Abstract: A device for gravity bending of at least one glass sheet supported by at least one support forming part of a bending assembly, plural supports supporting the sheet during bending. The device includes a drive system for changing the shape of the support, the drive system controlling the rate of the change. A method of bending glass sheets utilizes the device.

Abstract: A glazing element-bending process including first to fourth stages. The first stage bends the glazing element through gravitational depression on a first support providing it with a first central depression. The second stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression on a second support, providing it with a second central depression more pronounced than the first and until such time as the whole periphery of the glazing element enters into contact with the second support, the glazing element being at a sufficiently high temperature to enable its central part to continue to sag following contact of the whole of the periphery. The third stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression, providing it with a third central depression more pronounced than the second, the periphery being always in contact with the second support. The fourth stage halts the depression of the glazing element by cooling and gives it the desired final shape.

Abstract: A glazing element-bending process including first to fourth stages. The first stage bends the glazing element through gravitational depression on a first support providing it with a first central depression. The second stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression on a second support, providing it with a second central depression more pronounced than the first and until such time as the whole periphery of the glazing element enters into contact with the second support, the glazing element being at a sufficiently high temperature to enable its central part to continue to sag following contact of the whole of the periphery. The third stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression, providing it with a third central depression more pronounced than the second, the periphery being always in contact with the second support. The fourth stage halts the depression of the glazing element by cooling and gives it the desired final shape.

Abstract: A glazing element-bending process including first to fourth stages. The first stage bends the glazing element through gravitational depression on a first support providing it with a first central depression. The second stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression on a second support, providing it with a second central depression more pronounced than the first and until such time as the whole periphery of the glazing element enters into contact with the second support, the glazing element being at a sufficiently high temperature to enable its central part to continue to sag following contact of the whole of the periphery. The third stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression, providing it with a third central depression more pronounced than the second, the periphery being always in contact with the second support. The fourth stage halts the depression of the glazing element by cooling and gives it the desired final shape.

Abstract: A device for gravity bending of at least one glass sheet supported by at least one support forming part of a bending assembly, plural supports supporting the sheet during bending. The device includes a drive system for changing the shape of the support, the drive system controlling the rate of the change. A method of bending glass sheets utilizes the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glazing element-bending process, comprising: a first stage involving bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression on a first support providing it with a first central depression, then a second stage continuing the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression on a second support, providing it with a second central depression more pronounced than the first and until such time as the whole of the periphery of the glazing element enters into contact with the said second support, the glazing element being at a sufficiently high temperature to enable its central part to continue to sag following contact of the whole of the periphery, then a third stage continuing the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression, providing it with a third central depression more pronounced than the second, the periphery being always in contact with the said second support, then a fourth stage halting by cooling the depression of the glazing element a