PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING PLATE GLASS

Flat glass in ribbon form is manufactured at an increased rate on a molten metal bath by pouring molten glass on to the bath continuously to feed a spreading layer of molten glass on the bath. Inwardly and forwardly directed forces are mechanically applied to the margins of the spread molten glass layer to regulate the extent of that spread as well as to accelerate the glass and impose a width reduction to retain a required thickness of ribbon despite the acceleration of the glass. This thickness is subsequently reduced by the effect of traction advancing the ribbon.