Abstract: A method for controlling a rotary drive of a hot forming machine having a plurality of processing stations arranged in a circular manner and a rotary table arranged thereabove, in which glass tubes to be processed are held and moved from one processing station to the next by a stepwise rotary movement, is provided. The rotary table is driven by a step gear by which a movement of a drive shaft is translated into a cyclic step movement, a step cycle of which comprises a movement phase and a subsequent standstill phase. A first value for the angular velocity of the drive shaft is assumed at a first time in the movement phase of the step cycle and a second value different from the first value is assumed at a second time in the standstill phase of the same step cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid metal clamp, and a clamp system and method including same. A clamp system includes a first clamp configured to hold a first portion of a set of fibers and a second clamp configured to hold a second portion of the set of fibers, the second clamp comprising a liquid metal that takes a liquid form at a first temperature for receipt of the second portion of the set of fibers and that takes a solid form at a second temperature to secure the second of the set of fibers. The set of fibers can be a single fiber or a plurality of fibers. The fiber or fibers can have a circular or non-circular cross section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for severing a marked region of a glass strip (1) produced continuously on a conveyor belt (11), having the following characteristics: a) a line (12) highlighting the severing of the marked region is scored on the continuous glass strip (1), b) once the scored line (12) reaches the crusher roll (6), the two lock rolls (7, 8) following the crusher roll (6) are folded away downward, c) once the scored line (12) is located in the region of the highest area of the crusher roll (6), means for shearing off (5) push onto the glass strip (1) and break it off, d) after the broken-off glass piece (10) has dropped, the lock rolls (7, 8, 9) are folded back in the conveyor belt (11), and to a computer program and a machine-readable carrier with the program code thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a cutting process involving: (a) creating a starter crack using a scribe wheel, (b) application of laser or electrothermal heating, and (c) subsequent cooling from a gas or an aerosol jet, as the laser beam and cooling jet move along the desired cutting line. The cutting process can be implemented for cutting a glass panel or other substrate into a plurality of smaller panels. The starter crack may be created on any of the smaller panels within about 10 mm to about 20 mm from the corner of the smaller panel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tempered-glass panels for electronic devices is provided. The method includes pre-processing an original glass substrate so as to reduce weak portions that are formed in the original glass substrate when the original glass substrate is first tempered and then processed tempering the pre-processed original glass substrate and cutting the tempered pre-processed original glass substrate to produce a number of tempered-glass panels. The method can produce the tempered-glass panels from the original glass substrate, maintaining a certain level of production efficiency.

Abstract: In a cleaving apparatus for a glass film, an initial crack, which is formed at a leading end portion of a preset cleaving line of a glass film, is propagated along the preset cleaving line by a thermal stress generated in the glass film through localized heating performed along the preset cleaving line and cooling of a heated region resulting from the localized heating. At this time, a resin sheet having higher flexibility than the glass film is arranged in a cleaving region, and the resin sheet is floated by blowing a gas on a lower surface of the resin sheet by a floating unit. Then, a preset cleaving portion of the glass film including the preset cleaving line is lifted and supported while being covered with the floated resin sheet from below, and in this state, the glass film is cleaved.

Abstract: In order to provide a particularly homogeneous pressure and temperature profile in a gas cushion for the levitating support of glass or glass ceramic, the invention provides a device (19) for transporting or supporting glass ceramic or glass, which comprises at least one diaphragm (1, 2) that has at least one continuous bearing surface (3) and at least one gas feed chamber (51-55) and at least one gas discharge chamber (71-75), the gas feed chamber (51-55) and the gas discharge chamber (71-75) having a gas-permeable connection to the bearing surface (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing iridescent crystal glass. The glass products produced with the method of present invention have the advantages of good streamline shape, natural color transition, and excellent visual effect, etc.; the method is helpful for accelerating product upgrade, improving product appearance and visual effects, and enhancing competence of products. Therefore, we paint iridescent crystal ink on glass products, and add patterns suitable for household electric appliances and buildings, thereby greatly improving the appearance of the product. In addition, due to the high safety performance of toughened glass and suitability of patterns and colors, iridescent crystal glass products have been accepted by the consumers gradually. The method comprises the following steps: a. cutting; b. edge processing; c. toughening; d. ink preparation; e. iridescent crystal printing; f.

Abstract: A method of scoring and/or separating a brittle material is described comprising heating a surface of the brittle material along a predetermined path with a laser, then quenching the heated surface with a stream of cooling liquid, such as water, formed by a nozzle. The portion of the cooling stream impinging on the surface of the brittle material is a substantially columnar flow.

Abstract: A scoring device is described herein that applies a constant force while scoring a piece of material so that there is a consistent score quality (or vent depth) within the scored piece of material. In one embodiment, the piece of material is a bowed shaped glass sheet that is supported by a conformable nosing device which has been configured to have a bowed shape that substantially matches the bowed shape of the glass sheet.

Abstract: Methods for separating glass sheets from glass ribbons are disclosed. One method includes forming a glass ribbon having a curvature in a lateral direction. A conformable nosing is engaged with a first surface of the glass ribbon such that the conformable nosing conforms to the curvature of the glass ribbon. The glass ribbon is scored along a scoring line on a second surface of the glass ribbon. The conformable nosing is then at least partially disengaged from the first surface of the glass ribbon by adjusting a bow of the conformable nosing. A bending moment is applied to the glass ribbon to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon at the scoring line. Application of the bending moment conforms the curvature of the glass ribbon to the bow of the conformable nosing prior to the glass sheet separating from the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A spray nozzle is used in a process of quenching a hot glass sheet during a laser scoring process or other high energy glass heating process. The scoring is conducted by a high energy means such as a laser. The nozzle is located in proximity to the glass sheet, creating gas in liquid used to quench the glass located in the nozzle (e.g., water). The gas (e.g., air bubbles) is removed from the quenching liquid. Then, the spray nozzle is used to spray the quenching liquid onto the sheet at a location trailing laser scoring of the sheet, such as using a traveling anvil machine at the bottom of the draw. The spray nozzle (purge nozzle) has a purge opening and tubing leading to a discharge location. The purge nozzle can have a sloped passageway that pre-stages gas bubbles near the purge opening in the nozzle. The spray nozzle can include a cooling coil passing around the nozzle passageway that enables a coolant to travel along the coil.

Abstract: The brittle workpiece splitting system 1 includes a substrate holding mechanism 10 for holding a substrate 51, and a processing unit 5 for splitting the substrate 51 held by the substrate holding mechanism 10 by a splitting process. The substrate holding mechanism 10 has an edge damper 12 adapted to clamp an edge part of the substrate 51 from the sides of the opposite surfaces of the edge part, and support members 19 for supporting the substrate 51 thereon at a predetermined height. The support members 19 are disposed on the side opposite the side of the edge damper 12 with respect to the intended split line 61 parallel to the edge part of the substrate 51. The edge damper 12 has an edge holder 15 on which the substrate 51 is seated, and a pressure bar 14 for pressing the substrate 51 against the edge holder 15 to hold the substrate 51 between the edge holder 15 and the pressure bar 14.

Abstract: A scoring device is described herein that applies a constant force while scoring a piece of material so that there is a consistent score quality (or vent depth) within the scored piece of material. In one embodiment, the piece of material is a bowed shaped glass sheet that is supported by a conformable nosing device which has been configured to have a bowed shape that substantially matches the bowed shape of the glass sheet.

Abstract: The apparatus for cutting glass panes from a continuously produced glass sheet includes a conveying apparatus for the glass sheet and for crosscut pieces; a crosscutting device for cutting the crosscut pieces from the glass sheet; a glass pane cutting device for cutting glass panes from the crosscut pieces; a glass fault detecting device; a border trimming station for cutting away borders; an edge control device and a cutting optimization device. The cutting optimization device determines one or more optimized cutting patterns so that cutting lines are placed in each crosscut piece close to regions to be discarded containing glass faults so that widths of the regions are minimized while providing a maximum number of usable glass panes. A method of cutting off glass panes so that the discarded glass sheet regions are minimized is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of separating a moving glass ribbon to form an individual sheet of glass is disclosed comprising a plurality of nosing members that move in a direction and at a speed that the moving glass ribbon is moving. The nosing members can be positioned independently of each other, and can be positioned adjacent to but not in contact with the ribbon during the scoring operation to restrict out-of-plane movement of the glass ribbon (movement substantially transverse to the draw direction of the ribbon) during the separation phase of the process.

Abstract: A conformable nosing device is described herein which conforms to have a bowed shape that substantially matches a bowed shape of a glass sheet and which engages the glass sheet to help minimize the motion of the glass sheet and to help reduce the stress within the glass sheet while the glass sheet is being scored and separated into individual glass sheets. In addition, the conformable nosing device can include a passive nosing device which can be controlled to further help minimize the motion of the glass sheet while the glass sheet is being scored and separated into individual glass sheets.

Abstract: A glass production line comprising a cutting table, a tempering furnace having a loading station that includes a changeable set of uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations adjacent the loading station with each storage loading location receiving a work-piece therein for subsequent furnace processing, wherein a subset of the uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations is moved away from the loading station when it is emptied of furnace work-pieces and a new sub-set of uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations is moveable adjacent the loading station to provide the changeable set of uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations adjacent the loading station, and a dynamic optimizer coupled to the furnace for dynamically scheduling furnace layouts for glass work-pieces to be tempered, wherein the dynamic furnace optimizer is adapted to schedule work-pieces from uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations not currently adjacent the unloa

Abstract: On a carriage of a device for dividing glass sheets into patterns, there are a cutting tool to which a pivoting drive is assigned, and a stripping tool for removing a coating from a glass sheet with a stripping disk. The stripping tool is mounted on the carriage and pivots around an axis perpendicular to the glass sheet. When the tool is being used to strip a glass sheet along the division outline, therefore in the area on either side of scoring lines which have been or are to be produced in a glass sheet, the stripping disk is placed on the surface of the glass sheet and the tool is pivoted around the axis which is normal to the glass sheet using the pivoting drive for the cutting tool in order to correctly align the stripping disk.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and products relate to drawing and blowing of ultra thin glass substrates, such as flexible display glass sheets, for example, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and/or other flexible substrate applications, such as lighting, and/or other technologies, such as electro-wetting (EW), electro-phoretic display applications, etc. A localized heat source centripetally heats a vertical glass pre-form, while a pressurized air source blows the heated glass to expansion. An air bearing may centripetally blow air against the expanding pre-form to limit expansion and prevent contact of the pre-form with the localized heat source. Meanwhile, the pre-form is pulled vertically to draw the heated glass. The pre-form may float in a floatation mechanism to compensate for gravity when the pre-form is pulled upward. The blown and drawn pre-form may be cooled, coated with a polymer layer, and cut into a ribbon by in-line devices as it exits the air bearing.

Abstract: Shearing blade for molten glass gobs comprising a knife (1) made of hard metal having a substantially V-shaped front shearing portion (5) with a shearing edge (7) whose width is in the range between 8 and 11% of the distance between the ends (6) of the V-shaped shearing portion (5). Between the shearing edge (7) and the rear support portion (2) of the knife, the upper surface of the knife (1) has a lowered surface (8).

Abstract: A scoreless separation device and method are described herein for separating a glass sheet without needing to score the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the device shears a stationary glass sheet without needing to score the glass sheet. In another embodiment, the device shears a moving glass sheet to remove outer edges from the moving glass sheet without needing to score the moving glass sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing iridescent crystal glass. The glass products produced with the method of present invention have the advantages of good streamline shape, natural color transition, and excellent visual effect, etc.; the method is helpful for accelerating product upgrade, improving product appearance and visual effects, and enhancing competence of products. Therefore, we paint iridescent crystal ink on glass products, and add patterns suitable for household electric appliances and buildings, thereby greatly improving the appearance of the product. In addition, due to the high safety performance of toughened glass and suitability of patterns and colors, iridescent crystal glass products have been accepted by the consumers gradually. The method comprises the following steps: a. cutting; b. edge processing; c. toughening; d. ink preparation; e. iridescent crystal printing; f.

Abstract: On a glassware molding machine, a molten glass rope travelling in a feed direction is cut crosswise into at least one glass gob by supplying thermal energy to the cutting portion of the rope by means of a heating head, so as to locally alter the viscosity of the rope and detach the gob.

Abstract: A method for cutting apart a glass substrate is provided whereby scribing of the glass substrate is possible without being affected by the presence or thickness of a deposited film formed thereon and without scratching the deposited film. To treat a glass substrate having a deposited film, such as a thin film or resin film, formed on one surface thereof, there are provided a shaving device, which is a blade that removes strip-shaped portions of the deposited film to expose strip-shaped regions on the glass substrate, and a wheel cutter that forms scribed lines along the strip-shaped regions exposed on the glass substrate. The glass substrate is cut apart along the scribed lines.

Abstract: Methods of drawing glass sheet via a downdraw process are provided. In certain aspects, the methods utilize rapid cooling below the root (70) of the forming apparatus (10). Such rapid cooling can, for example, facilitate the use of glass having a liquidus viscosity less than about 100,000 poise. In other aspects, the methods utilize slow cooling between the viscosities of 1011 poises and 1014 poises. Such slow cooling can facilitate the production of glass substrates which exhibit low levels of compaction. In further aspects, substrates are removed from the glass sheet at elevated temperatures which can facilitate increases in the production rates of downdraw machines. In still further aspects, rapid cooling below the root, slow cooling between the viscosities of 1011 poises and 1014 poises, and/or substrate removal at elevated temperatures are combined. Such combinations can facilitate economically effective utilization of downdraw equipment.

Abstract: A portable optical fiber processing apparatus is disclosed. The portable optical fiber processing apparatus of the present invention includes a base (1), which provides a space in which components are installed, and a sheathing stripping unit (10), which is provided on the base and strips sheathing from an optical fiber (R). The apparatus further includes an optical fiber cutting unit (40), which is provided on the base and cuts a portion of the optical fiber, from which the sheathing has been stripped, using a sliding cutter (43) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a welding unit (50), which is provided on the base and welds junction portions of two optical fibers. The present invention is characterized in that a process of stripping sheathing from an optical fiber and cutting, cleaning and welding processes can be conducted using a single apparatus.

Abstract: A conformable nosing device is described herein which conforms to have a bowed shape that substantially matches a bowed shape of a glass sheet and which engages the glass sheet to help minimize the motion of the glass sheet and to help reduce the stress within the glass sheet while the glass sheet is being scored and separated into individual glass sheets. In addition, the conformable nosing device can include a passive nosing device which can be controlled to further help minimize the motion of the glass sheet while the glass sheet is being scored and separated into individual glass sheets.

Abstract: A minute groove M1 is formed from one end 101a of a division-planned line 101 to the other end 101b thereof by use of a cutter 14A by moving a first working head A, and while the groove M is being irradiated with laser beam L, inspection is performed by use of an inspection device 15 to check whether or not a crack has propagated from the groove M1 and division has been performed. Storage means 13A stores the position of an undivided portion on the basis of a detection signal of this inspection device 15. Thereafter, after the backward movement of the first working head 7A, the undivided portion is again irradiated with laser beam L, with the above-described cutter 14A supported above, whereby the undivided portion is completely divided. Material glass 2 can be divided exactly according to the division-planned line 101 without forming a groove M double in the division-planned line 101.

Abstract: To provide a method for cutting a glass material wherein the glass material can be certainly cut a glass gob having a uniform quality and a uniform temperature distribution, without being deformed or damaged. Upon cutting a glass material 20 discharged from a glass material reservoir 10 into a glass gob 21 at a predetermined size by left and right cutting blades 91, 92 which come close to or away from each other in a horizontal direction, said cutting blades 91, 92 are opposed to the other and are translated in such a way that the movement occurs in a forward direction from stand-by positions P, P1 and in a downward direction (S1) to cut the glass material (C), and thereafter, in a further downward direction and in a rearward direction (S2), and thereafter, in an upward direction to return back to said stand-by positions (S3).

Abstract: A cutting head assembly for use in cutting plate glass has a simplified drive train, all positioned about the vertical rotational centerline. The drive train includes a hollow bore drive motor having a drive adaptor directly engaged with a spline shaft that extends through the hollow bore. The lower end of the spline shaft is directly engaged with a cutting tool holder for retaining a cutting tool. The drive motor imparts rotational movement to the cutting tool through the spline shaft and the cylinder imparts vertical movement to the cutting tool by vertical movement of the spline shaft.

Abstract: In a system for cutting glass sheets into shapes there is at least one cutting site (A, B). In order to align the glass sheet which is to be cut or the glass sheet shape into a defined position, on the edge of the tables I and II there are contact edges (21, 44, 45). In order to move the glass sheets and the glass sheet shapes into contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45) the tables I, II are aligned sloping down toward the contact edges (21, 44, 45) so that the glass sheets and glass sheet shapes slide on air cushions produced between the glass sheets or glass sheet shapes and the tables (I, II) in contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45). The glass sheets or glass sheet shapes which adjoin the contact edges (21, 45) are coupled by force-fit to the conveyor belts (20) which are provided in the area of the contact edges (21, 45) and then moved to the cutting site (A, B) which is located following the table (I, II).

Abstract: In the method for loading a glass processing installation (5) with loading portions (10a), glass plates (10, 10b) are extracted repeatedly from a storage unit (20) in a predetermined sequence and divided into a residual portion (10b), which is stored in the storage unit, and a loading portion (10a), which is delivered to the glass processing installation. It is thereby possible to selectively load the glass processing unit with portions of glass plates of certain dimensions and of a determined sort. The device for loading a glass processing installation comprises a storage unit (20) with at least two compartments (21), each compartment being capable of receiving at least one glass plate (10, 10b), and displacing means for displacing a glass plate in a compartment at least partially out of the compartment.

Abstract: A glass transporting and locating system for a glass cutting table with a bridge extending across the glass cutting table which is movable along the length of the glass cutting table. A glass workpiece feeding table is positioned adjacent the glass cutting table and adapted to support a glass workpiece to be fed to the glass cutting table. At least one vacuum chuck is carried by the bridge at a position which can overlap a glass workpiece supported on the glass workpiece feeding table when the bridge is at one end of the glass cutting table. The system includes a device for aligning the glass workpiece which is supported on the glass workpiece feeding table. The alignment device may include a retractable stop on the bridge or on the glass workpiece feeding table. The retractable stop on the bridge may also be used for advancing finished workpieces off of the glass cutting table. The glass workpiece transporting and locating system is adapted to be easily retrofitted to existing glass cutting tables.

Abstract: An apparatus for working a glass plate includes: a transporting device for bending a glass plate in a concave shape in a cross-sectional view in a transporting direction and transporting the glass plate from a cutting section to a bend-breaking section; a cutting device for forming cut lines on the glass plate in the cutting section; and a bend-breaking device for bend-breaking the glass plate in the bend-breaking section.

Abstract: A score bar and a system and method for using the score bar to score a glass plate are described herein. Basically, the score bar includes a score wheel and a force sensor (e.g., one-axis force sensor, three-axis force sensor) that enables the measurement of force data between the score wheel and a glass plate while the score wheel is being drawn across the glass plate. A computer collects the measured force data and then analyzes the collected force data to identify and predict when there is a problem with the scoring of the glass plate. For instance, the computer can analyze the collected force data and identify a problem associated with the application of the score bar to the glass plate which could help prevent the unnecessary breakage or chipping of glass plates.

Abstract: In the method for loading a glass processing installation (5) with loading portions (10a), glass plates (10, 10b) are extracted repeatedly from a storage unit (20) in a predetermined sequence and divided into a residual portion (10b), which is stored in the storage unit, and a loading portion (10a), which is delivered to the glass processing installation. It is thereby possible to selectively load the glass processing unit with portions of glass plates of certain dimensions and of a determined sort. The device for loading a glass processing installation comprises a storage unit (20) with at least two compartments (21), each compartment being capable of receiving at least one glass plate (10, 10b), and displacing means for displacing a glass plate in a compartment at least partially out of the compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for removing a film layer on a glass plate includes: a movable base (5) which is movable in an X direction and a Y direction along a glass-plate placing surface (3); a moving means (6) for moving the movable base (5) in the X direction and the Y direction along the glass-plate placing surface (3); a movable base (7) provided on the movable base (5) in such a manner to be movable in a Z direction so as to be capable of moving toward or away from the glass-plate placing surface (3); a moving means (8) for moving the movable base (7) in the Z direction so as to cause the movable base (7) to move toward or away from the glass-plate placing surface (3); a grinding wheel (9) provided on the movable base (7) in such a manner as to be capable of being lifted or lowered with respect to the movable base (7); a resiliently pressing means (15) for resiliently pressing the grinding wheel (9) against a film layer (14); and a detecting means (17) for detecting the lifted or lowered position of the grinding

Abstract: In the case of a method for producing an optical element with at least one curved surface by spherical separation, a spherical-cap-like separating body with cutting elements is used. The separating body is in this case moved in a pivoting movement through a basic body or the basic body is moved through the separating body, a relative rotational movement taking place between the basic body and the separating body with a rotating axis which passes through the center point (M) of the pivoting movement.

Abstract: A machine for working sheets of fragile material has a base; a supporting surface for supporting the work sheets; and a machining head powered to move over the supporting surface and perform machining operations on the sheets; the supporting surface having a partition wall movable between a partitioning position extending above the supporting surface and defining, on the supporting surface, two completely separate work stations, and a rest position in which the wall is located clear of the supporting surface.

Abstract: A U-shaped groove is formed in a glass sheet along a cutting line and the sheet is cut by breaking along the groove. The groove is formed by heating a sheet portion including the cutting line by a laser beam, cooling it to lower its density, and etching that portion to dissolve it. Every surface exposed by cutting the sheet has a pair of edges which are properly beveled and rounded.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for working a glass plate includes: a glass-plate working section (4) for working a glass plate (2) whose upper surface (3) is coated; and transporting means (6) for carrying into the glass-plate working section (4) the glass plate (2) to be worked and carrying it out from the glass-plate working section (4) after working, by imparting to a lower surface (5) thereof a moving force in an X direction parallel to the upper surface (3) and the lower surface (5) of the glass plate (2).

Abstract: A machine for machining sheet of glass has a frame, a movable machining head, a number of sheet supporting/retaining members, a number of sheet locating members, and a number of push members for pushing the sheet against the locating members; the machine having a number of separate modules, each of which has a respective supporting structure connected to the frame to move, with respect to the frame, independently of the other supporting structures, and supports at least some of the supporting/retaining members, locating members, and push members; the position of the supporting structures of the modules and of the members carried by the modules being adjustable by means of the machining head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaving optical waveguides to precise differential length are described. A first end of a waveguide is coupled to an input port of a reflectometer. A reference mirror is then positioned in a path of radiation propagating through the second end of the waveguide. A waveguide cutting tool is then positioned proximate to the waveguide and at a distance relative to a reference mirror. A first reflectometry measurement is performed on the waveguide to a second end of the waveguide. A second reflectometry measurement is performed on the waveguide to the reference mirror. The waveguide is then positioned relative to the reference mirror and waveguide cutting tool so that the first reflectometery measurement is a measurement increment apart from the second reflectometry measurement. The waveguide is then cut with the cutting tool positioned at the distance relative to the reference mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described, with which individual rectangular glass panes of thickness between 0.03 mm and 2 mm can be cut from a glass band (2) drawn vertically from a hot forming device (1) in an in-line process with reduced rejects and reduced waste. The method provides that the glass band (2) drawn vertically downward through a vertical zone is cooled below a lower cooling point of the glass and subsequently is deflected through a bending zone (3b) with a bending radius between 0.1 m and 4 m into a horizontal zone (3c) in which it is horizontally oriented. The vertical alignment of the glass band (2) in the vertical zone (3a) is continuously monitored. At least one cutting process is performed on the horizontally oriented glass band (2) in the horizontal zone (3c). The device (20) for monitoring the vertical alignment of the glass band (2) includes at least three sensors (22a, 22b, 22c; 22a′, 22b′, 22c′) that detect the glass edges These sensors can be mechanical rollers.

Abstract: A device and process for forming hollow glassware comprising producing solid glass blanks in a manufacturing line, storing the blanks, feeding the blanks to a manufacturing line for forming hollow glassware, preheating the blanks during the feeding step, supplying the preheated blanks to a heating stage, heating to form solid plastically deformable glass globs, transferring the glass gobs to a blow molding stage and blow molding the glass gobs supported by a bottom lifter in a blow mold.

Abstract: A process for cutting glass sheets (10) includes the steps of: scoring each glass sheet on an automatic scoring table (12) having a scoring head (14) moveable on a bridge (16) and a track (18); transporting each scored glass sheet to a breaking table (22) via conveyor (20); floating each scored sheet on a fluid medium on the breaking table; and impacting each scored sheet from above the floated scored sheet to fracture the scored sheet along the score lines (40 and 44). An apparatus for cutting glass sheets includes mechanisms for performing the steps of this process. The fluid medium may be air with the impacting performed by a vacuum workholder (26) consisting of an arm (30) raised and lowered by pneumatic cylinders (32), the arm supporting a plurality of vacuum cups (28) engaging the workpiece (42) for subsequent transportation.

Abstract: A device for dividing laminated glass (3) has two supports for laminated glass (3) which has been scratched (13, 14) on both sides and in a gap (4) between them two beams (5) which are made as suction beams. The beams (5) can be swivelled using drives (8) around horizontal axes (6) which are parallel to the dividing line such that the laminated glass (3) is arched on the one hand up and then down. By the swivelling of the beams (5) and the associated arching of the laminated glass pane (3) the fractures in the two glass panes (9, 10) are opened along the scratch lines (13, 14) which were produced beforehand, the scratch line (13) or (14) which lies on the convex side of the arched laminated glass pane (3) being opened.

Abstract: Decorative panels are manufactured by cutting out profiled shaped-pieces, using a numerically-controlled water-jet cutting machine. The shaped-pieces are picked from the cutting table by hand, and placed in the apertures of a pre-cut template, positioned on a base-pane. Colouring and texturing may be included. The base-pane, together with the shaped-pieces located thereon by the template, are placed in a furnace, and heated to fusing temperatures.

Abstract: A method and machine for processing sheets of laminated glass, whereby a sheet of glass, as it is fed in a given traveling direction on a supporting surface having a cutting opening crosswise to the traveling direction, is raised with respect to the supporting surface by an auxiliary supporting device movable through the cutting opening, so as to enable the edges of the sheet to get past a downstream edge of the cutting opening in the traveling direction.