Methods can include controlling a support device while supporting a ribbon. The method can include controlling the support device to maintain a downward force (F.sub.x) in a direction of an X-axis within a first range of forces. The method can further include controlling the support device to provide a force profile (F.sub.z) in a direction of aZ-axis that reduces a moment (M.sub.x) about the X-axis. The method can further include controlling the support device to reduce a force differential (F.sub.y) in the direction of the Y-axis that reduces a moment (M.sub.z) about the Z-axis.

Various aspects of methods and systems are provided, which detail: a method, comprising: depositing a hot, flexible glass-containing ribbon along a plurality of sequentially conveyed molds; rolling a pinch roller over the surface of the glass-containing ribbon, such that at least one pinch region is actuated in the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon is pinched between a pinch edge of the pinch roller and the surface of the mold; and cooling the glass ribbon, separating the glass ribbon along the pinch region into discrete glass parts.

A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a delivery apparatus defining a travel path extending in a first travel direction. The delivery apparatus conveys a stream of molten glass along the travel path. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first forming roll and a second forming roll spaced to define a gap that provides a glass ribbon with a width and a thickness. One or more of the first forming roll or the second forming roll include a textured feature that imparts a corresponding textured feature to the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a mold defining a mold cavity. The mold is positioned to receive a portion of the glass ribbon to impart a shape to the portion. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conveyor that moves the mold in a second travel direction angled relative to the first travel direction. Methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon are provided.

A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a delivery apparatus defining a travel path extending in a first travel direction. The delivery apparatus conveys a stream of molten glass along the travel path. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first forming roll and a second forming roll spaced to define a gap that provides a glass ribbon with a width and a thickness. One or more of the first forming roll or the second forming roll include a textured feature that imparts a corresponding textured feature to the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a mold defining a mold cavity. The mold is positioned to receive a portion of the glass ribbon to impart a shape to the portion. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conveyor that moves the mold in a second travel direction angled relative to the first travel direction. Methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon are provided.

An optimization bench for glass plates is configured to move the plates in a longitudinal direction of the bench in order to arrange the plates in positions suitable to achieve optimal occupation of the available area on the bench. The bench includes a plurality of belt conveyors parallel to each other, selectively driven by motor means through a plurality of electrically operated clutches which are respectively associated with the belt conveyors. An electronic controller is configured to convey each plate by activating only the belt conveyors on which the plate rests, until all plates are arranged in an optimized manner on the bench area.