Abstract: The invention relates to an installation that is used to perform operations for forming glass or crystal pieces (21), comprising: at least one drive wheel and at least one idler wheel (3); a support element which is driven by the drive wheel; main mandrels (7) which are supported by the support element and which, in turn, each support a first end of a glass or crystal piece (21); and work stations. According to the invention, at least one wheel takes the form of a carousel (2) which comprises secondary mandrels (8), numbering fewer than the main mandrels (7), and which co-operates with the moving support element. Each secondary mandrel (8) opposes a main mandrel (7) along a common axis (23) and supports the second end of the glass or crystal piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation that is used to perform operations for forming glass or crystal pieces (21), comprising: at least one drive wheel and at least one idler wheel (3); a support element which is driven by the drive wheel; main mandrels (7) which are supported by the support element and which, in turn, each support a first end of a glass or crystal piece (21); and work stations. According to the invention, at least one wheel takes the form of a carousel (2) which comprises secondary mandrels (8), numbering fewer than the main mandrels (7), and which co-operates with the moving support element. Each secondary mandrel (8) opposes a main mandrel (7) along a common axis (23) and supports the second end of the glass or crystal piece.

Abstract: Method of cutting a glass piece along a predetermined cutting line. One and the same beam of laser rays, focused by a focusing device, travels along the predetermined cutting line during at least one marking step and during at least one heating step, the focusing device being an adjustable focusing device which, during a marking step, focuses the beam of laser rays substantially on the predetermined cutting line and which, during a heating step, ensures that the focal point of the beam is appreciably distant from the predetermined cutting line.

Abstract: Method of cutting a glass piece 1 along a predetermined cutting line 4. One and the same beam of laser rays 42, focused by a focusing means 32, travels along the predetermined cutting line 4 during at least one marking step and during at least one heating step, the focusing means 32 being an adjustable focusing means which, during a marking step, focuses the beam of laser rays 52 substantially on the predetermined cutting line 4 and which, during a heating step, ensures that the focal point 53 of the beam is appreciably distant from the predetermined cutting line 4.

Abstract: A method for cracking off glassware (1), whereby glass pieces (1) are subjected to a laser radiation treatment (F). In a first step, the part of the glassware to be cracked off (3) is subjected in a region thereof to the action of a continuous laser radiation beam (F) or to continuous laser radiation beams (F) such that the beams touch the part (4) in the region with a power density per unit area less than 30 W/mm2. In a second step, successive points along a line in the part to be cracked off, which has been subjected in the first step to the action of a continuous laser radiation beam (F), are subjected to the action of a focused pulsating laser beam (F) with power less than 250 W, such that, during this second step, the successive points, in the line of the focused laser beam's successive impact points on the part to be cracked off (3), are spaced from each other.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a solution of one or more sublimable disperse dyestuffs in organic solvents. These solvents consist of at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon containing chlorine, mixed with a minor amount of hexamethylphosphorotriamide. The solutions according to the invention are particularly suitable for the manufacturing of felt tip markers or pens for decorating woven, non-woven or knitted materials by hot transfer.