Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods are described for separating glass sheets from lengths of flexible glass. According to one embodiment, a glass processing apparatus comprises a vent forming device configured to provide a partial or full vent in a surface of a length of flexible glass along an intended line of separation, a break table comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first or second portions of the break table configured to rotate with respect to each other along a hinging line, and a glass securing device configured to secure the length of flexible glass to the first and second portions of the break table for separating the length of flexible glass into multiple lengths of flexible glass along the intended line of separation.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus provide for: conveying a glass web from a source toward a destination in a transport direction; scoring the glass web in a width direction thereof to produce a score line having a plurality of separated score segments, thereby defining a section of the glass web between the score line and a leading edge of the glass web; supporting the glass web such that an increasing portion of the section of the glass web becomes cantilevered as the glass web is conveyed such that the portion of the section of the glass web is sufficiently large to generate stress in the respective score segments and drive respective cracks through the thickness of the glass web; and permitting the section of the glass web to separate from the glass web along the score line.
Abstract:
A method of continuous processing of flexible glass ribbon having a thickness of no more than 0.35 mm using a glass processing apparatus is provided. The method includes providing the glass processing apparatus having at least three processing zones including a first processing zone, a second processing zone and a third processing zone. The flexible glass ribbon is continuously fed from the first processing zone, through the second processing zone to the third processing zone. Rate of the flexible glass ribbon is controlled through each of the first processing zone, second processing zone and third processing zone using a global control device. The second processing zone has a conveyance path for the flexible glass ribbon through a cutting zone having a radius of curvature of from about 100 inches to about 400 inches.
Abstract:
A process and apparatus is disclosed for finishing long strips of thin glass web material. The process and apparatus provide for the movement of the thin glass web material in a downward vertical direction and preforming various finishing process for example slitting, taping, and testing before the thin glass web material is wound on to a roll. The process and apparatus operate such that the thin glass web material is not contacted by the apparatus and is thus protected from potential damage.
Abstract:
A glass ribbon conveyance apparatus includes a transfer member configured to extend an intermediate portion of a transfer ribbon spanning between a winding device and a transfer ribbon device in an extension direction from a second support member toward a first support member. In further examples, methods of conveying a glass ribbon include the step of extending an intermediate portion of a transfer ribbon spanning between a winding device and a transfer ribbon device toward a first support member. The method further includes the steps of attaching a leading end portion of a glass ribbon to a first major surface of the transfer ribbon, and retracting the intermediate portion of the transfer ribbon while the leading end portion of the glass ribbon travels toward a second support member.
Abstract:
A method for forming an initiation defect in a glass substrate to facilitate separating the glass substrate into a plurality of substrates is provided. The method includes providing the glass substrate and contacting a broad surface of the glass substrate with an abrasive surface thereby forming a field of initiation defects in the broad surface of the glass substrate. The field of initiation defects has a width of at least about three millimetres between outermost initiation defects. At least one initiation defect is heated with a laser source. The at least one initiation defect is cooled with a cooling fluid such that a crack initiates from the at least one initiation defect, the crack extending through a thickness of the glass substrate and propagating across the glass substrate to separate the glass substrate into the plurality of substrates.
Abstract:
A method of managing edge trim of a flexible glass ribbon includes directing the flexible glass ribbon to an edge trimming apparatus including a cutting device. The flexible glass ribbon includes a first broad surface and a second broad surface that extend laterally between a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the flexible glass ribbon is separated as the flexible glass ribbon moves by the cutting device forming a continuous strip of edge trim connected to a central portion of the flexible glass ribbon. The continuous strip of edge trim is collected separate from the central portion while the continuous strip of edge trim remains connected to the central portion of the flexible glass ribbon.