[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No. 62/066656 filed on October 21, 2014 the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional glass conveyance devices are commonly used to convey glass sheets along a travel path from a first location to a second location. Such devices can be used to convey horizontally positioned glass sheets; however, problems may arise when conveying large and/or thin glass sheets along a travel path if the glass sheet(s) is being held in a vertical direction.

SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary aspects described in the detailed description.

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to glass sheet processing apparatus and methods and, more particularly, to glass sheet processing apparatus including a hanging device with a first hanger and a second hanger and methods of processing glass sheets including the step of conveying a hanging glass sheet along a glass sheet conveyance direction while changing an angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the glass sheet conveyance direction.

[0005] In accordance with a first embodiment, a glass sheet processing apparatus comprises a support rail including a monorail segment and a double-rail segment. The double-rail segment includes a first rail portion offset from a second rail portion. The glass sheet processing apparatus further comprises a hanging device including a first hanger and a second hanger. The monorail segment is configured to support a weight of a glass sheet with the first hanger and the second hanger. Each of the rail portions of the double-rail segment is configured to support at least a portion of the weight of the glass sheet with at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger. In another embodiment, the support rail further includes a dividing segment that divides the monorail segment into the double-rail segment. In still another embodiment, the support rail further includes a converging segment that converges the double -rail segment into the monorail segment. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to control movement of at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger along the support rail. In still another embodiment, the controller is configured to control movement of at least one of the first hanger and the second hanger along the support rail with a magnetic linear synchronous motor. In another embodiment, the hanging device further includes a link providing a predetermined spacing between the first hanger and the second hanger. In a further embodiment, hanger includes a respective support axis. The support rail is configured to support the weight of the glass sheet through the axes of the hangers and each hanger is configured to permit an end of the corresponding hanger to rotate about the corresponding support axis. In one particular embodiment, each hanger includes a joint configured to permit the end of the corresponding hanger to rotate about the corresponding support axis. In another embodiment, each hanger includes a rail bracket configured to mount the hanger to the support rail and a sheet bracket configured to mount the glass sheet to the hanger. In some embodiments, each hanger is configured to permit the corresponding sheet bracket to rotate relative to the corresponding rail bracket about a corresponding support axis of the hanger. For instance, in some particular embodiments, each hanger further includes a joint configured to permit rotation of the corresponding sheet bracket relative to the corresponding rail bracket about the corresponding support axis of the hanger. In yet another embodiment, the double-rail segment is at least partially positioned within a processing zone selected from the group consisting of: a cutting zone, a finishing zone, a washing zone, a drying zone, a heating zone, a cooling zone, a spraying zone, a strengthening zone, a reorienting zone, an accumulation zone, an inspection zone, a replacement zone, a weighing zone, and a lamination zone.

[0006] In accordance with a second embodiment, a method of processing glass sheets includes the step (I) of hanging a glass sheet with a first hanger and a second hanger. The method further includes the step (II) of conveying the hanging glass sheet along a glass sheet conveyance direction while changing an angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the glass sheet conveyance direction. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of rotating the hanging glass sheet with the first hanger and the second hanger to change the angle. In one particular embodiment, step (II) includes guiding the first hanger and the second hanger along diverging paths to change the angle. In one embodiment, the method still further includes the step of guiding the first hanger and the second hanger along converging paths to further change the angle. In another embodiment, step (II) includes guiding the first hanger and the second hanger along converging paths to change the angle. In a further embodiment, step (I) guides the first hanger and the second hanger along the same path. For instance, in one embodiment, at least after step (II), the method further guides the first hanger and the second hanger along separate offset paths. In yet a further embodiment, step (I) guides the first hanger and the second hanger along separate offset paths. In one instance, at least after step (II), the method further guides the first hanger and the second hanger along the same path. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of controlling guidance of the first hanger and the second hanger along at least one predetermined path. In one particular embodiment, the method further comprises controlling guidance of the first hanger and the second hanger along at least one predetermined path with a magnetic linear synchronous motor.

[0007] In accordance with a third embodiment, a method of processing glass sheets includes the step (I) of hanging a glass sheet and the step (II) of conveying the hanging glass sheet along a first glass sheet conveyance direction while the major surface of the glass sheet is at a first angle relative to the first glass sheet conveyance direction. The method then includes the step (III) of conveying the hanging glass sheet along a second glass sheet conveyance direction while a major surface of the glass sheet is at a second angle relative to the second glass sheet conveyance direction, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle. In one embodiment, the first glass sheet conveyance direction is about 90° with respect to the second glass sheet conveyance direction. In another embodiment, the first angle is about 0°. In still another embodiment, the second angle is about 90°. In yet another embodiment, at least one of step (II) and step (III) conveys the glass sheet in a bowed configuration. In a further embodiment, after step (III), the method further includes the step (IV) of conveying the hanging glass sheet along a third glass sheet conveyance direction while the major surface of the glass sheet is at a third angle relative to the third glass sheet conveyance direction. In one embodiment, the first angle is substantially equal to the third angle.

[0008] Of course, the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the embodiments discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can be further understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a glass sheet processing apparatus in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of alternative hanging devices of the glass sheet processing apparatus taken at view 2 of FIG. 1; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of a hanging device taken at view 3 of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a glass sheet processing apparatus, wherein a support rail is shown in dashed lines for clarity, and wherein glass sheets are conveyed in accordance with one conveyance technique;

[0014] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 but showing the glass sheets being conveyed in accordance with another conveyance technique;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a glass sheet processing apparatus, wherein a support rail is shown in dashed lines for clarity, and wherein glass sheets are conveyed in accordance with one conveyance technique;

[0016] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 but showing the glass sheets being conveyed in accordance with another conveyance technique;

[0017] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 6 but showing the glass sheets being conveyed in accordance with still another conveyance technique;

[0018] FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 6 but showing the glass sheets being conveyed in accordance with yet another conveyance technique;

[0019] FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 6 but showing the glass sheets being conveyed in accordance with a further conveyance technique;

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an arrangement of the glass sheets in accordance with an embodiment of that may be incorporated in any of the embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of a glass sheet processing apparatus, wherein a support rail is shown in dashed lines for clarity, and wherein glass sheets are conveyed in accordance with another conveyance technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a glass sheet processing apparatus 101. In one embodiment, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 can include a source 103 of glass sheets 105. In one embodiment, the source can comprise a quantity of glass sheets, such as a stack of glass sheets. In another embodiment, the glass sheets may be separated from a glass ribbon. For example, the source 103 of glass sheets 105 can include a spool of previously produced glass ribbon may be unwound from a spool and separated, for example, by a laser separation device, into glass sheets 105 with the desired dimensions. In still further embodiments, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 can include a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to produce glass ribbon that may be subsequently separated, for example, by a laser separation device, into the glass sheets 105 with the desired dimensions. Various glass manufacturing apparatus may be provided as the source 103 of glass sheets 105. For instance, the glass manufacturing apparatus can comprise a slot draw apparatus, float bath apparatus, down-draw apparatus (e.g. fusion down-draw apparatus), up-draw apparatus, press-rolling apparatus or other glass ribbon manufacturing apparatus. The source 103 of glass sheets 105 can therefore include the above-referenced glass manufacturing apparatus that produces glass ribbon together with a glass separation device that separates the glass ribbon into the glass sheets 105.

[0024] In some embodiments, the source 103 can further include a robot or other device configured to permit movement of the glass sheets 105 for hanging from a support rail 107 with a hanging device 109. For instance, the robot may sequentially select glass sheets from the stack of glass sheets or sheets separated from a glass ribbon being uncoiled from a spool or being produced by a glass manufacturing apparatus as discussed above. The robot may then transport and reorient the glass sheet in the proper position for hanging the glass sheets 105 from the support rail 107 with the hanging device 109. [0025] Support rails in accordance with aspects of the disclosure may be securely mounted with respect to a support surface of a room (e.g., a clean room). For example, as shown, the support rail 107 can be hung with a beam 111 or other support member from a ceiling 113 of a room (e.g., clean room). In another embodiment, the support rail may be supported from below (e.g., from a floor of a clean room) or from the sides (e.g., walls of a clean room). As the support rail 107 may be securely mounted in place, the hanging device 109 can effectively support the weight of the glass sheets 105 by hanging the glass sheets 105 from the support rail 107.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the hanging device 109 can include a first hanger 113a and a second hanger 113b. The hanging device 109 includes two hangers 113a, 113b with the understanding that more than two hangers may also be possible in further embodiments. Furthermore, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b may be identical to one another although different configurations may be provided in further embodiments.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, each hanger 113a, 113b includes a respective support axis 201a, 201b wherein the support rail 107 can be configured to support the weight of the corresponding glass sheet 105 through the axes 201a, 201b of the hangers. In one embodiment, each hanger 113a, 113b includes a rail bracket 203a, 203b configured to mount the hanger to the support rail 107. In one embodiment, the rail bracket 203a, 203b may be removably mounted to the support rail 107, for instance with a quick release mechanism.

[0028] Each hanger may be configured to interact with the support rail 107 such that the glass sheet 105 together with the hangers 113a, 113b move along the support rail 107 in a glass sheet conveyance direction 115. In one embodiment, the rail brackets 203a, 203b are moveably mounted with respect to the support rail 107 such that the support rail 107 guides the rail brackets 203a, 203b along the support rail 107. In further examples, the glass sheet 105 together with the hangers 113a, 113b may move along the support rail 107 in a direction opposite to the illustrated glass sheet conveyance direction 115. In such embodiments, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 may allow transport of glass sheets back and forth between two remote locations. [0029] The hangers 113a, 113b may be guided along the support rail 107 with a wide range of techniques. In one embodiment, the glass sheet processing apparatus 101 includes a controller 117 (e.g., programmable logic controller) configured to (e.g., "programmed to", "encoded to", designed to", and/or "made to") control movement of at least one of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the support rail 107. In one particular embodiment, the controller 117 can be configured to control movement of both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to move along the same path or along a selected (e.g., pre-selected) one of a plurality of optional alternative paths as discussed more fully below. In further embodiments, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, the controller can be configured to control movement of at least one (or both) of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the support rail 107 with a magnetic linear synchronous motor 205. While various actuators may be provided, the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205 may be desired to accurately and precisely move the hangers along the support rail.

[0030] Optionally, the hanging device 109 can further include a link 207 mounted to both of the hangers 113a, 113b to control relative movement between the hangers. In one embodiment, the link 207 can comprise a biasing member configured to bias the hangers 113a, 113b into a predetermined relative position with respect to one another. For instance, the link 207 can comprise a resilient link configured to encourage a predetermined spacing between the hangers 113a, 113b. In another embodiment, the link 207, if provided, can comprise a relatively rigid link such that the distance between the hangers 113a, 113b remains substantially partially or entirely constant. Maintaining a constant distance can avoid stress fractures of the glass sheet due to relative movement that might otherwise occur between the hangers. In further embodiments, one of the hangers 113a, 113b may be controlled to move with the controller 117 while the other hanger 113a, 113b may be pulled or pushed with the link 207 by the controlled hanger such that both hangers move together along the support rail 107. In further embodiments, both of the linked hangers 113a, 113b may be controlled, for instance, to travel along different alternative conveyance paths as discussed more fully below.

[0031] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the hangers 113a, 113b each further include a sheet bracket 209a, 209b configured to mount the glass sheet 105 to the respective hanger 113a, 113b. As shown in FIG. 3 each of the sheet brackets 209a, 209b can include a clamping jaw 301 that may clamp an upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105. In further embodiments, the clamping jaw 301 may clamp outer edges 206a, 206b or other portions of the glass sheet may be engaged in further embodiments. The clamping jaw 301, if provided, can include a compliant material 303, such as felt, rubber, etc., configured to protect the glass sheet 105 from damage by the clamping jaw 301.

[0032] As further shown in FIG. 2, the sheet brackets 209a, 209b may be mounted to the upper edge portion 305 at spaced locations such that, in some embodiments, the sheet brackets 209a, 209b are spaced a distance "D" from one another that may be a substantial portion of the width "W" of the glass sheet 105. Providing a relatively large distance "D" can help reduce stress applied to the glass sheet in applications where the glass sheet can be rotated while conveying the glass sheet along the support rail 107. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be a desired to mount the sheet brackets 209a, 209b inboard from the outer edges 206a, 206b (see FIG. 2) to present the outer edges 206a, 206b to be trimmed during subsequent processing of the glass sheets 105. In some embodiments, the distance "D" can be from about 25% to about 100% of the width "W", such as from about 50% to about 90% of the width "W" although other relative distances "D" may be provided in further embodiments.

[0033] In still further embodiments, the hangers 113a, 113b are configured to permit an end of the corresponding hanger to rotate about the corresponding support axis 201a, 201b. For instance, each hanger 113a, 113b can be configured to permit the corresponding sheet bracket 209a, 209b to rotate relative to the corresponding rail bracket 203a, 203b about a corresponding support axis 201a, 201b of the hanger 113a, 113b. The hangers 113a, 113b can include various alternative configurations to permit rotation of the end (e.g., sheet bracket) of the hanger about the corresponding support axis. For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, the first hanger 113a can include at least one resilient member 211, such as a torsion spring. Although not shown, the second hanger 113b may also include a similar or identical resilient member. The resilient member(s) can act as a torsion biasing member to allow relative rotation of the end of the hanger about the corresponding support axis. Permitting relative rotation between the end (e.g., sheet bracket) of the hanger and the corresponding support axis can allow an angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the glass sheet conveyance direction to change without imposing damaging forces to the glass sheet 105 with the glass sheet brackets 209a, 209b. The resilient member 211 can also allow limited flexing of the hangers to avoid excessive forces from being applied to the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105.

[0034] As further shown in FIG. 2, in addition or alternative to the resilient member 211, each of the hangers 113a, 113b may each include a joint 213a, 213b configured to permit the end of the corresponding hanger to rotate about the corresponding support axis 201a, 201b. For instance, the joint 213a, 213b of each hanger 113a, 113b can be configured to permit rotation of the corresponding sheet bracket 209a, 209b relative to the corresponding rail bracket 203a, 203b about the corresponding support axis 201a, 201b of the hanger. As mentioned above, permitting relative rotation between the end (e.g., sheet bracket) of the hanger and the corresponding support axis can allow an angle between a major surface of the glass sheet and the glass sheet conveyance direction to change without damaging the glass sheet.

[0035] The support rail 107 can comprise various configurations that may support the weight of the glass sheets 105. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate top view of one embodiment of FIG. 1, demonstrating just one support rail configuration wherein the support rail 107 is shown in broken lines for clarity. Unless indicated otherwise, the rail configuration of FIG. 4 is identical to the rail configuration of FIG. 5. As such, description of one of the figures can apply equally to the other figure.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the support rail 107 can optionally include at least one monorail segment such as the illustrated upstream monorail segment 401a and downstream monorail segment 401b. Although the illustrated support rail 107 shows two monorail segments 401a, 401b, further embodiments of support rails may be provided without a monorail segment, with a single monorail segment (e.g., upstream or downstream monorail segment), or three or more monorail segments. For purposes of this disclosure, a monorail segment can be considered a segment of the support rail extending a length along a glass sheet conveyance direction 115 that includes only a single rail portion 405 defining only a single support path 407 along the length that can support the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b of the hanging device 109. [0037] The support rail 107 can further include a double-rail segment 409 including a first rail portion 411a offset from a second rail portion 411b. For purposes of this disclosure a double-rail segment can be considered a segment of the support rail extending a length along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 that includes at least two rail portions 411a, 411b defining corresponding support paths 413a, 413b along the length that can respectively support the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b of the hanging device 109. For instance, the double-rail segment can be considered the segment wherein the support paths 413a, 413b support the hangers 113a, 113b such that the glass sheet 105 does not rotate when being conveyed along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. In one embodiment, the two rail portions 411a, 411b may be substantially parallel to one another. Although only two rail portions 411a, 411b are illustrated along the length of the double -rail segment 409, three or more rail portions may be provided in further examples. In such examples, a selected two of the plurality of rail portions designed to support the glass sheet with at least two hangers can be considered a double -rail segment.

[0038] One embodiment of the disclosure provides a first monorail segment 401a that may be configured to support a weight of the glass sheet with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b with a single rail portion 405 along the single support path 407. In one embodiment, the controller 117 may operate the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205, or other actuator, to move one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b together with the glass sheet 105 along single support path 407 in the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. Furthermore, each of the rail portions 411a, 411b of the double-rail segment 409 may be configured to support at least a portion of the weight of the glass sheet 105 with at least one of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b. In one embodiment, the controller 117 may operate the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205, or other actuator, to move one or both of the first hanger 113a along the first support path 413a and the second hanger 113b along the offset support path 413b in the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. Alternatively, the controller 117 may operate the magnetic linear synchronous motor 205, or other actuator, to move one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b together with the glass sheet 105 along the same support path of the double-rail segment 409 to bypass the glass rotation functionality of the double -rail segment 409.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the support rail can further include a dividing segment 415 that divides the monorail segment 401a into the double-rail segment 409. In such an embodiment, the controller 117 may control conveyance of the glass sheet 105 along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 by guiding one of the first hanger and the second hanger along a path 423 of the dividing segment 415 while also guiding the other of the first hanger and the second hanger along another path. For instance, as shown, the controller 117 may optionally control conveyance of the glass sheet 105 along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 by guiding the second hanger 113b to begin traveling along the path 423 of the dividing segment 415 toward the first rail portion 411a of the double-rail segment 409 while the first hanger 113a continues along the monorail segment 401a toward the second rail portion 411b of the double -rail segment 409.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of FIG. 1, demonstrating another configuration of a support rail 601 shown in broken lines for clarity. Unless indicated otherwise, the rail configuration of FIGS. 6-10 are identical to one another. As such, description of one of FIGS. 6-10 can apply equally to the other of FIGS. 6-10.

[0041] The support rail 601 illustrates a monorail segment 602 and a double-rail segment 603 including a first rail portion 604a and a second rail portion 604b. The support rail 601 further includes a first dividing segment 605a that divides the monorail segment 602 into the first rail portion 604a and the second rail portion 604b of the double-rail segment 603. Furthermore, the support rail 601 includes a second dividing segment 605b that divides an upstream part of the second rail portion 604b into downstream parts of the first and second rail portions 604a, 604b. Although two dividing segments are illustrated, further embodiments may include one dividing segment or three or more dividing segments.

[0042] The support rail may further include one or more converging segments that converge the double-rail segment into the monorail segment or converge two upstream rail portions of a double-rail segment into a selected one of a pair of downstream rail portions of the double-rail segment or into a monorail segment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the support rail 107 may further include a converging segment 417 that converges the double-rail segment 409 into the second monorail segment 401b. In such an embodiment, the controller 117 may control the hanging device 109 such that the hanger (e.g, one of hangers 113a, 113b) traveling along the path 413a of the first rail portion 411a of the double-rail segment 409 travels along a path 425 of the converging segment 417 into the second monorail segment 401b while the other hanger (e.g., the other of hangers 113a, 113b) continues to travel along the path 413b of the second rail portion 411b into the path of the second monorail segment 401b. Indeed, as set forth in the illustrated embodiment, the second hanger 113b can travel along the path 425 of the converging segment 417 into the second monorail segment 401b while the first hanger 113a follows along the path 413b of the second rail portion 411b for subsequent entry into the path of the second monorail segment 401b.

[0043] As schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in addition to processing the glass sheets by conveying the glass sheets, the double-rail segment 409 can optionally be positioned within a processing zone 501 to further processes the glass sheets. Various procedures may be carried out to further process the glass sheets in addition to conveying the glass sheets. For instance, the double-rail segment 409 may be at least partially positioned within a processing zone selected from the group consisting of: a cutting zone, a finishing zone, a washing zone, a drying zone, a heating zone, a cooling zone, a spraying zone, a strengthening zone, a reorienting zone, an accumulation zone, an inspection zone, a replacement zone, a weighing zone, and a lamination zone.

[0044] Methods of processing glass sheets 105 will now be described with initial reference to FIG. 1. The method can include the step of hanging the glass sheet 105 with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b. For instance, in just one embodiment, a source 103 of glass sheets may include a robot or other article handling device to facilitate movement and proper positioning of a glass sheet 105 from the source 103 of glass sheets 105. Once properly positioned, each glass sheet 105 may be hung with the corresponding first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b.

[0045] In one embodiment, the step of hanging can include initially mounting the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to the support rail 107 such that the hangers may move relative to the support rail 107 along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. For instance, the first rail bracket 203a of the first hanger 113a and the second rail bracket 203b of the second hanger 113b may be mounted to the support rail 107. Next, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b may be mounted (e.g., removably mounted and/or fixedly mounted) to the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105, for instance, with the first sheet bracket 209a of the first hanger 113a and the second sheet bracket 209b of the second hanger 113b. In one particular embodiment, the sheet brackets 209a, 209b include respective jaws 301 that may be used to clamp the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105.

[0046] In another embodiment, the step of hanging can include initially mounting (e.g., removably mounting and/or fixedly mounting) the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to the glass sheet 105. In one embodiment, each of the first sheet bracket 209a and the second sheet bracket 209b can be fixedly and removably mounted to the upper edge portion 305 of the glass sheet 105. Next, the hangers 113a, 113b may be mounted to the support rail 107 such that the hangers may move relative to the support rail 107 along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. For instance, the first rail bracket 203a of the first hanger 113a and the second rail bracket 203b of the second hanger 113b may each be mounted to the support rail 107.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed above, the sheet brackets 209a, 209b may be mounted at a spaced distance "D" from one another that may be a substantial portion of the width "W" of the glass sheet 105. As further illustrated and previously described, in some embodiments, the sheet brackets 209a, 209b may be mounted inboard from the outer edges 206a, 206b. In some embodiments, the distance "D" can be from about 25% to about 100% of the width "W", such as from about 50% to about 90% of the width "W" although other relative distances "D" may be provided in further embodiments. Once mounted, the sheet brackets 209a, 209b can support at least part or the entire weight of the glass sheet 105 along the corresponding support axis 201a, 201b of each of the hangers 113a, 113b.

[0048] The method can further include the step of conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. As shown, the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 is substantially straight although curved conveyance directions maybe provided in further examples. For instance, the conveyance direction may alternatively be designed to increase or decrease the altitude of the glass sheets or convey the glass sheets in a curved fashion depending on the desired conveyance path. Still further, as mentioned previously, although not shown, the method can also include the step of conveying the hanging glass sheet in a direction opposite the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. Conveying in opposite directions can be used in applications to transfer glass sheets back and forth between remote locations.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the glass sheet 105 includes a first major surface 105a and a second major surface 105b facing in opposite directions with the outer peripheral edge surface 215 extending between the first and second major surface 105a, 105b. The illustrated first and second major surfaces 105a, 105b are planar although other nonplanar configurations may be provided in further examples. For instance, the glass sheets may be bowed about a vertical direction such that the profile of the major surfaces of the glass ribbon when viewed from the top view of FIG. 4 comprises a slight or pronounced substantially C-shaped profile. In some embodiments, providing glass sheets with a bowed profile can help stiffen the glass sheets to prevent uncontrolled flexing that might otherwise occur during handling (e.g., conveyance), particularly with relatively thin and/or relatively large glass sheets.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the glass sheet 105 may be conveyed along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 while maintaining the angle between a major surface (e.g., 105a and/or 105b) and the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 at or about equal to 0°. In some embodiments, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can be guided along the same support path 407 to maintain the angle at or about equal to 0°. Indeed, the controller 117 can control movement of at least one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to travel along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. As the glass sheet 105 may be hung with the hangers positioned at spaced apart locations (e.g., at the upper edge portion 305), the glass sheet 105 hangs in the illustrated orientation wherein both major surfaces of the glass sheet 105 extend at the angle at or about equal to 0° relative to the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. In some embodiments, the major surfaces of the glass sheet may travel at other angles. Throughout the application, in embodiments that convey nonplanar glass sheets (e.g., with a bowed substantially C-shaped profile), the angle is measured with respect a linear direction of a span of a major surface of the glass ribbon between the sheet brackets 209a, 209b of the hangers 113a, 113b. Indeed, the span of a major surface of the glass ribbon is the distance "D" between the sheet brackets 209a, 209b wherein the angle can be measured with respect to a linear direction of the measured distance "D".

[0051] The glass sheet 105 may also be conveyed along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 while maintaining the angle between a major surface (e.g., 105a and/or 105b) at an angle greater than 0°. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b can be guided along separate offset support paths 413a, 413b. As shown, the separate offset support paths may be parallel with one another along the direction 115 such that the hangers 113a, 113b both travel along direction 115 as the hangers travel along the length of the double-rail segment 409. In one embodiment, the controller 117 can control movement of at least one or both of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b to travel along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. As shown, the angle "A" within the double-rail segment 409 can be at or about 90° although other angles may be provided in further embodiments. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, some embodiments may provide the double-rail segment 1101 with an angle "A" between a major surface (e.g., 105a and/or 105b) between 0° and 90° although other angles may be provided in further embodiments. As shown, the angle "A" of FIG. 11 may also be maintained substantially constant as the glass sheet 105 is conveyed along direction 115.

[0052] In further embodiments, the hanging glass sheet 105 can be conveyed along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 while changing the angle "A" between the major surface (e.g., 105a and/or 105b) of the glass sheet 105 and the glass sheet conveyance direction 115. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the glass sheet may be rotated in the illustrated counterclockwise direction 419 wherein the angle "A" changes from about or equal to 0° associated with the first monorail segment 401a to about or equal to 90° associated with the double-rail segment 409. As further shown in FIG. 4, the glass sheet may also be rotated in the illustrated clockwise direction 421 wherein the angle "A" changes from about or equal to 90° associated with the double-rail segment 409 to about or equal to 0° associated with the second monorail segment 401b. As such, in by rotating in opposite directions, the first major surface 105a and the second major surface 105b can face in the same direction when traveling along the first monorail segment 401a and the second monorail segment 401b.

[0053] In another embodiment, the glass sheet may be rotated in the same direction to flip the glass sheet 180° such that the major surfaces face opposite directions. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the glass sheet may be rotated in the illustrated counterclockwise direction 419 wherein the angle "A" changes from about or equal to 0° associated with the first monorail segment 401a to about or equal to 90° associated with the double-rail segment 409. As further shown in FIG. 5, the glass sheet may also be rotated again in the illustrated clockwise direction 419 wherein the angle "A" changes from about or equal to 90° associated with the double-rail segment 409 to about or equal to 180° associated with the second monorail segment 401b. As such, in by rotating in twice in the same direction 419, the first major surface 105a and the second major surface 105b can be flipped 180° to face in the opposite directions when traveling along the first monorail segment 401a and the second monorail segment 401b.

[0054] The step of rotating the hanging glass sheet 105, for instance, in the illustrated clockwise direction 421 or the illustrated counterclockwise direction 419 can be achieved by changing the angle "A" with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b. In one embodiment, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b may be guided (e.g., with controller 117) along diverging paths to change the angle. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the method can include guiding the second hanger 113b along path 423 while guiding the first hanger 113a along path 407 that diverges from path 423. Alternatively, although not shown, the second hanger 113b may travel along path 407 while the first hanger 113a travels along path 423 that diverges from path 407.

[0055] In another embodiment, the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b may be guided (e.g., with controller 117) along converging paths to change the angle "A". For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the method can include guiding the second hanger 113b along path 425 of converging segment 417 while guiding the first hanger 113a along path 407 that converges with path 425. Alternatively, although not shown, if the glass sheet 105 is flipped, the method can include guiding the first hanger 113a along path 425 of converging segment 417 while guiding the second hanger 113b along path 407 that converges with path 425. [0056] In light of the above discussion, it will be appreciated that various methods may be carried out in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. For example, methods will be described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 with the understanding that similar methods may be carried out with the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. Referencing FIG. 4, processing methods can include the step of processing glass sheets 105 including the step (I) of hanging the glass sheet 105 with the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b. The method can further include the step (II) of conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 while changing the angle "A" between a major surface (e.g., major surfaces 105a and/or 105b) of the glass sheet 105 and the glass sheet conveyance direction 115.

[0057] With further reference to FIG 4, in one embodiment of the processing method described above, step (II) includes guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along diverging paths 423, 407 to change the angle "A". In addition, the method can include the further step of guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along converging paths 425, 407 to further change the angle "A".

[0058] With still further reference to FIG. 4, step (II) of the processing method described above can also include guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along converging paths 425, 407 to change the angle "A". In such an embodiment, step (I) can guide the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along separate offset paths 413a, 413b.

[0059] With further reference to FIG. 4, step (I) of the processing method described above can guide the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the same path 407, such as long the path 407 of the first monorail segment 401a. Furthermore, at least after step (II), the method can further include the step of guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along separate offset paths 413a, 413b (e.g., of the double-rail segment 409).

[0060] With still further reference to FIG. 4, step (I) of the processing method described above can including guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along separate offset paths 413a, 413b. In such an embodiment, at least after step (II), the method can further include the step of guiding the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along the same path 407 of the second monorail segment 402b. [0061] The angle "A" may be changed as discussed above to alternate from one of a first angle orientation to a second angle orientation of the glass sheets during processing. The double-rail segment 409 can permit compact conveyance of multiple glass sheets 105 relatively close together with the first major surface of one glass sheet facing the second major surface of the adjacent glass sheet. Such an arrangement is more compact than the arrangement shown with the monorail segments 401a, 401b wherein the glass sheets are aligned along the width extending along the single support path.

[0062] Compact conveyance can be beneficial to permit further processing with a reduced amount of floor space that would otherwise be required to process the sheets without a compact arrangement. Furthermore, processing the compact glass sheets within the processing zone 501 can provide further time to carry out tasks since the glass sheets may travel at a reduced velocity without interrupting upstream processing. Time to index glass sheets can be reduced since indexing from one sheet to the next sheet to be processed only requires a relatively small movement in the direction of the thickness of the glass sheet rather than a relatively long movement along the width of the glass sheet.

[0063] In some embodiments, processing within the processing zone can comprise cutting the glass sheet within a cutting zone. For instance, the sides of the glass sheet may be separated (e.g., with a laser) to remove undesired outer edges 206a, 206b of the glass sheet 105.

[0064] In another embodiment, the processing zone can comprise a finishing zone, for example, where the outer edges of the glass sheet are ground, polished, etc. to increase the quality of the edges.

[0065] In a further embodiment, the processing zone can comprise a washing zone wherein the glass sheets are cleaned to remove debris from the major surfaces and/or edges of the glass sheet.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, the processing zone can comprise a drying zone wherein liquid on the surfaces of the glass sheet may be given additional time to evaporate from the glass sheet.

[0067] In still further embodiments, the processing zone can comprise a heating zone and/or a cooling zone. If a heating zone is provided, the glass sheets can be heated to a desired temperature, or maintained at a desired temperature over a period of time. If a cooling zone is provided, the glass sheets can be given additional time to cool.

[0068] In further embodiments, the processing zone may comprise a spraying zone wherein fluid may be sprayed on the surface of the glass sheet. For instance, spraying techniques can include painting, applying protective layers, applying liquid for chemically strengthening the surface of the glass sheet, etc.

[0069] In still further embodiments, the processing zone can comprise a strengthening zone for strengthening the glass sheet, for example, with a chemical strengthening process. For instance, the strengthening zone may comprise a salt bath wherein the glass sheets are conveyed in a compact manner into and out of the salt bath.

[0070] In still further embodiments, the processing zone can comprise a reorienting zone wherein surfaces of the glass sheet can be reoriented (e.g., flipped). Reorienting, such as flipping, can present alternative surfaces for treating or processing. For instance, a first major surface of the glass sheet may be sprayed and then the glass sheet may be flipped to present the opposite major surface of the glass sheet for spraying.

[0071] In further embodiments, the processing zone can comprise an accumulation zone wherein multiple glass sheets may be temporarily stored in a process. In such an embodiment, interruption of upstream processing or discarding of glass sheets is not necessary during a process interruption. Rather, the glass sheets may simply accumulate by being compactly stored together until the process is resumed.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the processing zone can comprise a replacement zone. As the glass sheets are moving relatively slowly, an operator has more time to remove and/or replace glass sheets.

[0073] In another embodiment, the processing zone comprises a weighing zone. Weighing the glass sheets when they are positioned in a compact manner can reduce the velocity of the glass sheets and therefor help increase the settling time for more accurate weight measurement.

[0074] In still another embodiment, the processing zone can comprise a lamination zone to add a layer of material (e.g., interleaf material) to the major surface of the glass sheets. [0075] Various support rail configurations may be provided depending on the desired process features. Moreover, the methods of the disclosure can include the step of controlling guidance of the first hanger 113a and the second hanger 113b along at least one predetermined path. For instance, any of the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of controlling guidance of the first hanger and the second hanger along the at least one predetermined path with a magnetic linear synchronous motor. As mentioned previously, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates conveying glass sheets along the first monorail segment 401a, then conveying the glass sheets along a double-rail segment 409 and finally conveying the glass sheets along the second monorail segment 401b. As discussed above, the hangers 113a, 113b may be controlled as shown in FIG. 4 to maintain the same orientation in both monorail segments 401a, 401b. In contrast, the hangers 113a, 113b may be controlled as shown in FIG. 5 to flip the orientation of the glass sheets 180°.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, glass sheets may be conveyed along the monorail segment 602 with both hangers 113a, 113b traveling along the single support path 607 in the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 while maintaining an angle between a major surface (e.g., 105a and/or 105b) and the glass sheet conveyance direction 115 at or about equal to 0°. The method can also rotate the glass sheet 105 in the illustrated counterclockwise direction 419 similar to the method discussed with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 above.

[0077] The double-rail segment may include a plurality of converging segments and/or a plurality of diverging segments to reorient the glass sheet in alternative ways. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, the first hanger 113a may be guided along the second dividing segment 605b to again rotate the glass sheet in counterclockwise direction 419 wherein the glass sheet may travel along a first rail portion 604a of the double-rail segment 603 with the major surfaces of the glass sheet flipped 180° when compared to the orientation along the monorail segment 602. Similarly, FIG. 8 illustrates a procedure similar to FIG. 6 but guiding the hangers 113a, 113b along a converging segment 801 to guide the hangers along the second rail portion 604b with the major surface of the glass sheet flipped 180°. FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 but includes rotating the glass ribbon with three counterclockwise rotations 419 such that the glass ribbon is rotated 270°. [0078] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a counterclockwise rotation 419 and a clockwise rotation 421 wherein the glass sheet may alternatively travel along the first rail portion 604a or the second rail portion 604b with the major surfaces of the glass sheet facing the same direction as the major surfaces were facing when traveling along the monorail segment 602.

[0079] FIG. 12 illustrates features of further embodiments of methods of processing glass sheets. The method includes the step of hanging the glass sheet 105 with a hanger 1201 from a support rail 1203 (shown in hidden lines for clarity). In some examples the hanger 1201 may comprise a single hanger. Moreover, the hanger may comprise a nonrotatable hanger in some examples. Alternatively, the hanger may comprise a rotatable hanger permitting rotation of the glass sheet 105 about a vertical axis as demonstrated by rotation direction 1205 shown in FIG. 12. The support rail 1203 can comprise a monorail in some examples that may be joined with other monorail segments to create alternative glass conveyance paths. In some examples, the support rail 1203 may be provided with various actuators such as the magnetic linear synchronous motor described above.

[0080] The method of processing the glass sheets can further include the step of conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along a first glass sheet conveyance direction while a major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet is at a first angle relative to the first glass sheet conveyance direction; and then conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along a second glass sheet conveyance direction while the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet 105 is at a second angle relative to the second glass sheet conveyance direction, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.

[0081] For instance, in one example, the method of processing the glass sheets can include the step of conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along a first glass sheet conveyance direction 1207 while a major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet is at a first angle relative to the first glass sheet conveyance direction 1207; and then conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along a second glass sheet conveyance direction 1211 while the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet 105 is at a second angle relative to the second glass sheet conveyance direction 1211, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle. Indeed, on just one example, the first glass sheet conveyance direction 1207 may be coincident with the second glass sheet conveyance direction 1211 while the first and second angle are different from one another. In the illustrated example, the first angle can be about 0° and/or the second angle can be about 90° although different angles may be provided in further examples. As shown, the glass sheet 105 can be rotated by the hanger 1201 about direction 1205 to change the angle from the first angle to the second angle.

[0082] In another example, the method of processing the glass sheets can include the step of conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along another first glass sheet conveyance direction 1209 while a major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet is at a first angle relative to the first glass sheet conveyance direction 1209; and then conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along the second glass sheet conveyance direction 1211 while the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet 105 is at a second angle relative to the second glass sheet conveyance direction 1211, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle. Indeed, on just one example, the first glass sheet conveyance direction 1209 may be at an angle, such as about 90° or another angle, with respect to the second glass sheet conveyance direction 1209 while the first and second angle are different from one another. In the illustrated example, the first angle can be about 0° and/or the second angle can be about 90° although different angles may be provided in further examples. As shown, the glass sheet 105 may achieve the different conveyance angles without rotation but by the change in direction of the glass sheet conveyance directions.

[0083] In any of the examples of conveying of the present disclosure, the glass sheet may be conveyed with a bowed configuration. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 12, the glass sheet 106 is in a bowed configuration and otherwise can be identical to the glass sheet 105. As illustrated, in some examples, the bowed configuration may provide the first major surface 105a as a convex major surface facing in the direction of the glass conveyance while the second major surface 105b may be a concave major surface facing opposite to the direction of the glass conveyance. The bowed configuration can provide stability and thereby prevent buckling and uncontrolled flexing under wind currents during conveying procedures. Moreover, providing the convex major surface in the direction of the glass conveyance can help provide stability and a desired air profile passing across the first major surface 105a while conveying the glass sheet. [0084] The glass sheets 105 may also pass through the illustrated processing zone 501 that may be identical to the processing zones previously described. As described previously, in some examples, the processing zone may be positioned where the major surface of the glass sheets is positioned at an angle greater than °0, such as 90° for reasons discussed fully above.

[0085] Methods can also include the step of further conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along a third glass sheet conveyance direction while the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet 105 is at a third angle relative to the third glass sheet conveyance direction. For example, methods can also include the step of further conveying the hanging glass sheet 105 along a third glass sheet conveyance direction 1213a, 1213b while the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet 105 is at a third angle relative to the third glass sheet conveyance direction. In one particular example, for instance, the glass sheet conveyance directions 1213a, 1213b can be about ±90° relative to the first glass sheet conveyance direction 1207. In another example, the glass sheet conveyance direction 1213a can be at about 180° relative to the other first glass sheet conveyance direction 1209 while the glass sheet conveyance direction 1213b can be coincident with the other first glass sheet conveyance direction 1209. Although various alternative relative angles may be provided, in one example, the first angle (e.g., 0°) between the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet 105 and the first glass sheet conveyance direction 1209 can be substantially equal to the third angle (e.g., 0°) between the major surface 105a, 105b of the glass sheet and the third glass sheet conveyance directions 1213a, 1213b.

[0086] Optionally, as further shown, methods of conveying may divide sheets between one of two glass sheet conveyance directions 1215a, 1215b and, in some examples, may then travel along alternative paths 1217a, 1217b. Dividing the sheets may be desirable to separate glass sheets from one another with a larger spacing between sheets, for example, by alternating paths 1215a, 1215b. In further examples, glass sheets may all be transferred along a single one of the alternative paths 1215a, 1215b.

[0087] Embodiments and the functional operations described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Embodiments described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible program carrier for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The tangible program carrier can be a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can be a machine -readable storage device, a machine readable storage substrate, a memory device, or a combination of one or more of them.

[0088] The term "processor" or "controller" can encompass all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of embodiment a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The processor can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them.

[0089] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0090] The processes described herein can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) to name a few.

[0091] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of embodiment, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more data memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), to name just a few.

[0092] Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms data memory including nonvolatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of embodiment semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD- ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0093] To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, and the like for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, or a touch screen by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for embodiment, input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0094] Embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Embodiments of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a wide area network ("WAN"), e.g., the Internet.

[0095] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0096] It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may involve particular features, elements or steps that are described in connection with that particular embodiment. It will also be appreciated that a particular feature, element or step, although described in relation to one particular embodiment, may be interchanged or combined with alternate embodiments in various non-illustrated combinations or permutations.

[0097] It is also to be understood that, as used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Likewise, a "plurality" is intended to denote "more than one."

[0098] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0099] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. [00100] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

[00101] While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitional phrase "comprising," it is to be understood that alternative embodiments, including those that may be described using the transitional phrases "consisting" or "consisting essentially of," are implied. Thus, for embodiment, implied alternative embodiments to an apparatus that comprises A+B+C include embodiments where an apparatus consists of A+B+C and embodiments where an apparatus consists essentially of A+B+C.

[00102] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.