Abstract: A method of shaping a glass sheet includes providing a glass sheet. The glass sheet is heated to a temperature suitable for shaping. The glass sheet is deposited on a first bending tool. The glass sheet is disposed over a first segment of the first bending tool. The first segment at least partially defines a shaping surface of the first bending tool. The first segment of the first bending tool is moved from a first position to a second position to cause contact with a first portion of the glass sheet. The contact with the first portion of the glass sheet adjusts a position of the glass sheet relative to the shaping surface of the first bending tool. The glass sheet is shaped on the first bending tool.

Abstract: A method of shaping a glass sheet includes providing a glass sheet. Also, a bending station is provided. The bending station includes a first bending tool. The first bending tool has a shaping surface for receiving the glass sheet. The glass sheet is conveyed on a plurality of rollers to a location above the first bending tool. At least a portion of the glass sheet is supported above the first bending tool by delivering a flow of fluid to a major surface of the glass sheet. The glass sheet is deposited on the shaping surface of the first bending tool.

Abstract: A method of shaping glass sheets is provided. A first glass sheet is shaped after it has been deposited on a first bending tool at a first position and an edge portion of the first sheet contacted to move the first sheet to a second position relative to the first bending tool, and a second glass sheet is also shaped after it has been deposited on the first bending tool at a first position and an edge portion of the second sheet contacted to move the second sheet to a second position relative to the first bending tool. The second position of the first edge portion of the first sheet is different than the second position of the first edge portion of the second glass sheet relative to the first bending tool. The first and second glass sheets may be of different sizes, and may be laminated together after each is shaped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping a glass sheet comprising the steps (i) heating the glass sheet to a temperature suitable for shaping; (ii) depositing the glass sheet on a first bending tool for supporting the glass sheet thereon, the glass sheet being in a first position relative to the first bending tool; (iii) contacting an edge portion of the glass sheet such that the glass sheet is moved to a second position relative to the first bending tool; and (iv) shaping the glass sheet on the first bending tool. Positioning devices for moving a hot glass sheet during the method of the invention are described. A glass shaping line for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of shaping a glass sheet includes providing a glass sheet. Also, a bending station is provided. The bending station includes a first bending tool. The first bending tool has a shaping surface for receiving the glass sheet. The glass sheet is conveyed on a plurality of rollers to a location above the first bending tool. At least a portion of the glass sheet is supported above the first bending tool by delivering a flow of fluid to a major surface of the glass sheet. The glass sheet is deposited on the shaping surface of the first bending tool.

Abstract: A method of shaping a glass sheet includes providing a glass sheet. The glass sheet is heated to a temperature suitable for shaping. The glass sheet is deposited on a first bending tool. The glass sheet is disposed over a first segment of the first bending tool. The first segment at least partially defines a shaping surface of the first bending tool. The first segment of the first bending tool is moved from a first position to a second position to cause contact with a first portion of the glass sheet. The contact with the first portion of the glass sheet adjusts a position of the glass sheet relative to the shaping surface of the first bending tool. The glass sheet is shaped on the first bending tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping a glass sheet comprising the steps (i) heating the glass sheet to a temperature suitable for shaping; (ii) depositing the glass sheet on a first bending tool for supporting the glass sheet thereon, the glass sheet being in a first position relative to the first bending tool; (iii) contacting an edge portion of the glass sheet such that the glass sheet is moved to a second position relative to the first bending tool; and (iv) shaping the glass sheet on the first bending tool. Positioning devices for moving a hot glass sheet during the method of the invention are described. A glass shaping line for carrying out the method is also described.