Abstract: An apparatus (2) and method, for measuring process-induced features in a transparent sheet (10). The apparatus includes a light source (100), an imaging device (80), and a support structure (30) disposed between the light source and the imaging device. The support structure is configured and arranged to support the transparent sheet so that measurement error induced by the support structure is viewed by the imaging device as extending along or parallel to a first axis (46, 54) that is oblique to a second axis (22, 24) along or parallel to which the process-induced features in the transparent sheet extend when viewed by the imaging device.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for scoring non-flat materials including non-flat glass sheets (1000). In one embodiment, a laser scoring system is described. The laser scoring system includes a laser (102) and an optical head (106). The optical head (106) is configured to receive output from the laser (102) and focus the output into an elongated laser beam having a beam waist and an extended focal depth of greater than +/?5 mm relative to the center of the beam waist with a power density sufficient for scoring a material having at least a portion within the extended focal depth. In one aspect the system can include a beam expander (104). The beam expander (104) receives the output from the laser (102), expands the output from the laser to an expanded laser beam, and transmits the expanded laser beam to the optical head (106).

Abstract: Non-contact, liquid-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 15 meters/minute and above. The operating parameters and physical properties of the bearings satisfy at least one of the following conditions: (a) the average flow rate from the bearing's orifices (22) is in the range of 100-800 milliliters/minute/orifice; (b) the orifices' average horizontal pitch (P) is in the range of 20-55 millimeters; and/or (c) the orifices' average size (e.g., D0) is in the range of 1.0-4.5 millimeters. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at 15 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 100 microns, thus reducing the chances that the bearing (3) will lose control of the substrate (13) or that the substrate (13) will hit the bearing (3).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the stress in, and the shape of, the glass ribbon (15) formed in a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process) are provided. In certain embodiments, the control is achieved by cooling the bead portions (21a, 21b) of the ribbon (15) at a rate which provides a heat flux Q?b at the thickest part of the bead (23a, 23b) which is given by Q?b=Q?q+?Q?, where (i) Q?q is the heat flux at a transverse position adjacent to the bead portion (21a, 21b) at which the ribbon's thickness equals 1.05*tcenter, where tcenter is the final thickness at the ribbon's center line (17), and (ii) ?Q??(tb/tq?1)Q?q+10 kilowatts/meter2, where tb is the thickness of the thickest part of the bead portion. The cooling can take place along the entire length of the ribbon (15) or at selected locations, e.g.

Abstract: A mandrel 1 includes a top support 10, a first edge support 20, a bottom support 30, and a second edge support 40. The top support and first edge support make-up a first support section. The bottom support and second edge support make-up a second support section. The first support section and the second support section are disposed relative to one another so as to form an outer circumference. A jack 50 is coupled to the first and second support sections and is configured to move the first and second support sections relative to one another so as to adjust the outer circumference of the mandrel. A locking element 60 removably is coupled to the first and second support sections to selectively prevent relative movement between the first and second support sections.

Abstract: Glass inspection systems are provided for detecting particles and defects in or on a glass sheet or glass ribbon (2, 14). The system is mounted so that the surface (1) to be inspected is in the object plane of a reflective lens (10). The lens images a thin stripe area, long in the direction tangent to the lens circumference and short in the radial direction, onto a linescan camera (18). A line illuminator (12) can be mounted so that it illuminates the stripe area. To perform the inspection, the system is moved with respect to the glass in the direction perpendicular to the long axis of the stripe, either by moving the system over the glass or by moving the glass while the system is fixed. Image information is collected by the linescan camera during this motion and assembled into an image.

Abstract: A glass sheet guidance system includes a guidance member (22) having a small contact area with the glass sheet (12) and being taut to provide guidance to the glass sheet. In order to provide consistent guidance, even in environments where there is a large change in temperature, the guidance member is held taut by a tension member (24). The guidance member is supported by holders (10) so that, while remaining taut, the guidance member can be moved in three dimensions so as to accommodate glass sheets having different widths (1), heights (2), and thicknesses (3). Also, there is provided a method of guiding glass sheets with the guidance system.