Abstract: The present invention relates to a female press bending ring for use in the press bending of glass sheets outside of a furnace, and more particularly to a female press bending ring which is suitably heated during the bending cycle to regulate the transfer of heat between the peripheral margin of the glass and the female bending ring with which it is in contact. By so doing, near-edge tension and edge stresses are greatly reduced, thereby reducing chill cracking and glass breakage during and after production. The female ring may be covered by a layer of fiberglass cloth or the like to provide a smooth resilient surface for engaging the glass sheet.

Abstract: Producing a radius or curved edge in cutting glass by means of a high pressure abrasive fluid jet. Abrasive particles are aspirated in carefully controlled amounts into a fluid stream which is directed through a nozzle tube having an elongated passageway of small diameter, and the fluid is discharged against and closely adjacent the surface of the glass as a highly collimated jet carrying the abrasive particles. The passageway gradually increases in diameter, or flares outwardly, at the discharge end of the nozzle tube, allowing the collimated stream to diverge within confined limits immediately prior to impinging upon the glass surface. The abrasive particle-containing conical fluid jet cuts through the glass along the path followed by the axis of the nozzle tube, while the glass to either side of the cut is abraded by progressively decreasing amounts toward the lateral extremities of the fluid jet. The glass cut is thus formed with a curved edge on the entrant side of the cut.

Abstract: A system adapted to readily cut intricate interior patterns from, as well as make simple cuts across, glass blanks of various thicknesses at increased speed by means of an ultra-high pressure abrasive fluid jet. A highly collimated fluid stream or jet, into which abrasive particles are aspirated, is directed against the glass from a pressurized source. For initial penetration of the glass within the interior of the blank, the pressurized source is maintained at a first pressure level, so that the glass is initially penetrated without fracturing or undue chipping at the point of penetration and whereby the abrasive fluid stream may be advanced along the desired path relative to the glass at a first speed such as to sever the glass.

Abstract: Cutting strengthened glass by means of a high velocity fluid jet. A suitable fluid is placed under high pressure and directed against the surface of the glass in a highly collimated stream of small diameter at high velocity. Very fine abrasive particles are aspirated into the high velocity stream prior to its impingement upon the glass to serve as a cutting medium for the strengthened glass. The pressure of the fluid is reduced when starting the cut to avoid venting of the glass during initial penetration, and the pressure is then increased for movement of the fluid jet along the desired line of cut. The relationship between fluid pressure, line speed and abrasive grit size is carefully controlled to produce a smooth cut free from vents and chips so as to avoid failure of the strengthened unit.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a workpiece in a high velocity fluid jet cutting operation. The apparatus has particular utility in the Abrasive cutting of frangible sheet material, such as glass, and especially in the cutting of a predetermined pattern from the sheet thereof. The support apparatus comprises a pair of independent support members that cooperate to provide uniform support to the entire area of the sheet during cutting. A first support member, comprising a plate which is relatively large with respect to the sheet, includes a central opening therein conforming to and slightly larger than the pattern being cut. The plate member provides support to the peripheral portion of the sheet while the central portion thereof is supported by a second support member positioned within the opening.