Method for forming an internally channeled glass article

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method for forming glass articles containing enclosed channels. The method comprises the following steps: a) delivering and depositing a first length of a molten glass ribbon (18) to a surface of a mold (20) having a mold cavity (22) possessing at least one channel-forming groove (22) and a peripheral surface, wherein the first length (18) overlies the mold cavity (22) and the peripheral surface; b) allowing the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18) to substantially conform to the contour of the mold cavity (22) resulting in the formation of at least one channel in the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18); c) delivering and depositing a second length of the molten glass ribbon (26) to the exposed surface of the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18). The delivered molten glass viscosity of the molten glass ribbon (18, 26) is such that the following is achieved: 1) the second length (26) bridges but does not sag into complete contact with the channel portion of the earlier-deposited first length (18): and 2) a hermetic seal is formed wherever the molten glass' first (18) and second lengths (26) contact.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.