Abstract: Abrasive machining apparatuses and methods of finishing glass articles with abrasive machining apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an abrasive machining apparatus includes a support base, an edge finishing unit, and an edge finishing unit position sensor. The edge finishing unit includes an abrasive machining spindle having an abrasive wheel that is coupled to a motor and a pivot mechanism that is coupled to the support base. The pivot mechanism has an axis about which the abrasive machining spindle pivots. The abrasive machining spindle is pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator is coupled to the edge finishing unit and to the support base and selectively positions the abrasive machining spindle about the axis. The edge finishing unit position sensor is coupled to the support base and is oriented to detect a position of the abrasive machining spindle.

Abstract: Abrasive machining apparatuses and methods of finishing glass articles with abrasive machining apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an abrasive machining apparatus includes a support base, an edge finishing unit, and an edge finishing unit position sensor. The edge finishing unit includes an abrasive machining spindle having an abrasive wheel that is coupled to a motor and a pivot mechanism that is coupled to the support base. The pivot mechanism has an axis about which the abrasive machining spindle pivots. The abrasive machining spindle is pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator is coupled to the edge finishing unit and to the support base and selectively positions the abrasive machining spindle about the axis. The edge finishing unit position sensor is coupled to the support base and is oriented to detect a position of the abrasive machining spindle.

Abstract: Glass processing apparatus each include a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device with a gap configured to receive a glass sheet. In one example, an adjustment member can move the first sheet guide device relative to the second sheet guide device such that the gap is tapered with respect to a glass travel direction. In another example, a glass working member can work an edge of the glass sheet. In further examples, methods of processing a glass sheet each include the steps of providing a gap between a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device, passing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap, and working an edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap.

Abstract: A glass ribbon engagement system is described herein that includes a robot tooling device with suction cups configured to engage a first side of a glass ribbon, and a guidance device with one or more devices (e.g., air nozzles, cylinder-wheel units) which are configured to apply one or more local forces to a second side of the glass ribbon to shift the glass ribbon towards the suction cups to assist the suction cups in engaging and securing the first side of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A glass ribbon engagement system is described herein that includes a robot tooling device with suction cups configured to engage a first side of a glass ribbon, and a guidance device with one or more devices (e.g., air nozzles, cylinder-wheel units) which are configured to apply one or more local forces to a second side of the glass ribbon to shift the glass ribbon towards the suction cups to assist the suction cups in engaging and securing the first side of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A device for engaging and tensioning a glass ribbon includes a center frame member, and first and second outer frame members connected thereto. The first outer frame member includes a suction cup that engages an edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the suction cup of the first outer frame member. The second outer frame member includes a suction cup that engages an opposite edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the suction cup of the second outer frame member. The actuators of the first and second outer frame members moves the suction cups of the respective frame members in directions away from each other.

Abstract: A sheet restrainer is used to restrain movement of continuously traveling glass sheet and includes arms on either side of the glass sheet. A driving device coupled to the arms moves the arms from a retracted position in which the arms are withdrawn from the glass sheet to an engaged position in which the arms are near the glass sheet and in alignment with each other. Rollers are connected to the arms and contact the glass sheet in the engaged position. A damping device applies an adjustable damping force to at least one of the arms dampening movement of the arm in the engaged position thereby restraining movement of the sheet. In a method of operation, the damping devices restrain angular and/or lateral movement of the sheet by transmitting movement of the sheet against the rollers into a resistive damping force of the damping devices.

Abstract: A device for engaging and tensioning a glass ribbon includes a center frame member, and first and second outer frame members connected thereto. The first outer frame member includes a suction cup that engages an edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the suction cup of the first outer frame member. The second outer frame member includes a suction cup that engages an opposite edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the suction cup of the second outer frame member. The actuators of the first and second outer frame members moves the suction cups of the respective frame members in directions away from each other.

Abstract: A sheet restrainer is used to restrain movement of continuously traveling glass sheet and includes arms on either side of the glass sheet. A driving device coupled to the arms moves the arms from a retracted position in which the arms are withdrawn from the glass sheet to an engaged position in which the arms are near the glass sheet and in alignment with each other. Rollers are connected to the arms and contact the glass sheet in the engaged position. A damping device applies an adjustable damping force to at least one of the arms dampening movement of the arm in the engaged position thereby restraining movement of the sheet. In a method of operation, the damping devices restrain angular and/or lateral movement of the sheet by transmitting movement of the sheet against the rollers into a resistive damping force of the damping devices.