Methods and apparatus for heat transfer by conduction more than convection

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided for the controlled transport of glass sheets (13) or glass ribbons (15) undergoing heating and/or cooling (e.g., thermal tempering) by conduction more than convection. The controlled transport is achieved by applying a gas-based force (17,19,21) to the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15). The gas-based force (17,19,21) can move the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15) in a desired direction and/or cause it to acquire a desired orientation. The gas-based force (17,19,21) can also cause the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15) to retain a desired position and/or a desired orientation. The gas-based force (17,19,21) can be applied to the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15) continuously or intermittently. Systems for transitioning a glass sheet (13) or a glass ribbon (15) between a heating zone (27) and a quench zone (31) are also discussed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.