Abstract: An apparatus and method for precision bending a glass sheet that includes an oven for heating the glass sheet to a temperature near the softening temperature of the glass sheet. A stage for supporting the glass sheet. A pair of reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the glass sheet on the stage. At least one bending mechanism on a pair of arms inside the oven for bending an edge portion of the glass sheet. Inward facing first stop surfaces on the arms that contact reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the bending mechanism on the arms relative to the stage and the glass sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a flow of a viscous material, such as a molten glass or glass ceramic material in a tube or rod forming process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stabilization member through which the molten glass is passed after leaving the nozzle of a forming vessel. The stabilization member is positioned a finite distance below the nozzle. The column of viscous material is supported by a wall of the stabilization member, or by a gaseous film disposed between the column and the stabilization member. A method of stabilizing the flow of viscous material after it leaves the nozzle during a drawing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precision bending a glass sheet that includes an oven for heating the glass sheet to a temperature near the softening temperature of the glass sheet. A stage for supporting the glass sheet. A pair of reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the glass sheet on the stage. At least one bending mechanism on a pair of arms inside the oven for bending an edge portion of the glass sheet. Inward facing first stop surfaces on the arms that contact reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the bending mechanism on the arms relative to the stage and the glass sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a flow of a viscous material, such as a molten glass or glass ceramic material in a tube or rod forming process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stabilization member through which the molten glass is passed after leaving the nozzle of a forming vessel. The stabilization member is positioned a finite distance below the nozzle. The column of viscous material is supported by a wall of the stabilization member, or by a gaseous film disposed between the column and the stabilization member. A method of stabilizing the flow of viscous material after it leaves the nozzle during a drawing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing system (100, 100?, 100?) and method are described herein for forming a high quality thin glass sheet (110). In one embodiment, the glass manufacturing system and method use at least one of a compensated rolling roll (108a), a temperature controlled environment (120) and edge rolls (122, 124) to form a high quality thin glass sheet that has a thickness less than about 2 mm and more preferably less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono- or multi-component glass-ceramic articles (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; 80; 90) having at least one weld joint (100), as well as a method of manufacturing such articles (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; 80; 90), which includes the implementation of at least one welding. The present invention is based upon mastery of the welding of glass-ceramic precursor glasses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing sheets of glass having two faces (F1, F2), at least one of the faces (F1) presents high surface quality. Preferably both of the faces (F1, F2) present high surface quality. The invention also describes an apparatus suitable for implementing the method for producing the sheets of glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a method of bending the perimeter of at least one opening (2) provided in a glass-ceramic precursor plate (1), said perimeter describing a closed curve without sharp angles; a method of manufacturing a glass-ceramic plate (10′, 10″) in which at least one opening (2) is provided, whose perimeter describing a closed curve without sharp angles is bent; novel glass-ceramic plates (10′, 10″), obtainable by implementing said manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A glass ceramic or glass-ceramic sheet is formed by progressively reducing the thickness of the sheet by passing the sheet between successive pairs of counter-rotating rollers. The average viscosity of the sheet is maintained between 5.times.10.sup.4 and 10.sup.9 P during the sheet forming operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass-ceramic cooking plate for gas cooking apparatuses, characterized by the fact that it has at least one opening 2 intended to receive a gas burner 3 and several humps 5 of the same height distributed around this opening which are intended to support a cooking utensil which is to be heated by said burner, said humps being an integral part of the plate itself.

Abstract: A glass ceramic or glass-ceramic sheet is formed by progressively reducing the thickness of the sheet by passing the sheet between successive pairs of counterrotating rollers. The average viscosity of the sheet is maintained between 5.times.10.sup.4 and 10.sup.9 P during the sheet forming operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing glass articles. A single mold may be utilized for each article being pressed. The plunger has a ring-like member movably attached thereto. After pressing, when the plunger is retracted from the plunger, the plunger retains the glass article thereon. The ring-like member is then lowered relative to the plunger, thereby removing the pressed article therefrom.