Processes and apparatus for manufacturing glass

Abstract

A glass-based manufacturing apparatus includes a dispensing apparatus for conveying molten glass in a direction of travel (107). The glass-based manufacturing apparatus includes a first forming roller (701) comprising a textured pocket that receives the molten glass and imparts a defined shape corresponding to the molten glass (103). The textured pocket includes a first pocket end, a second pocket end, and a central pocket region extending circumferentially between the first and second pocket ends. The glass-based manufacturing apparatus includes a mold (113) positioned to receive the molten glass comprising the defined shape within a mold cavity (201) of the mold. Methods for manufacturing glass are also provided. Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURED GLASS Domain

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to processes for manufacturing glass and more particularly to processes for manufacturing glass by imparting a shape to the glass before distributing it into a mold. Context

[0002] It is known how to transform a molten material into a glass article using a glass-based manufacturing apparatus. The glass article can be pressed to form a pressed part. However, depending on the length and width of the glass article and the pressure force applied to the glass article, the resulting shape of the pressed glass article may be undesirable. Summary

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described in the detailed description.

[0004] Glass manufacturing methods are described that include imparting a shape to the glass before applying a pressure force to it. For example, before applying pressure, the glass can be formed into a defined shape with a non-constant width along its length. The defined shape can be formed in several ways. For example, a preforming device can be provided with a shaped forming cavity, into which the glass can be received to obtain the desired defined shape. Alternatively, one or more forming rollers can be provided with textured pockets. The textured pockets can have a shape substantially corresponding to the desired defined shape. In yet another example, a mold can be moved relative to a dispensing device, in which changing the speed of the mold can impart a shape to the dispensed glass.

[0005] Aspect 1. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus comprising: a dispensing device defining an upstream part of a displacement path extending in a direction of displacement, the dispensing device being configured to transport the molten glass along the upstream part of the displacement path in the direction of displacement; a first forming roller comprising a textured pocket configured to receive the molten glass and impart a defined shape corresponding to the molten glass, the textured pocket comprising: a first pocket end comprising a first width along a first axis of width substantially parallel to a first roller axis of the first forming roller; a second pocket end comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central pocket region extending circumferentially between the first pocket end and the second pocket end, the central pocket region comprising a central width along a central pocket axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first and second widths; a mold positioned downstream of the first forming roller and configured to receive the molten glass comprising the shape defined inside a mold cavity of the mold.

[0006] Aspect 2. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 1, further comprising a second forming roller spaced from the first forming roller to define a gap configured to supply the molten glass with a width and thickness, wherein the second forming roller comprises a second textured pocket configured to receive the molten glass and impart the corresponding defined shape to the molten glass, the second textured pocket comprising: a third pocket end comprising a third width along a third width axis substantially parallel to a second roller axis of the second forming roller; a fourth pocket end comprising a fourth width along a fourth width axis substantially parallel to the third width axis; and a second central pocket region extending circumferentially between the third pocket end and the fourth pocket end, the second central pocket region comprising a second central width along a second central pocket axis substantially parallel to the third width axis, the second central width being less than the third and fourth widths.

[0007] Aspect 3. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 2, wherein the first pocket end is aligned, in a rotational manner, with the third pocket end, the second pocket end is aligned, in a rotational manner, with the fourth pocket end, and the central pocket region is aligned, in a rotational manner, with the second central pocket region.

[0008] Aspect 4. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 2 to 3, further comprising a conveyor supporting the mold, the conveyor being configured to move the mold relative to the first forming roller and the second forming roller in a second direction of movement which forms an angle relative to the direction of movement.

[0009] Aspect 5. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 2 to 3, further comprising a displacement apparatus fixed to the first forming roller and the second forming roller, the displacement apparatus being configured to move the first forming roller and the second forming roller relative to the mold in a third direction of movement which forms an angle with respect to the direction of movement.

[0010] Aspect 6. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus comprising: a dispensing device defining an upstream part of a displacement path extending in a direction of displacement, the dispensing device being configured to transport molten glass along the upstream part of the displacement path in the direction of displacement; a preforming device positioned downstream of the distribution device and defining a forming cavity configured to receive the molten glass and impart a defined shape corresponding to the molten glass, the forming cavity comprising: a first end of cavity comprising a first width along a first axis of width substantially parallel to a forming axis along which the preforming device extends; a second end of the cavity comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central cavity region extending between the first cavity end and the second cavity end, the central cavity region comprising a central width along a central cavity axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width; a mold positioned downstream of the preforming device and configured to receive the molten glass comprising the shape defined inside the mold cavity of the preforming device mold.

[0011] Aspect 7. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 6, in which the preforming apparatus comprises a first segment and a second segment configured to move between a first position, in which the first segment is connected to the second segment and the forming cavity is defined inside the preforming apparatus, and a second position, in which the first segment is separated from the second segment and an opening is defined between the first segment and the second segment through which the molten glass comprising the defined shape passes.

[0012] Aspect 8. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 6 and 7, wherein the preforming apparatus comprises a plurality of openings through which gas is configured to flow in order to bear on the molten glass.

[0013] Aspect 9. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus comprising: a dispensing device defining an upstream part of a displacement path extending in a direction of displacement, the dispensing device being configured to transport the molten glass along the upstream part of the displacement path in the direction of displacement; a mold positioned downstream of the dispensing device and configured to receive the molten glass; and a control device in operational association with the mold and configured to control the speed of the mold in a second direction of movement, the control device being configured to move the mold to: a first speed when the mold receives the molten glass in order to form a second end of glass comprising a second width; a second speed, which is higher than the first speed, when the mold receives the molten glass in order to form a central region comprising a central width; and a third speed, which is lower than the second speed, when the mold receives the molten glass in order to form a first end of glass and comprising a first width, in which the central width is less than the first width and the second width.

[0014] Aspect 10. Glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 9, further comprising a conveyor supporting the mold and configured to move the mold relative to the dispensing apparatus in the second direction of movement, the control apparatus being in operational association with the conveyor.

[0015] Aspect 11. A method for manufacturing glass comprising: the distribution of molten glass to a mold; and the formation of the molten glass such that the molten glass comprises a definite shape when received on the mold, the molten glass in the definite shape extending along a longitudinal axis between a first glass end and an opposite second glass end with a central region connected to the first glass end and the second glass end, the first glass end comprising a first width along a first width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second glass end comprising a second width along a second width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the first width axis, the central region comprising a central width along the central width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first and second widths.

[0016] Aspect 12. A process according to aspect 11, in which the formation of molten glass includes the movement of the mold relative to the dispensing device from which the molten glass is dispensed.

[0017] Aspect 13. A method according to aspect 12, wherein the mold movement step includes changing the speed of the mold relative to the dispensing device so that the mold is moved to: a first speed while the molten glass is distributed to the mold to form the second end of the glass; and a second speed while the molten glass is distributed to the mold to form the central region, in which the first speed is different from the second speed.

[0018] Aspect 14. A method according to aspect 13, in which the mold is moved at a third speed while the molten glass is distributed to the mold to form the first glass end, in which the third speed is different from the second speed.

[0019] Aspect 15. A method according to aspect 1, wherein the molten glass formation includes receiving the molten glass in a textured pocket of a first forming roller to impart the defined shape to the molten glass.

[0020] Aspect 16. Method according to aspect 15, in which the textured pocket comprises: a first pocket end comprising a first width along a first width axis substantially parallel to a first roller axis of the first forming roller; a second pocket end comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central pocket region extending circumferentially between the first pocket end and the second pocket end, the central pocket region comprising a central width along a central pocket axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width.

[0021] Aspect 17. Method according to aspect 16, further comprising, upon receipt of the molten glass in a second textured pocket of a second forming roller to impart the defined shape to the molten glass, the second textured pocket comprising: a third pocket end comprising a third width along a third width axis substantially parallel to a second roller axis of the second forming roller; a fourth pocket end comprising a fourth width along a fourth width axis substantially parallel to the third width axis; and a second central pocket region extending circumferentially between the third pocket end and the fourth pocket end, the second central pocket region comprising a second central width along a second central pocket axis substantially parallel to the third width axis, the second central width being less than the third and fourth widths.

[0022] Aspect 18. Method according to aspect 17, wherein the first pocket end is aligned, in a rotational manner, with the third pocket end, the second pocket end is aligned, in a rotational manner, with the fourth pocket end and the central pocket region is aligned, in a rotational manner, with the second central pocket region.

[0023] Aspect 19. A method according to aspect 11, wherein the molten glass formation comprises receiving the molten glass inside a forming cavity of a preforming apparatus to impart the defined shape to the molten glass, the forming cavity comprising: a first end of cavity comprising a first width along a first axis of width substantially parallel to a forming axis along which the preforming device extends; a second end of the cavity comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central cavity region extending between the first cavity end and the second cavity end, the central cavity region comprising a central width along a central cavity axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width.

[0024] Aspect 20. A method according to aspect 19, further comprising separating a first segment of the preforming apparatus from a second segment of the preforming apparatus to form an opening between the first segment and the second segment through which the molten glass comprising the defined shape passes.

[0025] Aspect 21. A method according to any one of aspects 19 to 20, further comprising the distribution of a gas through a plurality of openings in the preforming apparatus, the gas encroaching on the molten glass.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the aspects described herein are presented in the detailed description that follows, and some of them will become clearer to a person skilled in the art from this description or recognized by putting the aspects described herein into practice, including the following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description present aspects intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the aspects described herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a thorough understanding and are incorporated into and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of disclosure and, together with the description, explain its principles and functions. tions. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] These features, aspects and advantages, as well as others, are better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, by way of example, aspects of a glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of disclosure;

[0029] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a top view taken on lines 2-2 of [Fig.1] of a mold according to aspects of disclosure;

[0030] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of a preforming device according to aspects of disclosure;

[0031] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of [Fig.3] of the preforming device according to the disclosure aspects;

[0032] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the preforming device according to the aspects of disclosure;

[0033] [Fig.6] Fig.6 illustrates an end view of the preforming device according to the aspects of disclosure;

[0034] [Fig.7] Fig.7 illustrates a side view of a pair of forming rollers and a mold according to aspects of disclosure;

[0035] [Fig.8] Figure [Fig.8] illustrates a perspective view of a first forming roll including a textured pocket according to the disclosure aspects;

[0036] [Fig.9] Figure [Fig.9] illustrates a perspective view of a second forming roller including a textured pocket according to the disclosure aspects;

[0037] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] illustrates a side view of the pair of forming rollers in rotary alignment according to the disclosure aspects;

[0038] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] illustrates a side view of the mold receiving the molten glass from a dispensing device according to the disclosure aspects;

[0039] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] illustrates a top view of the mold receiving the molten glass from a dispensing device according to the disclosure aspects;

[0040] [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 illustrates a top view of the mold receiving the molten glass from a dispensing apparatus according to the disclosure aspects; and

[0041] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] illustrates a top view of the mold receiving the molten glass from a dispensing device according to the disclosure aspects. Detailed description

[0042] The aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary aspects. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used on the drawings for refer to the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the aspects presented here.

[0043] As used herein, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters and other quantities and characteristics are not exact and should not be, but may be approximate and / or higher or lower, as necessary, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art.

[0044] The ranges can be expressed here as being "from approximately" one value and / or "to approximately" another value. When such a range is expressed, the aspects include from one value to the other value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations using the antecedent "approximately," it should be understood that the value forms another aspect. It should also be understood that the limits of each of the ranges are significant both with respect to the other limit and independently of the other limit.

[0045] Directional terms, as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. - refer only to figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, the methods described herein are not intended to be interpreted as requiring their steps to be carried out in a specific order, nor are specific orientations required with any apparatus. Therefore, where a method claim does not actually indicate that its steps must be followed in any particular order, or where an apparatus claim does not actually indicate an order or orientation for individual components, or where it is not specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps must be limited to a specific order, or where a specific order or orientation for the components of an apparatus is not indicated, no order or orientation is to be inferred in any respect whatsoever.This applies to any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: questions of logic relating to the arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components or orientation of components; ordinary meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0047]

[0048] The term "exemplary," "example," or its various forms are used herein to signify that it serves as an example, case, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or as an "example" shall not be construed as preferred or advantageous over others. aspects or designs. Furthermore, the examples are provided solely for clarity and understanding and are not intended to limit or restrict the subject matter described or relevant portions of this disclosure in any way. It should be noted that a myriad of additional or alternative examples to modify the scope may have been presented but may have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including," and their variants, are interpreted as synonymous and open-ended unless otherwise stated. A list of items following the transitive expressions "comprising" or "including" is not an exclusive list, so items in addition to those specifically indicated in the list may also be present.

[0050] The terms "sensible," "approximately," and their variants, as used herein, are intended to indicate that a described characteristic is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to denote a surface that is flat or approximately flat. Furthermore, "approximately" is intended to denote that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. The term "approximately" can denote values ​​that are approximately 10% different from each other, for example, approximately 5% different from each other, or approximately 2% different from each other.

[0051] Modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless otherwise stated, "first," "second," or similar terms are not intended to imply temporality, spatiality, order, etc. Instead, such terms are simply used as identifiers, names, etc., for features, elements, articles, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B (e.g., two different ends).

[0052] This disclosure relates to a glass-based manufacturing apparatus and methods for imparting shape to molten glass. For the purposes of this application, "glass-based" may include glass and / or glass-ceramic materials. For example, "glass" may be considered to be one or more of the following: glass in a viscous state and / or glass in a viscoelastic state between the viscous and elastic states (e.g., at room temperature). The methods and apparatus for manufacturing glass are now described as exemplary aspects. As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1], in some aspects, an exemplary glass-based manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a dispensing apparatus 101 with a dispensing conduit through which a stream of molten glass 103 may exit the dispensing apparatus 101.For example, the 101 distribution device may include an elongated passageway with an opening at the end of . the dispensing apparatus 101. In some aspects, the dispensing apparatus 101 can be oriented along a direction of gravity, so that the molten glass flow 103 can flow downwards along the direction of gravity from the dispensing apparatus 101.

[0053] In some aspects, the dispensing device 101 can define an upstream part of a displacement path 105 extending in a first direction of displacement 107. The dispensing device 101 can transport the molten glass flow 103 along the displacement path 105 in the first direction of displacement 107. In some aspects, the dispensing device 101 can transport the molten glass 103 to a forming device 109 which is downstream of the dispensing device 101 and upstream of a mold 113. The forming device 109 is schematically illustrated with dashed lines in [Fig. 1], because the forming device 109 can comprise one or more different constructions (for example, illustrated in Figures 3 to 13).For example, the forming apparatus 109 may include a preforming apparatus (for example, illustrated in Figures 3 to 6), a pair of forming rollers (for example, illustrated in Figures 7 to 10), or a control apparatus that controls a speed of the mold 113 relative to the dispensing apparatus 101. The forming apparatus 109 may receive the glass 103 from the dispensing apparatus 101 and, in certain aspects, apply a defined shape to the glass 103 so that the glass 103 can be received inside the mold 113, with the glass 103 comprising the defined shape.

[0054] In certain aspects, the defined shape can facilitate the application of pressure to the glass 103 inside the mold 113. For example, the defined shape can be elongated, with a length greater than a width. Thus, the defined shape of the glass 103 can allow the glass 103 to diffuse (e.g., in the length direction, the width direction, etc.) in a relatively uniform manner in response to the application of a pressure force. In this way, the methods can include the distribution (e.g., the distribution schematically illustrated with the arrowhead 117 in [Fig. 1]) of the molten glass 103 in the mold 113. The methods can further include shaping the molten glass 103 so that the molten glass 103 has a defined shape when it is received on the mold 113.

[0055] [Fig. 2] illustrates a top view of the mold 113, as observed from the perspective indicated by lines 2-2 of [Fig. 1], after the glass 103 has been formed into the defined shape and received by the mold 113. The mold 113 may include a mold cavity 201 into which the glass 103 can be received. The mold 113 may include one or more mold walls 202 that surround and define the mold cavity 201. In some aspects, the glass 103, when received onto the mold 113, may be in a defined shape 203 and may extend along an Ion- axis The longitudinal axis 205 is located between a first glass end 207 and an opposite second glass end 209. The defined shape 203 of the glass 103 may include a central region 211 connected to and extending between the first glass end 207 and the second glass end 209. In some aspects, the longitudinal axis 205 may extend through the first glass end 207, the second glass end 209, and the central region 211, with the longitudinal axis 205 dividing the glass 103 into two substantially equal parts.

[0056] The defined shape 203 may include a non-constant transverse dimension along the longitudinal axis 205 from the first glass end 207 and the second glass end 209. For example, the first glass end 207 may include a first width 217 along a first width axis 219 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 205. The first width 219 may be substantially parallel to a surface of the mold 113 on which the glass 103 is supported. In some aspects, the first width 217 may include a maximum width of the first glass end 207 and a maximum width of the glass 103. The second glass end 209 may include a second width 221 along a second width axis 223 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 205. The second width axis 223 may be substantially parallel to the surface of the mold 113 on which the glass 103 is supported.In some aspects, the second width 221 may include a maximum width of the second glass end 209 and a maximum width of the glass 103. In some aspects, the first axis of width 219 may be substantially parallel to the second axis of width 223, with the first width 217 substantially equal to the second width 221.

[0057] The central region 211 may include a central width 227 along a central width axis 229 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the first width axis 219 and the second width axis 223. In some aspects, the central region 211 may include a substantially constant width (for example, the central width 227) along the length of the central region 211 between the first glass end 207 and the second glass end 209. Alternatively, the central region 211 may include a decreasing width from the first glass end 207 down to a minimum width (for example, illustrated as the central width 227 in [Fig. 2]) before the width increases towards the second glass end 209. In some aspects, the central width 227 may be less than the first width 217 and / or less than the second width 221.In this way, the defined shape 203 of the glass 103 can include a maximum width at the glass ends 207, 209 and a minimum width at the central region 211. However, in other aspects, the central width 227 can be equal to one of the first width 217 or the second width 221. In some aspects, the glass ends 207, 209 and the central region 211 can be spaced according to a distance from the mold walls 202, so that the glass 103 cannot be in contact with the mold walls 202 after being received inside the mold cavity 201.

[0058] Providing the glass 103 with the defined shape 203 can offer several advantages. For example, it may be desirable to produce a substantially flat glass article in which one length is greater than one width. In some aspects, the substantially flat glass article is produced by applying pressure (e.g., via a pressure force) to the glass 103. However, due to the elongated shape of the glass 103, it may be difficult for the ends of the glass to spread uniformly in the length and width directions. However, compared to a glass parison that includes a rectangular or circular shape, the defined shape 203 includes an increased volume of glass at the ends 207, 209 and a reduced volume of glass in the central region 211.The increased glass volume at the ends 207 and 209 allows for more uniform diffusion of the glass 103 in response to pressure application, so that the glass at the ends 207 and 209 can diffuse evenly in both the length and width directions. Furthermore, the defined shape 203 can further reduce the amount of pressure force required to diffuse the glass 103. Thus, damage to the formed glass resulting from excessive force can be avoided.

[0059] With reference to [Fig. 3], in certain aspects, the glass-based manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a preforming apparatus 301 that can serve as a forming apparatus 109. For example, the preforming apparatus 301 may be positioned at the location of the forming apparatus 109 in [Fig. 1], with the preforming apparatus 301 positioned downstream of the dispensing apparatus 101 and upstream of the mold 113 with respect to the direction of travel 107. [Fig. 3] illustrates a top view of the preforming apparatus 301. The preforming apparatus 301 may define a forming cavity 305 that can receive the molten glass 103 from the dispensing apparatus 101, and can impart a defined shape corresponding to the molten glass 103. The preforming apparatus 301 may comprise several materials, by examples include graphite, stainless steel and / or nickel.In some aspects, the molten glass 103, after being received inside the preforming apparatus 301, may include a viscosity that is in a range of about 100 poise to about 5000 poise.

[0060] The preforming apparatus 301 may include one or more walls 307 that surround and define the forming cavity 305. The forming cavity 305 includes a hollow or empty space, surrounded by the one or more walls 307, into which the molten glass 103 can be received, the molten glass 103 adopting the shape of the forming cavity 305. The forming cavity 305 may include, for example, a first end of cavity 311, a second end of cavity 313, and a central cavity region 315 extending between the first end of cavity 311 and the second end of cavity 313. The forming cavity 305 may extend along a forming axis 303 between the first end of cavity 311 and the second end of cavity 313. In some aspects, the forming axis 303 may extend through the first end of cavity 311, the second end of cavity 313, and the central cavity region 315, with the forming axis 303 dividing the forming cavity 305 into two substantially equal parts.

[0061] The forming cavity 305 may include a shape that substantially corresponds to the defined shape 203 of the glass 103 illustrated in [Fig. 2]. For example, the forming cavity 305 may include a non-constant cross-sectional size along the forming axis 303 from the first cavity end 311 to the second cavity end 313. The first cavity end 311 is dimensioned and formed to match and produce the first glass end 207, the second cavity end 313 is dimensioned and formed to match and produce the second glass end 209, and the central cavity region 315 is dimensioned and formed to match and produce the central region 211. In some aspects, the first cavity end 311 may include a first width 321 along a first width axis 323 that is perpendicular to the forming axis 303.The first axis of width 323 may be substantially parallel to a support surface 343 of the preforming device 301 on which the glass 103 is supported. In some aspects, the first width 321 may include a maximum width of the first cavity end 311 and a maximum width of the forming cavity 305. The second cavity end 313 may include a second width 327 along a second axis of width 329 that is perpendicular to the forming axis 303. The second axis of width 329 may be substantially parallel to the support surface 343 of the preforming device 301 on which the glass 103 is supported. In some aspects, the second width 327 may include a maximum width of the second cavity end 313 and a maximum width of the forming cavity 305.In some aspects, the first axis of width 323 can be substantially parallel to the second axis of width 329, with the first width 321 substantially equal to the second width 327.

[0062] The central cavity region 315 may include a central width 331 along a central cavity axis 333 that is perpendicular to the forming axis 303 and parallel to the first width axis 323 and the second width axis 329. In some aspects, the central cavity region 315 may include a substantially constant width (for example, the central width 331) along the length of the The central cavity region 315 lies between the first end of cavity 311 and the second end of cavity 313. Alternatively, the central cavity region 315 may have a decreasing width from the first end of cavity 311 down to a minimum width (for example, illustrated as the central width 331 in [Fig. 3]) before increasing in width towards the second end of cavity 313. In some aspects, the central width 331 may be less than the first width 321 and less than the second width 327. In this way, the forming cavity 305 may have a maximum width at the ends of cavity 311 and 313 and a minimum width at the central cavity region 315.

[0063] With reference to Figures 3 to 4, in certain aspects, the preforming apparatus 301 may include a plurality of openings 341 through which the gas 401 (for example, illustrated in [Fig. 4]) may flow to interact with the molten glass 103 when the molten glass 103 is received inside the forming cavity 305. [Fig. 4] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the preforming apparatus 301, as seen from the perspective indicated by lines 4-4 of [Fig. 3], in which the dispensing apparatus 101 distributes the glass 103 into the forming cavity 305. The plurality of openings 341 may be formed in a support surface 343 of the preforming apparatus 301, with the support surface 343 extending between the walls 307 and forming a bottom of the forming cavity 305. In some aspects, the plurality of openings 341 may be spaced along the support surface 343 and may extend through the support surface 343.In some aspects, the support surface 343 may have a rounded or curved shape (for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6]). In some aspects, the support surface 343 may comprise a porous material, for example, porous graphite, such that the plurality of openings 341 can extend through the porous material of the support surface 343. In this way, the porous material of the support surface 343 comprises the plurality of openings 341 in the form of voids or holes extending through the support surface 343. Therefore, the methods may include the distribution of a gas through the plurality of openings 341, in which the plurality of openings 341 are the voids or holes that extend through the porous material of the support surface 343.

[0064] The preforming device 301 can be coupled to a gas source 403 in fluidic communication with the plurality of openings 341. For example, the gas source 403 can include a pump, a box, a cartridge, a boiler, a compressor, and / or a pressure vessel, for example. The gas source 403 can distribute compressed air or gas (for example, air or gas maintained at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure) to the plurality of openings 341, whereupon the gas 401 can flow through the plurality of openings 341 and into the cavity of forming 305. In this way, the gas 401 can act on the glass 103 (for example, when the glass 103 is received inside the forming cavity 305) and apply a force to the glass 103 to support the glass 103 spaced from the support surface 343. For example, the glass 103 may not be in contact with the support surface 343, but rather be spaced at a distance from the support surface 343 while being positioned inside the forming cavity 305. In addition, or alternatively, the walls 307 may also include some of the plurality of openings 341, so that the gas 401 can support the glass 103 spaced from the walls 307. In some aspects, the gas 401 may include air and / or nitrogen, for example.

[0065] Figure 5 illustrates the forming cavity 305 substantially filled with glass 103 after the elapsed time (for example, after Figure 4). Due to the shape of the forming cavity 305 (for example, illustrated in Figure 3), the glass 103 can form a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the forming cavity 305, so that the glass 103 is in the defined shape 203. Figure 6 illustrates an end view of the preforming device 301, as seen from the perspective indicated by lines 6-6 of Figure 5. For example, in some aspects, the preforming device 301 may comprise a plurality of segments, such as a first segment 601 and a second segment 603. The first segment 601 and the second segment 603 are also illustrated in [Fig.3] and can be moved between a first position and a second position.For example, when the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 are in the first position (for example, illustrated in [Fig.3]), the first segment 601 is attached to the second segment 603 and the forming cavity 305 is defined inside the preforming device 301. As used here, by being attached, the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 can be connected or linked to each other or alternatively can be positioned adjacently and / or in contact with each other while not being permanently fixed to each other. However, while being attached in the first position, the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 can be adjacent to each other to form the forming cavity 305 so that the glass 103 cannot unintentionally exit the forming cavity 305 through a gap between the first segment 601 and the second segment 603.That is to say, the spaces between the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 can be minimized to avoid the possibility of the glass 103 coming out unintentionally. It should be noted that the glass 103 is shown in a general / schematic way in the end view of [Fig. 6] so as not to obstruct the view of segments 601, 603. In fact, according to the top view, the glass 103 includes the shape of the forming cavity 305 shown in [Fig. 3]. However, for the purposes of illustration, [Fig. 6] represents a generic / schematic representation of the glass 103 to illustrate one position of the glass 103 (by . example between segments 601, 603) and a trajectory of movement of the glass 103 during the exit of the forming cavity 305 and the passage into the mold cavity 201.

[0066] When the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 are in the second position (for example, illustrated in [Fig.6]), the first segment 601 can be separated from the second segment 603 and an opening 605 is defined between the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 through which the molten glass 103 comprising the defined shape 203 can pass. For example, when the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 are moved from the first position to the second position, the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 may separate from each other so that the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 can no longer be adjacent to each other and / or attached to each other.In this way, the first and second segments 601, 603 can be separated to form the opening 605 between the first segment 601 and the second segment 603. In some aspects, the opening 605 can be formed along the forming axis 303, for example, with the forming axis 303 extending substantially parallel to the junction between the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 when the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 are in the first position. In some aspects, the opening 605 may include a width (for example the distance separating the first segment 601 and the second segment 603) which is greater than a maximum width of the glass 103. Thus, the glass 103 may exit the preforming device 301, for example, by falling downwards (for example indicated by the arrowhead on the [Fig.6]) along the direction of gravity from the preforming device 301 to the mold 113.For example, the mold 113 can be positioned under the preforming device 301, so that the glass 103 can be received inside the mold cavity 201. The glass 103 can maintain the defined shape 203 after exiting the preforming device 301 and after being received inside the mold cavity 201. In this way, after exiting the preforming device 301 through the opening 605 and being received inside the mold cavity 201, the glass 103 can retain the defined shape 203 and can be supported on the mold 113 in substantially the same way as illustrated and described with reference to [Fig. 2]. In some aspects, the molten glass 103 can spend less than about one second reaching the preforming device 301 before being distributed to the mold 113.

[0067] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the formation of the molten glass 103 may include receiving the molten glass 103 inside the forming cavity 305 of the preforming apparatus 301 to impart the defined shape 203 to the molten glass 103. For example, Figures 4 to 5 illustrate the molten glass 103 that has been received inside the forming cavity 305. Due to the shape of the forming cavity 305 (for example, illustrated in [Fig. 3]), the molten glass 103 can adopt the shape, with a shape that substantially corresponds to the defined shape 203 illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The methods may include separating the first segment 601 of the preforming apparatus 301 from the second segment 603 of the preforming apparatus 301 in order to form the opening 605 between the first segment 601 and the second segment 603, the molten glass 103 being able to pass through the opening 605 while retaining the defined shape 203. In this way, the molten glass 103 can maintain the defined shape 203 while exiting the preforming apparatus 301 and being received by the mold 113. In some aspects, and as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the methods may include distributing the gas 401 through the plurality of openings 341 in the preforming apparatus 30, with the gas 401 encroaching on the molten glass 103.In this way, the molten glass 103 can be held in a configuration spaced away from the walls 307 and / or the support surface 343 of the preforming device 301. In some aspects, while Figures 3 to 6 illustrate a single preforming device 301, additional preforming devices 301 may be provided to increase throughput. For example, while one preforming device receives the molten glass 103, a second preforming device may distribute the molten glass to the mold 113. Furthermore, in some aspects, the preforming device 301 may be cooled (for example, via air cooling or water cooling) to limit the likelihood of overheating of the preforming device 301.

[0068] It should be noted that [Fig. 3] illustrates the mold segments 601, 603 together and in contact with each other, so that the mold segments 601, 603 can together form the forming cavity 305. The mold segments 601, 603 can be held together and in contact with each other when the molten glass 103 is dispensed into the forming cavity 305. In this way, the molten glass 103 is prevented from unintentionally escaping from the forming cavity 305. With reference to [Fig. 3], the mold segments 601, 603 are brought together and in contact with each other along the forming axis 303. As illustrated in [Fig. 6], at a predetermined time, the mold segments 601, 603 can be separated to form the opening 605, with the opening 605 extending along of the forming axis 303.With reference to Figures 3 and 6, when separated (for example, to form the opening 605), the first segment 601 can move relative to the second segment 603 and / or the second segment 603 can move relative to the first segment 601 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forming axis 303, so that the first segment 601 and the second segment 603 can be separated. Thus, the molten glass 103 can exit the forming cavity 305 through the opening 605.

[0069] With reference to [Fig. 7], in certain aspects, the glass-based manufacturing apparatus 100 may comprise one or more forming rollers, for example a first forming roller 701 and a second forming roller 703, which may serve as a forming device 109. For example, the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 can be positioned at the location of the forming device 109 in [Fig.1], with the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 positioned downstream of the distribution device 101 and upstream of the mold 113 with respect to the direction of travel 107.

[0070] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703. The first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 can be moved apart to define a gap 705 between them, in which the gap 705 can provide the molten glass 103 with a width and a thickness. As will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10, the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller can impart the defined shape 203 to the glass 103.

[0071] As illustrated in [Fig. 7], the mold 113 can be positioned downstream of the gap 705 and can receive the molten glass 103 comprising the defined shape 203. The molten glass 103 can be received inside the mold cavity 201 of the mold 113 after passing through the gap 705. In some aspects, the glass-based manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a conveyor 709 supporting the mold 113, the conveyor 709 moving the mold 113 relative to the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 in a second direction of travel 713 that forms an angle with respect to the direction of travel 107. The conveyor 709 may include, for example, a conveyor belt (for example, comprising two or more pulleys with a conveyor belt or other endless-loop conveying device rotating around the pulleys), a or several air bearings, one or more rollers, etc.By forming an angle with respect to the direction of movement 107, the second direction of movement 713 may be non-parallel to the direction of movement 107. For example, in some aspects, the second direction of movement 713 may include the direction along which the mold 113 moves when the mold 113 receives the molten glass 103. In some aspects, the second direction of movement 713 may form an angle with respect to the direction of movement 107 that may be in a range of about 1° to about 179°, or in a range of about 45° to about 135°, or in a range of about 60° to about 120°, or in a range of about 85° to about 95°. In the illustrated example in [Fig.7], the second direction of movement 713 can form an angle with respect to the direction of movement 107 which is approximately 90° (for example, by being substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement 107).

[0072] In addition, or alternatively, the glass-based manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a displacement apparatus 715 connected to the first forming roller 701 and to the The second forming roller 703, with the displacement device 715 configured to move the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 relative to the mold 113 in a third direction of movement 717 that forms an angle with the direction of movement 107. For example, the displacement device 715 can be attached to the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 so that the displacement device 715 can move the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 while maintaining the size of the gap 705 between the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703. By forming an angle with the direction of movement 107, the third direction of movement 717 may be non-parallel to the direction of movement 107.For example, in some aspects, the third direction of movement 717 may include the direction along which the forming rollers 701, 703 move when they distribute the molten glass 103 to the mold 113. In some aspects, the third direction of movement 717 may form an angle with respect to the direction of movement 107 that may be in a range of about 1° to about 179°, or in a range of about 45° to about 135°, or in a range of about 60° to about 120°, or in a range of about 85° to about 95°. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 7], the third direction of movement 717 may form an angle with respect to the direction of movement 107 that is about 90° (for example, by being substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement 107). In some aspects, the third direction of movement 717 can be substantially opposite to the second direction of movement 713.In this way, the forming rollers 701, 703 can be moved (for example by the moving device 715) in the third direction of movement 717 relative to the mold 113. In addition, or alternatively, the mold 113 can be moved (for example by the conveyor 709) in the second direction of movement 713 relative to the forming rollers 701, 703. By moving the forming rollers 701, 703 and / or the mold 113, the mold 113 can receive the molten glass 103 after the molten glass 103 has taken the defined shape 203, with the molten glass 103 being received and positioned in a location similar to the location illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0073] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the first forming roller 701. In some aspects, the first forming roller 701 may include a textured pocket 801 that can receive the molten glass 103 and impart the corresponding defined shape 203 to the molten glass 103. The textured pocket 801 may include a void, cavity, depression, channel, etc., formed in a surface of the first forming roller 701. The first forming roller 701 may include one or more walls 802 that surround and define the textured pocket 801. The textured pocket 801 may include, for example, a first pocket end 803, a second pocket end 805 and a central pocket region 807 which extends circumferentially between the first pocket end 803 and the second pocket end 805. The textured pocket 801 may extend around a perimeter or circumference of the first forming roll 701.

[0074] The textured pocket 801 may include a shape that substantially corresponds to the defined shape 203 of the glass 103, illustrated in [Fig. 2]. For example, the textured pocket 801 may include a non-constant cross-sectional size from the first pocket end 803 to the second pocket end 805. For example, the first pocket end 803 may include a first width 811 along a first width axis 813 that is substantially parallel to a first roller axis 815 of the first forming roller 701. The first roller axis 815 may extend through the first forming roller 701, and the first forming roller 701 may rotate about the first roller axis 815. In some aspects, the first width 811 may include a maximum width of the first pocket end 803 and a maximum width of the textured pocket 801.The second pocket end 805 may include a second width 821 along a second width axis 823 substantially parallel to the first width axis 813. In some aspects, the second width 821 may include a maximum width of the second pocket end 805 and a maximum width of the textured pocket 801. The central pocket region 807 may include a central width 825 along a central pocket axis 827 substantially parallel to the first width axis 813. In some aspects, the central pocket region 807 may include a substantially constant width (for example, the central width 825) along the length of the central pocket region 807 between the first pocket end 803 and the second pocket end 805.Alternatively, the central pocket region 807 may include a decreasing width from the first pocket end 803 down to a minimum width (for example, illustrated as the central width 825 in [Fig.8]) before increasing in width towards the second pocket end 805. In some aspects, the central width 825 may be less than the first width 811 and less than the second width 821. In this way, the textured pocket 801 may include a maximum width at the pocket ends 803, 805 and a minimum width at the central pocket region 807.

[0075] In certain aspects, one or more of the forming rollers 701, 703 may include a textured pocket (for example, the textured pocket 801 illustrated in [Fig. 8]). For example, in certain aspects, the first forming roller 701 may include the textured pocket 801 while the second forming roller 703 may not include a textured pocket, but may instead include a circumferential surface a substantially smooth external differential. In this way, the glass 103 can be received inside the textured pocket 801, so that the textured pocket 801 can impart the defined shape 203 to the glass 103. Alternatively, the first forming roller 701 and the second forming roller 703 can each include a textured pocket which, together, can help impart the defined shape 203 to the glass 103. For example, [Fig. 9] illustrates an example of the second forming roller 703 in which the second forming roller 703 can include a second textured pocket 901. The second textured pocket 901 can be substantially identical, in terms of shape and size, to the textured pocket 801 of the first forming roller 701.

[0076] The second textured pocket 901 may include a void, cavity, depression, channel, etc., formed in a surface of the second forming roller 703. The second forming roller 703 may include one or more walls 902 that surround and define the second textured pocket 901. The second textured pocket 901 may include, for example, a third end pocket 903, a fourth end pocket 905, and a second central pocket region 907 that extends circumferentially between the third end pocket 903 and the fourth end pocket 905. The second textured pocket 901 may extend around a perimeter or circumference of the second forming roller 703.

[0077] The second textured pocket 901 may include a shape that substantially corresponds to the defined shape 203 of the glass 103, illustrated in [Fig. 2]. For example, the second textured pocket 901 may include a non-constant transverse dimension from the third pocket end 903 to the fourth pocket end 905. For example, the third pocket end 903 may include a third width 911 along a third width axis 913 that is substantially parallel to a second roller axis 915 of the second forming roller 703. The second roller axis 915 may extend through the second forming roller 703, and the second forming roller 703 may rotate about the second roller axis 915. In some aspects, the third width 911 may include a maximum width of the third pocket end 903 and a maximum width of the second textured pocket 901.The fourth pocket end 905 may include a fourth width 921 along a fourth width axis 923 substantially parallel to the third width axis 913. In some aspects, the fourth width 921 may include a maximum width of the fourth pocket end 905 and a maximum width of the second textured pocket 901. The second central pocket region 907 may include a second central width 925 along a second central pocket axis 927 substantially parallel to the third width axis 913. In some aspects, the second central pocket region 907 may include. a substantially constant width (e.g., the second central width 925) along the length of the second central pocket region 907 between the third pocket end 903 and the fourth pocket end 905. Alternatively, the second central pocket region 907 may have a decreasing width from the third pocket end 903 down to a minimum width (e.g., illustrated as the second central width 925 in [Fig. 9]) before increasing in width towards the fourth pocket end 905. In some aspects, the second central width 925 may be less than the third width 911 and less than the fourth width 921. In this way, the second textured pocket 901 may have a maximum width at the pocket ends 903 and 905 and a minimum width at the second central pocket region 907.

[0078] In certain aspects, the size and shape of the textured pocket 801 can substantially correspond to the second textured pocket 901. For example, the first width 811 of the first end of the pocket 803 can be substantially equal to the third width 911 of the third end of the pocket 903. The second width 821 of the second end of the pocket 805 can be substantially equal to the fourth width 921 of the fourth end of the pocket 905. The central width 825 of the central pocket region 807 can be substantially equal to the second central width 925 of the second central pocket region 907. In this way, the lens 103 can be received inside the textured pocket 801 and the second textured pocket 901, with the textured pockets 801, 901 configured to communicate the defined shape 203 to the lens 103.

[0079] The [Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a side view of the forming rollers 701, 703. In certain aspects, the textured pocket 801 can be rotationally aligned with the second textured pocket 901 so that when the forming rollers 701, 703 rotate, the textured pockets 801, 901 can be positioned and rotationally aligned to simultaneously receive the glass 103. For example, by being rotationally aligned, the first end of pocket 803 can be rotationally aligned with the third end of pocket 903. In this way, when the forming rollers 701, 703 rotate, the first end of pocket 803 can be located at a circumferential position corresponding to the third end of pocket 903. Similarly, by being rotationally aligned, the second end of pocket 805 can be rotationally aligned with the fourth end of pocket 905.In this way, when the forming rollers 701, 703 rotate, the second pocket end 805 can be located at a circumferential location corresponding to the fourth pocket end 905. In addition, the central pocket region 807 can be aligned, in a rotational manner, with the second central pocket region 907, so that when the forming rollers 701, 703 rotate, the central pocket region 807. can be located at a circumferential position corresponding to the second central pocket region 907. In this way, in addition to the rotational alignment of the textured pockets 801, 901, the forming rollers 701, 703 can be synchronized to rotate at substantially the same speed so that the textured pockets 801, 901 can remain in rotational alignment. Therefore, the formation of the molten glass 103 can include receiving the molten glass 103 inside the textured pocket 801 from the first forming roller 701 to impart the defined shape 203 to the molten glass 103. In some aspects, the processes can further include receiving the molten glass 103 inside the second textured pocket 901 from the second forming roller 703 to impart the defined shape 203 to the molten glass 103.

[0080] After the glass 103 has been received inside one or more textured pockets 801, 901, the glass 103 can fall downwards along the direction of gravity from the forming rollers 701, 703 to the mold 113. For example, the mold 113 can be positioned below the forming rollers 701, 703 (for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 7]), so that the glass 103 can be received inside the mold cavity 201. The glass 103 can retain the defined shape 203 after exiting the textured pockets 801, 901 and after being received inside the mold cavity 201. In this way, after exiting the textured pockets 801, 901 and being received inside the mold cavity 201, the glass 103 can retain the defined shape 203 and can be supported on the mold 113 substantially in the same way as illustrated and described in relation to [Fig.2].

[0081] With reference to [Fig. 11], in certain aspects, the conveyor 709 can move the mold 113 in the second direction of travel 713 relative to the dispensing device 101. The conveyor 709 can be controlled by a control device 1101 which can change the speed at which the mold 113 moves in the second direction of travel 713. The control device 1101 can be in operational association with the mold 113 and the conveyor 709. For example, the control device 1101 can be electrically connected to the conveyor 709 and can control the movement (e.g., speed, start and / or stop time) of the conveyor 709, for example, a belt of the conveyor 709.The conveyor 709 can support the mold 113 so that when the control device 1101 commands the movement of the conveyor 709, the resulting movement of the conveyor 709 can be transferred to the mold 113 with the conveyor 709 moving the mold 113 relative to the distribution device 101 in the second direction of travel 713. In this way, the control device 1101 can command a speed of the mold 113 in the second direction of travel 713 via the command of the movement of the conveyor 709. Therefore, the change. The speed, as controlled by the control device 1101, can serve as a forming device 109. Thus, in some aspects, no intermediate structure can be positioned in the movement path 105 of the glass 103 between the dispensing device 101 and the mold 113. [Fig. 11] illustrates a side view of the dispensing device 101 and the mold 113, while Figures 12 to 14 illustrate top views of the dispensing device 101 distributing the glass 103 to the mold 113. With reference to [Fig. 11], the formation of the molten glass 103 can include the movement of the mold 113 relative to the dispensing device 101 from which the molten glass 103 can be dispensed, for example, with the molten glass 103 exiting the dispensing device 101 in the direction of movement 107.In some aspects, the molten glass 103, after being received inside the mold 113, may include a viscosity that is in a range of about 100 poise to about 5000 poise.

[0082] With reference to Figures 12 to 14, the movement of the mold 113 may include changing the speed of the mold 113 relative to the dispensing device 101. For example, [Fig. 12] illustrates the dispensing device 101 distributing the glass 103 to the mold cavity 201 and the formation of the second glass end 209. Initially and during the formation of the second glass end 209, the mold 113 may be moved relative to the dispensing device 101 in the second direction of movement 713 at a first speed while the molten glass 103 is dispensed to the mold 113 to form the second glass end 209. With reference to [Fig.

[13] , following the formation of the second end of glass 209, the mold 113 can be moved relative to the dispensing device 101 in the second direction of movement 713 at a second speed while the molten glass 103 is dispensed to the mold 113 in order to form the central region 211.In some respects, the first speed may differ from the second speed. For example, the first speed may be lower than the second speed. The difference in speed may be based on the volume of the glass 103 that comprises the different parts of the defined shape 203. For example, because the second end of the glass 209 includes the second width 221, which is greater than the central width 227 of the central region 211, the second end of the glass 209 may comprise a larger volume of molten glass 103 than the central region 211. Thus, the initial speed of the mold 113 may be slower, so that the dispensing device 101 may have enough time to dispense a quantity of molten glass 103 that can form the second end of the glass 209.

[0083] Following the formation of the second glass end 209 (for example, illustrated in [Fig. 12]), the control device 1101 can increase the speed of the conveyor 709, which can increase the speed of the mold 113 from the first speed to the second speed speed. The second speed can be higher than the first speed because of the central region 211, which includes the central width 227, which is less than the second width 221 of the second end of the glass 209. As illustrated in [Fig. 13], the mold 113 can continue moving in the second direction of travel 713 at the second speed at least until the dispensing device 101 has dispensed the glass 103 into the mold cavity 201 to form the central region 211. As illustrated in [Fig. 14], following the formation of the central region 211, the control device 1101 can reduce the speed of the conveyor 709, which can reduce the speed of the mold 113 from the second speed to the third speed. The third speed can be different from the second speed; for example, the third speed can be lower than the second speed. In some respects, the third speed can be substantially equal to the first speed.The third speed may be lower than the second speed because the first end of glass 207 includes the first width 217 which is greater than the central width 227 of the central region 211. The mold 113 can be moved at the third speed while the molten glass 103 is distributed to the mold 113 to form the first end of glass 207.Therefore, the control device 1101 can move the mold 113 to (1) the first speed when the mold 113 receives the molten glass 103 to form the second end of glass 209 including the second width 221; (2) the second speed, which is higher than the first speed, when the mold 113 receives the molten glass 103 to form the central region 211 including the central width 227; and (3) the third speed which is lower than the second speed, when the mold 113 receives the molten glass 103 to form the first end of glass 207 comprising the first width 217 which is less than the central width 227, the central width 227 being less than the first width 217 and the second width 221. While Figures 12 to 14 illustrate the formation of the defined shape 203 by changing the speed of the mold 113 relative to the dispensing device 101, such a forming process is not intended to be limiting.Instead, in addition or alternatively, the defined shape 203 can be formed by modifying the flow rates of the glass 103 passing through the distribution device 101. For example, during the formation of one or more ends 207, 209 and / or the central region 211, the flow rate can be modified so that the quantity of glass 103 distributed to the mold cavity 201 can be changed, thus affecting the shape of the glass 103 (for example, and allowing the formation of the ends 207, 209 and the central region 211).

[0084] Following the formation of the molten glass 103, which comprises the defined shape 203, a pressure force can be applied to the molten glass 103 to cause the molten glass 103 to compress (for example, in a thickness direction) and expand in a length and width direction. In some aspects, following the application of the Under pressure, molten glass 103 can have a thickness ranging from approximately 1.25 millimeters to approximately 2 millimeters. In some cases, after applying pressure, molten glass 103 can have a length ranging from approximately 100 millimeters to approximately 200 millimeters, or from approximately 140 millimeters to approximately 180 millimeters, or approximately 160 millimeters. In some cases, after applying pressure, molten glass 103 can have a width ranging from approximately 50 millimeters to approximately 100 millimeters, or from approximately 60 millimeters to approximately 90 millimeters, or approximately 75 millimeters. By allowing for the non-constant width of the defined shape 203, the glass 103 can diffuse (for example in response to pressure force) in a more desirable and uniform manner in the length and width directions.This means that glass 103 can exhibit a more uniform diffusion in both length and width directions.

[0085] It should be understood that while different aspects have been described in detail for some of its illustrative and specific examples, the present disclosure should not be considered as being limited to them, since many modifications and combinations of the described features are possible without departing from the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

Claims

1. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus comprising: a delivery apparatus (101) defining an upstream portion of a travel path (105) extending in a travel direction (107), the delivery apparatus being configured to transport molten glass (103) along the upstream portion of the travel path in the travel direction; a first forming roller (701) comprising a textured pocket (801) configured to receive the molten glass and impart a corresponding defined shape to the molten glass, the textured pocket comprising: a first pocket end (803) comprising a first width along a first width axis substantially parallel to a first roller axis of the first forming roller; a second pocket end (805) comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central pocket region (807) extending circumferentially between the first pocket end and the second pocket end, the central pocket region comprising a central width along a central pocket axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width; a mold (113) positioned downstream of the first forming roller (701) and configured to receive molten glass comprising the defined shape within a mold cavity of the mold.

2. The glass-based manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second forming roller (703) spaced from the first forming roller to define a gap (705) configured to provide the molten glass (103) with a width and a thickness, wherein the second forming roller comprises a second textured pocket (901) configured to receive the molten glass and impart the corresponding defined shape to the molten glass, the second textured pocket comprising: a third pocket end (903) comprising a third width along a third width axis substantially parallel to a second roller axis of the second forming roller; a fourth pocket end (905) comprising a fourth width along a fourth width axis substantially parallel to the third width axis; and a second central pocket region (907) extending circumferentially between the third pocket end and the fourth pocket end, the second central pocket region comprising a second central width along a second central pocket axis substantially parallel to the third width axis, the second central width being less than the third width and the fourth width.

3. The glass-based manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pocket end (803) is rotatably aligned with the third pocket end (903), the second pocket end (805) is rotatably aligned with the fourth pocket end (905), and the central pocket region (807) is rotatably aligned with the second central pocket region (907).

4. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 3, further comprising a conveyor (709) supporting the mold (113), the conveyor being configured to move the mold relative to the first forming roller (701) and the second forming roller (703) in a second direction of movement (713) which is at an angle to the direction of movement.

5. The glass-based manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a moving apparatus (715) connected to the first forming roller (701) and the second forming roller (703), the moving apparatus being configured to move the first forming roller and the second forming roller relative to the mold in a third moving direction that forms an angle with respect to the moving direction.

6. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus comprising: a dispensing apparatus (101) defining an upstream portion of a travel path (105) extending in a travel direction (107), the dispensing apparatus being configured to transport molten glass (103) along the upstream portion of the travel path in the travel direction; a preforming apparatus (301) positioned downstream of the dispensing apparatus tribution and defining a forming cavity (305) configured to receive the molten glass and impart a corresponding defined shape to the molten glass, the forming cavity comprising: a first cavity end (311) comprising a first width along a first width axis substantially parallel to a forming axis (303) along which the preforming apparatus extends; a second cavity end (313) comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central cavity region (315) extending between the first cavity end and the second cavity end, the central cavity region comprising a central width along a central cavity axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width;a mold (113) positioned downstream of the preforming apparatus and configured to receive molten glass comprising the defined shape within a mold cavity (201) of the mold from the preforming apparatus.;

7. The glass-based manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the preforming apparatus (301) comprises a first segment (601) and a second segment (603) configured to move between a first position, in which the first segment is connected to the second segment and the forming cavity is defined within the preforming apparatus, and a second position, in which the first segment is separated from the second segment and an opening is defined between the first segment and the second segment, through which molten glass comprising the defined shape passes.

8. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the preforming apparatus (301) comprises a plurality of openings through which gas (401) is configured to flow to bear on the molten glass.

9. A glass-based manufacturing apparatus comprising: a delivery apparatus (101) defining an upstream portion of a travel path (105) extending in a travel direction (107), the delivery apparatus being configured to transport molten glass (103) along the upstream portion of the travel path in the travel direction; a mold (113) positioned downstream of the dispensing apparatus and configured to receive the molten glass; and a control apparatus, in operative association with the mold (113) and configured to control a speed of the mold in a second direction of movement, the control apparatus being configured to move the mold at: a first speed when the mold receives the molten glass to form a second glass end comprising a second width; a second speed, which is greater than the first speed, when the mold receives the molten glass to form a central region comprising a central width; and a third speed, which is less than the second speed, when the mold receives the molten glass to form a first glass end comprising a first width, wherein the central width is less than the first width and the second width.

10. The glass-based manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a conveyor (709) supporting the mold (113) and configured to move the mold relative to the dispensing apparatus in the second direction of travel, the control apparatus being in operative association with the conveyor.

11. A method of manufacturing glass comprising: dispensing molten glass into a mold (113);and forming the molten glass (103) such that the molten glass comprises a defined shape (203) when received on the mold, the molten glass in the defined shape extending along a longitudinal axis between a first glass end (207) and an opposing second glass end (209) with a central region (211) connected to the first glass end and the second glass end, the first glass end comprising a first width along a first width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second glass end comprising a second width along a second width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the first width axis, the central region comprising a central width along a central width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width.;

12. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the molten glass (103) comprises moving the mold (113) relative to a dispensing apparatus (101) from which molten glass is dispensed.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein moving the mold (113) comprises changing a speed of the mold relative to the dispensing apparatus such that the mold is moved at: a first speed as molten glass is dispensed to the mold to form the second glass end; and a second speed as molten glass is dispensed to the mold to form the central region, wherein the first speed is different from the second speed.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mold (113) is moved at a third speed as molten glass (103) is delivered to the mold to form the first glass end, wherein the third speed is different from the second speed.

15. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein forming the molten glass (103) comprises receiving the molten glass within a textured pocket (801) of a first forming roller (701) to impart the defined shape to the molten glass.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the textured pocket (801) comprises: a first pocket end (803) comprising a first width along a first width axis substantially parallel to a first roller axis of the first forming roller; a second pocket end (805) comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis; and a central pocket region (807) extending circumferentially between the first pocket end and the second pocket end, the central pocket region comprising a central width along a central pocket axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving the molten glass (103) within a second textured pocket (901) of a second forming roll (703) to impart the defined shape to the molten glass, the second textured pocket comprising: a third pocket end (03) comprising a third width along a third width axis substantially parallel to a second roll axis of the second forming roll; a fourth pocket end (905) comprising a fourth width along a fourth width axis substantially parallel to the third width axis; and a second central pocket region (907) extending circumferentially between the third pocket end and the fourth pocket end, the second central pocket region comprising a second central width along a second central pocket axis substantially parallel to the third width axis, the second central width being less than the third width and the fourth width.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first pocket end (803) is rotatably aligned with the third pocket end (903), the second pocket end (805) is rotatably aligned with the fourth pocket end (905), and the central pocket region (807) is rotatably aligned with the second central pocket region (907).

19. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein forming the molten glass (103) comprises receiving the molten glass within a forming cavity (305) of a preforming apparatus (301) to impart the defined shape to the molten glass, the forming cavity comprising: a first cavity end (311) comprising a first width along a first width axis substantially parallel to a forming axis along which the preforming apparatus extends; a second cavity end (313) comprising a second width along a second width axis substantially parallel to the first width axis;and a central cavity region (315) extends between the first cavity end and the second cavity end, the central cavity region comprising a central width along a central cavity axis substantially parallel to the first width axis, the central width being less than the first width and the second width.;

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising separating a first segment (601) of the preforming apparatus (301) from a second segment (603) of the preforming apparatus to form an opening between the first segment and the second segment through which molten glass (103) comprising the defined shape passes.

21. The method of any one of claims 19 to 20, further comprising delivering a gas (401) through a plurality of openings in the preforming apparatus, the gas impinging on the molten glass.

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