Nip roller system for glass ribbons

Abstract

The nip roller system includes a nip roller configured to contact the glass ribbon and apply an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon moves between the nip roller and an opposing roller of the glass ribbon transport system, wherein the 6 o'clock position of the nip roller is aligned with the 12 o'clock position of the opposing roller.

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 / 411,264, filed September 29, 2022, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to nip roller systems, and more particularly, to an adjustable, pressure-regulated nip roller system that more precisely controls glass ribbon transport, stabilizes the scoring and separation process, and minimizes glass ribbon breakage in a backup breakage system (BBS) during glass manufacturing. [Background technology]

[0003] In the glass forming process, a ribbon of glass is transported on a series of driven rollers from a viscous rotating machine through a glass annealing furnace or controlled cooling apparatus (CCA) and then to a scoring / segmenting and BBS facility, where the glass ribbon is divided into individual sheets. Instabilities have been observed in glass ribbon transport, scoring / segmenting, and BBS when the ribbon thickness is less than 0.8 mm due to slippage of the low-mass glass ribbon on the transport rollers. Thinner glass ribbons, e.g., those in the range of approximately 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, are lighter than thicker glass ribbons. As a result, lighter glass ribbons experience less contact and friction on the transport roller system. Therefore, portions of the lighter glass ribbon may slip, lift, or move sideways on the transport roller system. This situation can cause the downstream glass ribbon to backflow, interrupting the continuous ribbon forming process.

[0004] Additionally, the glass ribbon must remain in place on the conveying system so that the process of scoring and separating individual glass sheets from the glass ribbon can be repeated without breakage. The scoring action also moves the lighter glass ribbon across the glass ribbon, potentially creating undesirable instabilities. The bending and instability of the glass ribbon during scoring and separation can cause waves to propagate upstream, creating unsafe disturbances in the glass ribbon. These instabilities necessitate a tensioning roller mechanism to apply a downward force to the glass ribbon to increase pressure, improve conveyance, and stabilize the glass ribbon while glass sheets are produced from it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a tension roller mechanism or nip roller system that improves the transport of thin glass ribbons and stabilizes the glass ribbon while glass sheets are being produced from the glass ribbon. The nip roller system is fully adjustable and applies a downward force to the glass ribbon, increasing the pressure from the glass ribbon to the transport roller system, providing more precise control over the transport of the glass ribbon and stabilizing the glass ribbon while the BBS is operating during scoring, separating glass sheets from the glass ribbon, etc.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a nip roller system includes a nip roller configured to contact a glass ribbon at the nip roller and apply an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon moves between the nip roller and an opposing roller of a glass ribbon transport system, the nip roller having a 6 o'clock position aligned with a 12 o'clock position of the opposing roller. The nip roller system further includes an across-ribbon adjustment mechanism configured to move the nip roller in a direction perpendicular to the direction of glass ribbon movement while the nip roller is in contact with the moving glass ribbon.

[0007] In an aspect, the cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism is mounted to a member disposed above the glass ribbon transport system, and the cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism comprises a linear motion control device.

[0008] In an embodiment, the linear motion control device includes a slide.

[0009] In an embodiment, the ribbon traverse adjustment mechanism comprises a linear motion controller and an extension rod having a first end connected to the linear motion controller and a second end connected to a handle.

[0010] The nip roller system may further include a support structure that secures the nip rollers and cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism above the glass ribbon transport system.

[0011] The nip roller system may further include upstream and downstream adjustment mechanisms configured to move the nip rollers in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon.

[0012] In an embodiment, the upstream-downstream adjustment mechanism includes a member extending across the glass ribbon transport system and connected to the nip rollers, and a plurality of interconnecting brackets that secure the member relative to the glass ribbon transport system.

[0013] The nip roller system may further include a cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism including a member including a slot extending across the glass ribbon transport system, and a mounting plate to which the nip roller is connected, the mounting plate being movable within the slot.

[0014] The nip roller system may further include an air cylinder assembly configured to move the nip roller vertically.

[0015] In an aspect, the air cylinder assembly comprises an air cylinder including a piston that expands and contracts based on the pressure of an air source in fluid communication therewith to move the nip roller, and a water-cooled plate adjacent to the air cylinder for cooling the air cylinder.

[0016] The nip roller system may further comprise a frame including an axle that provides an axis of rotation about which the nip roller rotates; a nip roller assembly including a roll pivot; and a yaw pivot.

[0017] In an aspect, the nip roller is configured to contact a central portion of the glass ribbon.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a glass ribbon transport system includes a drive roller configured to move the glass ribbon; a nip roller configured to contact the glass ribbon and apply an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon moves between the nip roller and the drive roller; and an adjustment mechanism configured to move the nip roller in a lateral direction of movement of the glass ribbon while the nip roller is in contact with the glass ribbon.

[0019] In an embodiment, the adjustable downward force is provided by an air cylinder.

[0020] In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a linear motion control device; and an extension rod having a first end connected to the linear motion control device and a second end connected to a member configured to rotate the extension rod.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of conveying a glass ribbon includes driving the glass ribbon with a drive roller; and applying an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon with the nip roller as the glass ribbon moves between the drive roller and the nip roller, wherein the 6 o'clock position of the nip roller is aligned with the 12 o'clock position of the drive roller.

[0022] The method may further include adjusting the position of the nip roller in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the glass ribbon while the nip roller is in contact with the glass ribbon.

[0023] The method may further include adjusting the downward force by varying the air pressure supplied to an air cylinder, the air cylinder including a piston that extends and retracts based on the air pressure to move the nip roller.

[0024] In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the position of the nip roller is performed by rotating an extension rod of a linear motion control device connected to the nip roller.

[0025] The foregoing and other characteristics, elements, features, steps, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nip roller system positioned over a portion of a glass ribbon transport system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a nip roller system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the nip roller system from the opposite side of the drawing of FIG. [Figure 4] Perspective view of upstream and downstream adjustment mechanism [Figure 5] Perspective view of ribbon cross-coarse adjustment mechanism [Figure 6] Perspective view of the ribbon cross-adjustment mechanism [Figure 7] Perspective view of the air cylinder assembly [Figure 8] Rear perspective view of the air cylinder assembly [Figure 9] A perspective view of a nip roller assembly DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which are shown to illustrate specific exemplary embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the concepts disclosed herein, and it should be understood that modifications can be made to the various disclosed embodiments and other embodiments can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

[0028] This disclosure describes, for example, a pressure-adjustable tension (nip) roller system 100 that can apply an adjustable downward force to a glass ribbon 820 while opposing a drive roller 814 of a glass ribbon transport system 810 to improve transport of the glass ribbon 820. As shown in FIG. 1 , the nip roller system 100 can be installed on a glass annealing furnace frame and positioned on a portion of the glass ribbon transport system 810 such that the nip roller 121 is directly above the transport roller 814, preferably the drive roller, of the glass ribbon transport system 810. A portion of the glass ribbon 820 (moving from right to left) has been removed from FIG. 1 to expose the transport roller. The nip roller 121 can be oriented so that the 6 o'clock position of the nip roller 121 is aligned with the 12 o'clock position of the drive roller. The alignment of the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock rollers is important to prevent the glass ribbon from breaking. If the rollers are misaligned and the nip roller 121 applies pressure away from the contact point of the drive roller, the glass ribbon is not supported in that position and may crack.

[0029] The glass scoring system can be installed downstream of the nip roller system 100 and can include a laser, water jet, scriber, or wheel with a diamond point, tip, blade, or edge. The nip roller system 100 can be mounted in an assembly that is vertically and laterally (yaw and roll) adjustable to prevent undesired deflection of the glass ribbon 820 as it travels down the glass ribbon transport system 810.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nip roller system 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the nip roller system 100 from the opposite side of the drawing of FIG. 2. As can be seen, the nip roller system 100 can include a support structure that supports the nip roller assembly 120 and the adjustment mechanism above the glass ribbon transport system 810 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the support structure can include two vertical legs 110 connected at the top to a cross brace or cross member 112. The two vertical legs 110 can be secured at the bottom to a portion of the glass annealing furnace frame, a mounting plate, the floor, or any other suitable base support, one on each side of the glass ribbon transport system 810. In other examples, the support system can include an A-frame, a C-arm, or any other structure suitable for rigidly supporting the nip roller assembly 120 and the adjustment mechanism. The nip roller assembly 120 and portions of the adjustment mechanism can be attached to the cross member 112.

[0031] Nip roller system 100 may also include nip roller assembly 120, upstream and downstream adjustment mechanisms 130, cross-ribbon coarse adjustment mechanisms 140, cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanisms 150, and air cylinder assemblies 160. Nip roller assembly 120 may include heat shields 125 and 127 that shield heat from components of nip roller assembly 120, cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanisms 150, and air cylinder assemblies 160.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4 , the cross-member 112 can be included as part of an upstream-downstream adjustment mechanism 130 used for initial alignment of the nip roller assembly 120 with respect to the glass ribbon transport system 810. The upstream-downstream adjustment mechanism 130 can include the cross-member 112 and a plurality of interconnected L-shaped brackets connecting the ends of the cross-member 112 to the vertical legs 110, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, first L-shaped brackets 131, one on each side, can be attached to the corresponding vertical legs 110 and include slot(s) 132 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the glass ribbon 820 travels. Second L-shaped brackets 133, one on each side, can be attached to the first L-shaped brackets 131 and the cross-members 112, respectively. The second L-shaped bracket 133 can be attached to the first L-shaped bracket 131 using fasteners that pass through holes in the second L-shaped bracket 133 and slots 132 in the first L-shaped bracket 131. Therefore, the positioning of the second L-shaped bracket 133 and cross-member 112 can be easily moved within the slots 132 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the glass ribbon 820 travels. Because the nip roller assembly 120 is fixed to the cross-member 112, repositioning the cross-member 112 also repositions the nip roller assembly 120 relative to the vertical legs 110 and the glass ribbon transport system 810. Once in place, the cross-member 112 and other connecting components can be locked in place by tightening fasteners that pass through the slots 132 in the second L-shaped bracket 133 and the first L-shaped bracket 131. FIG. 4 also shows that slots 115 may also be included that are used for lateral alignment of nip roller assembly 120 as described with respect to FIG.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates that the cross-member 112 can also be included as part of a cross-ribbon coarse adjustment mechanism 140 used for initial lateral alignment of the nip roller assembly 120. As part of the cross-ribbon coarse adjustment mechanism 140, the cross-member 112 can include a slot 115 located in a central portion of the cross-member 112 and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 820. The mounting plate 145 to which the nip roller assembly 120 is attached can be attached to the cross-member 112 using fasteners that pass through holes in the mounting plate 145 and the slot 115 in the cross-member 112. Therefore, the mounting plate 145 can be easily moved within the slot 115 in the cross-member 112 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon 820. Because the nip roller assembly 120 is fixed to the mounting plate 145, repositioning the mounting plate 145 also repositions the nip roller assembly 120 laterally relative to the vertical legs 110 and the glass ribbon transport system 810.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates that nip roller system 100 can also include a cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanism 150 used to fine-tune the lateral relationship of nip roller system 100 to the moving glass ribbon in increments smaller than those provided by cross-ribbon coarse adjustment mechanism 140. Cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanism 150 is configured to move nip roller assembly 120 side to side relative to vertical legs 110 and glass ribbon transport system 810 in real time, or “on the fly,” even while nip rollers 121 are in contact with the moving glass ribbon 820. Nip roller assembly 120 can be fixed to cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanism 150. Cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanism 150 can be attached to cross-member 112 via mounting plate 145 (removed from FIG. 6 for clarity) and can be used to fine-tune the positioning of nip roller assembly 120 to more precisely control the transport of the glass ribbon. A hand wheel handle 152 or crank can be connected to one end of an extension rod 154, which is connected at the other end to a linear motion controller 155, such as a linear bearing or dovetail slide, which can be ball or lead screw driven for fine positioning.

[0035] The handle 152 can be manually rotated by an operator. An operator monitoring the glass forming process can rotate the handle 152 to finely adjust the lateral position of the nip roller assembly 120. If desired, the adjustment of the cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanism 150 can be powered. For example, the adjustment of the linear motion controller 155 can be driven by a motor. For example, a sensor system, such as an imaging system, can be used to monitor the glass ribbon transport. An operator monitoring the sensor system and the glass ribbon transport from a remote location can remotely control the motor to adjust the lateral position of the nip roller assembly 120. If desired, the adjustment of the lateral position of the nip roller assembly 120 by the cross-ribbon fine adjustment mechanism 150 can be automated and controlled by a computer.

[0036] The nip roller system 100 can also include an air cylinder assembly 160 that pressure-regulates the air supply so that the force applied by the nip rollers 121 to the glass ribbon 820 can be adjusted, as shown in FIG. 7 . The applied force is determined by the pressure supplied to the air cylinders as part of the air cylinder assembly 160. The force is also determined by the mass of the nip roller assembly 120. The pressure in the air cylinders can be adjusted to shift some or all of the mass of the nip roller assembly away from the glass ribbon. If too much force is applied to the glass ribbon, it will crack.

[0037] The air cylinder assembly 160 includes an air cylinder assembly that functions as a pneumatic actuator, converting compressed air energy into linear motion. Here, air pressure acts on a piston within the cylinder, causing the piston to retract and retract. The air cylinder assembly 160 can be mounted to the fine ribbon cross adjustment mechanism 150 for left and right positioning. As shown in FIG. 7, the nip roller assembly 120 can be mounted to the air cylinder assembly 160. The air cylinder allows the nip roller assembly 120 to retract during process start-up and during abnormal conditions.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows that the air cylinder assembly 160 can include an air supply line 161 that supplies compressed air to the air cylinder. The air cylinder assembly 160 can also include an air cooling line 162 for cooling the air cylinder and a water cooling plate 163, and a protective housing 164 to protect the air cylinder. Air supplied through the air supply line 161 is used to circulate the air cylinder up and down. The air pressure is adjusted to control the nip force on the glass ribbon. Air supplied through the air cooling line 162 is sprayed onto the rods of the air cylinder to maintain them within operating temperature to prevent damage to the air cylinder. Water supplied through a water cooling plate 163 mounted on the body of the air cylinder assembly 160 maintains the air cylinder assembly 160 within operating temperature and prevents damage.

[0039] 8 is a rear view of a portion of the air cylinder assembly 160 with the piston 165 of the air cylinder 166 extended. One of the water-cooled plates 163 and the side of the protective housing 164 have been removed from the drawing to show the air cylinder 166. The drawing also includes the linear motion controller 155.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nip roller assembly 120. The nip roller assembly 120 can include a frame 122 having an axle or bearing that provides an axis of rotation about which the nip roller 121 rotates. The nip roller 121 can be of any suitable length and material, depending on the application. For example, the nip roller 121 can be a fused silica roller approximately 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) wide. The glass ribbon 820 can be fully formed at the point where the nip roller system 100 is installed. Therefore, an appropriately sized nip roller 121 can be used to ensure that an appropriate force is applied to the flattest area of ​​the glass ribbon 820 to avoid damage to the glass ribbon. Optionally, the nip roller 121 can include a circumferential groove so that only a portion of the nip roller 121 contacts the glass ribbon. Optionally, the nip roller assembly 120 can include multiple nip rollers arranged next to each other and having the same axis of rotation.

[0041] The frame 122 may also include features for mounting the roll pivot 124 and yaw pivot 125. For example, the roll pivot 124 may be configured to be mounted through a pair of high-temperature bushings, and the yaw pivot may be a shoulder bolt mounted through a pair of high-temperature ball bearings. These pivots provide the nip rollers 121 with self-centering capabilities and are not locked into place. The nip roller assemblies 120 are free to move and track the position of the glass ribbon without moving or affecting its position.

[0042] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0044] Embodiment 1 a nip roller configured to contact a glass ribbon and apply an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon moves between the nip roller and an opposing roller of a glass ribbon transport system, wherein a 6 o'clock position of the nip roller is aligned with a 12 o'clock position of the opposing roller; A nip roller system comprising:

[0045] Embodiment 2 2. The nip roller system of embodiment 1, further comprising a cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism configured to move the nip roller in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the moving glass ribbon while the nip roller is in contact with the moving glass ribbon.

[0046] Embodiment 3 the cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism is mounted on a member disposed above the glass ribbon transport system; the ribbon cross-adjustment mechanism includes a linear motion control device; 3. The nip roller system of embodiment 2.

[0047] Embodiment 4 4. The nip roller system of claim 3, wherein the linear motion control device comprises a slide.

[0048] Embodiment 5 the ribbon crossing adjustment mechanism a linear motion control device; and an extension rod having a first end connected to the linear motion control device and a second end connected to a handle; 2. The nip roller system of claim 1, comprising:

[0049] Embodiment 6 3. The nip roller system of claim 2, further comprising a support structure that secures the nip rollers and the cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism above the glass ribbon transport system.

[0050] Embodiment 7 10. The nip roller system of claim 1, further comprising an upstream-downstream adjustment mechanism configured to move the nip roller in a direction parallel to a direction of travel of the glass ribbon.

[0051] Embodiment 8 The upstream / downstream regulation mechanism a member connected to the nip rollers that extends across the glass ribbon transport system; and a plurality of interconnecting brackets securing the member relative to the glass ribbon transport system; 8. The nip roller system of claim 7, comprising:

[0052] Embodiment 9 a member including a slot extending across the glass ribbon transport system; and a mounting plate to which the nip roller is connected, the mounting plate being movable within the slot; 10. The nip roller system of claim 1, further comprising a ribbon cross adjustment mechanism comprising:

[0053] Embodiment 10 10. The nip roller system of embodiment 1, further comprising an air cylinder assembly configured to move the nip roller vertically.

[0054] Embodiment 11 The air cylinder assembly an air cylinder including a piston that expands and contracts based on the pressure of an air source in fluid communication therewith to move said nip roller; a water-cooled plate adjacent to the air cylinder for cooling the air cylinder; 11. The nip roller system of claim 10, comprising:

[0055] Embodiment 12 a frame including an axle providing an axis of rotation about which said nip roller rotates; Roll pivot axis, and Yaw rotation axis, 10. The nip roller system of claim 1, further comprising a nip roller assembly comprising:

[0056] Embodiment 13 2. The nip roller system of embodiment 1, wherein the nip roller is configured to contact a central portion of the glass ribbon.

[0057] Embodiment 14 In the glass ribbon transport system, a drive roller configured to move the glass ribbon; a nip roller configured to contact the glass ribbon and apply an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon moves between the nip roller and the drive roller; and an adjustment mechanism configured to move the nip roller in a lateral direction of movement of the glass ribbon while the nip roller is in contact with the glass ribbon; A glass ribbon transport system comprising:

[0058] Embodiment 15 15. The glass ribbon transport system of embodiment 14, wherein the adjustable downward force is provided by an air cylinder.

[0059] Embodiment 16 The adjustment mechanism is a linear motion control device; and an extension rod having a first end connected to the linear motion control device and a second end connected to a member configured to rotate the extension rod; 15. The glass ribbon transport system of embodiment 14, comprising:

[0060] Embodiment 17 1. A method for conveying a glass ribbon, comprising: driving the glass ribbon with a drive roller; and applying an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon with the nip roller as the glass ribbon moves between the drive roller and the nip roller, the 6 o'clock position of the nip roller being aligned with the 12 o'clock position of the drive roller; A method comprising:

[0061] Embodiment 18 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising adjusting the position of the nip roller in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the glass ribbon while the nip roller is in contact with the glass ribbon.

[0062] Embodiment 19 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising adjusting the downward force by varying air pressure supplied to an air cylinder, the air cylinder including a piston that expands and contracts based on the air pressure to move the nip roller.

[0063] Embodiment 20 19. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting the position of the nip roller is performed by rotating an extension rod of a linear motion controller connected to the nip roller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100 Pressure-adjusted tension (nip) roller system 110 Vertical leg 112 Cross member 115 Slot in crosspiece 120 Nip roller assembly 121 Nip roller 122 frames 124 Roller pivot axis 125 yaw rotation axis 125, 127 Heat shield 130 Upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms 131 First L-bracket 132 bracket slot 133 Second L-bracket 140 Ribbon cross-section coarse adjustment mechanism 145 Mounting Plate 150 Ribbon cross-section fine adjustment mechanism 152 Handle 154 Extension Rod 155 Linear motion control device 160 Air Cylinder Assembly 161 Air supply line 162 Air cooling line 163 Water-cooled plate 164 Protective enclosure 165 piston 166 Air Cylinder 810 Glass ribbon transport system 814 Conveyor roller 820 Glass Ribbon

Claims

1. a nip roller configured to contact the glass ribbon and apply an adjustable downward force to the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon moves between the nip roller and an opposing roller of a glass ribbon transport system, wherein a 6 o'clock position of the nip roller is aligned with a 12 o'clock position of the opposing roller; A nip roller system comprising:

2. 10. The nip roller system of claim 1, further comprising a cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism configured to move the nip roller in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the moving glass ribbon while the nip roller is in contact with the moving glass ribbon.

3. the cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism is mounted on a member disposed above the glass ribbon transport system; the ribbon cross-adjustment mechanism includes a linear motion control device; 3. The nip roller system of claim 2.

4. 4. The nip roller system of claim 3, wherein said linear motion control device comprises a slide.

5. the ribbon crossing adjustment mechanism a linear motion control device; and an extension rod having a first end connected to the linear motion control device and a second end connected to a handle; The nip roller system of claim 1 , comprising:

6. The nip roller system of claim 2 , further comprising a support structure securing the nip rollers and the cross-ribbon adjustment mechanism above the glass ribbon transport system.

7. The nip roller system of claim 1 , further comprising upstream and downstream adjustment mechanisms configured to move the nip rollers in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the glass ribbon.

8. The upstream / downstream regulatory mechanism is a member connected to the nip rollers that extends across the glass ribbon transport system; and a plurality of interconnecting brackets securing the member relative to the glass ribbon transport system; The nip roller system of claim 7 , comprising:

9. a member including a slot extending across the glass ribbon transport system; and a mounting plate to which the nip roller is connected, the mounting plate being movable within the slot; The nip roller system of claim 1 , further comprising a ribbon cross adjustment mechanism comprising:

10. The nip roller system of claim 1 , further comprising an air cylinder assembly configured to move the nip roller vertically.

11. The air cylinder assembly an air cylinder including a piston that expands and contracts based on the pressure of an air source in fluid communication therewith to move said nip roller; a water-cooled plate adjacent to the air cylinder for cooling the air cylinder; The nip roller system of claim 10 comprising:

12. a frame including an axle providing an axis of rotation about which said nip roller rotates; Roll pivot axis, and Yaw rotation axis, The nip roller system of claim 1 , further comprising a nip roller assembly including:

13. The nip roller system of claim 1 , wherein the nip roller is configured to contact a central portion of the glass ribbon.

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