Abstract: A method and system for making glass sheets is provided. At least one grinding wheel is provided for grinding a lateral edge of a glass sheet. An airbag and corresponding air pressure regulator are provided for biasing the grinding wheel against the lateral edge of the glass sheet being ground. In certain example embodiments, the airbag is advantageous in that it permits the grinding wheel to be biased against the lateral edge of the glass sheet with a substantially constant pressure, where this pressure does not substantially fluctuate due to small changes in the location of the edge of the passing glass.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed whereby the edges of a glass sheet may be beveled with minimal equipment down time. Preferably such methods and systems bevel the upper and lower edges along lateral sides of a glass sheet. In especially preferred embodiments, laterally separated pairs of upper and lower edge grinding assemblies are provided having respective upper and lower oppositely oriented tapered grinding wheels. A glass sheet may thus be moved in a generally horizontal conveyance direction between one of these pairs of upper and lower edge grinding assemblies so that respective upper or lower lateral edges of the glass sheet are brought into grinding contact therewith. Continually moving the glass sheet in the horizontal conveyance direction will therefore present the other lateral edge to the other pair of upper or lower edge grinding assemblies positioned downstream. As such, the other edge will then be beveled.

Abstract: A clamping cartridge is provided which comprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing. The clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively movable jaws which are biased together. An actuator operable in association with the clamping mechanisms serves to open and close the jaws of the clamping mechanisms in unison. While the clamps are closeable in unison, they are individually self-adjusting so the extent of closure for each clamp is dependent on the thickness or presence of an inserted article. The clamping cartridges are useful in a variety of applications requiring clamping of one or more articles in a side-by-side relationship. One such application is a transportation/storage rack which includes a plurality of aligned horizontal and vertical clamping cartridges for clamping the edges of glass panels.

Abstract: A shipping container comprises a floor and an upright rear wall that intersect at approximately a right angle for vertically supporting a plurality of parallel panels such as insulating glass units, with the edges of the panels being supported by the floor and the rear wall. A plurality of elongated, elastic restraints, such as elastic cords, are carried by the container and are positioned so as to encounter a respective panel and to elastically urge that panel toward said intersection. Each elongated elastic restraint extends generally in the plane of its respective panel from the rear wall above the floor to the floor forwardly of the rear wall, the restraint contacting and elastically pressing against the upper, forward corner of the glass unit.