Abstract: A sheet of glass or similar material is moved to and in the cutting area of the apparatus by sheet gripping assemblies that engage and grip an edge portion of the sheet, and that undergo precise controlled movement. A fluid-jet discharging nozzle moves above the sheet along a path of travel normal to the sheet movement. Belts supportively underlying the sheet are driven sufficiently in unison therewith to minimize possible scratching or other marring of the glass. To the same end, the lower portion of the fluid-jet nozzle is of tapered shape. Sheet-engaging clamps of the gripping assemblies are moveable in a manner adapted to prevent damage to the glass sheets engaged thereby. Positioning structure may be provided for receiving and positioning the glass sheets preparatory to the cutting thereof.

Abstract: A method of cutting glass with a laser. The glass is superposed a suitable support and a laser beam is directed onto the glass. The laser beam is focused to a point disposed at or about the surface of the glass. The focused laser beam vaporizes a first thickness of glass, less than the entire thickness, and simultaneously heats the remaining thickness above the annealing temperature of the glass. A jet of gas incident upon the laser focal point removes the heated and vaporized glass proximate the focal point to create a hole through the glass. By effecting movement between the glass and the laser and gas jet at a predetermined rate, the glass is cut. Also disclosed is an article including a unitary first sheet of glass having at least one complimental opening of predetermined configuration that does not extend to the edge of the glass and is cut by a laser. One or more complimentary glass inserts coplanar with the first glass are disposed within the opening of the first glass, defining a groove therebetween.