Dual-elevation edge roll system for fused downdraw glass forming

Abstract

To provide various improvements for a dual-elevation edge roll system used in a fused downdraw glass forming process.SOLUTION: A coaxial tightening circular assembly includes: a circular body that includes a tightening portion having a center hole passing through for inserting a threaded screw and a stationary portion having a second center hole coaxially aligned with the center hole of the tightening portion; and a threaded bearing having a center hole passing through an entire length and a male-threaded portion. The second center hole of the stationary portion is female-threaded for receiving the male-threaded portion of the threaded bearing. When the threaded bearing is screwed into the second center hole of the stationary portion, the center hole of the threaded bearing and the center hole of the tightening portion are coaxially aligned to receive the threaded screw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 796,880, filed January 25, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for forming glass sheets, and more particularly, to methods and systems for forming glass sheets using edge rolls to pull the sheet glass to minimize sheet width loss. [Background technology]

[0003] Glass display panels are used in a variety of applications, from handheld devices to tablets, computer monitors and television displays.

[0004] One method of producing glass for optical displays uses an overflow downdraw process (also known as a fused downdraw process). This process produces a smudge-free surface quality compared to other processes referred to herein as float and slot processes. US Pat. Nos. 5,893,333 and 5,949,623 (incorporated herein in their entireties) disclose a fused downdraw process that includes flowing molten glass over the edges or weirs of a forming wedge. See also US Pat. Nos. 5,993,623 and 5,133,623 (incorporated herein in their entireties). The molten glass flows over the intersecting forming surfaces of the forming wedge, and the separate flows meet at the apex or bottom where the forming surfaces meet to form a glass ribbon or sheet. Thus, the glass that was in contact with the forming surfaces is located on the interior of the glass sheet, and the exterior surface of the glass sheet is not in contact.

[0005] As the glass sheet advances, it reduces in thickness under gravity and the pulling device. In particular, the pulling rolls are located downstream of the bottom of the forming wedge and help regulate the rate at which the glass ribbon leaves the forming wedge to determine the thickness of the finished sheet. The pulling device is located downstream enough so that the viscous glass cools and becomes hard enough to be pulled. The contacted edge portions are later removed from the finished glass sheet. As the glass ribbon descends from the bottom of the forming wedge, it cools and forms a hard, elastic glass ribbon that can be cut to form smaller glass sheets.

[0006] However, glass sheets produced by the fusion downdraw process have a narrower width than the viscous glass ribbon at the bottom. This loss in width is due to the lateral contraction of the glass ribbon in the viscous region of the draw process, also referred to as sheet width decay. The lateral contraction of the glass ribbon during the viscous phase of the draw process is also related to an instability known as sheet width fluctuation, which may be characterized by unstable velocity contours in the viscous glass sheet.

[0007] Sheet width loss in the viscous region of the down-draw process manifests as accumulated thickness or beads at the edges of the sheet. Due to thickness and temperature differences between the beads and the center of the sheet, the formation of these edge beads can cause many problems. For example, the formation of edge beads can cause temporary stresses that create an unstable ribbon shape during the draw process and / or permanent stresses in the center region of the sheet after the glass cools. The edge beads can also prevent operators from bending the glass ribbon to a desired radius of curvature, as may be necessary when preparing the glass for use in an application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 3,338,696 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 3,682,609 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0268657 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0268658 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Accordingly, systems for pulling sheet glass utilizing single height edge rolls or dual height edge rolls, such as fusion draw systems, have been introduced into the industry. To optimize certain aspects of the operation of such fusion draw systems, improvements in various aspects of the fusion draw system hardware are desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to improvements in an apparatus or system for pulling sheet glass from the bottom of a forming wedge in a fusion downdraw process, for example, utilizing dual height edge roll technology. The embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming processes, such as slot draw processes, double fusion processes, float processes, and the description of some embodiments in terms of a fusion downdraw system should not limit the scope of the appended claims.

[0011] The dual height edge roll system disclosed herein significantly reduces sheet width loss, increases usable sheet width, and allows for more efficient utilization of glass sheets. It also presents a method to reduce bead mass and alter edge mass distribution for improved process stability and product properties.

[0012] The apparatus disclosed herein consists of a dual height edge roll and method for its use in fusion draw. The position of the edge roll pair can be adjusted to achieve a desired inclination angle relative to the edge roll axis of rotation. The configuration features listed below all reduce sheet width decay below the bottom of the sheet forming wedge or induce tension across the ribbon to increase sheet width. The improvements disclosed herein enable the fusion draw process to produce a much thinner bead for process improvements and reduced end flow instabilities such as gauge variation and sheet width variation.

[0013] According to some embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a slide base, a slide screw that threads into the slide base, such that when the slide screw is rotated, the slide base moves linearly along a longitudinal direction of the slide screw, and a control shaft that is oriented in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slide screw and engages with the slide screw, wherein rotating the control shaft can rotate the slide screw.

[0014] According to another embodiment, a coaxial clamping annular assembly is disclosed. The coaxial clamping annular assembly includes an annular body and a threaded bearing. The annular body includes a clamping portion having a central bore therethrough for receiving a threaded screw, and a fixed portion having a second central bore coaxially aligned with the central bore of the clamping portion. The threaded bearing has a central bore therethrough and an externally threaded portion, the second central bore of the fixed portion is internally threaded to receive the externally threaded portion of the threaded bearing, and when the threaded bearing is threaded into the second central bore of the fixed portion, the central bore of the threaded bearing and the central bore of the clamping portion are coaxially aligned to receive the threaded screw.

[0015] Also disclosed is a support bracket comprising a plurality of bottom support surfaces each having one or more adjustable set screws that can be raised and lowered, and a plurality of side support surfaces each having one or more adjustable set screws, the set screws of each side support surface can be raised and lowered relative to the side support surface, such that when an object is placed on the support bracket and contacts the plurality of bottom support surfaces and the plurality of side support surfaces, the vertical position and attitude of the object can be adjusted by adjusting the one or more adjustable set screws on each of the bottom support surfaces, and the lateral position or attitude of the object can be adjusted by adjusting the one or more adjustable set screws on each of the side support surfaces.

[0016] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be described in the following detailed description, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be learned by practicing the disclosed subject matter as described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0017] Both the general description above and the detailed description below are intended to present embodiments of the present disclosure and to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosed subject matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] It will be understood that these figures are provided for illustrative purposes and that the embodiments disclosed and described herein are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown. [Figure 1A] 1 shows an example of a conventional arrangement of single height edge rollers in communication with the glass sheet / ribbon being pulled in the downdraw process. [Figure 1B] 1 shows an example of a conventional arrangement of single height edge rollers in communication with the glass sheet / ribbon being pulled in the downdraw process. [Figure 1C]1 shows an example of a dual height edge roller arrangement in communication with the glass sheet / ribbon being pulled in the downdraw process. [Figure 1D] 1 shows an example of a dual height edge roller arrangement in communication with the glass sheet / ribbon being pulled in the downdraw process. [Figure 1E] 1 shows an example of a dual height edge roller arrangement in communication with the glass sheet / ribbon being pulled in the downdraw process. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates the level adjustability of a dual height edge roll assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates the level adjustability of a dual height edge roll assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates the level adjustability of a dual height edge roll assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] 14 illustrates the tilt angle adjustability of the lower edge roller pair of the dual height edge roll assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] 14 illustrates the tilt angle adjustability of the lower edge roller pair of the dual height edge roll assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conventional upper transition section of a fused underdraw system configured for a dual height edge roll assembly. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an upper transition section of a fused underdraw system configured for a dual height edge roll assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dual height edge roll assembly and sealing plate in an operating position and the upper transition section of the fused lower draw system, showing the sealing plate providing sealing and heat insulation for the edge rollers and allowing them to enter the upper transition section and fused lower draw system. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the same dual height edge roll assembly and sealing plate as FIG. 4A, with an inset showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge rollers extending straight through the sealing plate. [Figure 4C]FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the same dual height edge roll assembly and sealing plate as FIG. 4A, with an inset showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge rollers extending through the sealing plate, with the lower edge roller angled downward. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seal plate structure, with the upper transition portion shown in dashed lines. [Figure 4E] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the sealing plate with the upper transition portion shown in dashed lines. [Figure 4F] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the seal plate in place with the upper transition portion shown in dashed lines. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual height edge roll assembly illustrating the special thermal protection allocation of the water-cooled shields / manifolds of the dual height edge roll assembly and showing various cooling plates arranged in accordance with an embodiment, with coolant flow channels provided within each cooling plate that are normally not visible but are depicted as visible in the figure for purposes of illustration. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is an inset showing a perspective view and close-up view of one upper edge roller assembly and associated upper cooling plate. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dual height edge roll assembly illustrating a mechanism that allows the lower edge roller to be laterally aligned independently relative to the upper edge roller. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a top view of the dual height edge roll assembly of FIG. 6A with the upper cooling plate and upper edge roller removed to show what would be seen looking down at the lower edge roller. [Figure 6C] 6C is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 6B along plane B-B of FIG. 6B. [Figure 6D] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mechanism showing the bevel gear portion. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a coaxial clamping annulus for the threaded slide screw of the edge roller lateral alignment assembly. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a coaxial clamping annulus for the threaded slide screw of the edge roller lateral alignment assembly. [Figure 7C] 1 illustrates a coaxial clamping annulus for the threaded slide screw of the edge roller lateral alignment assembly. [Figure 7D] 1 illustrates a coaxial clamping annulus for the threaded slide screw of the edge roller lateral alignment assembly. [Figure 8A] 1 is a side view of the slide base illustrating the mechanism for adjusting the position and orientation of the lower edge roller drive assembly according to the present disclosure and showing its configuration mounted on a bracket. FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the slide base and bracket assembly of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a top view of a dual height edge roll assembly of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Shown is a new sealing plate designed to house an observation window and a boron filtration system.

[0019] Although the description may contain specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Various embodiments of luminescent coatings and devices are described with reference to the figures, in which like elements are numbered like for ease of understanding.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as top, bottom, outer, inner, etc. are used for convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms. Also, when a group is described as comprising at least one of a group of elements and combinations thereof, the group may include any number of the described elements individually or in combination.

[0022] Similarly, when a group is described as consisting of at least one of a group of elements and combinations thereof, the group may consist of any number of those elements described, individually or in any combination. Unless otherwise specified, value ranges are inclusive of both the upper and lower limits of the range. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the English indefinite articles "a," "an," and "the" mean "at least one" or "one or more."

[0023] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the described embodiments while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired advantages of the present disclosure may be obtained by selecting some of the described features without using other features. Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adjustments are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided by way of illustration of the principles of the present disclosure, and not by way of limitation.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the description of the embodiments is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, limited to the examples provided, and should be given all of the protection afforded by the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, some of the features of the present disclosure can be used without using other features. Thus, the above description of the exemplary or example embodiments is provided to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, and may include modifications and permutations, but not by way of limitation.

[0025] 1A and 1B show an example of a conventional arrangement of a single height edge roll system in a fusion downdraw system. The edge rollers 150 engage the glass sheet / ribbon 110 being pulled through the downdraw process. The glass sheet 110 is shown downstream of a generally horizontal forming wedge bottom 20 of a forming wedge (not shown). Each single height edge roller 150 is driven by a suitable drive motor 155a associated with an associated single height edge roller assembly 155. The area 112 along the edge of the glass sheet 110 represents the additional glass sheet width gained through the use of the edge rollers 150.

[0026] 1C-1E show an example arrangement of a dual height edge roll system according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, the edge rollers 250 include an upper edge roller 251 and a lower edge roller 252 that engage the glass sheet 110 being pulled during the downdraw process. Each dual height edge roller 250 has an associated edge roller assembly 255. Each edge roller assembly 255 has a first set of drive motors 255a for driving the upper edge roller 251 and a second set of drive motors 255b for driving the lower edge roller 252. The edge roller assemblies 255 are configured such that the vertical spacing VS between the upper edge roller 251 and the lower edge roller 252 can be adjusted to a desired spacing. The vertical spacing VS is defined as the spacing between the axis of rotation of the upper edge roller 251 (which is the same as the vertical axis) and the axis of rotation of the lower edge roller 252. In this example, the vertical spacing VS can be adjusted between 3.67 inches (about 9.32 cm) and 6.67 inches (about 16.94 cm). In some embodiments, the vertical spacing VS can be adjusted between 3.67 inches (about 9.32 cm) and 5.67 inches (about 14.40 cm). These dimensions can be varied to accommodate any variations in the requirements of different process recipes for different glass formulations. The assembly of the lower edge roller 252 and its associated components, such as the spindle and drive motor 255b, is raised and lowered while maintaining alignment using a suitable mechanism, such as a vertical key and keyway using a jackscrew.

[0027] 2A-2C, according to some embodiments, a dual height edge roller assembly 255 is configured to provide lateral / horizontal adjustability of the upper edge roller 251 and the lower edge roller 252. The edge roller assembly 255 is configured such that the positions of the upper edge roller 251 and the lower edge roller 252 can be adjusted relative to one another such that the lateral spacing LS between the upper edge roller 251 and the lower edge roller 252 can be adjusted to a desired spacing. In this example, the edge roller assembly 255 is configured such that the lateral position of the upper edge roller 251 is fixed and the lateral position of the lower edge roller 252 is adjustable relative to the upper edge roller 251. In one embodiment, the lower edge roller is fixed and the upper edge roller is adjustable. In another embodiment, both the upper and lower edge rollers are adjustable. The lateral spacing LS can be adjusted between +3.0 inches (7.62 cm) (where + indicates that the lower edge roller 252 extends further toward the glass sheet 110 (i.e., greater immersion) than the upper edge roller 251) and -3.0 inches (7.62 cm) (where - indicates that the lower edge roller 252 is recessed relative to the upper edge roller 251). In some embodiments, the lateral spacing LS can be adjusted between +2.0 inches (5.08 cm) and -2.0 inches (5.08 cm). In some embodiments, the lateral spacing LS can be adjusted between +1.0 inches (2.54 cm) and -1.0 inches (2.54 cm). These two configurations are illustrated in Figures 2A and 2C, respectively. These dimensions can be varied to accommodate any changes in the requirements of different process recipes for different glass formulations. To allow this movement of the lower edge roller 252, the entire lower edge roller assembly, including associated components such as spindle and drive motor 255b, may be mounted to the upper surface of a dovetail slide base 800. The lower half 810 of the slide base 800 may be mounted to a support bracket 860 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). In such a slide base mechanism, linear movement of the slide base 800 is achieved by rotation of a slide screw 880.

[0028] 2D and 2E, according to some embodiments, the dual height edge roller assembly 255 is configured to allow the tilt angle of the lower edge roller 252 to be adjusted. In this example, the tilt angle of the axis of rotation AX of the lower edge roller 252 can be adjusted up to 5 degrees relative to the axis of rotation of the upper edge roller 251. As described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 8A-8C, the tilt of the lower edge roller 252 is achieved by a specific configuration of the dovetail slide platform 800 and support bracket 860. These dimensions can be varied to accommodate any variations in the requirements of different process recipes for different glass formulations to optimize the benefits of edge rolling, such as minimizing glass sheet width attenuation and reducing edge bead thickness of the glass sheet.

[0029] 3A shows an upper transition section 300A of a fusion underdraw system configured for the single height edge roller assemblies 155 of prior art systems. In this embodiment, the upper transition section 300A includes an access opening 305A having an appropriate shape and size to receive the edge rollers 150. The access opening 305A allows the edge rollers 150 to reach the glass sheet 110 being pulled within the upper transition section 300A.

[0030] 3B illustrates an upper transition section 300B of a fusion underdraw system configured for a dual height edge roller assembly 255 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the upper transition section 300B includes an access opening 305B having a suitable shape and size to receive the edge rollers 250. The access opening 305B allows the edge rollers 250 to reach the glass sheet 110 being pulled within the upper transition section 300B.

[0031] 4A-4F show a sealing plate 400 that provides sealing and thermal insulation while allowing the dual height edge rollers 251, 252 to enter the upper transition section 300B and into the fusion downdraw system to reach the glass sheet 110. Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, which are side views of the dual height edge rollers 251, 252 with a cross section of the sealing plate 400 shown, the sealing plate 400 includes two sets of bearings 410, 420 that provide through holes for the edge rollers 251, 252. In this example, the upper bearing 410 has a straight inner surface that provides a straight through hole to receive the upper edge roller 251. The lower bearing 420 has an inner surface 422 that tapers on both sides to receive the lower edge roller 252 and corresponds to the range of tilt angles of those rollers. As shown in FIG. 4C, the inner surface 422 tapers on both sides at angles T1 and T2. The opening of the lower bearing 420 facing the exterior of the upper transition portion 300B tapers at an angle T1, and the opening of the lower bearing 420 facing the interior of the upper transition portion 300B tapers at an angle T2. In this example, angles T1 and T2 are 6 degrees. In one embodiment, angles T1 and T2 are between 4 and 8 degrees. In another embodiment, angles T1 and T2 are between 3 and 9 degrees.

[0032] Referring to the exploded view shown in FIG. 4D, the sealing plate 400 includes a first sealing plate portion 401 including an upper bearing 410 and a second sealing plate portion 402 including a lower bearing 420. As shown by the spacing 430 between the upper bearing 410 and the lower bearing 420 in FIG. 4C, the first sealing plate portion 401 and the second sealing plate portion 402 are configured to have an adjusted separation distance 430 without reducing the sealing function of the sealing plate. In this embodiment, the separation distance 430 is 0.47 inches (about 1.19 cm). In other embodiments, the separation distance 430 can be between 0.0 and 0.55 inches (about 1.40 cm). As shown in FIG. 4D, the sealing plate assembly 400 including the first sealing plate portion 401 and the second sealing plate portion 402 is assembled to the upper transition portion 300B by being secured to the back plate 450. The first sealing plate portion 401 is first secured to the back plate 450. The second seal plate portion 402 is then secured to the back plate 450 over the first seal plate portion using a pair of threaded bolts 455 extending from the back plate 450. The second seal plate portion 402 has a pair of slots 404 that align with the two bolts 455 and is secured using nuts 456 that thread onto the threaded bolts 455. Figure 4E shows a front view of the fully assembled seal plate assembly 400. The slots 404 allow the position of the second seal plate portion 402 to be adjusted to select the desired separation distance 430 as described above. Figure 4F is a cross-sectional view of the assembled seal plate assembly 400 taken along line A-A in Figure 4E.

[0033] 5A and 5B, a special thermal protection approach is disclosed that is implemented to protect the dual height edge roller assembly 255 and associated components according to some embodiments. The edge roller assembly 255 is located in a thermally very challenging environment where thermal protection of the equipment, bearings, seals, drive motors, maintenance, etc. is critical. The thermal protection approach includes multiple liquid cooled cold plates 510, 520, 530, 540 (i.e., radiators). The cold plates may be made of any material that has good thermal conductivity and can withstand high heat environments. Metals such as aluminum are a suitable choice for the cold plates 510, 520, 530, 540. Each cold plate includes sealed channels or passages 515, 525, 535, 545 through which a cooling liquid is circulated that captures heat from the cold plate. The cooling liquid may be water or a non-corrosive liquid such as that used in an automobile radiator. In this example, the front cold plates 520 and 530 are located between the upper transition portion 300B and the edge roller assembly 255. The upper cooling plate 510 is located above the edge roller assembly 255. The cooling plate 540 also includes multiple plates that form a container or box for each of the electric drive motors 255a and 255b that enclose the servo motors and keep them cool. As shown in FIG. 5B, the body of the upper edge roller 251 and the drive motor 255a are attached to the upper cooling plate 510 to maximize the cooling of the drive motor 255a of the upper edge roller. The flow of the coolant is managed by a pair of coolant supply manifold 501 and coolant return manifold 502. The locations of the cooling plates 510, 520, 530, 540 are not limited to the specific locations illustrated in this embodiment, but should be locations that maximize the cooling function. The size of the cooling plates should be adjusted to optimize the cooling function.

[0034] The spindle housing houses the bearings and seals that support the rotation of the roll shafts. The internal cavity uses continuous lubrication in the form of circulating oil. The spindle housing includes a channel / passage network for cooling liquid. Each cooling plate includes an allocation of water-cooled shields / manifolds for the dual height edge roll assemblies. The metal spindle housing is constructed to have a minimum thickness that allows close proximity of the vertical centerlines while maintaining adequate bearing and seal dimensions for the roll shafts. Multiple internal liquid cooling holes are positioned to also minimize this dimension. The spindle assembly configuration is such that the lower spindle can be reversed and used in the upper spindle position. The internal oil lubrication passages have been designed such that perfect lubrication wetting is achieved in either orientation without physical, mechanical or plumbing modifications. This eliminates both the upper and lower designs, spare parts, or operator error.

[0035] 6A-6D, another feature of the dual height edge roll system according to one embodiment is a mechanism that allows the lower edge roller 252 to be independently aligned laterally relative to the upper edge roller 251. The direction of lateral adjustment is indicated by the double arrow L in FIG. 6A. It can be adjusted with linear movement in both directions indicated by the double arrow L. This ability allows for on-the-fly adjustment of the fusion downdraw process. This ability is advantageous and necessary because even if aligned at room temperature, thermo-mechanical loads during operation can cause the upper and lower edge rollers to become misaligned. If the upper edge roller 251 and the lower edge roller 252 are not aligned, the glass sheet cannot be pulled straight down between the two sets of rollers, which is undesirable. By adjusting the alignment on-the-fly, the fusion downdraw process does not need to be interrupted.

[0036] The linear translation for lateral adjustment of the lower edge roller 252 is achieved by a sliding screw 600 arrangement, shown in detail in Figures 6C and 6D. The lower edge roller 252 has a body portion 252a (see Figures 6A and 6C) mounted on a linear translation platform 650 (see Figures 6A, 6C and 6D). The linear translation platform 650 is driven by the sliding screw 600, which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (i.e., the longitudinal axis) of the lower edge roller 252. The sliding screw 600 is threaded, and the linear translation platform 650 has one or more corresponding threaded lugs (not shown) that threadably engage with the sliding screw 600. Thus, by rotating the sliding screw 600 clockwise or counterclockwise, the linear translation platform 650 can be translated in one of two directions parallel to the sliding screw 600, which corresponds to the direction indicated by the double arrow L in Figure 6A. The thread direction of the sliding screw 600, whether left-handed or right-handed, determines the direction of rotation and platform movement. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the slide screw 600 has a control knob 610 at one end that is used by an operator to rotate the slide screw 600 to effect lateral adjustment of the lower edge rollers 252 .

[0037] 6B, 6C, and 6D, in another embodiment, a control shaft 621 is provided that is oriented in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slide screw 600 and engages the slide screw. Rotating the control shaft 621 may rotate the slide screw 600. The control shaft 621 and the slide screw 660 may engage each other by a bevel gear portion 630. This configuration allows an operator to rotate the slide screw 600 from different positions using a second control knob 620 attached to the control shaft 621.

[0038] 6D, in this example, the bevel gear section 630 includes a first bevel gear 631 attached to the second control knob 620 and a second bevel gear 632 attached to the sliding screw 600, with the two bevel gears engaging each other in an orthogonal configuration as shown in FIG. 6D. The first bevel gear 631 is attached to the second control knob 620 via an associated second control shaft 621, with the first bevel gear 631 attached to one end of the second control shaft 621. The bevel gear section 630 allows an operator to move the linear translation platform 650 and the lower edge roller 252 by rotating the second control knob 620 clockwise or counterclockwise. In this example, the bevel gear section 630 is configured for an orthogonal relationship between the sliding screw 600 and the second control shaft 621. However, according to other embodiments, the bevel gear section 630 can be configured for various desired angular relationships between the sliding screw 600 and the second control shaft 621. A control knob 610 is provided at one end of the slide screw 600 opposite the bevel gear portion 630 .

[0039] Although the configuration shown in Figures 6A-6D provides for manual operator lateral adjustment of the lower edge rollers 252, one skilled in the art could modify the configuration to be automated or remotely controlled by connecting the sliding screw 600 and / or the second control shaft 621, for example, to an electric motor.

[0040] 7A-7D, a coaxial clamping ring assembly 700 for a threaded slide screw 600 is disclosed. The clamping ring assembly 700 is threadedly engaged with the slide screw 600 and secured to the linear translation stage 650 (see FIG. 7A) and is used to prevent unintentional rotation of the slide screw 600 after lateral adjustment of the lower edge roller 252 is completed. The clamping ring assembly 700 comprises a ring body 701 and a threaded bearing 760. The ring body 701 is preferably a unitary body of two parts, a clamping portion 710 and a fixed portion 720. The clamping portion has a central bore 705 therethrough for receiving the slide screw 600. The fixed portion 720 has a second central bore 705A coaxially aligned with the central bore 705 of the clamping portion.

[0041] 7C, the second central bore 705A of the fixed part 720 is internally threaded to receive the externally threaded portion 762 of the threaded bearing 760 and has a larger diameter than the first central bore 705 of the clamping part 710. The threaded bearing 760 has a central bore 765 that is internally threaded and extends therethrough, such that when the bearing 760 is screwed into the second central bore 705A of the fixed part 720, the central bore 765 of the bearing 760 and the central bore 705 of the clamping part 710 are coaxially aligned to receive the slide screw 600.

[0042] 7B and 7C, the clamping portion 710 and the fixing portion 720 of the annular body 701 are defined by a discontinuity or gap 725 that extends transversely through the annular body 701 and partially through the central aperture 705. Since the gap 725 extends partially through the annular body, the two portions 710, 720 are connected by a connecting portion 722 (see FIG. 7D).

[0043] 7B, the clamping portion 710 has a radially extending slot 715 that extends through the central bore 705 and separates one side of the clamping portion 710 into two ends 711, 712 resembling a C shape. When the slide screw 600 is threaded into the threaded central bore 765 of the bearing 760 and passes through the central bore 705, the C shape allows the clamping portion 710 to tighten the slide screw 600 by moving the two ends 711, 712 of the C shape towards each other, reducing the diameter of the central bore 705 and tightening the slide screw 600. In this embodiment, the tightening action is accomplished by a threaded tightening screw 740. To accommodate the tightening screw 740, the two ends 711, 712 of the C shape extend outward (away from the central bore 705) into flat tabs as shown. The first of the two flat tabs 711, 712 has a threaded hole that receives the fastening screw 740, and the second of the two flat tabs 711, 712 has an unthreaded through hole that allows the fastening screw 740 to reach the threaded hole. In this example, the first flat tab 711 has a threaded hole 711A and the second flat tab 712 has an unthreaded through hole (not shown). The fastening screw 740 is inserted into the through hole of the second flat tab 712 and screws into the threaded hole 711A. The fastening screw 740 has a flared head 741, and when the fastening screw 740 is screwed and tightened, the head 741 pushes the second flat tab 712 closer together and tightens the fastening part 710 around the slide screw 600. In some embodiments, the flared head 741 has a handle portion 742 that allows an operator to rotate the screw 740 by hand.

[0044] In some embodiments, the clamping portion 710 has an additional radially extending slot 717 cut into the inner surface of the central bore 705 and located directly opposite the central bore 705 from the slot 715. This additional slot 717 provides additional flexibility to the C-shaped clamping portion 710, allowing the two ends 711, 712 of the clamping portion 710 to be brought together with less force. In some embodiments, the additional radially extending slot 717 terminates in a rounded shape as shown in FIG. 7B. The rounded shape of the end of the additional radially extending slot 717 provides a stress relief function at the end of the additional slot 717, minimizing any fatigue cracks as the clamping portion 710 undergoes many clamping and unclamping cycles. In some embodiments, a pin 713 is provided to secure the bearing 760 and the annular body 701 together after the threaded bearing 760 is threaded onto the annular body 701. The pin 713 is inserted through an additional radially extending slot 717 into a receiving hole in the externally threaded end of the bearing 760 .

[0045] 8A-8D, a mechanism for adjusting the position and orientation of the lower edge roller 252 is disclosed. To allow for the movement of the lower edge roller 252 as described above, the entire lower edge roller assembly portion of the edge roller assembly 255 (including associated components such as the spindle and drive motor 255b for the lower edge roller) may be mounted to the upper surface of a dovetail slide base 800 as seen in FIG. 6A. The lower half 810 of the slide base 800 may be mounted to a support bracket 860. In this slide base mechanism, linear movement of the slide base 800 is achieved by rotation of a slide screw 880.

[0046] The support bracket 860 that supports the slide base 800 includes a number of adjustable set screws S1, S2 for adjusting the position and attitude of the slide base 800, and therefore the position and attitude of the lower edge roller 252. The adjustable set screws S1, S2 contact the lower half 810 of the slide base 800 to accomplish this. Referring to FIG. 8B, the lower half 810 of the slide base 800 is mounted on the support bracket 860 and rests on the height adjustment set screw S2. The lower half 810 of the slide base 800 is located between the plurality of attitude adjustment set screws S1. By raising and lowering the height adjustment set screw S2, the overall height or vertical position of the slide base 800 can be adjusted to a desired position. By selectively raising and lowering the individual height adjustment set screws S2 to different heights, one side of the slide base 800 can be made higher than the other, and the tilt angle of the slide base can be controlled. By selectively adjusting the attitude adjustment set screw S1, the slide base 800 can be moved in a desired direction in a horizontal plane. Thus, the set screws S1, S2 can be used to control or adjust the position and attitude of slide base 800. In other words, borrowing terminology used in relation to a ship or aircraft, the roll, pitch, and yaw of slide base 800 can be adjusted through the use of set screws S1, S2. For example, referring to Figure 8D, which is a top view of edge roller assembly 255, adjusting the yaw of slide base 800 can adjust lower edge roller 252 at angle α relative to upper edge roller 251.

[0047] In another embodiment, a support bracket 860 is disclosed that includes a plurality of bottom support surfaces 862 and a plurality of side support surfaces 864, each of which includes one or more adjustable set screws S2. The set screws S2 can be raised and lowered relative to the bottom support surface 862. Each side support surface 864 includes one or more adjustable set screws S1 that can be raised and lowered relative to that side support surface 864. In this configuration, when an object, such as a slide platform 800, is placed on the support bracket 860 and contacts the plurality of bottom support surfaces 862 and the plurality of side support surfaces 864, the vertical position and attitude of the object (i.e., height, pitch (or tilt), and roll) can be adjusted by adjusting one or more adjustable set screws S2 on each bottom support surface 862, and the lateral position or attitude of the object (i.e., yaw) can be adjusted by adjusting one or more adjustable set screws S1 on each side support surface 864.

[0048] In some fusion down-draw glass forming processes, a boron filtration system may be required. The boron filtration system may be incorporated into the sealing plate that allows the edge rollers access to the interior of the upper transition portion 300A. Figure 9 shows a sealing plate 900 similar to the sealing plate 400 shown in Figure 4A but modified to accommodate a boron filtration system device 930 and an observation window 940. The observation window 940 and the boron filtration system device 930 are located below the upper edge roller bearing 910 and the lower edge roller bearing 920.

[0049] Although the description of the embodiments contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting in scope, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described above in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable combination. Also, although features may be described above as working in combination and initially claimed as such, one or more features may be removed from the claimed combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to smaller combinations or variations of smaller combinations.

[0050] Similarly, although acts are depicted in a particular order in a drawing or illustration, this should not be understood as requiring that such acts be performed in that particular order or sequence, or that all illustrated acts be performed to achieve a desired result. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0051] As shown in the various configurations and embodiments illustrated herein, various embodiments of laser welded glass packages and methods of making the same have been described.

[0052] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative and that numerous modifications and variations will naturally occur to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and that the scope of the present invention should be defined solely by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0054] EMBODIMENT 1 A slide table and a slide screw that is screwed into the slide base, and when the slide screw is rotated, the slide base moves linearly along a longitudinal direction of the slide screw; a control shaft oriented in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slide screw and engaging the slide screw; Equipped with The apparatus may rotate the slide screw by rotating the control shaft.

[0055] EMBODIMENT 2 The device of embodiment 1, wherein the control shaft and the slide screw are engaged by a bevel gear section having two bevel gears that engage generally perpendicular to each other, a first bevel gear extending from one end of the slide screw and a second bevel gear extending from one end of the control shaft.

[0056] EMBODIMENT 3 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the slide screw has a control knob on an end opposite the bevel gear portion.

[0057] EMBODIMENT 4 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the control shaft includes a second control knob at an end opposite the bevel gear portion.

[0058] EMBODIMENT 5 1. A coaxial clamping annular assembly comprising: a fastening portion having a central bore therethrough for receiving a threaded screw; a fastening portion having a second central bore coaxially aligned with the central bore of the fastening portion; and a threaded bearing having a central bore extending therethrough and an externally threaded portion; Equipped with the second central bore of the fixed portion is internally threaded to receive the externally threaded portion of the threaded bearing; a coaxial clamping annular assembly, wherein when the threaded bearing is threaded into the second central bore of the fixed portion, the central bore of the threaded bearing and the central bore of the clamping portion are coaxially aligned to receive the threaded screw.

[0059] EMBODIMENT 6 6. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of embodiment 5, wherein the annular body is unitary.

[0060] EMBODIMENT 7 6. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of embodiment 5, wherein the second central hole of the fixed portion has a larger diameter than the central hole of the clamping portion, allowing the threaded portion of the threaded bearing to thread into the second central hole.

[0061] EMBODIMENT 8 6. A coaxial clamping annular assembly as described in embodiment 5, wherein the clamping portion and the fixed portion of the annular body are defined by a gap or gap extending transversely to the annular body and partially through the central hole.

[0062] EMBODIMENT 9 the fastening portion includes a radially extending slot extending through the central aperture and separating one side of the fastening portion into two ends; 9. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of embodiment 8, wherein when the threaded bearing is threaded into the second central hole of the fixed portion and the threaded screw is threaded into the central hole of the threaded bearing and extends through the central hole of the clamping portion, the two ends of the clamping portion are brought toward each other to reduce the diameter of the central hole of the clamping portion and tighten the threaded screw.

[0063] EMBODIMENT 10 the two ends of the fastening portion extend outwardly to form two flat tabs; 10. A coaxial clamping annular assembly as described in embodiment 9, wherein a first of the two flat tabs has a threaded hole to receive a clamping screw, and a second of the two flat tabs has a non-threaded through hole to enable the clamping screw to be inserted into the through hole and reach the threaded hole of the first of the two flat tabs.

[0064] EMBODIMENT 11 11. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 10, wherein the clamping screw has a flared head, and when the clamping screw is threaded onto the first flat tab, the head presses against the second flat tab, forcing the two flat tabs closer together, thereby clamping the clamping portion around the threaded screw.

[0065] EMBODIMENT 12 10. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of embodiment 9, wherein the clamping portion comprises an additional radially extending slot cut into a face of the central hole of the clamping portion, the additional radially extending slot being located directly opposite the radially extending slot and the central hole of the clamping portion.

[0066] EMBODIMENT 13 13. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of embodiment 12, wherein the additional radially extending slots are terminated in a rounded shape to provide stress relief.

[0067] EMBODIMENT 14 A support bracket comprising: a plurality of bottom support surfaces, each having one or more adjustable set screws that can be raised or lowered; a plurality of side support surfaces each having one or more adjustable set screws, the set screws of each side support surface being capable of being raised and lowered relative to the side support surface; Equipped with When an object is placed on the support bracket and in contact with the plurality of bottom support surfaces and the plurality of side support surfaces, the vertical position and attitude of the object can be adjusted by adjusting the one or more adjustable set screws on each of the bottom support surfaces, and the lateral position or attitude of the object can be adjusted by adjusting the one or more adjustable set screws on each of the side support surfaces.

[0068] EMBODIMENT 15 15. The support bracket of embodiment 14, wherein the vertical attitude of the object includes height, pitch, and roll.

[0069] EMBODIMENT 16 15. The support bracket of claim 14, wherein the lateral attitude of the object includes a yaw of the object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 20 Molded Wedge Bottom 110 Glass Sheet / Ribbon 150 Single Height Edge Roller 250 Dual Height Edge Roller 251 Upper edge roller 252 Lower edge roller 252a Main body part 255 Edge roller assembly 255a, 255b Drive motor 300A, 300B Upper transition section 305A, 305B Access opening 400 Sealing plate 401 1st sealing plate part 402 2nd sealing plate part 410 Upper bearing 420 Lower Bearing 510 Cooling plate 520 Front cooling plate 600 Slide screw 610 Control Knob 620 Second Control Knob 621 Control Shaft 630 Bevel gear section 650 Linear moving platform 700 Coaxial Clamping Annular Assembly 701 Circular body 705 Central hole 705A 2nd center hole 710 Fastening part Tabs 711 and 712 720 Fixed part 740 Fastening screw 741 Head 742 Handle part 760 Bearings 762 Male threaded part 800 Slide 810 Lower half of slide 860 Support bracket

Claims

1. 1. A coaxial clamping annular assembly comprising: a fastening portion having a central bore therethrough for receiving a threaded screw; a fastening portion having a second central aperture coaxially aligned with the central aperture of the fastening portion; and a threaded bearing having a central bore extending therethrough and an externally threaded portion; Equipped with the second central bore of the fixed portion is internally threaded to receive the externally threaded portion of the threaded bearing; a coaxial clamping annular assembly, wherein when the threaded bearing is threadedly engaged with the second central bore of the fixed portion, the central bore of the threaded bearing and the central bore of the clamping portion are coaxially aligned to receive the threaded screw.

2. 2. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 1, wherein said second central bore of said fixed portion has a larger diameter than said central bore of said clamping portion to enable said threaded portion of said threaded bearing to threadably engage said second central bore.

3. 2. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 1, wherein said clamping portion and said fixed portion of said annular body are defined by a gap or gap extending transversely to said annular body and partially through said central aperture.

4. the fastening portion includes a radially extending slot extending through the central aperture and separating one side of the fastening portion into two ends; 4. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 3, wherein when the threaded bearing is threaded into the second central hole of the fixed portion and the threaded screw is threaded into the central hole of the threaded bearing and extends through the central hole of the clamping portion, the two ends of the clamping portion are brought toward each other to reduce the diameter of the central hole of the clamping portion and tighten the threaded screw.

5. the two ends of the fastening portion extend outwardly to form two flat tabs; 5. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 4, wherein a first one of said two flat tabs includes a threaded hole for receiving a clamping screw and a second one of said two flat tabs includes a non-threaded through hole for allowing said clamping screw to be inserted into said through hole and into said threaded hole of said first one of said two flat tabs.

6. 6. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 5, wherein the clamping screw has a flared head, and when the clamping screw is threaded onto the first flat tab, the head presses against the second flat tab and brings the two flat tabs closer together, thereby clamping the clamping portion around the threaded screw.

7. 5. The coaxial clamping annular assembly of claim 4, wherein said clamping portion includes an additional radially extending slot cut into a face of said central hole of said clamping portion directly opposite said radially extending slot and said central hole of said clamping portion.

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