Abstract:
A method and apparatus for processing glass comprising a forming apparatus in a first processing zone, the forming apparatus configured to form a glass ribbon having a first direction of travel in the first processing zone. The apparatus also includes a first cutting apparatus in a second processing zone, the first cutting apparatus configured to separate one or more portions of the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon having a second direction of travel. The apparatus includes a first buffer zone between the first processing zone and the second processing zone in which the glass ribbon is supported in a first catenary between two, spaced-apart payoff positions. The second direction of travel in the second processing zone can be orthogonal to the first direction of travel in the first processing zone.
Abstract:
A crate assembly includes an external crate assembly (12) having a top (16), a bottom (18), sides (20, 21) and ends (22, 23). An internal spool support assembly (14) is located within the external crate assembly (12). The internal spool support assembly (14) includes a lower spool support structure (54). The lower spool support structure (54) includes a first lower spool support assembly (58) located at one of the ends (22, 23) of the external crate assembly (12). A second lower spool support assembly (60) is located at an opposite one of the ends (22, 23) of the external crate assembly (12). The first lower spool support assembly (58) is separated from the second lower spool support assembly (60) such that the first and second lower spool assemblies (58, 60) may move relative to each other.
Abstract:
A system, process and related sintered article are provided. The process includes supporting a piece of inorganic material with a pressurized gas and sintering the piece of inorganic material while supported by the pressurized gas by heating the piece of inorganic material to a temperature at or above a sintering temperature of the inorganic material such that the inorganic material is at least partially sintered forming the sintered article. The inorganic material is not in contact with a solid support during sintering. The sintered article, such as a ceramic article, is thin, has high surface quality, and/or has large surface areas.
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 cutting a flexible glass substrate is provided. The method includes directing the flexible glass substrate to a flexible glass cutting apparatus including a laser. The flexible glass substrate includes a first broad surface and a second broad surface that extend laterally between a first edge and a second edge of the flexible glass substrate. A laser beam is directed from the laser onto a region of the flexible glass substrate. A crack is formed through the flexible glass substrate using the laser beam. A local mechanical deformation is formed in the flexible glass substrate using a stress-inducing assembly that includes a stress-inducing feature allowing the flexible glass substrate to deform locally. The crack is propagated along the flexible glass substrate using the laser beam and the local mechanical deformation.
Abstract:
A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a stir chamber disposed on a base. The stir chamber includes an entry port attached to a first connector tube, a chamber conduit, and an elbow conduit. The apparatus also includes a second connector tube connected to the elbow conduit to deliver molten glass therefrom. At least a portion of the second connector tube extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction. The apparatus also includes a delivery vessel connected to the second connector tube. One of the base or the delivery vessel is attached to a reference point that is fixed in the vertical direction. The other one of the base or the delivery vessel is movable in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube, which is independent of thermal expansion of the other one of the base or the delivery vessel.
Abstract:
A display assembly for an automotive interior comprises a dynamically bendable cover panel having first and second panel portions a flexible panel portion connecting the first and second panel portions, a display positioned adjacent the first and second panel portions, and a frame that supports the cover panel and comprises a first frame portion for supporting the first panel portion, a second frame portion for supporting the second panel portion, and a hinge portion coupling the first frame portion and the second frame portion, the hinge portion configured to induce a curvature having smoothly connected arc segments in the flexible panel portion between the first panel portion and the second panel portion when the second frame portion is articulated relative to the first frame portion from a straight position to a deployed position.
Abstract:
A method of managing mechanical stress on a crack tip when separating 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 at a crack tip. A width of a gap between the first edge and the central portion is detected using a gap measurement device. A signal is supplied to a controller indicative of the width of the gap. The width of the gap between the first edge and the central portion is adjusted based on the signal using a gap adjustment device.
Abstract:
A continuous glass ribbon is processed by directing the glass ribbon, after formation, into a downstream draw zone and to a transition zone in which the glass ribbon can be bent to radii larger than a minimum bend radius. Different thicknesses of the glass ribbon can be produced in the draw zone. An upstream area of the glass ribbon can be bent to place a first surface of the glass in compression and a downstream area of the glass can be bent to place the first surface of the glass in tension, whereby an intermediate area is substantially free of compression and tension. The glass ribbon can be separated at a first location after the second thickness is reached and at a second location after the final thickness is reached. Glass ribbon having the final thickness can be passed to a third location at which the glass ribbon is collected.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for separating a glass sheet are described. An apparatus and a method utilize a vent bar having a cushion that exerts a force on the glass sheet adjacent a vent line to break the glass into two pieces at the vent line. The edge of the glass sheet has excellent perpendicularity without subsequent grinding and/or polishing so that the glass sheet can be used as a light guide plate in a display.