Abstract:
A method of separating a glass web includes the steps of placing the glass web in tension by applying an in-plane tension to the glass web in a tensile direction and producing a region of increased tension on a first major surface of the glass web by imparting a curvature in the glass web. The method further includes separating the glass web along a separation path parallel to an axis of the curvature and transverse to the tensile direction by applying a defect to a portion of the first major surface in the region of increased tension.
Abstract:
A method for cutting a flexible glass ribbon includes directing the flexible glass ribbon to a flexible glass cutting apparatus including a laser. The flexible glass ribbon includes a first broad surface and a second broad surface that extend between a first edge and a second edge of the flexible glass ribbon. A laser beam is directed from the laser onto a region of the flexible glass ribbon. A crack is formed through the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam. The crack is propagated along the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam and a local mechanical deformation in the flexible glass ribbon.
Abstract:
Methods of processing a glass ribbon are provided. The method includes the step of traversing the glass ribbon through a travel path at a predetermined velocity and severing the glass ribbon to create an upstream web and a downstream web. The method further includes the step of increasing a relative velocity of a downstream edge portion with respect to an upstream edge portion to create a gap between an upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge. In other example methods, a segment of the glass ribbon is removed to create a gap between an upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge. In still further example methods, an upstream severed edge is directed along a second travel path to create a gap between the upstream severed edge and a downstream severed edge.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus provide for: cutting a thin glass sheet along a curved cutting line, where the curve is divided into a plurality of line segments; applying a laser beam and continuously moving the laser beam along the cutting line; applying a cooling fluid simultaneously with the application of the laser beam in order to propagate a fracture in the glass sheet along the cutting line; and varying one or more cutting parameters as the laser beam moves from one of the plurality of line segments to a next one of the plurality of line segments, wherein the one or more cutting parameters include at least one of: (i) a power of the laser beam, (ii) a speed of the movement, (iii) a pressure of the cooling fluid, and (iv) a flow rate of the cooling fluid.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for steering flexible glass webs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a steering device for non-contact steering of a glass web having a conveyance direction and a cross direction normal to the conveyance direction includes a fluid injection bar having an elongate axis oriented in a cross direction of the glass web. The steering device also includes a pivot bearing assembly coupled to the fluid injection bar such that the fluid injection bar is pivotable in a plane perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the glass web, an actuator coupled to the fluid injection bar for adjusting the orientation of the fluid injection bar with respect to the glass web, and an edge detection device positioned proximate to an edge of the glass web for evaluating a position of an edge of the glass web.
Abstract:
A method for cutting a flexible glass ribbon includes directing the flexible glass ribbon to a flexible glass cutting apparatus including a laser. The flexible glass ribbon includes a first broad surface and a second broad surface that extend between a first edge and a second edge of the flexible glass ribbon. A laser beam is directed from the laser onto a region of the flexible glass ribbon. A crack is formed through the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam. The crack is propagated along the flexible glass ribbon using the laser beam and a local mechanical deformation in the flexible glass ribbon.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, an angle measurement device for measuring an angle between a web of material and a conveyance direction includes a mounting bracket, a shaft rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket such that the shaft is rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket, a caster portion coupled to a first end of the shaft and positioned to contact a surface of the web of material being drawn over a web conveyance pathway, where the caster portion is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the shaft, and an angular displacement sensor coupled to the mounting bracket and positioned to detect an angular orientation of the shaft with respect to the mounting bracket, where the angular displacement sensor outputs a signal indicative of the angular orientation of the shaft with respect to the mounting bracket.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods of separating a glass ribbon are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for severing glass ribbon includes a plurality of manufacturing components arranged into a travel path, a glass cutting device, and a severing zone positioned in a downstream direction from the glass cutting device, where the severing zone comprising a targeted separation region along the travel path. The apparatus also includes an acoustic transmitter positioned in a first direction from the targeted separation region, an acoustic receiver positioned in a second direction from the targeted separation region opposite the first direction, and a manufacturing component positioned along the travel path in the downstream direction from the targeted separation region.