Abstract:
A noncontact glass sheet stabilization device is described herein that is capable of reducing translation (deflection) and/or rotational movement of a glass sheet while the glass sheet is being manufactured in a glass manufacturing system that implements a fusion process. Several different embodiments of the noncontact glass sheet stabilization device are also described herein.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for shaping a substantially planar glass substrate are disclosed. The glass substrate is supported on a shaping body having a substantially planar central portion and arcuate edge portions. The substrate is heated by a suitable radiant heat source wherein a thermal shield is used to shield a centrally located surface of the glass substrate so that only edge portions of the glass substrate are heated and softened. Gravity causes the glass substrate edge portions to sag and conform to the shape of the shaping body. In some embodiments, shaping members are pressed against the glass substrate edge portions to aid in the conforming. In certain other embodiments, a plurality of glass substrates are sequentially deformed by a shaping die.
Abstract:
A method of shaping a region (26) on a glass ribbon (20), the glass ribbon including a softening point, and a thickness (24). The method includes, at a location where the glass ribbon has a viscosity less than or equal to 7x1014 poise: causing the region of the glass ribbon to be at a temperature at or above the softening point temperature; and applying tension (35, 37) to the glass ribbon, across the region, so as to form a necked-down section (27) in the region, wherein the necked-down section has a thickness (28) that is less than the thickness of the glass ribbon on each side of the region. Non-sharp portions (29) may be formed together with the necked-down section. The ribbon may then be broken along the necked-down section to separate portions from one another.