Abstract: Glass shapes and sheets are cut directly from a heated glass ribbon while maintaining the optical quality of the cut glass. A float glass ribbon is removed from a glass forming chamber and prior to annealing, a line of cut is heated to its softening temperature. A blade arrangement thereafter penetrates the glass along the heated line of cut to sever the glass. The cut glass edge is shaped after cutting while the edge is still at the softening temperature. Duuring the line heating and cutting operation, the overall glass temperature is maintained above the strain point of the glass.

Abstract: Glass shapes and sheets are cut directly from a heated glass ribbon while maintaining the optical quality of the cut glass. A float glass ribbon is removed from a glass forming chamber and prior to annealing, a line of cut is heated to its softening temperature. A blade arrangement thereafter penetrates the glass along the heated line of cut to sever the glass. During the line heating and cutting operation, the overall glass temperature is maintained above the strain point of the glass.

Abstract: A sliding support table to support a continuously advancing glass ribbon during severing. The ribbon is supported by and moves over the sliding support table which moves along the direction of the glass ribbon travel between stationary upstream and downstream supports. Top and bottom line heaters supported on the table direct flames towards the major surfaces of the glass ribbon along a line cut. A blade and anvil arrangement supported on the table, sever the glass along the heated line of cut when the line of cut is positioned therebetween. The table advances along with the glass ribbon to support the ribbon during the heating and severing operation. The line heaters and blade and anvil arrangement may provide both a linear or nonlinear line of cut.

Abstract: Optical quality of float glass is improved by attenuating longitudinally prior to attenuating laterally and by carrying out each attenuation step within specified temperature ranges.

Abstract: Optical quality of float glass is improved by attenuating longitudinally prior to attenuating laterally and by providing cooled marginal edge portions of the glass ribbon during lateral attenuation.

Abstract: Optical quality of float glass is improved by attenuating longitudinally prior to attenuating laterally; and by providing extended residence time prior to attenuating.