Non-contact etching of moving glass sheets
US8535548B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24355
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for etching flexible glass sheets (13) in which the sheets (13) are transported in a near vertical orientation past non-contact, liquid-ejecting bearings (3) which apply an etching solution (e.g., an aqueous NaF/H3PO4 solution) to the sheets (13). In certain embodiments, the uppermost liquid-ejecting bearing (3) is above the top edge of the sheet (13) and thus is able to apply etching solution to the top of the sheet. In other embodiments, a top shower (11), which includes a set of spray nozzles (21) located above and distributed along the length of the apparatus, is used to apply etching solution to the top of the sheet (13). Using the disclosed methods and apparatus, glass sheets (13) produced by a fusion process are provided which have areas greater than five square meters and average surface roughness values in the range of 0.5 nanometers to 1.1 nanometers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.