Abstract: An apparatus for orienting section of a plasticized ceramic extrudate includes a marking assembly for applying an orientation reference mark to a plasticized ceramic extrudate exiting an extrusion die onto an extrudate support, and at least one extrudate-contacting deformable roller having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is pivotable with respect to a movement of the extrudate exiting an extrusion die, and wherein the roller is adapted to contact the extrudate and correct a corkscrew deformation of the extrudate exiting the extrusion die. The apparatus also includes at least one extrudate-contacting orientation control member for correcting the orientation of a cut section of the extrudate on the extrudate support in response to a misalignment of the reference mark.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting section of a plasticized ceramic extrudate includes a marking assembly for applying an orientation reference mark to a plasticized ceramic extrudate exiting an extrusion die onto an extrudate support, and at least one extrudate-contacting deformable roller having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is pivotable with respect to a movement of the extrudate exiting an extrusion die, and wherein the roller is adapted to contact the extrudate and correct a corkscrew deformation of the extrudate exiting the extrusion die. The apparatus also includes at least one extrudate-contacting orientation control member for correcting the orientation of a cut section of the extrudate on the extrudate support in response to a misalignment of the reference mark.

Abstract: This invention contemplates a near net-shape method of making thin glass-ceramic articles possessing substantially uniform thickness and parallel opposing surfaces comprising the steps of: (a) heating the receiving and opposing molding surfaces of a mold to predetermined different temperatures; (b) bringing the receiving and opposing molding surfaces of the mold into close proximity to each other to press a delivered charge of molten glass to fill said mold, while thermally providing and maintaining a substantially parallel fit between the receiving and opposing surfaces of the mold, to achieve substantially uniform thickness in the pressed charge, (c) pressing the glass charge for a time sufficient to remove enough heat from the glass charge that the temperatures of the molding surfaces and the glass article surfaces are all nearly at equilibrium, wherein the press time and mold temperature differential combine to result in symmetric heat removal thereby causing all the aforementioned temperatures to reach e