Abstract: A temperature control system fitted to a system for forming glass product is provided. The temperature control system includes a first plurality of temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature of glass products exiting an annealing lehr. The first plurality of temperature sensors is further configured to generate sensed temperature signals. A second plurality of temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature of glass products exiting a cooling fan bank. The cooling fan bank is positioned downstream from the annealing lehr. The second plurality of temperature sensors is further configured to generate sensed temperature signals. A control module is configured to receive the sensed temperature signals from the first and second plurality of temperature sensors and compare the sensed temperature signals with pre-set parameters. The control module is configured to direct adjustments in a rotational speed of a plurality of cooling fans in response to the sensed temperature signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a strengthened glass article including a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface defining a thickness (t) of about less than about 1.1 mm, a compressive stress layer extending from the first surface to a depth of compression (DOC) of about 0.1·t or greater, such that when the glass article fracture, it breaks into a plurality of fragments having an aspect ratio of about 5 or less. In some embodiments, the glass article exhibits an equibiaxial flexural strength of about 20 kgf or greater, after being abraded with 90-grit SiC particles at a pressure of 25 psi for 5 seconds. Devices incorporating the glass articles described herein and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combustion method for melting glass in which two fuels of the same nature or different natures are fed into a fusion furnace at two locations remote from each other for distributing the fuel to reduce NOx emissions. The combustion air is supplied at only one of the locations. In a method for operating a glass melting furnace, the fuel injection is distributed to reduce NOx emissions. The furnace includes a melting vessel for receiving the glass to be melted and containing a bath of molten glass, walls defining the furnace, a hot combustion air inlet, a hot smoke outlet, at least one burner for injecting a first fuel, and at least one injector for injecting a second fuel. The injector has an adjustable flow complementary relative to the flow to the burner so that up to 100% of the totality of the first and second fuels used may be injected.

Abstract: Vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) windows (10) that employ glass-bump spacers (50) and two or more glass panes (20) are disclosed. The glass-bump spacers are formed in the surface (24) of one of the glass panes (20) and consist of the glass material from the body portion (23) of the glass pane. Thus, the glass-bump spacers are integrally formed in the glass pane, as opposed to being discrete spacer elements that need to be added and fixed to the glass pane. Methods of forming VIG windows are also disclosed. The methods include forming the glass-bump spacers by irradiating a glass pane with a focused beam (112F) from a laser (110). Heating effects in the glass cause the glass to locally expand, thereby forming a glass-bump spacer. The process is repeated at different locations in the glass pane to form an array of glass-bump spacers. A second glass pane is brought into contact with the glass-bump spacers, and the edges (28F, 28B) sealed.

Abstract: In order to achieve reproducible operating parameters of the shaping process of an I.S. glassware forming machine, a central control of all blowing and cooling air flows is proposed, in which in accordance with sections a volume flow of the cooling air including the inlet-side and outlet-side temperatures thereof are measured by means of a measuring device (51, 52) and a heat loss which is associated with the section is ascertained. The heat thus removed in sections is compared with standard values, wherein in the event that tolerance zones are exceeded a variation of the volume flow is initiated by the actuation of restrictors (53, 54). All of the sections of the glassware forming machine which are intended for passage of cooling air are monitored in this way, namely on the basis of a determinable heat loss, so that uniform cooling conditions, which are adapted to a mathematical model, and in this respect a reproducible product quality are achieved.

Abstract: A substrate ion exchange system, along with methods of maintain such a system, is provided that includes a substrate having an outer region containing a plurality of substrate metal ions, an ion exchange bath that includes a plurality of first metal ions at a first metal ion concentration and a plurality of second metal ions at a second metal ion concentration, and a vessel for containing the ion exchange bath and the substrate. The ion exchange system also includes a temperature sensor coupled to the vessel, and a processor configured to receive a vessel temperature from the sensor and to evaluate the first metal ion concentration based at least in part on a first metal ion consumption rate relationship and the vessel temperature. Further, the first metal ion consumption rate relationship is predetermined.

Abstract: A thickness of at least one preselected portion of a substrate, such as glass substrate for example, is controlled. A laser beam is directed to the at least one preselected portion of the substrate in a viscous state, thereby increasing a temperature and reducing a viscosity of the at least one preselected portion of the substrate in a viscous state sufficiently to cause the at least one preselected portion of the glass substrate to attain a desired thickness. The laser beam after it is generated can be directed to a reflecting surface from which the laser beam is reflected to the at least one preselected portion of the substrate in the viscous state. The substrate can comprise a glass ribbon produced in a downdraw glass forming process for example, and the laser beam can be directed onto a plurality of preselected portions of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing glass ribbon includes a control device configured at least periodic thermal stress compensation of the glass ribbon by independently adjusting operation of a plurality of temperature adjustment elements based on stress characteristic information at least periodically obtained from a stress sensor apparatus. In further examples, methods of producing glass include at least periodically sensing a stress characteristic of a glass ribbon and at least periodically changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon based stress characteristic information. In further examples, methods include the step of changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon only if a measured parameter is within an operating range associated with the parameter.

Abstract: Repositionable heater assemblies and methods of controlling temperature of glass in production lines using the repositionable heater assemblies are disclosed. The repositionable heater assembly includes a support frame, a first sled and a second sled each coupled to the support frame with bearing members that allow the first sled and the second sled to translate in a longitudinal direction. Each of the first sled and the second sled include at least one heating element, where the heating elements are spaced apart from the glass ribbon a spacing distance. The first and second sleds are movable in the longitudinal direction to controlling the spacing distance between the heating elements of the first sled and the second sled and the glass ribbon to manage temperature of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A process for optimizing flame polishing of a glass product includes subjecting a glass product to heating parameters related to the glass product, first sensing a first thermal image of the glass product, polishing the glass product with a flame, second sensing a second thermal image of the glass product after the polishing of the glass product, and adjusting parameters of the flame polishing as necessary based upon the second sensing of the second thermal image of the glass product.

Abstract: A process for the precision moulding of glass manufactured articles, in particular glass lenses with great sizes and thickness, characterized by reduced surface roughness and high geometrical precision of the shapes, providing a phase wherein one controls actively the geometry of a glass spindle with temperature higher than or equal to its working temperature by means of a mould, and wherein subsequently the temperature and the shape of the spindle during the cooling phase is controlled actively, so that the manufactured article reaches uniformly and in all its volume a single temperature Td, not lower than its glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fabricating continuous glass ribbons are disclosed. The method includes forming the continuous glass ribbon by drawing the continuous glass ribbon from a draw housing in a drawing direction, heating at least one portion of a central region of the continuous glass ribbon at a heating location downstream of the draw housing, sensing a temperature of the continuous glass ribbon at a sensed temperature location downstream of the draw housing, and automatically controlling the heating of the at least one portion of the central region of the continuous glass ribbon based on the sensed temperature to mitigate distortion of the continuous glass ribbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible by heating and fusing a silica powder layer in a rotating mold by arc discharge generated by carbon electrodes comprising: a preparation process for determining optimal temperatures during heating and fusing the silica powder layer for one or more selected from the group consisting of the silica powder layer, fume generated during arc fusing, and arc flame generated in the arc discharge; a temperature measuring process for measuring actual temperatures during heating and fusing for one or more selected from the group where the optimal temperatures are determined; and a temperature controlling process for controlling the actual temperatures for one or more selected from the group where the actual temperatures are measured so that the actual temperatures match the optimal temperatures.

Abstract: An area S (m2) of a facing surface of each of injectors which faces a glass ribbon is set so as to satisfy: S?(0.0116×P×Cg×T)/{?×F×?(Tgla4?Tinj4)}, wherein P is an output (ton/day) of the glass ribbon; Cg is a specific heat (J/(kg·° C.)) of the glass; T is an acceptable temperature drop (° C.); ? is radiation factor; F is a surface-to-surface view factor; ? is Boltzmann's constant; Tgla is a temperature (K) of the glass ribbon represented by K=(Tin+Tout)/2 where Tin and Tout are measured values of the glass ribbon at the inlet and outlet of the injector, respectively; and Tinj is a temperature (K) of the facing surface of the injector.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a glass blank for magnetic disk and a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for magnetic disk are provided which are capable of producing a glass blank for magnetic disk having a good surface waviness by press forming. The method includes a forming process of press-forming a lump of molten glass using a pair of dies, wherein in the forming process, press forming is performed using thermally equalizing means for reducing a difference in temperature in the press forming surface of the die during pressing of the molten glass.

Abstract: A method for producing a mold for molding a lens wherein the upper surface of a glass material to be molded is molded by a thermal sag method using a continuous heating furnace. A mold having a curvature distribution on the molding surface is used, the highest temperature direction from the geometric center of the molding surface to the highest temperature point in the furnace is determined in one or more regions by measuring the temperature at a plurality of measuring points on the molding surface and the mold is rotated during the forming of the mold in which an eyeglass lens is subsequently molded.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for baking a glass substrate, which includes: a baking oven, a support component, a temperature sensing device, a heating device, a cooling device, and a temperature controlling device. The present invention further discloses a method for baking a glass substrate. The present invention is capable of dynamically controlling the temperature of the support component, which contacts the glass substrate. The temperature of the glass substrate keeps identical and the temperature of the support component keep identical, so as to prevent a Mura defect appearing on the glass substrate.

Abstract: A nozzle housing assembly, which is used in a convection heating furnace for a heat treatable glass sheet. The nozzle housing assembly comprises an elongated enclosure, at least one elongated heating resistance in the enclosure for heating convection air, and orifices in a bottom surface of the enclosure for blasting heated convection air against the glass sheet. The enclosure is divided with a flow-throttling partition into a top supply duct and a bottom nozzle box, the heating resistances being housed in the latter. Flow-throttling openings present in the partition are positioned to comply with the location and shape of the heating resistances.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling temperature in a glass forehearth. In one implementation, a system includes at least one burner disposed in said forehearth, a manifold coupled to said burner, a combustion fuel supply coupled to said burner, a combustion air blower for delivering ambient air under pressure to said manifold, and a controller coupled to said burner for controlling operation of said burner. The system may include a temperature sensor operatively coupled downstream of the blower for providing to the controller a temperature signal indicative of temperature of air delivered to the manifold by the blower. The controller may be responsive to the temperature signal for controlling operation of the burner as a function of current temperature of air fed to the manifold. Operation of the burner may also be controlled as a function of an average air temperature over a preceding time duration.

Abstract: A directional solidification furnace is disclosed that includes one or more movable cooling plates disposed beneath a crucible. In a first position, the cooling plates are free from contact with a crucible support positioned adjacent the crucible. In a second position, the cooling plates are in contact with the crucible support. A control system is used to control the amount of force exerted by the cooling plates against the crucible.

Abstract: Apparatus (36, 36?) and a method for forming glass sheets utilizes a press ring assembly (50) adjacent a heating furnace to receive a heated class sheet therefrom for press forming. The press ring assembly (50) includes a press ring (52) for mounting on a support (48), with the press ring having an open interior and peripheral shape including an upwardly oriented forming face (74) for contacting the heated glass sheet periphery. A heater (75) extends along the peripheral shape of the press ring (52) to provide heating under the control of at least one thermocouple (110), and insulation (78) extends along the periphery of the press ring within the interior, around the exterior and below the press ring to reduce heat loss, with the heater located between the insulation and the press ring. An upper press mold (58) cooperates with the press ring assembly (50) to provide press forming.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing curved glass sheet includes the following steps: providing a mold which includes a first mold core and a second mold core corresponding to the first mold core; providing a raw glass sheet and placing the raw glass sheet on the second mold core; heating the first mold core to a first temperature, and heating the second mold core and the raw glass sheet to a second temperature which is equal to or lower than the glass transition temperature of the glass sheet but higher than the first temperature; closing the mold and hot pressing the first mold core on the glass sheet; opening the mold, and cooling the glass sheet to obtain the curved glass sheet. An annealing step can also be provided to the curved glass sheet. A mold for manufacturing the curved glass sheet is also provided.

Abstract: The glass sheets (2) of an asymmetric glass-sheet pair, which is intended for the production of laminated glass, are preheated in a preheating furnace (1) and then undergo a press-bending process in a press-bending station (4). By means of a temperature measuring point (11) arranged at the exit of the press-bending station, it is ensured that the glass sheets exhibit a uniform bending behavior, in order to guarantee identical restoring forces during cooling. The temperature measuring point (11) is connected to a control device (16), which causes an intermediate cooling of the glass sheet heating more rapidly by means of an intermediate cooling installation (12, 13) in the pre-heating furnace and/or lengthens its dwell time in the press-bending station (4) by means of a timing control element (15).

Abstract: Process and apparatus are generally provided for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. In one particular embodiment, the process includes: depositing a photovoltaic absorber layer on a glass substrate; heating the glass substrate to an anneal temperature; and quenching the glass substrate to cool the glass substrate to a quenched temperature in less than 10 seconds. The quenched temperature can be about 85° C. to about 200° C. less than the anneal temperature. The quenching atmosphere can have a quenching pressure of about 1 torr or more and can include an inert gas.

Abstract: A method for melting inorganic materials, preferably glasses and glass-ceramics, in a melting unit with cooled walls is provided. The method includes selecting the temperature of at least one region of the melt is selected in such a way as to be in a range from Teff?20% to Teff+20%, where the temperature Teff is given by the temperature at which the energy consumption per unit weight of the material to be melted is at a minimum, with the throughput having been selected in such a way as to be suitably adapted to the required residence time.

Abstract: To provide a process to improve acid resistance of a glass substrate for an information recording medium. A process for producing a glass substrate for an information recording medium, comprising processing a glass formed into a plate by a float process, a down-draw method or a press method, wherein, in cooling of the glass in the last step where the glass has a temperature of at least its strain point, the time during which the glass temperature is at least its strain point and at most a temperature where the glass viscosity is 1010 dPa·s is at least 13 minutes.

Abstract: A metalloid such as silicon in the form of a preheated solid electrode is purified by a CEVAR purification process by producing an ingot with controlled heating and cool down after the preheated electrode is melted in a CEVAR furnace system using a short CEVAR open-bottomed crucible.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing glass ribbon comprises a plurality of cooling coils positioned along a cooling axis of the apparatus extending transverse to a draw direction. The cooling coils are configured to control a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon along a cooling axis. Each cooling coil can be fabricated from at least one tube and configured to circulate fluid to remove heat from the cooling coil. In further examples, methods of producing a glass ribbon include the step of controlling a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon along a width of the glass ribbon. The step of controlling the temperature profile includes selectively removing heat from at least one of a plurality of cooling coils positioned along the cooling axis.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible, which is capable of stably manufacturing a high quality vitreous silica crucible by stabilizing heat generation through an arc discharge. The apparatus for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible includes a mold that defines a shape of a vitreous silica crucible, carbon electrodes that generate an arc discharge for fusing a silica powder molded body formed in the mold, and a power supply device that supplies power to the carbon electrodes. The power supply device includes a saturable reactor that is provided on a supply path of the power to the carbon electrodes and has variable reactance, and a control device that controls the power supplied to the carbon electrodes by changing the reactance of the saturable reactor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for precision glass roll forming a supply of molten glass at a glass temperature of 1000° C. or higher. A pair of hot forming rolls having a surface temperature of about 500° C. or higher, vertically below the glass feed, that thin the supplied stream of molten glass to produce a formed glass ribbon. A pair of cold sizing rolls maintained at a surface temperature of about 400° C. or lower, vertically below the forming rolls, that thin the formed glass ribbon glass to produce a sized glass ribbon having a desired thickness and a desired thickness uniformity. The sized glass ribbon may have a thickness of 1 mm or less that varies in thickness by no more than +/?0.025 mm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing glass hard disk substrates comprises annealing and then tempering previously formed glass hard disk substrates. The annealed and tempered glass hard disk substrates have improved strength and stress resistance without chemical treatments.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for annealing a glass sheet, which can sufficiently reduce ITT formed in the glass sheet, are provided. In the method for annealing a glass sheet G of the present invention, in a state that a heated and bent glass sheet G is placed on a forming mold 16, first, a region of the glass sheet G to be lifted up is cooled by cooling devices 20, 22, to make the temperature of the region to be lifted up to be a temperature of at most the strain point. Next, in this state, a lift-up member 36 is operated to lift up the region of the glass sheet G to be lifted up, by rods 38, 38 . . . , to separate the glass sheet G from the forming mold 16.

Abstract: A TiO2—SiO2 glass ingot having a desired TiO2 concentration is fabricated, a sample is cut from the TiO2—SiO2 glass ingot, OH concentration C(OH), TiO2 concentration C(TiO2) and fictive temperature TF of the sample are measured, and zero-CTE temperature T(zero-CTE) is calculated from the measured C(OH), C(TiO2) and TF. A judgment is made as to whether the difference ?T between the zero-CTE temperature T(zero-CTE) and a target value is within a predetermined range. When the difference ?T is within the predetermined range, it is judged that the TiO2—SiO2 glass ingot has a desired zero-CTE temperature; when the difference ?T is not within the range, a production condition for the TiO2—SiO2 glass ingot is corrected on the basis of the difference ?T.

Abstract: The invention provides an alkali-free glass substrate small in the variation of the thermal shrinkage and a process for producing the same. An alkali-free glass substrate of the invention has an absolute value of a thermal shrinkage of 50 ppm or more when the alkali-free glass substrate is heated at a rate of 10° C./min from a room temperature, kept at a holding temperature of 450° C. for 10 hr and then cooled at a rate of 10° C./min.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for temperature monitoring of Horizontal Tempering and bending system (HTBS) furnace in glass industries. The present invention improves furnace heaters shut down performance, thereby causing longer lifetime for furnace equipments. The present invention further increases transparency for output tempered and bent glass. The present invention discloses multiple sensors for temperature control of the furnace, wherein said sensors provide a precise and accurate measurement of the glass temperature separately. After acquiring sensors data, the fusion process is done using Bayesian approach in order to achieve more accurate values for glass temperature, thereby enhancing the system performance and decreasing the number of unnecessary emergency shut downs (unnecessary ESDs) of the furnace heating elements, which are produced due to false alarms.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting I.S. machine timing to maintain desired vertical glass distribution to improve process yield and quality while reducing dependence on operator skill. Deficiencies in the vertical glass distribution are rapidly addressed by automatically varying the start of final blow to allow more or less stretching of the parison, and more fundamentally addressed by adjusting the cooling of the parison mold. The cooling time of the parison mold may be adjusted by using final blow timing error correction or by also using parison mold temperature error correction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible by heating and fusing a silica powder layer in a rotating mold by arc discharge generated by carbon electrodes comprising: a preparation process for determining optimal temperatures during heating and fusing the silica powder layer for one or more selected from the group consisting of the silica powder layer, fume generated during arc fusing, and arc flame generated in the arc discharge; a temperature measuring process for measuring actual temperatures during heating and fusing for one or more selected from the group where the optimal temperatures are determined; and a temperature controlling process for controlling the actual temperatures for one or more selected from the group where the actual temperatures are measured so that the actual temperatures match the optimal temperatures.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible having a suitably controlled inner surface property. The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible by heating and fusing a silica powder layer in a rotating mold by arc discharge generated by carbon electrodes including: a preparation process for determining optimal fusing temperatures during heating and fusing the silica powder layer at plural points of different heights of the silica powder layer; a temperature measuring process for measuring actual temperatures during heating and fusing the silica powder layer at the plural points; a temperature controlling process for controlling the actual temperatures at the plural points so that the actual temperatures matches the optimal fusing temperatures at the respective points.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling temperature in a glass forehearth. In one implementation, a system includes at least one burner disposed in said forehearth, a manifold coupled to said burner, a combustion fuel supply coupled to said burner, a combustion air blower for delivering ambient air under pressure to said manifold, and a controller coupled to said burner for controlling operation of said burner. The system may include a temperature sensor operatively coupled downstream of the blower for providing to the controller a temperature signal indicative of temperature of air delivered to the manifold by the blower. The controller may be responsive to the temperature signal for controlling operation of the burner as a function of current temperature of air fed to the manifold. Operation of the burner may also be controlled as a function of an average air temperature over a preceding time duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for ceramizing green glass in a continuous furnace, with the ceramization being carried out directly on rollers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of reducing contamination of a glass melt in a stirring apparatus by an oxide material. The oxide material, such as platinum oxide, may be volatilized by the high temperature of the glass melt, and then condense on the inside surfaces of a stirring vessel, particularly the stirrer shaft and surrounding surfaces of the stirring vessel cover. A build-up of condensed oxide material may then be dislodged and fall back into the glass melt. Accordingly, an apparatus and method is provided that includes a heating element disposed adjacent an annular gap between the stirring vessel cover and the stirrer shaft. The heating element heats a surface of the stirring vessel cover bounding the annular gap and prevents condensation of volatile oxides that may flow through the annular gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass includes a bottom block in which molten metal is stored to float, a loop block which covers the bottom block, and a plurality of thermocouples buried in the loop block in a predetermined pattern to measure the temperature of the loop block so that a temperature gradient of an inner circumstance of a float chamber formed by the bottom block and the loop block is measured and/or controlled.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing system and a method are described herein that use an enhanced temperature control device to help manufacture a uniformly thick glass sheet that is substantially stress free. In one example, the enhanced temperature control device includes an array of temperature controlled elements and a radiation collimator which together cool the glass sheet with a high degree of spatial resolution so as to reduce stress in the glass sheet and control the thickness of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing thermally tempered glass. This type of surface treatment is applied in particular where mechanical properties, in particular strengths, are required, for example in the automotive industry, in architecture and in the utilisation of solar energy. The method produces thermally tempered glass with thicknesses less than 2.8 mm. The method can be advantageously performed such that thermally tempered glass can be produced with less energy input by utilising controlled quenching.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the dimensional changes of a glass substrate during a display manufacturing process. The reductions are achieved by increasing the fast relaxation exhibited by the glass. Test methods are provided for distinguishing the effects on dimensional changes of fast relaxation versus slow relaxation. Glass substrates which exhibit reduced dimensional changes during critical thermal cycles of display manufacturing processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating glass sheets (13) are provided in which the sheets are cut from a glass ribbon (15) composed of a glass having a setting zone temperature range (SZTR). As the glass is drawn, it passes through the SZTR (31) and an across-the-ribbon temperature distribution is produced at least one longitudinal position along the ribbon to compensate for in-plane stress induced in the sheets (13) when flattened. Through such thermal compensation, glass sheets (13) are produced which exhibit controlled levels of distortion when cut into sub-pieces and thus are suitable for use as substrates in the manufacture of, for example, flat panel displays, e.g., LCD displays.

Abstract: A method for sealing a liquid within a glass package and the resulting sealed glass package are described herein where the sealed glass package can be, for example, a dye solar cell, an electro-wetting display or an organic emitting light diode (OLED) display.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lens casting mold by introducing a forming mold, with a forming surface on which a glass material being formed is positioned, into a continuous heating furnace and conducting thermal treatment while conveying the forming mold in the furnace to form an upper surface of the glass material being formed by bring a lower surface of the glass material being formed into tight contact with the forming surface.

Abstract: A process for the production of a glass-ceramic comprises the following steps: a) providing a mixture comprising at least SiO2, Al2O3, BaO and TiO2, b) melting the mixture in order to produce a glass phase, c) cooling the glass phase, and d) ceramicizing the glass phase. In the process, the glass phase is heated over the course of at most 5 minutes, preferably over the course of at most 3 minutes, to a temperature in the region of the crystallization temperature of Ba1-xZ1xTi1-yZ2yO3, whereby Z1 is an element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ca, Ce, Pb, La and Sm, whereby Z2 is an element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf, Nb, V, Y, Sc and Ta, and whereby x and y are each independently of one another 0?x,y?0.5, preferably 0?x,y?0.1, but substantially below the crystallization temperature of Ba[Al2Si2O8].

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for shaping optical components with improved uniformity and higher throughput. A curved oven provides a plurality of sequential chambers arranged in a curved path, with walls separating the chambers. The walls of the chambers may have openings shaped to match the profile of shaping molds and pedestals which are transported through the oven. An optional dual temperature control system may provide for the separate temperature regulation of upper and lower regions of the chambers. Optical components, such as for solar energy sytems, are manufactured by conveying material and molds on a transport system through the curved oven and shaping them by controlled heat and vacuum assisted slumping. The chambers may be grouped into regions, with the materials undergoing different processes as they traverse each region.