Apparatus and method for processing a glass substrate

A method for supporting a glass substrate, comprising:

• a. conveying a glass substrate over a support apparatus in a conveyance direction, the support apparatus comprising a pressure box enclosing a chamber in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas, the pressure box further including a plurality of gas bearings positioned on the pressure box, the plurality of gas bearings arranged in a plurality of rows extending orthogonal to the conveyance direction, each gas bearing of the plurality of gas bearings comprising:
• i. a plenum extending in a length direction of the gas bearing,
• ii. an intermediate passage in fluid communication with the plenum through an impedance orifice sized to restrict a flow of gas between the plenum and the intermediate passage,
• iii. a slot in fluid communication with the intermediate passage and extending along the length of the gas bearing, the slot opening at a major surface of the gas bearing;
• b. exhausting gas from each slot along a length of the slot, thereby supporting the glass substrate in a position spaced apart from the major surface of each gas bearing of the plurality of gas bearings;
• and
• c. wherein the major surface of each gas bearing of the plurality of gas bearings is defined by a plurality of edges comprising at least a first pair of parallel edges arranged at an angle α relative to the conveyance direction, where α is in a range from equal to or greater than 20 degrees to equal to or less than 60 degrees, wherein a second pair of parallel edges connect the first pair of parallel edges, and the second pair of parallel edges are orthogonal to the conveyance direction.