A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a glass sheet heating furnace using information describing a glass load including a plurality of glass sheets. The method includes transporting the glass sheets toward a heating furnace, before thermal treatment, photographing the glass load by a camera to obtain a camera image, sending first information of the camera image to a computer, on the basis of which the computer determines a first value of a dimension of the glass load and selects a value of at least one adjustment parameter of the heating furnace on the basis of the first value before the glass load has been transferred into the heating furnace, and reading second information by a line scanner, which is sent to the computer, on the basis of which the computer determines a second value of the dimension of the glass load.

The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a glass sheet heating furnace using information describing a glass load including a plurality of glass sheets. The method includes transporting the glass sheets toward a heating furnace, before thermal treatment, photographing the glass load by a camera to obtain a camera image, sending first information of the camera image to a computer, on the basis of which the computer determines a first value of a dimension of the glass load and selects a value of at least one adjustment parameter of the heating furnace on the basis of the first value before the glass load has been transferred into the heating furnace, and reading second information by a line scanner, which is sent to the computer, on the basis of which the computer determines a second value of the dimension of the glass load.

A position of a band-shaped glass film (1) conveyed downward in a vertical direction is detected by a detection unit (21), and the conveyance speed of each of a plurality of conveyance devices (10, 11, 12, and 14) provided in a horizontal conveyance path (R2) is controlled based on detection data in the detection unit (21). Under a condition that, of the plurality of conveyance devices (10, 11, 12, and 14), the conveyance device (10) located on a most upstream side is defined as an upstream side conveyance device, and the conveyance devices (11, 12, and 14) on a downstream side of the upstream side conveyance device (10) are defined as downstream side conveyance devices, an upper limit and a lower limit are set to the conveyance speed of each of the downstream side conveyance devices (11, 12, and 14).

A position of a band-shaped glass film (1) conveyed downward in a vertical direction is detected by a detection unit (21), and the conveyance speed of each of a plurality of conveyance devices (10, 11, 12, and 14) provided in a horizontal conveyance path (R2) is controlled based on detection data in the detection unit (21). Under a condition that, of the plurality of conveyance devices (10, 11, 12, and 14), the conveyance device (10) located on a most upstream side is defined as an upstream side conveyance device, and the conveyance devices (11, 12, and 14) on a downstream side of the upstream side conveyance device (10) are defined as downstream side conveyance devices, an upper limit and a lower limit are set to the conveyance speed of each of the downstream side conveyance devices (11, 12, and 14).

A system for forming a glass panel includes a mixing apparatus for weighing and mixing glass particles and additives, an oven for melting and holding molten glass, a float chamber for floating molten glass thereover, an annealing lehr, and at least a nozzle for delivering compressed air at least of one of a first pressure and a second pressure.

A system for forming a glass panel includes a mixing apparatus for weighing and mixing glass particles and additives, an oven for melting and holding molten glass, a float chamber for floating molten glass thereover, an annealing lehr, and at least a nozzle for delivering compressed air at least of one of a first pressure and a second pressure.

Processes and methods for preparing glass panels for use with automobiles include mixing and melting glass particles. Molten glass is passed along into a lehr, where the molten glass is annealed. Annealed glass is cut into glass panels. A nozzle systems delivers compressed air to the glass panels to form a curvature for providing a top seal contact area. A nozzle system delivers a second blast of compressed air, which marks the glass panel to identify characteristics of the glass panel.

Processes and methods for preparing glass panels for use with automobiles include mixing and melting glass particles. Molten glass is passed along into a lehr, where the molten glass is annealed. Annealed glass is cut into glass panels. A nozzle systems delivers compressed air to the glass panels to form a curvature for providing a top seal contact area. A nozzle system delivers a second blast of compressed air, which marks the glass panel to identify characteristics of the glass panel.