold in a first direction toward the central portion of the deformation apparatus.
Abstract:
A glass tube making apparatus comprises a forming device with a shaping member positioned within a downstream portion of an outer tube. In further examples, methods of making a glass tube include the steps of passing a quantity molten glass through an upstream portion of the outer tube, wherein the molten glass includes a first cross-sectional shape. The method further includes the step of passing the quantity of molten glass through a downstream portion of the outer tube, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is transitioned to a second cross-sectional shape. In still further examples, methods of making a glass tube include the step of modifying a cross-sectional shape of the glass tube with an air bearing.
Abstract:
A method for bending a sheet of material into a shaped article includes providing the sheet of material. A reformable area and a non-reformable area of the sheet of material are heated to a first temperature range corresponding to a first viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is subsequently heated to a second temperature range corresponding to a second viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is reformed into a selected shape by at least one of sagging the reformable area of the sheet of material and applying a force to the sheet of material outside of or near a boundary of the reformable area.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a method for forming a laminated glass sheet includes forming a multi-layer glass melt (300) from a molten core glass (106) and at least one molten cladding glass (126). The multi-layer glass melt (300) has a width W m , a melt thickness Tm and a core to cladding thickness ratio T c :T d . The multi-layer glass melt (300) is directed onto the surface of a molten metal bath (162) contained in a float tank (160). The width W m of the multi-layer glass melt (300) is less than the width W f of the float tank (160) prior to the multi-layer glass melt (300) entering the float tank (160). The multi-layer glass melt (300) flows over the surface of the molten metal bath (162) such that the width W m of the multi-layer glass melt (300) increases, the melt thickness Tm decreases, and the core to cladding thickness ratio T c :TC i remains constant as the multi-layer glass melt (300) solidifies into a laminated glass sheet.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for precisely bending a glass sheet that includes an oven for heating the glass sheet to a temperature near the softening temperature of the glass sheet. A stage for supporting the glass sheet. A pair of reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the glass sheet on the stage. At least one bending mechanism on a pair of arms inside the oven for bending an edge portion of the glass sheet. Inward facing first stop surfaces on the arms that contact reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the bending mechanism on the arms relative to the stage and the glass sheet.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for making shaped articles. The apparatus includes a container (102) having at least one vacuum port (108) and a surface (124) for receiving a sheet of glass-based material (130). At least one positive mold (116) is supported in the container (102), where the at least one positive mold (116) has an exterior surface (118) including a profile defining an interior of a shaped article. An open volume (115) is defined between the container and the at least one positive mold and is in communication with the vacuum port. The> method comprises providing an array of positive molds (116) and sagging the sheet (130) onto the surfaces (118) of the molds to form an array of shaped articles interconnected by sagging 'webs, said webs extending below a base of the array of shaped articles.
Abstract:
A glass-ceramic cooking plate for gas cooking apparatuses, comprising at least one opening (2) for a gas burner (3) and a number of projections (5) with a uniform height arranged around the opening for supporting a cooking utensil to be heated by said burner, said projections being integral with the plate itself.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a method for forming a laminated glass sheet includes forming a multi-layer glass melt (300) from a molten core glass (106) and at least one molten cladding glass (126). The multi-layer glass melt (300) has a width Wm, a melt thickness Tm and a core to cladding thickness ratio TC:TCl. The multi-layer glass melt (300) is directed onto the surface of a molten metal bath (162) contained in a float tank (160). The width Wm of the multi-layer glass melt (300) is less than the width Wf of the float tank (160) prior to the multi-layer glass melt (300) entering the float tank (160). The multilayer glass melt (300) flows over the surface of the molten metal bath (162) such that the width Wm of the multi-layer glass melt (300) increases, the melt thickness Tm decreases, and the core to cladding thickness ratio TC:TCl remains constant as the multi-layer glass melt (300) solidifies into a laminated glass sheet. The invention also relates to the associated apparatus.
Abstract:
A reformable area and a non-reformable area of a sheet of glass material are heated to a first temperature corresponding to a first viscosity. The reformable area is subsequently locally heated to a second temperature corresponding to a second viscosity, where the second viscosity is lower than the first viscosity. A bend is formed in the reformable area during the local heating of the reformable area by contacting a first pusher with the non-reformable area and translating the first pusher along a linear path to apply a pushing force to the non-reformable area that results in the bend in the reformable area or by contacting a second pusher with an edge area of the reformable area and rotating the pusher along a circular path to apply a pushing force to the edge area of the reformable area that results in the bend in the reformable area.
Abstract:
A fusion draw apparatus includes a pair of engagement rollers. At least one of the pair of engagement rollers includes a circumferential knife edge configured to cooperate with the other of the pair of engagement rollers to thin the edge portion or sever the edge portion from a central portion of the glass ribbon within the viscous zone of the glass ribbon. In further examples, fusion draw methods include the step of thinning the edge portion or severing the edge portion from the central portion of the glass ribbon within the viscous zone.