A transfer device and use thereof, and a glass bending forming system are provided. The transfer device includes a suction table. The suction table has a first edge-region and a second edge-region. The first edge-region surrounds the second edge-region. The suction table defines a first suction groove, multiple first suction holes, a first suction channel, and a second suction channel. The first suction groove is defined in the first edge-region. The multiple first suction holes are defined in the second edge-region. The first suction channel is in communication with the first suction groove and is used for providing a first negative pressure. The second suction channel is in communication with the multiple first suction holes and is used for providing a second negative pressure. The first negative pressure and the second negative pressure are used for sucking at least one glass sheet on the transfer device.

A device for bending panes is described. The device has a pre-bending ring, a movable bending ring holder, a final bending ring, a preheating region for preheating at least one pane, a pre-bending region for a further bending of the at least one pane, a heating region for a final bending of an edge of the at least one pane and for a surface pre-bending of the at least one pane, a second bending region for a further surface bending of the at least one pane and a cooling region.

A system (10) for forming glass sheets includes a glass location sensing assembly (80) having a fluid switch (82) that is actuated by a roller conveyed glass sheet (G) to control operation of transfer apparatus (69) that transfers the glass sheet from the roller conveyor (22) to a forming mold (48) at a design position for forming. A frame of the sensing assembly (80) supports a carriage (124) on which the fluid switch (82) is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the direction of conveyance of the glass sheet (G) so as to sense its leading extremity. A lateral positioner (130) adjusts the lateral position of the carriage (124) and the fluid switch (82) mounted on the carriage.

A lift device for lifting a glass sheet in a glass processing system includes a lift jet array having peripheral lift jet outlets and inner lift jet outlets disposed inwardly of the peripheral lift jet outlets. Furthermore, each lift jet outlet is operable to allow gas to flow toward the glass sheet. The lift device also includes a control unit for controlling operation of the lift jet outlets, and the control unit is configured to commence operation of at least one of the inner lift jet outlets prior to commencing operation of at least one of the peripheral lift jet outlets.

A hot glass sheet processing system includes a conveyor roller support structure (34) located within a heated location (32) and has an elongated cooling unit (36) having a housing (38) defining a cooling chamber (40) that receives and has bearings (42) that rotatably support an aligned set of roller ends (30). The cooling unit includes a cooling circuit that supplies cooling fluid to the cooling chamber (40) to provide cooling of the aligned set of roller ends (30) and the bearings (42).

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.