METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIRE POLISHED GOB

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of producing a high quality gob by a levitation method. SOLUTION: The method of producing the gob has a process for feeding molten glass slag 1 to a 1st mold half 2 which is permeable to fluid, a process for cooling the glass slag 1 in the 1st mold half 2 and a process for building up a first fluid cushion 3 being produced between the first mold half 2 and the glass slag by passing the fluid through the first mold half 2 while the glass slag is being fed in and cooled. The through-flow of the fluid between the glass slag 1 and the first mold half 2 at least while the glass slag 1 is being fed in is reduced while still maintaining the first fluid cushion 3, and the fluid, in order to produce the first fluid cushion 3, flows through the first mold half 2 which comprises a porous material which is permeable to the fluid. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI