Method and apparatus for edge finishing glass sheets
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorsEmmett F. Clark, Guy P. Kenney, Bruce H. Raeder, Peter M. Voit, Gerard J. Voytek
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for holding a sheet of material during grinding of the edge of the sheet. The method and apparatus comprises supporting one surface of the sheet on a conveyor. A force is exerted on the sheet with a fluid pressure device, either using sub-atmospheric pressure or hydrostatic pressure.
Claims11
A method for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a sheet of material which has a first major surface and a second major surface, said method comprising:
- grinding or polishing the at least one edge of the sheet using a grinding or polishing device;
- supporting the first major surface on a conveyor;
- and
- holding the sheet on the conveyor with a fluid pressure device which is positioned adjacent the second major surface and which produces a positive pressure on said second major surface which results in a frictional force between the first major surface and the conveyor which is sufficient in and of itself to maintain the sheet on the conveyor during the grinding or polishing of the at least one edge of the sheet,
- wherein the sheet is moved linearly by the conveyor during said grinding or polishing.
An apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a sheet of material which has a first major surface and a second major surface, said apparatus comprising:
- a grinding or polishing device for grinding or polishing the at least one edge of the sheet;
- a conveyor for supporting the first major surface of the sheet and for moving the sheet linearly during the grinding or polishing;
- and
- a fluid pressure device for creating a positive pressure adjacent the second major surface which results in a frictional force between the first major surface and the conveyor which is sufficient in and of itself to hold the sheet on the conveyor during the grinding or polishing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.