Methods and apparatus for guiding flexible glass ribbons

Apparatus for guiding a moving glass ribbon having a central portion and extending along a plane encompassing first and second edges of the glass ribbon, comprising:

• (a) a first ribbon-guiding assembly comprising:
• (i) a first ribbon-curving subassembly for producing a first curved section of the ribbon that extends along a curved portion of the plane without mechanically contacting the central portion of the ribbon, the curvature of the section being along the direction of motion of the ribbon;
• and
• (ii) first and second guide rollers each including a respective rotational axis intersecting the plane, wherein the first and second guide rollers are configured to engage and apply a lateral force to, respectively, the first and second edges of the ribbon, the engagement being in or mechanically adjacent the first curved section of the ribbon;
• and
• (b) a second ribbon-guiding assembly comprising:
• (i) a second ribbon-curving subassembly for producing a second curved section of the ribbon that extends along a curved portion of the plane without mechanically contacting the central portion of the ribbon, the curvature of the section being along the direction of motion of the ribbon;
• and
• (ii) third and fourth guide rollers each including a respective rotational axis intersecting the plane, wherein the first and second guide rollers are configured to engage and apply a lateral force to, respectively, the first and second edges of the ribbon, the engagement being in or mechanically adjacent the second curved section of the ribbon;
• wherein the curvatures of each of the first and second sections stiffens the ribbon to an extent sufficient to permit the guide rollers to laterally move the ribbon without causing it to buckle.