Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a glass substrate. The apparatus includes an air bearing support member configured to pivot about an axis of rotation with zero frictional resistance opposing said pivotal movement. A grinding unit is coupled to the air bearing support member. The grinding unit is configured to apply a predetermined force normal to the at least one edge to remove a predetermined amount of material from the at least one edge. The predetermined force is directly proportional to the predetermined amount of material and less than a normal force resulting in glass substrate breakage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein which help prevent particles and other contaminants that are generated when an edge of a glass sheet is processed from contaminating or damaging the glass sheet. The apparatus includes an encapsulation device and a processing device. The encapsulation device is capable of supporting two surfaces of a glass sheet. And, the processing device is capable of processing (e.g., cutting, scribing, grinding or polishing) the edge that is adjacent to the supported two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a first side of the encapsulation device. The encapsulation device is also capable of substantially preventing particles and other contaminants that are generated when the processing device processes the edge of the glass sheet from reaching the two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a second side of the encapsulation device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein which help prevent particles and other contaminants that are generated when an edge of a glass sheet is processed from contaminating or damaging the glass sheet. The apparatus includes an encapsulation device and a processing device. The encapsulation device is capable of supporting two surfaces of a glass sheet. And, the processing device is capable of processing (e.g., cutting, scribing, grinding or polishing) the edge that is adjacent to the supported two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a first side of the encapsulation device. The encapsulation device is also capable of substantially preventing particles and other contaminants that are generated when the processing device processes the edge of the glass sheet from reaching the two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a second side of the encapsulation device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a glass substrate. The apparatus includes an air bearing support member configured to pivot about an axis of rotation with zero frictional resistance opposing said pivotal movement. A grinding unit is coupled to the air bearing support member. The grinding unit is configured to apply a predetermined force normal to the at least one edge to remove a predetermined amount of material from the at least one edge. The predetermined force is directly proportional to the predetermined amount of material and less than a normal force resulting in glass substrate breakage.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, a method and apparatus for transporting articles includes a container, which has at least one support member and at least one stabilizing member. The stabilizing elements are adapted to engage the articles and secure the articles to the support members, and disengage the articles during unloading.

Abstract: A bar feed assembly for receiving and guiding a bar stock to be machined in a lathe, comprises a tubular member for rotatably receiving and guiding the bar stock to be machined and a member for advancing the bar stock through the tubular members. A plurality of stabilizing bodies are provided along said tubular member in spaced apart relation and each has a compliant surface disposed in surrounding relation to the tubular member in a manner which permits axial thermal growth of the tubular members through the stabilizing bodies.