Abstract: A reusable dense packaging system used to transport large size display substrates, is provided made up of three main components; a pallet frame, a cover, and restraining means. The restraining means securely hold the glass sheets within the cover and on the pallet frame. Restraining means includes one or more retaining bars moving towards and away from the front of the glass sheets and a mechanical system. The mechanical system may include the use of a pressing panel, a belt apparatus, a scissor-like mechanism, positioning devices, or a retaining bar pulling system, each capable of moving towards and away from the front of the glass sheets. Each embodiment allows for packaging from 1 to N glass sheets with flexibility and stability and with manual or automatic operation.

Abstract: A method for scoring flat glass sheet includes moving an optical assembly, which is adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source. The method also includes impinging the electromagnetic radiation on a glass sheet, forming an elongated heating zone on the sheet, wherein a distance from the radiation source to the glass sheet is substantially constant during the moving. An apparatus is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for laser scoring of flat glass sheets. The process comprises manipulating a laser beam having a substantially Gaussian intensity profile to produce an elongated heating zone on the glass sheet to be scored, the elongated heating zone having a central portion with a lower temperature than a temperature of an outer portion of the heating zone. An initial crack is made in the glass sheet, the elongated heating zone is traversed across the glass sheet coincident with the initial crack, and the heated glass is thermally shocked by directing a cooled liquid against the heated glass, thus propagating the crack. The scored glass sheet may thereafter be broken by applying bending techniques as are known in the art.

Abstract: A system for breaking large sheets of brittle material such as glass into smaller sheets, in which at least one laser is moved across a sheet of brittle material having two major surfaces to form two vent cracks in the sheet, a first vent crack in a first path on one side of the sheet and a second vent crack in a second path on the other side of the sheet. The sheet is broken into smaller sheets by applying a bending moment under the vent cracks.