Abstract: A method of forming a glass ribbon includes flowing a molten glass into a caster having a width (Wcast) and a thickness (Tcast) to form a cast glass, cooling the cast glass in the caster to a viscosity of 108 Poise or more, conveying the cast glass from the caster, volumetrically heating the cast glass to an average viscosity of 106 Poise or less using a gyrotron microwave heating device, and drawing the cast glass into a glass ribbon having a width (Wgr) that is less than or equal to the width (Wcast) of the caster and a thickness (Tgr) that is less than the thickness (Tcast) of the caster.

Abstract: A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

Abstract: A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass ribbon includes flowing a molten glass into a caster having a width (Wcast) and a thickness (Tcast) to form a cast glass, cooling the cast glass in the caster to a viscosity of 108 Poise or more, conveying the cast glass from the caster, volumetrically heating the cast glass to an average viscosity of 106 Poise or less using a gyrotron microwave heating device, and drawing the cast glass into a glass ribbon having a width (Wgr) that is less than or equal to the width (Wcast) of the caster and a thickness (Tgr) that is less than the thickness (Tcast) of the caster.