Provided is a manufacturing apparatus (1) for a glass sheet, including roller pairs (5), which are configured to convey a glass ribbon (G) downward while sandwiching the glass ribbon (G) from both front and back sides, and are arranged in a plurality of vertical stages, wherein each of rollers forming each of the roller pairs (5) is formed so as to be movable between a sandwiching position for sandwiching the glass ribbon (G) a retracted position that is separated from a conveyance path (P) of the glass ribbon (G) and is capable of preventing contact of flying objects flying from above, and wherein, when the glass ribbon (G) during conveyance is damaged, the roller (5a) that is positioned below a damaged part of the glass ribbon (G) moves to the retracted position.

Systems and methods for automated, sequential processing of a continuous glass ribbon by conveying the glass ribbon in a ribbon travel direction, forming a score line in the glass ribbon, separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon at the score line while supporting the glass sheet with a transfer device, lowering the glass sheet onto a conveyor, and conveying the glass sheet in a sheet travel direction differing from the ribbon travel direction. By transferring and then conveying the glass sheet in a direction differing from the ribbon travel direction (e.g., a 90 degree turn) immediately after glass sheet separation, the systems and method of the present disclosure are conducive to streamlined production of glass sheets utilizing a unique production floor footprint.

Systems and methods for automated, sequential processing of a continuous glass ribbon by conveying the glass ribbon in a ribbon travel direction, forming a score line in the glass ribbon, separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon at the score line while supporting the glass sheet with a transfer device, lowering the glass sheet onto a conveyor, and conveying the glass sheet in a sheet travel direction differing from the ribbon travel direction. By transferring and then conveying the glass sheet in a direction differing from the ribbon travel direction (e.g., a 90 degree turn) immediately after glass sheet separation, the systems and method of the present disclosure are conducive to streamlined production of glass sheets utilizing a unique production floor footprint.

Systems, apparatuses and methods for processing a glass ribbon (22). A glass ribbon is supplied to an upstream side of a conveying apparatus (32). A pulling force is applied on the glass ribbon (22) at a downstream side of the conveying apparatus (32). The glass ribbon (22) is supported at first and second support devices along a travel path of the conveying apparatus (32). Each of the first and second support devices (72) establishes a non-rolling, line-type interface with the glass ribbon (22). Further, the first support device (72a) is spaced from the second support device (72c) along the travel path. In some embodiments, the line-type interface comprises a sliding interface or a gas bearing interface.

Systems, apparatuses and methods for processing a glass ribbon (22). A glass ribbon is supplied to an upstream side of a conveying apparatus (32) comprising a conveyor device and a pulling device (72). The conveyor device establishes a primary plane of travel (P) from the upstream side to a downstream side. The pulling device (72) is located at the downstream side and applies a pulling force on the glass ribbon (22) to convey the glass ribbon along a travel path that includes first, second and third bends (100, 102, 104), and into the primary plane of travel from a location downstream of the third bend and to the pulling device (72). At least one of the first, second, and third bends imparts a stress into a surface of the glass ribbon to flatten the glass ribbon. A viscosity of the glass ribbon at the third bend is greater than a viscosity of the glass ribbon at the first bend.

A glass sheet processing system for processing a glass sheet includes a conveyor for conveying the glass sheet in a direction of conveyance, and a positioning apparatus for adjusting position of the glass sheet on the conveyor. The positioning apparatus includes a movable carriage having first and second carriage bodies. The first carriage body is translatable in the direction of conveyance, and the second carriage body is supported by the first carriage body such that the second carriage body is movable in a direction generally transverse to the direction of conveyance. The positioning apparatus further includes a first drive assembly for moving the first carriage body in the direction of conveyance, a second drive assembly for moving the second carriage body with respect to the first carriage body, and a positioner member connected to the second carriage body for contacting the glass sheet to adjust position of the glass sheet.

A glass sheet processing system for processing a glass sheet includes a conveyor for conveying the glass sheet in a direction of conveyance, and a positioning apparatus for adjusting position of the glass sheet on the conveyor. The positioning apparatus includes a movable carriage having first and second carriage bodies. The first carriage body is translatable in the direction of conveyance, and the second carriage body is supported by the first carriage body such that the second carriage body is movable in a direction generally transverse to the direction of conveyance. The positioning apparatus further includes a first drive assembly for moving the first carriage body in the direction of conveyance, a second drive assembly for moving the second carriage body with respect to the first carriage body, and a positioner member connected to the second carriage body for contacting the glass sheet to adjust position of the glass sheet.

Provided is a method for manufacturing a glass substrate, comprising steps of: cooling a glass substrate transported by a plurality of rollers rotating at a predetermined speed; predicting a crack defect rate of the glass substrate in accordance with a plurality of predictive factors related to crack defects of the glass substrate and rotational speed information of the respective rollers, in the transport process; and adjusting the rotational speed of each roller so that the crack defect rate of the glass substrate is lowered. Also provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a glass substrate, comprising a transport part for cooling a glass substrate transported by a plurality of rollers rotating at a predetermined speed, a prediction part for predicting a crack defect rate of the glass substrate through a partial least squares regression analysis, and a control part for controlling the rotation speed of each roller.

A method of shaping a glass sheet includes providing a glass sheet. Also, a bending station is provided. The bending station includes a first bending tool. The first bending tool has a shaping surface for receiving the glass sheet. The glass sheet is conveyed on a plurality of rollers to a location above the first bending tool. At least a portion of the glass sheet is supported above the first bending tool by delivering a flow of fluid to a major surface of the glass sheet. The glass sheet is deposited on the shaping surface of the first bending tool.

A method of shaping a glass sheet includes providing a glass sheet. Also, a bending station is provided. The bending station includes a first bending tool. The first bending tool has a shaping surface for receiving the glass sheet. The glass sheet is conveyed on a plurality of rollers to a location above the first bending tool. At least a portion of the glass sheet is supported above the first bending tool by delivering a flow of fluid to a major surface of the glass sheet. The glass sheet is deposited on the shaping surface of the first bending tool.