SEPARATION

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S.

Provisional Application Serial No. 62/887,990 filed on August 16, 2019, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods of separating a glass ribbon and more particularly, to apparatuses and methods of separating a glass ribbon by constraining the glass ribbon and applying laser-based energy.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Glass sheets are commonly used in the construction of display panels. Glass sheets can be used, for example, as a substrate for integrating active devices (e.g., thin film transistors (TFT) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) emitters) or as a color filter. One characteristic of a glass sheet that affects performance is surface cleanliness. The surface cleanliness can be affected at all stages of glass processing from glass formation to final packaging.

[0004] When glass is formed in a drawing process, a continuous glass ribbon is produced. The glass ribbon is commonly separated into smaller glass sheets for further processing. The separation process can affect the surface cleanliness of the glass sheets that are separated from the glass ribbon. It is desirable to separate the glass ribbon into glass sheets while maintaining superior surface cleanliness.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides apparatuses and systems for mitigating edge defect formation during glass ribbon separation. The examples described herein may include one or more grippers to mechanically constrain the glass ribbon during separation. Other examples may include laser shaping assemblies for applying an elongated laser beam at a separation line for separating the glass ribbon.

[0006] In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a method of separating a glass ribbon is provided. The method may include applying a first gripper and a second gripper to the glass ribbon on an upstream side of a separation line to restrict movement of the glass ribbon. The first gripper and the second gripper may be positioned adjacent opposite edges of the glass ribbon. The method may also include applying laser energy at the separation line on the glass ribbon and initiating a defect at or near the separation line to cause the glass ribbon to separate at the separation line.

[0007] In one aspect, the method may include applying a third gripper and a fourth gripper to the glass ribbon on the downstream side of the separation line, the third gripper and the fourth gripper positioned adjacent opposite edges of the glass ribbon.

[0008] In another aspect, the first gripper may include at least one suction cup.

[0009] In another aspect, the first gripper and the second gripper may each include at least one suction cup.

[0010] In another aspect, the first gripper may include at least one clamp.

[0011] In another aspect, the first gripper and the second gripper may each include at least one clamp.

[0012] In another aspect, the first gripper may contact the glass ribbon at at least two contact positions and the second gripper may contact the glass ribbon at at least one contact position.

[0013] In another aspect, the method may include applying forces to the glass ribbon with the first gripper and the second gripper in directions away from each other and away from a center of the glass ribbon.

[0014] In another aspect, the method may include applying first forces to the glass ribbon with the first gripper and the second gripper in directions away from each other and away from a center of the glass ribbon and applying second forces to the glass ribbon with the third gripper and the fourth gripper in directions away from each other and away from a center of the glass ribbon.

[0015] In another aspect, the method may include applying forces to the glass ribbon with the third gripper and the fourth gripper in a downstream direction away from the separation line.

[0016] In another aspect, the first gripper may contact the glass ribbon at a first contact position and the second gripper may contact the glass ribbon at a second contact position. The first contact position and the second contact position may be longitudinally spaced apart from the separation line by a distance in a range of about 50 mm to about 300 mm.

[0017] In another aspect, the method may include shaping a laser beam using a laser shaping assembly into an elongated laser beam having a width greater than an overall width of the glass ribbon.

[0018] In another aspect, the method may include shaping a laser beam using a laser shaping assembly into an elongated laser beam comprising a non-uniform intensity across a width of the glass ribbon.

[0019] In another aspect, the laser shaping assembly may include a first cylindrical lens and a second cylindrical lens disposed orthogonally to each other to permit the laser beam to be shaped in two orthogonal directions.

[0020] In another example in accordance with the present disclosure, an apparatus for separating a glass ribbon is provided. The apparatus may include a first gripper contacting the glass ribbon in a first non-quality region of the glass ribbon and a second gripper contacting the glass ribbon in a second non-quality region of the glass ribbon. The second non-quality region may be separated from the first non-quality region by a quality region of the glass ribbon. The apparatus may further include a laser shaping assembly comprising at least one laser. The laser shaping assembly may be configured to shape a beam from the at least one laser into an elongated laser beam that can be applied to a separation line on the glass ribbon. The separation line may be positioned downstream of the first gripper and the second gripper on the glass ribbon.

[0021] In one aspect, the first gripper may be positioned at a first contact position upstream of the separation line wherein the first contact position may be located at a longitudinal distance in the range of about 50 mm to about 300 mm from the separation line. [0022] In another aspect, the second gripper may contact the glass ribbon at a first contact position and at a second contact position. The second contact position may be located upstream of the first contact position relative to the separation line wherein the second contact position may be located at a longitudinal distance in the range of about 150 mm to about 400 mm from the separation line.

[0023] In another aspect, the first gripper and the second gripper may each contact the glass ribbon at first contact positions and at second contact positions. The first and second contact positions may be located upstream of the separation line. The first contact positions may be located at longitudinal distances in a range of about 50 mm to about 300 mm from the separation line and the second contact positions may be located at longitudinal distances in a range of about 150 mm to about 400 mm from the separation line.

[0024] In another aspect, the apparatus may include a first actuator connected to the first gripper. The first actuator may be operative to apply a force to the glass ribbon through the first gripper in a direction away from a center of the glass ribbon.

[0025] In another aspect, the apparatus may include a second actuator connected to the second gripper. The second actuator may be operative to apply a force to the glass ribbon through the second gripper in a direction away from a center of the glass ribbon.

[0026] In another aspect, the apparatus may include a third gripper contacting the glass ribbon downstream of the separation line and a fourth gripper contacting the glass ribbon downstream of the separation line.

[0027] In another aspect, the third gripper may contact the glass ribbon at a third contact position and the fourth gripper may contact the glass ribbon at a fourth contact position. The third contact position and the fourth contact position may be located at longitudinal distances in a range of about 100 mm to about 200 mm downstream of the separation line.

[0028] In another aspect, the apparatus may include a third actuator connected to the third gripper and the fourth gripper. The third actuator may be operative to apply a force to the glass ribbon through the third gripper and the fourth gripper in a downstream direction away from the separation line.

[0029] In another aspect, the laser shaping assembly may include a first cylindrical lens and a second cylindrical lens. The first cylindrical lens may be oriented orthogonally to the second cylindrical lens to shape the laser beam in two orthogonal directions.

[0030] In another aspect, the laser shaping assembly may include a first laser and a first pair of cylindrical lenses, and a second laser and a second pair of cylindrical lenses. [0031] In another aspect, each cylindrical lens in the first pair of cylindrical lenses may be oriented orthogonally to the other, and each cylindrical lens in the second pair of cylindrical lens may be oriented orthogonally to the other. The first pair of cylindrical lens and the second pair of cylindrical lenses may be configured to shape a first beam from the first laser and a second beam from the second laser into the elongated laser beam.

[0032] In another aspect, the elongated laser beam may include a non-uniform intensity across a width of the glass ribbon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0033] The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not necessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Like reference numerals denote like features throughout specification and drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fusion draw apparatus that incorporates one or more aspects of the exemplary glass separation apparatuses of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an exemplary glass separation apparatus of the present disclosure being used to separate a glass ribbon.

[0036] FIG. 3 is an end view illustrating the exemplary glass separation apparatus of

FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a clamp-style gripper that can be used in the glass separation apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a gripper with suction cups that can be used in the glass separation apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0039] FIGS. 6 is an illustration showing another exemplary glass separation apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 7 is an illustration showing yet another exemplary glass separation apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary laser shaping assembly of the present disclosure showing the formation of an elongated laser beam being applied to a glass ribbon. [0042] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing the shaping of a laser beam into the elongated laser beam of FIG. 8 showing shaping of a beam in two orthogonal directions. [0043] FIGs. 10A-D are graphical illustrations showing exemplary elongated laser beam intensity profiles as distributed across a width of a glass ribbon.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a graphical illustration showing an exemplary temperature distribution of a glass ribbon across its width after the glass ribbon has been heated using an elongated laser beam of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of separating a glass ribbon in accordance with the present disclosure. [0046] FIGs. 13A-C are photographs showing example edge surface conditions from sample glass sheets separated from a glass ribbon using a known mechanical score and separate method.

[0047] FIGs. 14A and B are photographs showing example edge surface conditions from sample glass sheets separated from a glass ribbon using a glass separation apparatus and method of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGs. 15A and B are graphical illustrations showing pull force measured on an example glass ribbon without and with the use of grippers positioned on an upstream side of the separation line during the separation process, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] For purposes of the description hereinafter, it is to be understood that the embodiments described below may assume alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific articles, compositions, and/or processes described herein are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.

[0050] The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for separating a glass ribbon. The glass ribbon may be a transparent substrate that can be separated into smaller glass sheets and be configured for use on a device such as a display or photovoltaic device. In some embodiments, the transparent substrate is suitable for use on a high resolution display panel such as an 8K ultra-high definition display.

[0051 ] Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the term “glass” used herein is understood to encompass any object made wholly or partly of glass. Glass articles include monolithic substrates, or laminates of glass and glass, glass and non-glass materials, glass and crystalline materials, and glass and glass-ceramics (which include an amorphous phase and a crystalline phase).

[0052] As used herein, the term “transparent” is intended to denote that the article, at a thickness of approximately 1 mm, has a transmission of greater than about 85% in the visible region of the spectrum (400-700 nm). For instance, an exemplary transparent glass panel may have greater than about 85% transmittance in the visible light range, such as greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, or greater than about 99% transmittance, including all ranges and subranges therebetween. According to various embodiments, the glass article may have a transmittance of less than about 50% in the visible region, such as less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, or less than about 20%, including all ranges and subranges therebetween. In certain embodiments, an exemplary glass panel may have a transmittance of greater than about 50% in the ultraviolet (UV) region (100-400 nm), such as greater than about 55%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 65%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, or greater than about 99% transmittance, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0053] Exemplary glasses can include, but are not limited to, aluminosilicate, alkali- aluminosilicate, borosilicate, alkali-borosilicate, aluminoborosilicate, alkali- aluminoborosilicate, and other suitable glasses. Non-limiting examples of available glasses suitable that may be separated using the teachings of the present disclosure include, for instance, HPD LOTUS™, LOTUS™ NXT, IRIS™, GORILLA ^® , ASTRA™ and CDT Eagle XG ^® glasses from Coming Incorporated.

[0054] The apparatus and methods of the present disclosure can be used in connection with various glass manufacturing methods and systems that can fabricate a glass ribbon. Example glass manufacturing methods and systems can include slot drawing systems, float bath systems, down-draw systems, up-draw systems, press-rolling systems or other glass ribbon processing systems. Referring now to L1G. 1 , an exemplary apparatus 101 for fabricating a glass ribbon 100 is illustrated. The example glass-fabrication apparatus 101 can be a fusion down-draw apparatus that fabricates the glass ribbon 100 that can subsequently be processed into glass sheets 112.

[0055] In this example, the fusion draw apparatus 101 can include a melting vessel

105 configured to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. An optional controller 115 can be configured to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. A glass melt probe 119 can be used to measure a glass melt 121 level within a standpipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 by way of a communication line 125.

[0056] The fusion draw apparatus 101 can also include a first conditioning station such as a fining vessel 127, located downstream from the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by way of a first connecting conduit 129. In some examples, glass melt may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127 by way of the first connecting conduit 129. Lor instance, gravity may act to drive the glass melt to pass through an interior pathway of the first connecting conduit 129 from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127. Within the fining vessel 127, bubbles may be removed from the glass melt by various techniques.

[0057] The fusion draw apparatus 101 can further include a second conditioning station such as a glass melt stirring chamber 131 that may be located downstream from the fining vessel 127. The glass melt stirring chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition, thereby reducing or eliminating cords of inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the fined glass melt exiting the fining vessel. As shown, the fining vessel 127 may be coupled to the glass melt stirring chamber 131 by way of a second connecting conduit 135. In some examples, glass melt may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 127 to the glass melt stirring chamber 131 by way of the second connecting conduit 135. For instance, gravity may act to drive the glass melt to pass through an interior pathway of the second connecting conduit 135 from the fining vessel 127 to the glass melt stirring chamber 131.

[0058] The fusion draw apparatus 101 can further include another conditioning station such as a delivery vessel 133 that may be located downstream from the glass melt stirring chamber 131. The delivery vessel 133 may condition the glass to be fed into a forming device. For instance, the delivery vessel 133 can act as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and provide a consistent flow of glass melt to the forming vessel. As shown, the glass melt stirring chamber 131 may be coupled to the delivery vessel 133 by way of a third connecting conduit 137. In some examples, glass melt may be gravity fed from the glass melt stirring chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 by way of the third connecting conduit 137. For instance, gravity may act to drive the glass melt to pass through an interior pathway of the third connecting conduit 137 from the glass melt stirring chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133.

[0059] As further illustrated, a downcomer 139 can be positioned to deliver glass melt

121 from the delivery vessel 133 to an inlet 141 of a forming vessel 143. The glass ribbon 100 may then be fusion drawn off the root 145 of a forming wedge 147 and subsequently separated into the glass sheets 112 by a glass separation apparatus 130.

[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates a general schematic of the glass separation apparatus 130 and its relationship to an example glass-fabrication apparatus 101. Further details of the glass separation 130 are described below. The glass separation apparatus 130 may divide the glass sheet 112 from the glass ribbon 100 as the glass ribbon 100 is fabricated in a draw direction shown by the arrow D. [0061 ] The glass ribbon 100, in the example shown, has a width W 1. At opposing sides, the glass ribbon 100 can have a first bead 118 and a second bead 120. The glass ribbon 100, in other examples, can have other shapes and may or may not include the first bead 118 and/or the second bead 120. In examples where the glass ribbon 100 includes beads, the first bead 118 and/or the second bead 120 can be configured as solid beads or hollow beads.

[0062] As further shown and as will be further described below, the glass separation apparatus 130 can include one or more grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 and a laser shaping assembly 110. The glass separator apparatus 130 can be used to separate the glass sheet 112 from the glass ribbon 100 at a separation line SL. As can be appreciated, the glass sheet 112 can subsequently be further separated. As shown, the glass sheet 112 can be further separated (using the separation methods and apparatus of the present disclosure or other separation methods and apparatuses) to separate a quality region of the glass sheet 112 from a first non-quality region 114 and second non-quality region 116. In such examples, the glass sheet 112 can have a finished width of W2 and a length L.

[0063] For purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “longitudinal” and/or

“transverse” may be used to describe the relationship of elements or the relationship of processing steps in the apparatuses and methods described herein. The term “longitudinal” means a direction generally extending along the length of the glass ribbon 100 that may be generally parallel to the direction D indicated in FIG. 1. The term “transverse” means a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or means a direction generally across the width of the glass ribbon 100.

[0064] Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the terms “downstream” and “upstream” may also be used to describe the relationship of elements or the relationship of processing steps in the apparatuses and methods described herein. The term “downstream” means in a direction of processing of the glass ribbon. The term “upstream” means in a direction opposite to the downstream direction or in a direction toward an earlier stage of processing. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the downstream direction is indicated by the arrow D or in the direction of draw of the glass ribbon 100. The upstream direction, in the example of FIG. 1, is upward on the page or toward the root 145. In the example shown, the upstream side of the separation line SL is above the separation line SL and the downstream side of the separation line SL is below the separation line SL. As can be appreciated, in other example processing methods, the glass ribbon 100 may be oriented differently and these terms indicate a relationship relative to the direction of processing. [0065] The glass separation apparatus 130 (FIG. 2) of the present disclosure allows the glass sheet 112 to be separated from the glass ribbon in a manner that reduces glass particle generation during the separation process. As will be further described below, the glass separation apparatus 130 includes the laser shaping assembly 110 that can apply a laser beam to the glass ribbon 100 after the glass ribbon 100 is stabilized using one or more grippers that can be positioned at or near the separation line SL. The stabilization of the glass ribbon 100 and the use of the laser shaping assembly 110 can achieve separations that result in a significant reduction in the number of defects that may occur on the edge surface of the glass sheet 112.

[0066] Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the terms “edge defect” or “defect” as used herein are understood to encompass any type of defect on an edge surface of a glass substrate. For example, examples of a defect on an edge surface of a glass substrate or glass sheet include, but are not limited to, cracks, arrest marks, twist hackles, mist hackles, chipping and the like. Such edge defects can be observed during visual inspection of an edge surface by a skilled technician. In other instances, cameras or other optical automated devices can be used to identify defects on the edge surface of a glass sheet. Typical minimum defect size detectable by a skilled technician using an optical microscope and/or cameras or other optical automated devices is in the range of about 3-5 pm. The edge considered “Defect-Free” is the edge, which has no defect of size larger than about 3-5 pm in a quality area, which is defined as W2 sheet width (see FIG. 1).

[0067] One methodology that can be used to quantify the surface quality of an edge surface of a glass substrate is to use the characteristic of Percent Defect-Free (% Defect- Free). This characteristic can be determined by comparing the surface area of the edge surface that exhibits a defect to the total surface area of the edge surface. Using this methodology, the surface quality of an edge surface can be determined using the equation:

% Defect-Free = (TSA - DSA) / TSA where: TSA = Total Surface Area of Edge Surface

DSA = Surface Area of Edge Surface with Defect(s)

The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can result in significant improvements in the surface quality of edge surfaces of glass sheets. Such improvements can be quantified using the % Defect-Free measurement. Some existing glass separation techniques, such as mechanical score and separation (MS&S), can achieve an edge surface quality in the range of 80 - 90 % Defect-Free. In some examples, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can achieve an edge surface quality of greater than or equal to about 90 % Defect- Free. In other examples, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can achieve an edge surface quality of greater than or equal to about 95 % Defect-Free. In still other examples, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can achieve an edge surface quality in a range of about 95 to about 99 % Defect-Free in edge quality area (within W2 sheet width). In still other examples, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can achieve an edge surface quality in a range of about 99 % to about 100 % Defect-Free in edge quality area (within W2 sheet width), which corresponds to the definition of a Defect- Free edge, when the edge has no defect of size larger than about 3-5 pm in a quality area. [0068] Referring now to FIGs. 2 and 3, an exemplary glass separation apparatus 130 may include a laser shaping assembly 110, a first gripper 102, a second gripper 104, a third gripper 106 and a fourth gripper 108. The laser shaping assembly 110 can include one or more lasers that can each emit a laser beam 132. The laser beams 132 can each be transmitted through a first cylindrical lens 134 and a second cylindrical lens 136 to shape the individual beams 132 into an elongated laser beam 138. As will be further described, the cylindrical lenses 134 and 136 can be configured and positioned in such a manner as to apply the elongated laser beam 132 to the glass ribbon 100 at the separation line SL.

[0069] The first gripper 102 can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 on a B-side 164 of the glass ribbon 100. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first gripper 102 includes two suction cups 140 that are positioned longitudinally with respect to one another at or near the first bead 118. The first gripper 102 can be positioned in the first non-quality region of the 114 (FIG. 3) of the glass ribbon 100. The second griper 104 can also be applied to the glass ribbon on the B-side 164 (FIG. 4) of the glass ribbon 100. The second gripper 104 can also include two suction cups 140 that are positioned longitudinally with respect to one another at or near the second bead 120. The second gripper 104 can be positioned in the second non quality region 116 of the glass ribbon 100. In this manner, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be positioned on opposite sides of the glass ribbon 100 to stabilize the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process.

[0070] The first and second grippers 102, 104 can be positioned on an upstream side of the separation line SL. The third and fourth grippers 106, 108 can be positioned on a downstream side of the separation line SL. The first and second grippers 102, 104 can stabilize the glass ribbon on the upstream side of the separation line SL and the third and fourth grippers 106, 108 can stabilize the glass ribbon 100 on the downstream side of the separation line SL. [0071] During an example separation process using the glass separation apparatus

130, the first and second grippers 102, 104 can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 as the glass ribbon 100 enters a separation zone of the fusion draw apparatus 101. The first grippers 102, the second grippers 104, the third grippers 106, the fourth grippers 108 and the laser shaping assembly 110 can be synchronized with the movement of the glass ribbon 100 as the glass ribbon 100 exits the forming wedge 147. Any suitable platform, trolley, robotic arm or other robotic or articulating tooling can be used to move the elements of the glass separation apparatus 130 with the movement of the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process. [0072] The first and second grippers 102, 104 can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 at a position upstream of the separation line SL. A first side force FI can be applied to the glass ribbon by the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104. This first side force FI can be applied in a transverse direction outward and away from a center of the glass ribbon 100. As such side force FI is applied, the glass ribbon 100 can be flattened and prepared for separation. The third and fourth grippers 106, 108 can then be applied to the glass ribbon 100 at a position downstream of the separation line SL. A second side force F2 can applied to the glass ribbon 100 by the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108. The second side force F2 can be applied in a transverse direction outward and away from a center of the glass ribbon 100. The third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can also apply a down force F3 to the glass ribbon 100.

[0073] The first gripper 102, the second gripper 104, the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108, when positioned as described above, condition and stabilize the glass ribbon 100. The laser shaping assembly 110 can then apply the elongated laser beam 138 to the glass ribbon 100 at the separation line SL. The elongated laser beam 138 can apply laser radiation to the A-side 166 of the glass ribbon 100. This can cause a rapid temperature increase in the glass ribbon 100 at the separation line SL that can induce thermal stress in the narrow region of the elongated laser beam 138. A surface defect can be purposely induced at the separation line SL (in the non quality region 114, for example) which, in turn, causes a crack to propagate rapidly across the transverse width of the glass ribbon 100. While the crack is propagating, the down force F3 applied by the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can separate the glass sheet 112 from the glass ribbon 100 at the separation line SL. Once the glass sheet 112 has been separated, the laser shaping assembly 110 can de energize and the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 can disengage from the glass ribbon 100 and/or the glass sheet 112. The process can then be repeated to separate another glass sheet 112 from the glass ribbon 100. [0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the second gripper 104 can be positioned on the upstream side of the separation line SL in the second non-quality region 116. It can be desirable to position the second gripper in the second non-quality region 116 so that the second gripper 104 does not contact the quality region 122 of the glass ribbon 100. The surface quality of the quality region 122 can be improved by reducing the number of operations that contact the quality region 122.

[0075] In some embodiments, the relationship of the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 to the separation line SL can be an important characteristic of the glass separation apparatus 130 and the separation process. The distances at which the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 are applied to the glass ribbon 100 relative to the separation line SL can affect the surface quality of the edge surfaces. The side forces FI and F2 also can contribute to a consistent improved edge quality using the apparatuses and the methods of the present disclosure. When the side forces FI and F2 are applied to the glass ribbon 100 on an upstream side of the separation line SL and a downstream side of the separation line SL, the shape of the glass ribbon 100 and the location of the glass ribbon is consistent with respect to the laser shaping assembly 110. The consistency of presentation of the glass ribbon 100 helps to maintain the improved edge quality, reduced particle generation and straightness of the glass sheets 112.

[0076] The side forces FI and F2 can also reduce sheet buckling induced by thermal stress. Sheet buckling can be caused by compressive stress along the separation line SL when the heated region of the glass ribbon 100 has greater thermal expansion than the surrounding regions. The side forces FI and F2 applied by the first and second grippers 102, 104 and the third and fourth grippers 106, 108, respectively, can stretch the glass ribbon 100 at the separation line SL to reduce the compressive stress that may occur during heating of the glass ribbon 100 by the elongate laser beam 138. Sheet buckling can result in out of plane sheet deflection that modifies crack growth direction and velocity. Changes in crack growth direction and velocity can result in surface defects such as arrest lines, twist hackle, chipping and the like. The side tensioning that is provided by the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 can create a more uniform stress state in the glass ribbon 100 by reducing the magnitude of sheet buckling.

[0077] During testing of the example glass separation apparatuses of the present disclosure, defect generation was found to correlate with an increased magnitude of sheet buckling. During such testing, measurement sensors such as ultrasonic distance sensors were used to measure sheet buckling across the width W1 of the glass ribbon 100 and such measurements were correlated to observed defect locations. [0078] It should also be noted that the down force F3 that can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 by the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can also mitigate sheet buckling in a longitudinal direction. The down force F3 can also provide assistance to crack propagation and can assist in maintaining the separated edges of the glass ribbon 100 apart from the edge of the glass sheet 112 to prevent contact or rubbing of such edges.

[0079] Overall, the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 can maintain a consistent shape and location of the glass ribbon 100 during separation. The grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 can also reduce sheet buckling and maintain a stable separation condition. Still further, the configuration of the glass separation apparatus 130 to include grippers on an upstream side of the separation line SL (e.g., the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104) can isolate the glass ribbon 100 from the sheet pull force (e.g., the down force F3). The reduction in force that is observed on an upstream side of the separation line SL can eliminate sheet snap during separation. A reduction in sheet vibration can also result due to this isolation effect. All these conditions that result from the configuration of the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 can result in a high quality, consistent and improved edge quality over known separation methods.

[0080] As stated above, in some embodiments, the position of the grippers 102, 104,

106, 108 can be an important characteristic affecting edge quality of the separated glass sheet 112. As shown in FIG. 3, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can each include two suction cups positioned longitudinally relative to one another on an upstream side of the separation line SL. The first (lower) suction cups can be located at first contact positions with a distance Cl from the separation line SL. The second (upper) suction cups can be located at second contact positions with a distance C2 from the separation line SL.

[0081] Placement of the first gripper 102 and/or the second gripper 104 in contact positions that are too close to the separation line SL can over-constrain the glass ribbon 100 and lead to problems during the separation process. Placement of the first gripper 102 and/or the second gripper 104 in contact positions that are too far from the separation line SL can provide minimal improvement in edge quality after separation.

[0082] In one example, the first gripper and the second gripper 104 can be placed such that the contact positions of the first suction cups (the lower suction cups as shown in FIG. 3) are positioned at a distance Cl in a range of about 50 mm to about 300 mm from the separation line SL. In another preferred example, the first (lower) suction cups of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 are positioned at a distance Cl in a range of about 95 mm to about 250 mm from the separation line SL. In another preferred example, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be positioned such that the first suction cups (the lower suction cups as shown in FIG. 3) are positioned at a distance Cl of greater than about 150 mm, but less than about 220mm from the separation SL. In the same example, the second suction cups (the higher suction cups as shown in FIG. 3) of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 are positioned at a distance C2 of greater than about 220 mm from the separation line. In this example, the first (lower) suction cups and the second (upper) suction cups of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be separated by about 100 mm.

In some examples, the second (upper) suction cups of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be positioned at a distance C2 in a range of about 150 mm to about 400 mm upstream of the separation line SL. In another example, the second (upper) suction cups of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be positioned at a distance C2 in a range of about 195 mm to about 350 mm upstream of the separation line SL. In still another example, the second (upper) suction cups of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be positioned at a distance C2 in a range of about 250 mm to about 320 mm upstream of the separation line SL.

[0083] As described above, the first gripper 102 can be similarly and/or symmetrically positioned with respect to the separation line as the second gripper 104. In other examples, there may be variations between the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 with respect to the separation line SL. For example, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 may not have the same distance from the separation line SL but each gripper may be positioned within the ranges previously described.

[0084] The third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can also be positioned at a predetermined or preferred distance from the separation line SL. For example, the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108 can be positioned such that the upper suction cup of the respective gripper is positioned at a longitudinal distance downstream of the separation line SL in a range of about 100 mm to about 200 mm. In one example, the suction cup of the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108 that is located closest to the separation line SL is positioned at a longitudinal distance downstream of the separation line of about 100 mm.

In another example, the suction cup of the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108 that is located closest to the separation line SL is positioned at a longitudinal distance downstream of the separation line of about 150 mm. In still another example, the suction cup of the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108 that is located closest to the separation line SL is positioned at a longitudinal distance downstream of the separation line of about 200 mm.

The suction cups of the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108 that located away from the separation line SL (i.e., the lower suction cups) can be positioned about 100 mm away from the other (upper) suction cup. In some examples the lower suction cups of the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108 canbe positioned at a longitudinal distance away from the separation line SL in a range of about 150 mm to about 400 mm downstream of the separation line SL.

[0085] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the grippers 102, 104, 106, 108 can include one or more suction cups 140. FIG. 5 illustrates an example first gripper 102 and an example third gripper 106. As can be appreciated, the second gripper 104 and the fourth gripper 108, while not shown, can be similarly configured as described below. As shown, the first gripper 102 and the third gripper 106 can each include two suction cups 140 that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other to contact the B-side 164 of the glass ribbon 100. The suction cups 140 can be mounted to a plate 154. The first gripper 102 and the third gripper 106 can also include a vacuum source (not shown) that can be fluidly connected to the suction cups 140 in order to attach the suction cups 140 to the glass ribbon 100 when the grippers 102, 106 are applied to the glass ribbon.

[0086] The grippers 102, 106 may also be connected to actuators 156. The actuators

156, for example, can be a pneumatic cylinder, linear actuator, robotic arm, or other suitable articulating member that can move the grippers 102, 106 to synchronize the movement of the grippers 102, 106 with the movement of the glass ribbon 100. The actuators 156 can also apply the grippers 102, 106 to the glass ribbon 100 and apply the side forces FI, F2 and the down force F3 to the glass ribbon 100 through the grippers 102, 106. In this example, the use of the suction cups 140 allows the grippers 102, 106 to contact the glass ribbon 100 on the B- side 164 of the glass ribbon 100. In other examples, a common actuator may be used for two or more grippers. For example, grippers positioned upstream of the separation line may include a common actuator and grippers positioned downstream of the separation line may include another common actuator.

[0087] In another example, the grippers 102, 106 can be configured as a clamp as shown in FIG. 4. In this example, the grippers 102, 106 include a portion that contacts the glass ribbon 100 on the B-side 164 of the glass ribbon 100 as well as opposing portions 160, 162 that contact the glass ribbon 100 on the A-side 166 of the glass ribbon 100 as well. In this example, the grippers 102, 106 clamp the glass ribbon 100 between opposing portions of the clamps. Each side of the grippers 102, 106 can be similarly configured and can include a plate 154 and an actuator 156 as previously described. The plates 154 can hold two extensions 150 that project outward from the plate 154 toward the glass ribbon 100. At a distal end of each extension 150, the grippers 102, 106 can include a contact pad 152 that contacts the glass ribbon 100 when the grippers 102, 106 are applied to the glass ribbon. [0088] During the separation process, the glass ribbon 100 can be processed at temperatures ranging from about 300° C to about 450° C. The contact pads 152 can be made of a suitable material to provide sufficient friction without damaging the glass ribbon 100 and be operable for a long lifetime while operating at such high temperatures. Example materials for the contact pads 152 include perfluoro elastomers (FFKM), silicone, polytetrafhioroethenes (PTFE), glass fiber cloths or combinations thereof.

[0089] The clamp-style grippers shown in FIG. 4 can be configured and positioned similarly to that previously described with respect to the suction cup-style grippers shown in FIG. 5. Each clamp-style gripper, for example, can include two extensions 150 each with a contact pad 152. The contact pads 152 can be positioned such that the contact pads 152 contact the glass ribbon at first and second contact positions at distances Cl and C2 from the separation line SF as previously described. As can be further appreciated, the second gripper 104 and the fourth gripper 108, while not shown in FIG. 4, can be configured as a clamp-style gripper similar to the structure described above.

[0090] In the examples previously described, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 each include two suction cups 140 or two contact pads 152 that contact the glass ribbon 100 on opposing sides of the glass ribbon 100 at non-quality region 114 and non quality region 116, respectively. In another example (not shown), the first gripper 102 or the second gripper 104 may include one suction cup 140 or one contact pad 152. In such an example, the glass ribbon 100 is contacted in at least three contact positions. For example, the first gripper 102 may include two contact positions (i.e., two suction cups 140 or two contact pads 152) and the second gripper 104 may include one contact position (i.e., one suction cup 140 or one contact pad 152). Alternatively, the first gripper 102 may include one contact position (i.e., one suction cup 140 or one contact pad 152) and the second gripper 104 may include at least two contact positions (i.e., two suction cups 140 or two contact pads 152). Such configurations still permit the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 to contact the glass ribbon 100 and apply the side force F 1 to flatten and stabilize the ribbon to improve edge surface quality and prevent the formation of defects.

[0091] In still another example, a glass separation apparatus 600 can include a configuration of grippers or suction cups that extend across the width of the glass ribbon 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the exemplary glass separation apparatus 600 can include a series of transversely aligned suction cups 140. In this example, the suction cups 140 can be positioned on a downstream side of the separation line SL. One or more of the suction cups 140 can be positioned in the quality region of the glass ribbon between the non-quality regions 114, 116. The line of suction cups 140 can stabilize the glass ribbon 100 and can apply the side force F2 and the down force F3 as the glass sheet is separated from the glass ribbon 100. In an example in which the width W1 of the glass ribbon 100 is about 1.8 m, at least five suction cups 140 with equal spacing transversely across the glass ribbon 100 can be used to stabilize the ribbon. In such an example, the side force F2 can be applied at two outer suction cups 140 and the down force F3 can be applied by the inner suction cups 140 positioned in the quality region of the glass ribbon 100. While the example shown in FIG. 6 includes a series of suction cups 140, the glass separation apparatus 600 can alternatively include a series of clamp-style grippers with a series of contact pads 152 that can be positioned transversely across the width of the glass ribbon 100.

[0092] In still another example as shown in FIG. 7, a glass separation apparatus 700 can include a configuration of grippers that includes a transversely-oriented series of suction cups 140 positioned upstream of the separation line SL and a second transversely-oriented series of suction cups 140 positioned downstream of the separation line SL. Similar to the example of FIG. 6, the suction cups 140 can be positioned in the quality region of the glass ribbon 100 between the non-quality regions 114, 116. The upstream series of suction cups 140 and the downstream series of suction cups 140 can flatten, stabilize and/or otherwise condition the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process. The upstream series of suction cups 140 can apply the side force FI and the downstream series of suction cups 140 can apply the side force F2 and the down force F3. In some examples, the outermost suction cups 140 in the upstream series and the outermost suction cups 140 in the downstream series can apply the side forces FI and F2, respectively, while the inner suction cups in the downstream series can apply the down force F3. While the example shown in FIG. 7 includes a series of suction cups 140, the glass separation apparatus 700 can alternatively include rows of clamp- style grippers with a series of contact pads 152 that can be positioned transversely across the width of the glass ribbon 100 on both the upstream and the downstream sides of the separation line SL.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 8, an example laser shaping assembly 110 can include four laser beams 132 that are shaped into the elongated beam 138. Any suitable laser beam generator can be used to generate the laser beams 132. Example laser beam generators can include carbon dioxide laser generators and carbon monoxide laser generators. In the example shown, four laser beams 132 are used to create the elongated laser beam 138 that can have a beam width that is about the same as width W1 of the glass ribbon 100 or the elongated laser beam 138 can have a beam width that is greater than the width W 1 of the glass ribbon 100 (e.g., FIGs. 2 and 3). To achieve such a width, the laser beams 132 can be shaped to overlap in overlapping regions 170 and combine into the elongated laser beam 138. In other examples, the laser shaping assembly 110 can include more or less than four laser beams 132.

[0094] Each of the laser beams 132 can be shaped using the first cylindrical lens 134 and the second cylindrical lens 136. The laser beams 132 can be shaped in a first direction (e.g., the y-direction) by the first cylindrical lens 134 and can be shaped in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction (e.g., the x-direction) by the second cylindrical lens 136. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first cylindrical lens 134 and the second cylindrical lens 136 can be positioned relative to one another by a first optical distance dl . The second cylindrical lens 136 can be positioned relative to the glass ribbon 100 by a second optical distance d2. The positioning of the two cylindrical lenses relative to each other and relative to the glass ribbon can be used to shape the laser beams 132 into the elongated laser beam 138 that has a preferred profile with a desired width Wy in the first direction and a desired width Wx in the second direction.

[0095] When the desired widths Wy and Wx are determined based on the size and/or shape of the glass ribbon 100, the distances dl and d2 can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined elongated laser beam intensity. The laser shaping assembly 110 can be used to create an elongated laser beam with the desired widths Wy and Wx and the predetermined elongated laser beam intensity without any moving components. This can help to achieve consistency in the separation process to improve surface quality.

[0096] In one example, the elongated laser beam 138 can be shaped using a configuration as illustrated in FIGs. 8 and 9. In the example, circular laser beams 132 with wavelengths ranging from about 4 pm to about 11 pm can be passed through the first cylindrical lens 134 and the second cylindrical lens 136. The first cylindrical lens 134 can have a focal length fl of about 2 m and the second cylindrical lens 136 can have a focal length f2 of about -50 mm. The first cylindrical lens 134 can be positioned at a distance dl of about 50 mm from the second cylindrical lens 136. The second cylindrical lens 136 can be positioned at a distance d2 of about 1.8 m from the glass ribbon 100. Such an example configuration produces an elongated laser beam having a width Wx of about 800 mm and a width Wy of about 2 mm. The size of the elongated laser beam 138 can be easily adjusted by varying the distances dl and d2. For example, by adjusting the configuration previously described and changing the distance d2 from 1.8 m to 2.2 m, the width Wx of the elongated laser beam 138 can be changed from 800 mm to 1000 mm and the width Wy of the elongated laser beam 138 can be changed from 1.1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0097] In another example, four laser beams 132 can be combined using the laser shaping assembly 110 to form an elongated laser beam 138 having a width Wx of about 2000 mm and a width Wy of about 2 mm. Such an elongated laser beam 138 can be used to experiment on glass separation of a glass ribbon 100. The elongated laser beam 138 can be formed to have a predetermined elongated laser beam intensity. A predicted elongated laser beam intensity can be modeled based on Gaussian beam propagation. The input power of the laser beams 132 can be independently varied without moving the distances between the laser beams 132, the first or second cylindrical lenses 134, 136 and the glass ribbon 100 to vary the intensity profile of the elongated laser beam 138. FIGs. 10A-D depict several examples of elongated laser beam intensity profiles that can be used in the glass separation processes of the present disclosure.

[0098] FIG. 10A illustrates an example elongated laser beam intensity profile 1002.

In this example intensity profile, the intensity profile includes two peaks that may be positioned at approximately the outer opposing sides of the glass ribbon 100. The center portion of the intensity profile 1002 can have a lower amplitude than the outer regions and may generally correspond to the quality region of the glass ribbon 100.

[0099] FIG. 10B illustrates another example elongated laser beam intensity profile

1004. In this example intensity profile, the intensity profile includes a substantially constant portion across the center of the profile. FIG. 10C illustrates another example elongated laser beam intensity profile 1006. This example intensity profile, has a generally rounded shape with a peak region that generally corresponds to a center region of the glass ribbon 100. FIG. 10D illustrates yet another example elongated laser beam intensity profile 1008. In this example intensity profile, the tails of the profile have more shallow slopes than the intensity profile shown in FIG. 10B.

[00100] A non-uniform or an asymmetrical elongated laser beam intensity has been found to provide improved performance during the separation process. A non-uniform or asymmetrical elongated laser beam intensity, such as those illustrated in FIGs. 10A-D, can result in lower incidences of defects and improved edge straightness. In one example, a glass ribbon was heated using the elongated laser beam 138. In this example, the temperature of the glass across the transverse width W 1 was measured. The temperature of the glass ribbon 100 is depicted in the graph shown in FIG. 11. As can be seen, the temperature of the glass was not uniform across the width of the glass. This glass sample exhibited superior edge quality. The non-uniform heating of the glass across the width can cause less buckling than would be exhibited if uniform heating had occurred. This reduced buckling can result in the improved edge quality.

[00101] Referring now to FIG. 12, an example method 1200 of separating a glass ribbon is illustrated. For illustration purposes, the elements of the example glass separation apparatus 130 are used to describe the method. It should be appreciated, however, that the variations and other examples described in the present disclosure can be used at one or more the steps of method 1200. At step 1202, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 upstream of the separation line SL. The first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can be applied at the contact positions Cl and C2 described above to advantageously position the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 to stabilize and locate the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process.

[00102] At step 1204, forces can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 using the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104. For example, the side force FI can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 using the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104. The side force FI can be applied in a transverse direction away from a center of the glass ribbon 100 to flatten and stabilize the glass ribbon 100.

[00103] At step 1206, the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can be applied to the glass ribbon 1000 downstream of the separation line SL. The third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can be used to further stabilize the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process.

[00104] At step 1208, forces can be applied to the glass ribbon 100 using the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108. For example, the side force F2 can be applied to the glass ribbon using the third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108. The side force F2 can be applied in a transverse direction away from a center of the glass ribbon 100 to further flatten and stabilize the glass ribbon 100. The down force F3 can also be applied at 1206. The third gripper 106 and the fourth gripper 108 can apply the down force F3 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 100 (i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the separation line SL).

[00105] At step 1210, the elongated laser beam 138 can be applied to the glass ribbon at the separation line SL. The elongated laser beam 138 can be formed using the laser shaping assembly 110 and can be formed with a predetermined elongated laser beam intensity as previously described. Such application of the elongated laser beam 138 causes localized heating of the glass ribbon 100 to occur at the separation line SL. The laser radiation from the elongated laser beam 138 can be configured to heat the glass ribbon to an elevated level but not so high as to exceed the strain temperature point of the glass ribbon 100.

[00106] At step 1212, a defect is initiated in the glass ribbon 100. A defect can be initiated at any position but is preferably initiated in a non-quality region of the glass ribbon 100 such as at one of the beads 118, 120. The defect can be initiated using any suitable method including mechanically engaging the glass ribbon 100 with a scribe or other mechanical device such as a score wheel, diamond tip or the like. In other examples, the defect may be initiated using a pulse laser or other initiator. After such defect is initiated, a crack forms at the separation line SL and propagates across the width W1 of the glass ribbon 100. The crack propagation is assisted due to the down force F3 being applied downstream of the separation line SL by the third and fourth grippers 106, 108. After the crack propagates, the glass sheet 112 can be separated from the glass ribbon 100.

[00107] While not shown in FIG. 12, after step 1212, the first gripper 102, the second gripper 104, the third gripper 106, and the fourth gripper 108 can disengage from the glass ribbon 100 and/or the glass sheet 112. The laser shaping assembly 110 can also de-energize. The steps previously described can be repeated as needed to separate additional glass sheets 112 from the glass ribbon 100 as desired.

[00108] As previously described, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can be used to significantly improve the edge quality of glass sheets separated from a glass ribbon. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure reduce the incidents of defects in the edges of the glass sheets including reducing the formation of cracks, arrest marks, twist hackles, mist hackles, chipping and the like. When compared to known methods of separation, such as mechanical score and separation (MS&S), the improvements can be visually observed in addition to achieving levels of % Defect-Free not otherwise achievable using known methods.

[00109] Such improvements are shown in FIGs. 13A-C when compared to FIGs. 14A, B. FIGs. 13A-C are photographs of edge surfaces of glass sheets that have been separated from a glass ribbon using known mechanical score and separation techniques. FIG. 13A is a photograph showing a “best” edge condition using a known mechanical score and separation technique. FIG. 13B is a photograph showing a “typical” edge condition using a known mechanical score and separation technique. As can be seen, numerous defects can be readily seen in the “typical” edge condition. FIG. 13 C is a photograph of a “worst” edge condition using a known mechanical score and separation technique. As can be seen, the poor edge condition is readily seen in the “worst” edge condition.

[00110] In contrast, FIGs. 14A and B are photographs of edge conditions using the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure. FIG. 14A is a photo of a typical edge condition using the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure. FIG. 14B is a photo of a “worst” edge condition. This “worst” edge condition, however, is from a non-quality region of the glass ribbon that may not be used in an end product. As can be seen, the “typical” edge condition that results from using the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure does not show observable defects of sizes larger than about 3-5 pm. Indeed, even the “worst” edge condition (FIG. 14B) that results using apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure is a significant improvement over the “typical” edge condition that results from known mechanical score and separation techniques.

[00111] The mechanical ribbon constraining and stabilization elements of the glass separation apparatuses of the present disclosure can also be used in other applications to achieve improvement in edge surface quality. For example, the mechanical constraining and stabilization elements located above the separation line (i.e., the first gripper 102 and/or the second gripper 104) along with mechanical constraining and stabilization elements located below the separation line (i.e., the third gripper 106 and/or the fourth gripper 108) and with proper forces applied to the ribbon can be used with other full glass body laser separation techniques, such as a dual polygon laser cutting system. An example of a multi-polygon laser cutting method is described in International Publication No. W02016/081330 A1 published on May 26, 2016 and in U.S. Patent No. 10,017,411 issued on July 10, 2018 to Coming Incorporated, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Improvement in edge surface quality may also be achieved using the mechanical constraining elements of the present disclosure with other known separation processes such as mechanical score and separate processes or elements thereof.

[00112] In addition to the advantages that can be achieved in edge surface quality, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure have other advantages over known glass separation methods. For example, the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure are insensitive to the shape or size of the glass ribbon. The glass separation apparatus can locate, flatten and shape a glass ribbon in process to consistently present the glass ribbon for separation. In addition, the glass separation apparatuses can be easily adjusted and/or customized for different types and sizes of glass ribbons. The glass separation apparatuses can be used on glass ribbons with solid beads, with hollow beads, or with glass ribbons without beads.

[00113] The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can also reduce the cycle time to separate a glass sheet from a glass ribbon. The glass separation apparatuses of the present disclosure can eliminate the robot bending process that would otherwise occur in known mechanical score and separation methods. This process elimination can reduce the cycle time over known separation methods by about 1 second to about 2 seconds.

[00114] A further advantage of the laser shaping assemblies of the present disclosure is the flexibility of the system. The flexibility and adjustability of the laser shaping assemblies of the present disclosure allow for precise control of the thermal stress that is induced at the separation line. Such precise control adds to the observed improvements in edge quality. [00115] The mechanical constraining elements of the present disclosure also reduces vibration that may otherwise occur during the separation process. As can be appreciated, the grippers that may be used to constrain the glass ribbon can reduce vibration of the glass ribbon over separation methods without mechanical constraints.

[00116] Another further advantage of the glass separation apparatuses of the present disclosure is the isolation of pulling forces on the glass ribbon that may otherwise occur in known separation methods. For example, in the example glass separation apparatus 130 illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3, the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 are positioned on an upstream side of the separation line SL. The first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can isolate the portion of the glass ribbon 100 that is located upstream of the separation line SL from the down force F3 that is exerted on the glass ribbon 100.

[00117] In one example, a glass ribbon 100 was tested using a glass separation apparatus 130. Force sensors were positioned on opposite sides of the glass ribbon 100 and the pull force experienced by the glass ribbon 100 were measured with and without using the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 during a sample separation event. FIGs. 15A and B illustrate the forces experienced by the glass ribbon at the opposite sides of the glass ribbon in both conditions. In FIGs. 15A and 15B, the solid line represents a measured force on a left side of the glass ribbon and the dashed line represents a measured force on a right side of the glass ribbon.

[00118] FIG. 15A illustrates the condition in which the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 were not applied to the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process. As shown in FIG. 15A, the pull forces experienced at the opposite sides of the glass ribbon 100 where about 15 pounds at each side for a total of about 30 pounds. The reduction in pull force can be seen in FIG. 15B which illustrates the condition in which the first gripper 102 and the second gripper were applied to the glass ribbon 100 during the separation process. As shown, the pull forces experienced at the opposite sides of the glass ribbon 100 were about 10.54 and about 11.36 pounds for a total of about 21.90 pounds. The addition of the first gripper 102 and the second gripper 104 can reduce the pull force experienced by the glass ribbon 100 during the separation event. In some examples, the use of the glass separation apparatuses and/or the mechanical constraints can reduce the pull force experienced by the glass ribbon by at least about 25 %. In another example, the use of the glass separation apparatuses and/or the mechanical constraints can reduce the pull force experienced by the glass ribbon by at least about 15 %. The reduction in pull force can contribute to the improvement in edge surface quality and can reduce the likelihood of sheet snap (unwanted sheet breakage) that can occur during separation.

[00119] The methods and system described herein may be at least partially embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatus for practicing those processes. The disclosed methods may also be at least partially embodied in the form of tangible, non transient machine readable storage media encoded with computer program code. The media may include, for example, RAMs, ROMs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, BD-ROMs, hard disk drives, flash memories, or any other non-transient machine-readable storage medium, or any combination of these mediums, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the method. The methods may also be at least partially embodied in the form of a computer into which computer program code is loaded and/or executed, such that, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the methods. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the computer program code segments configure the processor to create specific logic circuits. The methods may alternatively be at least partially embodied in a digital signal processor formed of application specific integrated circuits for performing the methods.

[00120] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[00121] In the present disclosure the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. As used herein, “about X” (where X is a numerical value) preferably refers to ±10% of the recited value, inclusive. For example, the phrase “about 8” preferably refers to a value of 7.2 to 8.8, inclusive. Where present, all ranges are inclusive and combinable. For example, when a range of “1 to 5” is recited, the recited range should be construed as including ranges “1 to 4”, “1 to 3”, “1-2”, “1-2 & 4-5”, “1-3 & 5”, “2-5”, and the like. In addition, when a list of alternatives is positively provided, such listing can be interpreted to mean that any of the alternatives may be excluded, e.g., by a negative limitation in the claims. For example, when a range of “1 to 5” is recited, the recited range may be construed as including situations whereby any of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 are negatively excluded; thus, a recitation of “1 to 5” may be construed as “1 and 3-5, but not 2”, or simply “wherein 2 is not included.” It is intended that any component, element, attribute, or step that is positively recited herein may be explicitly excluded in the claims, whether such components, elements, attributes, or steps are listed as alternatives or whether they are recited in isolation.

[00122] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.