Methods and systems for forming continuous glass sheets
US8875543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/57
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming a continuous glass sheet from a tube of glass includes expanding and thinning the tube of glass by drawing the tube of glass over susceptor bearing comprising a porous sidewall defining an internal chamber. The diameter of the susceptor bearing may increase between a top portion and a bottom portion. The tube of glass may be maintained at a temperature above a softening point of the glass as the tube of glass is drawn over the susceptor bearing. The tube of glass is suspended over the susceptor bearing by blowing the tube of glass away from the susceptor bearing in a radial direction with a pressurized fluid supplied to the internal chamber and emitted from the porous sidewall as the tube of glass is drawn over the susceptor bearing. Thereafter, the tube of glass is cooled and sectioned to form a continuous glass sheet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.