Method and apparatus for applying aligned tape patterns

A method of applying aligned tape patterns to first and second sides of a glass sheet, comprising:

• a) placing the sheet of glass on a glass support such that the first side of the glass sheet faces away from the glass support;
• b) aligning a first corner of the glass sheet with a first home position fixture to determine a position and orientation of a first corner of the glass sheet;
• c) automatically applying a first tape pattern to the first side of the glass sheet with a tape application head by referencing the location and orientation of the first corner;
• d) turning sheet of glass over on the glass support such that the second side of the glass sheet faces away from the glass support;
• e) aligning the first corner of the glass sheet with a second home position fixture;
• f) automatically applying a second tape pattern to the second side of the glass sheet with a tape application head by referencing the location and orientation of the first corner, wherein the first tape pattern is aligned with the second tape pattern.

A tape applicator for applying a tape aligned tape patterns to first and second sides of glass sheets, comprising:

• a) a glass support including a first home position fixture and a second home position fixture;
• b) a tape head comprising:
• i) a base;
• ii) a tape roll holder attached to the base, and
• iii) a tape application roller applying the tape to the glass surface, wherein said tape head defines a tape path from the tape roll holder to the tape application roller;
• c) an x-axis actuator operatively connected to the tape head for moving the tape applicator in the x-axis direction;
• and
• d) a y-axis actuator operatively connected to the tape head for moving the tape applicator in the y-axis direction.
• e) a controller programmed to automatically apply a first tape pattern to the first side of the glass sheet with the tape head by referencing the first home position fixture and to automatically apply a second tape pattern to the second side of the glass sheet with the tape head by referencing the second home position fixture.