Patent ID: 7377130

Claim:
A method of making globular or spherical bodies of optical quality, said method comprising the steps of: a) filling receptacles ( 2 ) in a heat-resistant support ( 3 ) with glass gobs ( 1 ), said support ( 3 ) comprising a porous material; b) conducting gas through the heat-resistant support ( 3 ) so that a gas flow ( 4 ) passes through the support ( 3 ) in a direction ( 14 ) opposite to a direction in which gravitational force acts; c) heating the heat-resistant support ( 3 ) to a temperature at which the glass gobs ( 1 ) have a viscosity of up to about 10 6 poise; d) maintaining the support ( 3 ) at said temperature for a predetermined time interval; and e) then cooling the support ( 3 ) to ambient temperature while continuing to provide said gas flow ( 4 ) through the support ( 3 ).