Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a sheet of material during grinding of the edge of the sheet. The method and apparatus comprises supporting one surface of the sheet on a conveyor. A force is exerted on the sheet with a fluid pressure device, either using sub-atmospheric pressure or hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A method for edge finishing glass sheets. Glass sheets are separated into desired sizes, after which the edges of the glass sheets are finished using first grinding wheels to grind the edges, followed by polishing wheels to round off the ground edges by contacting and moving the edges of the glass sheet against stationary rotating grinding and polishing wheels which are each oriented approximately parallel to the major surface of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for edge finishing glass sheets. Glass sheets are separated into desired sizes, after which the edges of the glass sheets are finished using edge polishing methods, such as, for example, by contacting and moving the edges of the glass sheet against rotating polishing wheels which are oriented al least approximately orthogonally to said sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for edge finishing glass sheets. Glass sheets are separated into desired sizes, after which the edges of the glass sheets are finished using edge polishing methods, such as, for example, by contacting and moving the edges of the glass sheet against rotating polishing wheels which are oriented al least approximately orthogonally to said sheet.

Abstract: A glass breaking system is provided for breaking large sheets of glass into small sheets, in which a laser beam having an elongated beam spot shape, with a largest dimension which is at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, and most preferably at least 40 mm, is moved across a glass sheet to produce a partial crack score line. The glass sheet is then separated along the score line by applying a bending moment in the area of the partial crack.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical element having a pattern of raised optical elements integral with a surface thereof, and a metal coating selectively covering the surface intermediate the optical elements to form a mask optically isolating the elements. Several methods of producing such metal coating are disclosed that employ conventional photoresist materials and means of applying and removing such materials. Also, a modified element, that is adapted to use in a liquid crystal display device, and methods of producing such modified element are disclosed.