When a laser beam is used to perform shape processing on an edge surface of a disk-shaped glass plate, in order to suppress strain (retardation values) in the main surface of the glass plate, the disk-shaped glass plate is floated above a base, and the edge surface of the glass plate is processed into a target shape by irradiating the edge surface with the laser beam while contactlessly heating the glass plate in a state where the glass plate is floated, and moving the laser beam relative to the edge surface in the circumferential direction of the disk-shaped glass plate.

A process of forming a sintered article includes heating a green portion of a tape of polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals in organic binder at a binder removal zone to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the binder; horizontally conveying the portion of tape with organic binder removed from the binder removal zone to a sintering zone; and sintering polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals of the portion of tape at the sintering zone, wherein the tape simultaneously extends through the removal and sintering zones.

A conveying apparatus can comprise one or more support members defining an interior passage and a first plurality of apertures. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a first end portion of a support area can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a second end portion of the support area. A tube can extend within the interior passage and comprises a second plurality of apertures. Methods are also provided for conveying a ribbon with one or more support members.

A process of forming a sintered article includes heating a green portion of a tape of polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals in organic binder at a binder removal zone to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the binder; horizontally conveying the portion of tape with organic binder removed from the binder removal zone to a sintering zone; and sintering polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals of the portion of tape at the sintering zone, wherein the tape simultaneously extends through the removal and sintering zones.

A strengthened cover glass or glass-ceramic sheet or article as well as processes and systems for making the strengthened glass or glass-ceramic sheet or article is provided for use in consumer electronic devices. The process comprises cooling the cover glass sheet by non-contact thermal conduction for sufficiently long to fix a surface compression and central tension of the sheet. The process results in thermally strengthened cover glass sheets for use in or on consumer electronic products.

A strengthened cover glass or glass-ceramic sheet or article as well as processes and systems for making the strengthened glass or glass-ceramic sheet or article is provided for use in consumer electronic devices. The process comprises cooling the cover glass sheet by non-contact thermal conduction for sufficiently long to fix a surface compression and central tension of the sheet. The process results in thermally strengthened cover glass sheets for use in or on consumer electronic products.

A glass processing apparatus to convey a glass sheet along a conveyance path can include a plurality of air bars spaced apart from each other along a first direction extending perpendicular to a central axis. Each air bar can include a surface with a plurality of fluid outlet ports. The glass processing apparatus can include a plurality of plates, and at least one of the plurality of plates can be positioned between ones of the plurality of air bars. Each plate can include a surface with a plurality of fluid inlet ports. The plurality of air bars and the plurality of plates can be symmetrically arranged relative to the central axis. Methods of processing a glass sheet can include emitting fluid from the plurality of fluid outlet ports of each of the plurality of air bars, thereby providing a cushion of fluid.

A glass processing apparatus to convey a glass sheet along a conveyance path can include a plurality of air bars spaced apart from each other along a first direction extending perpendicular to a central axis. Each air bar can include a surface with a plurality of fluid outlet ports. The glass processing apparatus can include a plurality of plates, and at least one of the plurality of plates can be positioned between ones of the plurality of air bars. Each plate can include a surface with a plurality of fluid inlet ports. The plurality of air bars and the plurality of plates can be symmetrically arranged relative to the central axis. Methods of processing a glass sheet can include emitting fluid from the plurality of fluid outlet ports of each of the plurality of air bars, thereby providing a cushion of fluid.

A process of forming a sintered article includes heating a green portion of a tape of polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals in organic binder at a binder removal zone to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the binder; horizontally conveying the portion of tape with organic binder removed from the binder removal zone to a sintering zone; and sintering polycrystalline ceramic and/or minerals of the portion of tape at the sintering zone, wherein the tape simultaneously extends through the removal and sintering zones.

A method for finishing a glass or ceramic article includes applying a force to the glass or ceramic article. The force is applied to the glass or ceramic article at least when the glass or ceramic article is at a temperature that is greater than or equal to a creep temperature of the glass or ceramic article. Holding the force to the glass or ceramic article as the glass or ceramic article is cooled to a temperature that is less than the creep temperature of the glass or ceramic article.