Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing glass on a metal melt and can be used for improving the quality of float glass. The invention makes it possible to increase the quality of the lower surface of the float glass by removing micro-defects. To do this, a glass strip is raised above draw-in shafts of a slag chamber and kept in a raised position during transport in the slag chamber area by reducing the atmospheric pressure above the glass strip in relation to the pressure acting on the glass strip from below.

Abstract: In the hitherto known apparatus removal of the flash, i.e. of the remaining portion of a glass sheet is effected by means of abutment rods which are vertically reciprocable and adapted to exert downward pressure upon the flash. A characteristic feature of the disclosed apparatus is that the abutments therein are so arranged and mounted on the frame that they are capable of complex motion i.e. of moving simultaneously downwardly and from the center of the support table toward the edges thereof. Owing to this characteristic feature of the abutments separation of the flash is effected mainly on account of its being pulled sidewise, which prevents formation of cracks and broken edges in the shape cut out from the sheet, which is sometimes the case when the flash is separated by the action of purely vertical loads.

Abstract: In the hitherto known apparatus of a similar kind the table adapted to support thereon a shape being cut out is mounted on a base for motion solely in a vertical direction.A characteristic feature of an apparatus in accordance with the invention is that the table for accommodation thereon of the shape being cut out is mounted on a base for longitudinal motion relative to the parallel sides of a template equidistant from the contour of the shape being cut out, in opposite directions, the drive of the table, effecting longitudinal motion of the table, being electrically connected with means providing for energization of this drive successively for, first, forward motion of this table and, second, return motion thereof, depending on the position of the cutting head relative to the parallel sides of the template.