Method and apparatus for manufacturing ribbons

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus (100) includes a forming apparatus (101) that forms a glass ribbon (103) and defines a first path of travel (109) for the glass ribbon (103). The glass manufacturing apparatus (100) includes support bearings (203, 205) that include bearing surfaces (307, 327) and a plurality of openings (309, 329) through which gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon (103). The support bearings (203, 205) move between a first position, in which the bearing surfaces (307, 327) are spaced a distance from the first path of travel (109), and a second position, in which the bearing surfaces (307, 327) engage the glass ribbon (103) and guide the glass ribbon (103) to move along a second path of travel (361) that is different from the first path of travel (109). A method of manufacturing a glass ribbon is provided.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 374,414, filed September 2, 2022, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon, and more particularly to methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon by supporting the glass ribbon with support bearings. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known to produce molten material into a glass ribbon in a glass manufacturing apparatus. The glass ribbon can be stored by winding the glass ribbon into a roll on a winding apparatus. However, supplying spools of glass to the winding apparatus in a clean environment can be expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, it can be difficult to accommodate changes in the position of the glass ribbon during the winding process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described in the detailed description.

[0005] In an embodiment, one or more support bearings can be disposed in a clean room environment between the forming device and the winding device. The support bearings can guide the glass ribbon from the forming device to the winding device without contacting the glass ribbon. The support bearings can adjust the lateral position of the glass ribbon if it becomes off-center by controlling gas flow across the width of the glass ribbon. One or more rollers disposed downstream of the support bearings and upstream of the winding device can guide the glass ribbon to the winding device and change position to adjust non-planar regions of the glass ribbon.

[0006] In an aspect, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device configured to form a glass ribbon and defining a first travel path for the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support bearing including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon. The support bearing moves between a first position, in which the bearing surface is spaced a distance from the first travel path, and a second position, in which the bearing surface engages the glass ribbon and guides the glass ribbon to move along a second travel path different from the first travel path.

[0007] In an embodiment, the support bearing includes a first zone including a first portion of the plurality of apertures through which the gas exits and configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon, and the support bearing includes a second zone including a second portion of the plurality of apertures through which the gas exits and configured to impart a second force to the glass ribbon that is less than the first force.

[0008] In an aspect, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers spaced apart and positioned downstream of a support bearing, the first set of drag rollers configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of drag rollers configured to engage a second, opposing edge of the glass ribbon.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first set of drag rollers includes a first drag roller and a second drag roller spaced apart to define a gap, and a first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap. The second set of drag rollers includes a third drag roller and a fourth drag roller spaced apart to define a second gap, and a second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are movable between a first position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a second distance, the first distance being different from the second distance.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first drag roller is movable relative to the second drag roller to adjust the size of the gap.

[0012] In an aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a drive roller extending through the opening in the bearing surface and positioned upstream of the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers, the drive roller configured to engage the glass ribbon.

[0013] In an embodiment, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device configured to form a glass ribbon and defining a first travel path for the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support bearing including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which a gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon. The support bearing includes a first zone including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which the gas exits and configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon. The support bearing includes a second zone including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which the gas exits and configured to impart a second force to the glass ribbon that is less than the first force. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a gas source in fluid communication with the support bearing. The gas source is configured to provide gas to the support bearing through the plurality of openings to guide the glass ribbon.

[0014] In an aspect, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers spaced apart and positioned downstream of a support bearing, the first set of drag rollers configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of drag rollers configured to engage a second, opposing edge of the glass ribbon.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first set of drag rollers includes a first drag roller and a second drag roller spaced apart to define a gap, and a first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap. The second set of drag rollers includes a third drag roller and a fourth drag roller spaced apart to define a second gap, and a second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are movable between a first position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a second distance, the first distance being different from the second distance.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first drag roller is movable relative to the second drag roller to adjust the size of the gap.

[0018] In an aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a drive roller extending through the passageway of the bearing surface and positioned upstream of the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers, the drive roller configured to engage the glass ribbon.

[0019] In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon includes moving a glass ribbon in a first direction of travel along a first path of travel. The method includes emitting a gas from a support bearing. The method includes moving the support bearing from a first position, where the support bearing is spaced a distance from the first path of travel, to a second position, where the gas from the support bearing impinges on the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon to move along a second path of travel that is different from the first path of travel.

[0020] In an embodiment, the step of emitting the gas includes emitting the gas from a first zone of the support bearing that includes a first portion of the plurality of apertures and that imparts a first force to the glass ribbon, and emitting the gas from a second zone of the support bearing that includes a second portion of the plurality of apertures and that imparts a second force to the glass ribbon, the second force being less than the first force.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first zone and the second zone are aligned substantially perpendicular to the second path of travel.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method includes contacting the glass ribbon with a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers positioned downstream of the support bearing relative to a first direction of movement.

[0023] In an aspect, the method includes changing the path of travel of the glass ribbon by moving the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers.

[0024] In an aspect, the method may include providing a portion of the glass ribbon in an unsupported, freely hanging state under the influence of gravity at a location upstream from where the glass ribbon contacts the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers.

[0025] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] These and other features, aspects and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support bearing in an initial first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of support bearings according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of a pair of support bearings according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a top view of a support bearing according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support bearing in an initial first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support bearing in an initial first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support bearing in an initial first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support bearing and multiple drag rollers according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of multiple drag rollers according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a top view of multiple drag rollers and a winding device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of drag rollers and a drive roller according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of drag rollers and a winding device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of drag rollers and a winding device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a winding device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0028] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or may be greater or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, etc., and other factors known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one value and / or to "about" another value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one value and / or to the other value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0030] Any directional terms used herein—e.g., up, down, right, left, front, back, upper, bottom, upward, downward, etc.—are used only with reference to the drawings depicted and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0031] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, or that any particular orientation of any apparatus be required. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps must be followed, or an apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation for individual components, or where it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claim or description that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, or where a particular order or orientation for the apparatus components is not recited, no order or orientation is intended to be implied in any way. This applies to any possible non-expressive criteria of interpretation, including the sequence of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components, or the orientation of components; the obvious meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation; and logical matters regarding the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0032] As used herein, nouns include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a component includes two or more of such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] The words "exemplary" and "example" or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Moreover, examples are provided merely for clarity and understanding and are not intended to limit or restrict in any way the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure. It will be recognized that numerous additional or alternative examples of various areas may have been presented but omitted for brevity.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including," and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, shall be construed as synonymous and open-ended. The list of elements preceding the transitional phrase "comprising" is a non-exclusive list, and thus, elements in addition to those specifically listed in the list may be present.

[0035] The terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof used herein are intended to indicate that a described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean a flat or nearly flat surface. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In embodiments, "substantially" can mean values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, e.g., within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0036] Modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, "first," "second," etc. are not intended to imply any temporal aspect, spatial aspect, ordering, etc. Instead, such terms are used merely as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B, or two different or two identical ends or the same end.

[0037] The present disclosure relates to glass support devices and methods for supporting glass spools. For purposes of this application, a "ribbon" can be considered one or more of a glass ribbon in a viscous state, a glass ribbon in an elastic state (e.g., at room temperature), and / or a glass ribbon in a viscoelastic state between a viscous state and an elastic state. In embodiments, the "ribbon" can be made from a film, foil (e.g., ultra-thin copper, aluminum, conductive material), plastic, polymer, metal, paper, fiber, ceramic, or glass-ceramic material. Methods and devices for supporting glass spools will now be described, according to exemplary embodiments. For purposes of this disclosure, in embodiments, a glass manufacturing device can include a glass forming device that forms glass articles (e.g., glass ribbons) from a volume of molten material. In embodiments, the glass ribbons can be utilized in a wide variety of display applications, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, plasma display panels (PDPs), touch sensors, solar cells, flip phones, and the like.

[0038] As shown generally in FIG. 1 , in embodiments, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a forming apparatus 101 configured to form a glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, the forming apparatus 101 can include a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus, an updraw apparatus, a rolling mill, or other glass forming apparatus that forms a glass ribbon. In embodiments, the forming apparatus 101 can include a feed conduit through which the glass ribbon 103 can exit the forming apparatus 101. For example, the feed conduit can include a passageway having an opening 105. The feed conduit can be oriented along the direction of gravity, such that the glass ribbon 103 can flow downward along the direction of gravity through the feed conduit.

[0039] In an embodiment, the forming apparatus 101 can define an upstream portion of a travel path 109 extending in a first direction of travel 111. The forming apparatus 101 can convey the glass ribbon 103 along the upstream portion of the travel path 109 in the first direction of travel 111. In an embodiment, the forming apparatus 101 can be located outside of a clean room environment 115, and one or more portions of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 are located within the clean room environment 115. The clean room environment 115 can be contained within one or more walls (e.g., shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 ) and can include a reduced level of particulates compared to the level of particulates (e.g., dust, airborne organics, vaporized particles, etc.) outside of the clean room environment 115. In an embodiment, the clean room environment 115 can be maintained at a positive pressure relative to the outside of the clean room environment 115 such that gas flows from the clean room environment 115 to the environment outside of the clean room environment 115. In an embodiment, the pressure differential between the clean room environment 115 and the outside environment can be about 5 Pascals or greater. In embodiments, the cleanroom environment 115 may include an ISO (“International Organization for Standardization”) 6 cleanroom.

[0040] The glass ribbon 103 may enter the clean room environment 115 through an opening, for example, in the ceiling of the clean room environment 115. As the glass ribbon 103 enters the clean room environment 115, the glass ribbon 103 may be directed by one or more support bearings 117 along a movement path toward a winding device 121, where the glass ribbon 103 may be wound into a roll. The one or more support bearings 117 may be located within the clean room environment 115. The winding device 121 may include, for example, a spool 123, which may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The spool 123 may receive the glass ribbon 103, where the glass ribbon 103 may be wound around the spool 123 into a roll. Thus, in an embodiment, a method of manufacturing the glass ribbon 103 may include moving the glass ribbon 103 along the movement path 109 in a first movement direction 111, for example, to the winding device 121.

[0041] In embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may sag, and due to the force of gravity imparted to the glass ribbon 103, the glass ribbon 103 may tend to remain centered relative to the one or more support bearings 117, thus resulting in a stable system or arrangement. For example, the glass ribbon 103 may tend to self-center, such that even when supported by one or more support bearings 117, the glass ribbon 103 may return to a central position that is centered relative to the one or more support bearings 117. In embodiments, the one or more support bearings 117 may exert greater pressure on the edges of the glass ribbon 103 than on the center of the glass ribbon 103, thus causing the glass ribbon 103 to tend to remain centered relative to the one or more support bearings 117. Additionally, the glass ribbon 103 may include a free loop (e.g., immediately upstream of the reel 121), where the mass of the free loop may further assist in centering the glass ribbon 103 due to the effect of gravity and the mass of the glass ribbon 103 within the free loop. The free loop may include a portion of the glass ribbon 103 that is not supported (e.g., by a support bearing 117 or other support structure) and therefore hangs freely at a location upstream of the reel 121. The glass ribbon 103 may therefore be centered widthwise due, at least in part, to the free loop and one or more support bearings 117.

[0042] 2 illustrates the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 with the one or more support bearings 117 in an initial position. In the initial position, the one or more support bearings 117 can be spaced apart from the glass ribbon 103 and the travel path 109, such that the one or more support bearings 117 do not guide, direct, or otherwise move the glass ribbon 103. Instead, the glass ribbon 103 can move vertically along the travel path 109 under the influence of gravity. In embodiments, the one or more support bearings 117 can be positioned in the initial position, for example, at the beginning of the forming process. In embodiments, a reject device 201 can be positioned below the forming apparatus 101, such that the glass ribbon 103 can move into the reject device 201, where it can be crushed. In embodiments, the one or more support bearings 117 can include multiple support bearings spaced apart along the travel path of the glass ribbon 103 from the forming apparatus 101 to the winding apparatus 121. For example, the one or more support bearings 117 may include a first support bearing 203, a second support bearing 205, a third support bearing 207, a fourth support bearing 209, a fifth support bearing 211, and a sixth support bearing 213. In an embodiment, the support bearings 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 may initially be in a first position in which the support bearings 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 are spaced a distance from the path of travel 109.

[0043] In embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may have a temperature in a range of about 300 degrees Celsius (“°C”) to about 350°C while moving within the clean room environment 115. The glass ribbon 103 may have a travel speed in a range of about 1 meter / minute to about 30 meters / minute, or about 1000 millimeters (“mm”) / minute to about 10,000 mm / minute. The glass ribbon 103 may have a width in a range of about 500 mm to about 2 meters, or about 500 mm to about 600 mm, and a center thickness in a range of about 30 micrometers (“microns”) to about 200 micrometers, or about 50 micrometers to about 150 micrometers. The glass ribbon 103 may have a ribbon camber of less than about 1.5 mm.

[0044] 3-4 show the first support bearing 203 and the second support bearing 205 after they have moved from an initial first position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) to a position where they engage the glass ribbon 103. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first support bearing 203 and the second support bearing 205, and FIG. 4 shows a side view of the first support bearing 203 and the second support bearing 205. First, it should be noted that the support bearings disclosed herein are not limited to the positions shown. Instead, based on the thickness of the glass ribbon 103, the support bearings can be positioned in different positions, and thus the glass ribbon 103 can experience different degrees of bending. For example, as the bend radius of the glass ribbon 103 decreases, glass stress will decrease. As the thickness of the glass ribbon 103 increases, a larger bend radius will be required, which will require the glass ribbon 103 to travel a longer distance from the forming device 101 to the winding device 121. In this manner, the support bearings can support the glass ribbon 103 while maintaining the stress in the glass ribbon within a desired range, as the stress in the glass ribbon is based, at least in part, on the bending radius experienced by the glass ribbon 103.

[0045] The first support bearing 203 and the second support bearing 205 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the other support bearings 207, 209, 211, and 213. For example, the first support bearing 203 can have a substantially hollow interior first chamber that can be bounded by a first wall 303. The first support bearing 203 can include a first bearing surface 307 and a plurality of first openings 309 therethrough through which gas can exit to impact the glass ribbon 103. The first bearing surface 307 can be positioned adjacent to the travel path 109 such that as the glass ribbon 103 moves from the forming apparatus 101, the gas exits through the first openings 309 and impacts the glass ribbon 103, thereby imparting a force to the glass ribbon 103. The first openings 309 can be spaced along the first bearing surface 307 and can be in fluid communication with the first chamber 301.

[0046] In embodiments, a first gas source 313 can be in fluid communication with the first support bearing 203, the first gas source 313 configured to supply gas to the first support bearing 203 and direct the glass ribbon 103 through a plurality of openings in the first support bearing 203. The first gas source 313 can include, for example, a pump, a canister, a cartridge, a boiler, a compressor, a pressure vessel, etc., and can supply a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, a mixture of gases, etc.) to the first chamber 301. In embodiments, the first gas source 313 can supply compressed gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, helium, combinations thereof, or other gases maintained under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure), where the gas can flow from the first gas source 313, enter the first chamber 301, and through the first openings 309 toward the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, one or more fluid control devices (e.g., valves, fans, pipes, conduits, etc.) can be in fluid communication with first gas source 313 and first chamber 301, where the fluid control devices can facilitate the supply and control of gas to first support bearing 203. In embodiments, first bearing surface 307 can have a non-planar shape, such as a curved shape as shown in FIG. 4, although in embodiments, first bearing surface 307 can have a planar shape.

[0047] The second support bearing 205 can have a substantially hollow interior second chamber 321 that can be bounded by a second wall 323. The second support bearing 205 can include a second bearing surface 327 and a series of second openings 329 through which gas exits to impact the glass ribbon 103. The bearing surface 327 of the second support bearing 205 can be positioned adjacent to the travel path 109 so that as the glass ribbon 103 moves from the forming apparatus 101, the gas exits through the second openings 329 and impacts the glass ribbon 103, thereby imparting a force to the glass ribbon 103. The second openings 329 can be spaced along the second bearing surface 327 and can be in fluid communication with the second chamber 321. In this manner, the second gas source 333 can be in fluid communication with the second support bearing 205, the second gas source 333 configured to supply gas to the second support bearing 205 and direct the glass ribbon 103 through the plurality of openings in the second support bearing 205. The second gas source 333 can be substantially identical to the first gas source 313. In embodiments, the second gas source 333 can supply compressed gas, where the gas can flow from the second gas source 333, into the second chamber 321, and through the second openings 329 toward the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, the second bearing surface 327 can have a non-planar shape, such as a curved shape as shown in FIG. 4 , although in embodiments, the second bearing surface 327 can have a planar shape. Thus, in an embodiment, the method may include moving the support bearings 203, 205 from a first position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ) in which the support bearings 203, 205 are spaced a distance from the first movement path 109 to a second position in which gas from the support bearings 203, 205 impinges on the glass ribbon 103 and directs the glass ribbon 103 to move along a second movement path 357 that is different from the first movement path 109.

[0048] 3 , in embodiments, the support bearings 203, 205 can include multiple zones 345 that can apply a pressure difference to the glass ribbon 103 via gas ejected from the openings 309, 329. For example, referring to the second support bearing 205, the second support bearing 205 can include a first zone 347 that includes a first portion 349 of the multiple openings 329 through which the gas ejects and is configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon 103. The second support bearing 205 can include a second zone 351 that includes a second portion 353 of the multiple openings 329 through which the gas ejects and is configured to impart a second force to the glass ribbon 103 that is less than the first force. In embodiments, the multiple zones 345 can be separated by one or more walls disposed within the second chamber 321. For example, a wall may be disposed between a first zone 347 and a second zone 351 in the second chamber 321, separating the first zone 347 from the second zone 351. In this manner, the first zone 347 may not be in fluid communication with the second zone 351. Similarly, other zones may be separated by walls to limit fluid communication between two other zones.

[0049] In an embodiment, the plurality of zones 345 of the second support bearing 205 can be positioned in rows and columns. The rows can be perpendicular or transverse to the second direction of travel 361 of the glass ribbon 103, and the columns can be parallel to or aligned with the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103. For example, a first zone 347 can be adjacent to a second zone 351, with the first zone 347 and the second zone 351 positioned in a row. In this manner, the first zone 347 and the second zone 351 can be aligned substantially perpendicular to the second path of travel 357 of the glass ribbon 103. By being aligned substantially perpendicular, an axis can intersect the first zone 347 and the second zone 351, the axis lying perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 moves along the second path of travel 357.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a top view of a portion of the second support bearing 205 including a first zone 347 and a second zone 351. In embodiments, different zones of the plurality of zones 345 can impart different forces to the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first zone 347 can impart a first force, while the second zone 351 can impart a second force, which can be less than the first force. The plurality of zones 345 can impart different forces in several ways. For example, in embodiments, the first zone 347 and the second zone 351 can include different numbers of apertures. That is, the first portion 349 of the plurality of apertures can include fewer apertures than the second portion 353 of the plurality of apertures. In embodiments, the apertures in the second portion 353 can be closer together (e.g., the distance separating adjacent apertures) than the apertures in the first portion 349, and thus the second zone 351 can include more apertures than the first zone 347. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion 349 and second portion 353 of the plurality of openings may have different sizes (e.g., diameters), which may further affect the forces imparted by the first zone 347 and second zone 351.

[0051] In embodiments, the second support bearing 205 is not limited to including one gas source (e.g., the second gas source 333), but may instead include multiple gas sources. For example, the second support bearing 205 may include gas sources in fluid communication with one or more zones, such as the second gas source 333 in fluid communication with the first zone 347 and the third gas source 501 in fluid communication with the second zone 351. In this manner, different amounts of gas can be supplied to the different zones, thereby allowing different forces to be imparted by the different sizes. In embodiments, the second gas source 333 can supply a first amount (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of gas to the first zone 347, and the third gas source 501 can supply a second amount (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of gas to the second zone 351, which may be different from the first amount. Additionally or alternatively, one or more fans can be provided in fluid communication with the gas source 333, 501 to further increase or decrease the amount of gas supplied. Thus, in this manner, different zones 347, 351 can impart different forces to the glass ribbon 103 because each zone 347, 351 includes a different gas source and a different number of openings 349, 353. While the above description of different zones 347, 351 has been with respect to the second support bearing 205, in embodiments, some or all of the support bearings 203, 207, 209, 211, 213 can include multiple zones substantially identical in structure and function to the zones 347, 351. Additionally, while the above description of second support bearing 205 was limited to two zones 347, 351, in embodiments, some or all of support bearings 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 may include more than two zones, which are substantially identical to zones 347, 351 of Figures 3-5.

[0052] In embodiments, by applying different forces to the glass ribbon 103 from the zones 347, 351, the glass ribbon 103 can be directed or advanced in a first transverse direction 503 or a third transverse direction 505 that is substantially perpendicular to the second movement direction 361. For example, by increasing the flow rate of gas through the first portion 349 of the openings and decreasing the flow rate of gas through the second portion 353 of the openings, the force imparted by the first zone 347 can be greater than the force imparted by the second zone 351. This force difference can cause the glass ribbon 103 to move in the first transverse direction 503 (e.g., away from the first zone 347 and toward the second zone 351) as the glass ribbon 103 moves in the second movement direction 361. Conversely, by increasing the flow rate of gas through the second portion 335 of the openings and decreasing the flow rate of gas through the first portion 349 of the openings, the force imparted by the second zone 351 can be greater than the force imparted by the first zone 349. This force difference can cause the glass ribbon 103 to move in a second transverse direction 505 (e.g., away from the second zone 351 and toward the first zone 347) as the glass ribbon 103 moves in the second movement direction 361. Thus, the multiple zones 345 can adjust the position of the glass ribbon 103 by moving the glass ribbon 103 in the transverse directions 503, 505. In this manner, some or all of the support bearings 117 disclosed herein can include multiple zones, and in embodiments, some or all of the zones can include separate gas sources that supply gas to that particular zone, such that the support bearings 117 disclosed herein can control the lateral movement (e.g., transverse directions 503, 505) of the glass ribbon 103 as it moves from the forming apparatus 101 to the winding apparatus 121. Thus, the method can include emitting gas from the support bearings 203, 205.Further, the method may include emitting the gas from a first zone 347 of the second support bearing 205, the first zone 347 including a first portion 349 of the plurality of apertures and applying a first force to the glass ribbon 103, and emitting the gas from a second zone 351 of the second support bearing 205 including a second portion 353 of the plurality of apertures and applying a second force to the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, the second force may be less than the first force. In embodiments, the flow of gas through the zones 347, 351 may be controlled by an operator, for example, based on feedback related to the glass ribbon 103 provided to the operator. Additionally or alternatively, one or more controllers (e.g., programmable logic controllers) may receive the feedback and adjust the flow of gas through the zones 347, 351, thereby automating the control and / or steering of the glass ribbon 103, for example, by adjusting the flow of gas to the zones 347, 351. In embodiments, to further support the glass ribbon 103, the support bearings, for example, the second support bearings 205, can be adjusted and movable in the transverse directions 503, 505 to accommodate the position of the glass ribbon 103.

[0053] 6 illustrates the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 after the first support bearing 203 has moved from an initial first position (e.g., shown in FIG. 2 ) to a second position. In an embodiment, in the first position, the first support bearing 203 can initially be spaced a first distance 601 from the path of travel 109, and in the second position, the first support bearing 203 can be adjacent to the path of travel 109, such that the distance between the path of travel 109 and the first support bearing 203 can be approximately zero. In an embodiment, the first support bearing 203 can move from the first position to the second position in a first direction of travel 603, where the first direction of travel 603 can be toward the path of travel 109. The glass ribbon 103 can continue to move along the path of travel 109 and into the disposal apparatus 201 as the first support bearing 203 moves in the first direction of travel 603. In an embodiment, while the first support bearing 203 moves from the first position to the second position, the other support bearings 205 , 207 , 209 , 211 , 213 can remain stationary and spaced from the path of travel 109 .

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates glass manufacturing apparatus 100 after second support bearing 205 has moved from an initial first position (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) to a second position. FIG. 7 illustrates first support bearing 203 and second support bearing 205 in the same positions as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In an embodiment, in the initial first position, second support bearing 205 can be spaced a first distance 701 from path of travel 109, and in the second position, second support bearing 205 can be adjacent path of travel 109, such that the distance between path of travel 109 and second support bearing 205 can be approximately zero. In an embodiment, second support bearing 205 can move from the first position to the second position in a first direction of travel 703, where first direction of travel 703 can be toward path of travel 109. The glass ribbon 103 can continue to move along the path of movement 109 and into the disposal device 201 as the second support bearing 205 moves in the first direction of movement 703. In an embodiment, while the second support bearing 205 moves from the first position to the second position, the other support bearings 207, 209, 211, 213 can remain stationary and spaced apart from the path of movement 109. When the first support bearing 203 and the second support bearing 205 are in the second position, the bearing surfaces 307, 327 can engage the glass ribbon 103 and guide the glass ribbon 103 to move along a second path of movement 357 that is different from the first path of movement 109. For example, the first support bearing 203 can maintain an upstream portion of the glass ribbon 103 moving in a substantially vertical direction along the first path of movement 109. The second support bearing 205 applies a force to the glass ribbon 103, causing the glass ribbon 103 to move in the first movement direction 703, so that the glass ribbon 103 no longer moves along the first movement path 109, but instead moves along the second movement path 357.

[0055] In an embodiment, a fourth support bearing 209 disposed downstream of the second support bearing 205 can move from an initial first position (e.g., shown in FIG. 2 ) to a second position shown in FIG. 7 . In an embodiment, in the initial first position, the fourth support bearing 209 can initially be spaced a first distance 701 from the path of travel 109, and in the second position, the fourth support bearing 209 can be adjacent to the path of travel 357, such that the distance between the path of travel 357 and the fourth support bearing 209 can be approximately zero. In an embodiment, the fourth support bearing 209 can move from the first position to the second position in a first direction of travel 703. In an embodiment, the fourth support bearing 209 can be disposed on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 as the second support bearing 205, and the second support bearing 205 and the fourth support bearing 209 apply a force to the same side of the glass ribbon 103 to maintain the glass ribbon 103 in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0056] 8 illustrates glass manufacturing apparatus 100 after third support bearing 207 and fifth support bearing 211 have moved from an initial first position (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) to a second position. In an embodiment, in the initial first position, third support bearing 207 and fifth support bearing 211 can initially be spaced a first distance 801 from second path of travel 357, and in the second position, third support bearing 207 and fifth support bearing 211 can be adjacent second path of travel 357 such that the distance between second path of travel 357 and third support bearing 207 and fifth support bearing 211 is approximately zero. In an embodiment, third support bearing 207 and fifth support bearing 211 can move in a first direction of travel 803, where first direction of travel 803 can be toward second path of travel 357. The first direction of movement 803 can be substantially the same as the first direction of movement 603 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6 ) in which the first support bearing 203 moves. The glass ribbon 103 can continue to move along the second path of movement 357 and is no longer directed into the disposal device 201. Instead, the glass ribbon 103 can be directed to move over the sixth support bearing 213 toward the winding device 121. In an embodiment, while the third support bearing 207 and the fifth support bearing 211 move in the first direction of movement 803, the other support bearings 203, 205, 209, 213 can remain stationary.

[0057] When the third support bearing 207 and the fifth support bearing 211 are in the second position, the bearing surfaces of the third support bearing 207 and the fifth support bearing 211 can engage the glass ribbon 103 and guide the glass ribbon 103 to move along the second movement path 357. In embodiments, the third support bearing 207 can be positioned on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 as the fifth support bearing 211, and the third support bearing 207 and the fifth support bearing 211 apply a force to the same side of the glass ribbon 103 to maintain the glass ribbon 103 in a substantially vertical orientation. In embodiments, the third support bearing 207 and the fifth support bearing 211 can be positioned on the opposite side of the glass ribbon 103 from the second support bearing 205 and the fourth support bearing 209. For example, the second support bearing 205 and the third support bearing 207 can be spaced apart to define a gap through which the glass ribbon 103 passes, and the second support bearing 205 and the third support bearing 207 are positioned at substantially the same elevation such that an axis substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon 103 can intersect the second support bearing 205 and the third support bearing 207. In an embodiment, the fourth support bearing 209 and the fifth support bearing 211 can be spaced apart to define a gap through which the glass ribbon 103 passes, and the fourth support bearing 209 and the fifth support bearing 211 are positioned downstream of the second support bearing 205 and the third support bearing 207 at substantially the same elevation such that an axis substantially perpendicular to the glass ribbon 103 can intersect the fourth support bearing 209 and the fifth support bearing 211. In this manner, the glass ribbon 103 can move substantially vertically while being supported on both sides by the support bearings 205, 207, 209, 211.

[0058] In embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include an inspection device 805 for inspecting the glass ribbon 103. For example, the inspection device 805 can be mounted to the third support bearing 207 and the fifth support bearing 211 such that the inspection device 805 can be positioned adjacent to the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 moves in the travel direction 111. In embodiments, the inspection device 805 can inspect the glass ribbon 103 to determine one or more characteristics of the glass ribbon 103, such as, for example, glass thickness, glass warpage, defects (e.g., striae, streaks), particulate contamination, etc. In embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a light source 807 configured to emit light. The light source 807 can be positioned on the same side of the glass ribbon 103 as the second support bearing 205 and the fourth support bearing 209, with the light source 807 positioned downstream of the fourth support bearing 209. In embodiments, the light source 807 can be positioned to face the glass ribbon 103 such that the light source 807 emits light through the glass ribbon 103 toward the inspection device 805. In this manner, illuminating the glass ribbon 103 can facilitate inspection of the glass ribbon 103 by the inspection device 805, for example, by allowing the inspection device 805 to detect characteristics of the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, a portion of the glass ribbon 103 is unsupported and can hang freely under the influence of gravity, for example, a portion of the glass ribbon 103 is positioned upstream of the sixth support bearing 213 and upstream of where the glass ribbon 103 contacts the drag roller (e.g., shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 9-10 ). The unsupported portion of the glass ribbon 103 can have a free-hanging U-shape because it is not supported by any air bearings (or other support structures).

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the sixth support bearing 213. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 6-8, the sixth support bearing 213 can be positioned downstream of the fourth support bearing 209 and the fifth support bearing 211 and upstream of the winding device 121. The sixth support bearing 213 can be positioned below the glass ribbon 103 such that the sixth support bearing 213 supports the glass ribbon 103 and directs it toward the winding device 121. In an embodiment, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a plurality of drag rollers 901 for engaging the glass ribbon 103 and directing the glass ribbon 103 toward the winding device 121. In an embodiment, the plurality of drag rollers 901 can be positioned downstream of the sixth support bearing 213 such that the glass ribbon 103 can contact the plurality of drag rollers 901 after passing through the sixth support bearing 213. In an embodiment, the plurality of drag rollers 901 can include a first set of drag rollers 903 disposed along a first edge of the glass ribbon 103 and a second set of drag rollers 905 disposed along a second edge of the glass ribbon 103. In this manner, the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 are spaced apart and disposed downstream of the sixth support bearing 213. The first set of drag rollers 903 can include a first drag roller 911 and a second drag roller 913 spaced apart to define a gap 915. The second set of drag rollers 905 can include a third drag roller 921 and a fourth drag roller 923 spaced apart to define a second gap 925.

[0060] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the multiple drag rollers taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9. A first set of drag rollers 903 can engage a first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103, and a second set of drag rollers 905 can engage a second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. In this manner, the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 can be received within a gap 915 between the first drag roller 911 and the second drag roller 913. The opposing second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 can be received within a second gap 925 between the third drag roller 921 and the fourth drag roller 923. In this manner, the multiple drag rollers 901 can rotate while in contact with the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 moves toward the winding device 121. Thus, the method may include contacting the glass ribbon 103 with a first set of drag rollers 903 and a second set of drag rollers 905 positioned downstream of the sixth support bearing 213 with respect to the direction of movement 111, 361 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0061] In embodiments, the multiple drag rollers 901 are not fixed in one position, but rather can be moved to conform to the shape and / or position of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 can be moved in a direction parallel to the surface of the glass ribbon 103 and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the glass ribbon 103. In this manner, the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 are movable between a first position (e.g., shown by solid lines in FIG. 10 ) in which the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 are separated by a first distance 1011, and a second position (e.g., shown by dashed lines in FIG. 10 ) in which the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 are separated by a second distance 1013. In embodiments, the first distance 1011 can be different from the second distance 1013; for example, in FIG. 10 , the first distance 1011 is less than the second distance 1013.

[0062] In addition to the movement of the multiple drag rollers 901 adjusting between the distances 1011, 1013, one or more of the drag rollers 901 can pivot between an open position and a closed position. For example, a first roller 911 can pivot between a closed position (e.g., shown by a solid line in FIG. 10 ) in which the first roller 911 is in contact with the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103, forming a gap 915 between the rollers 911, 913, and an open position (e.g., shown by a dashed line in FIG. 10 ) in which the first roller 911 is spaced from and not in contact with the glass ribbon 103. Similarly, the third roller 921 can pivot between a closed position (e.g., shown by a solid line in FIG. 10 ) in which the third roller 921 is in contact with the second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103, forming a gap 925 between the rollers 921, 923, and an open position (e.g., shown by a dashed line in FIG. 10 ) in which the third roller 921 is spaced from and not in contact with the glass ribbon 103. In the closed position, the rollers 911, 913, 921, 923 can contact the surface of the glass ribbon 103 and constrain the glass ribbon 103. In the open position, a portion of the rollers 911, 921 is not in contact with the surface of the glass ribbon 103 such that the glass ribbon 103 is not constrained.

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the multiple drag rollers 901, the glass ribbon 103, and the winding device 121. In an embodiment, the multiple drag rollers 901 can pivot about an axis 1101 to accommodate the position of the glass ribbon 103. For example, to facilitate proper winding of the glass ribbon 103 on the winding device 121, a first roller axis 1103 (e.g., also shown in FIG. 10 ) of the multiple drag rollers 901 can be parallel to a first winding axis 1105 of the winding device 121. For example, the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 can each rotate about a central axis. The first roller axis 1103 can extend between the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 and intersect the centers of the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921. In an embodiment, the winding device 121 is rotatable about the first winding axis 1105 as the glass ribbon 103 is being wound onto the winding device 121. To facilitate proper winding of the glass ribbon 103 onto the winding device 121 and to limit the tendency of the glass ribbon 103 to inadvertently contact a flange of the winding device 121, the first roller axis 1103 can be oriented substantially parallel to the first winding axis 1105.

[0064] In embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may be misaligned with respect to the winding device 121 and the plurality of drag rollers 901. Misalignment may cause the glass ribbon 103 to be angled, e.g., off-center, with respect to the first roller axis 1103 and the first winding axis 1105. To adjust the position of the glass ribbon 103, in embodiments, the winding device 121 and the plurality of drag rollers 901 may be pivoted. For example, the winding device 121 may be pivoted to extend along a second winding axis 1107 that is not parallel to or coaxial with the first winding axis 1105. To promote parallel alignment of the plurality of drag rollers 901 with respect to the winding device 121, the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 may similarly be pivoted about axis 1101. For example, the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 can pivot and extend along a second roller axis 1109. In an embodiment, the second roller axis 1109 can be substantially parallel to the second winding axis 1107. In this manner, the multiple drag rollers 901 and winding device 121 can pivot to remain in a parallel orientation to accommodate potential misalignment of the glass ribbon 103.

[0065] 12 shows a perspective view of the sixth support bearing 213. In an embodiment, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a plurality of drive rollers 1201 disposed upstream of the plurality of drag rollers 901. The plurality of drive rollers 1201 can contact the glass ribbon 103 and apply a force that moves the glass ribbon 103 in a moving direction toward the winding device 121. In an embodiment, the plurality of drive rollers 1201 can include a first set of drive rollers 1203 disposed along a first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second set of drive rollers 1205 disposed along a second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. The first set of drive rollers 1203 can include a first drive roller 1211 and a second drive roller 1213 spaced apart to define a gap within which the first edge 1001 of the glass ribbon 103 is received. The second set of drive rollers 1205 can include a third drive roller 1221 and a fourth drive roller 1223 spaced apart to define a second gap within which the second edge 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 is received.

[0066] The multiple drive rollers 1201 can rotate while in contact with the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 moves toward the winding device 121. For example, the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 can be attached to a motor (e.g., a servo motor) that can rotate the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 regardless of the presence of the glass ribbon 103. That is, the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 can be programmed to rotate at a predetermined speed, for example, the speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is moving. Thus, when the glass ribbon 103 is in contact with the multiple drive rollers 1201, the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 can be driven by the motor to apply a force to the glass ribbon 103, moving the glass ribbon 103 toward the winding device 121. In embodiments, the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 can extend through passages or openings in the sixth support bearing 213. For example, the second drive roller 1213 can extend through a first passage 1227 in the bearing surface of the sixth support bearing 213, and the fourth drive roller 1223 can extend through a second passage 1229 in the bearing surface of the sixth support bearing 213. In embodiments, the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 can be movable between an engaged position in which the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 are in contact with the glass ribbon 103, and a released position in which the second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 are spaced apart and not in contact with the glass ribbon 103. The second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 are movable downwardly away from the glass ribbon 103 to move to a release position. The second drive roller 1213 and the fourth drive roller 1223 are movable upwardly toward the glass ribbon 103 to move to an engagement position.

[0067] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the spool 123 as the glass ribbon 103 is being wound onto the spool 123. FIG. 13 illustrates an additional embodiment of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 in which multiple drag rollers 901 can simultaneously function as drive rollers, thereby eliminating the need for multiple drive rollers 1201. For example, the multiple drag rollers 901 can be substantially similar to the multiple drag rollers 901 shown in FIGS. 9-11. The multiple drag rollers 901 can include four drag rollers 911, 913, 921, and 923 that are positioned upstream of the winding apparatus 121 and are movable between multiple positions. In an embodiment, the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 can function substantially similarly to the first drive roller 1211 and the third drive roller 1221 of FIG. 12. For example, the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 can be attached to a motor (e.g., a servo motor) that can rotate the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 regardless of the presence of the glass ribbon 103. In this manner, the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 can be programmed to rotate at a predetermined speed, for example, at the speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is moving. Thus, when the glass ribbon 103 is in contact with the plurality of drag rollers 901, the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 can be driven by the motor to apply a force to the glass ribbon 103, moving the glass ribbon 103 toward the winding device 121.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 13 , the glass ribbon 103 may not be planar at a location upstream of the multiple drag rollers 901. Instead, the glass ribbon 103 may include a non-planar region 1301, such as a bump, camber, or other convex or arched shape, due to misalignment of the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, the non-planar region 1301 may be maintained upstream of the multiple drag rollers 901 due to the multiple drag rollers 901 contacting the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. In embodiments, the non-planar region 1301 may cause deformations in the glass ribbon 103 and / or problems with the winding process. The reel 121 and the multiple drag rollers 901 may be pivoted to reduce the presence of the non-planar region 1301. The pivoting may be performed while maintaining the reel 121 and the multiple drag rollers 901 in a substantially parallel orientation. For example, the centerline 1303 of the glass ribbon 103 can be located at the midpoint between the edges 1001, 1003, and the centerline 1303 extends along the glass ribbon 103 in a direction 1304 of movement of the glass ribbon 103. In an embodiment, the centerline 1303 can be substantially perpendicular to the first winding axis 1105 of the spool 123 to ensure proper winding of the glass ribbon 103 and limit contact of the glass ribbon 103 with the edges of the spool 123.

[0069] The multiple drag rollers 901 and winding device 121 can be pivoted without damaging the glass ribbon 103 or interfering with the winding process. For example, initially, the drag rollers 911, 913, 921, 923 can be in a closed position and in contact with the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. The first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 can be pivoted from this closed position (e.g., in contact with the glass ribbon 103) to an open position in which the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 are spaced from and not in contact with the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103. Because the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 are not in contact with the glass ribbon 103, the plurality of drag rollers 901 and the spool 123 can be pivoted, for example, in a manner similar to the pivoting about axes 1103, 1105, 1107, and 1109 shown in FIG. 11. Thus, the glass ribbon 103 remains unbroken or damaged while being pivoted by the plurality of drag rollers 901. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 10-14, the method can include changing the path of travel of the glass ribbon 103 by moving the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905.

[0070] 14 shows the reel 121 and the multiple drag rollers 901 after pivoting to remove the non-planar regions 1301. For example, the reel 121 and the multiple drag rollers 901 can be pivoted in a direction to remove the non-planar regions 1301 and flatten the glass ribbon 103. Additionally or alternatively, the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 can be moved to adjust the separation distance between the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905, similar to adjusting the distances 1011, 1013 shown in FIG. 10. During operation of the multiple drag rollers 901, the glass ribbon 103 is not constrained by the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905 because the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 are in the open position. Once the non-planar regions 1301 are removed and the glass ribbon 103 is planar, the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 can be moved from an open position to a closed position. For example, the first drag roller 911 and the third drag roller 921 can be moved downward to a closed position so that the edges 1001, 1003 of the glass ribbon 103 can be restrained by the first set of drag rollers 903 and the second set of drag rollers 905. In an embodiment, as the glass ribbon 103 is wound onto the spool 123, the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 may no longer apply a driving force to the glass ribbon 103. Instead, the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 can rotate freely, and the rotation of the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923 is caused by the movement of the glass ribbon 103. Instead of the driving force resulting from the second drag roller 913 and the fourth drag roller 923, the spool 123 can be attached to a motor that can rotate the spool 123 regardless of the presence of the glass ribbon 103. That is, the motor can be programmed to rotate the spool 123 at a predetermined speed, for example, at the speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is moving. The spool 123 can therefore be rotated by the motor, thus moving the glass ribbon 103 towards and around the spool 123.

[0071] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the winding device 121 including the spool 123, disposed downstream of the sixth support bearing 213. In an embodiment, the winding device 121 can include a slip sheet spool 1501 including slip sheet material 1503. The slip sheet material 1503 can be wound around the slip sheet spool 1501. In an embodiment, the slip sheet material 1503 can have a width equal to or greater than the width of the glass ribbon 103. The slip sheet material 1503 can be made, for example, from foamed polyethylene, a cardboard material, a sheet of polyvinyl material, or the like. The slip sheet material 1503 can be wound onto the spool 123 together with the glass ribbon 103 such that the slip sheet material 1503 is disposed between layers of the glass ribbon 103. In this manner, the slip sheet material 1503 can protect the glass ribbon 103 from vibrations, for example, during transportation. When the glass ribbon 103 is being wound onto a spool, the slip sheet material 1503 can be positioned adjacent to a major surface of the glass ribbon 103 so that the slip sheet material 1503 and the glass ribbon 103 can be wound together onto the spool 123.

[0072] In embodiments, a second winding device 1511 can be positioned adjacent to the winding device 121, with the second winding device 1511 being substantially identical to the winding device 121. For example, the second winding device 1511 can include a second spool 1513 (e.g., substantially identical to the spool 123), a second slip-sheet spool 1515 (e.g., substantially identical to the slip-sheet spool 1501), and a second slip-sheet material 1517 (e.g., substantially identical to the second slip-sheet material 1503). In embodiments, the second winding device 1511 can remain positioned adjacent to the winding device 121, with the second slip-sheet material 1517 being wound onto the second slip-sheet spool 1515, as the glass ribbon 103 and the slip-sheet material 1503 are being wound onto the spool 123.

[0073] The entire length of the glass ribbon 103 can, after a period of time, be wound onto the spool 123 along with the slip sheet material 1503. To limit downtime, the winding device 121 and the second winding device 1511 can be moved in a first direction 1521 so that the second winding device 1511 can take the position of the winding device 121. At this point, a new glass ribbon can be passed over the support bearing and wound onto the second spool 1513, and the second slip sheet material 1517 is simultaneously wound onto the second spool 1513 along with the new glass ribbon. During winding, the spool 123 can be removed and prepared for shipping (e.g., by placing it in a container), and the spool 123 is replaced with an empty spool. Therefore, downtime can be limited so that when the second spool 1513 has a complete glass ribbon, the second winding device 1511 can be moved in a second direction 1523 opposite to the first direction 1521 to prepare the second spool 1513 for transport.

[0074] The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can provide several benefits. For example, contact between the glass ribbon 103 and the surface can be minimized by the presence of a support bearing that can support the glass ribbon 103, for example, by injecting gas through one or more openings. Furthermore, the glass ribbon 103 can be limited from being off-center relative to the support bearing due to the presence of multiple zones within the support bearing, which can guide the glass ribbon 103 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 103. Additionally, the drag rollers and winding device can move (e.g., pivot, adjust, etc.) to accommodate non-planar regions of the glass ribbon 103, thereby improving winding of the glass ribbon 103.

[0075] While various aspects have been described in detail with reference to specific examples for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that the disclosure should not be considered limited thereto, as various modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0076] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0077] Embodiment 1 In glass manufacturing equipment, a forming device configured to form a glass ribbon and defining a first path of travel for the glass ribbon; a support bearing including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon, the support bearing configured to move between a first position in which the bearing surface is spaced a distance from the first path of travel and a second position in which the bearing surface engages the glass ribbon and guides the glass ribbon to move along a second path of travel different from the first path of travel; A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

[0078] Embodiment 2 The support bearing is a first zone including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits and configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon; a second zone including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits, the second zone configured to apply a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force; 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

[0079] Embodiment 3 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers spaced apart and positioned downstream from the support bearings, the first set of drag rollers configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of drag rollers configured to engage a second, opposing edge of the glass ribbon.

[0080] Embodiment 4 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first set of drag rollers includes a first drag roller and a second drag roller spaced apart to define a gap, wherein a first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap, and the second set of drag rollers includes a third drag roller and a fourth drag roller spaced apart to define a second gap, wherein a second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

[0081] Embodiment 5 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are movable between a first position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a second distance, the first distance being different from the second distance.

[0082] Embodiment 6 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first drag roller is movable relative to the second drag roller to adjust the size of the gap.

[0083] Embodiment 7 7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a drive roller extending through an opening in the bearing surface and positioned upstream of the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers, the drive roller configured to engage the glass ribbon.

[0084] Embodiment 8 In glass manufacturing equipment, a forming device configured to form a glass ribbon and defining a first path of travel for the glass ribbon; a support bearing including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon; a first zone including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits and configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon; a second zone including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits, the second zone configured to apply a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force; a support bearing including: a gas source in fluid communication with the support bearing configured to provide gas to the support bearing through the plurality of openings to guide the glass ribbon; A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

[0085] Embodiment 9 9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers spaced apart and positioned downstream from the support bearings, the first set of drag rollers configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of drag rollers configured to engage an opposing second edge of the glass ribbon.

[0086] Embodiment 10 10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first set of drag rollers includes a first drag roller and a second drag roller spaced apart to define a gap, and a first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap; and the second set of drag rollers includes a third drag roller and a fourth drag roller spaced apart to define a second gap, and a second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

[0087] Embodiment 11 11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are movable between a first position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a first distance and a second position where the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers are separated by a second distance, the first distance being different from the second distance.

[0088] Embodiment 12 12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first drag roller is movable relative to the second drag roller to adjust the size of the gap.

[0089] Embodiment 13 13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a drive roller extending through the passage of the bearing surface and positioned upstream of the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers, the drive roller configured to engage the glass ribbon.

[0090] Embodiment 14 1. A method for producing a glass ribbon, comprising: moving the glass ribbon in a first movement direction along a first movement path; venting the gas from the support bearing; and moving the support bearings from a first position in which the support bearings are spaced a distance from the first path of travel to a second position in which gas from the support bearings impinges on the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon to move along a second path of travel that is different from the first path of travel; A method comprising:

[0091] Embodiment 15 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of emitting the gas comprises emitting the gas from a first zone of the support bearing, the first zone comprising a first portion of a plurality of apertures and applying a first force to the glass ribbon, and emitting the gas from a second zone of the support bearing, the second zone comprising a second portion of the plurality of apertures and applying a second force to the glass ribbon, the second force being less than the first force.

[0092] Embodiment 16 16. The method of embodiment 15, wherein the first zone and the second zone are aligned substantially perpendicular to the second path of movement.

[0093] Embodiment 17 17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising contacting the glass ribbon with a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers disposed downstream of the support bearings with respect to the first direction of movement.

[0094] Embodiment 18 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising changing a travel path of the glass ribbon by moving the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers.

[0095] Embodiment 19 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising providing a portion of the glass ribbon in an unsupported, freely hanging state under the influence of gravity at a location upstream from where the glass ribbon contacts the first set of drag rollers and the second set of drag rollers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 Glass manufacturing equipment 101 Molding equipment 103 Glass Ribbon 105 Aperture 109 Travel Route 111 Direction of movement 115 Clean Room Environment 117, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 Support bearings 121 Winding device 123 spool 201 Disposal Device 301 Chamber 1 303 The First Wall 307 first bearing surface 309 First Opening 313 First Gas Source 321 Second Chamber 323 Second Wall 327 Second bearing surface 329 Second Opening 333 Second Gas Source 345 Multiple Zones 347 First Zone 349 First portion of multiple openings 351 Second Zone 353 Second part of multiple openings 357 Second Migration Route 361 Second Direction of Movement 501 Third Gas Source 805 Inspection equipment 807 Light source 901 Multiple drag rollers 903 First set of drag rollers 905 Second set of drag rollers 911, 913, 921, 923 Drag Roller 915 Gap 925 Second Gap 1001 First edge of glass ribbon 1003 Second edge of glass ribbon 1101 Axis 1103 First roller shaft 1105 First winding shaft 1107 Second winding shaft 1109 Second roller shaft 1201 Multiple drive rollers 1203 First set of drive rollers 1205 Second set of drive rollers 1211, 1213, 1221, 1223 Drive rollers 1227 First Passage 1229 Second Passage 1301 Non-planar region 1501 Slip sheet spool 1503 Slip-on material 1513 Second Spool 1515 Second slip sheet spool 1517 Second slip sheet material

Claims

1. In glass manufacturing equipment, a forming device configured to form a glass ribbon and defining a first path of travel for the glass ribbon; a support bearing including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon, the support bearing configured to move between a first position in which the bearing surface is spaced a distance from the first path of travel and a second position in which the bearing surface engages the glass ribbon and guides the glass ribbon to move along a second path of travel different from the first path of travel; A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

2. The support bearing is a first zone including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits and configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon; a second zone including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits, the second zone configured to apply a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force; The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers spaced apart and positioned downstream from the support bearings, the first set of drag rollers configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of drag rollers configured to engage an opposing second edge of the glass ribbon.

4. 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first set of drag rollers includes first and second drag rollers spaced apart to define a gap, and wherein a first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap, and the second set of drag rollers includes third and fourth drag rollers spaced apart to define a second gap, and wherein a second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

5. In glass manufacturing equipment, a forming device configured to form a glass ribbon and defining a first path of travel for the glass ribbon; a support bearing including a bearing surface and a plurality of openings through which gas exits to impinge on the glass ribbon; a first zone including a first portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits and configured to impart a first force to the glass ribbon; a second zone including a second portion of the plurality of openings through which gas exits, the second zone configured to apply a second force on the glass ribbon that is less than the first force; a support bearing including: a gas source in fluid communication with the support bearing configured to provide gas to the support bearing through the plurality of openings to guide the glass ribbon; A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

6. 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a first set of drag rollers and a second set of drag rollers spaced apart and positioned downstream from the support bearings, the first set of drag rollers configured to engage a first edge of the glass ribbon and the second set of drag rollers configured to engage an opposing second edge of the glass ribbon.

7. 7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first set of drag rollers includes first and second drag rollers spaced apart to define a gap, and wherein a first edge of the glass ribbon is received within the gap, and the second set of drag rollers includes third and fourth drag rollers spaced apart to define a second gap, and wherein a second edge of the glass ribbon is received within the second gap.

8. 1. A method for producing a glass ribbon, comprising: moving the glass ribbon in a first direction of travel along a first path of travel; venting the gas from the support bearing; and moving the support bearings from a first position in which the support bearings are spaced a distance from the first path of travel to a second position in which gas from the support bearings impinges on the glass ribbon and directs the glass ribbon to move along a second path of travel that is different from the first path of travel; A method comprising:

9. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of emitting the gas comprises emitting the gas from a first zone of the support bearing, the first zone including a first portion of a plurality of apertures and applying a first force to the glass ribbon, and emitting the gas from a second zone of the support bearing, the second zone including a second portion of the plurality of apertures and applying a second force to the glass ribbon, the second force being less than the first force.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the first zone and the second zone are aligned substantially perpendicular to the second path of movement.

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