CN117480130A

CN117480130A - Method and apparatus for manufacturing glass ribbon

Info

Publication number: CN117480130A
Application number: CN202280042109.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 萧舜兴; 黄玉诚; 赖志峰; 李家扬; 梁宝庭; 林冠廷
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2021-05-10
Filing date: 2022-05-05
Publication date: 2024-01-30
Also published as: KR20240004917A; WO2022240639A9; WO2022240639A1; TW202308951A

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first roller extending along a first axis and providing a first transfer ribbon to a first major surface of a glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a second roll extending along a second axis and providing a second transfer ribbon to the first major surface of the glass ribbon. The support apparatus extends along a support axis and is attached to the first roller and the second roller. The support apparatus rotates about a support axis between a first position and a second position. The transfer device moves in a direction towards the support device. The transfer device deflects the first transfer tape to contact the second transfer tape such that the first transfer tape is attached to the second transfer tape. The transfer device may separate the first transfer belt at the separation position.

Description

Method and apparatus for manufacturing glass ribbon

Technical Field

The present application is based on priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/186,438, filed on 5/10 of patent statutes claim 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon with a glass manufacturing apparatus including a drive apparatus.

Background

It is presently known to manufacture molten material into glass ribbon using glass manufacturing equipment. A transfer ribbon can be provided to a major surface of the glass ribbon to protect the major surface from damage. When the supply of transfer tape becomes smaller, a replacement transfer tape may be provided. However, providing a replacement transfer tape can be time consuming.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a general understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

In some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include a first roller and a second roller attachable to a support apparatus. The first roller may comprise a first transfer belt and the second roller may comprise a second transfer belt. The first and second transfer tapes can include, for example, a protective film coating that can be provided to a major surface of the glass ribbon to protect the major surface from damage. In some embodiments, the first roller can be rotated, which can cause the first transfer ribbon to bypass the first roller such that the first transfer ribbon can be continuously conveyed to the first major surface of the glass ribbon. When the supply of the first transfer belt becomes smaller, the support device may rotate, which may cause the first transfer belt to attach to the second transfer belt. The second roller may then be rotated, which may cause the second transfer tape to bypass from the second roller such that the second transfer tape may be continuously conveyed to the first major surface. The first roller may be removed from the support apparatus and replaced with a roller comprising a fully supplied transfer tape as the second transfer tape is transferred to the first major surface. In this way, the transfer ribbon (e.g., first transfer ribbon, second transfer ribbon, different transfer ribbon, etc.) can be continuously supplied to the first major surface of the glass ribbon without interruption. Furthermore, the application of transfer tapes on the first and second major surfaces may be matched to reduce the separation distance separating the transition between two transfer tapes on the first major surface and the transition between two transfer tapes on the second major surface.

According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include a first roller extending along a first axis. The first roll can provide the first transfer ribbon to the first major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a second roller extending along a second axis. The second roll can provide a second transfer ribbon to the first major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a support apparatus extending along a support axis parallel to the first axis and the second axis and attached to the first roller and the second roller. The support apparatus is rotatable about the support axis between a first position in which the first roller is in a first position and the second roller is in a second position, and a second position in which the first roller is in the second position and the second roller is in the first position. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a transfer apparatus that is movable in a direction toward the support apparatus. The transfer device may deflect the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt when the first roller is in the second position. The first transfer belt may be attached to the second transfer belt at an attachment location of the second transfer belt. The transfer device may separate the first transfer belt in a separation position.

In some embodiments, the transfer apparatus may include a transfer roller extending along a transfer roller axis parallel to the support axis.

In some embodiments, the transfer device may include a separation device that separates the first transfer belt at a separation location.

In some embodiments, when the transfer device deflects the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt, a gap exists between the transfer device and the second roller.

In some embodiments, the support roller is coupled to the support apparatus, and the transfer belt travel path extends from the first roller to the second roller around the support roller when the first roller is in the second position.

In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a third roller extending along a third axis and configured to provide a third transfer ribbon to the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a fourth roller extending along a fourth axis and configured to provide a fourth transfer ribbon to the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a second support apparatus extending along a second support axis parallel to the third axis and the fourth axis. The second support apparatus may be coupled to the third roller and the fourth roller. The second support apparatus is rotatable about a second support axis between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the third roller may be in a third position and the fourth roller may be in a fourth position, and in the second position the third roller may be in the fourth position and the fourth roller may be in the third position. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a second transfer apparatus movable in a direction toward a second support apparatus. The second transfer apparatus may deflect the third transfer tape to contact the fourth transfer tape such that the third transfer tape may be attached to the second end of the fourth transfer tape. The third transfer belt and the fourth transfer belt may travel along a second conveyance path to the second major surface. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a control apparatus that may determine a first path length of a first conveyance path along which the first and second transfer belts travel to the first major surface and a second path length of the second conveyance path. When the second path length of the second transfer path may be substantially equal to a distance along the first transfer path between an attachment location of a second transfer tape and a first major surface, the control device may control the second transfer device to deflect a third transfer tape to contact a fourth transfer tape.

In some embodiments, the first path length may be greater than the second path length.

According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include a first roller extending along a first axis and configured to provide a first transfer ribbon to a first major surface of a glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a second roller extending along a second axis and configured to provide a second transfer ribbon to the first major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a transfer apparatus configured to move in a direction toward the second roller. The transfer device may deflect the first transfer tape to contact the second transfer tape such that the first transfer tape may be attached to the first end of the second transfer tape. The first transfer belt and the second transfer belt may travel along a first conveyance path to the first major surface. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a third roll extending along a third axis and configured to provide a third transfer ribbon to the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a fourth roller extending along a fourth axis and configured to provide a fourth transfer ribbon to the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a second transfer apparatus configured to move in a direction toward the fourth roller. The second transfer device may deflect the third transfer tape to contact the fourth transfer tape such that the third transfer tape may be attached to the second end of the fourth transfer tape. The third transfer belt and the fourth transfer belt may travel along a second conveyance path to the second major surface. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a control apparatus that may determine a first path length of the first conveyance path and a second path length of the second conveyance path. The control device may control the second transfer device to deflect the third transfer tape to contact the fourth transfer tape when the second path length of the second transfer path may be substantially equal to a distance along the first transfer path between the first end and the first major surface of the second transfer tape.

In some embodiments, the first speed of the second transfer belt along the first conveying path may be substantially equal to the second speed of the fourth transfer belt along the second conveying path.

In some embodiments, the control device may control the transfer device to deflect the first transfer tape to contact the second transfer tape such that attachment of the first transfer tape to the first end of the second transfer tape may occur before the third transfer tape is attached to the second end of the fourth transfer tape.

In some embodiments, the first end of the second transfer tape may reach the first major surface and the second end of the fourth transfer tape may reach the second major surface substantially simultaneously.

According to some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon may include moving the glass ribbon along a travel path in a travel direction. The method can include rotating a first roller to provide a first transfer ribbon from the first roller to a first major surface of the glass ribbon. The method can include rotating a third roll to provide a third transfer ribbon from the third roll to the second major surface of the glass ribbon. The method may include biasing the first transfer tape to contact a second transfer tape that is windable on a second roller to attach the first transfer tape to a first end of the second transfer tape. The method can include rotating the second roll to provide the second transfer ribbon from the second roll to the first major surface of the glass ribbon. The method may include determining a first path length of a first conveyance path along which the first transfer belt travels from the first roller to the first major surface and a second path length of a second conveyance path along which the third transfer belt travels from the third roller to the second major surface. The method may include biasing the third transfer tape to contact a fourth transfer tape that is windable on a fourth roller to attach the third transfer tape to a second end of the fourth transfer tape when the second path length is equal to a distance along the first transfer path between the first end of the second transfer tape and the first major surface. The method can include rotating the fourth roller to provide the fourth transfer ribbon from the fourth roller to the second major surface of the glass ribbon such that the first end of the second transfer ribbon reaches the first major surface and the second end of the fourth transfer ribbon reaches the second major surface within a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time may range from about 0 seconds to about 1 second.

In some embodiments, biasing the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt may occur before biasing the third transfer belt to contact the fourth transfer belt.

In some embodiments, biasing the first transfer belt may include moving a transfer apparatus from a first transfer position that may be spaced apart from the second roller by a first distance to a second transfer position that may be spaced apart from the second roller by a second distance that may be less than the first distance such that the first transfer belt may be in contact with the transfer apparatus on one side and may be in contact with the second transfer belt on an opposite side.

In some embodiments, the method may include providing adhesive to the first end of the second transfer tape such that the second transfer tape may adhere to the first transfer tape.

In some embodiments, a method may include rotating a support device supporting a first roller and a second roller such that the first roller may be rotated from a first position to a second position and the second roller may be rotated from the second position to the first position. The support device may be rotated before biasing the first transfer belt into contact with the second transfer belt.

In some embodiments, the method may include guiding the first transfer belt around a support roller connected to the support apparatus after the support apparatus rotates.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations thereof.

Drawings

These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a supply apparatus of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, with the support device in a first position;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a support apparatus in a second position;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a supply device having a first transfer tape attached to a second transfer tape according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the supply apparatus after separation of the first transfer belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a second transfer ribbon is conveyed to a first major surface of a glass ribbon;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a roll with adhesive according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a roll with uncovered portions of an adhesive surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a roller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with an uncovered portion attached to a transfer belt;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a roller with a transfer belt separated from adhesive according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 12 shows a side view of a roller before attachment to a support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a supply device similar to fig. 3 comprising a support device and a second support device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a supply device comprising a support device and a second support device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 15 shows a side view of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the support device is in a first position and the second support device is in the first position;

fig. 16 shows a side view of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the support device is in the second position and the second support device is in the first position;

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a support device in a second position and a second support device in a second position;

fig. 18 shows a side view of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the support device is in the second position and the second support device is in the second position; and

Fig. 19 shows a side view of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the support device is in a second position and the second support device is in the second position.

Detailed Description

Embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to amounts, dimensions, formulations, parameters, and other amounts and characteristics that are not, and need not be, exact, but may be, approximated, and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion, rounding off, measurement error and the like, as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one value, and/or to "about" another value. When such a range is expressed, the embodiment includes from one value to another. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the value forms another embodiment. It will also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

Directional terms as used herein, such as up, down, right, left, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, etc., refer only to the drawing being drawn and do not imply absolute directions.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any method set forth herein is not to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specific order or that any particular orientation be required in the context of any apparatus. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or an order or orientation of individual components is not actually stated in any of the claims or descriptions, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that a step is to be limited to a specific order or orientation of components of the apparatus, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This applies to any possible non-expressed interpretation basis, including: a logical question regarding a step arrangement, an operational flow, a component order, or a component orientation, or a simple meaning derived from a grammatical organization or punctuation, and the number or types of embodiments described in the specification.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a" component thus includes aspects having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The words "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, the examples are provided for clarity and understanding only, and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed inventive objects or relevant portions of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that numerous additional or alternative examples of the scope of variation have been presented, but have been omitted for simplicity.

As used herein, the terms "comprising," including, "and" variants thereof are to be construed as synonymous and open-ended, unless otherwise indicated. The transitional phrase contains or includes a list of elements that follows, non-exclusive list, such that elements other than those specifically listed therein may also be present.

The terms "substantially", "essentially" and variations thereof as used herein are used to annotate a feature described as being equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is used to refer to a planar or nearly planar surface. Also, "substantially similar" is intended to mean that the two values are equal or about equal. In some embodiments, "substantially similar" may refer to values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

Modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed invention. Unless otherwise indicated, "first," "second," etc. are not intended to imply temporal, spatial, ordering, etc. Rather, these terms are merely intended as identifiers, names, etc. of features, elements, items, etc. For example, the first end and the second end generally correspond to end a and end B or two different or two identical ends or the same end.

The present disclosure relates to glass manufacturing apparatus and methods for manufacturing glass ribbons. For purposes of this disclosure, a "glass ribbon" may be considered to be one or more of a glass ribbon in a viscous state, a glass ribbon in an elastic state (e.g., at room temperature), and/or a glass ribbon in a viscoelastic state between a viscous state and an elastic state. Methods and apparatus for manufacturing glass ribbon will now be described by way of example embodiments. For purposes of this disclosure, in some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include a glass forming apparatus that forms a glass article (e.g., a glass ribbon) from a quantity of molten material. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon may be used in a variety of display applications including, but not limited to, liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma Display Panels (PDPs)), touch sensors, photovoltaic panels, foldable cell phones, and the like.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 1, in some embodiments, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a forming apparatus 101 configured to form a glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, forming apparatus 101 may include a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus, an updraw apparatus, a nip apparatus, or any other glass forming apparatus that forms a glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the forming apparatus 101 can include a conveying conduit through which the glass ribbon 103 can exit the forming apparatus 101. In some embodiments, the conveyance conduit can be oriented in the direction of gravity such that the glass ribbon 103 can flow downward through the conveyance conduit in the direction of gravity and be conveyed along the travel path 105 in the direction of travel 107. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can move in a substantially vertical direction along the travel path 105 such that the glass ribbon 103 moves in the travel direction 107 under the force of gravity.

The glass ribbon 103 includes a first major surface 111 and a second major surface 113 that face in opposite directions and define a thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 may be less than or equal to about 2 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to about 1 mm, less than or equal to about 0.5 mm, for example, less than or equal to about 300 micrometers (μm), less than or equal to about 200 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 may be in the range of about 20 microns to about 200 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 750 microns, in the range of about 100 microns to about 700 microns, in the range of about 200 microns to about 600 microns, in the range of about 300 microns to about 500 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 700 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 600 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 500 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 400 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 300 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 200 microns, in the range of about 50 microns to about 100 microns, in the range of about 25 microns to about 125 microns, including all thickness ranges and subranges therebetween. In addition, the glass ribbon 103 can comprise a variety of compositions, such as borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass, soda lime glass, and the like.

In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include one or more supply apparatuses for supplying a transfer ribbon to one of the major surfaces 111, 113 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a first supply apparatus 121 and a second supply apparatus 123. The first and second supply devices 121 and 123 may be located at one side of the travel path 105. For example, the first major surface 111 may face the first side 125 and the second major surface 113 may face the second side 127. Thus, in some embodiments, the first supply device 121 and the second supply device 123 may be located on the second side 127 of the travel path 105. By positioning the supply devices 121, 123 on the same side (e.g., the second side 127) and adjacent to each other, an operator can access one or both of the supply devices 121, 123 simultaneously for maintenance and/or replenishment of the transfer tape.

The first supply apparatus 121 can supply a first transfer ribbon 135 to the first major surface 111 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second supply apparatus 123 can supply a second transfer ribbon 137 to the second major surface 113 of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include one or more guide rollers 131 for guiding the transfer tape from the first supply apparatus 121 and the second supply apparatus 123. For example, a first set of guide rollers 131 may be arranged to guide the first transfer tape 135 from the first supply apparatus 121 to the first major surface 111, and a second set of guide rollers 131 may be arranged to guide the second transfer tape 137 from the second supply apparatus 123 to the second major surface 113. In some embodiments, one or more of the guide rollers 131 may be movable to adjust the tension of the respective transfer belt. In some embodiments, the transfer tape can include a protective film coating, such as a plastic film, that can protect the major surface of the glass ribbon 103 from damage.

Referring to fig. 2-3, an embodiment of the first supply device 121 is shown. The structure and operation of the second supply device 121 may be substantially the same as those of the first supply device 123. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the first supply device 121, while fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the first supply device 121 along line 3-3 of fig. 2. In some embodiments, the first supply apparatus 121 includes a first roller 201 extending along a first axis 203 and rotatable about the first axis 203, a second roller 207 extending along a second axis 209 and rotatable about the second axis 209, and a support apparatus 213 extending along a support axis 215. The support axis 215 may be parallel to the first axis 203 and the second axis 209, and the support apparatus 213 may be attached to the first roller 201 and the second roller 207. For example, the support device 213 may include one or more support walls, such as a first support wall 219 and a second support wall 221. The first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221 are spaced apart along the support axis 215 with a gap between the first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221. The first roller 201 and the second roller 207 are positioned within the gap and extend between the first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221. In some embodiments, the first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221 may comprise substantially matching shapes, such as circles, with the support axis 215 intersecting a center of the first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221. The first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221 may comprise a substantially rigid material that resists deformation, such as a metallic material.

The first roller 201 extends along a first axis 203 between a first end 225 and a second end 227. In some embodiments, the first end 225 is coupled to the first support wall 219 and the second end 227 is coupled to the second support wall 221 such that the first roller 201 is rotatable about the first axis 203 in the direction of rotation 223. Due to the rotation of first roller 201 in rotational direction 223, first roller 201 is configured to provide first transfer ribbon 135 to first major surface 111 of glass ribbon 103. For example, first transfer tape 135 is wound around first roller 201 such that rotation of first roller 201 causes first transfer tape 135 to bypass first roller 201, wherein first transfer tape 135 is directed toward first major surface 111 by guide roller 131.

Similarly, the second roller 207 extends along the second axis 209 between the first end 231 and the second end 233. In some embodiments, the first end 231 is coupled to the first support wall 219 and the second end 233 is coupled to the second support wall 221 such that the second roller 207 is rotatable about the second axis 209 in the direction of rotation 237. Due to the rotation of the second roller 207 in the direction of rotation 237, the second roller 207 is configured to provide the second transfer ribbon 137 to the second major surface 113 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the second transfer tape 137 is wound around the second roller 207 such that rotation of the second roller 207 causes the second transfer tape 137 to bypass from the second roller 207, wherein the second transfer tape 137 is guided by the guide roller 131 toward the second main surface 113. In some embodiments, the first axis 203 may be substantially parallel to the second axis 209, with the first axis 203 and the second axis 209 being on opposite sides of the support axis 215 such that an axis perpendicular to the first axis 203 and intersecting the first axis 203 and the second axis 209 also intersects the support axis 215.

The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a motor 241, the motor 241 being coupled to one or both of the first support wall 219 or the second support wall 221. The motor 241 outputs a rotational motion through a shaft that rotates the support apparatus 213 about the support axis 215. For example, the motor 241 in fig. 2 is shown attached to the first support wall 219 (e.g., the first roller 201 and the second roller 207 are attached to one side of the first support wall 219, and the motor 241 is attached to an opposite side of the first support wall 219). The motor 241 outputs a rotational motion that causes the first support wall 219 to rotate (e.g., in a rotational direction 243). The first support wall 219, the second support wall 221, the first roller 201, and the second roller 207 thus rotate in the rotational direction 243 about the support axis 215. In some embodiments, the support apparatus 213 may rotate about the support axis 215 between a first position (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) where the first roller 201 is in the first position 307 and the second roller 207 is in the second position 308, and a second position (e.g., as shown in fig. 4) where the first roller 201 is in the second position 308 and the second roller 207 is in the first position 307.

Referring to fig. 3, the support device 213 may be initially located in a first position. When in this first position, the first roller 201 is in a first position 307 and the second roller 207 is in a second position 308. The distance separating first location 307 from glass ribbon 103 may be less than the distance separating second location 308 from glass ribbon 103.

The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may also include a transfer apparatus 301. The transfer device 301 facilitates attachment of one transfer tape to a second transfer tape and/or may separate one transfer tape from the second transfer tape. For example, the transfer apparatus 301 may include one or more transfer rollers, such as a first transfer roller 303 and a second transfer roller 305. The first transfer roller 303 may extend along a first transfer roller axis 309, which may be parallel to the support axis 215, and the second transfer roller 305 may extend along a second transfer roller axis 311, which may be parallel to the first transfer roller axis 309. The first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305 may include a generally circular cross-sectional shape, such as a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, and may extend along a first transfer roller axis 309 and a second transfer roller axis 311, respectively. In some embodiments, the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305 may be spaced apart such that the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305 are separated by a gap therebetween.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transfer device 301 is movable between a first transfer position (e.g., as shown in fig. 3-4) and a second transfer position (e.g., as shown in fig. 5). In the first transfer position, the transfer apparatus 301 is spaced a first distance from one of the rollers (e.g., the first roller 201 or the second roller 207) at a first location 307. For example, when the support apparatus 213 is in the first position, the first roller 201 is in the first position 307 and the transfer apparatus 301 is spaced from the first roller 201 by the first distance. When the support device 213 is in this second position, the second roller 207 is in the first position 307 and the transfer device 301 is spaced from the second roller 207 by the first distance. When the transfer device 301 is in the first transfer position, the transfer device 301 is spaced apart from the roller at the first position 307 along the transport axis 313. The transfer axis 313 may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis 203 when the first roller 201 is in the first position 307, or the transfer axis 313 may be substantially perpendicular to the second axis 209 when the second roller 207 is in the first position 307. The transfer device 301 moves along a transfer axis 313 between a first transfer position and a second transfer position, wherein the transfer axis 313 intersects the first axis 203 (e.g., when the first roller 201 is in the first position 307) or the second axis 209 (e.g., when the second roller 207 is in the first position 307).

The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can also include one or more backup rolls. For example, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a first support roller 321 and a second support roller 323. The first support roller 321 and the second support roller 323 may be attached to the support device 213, for example, by being attached to the first support wall 219 and the second support wall 221 (e.g., as shown in fig. 2). The first support roller 321 extends along a first support axis 327 and is rotatable about the first support axis 327, and the second support roller 323 extends along a second support axis 329 and is rotatable about the second support axis 329. The first support axis 327 and the second support axis 329 may be substantially parallel, wherein the first support axis 327 and the second support axis 329 are substantially parallel to the support axis 215. In some embodiments, the first support roller 321 and the second support roller 323 may be located on opposite sides of the support axis 215 such that a transverse axis perpendicular to the first support axis 327 and intersecting the second support axis 329 intersects the support axis 215. However, in some embodiments, the first support roller 321 and the second support roller 323 may be offset from the first roller 201 and the second roller 207 by about 90 degrees about the support axis 215. In some embodiments, the second support roller 323 may be offset from the first roller 201 and the second roller 207 by about 90 degrees about the support axis 215. In some embodiments, the first support roller 321 and the second support roller 323 may be attached near an outer radial position of the support device 213. For example, the first support roller 321 may be spaced apart from the support axis 215 by a first support distance 333, and the second support roller 323 may be spaced apart from the support axis 215 by a second support distance 335. In some embodiments, the first support distance 333 may be substantially equal to the second support distance 335. The first support distance 333 and the second support distance 335 may be substantially equal to a radius of the first support wall 219 (e.g., as shown in fig. 2) or the second support wall 221.

In some embodiments, the support apparatus 213 may be rotatable about the support axis 215 between the first position, where the first roller 201 is in the first position 307 and the second roller 207 is in the second position 308, and the second position, where the first roller 201 is in the second position 308 and the second roller 207 is in the first position 307. The support device 213 is rotatable about the support axis 215 in a rotation direction 341. For example, in some embodiments, the direction of rotation 341 may be clockwise or counterclockwise, but in fig. 3-4, the direction of rotation 341 is clockwise. The first transfer belt 345 is supplied from the first roller 201 to the first main surface 111 before the supporting apparatus 213 rotates in the rotation direction 341. For example, the first roller 201 rotates in the rotational direction 347, which causes the first transfer belt 345 to bypass from the first roller 201. In some embodiments, the rotational direction 347 may be clockwise or counterclockwise, but in fig. 3, the rotational direction 341 is counterclockwise. The first transfer belt 345 may be initially wound on the first roller 201 and as the first roller 201 rotates in the rotational direction 347, the first transfer belt 345 is wound off the first roller 201 and guided by the guide roller 131 in the moving direction 346 toward the first main surface 111. As the supply of the first transfer belt 345 on the first roller 201 becomes less and nearly exhausted, the second transfer belt 349 on the second roller 207 may be supplied to the first main surface 111 before the supply of the first transfer belt 345 is exhausted. For example, it may be beneficial to transition from providing the first transfer tape 345 to the first major surface 111 to providing the second transfer tape 349 to the first major surface 111 without stopping production and without allowing for gaps to occur on the first major surface 111 where no transfer tape is provided. Thus, by continuously providing the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349 to the first major surface 111 without a gap between the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349, the benefit of improved cycle time may be obtained.

The method of making glass ribbon 103 can include initially positioning first roller 201 at first position 307 and positioning second roller 207 at second position 308 relative to travel path 105 when support apparatus 213 is in the first position. In some embodiments, a method of making glass ribbon 103 can include rotating first roller 201 to provide first transfer ribbon 345 from first roller 201 onto first major surface 111 of glass ribbon 103 by rotating first roller 201 at a speed that causes first transfer ribbon 345 to move at a first speed. The first speed may be substantially equal to the travel speed of the glass ribbon 103 along the travel path 105, such that errors in providing the first transfer ribbon 345 to the first major surface 111 may be avoided. For example, if the first speed is faster or slower than the travel speed, the first transfer belt 345 may not be smoothly provided to the first major surface 111.

Referring to fig. 4, after the support device 213 is rotated in the rotational direction 341 from the first orientation, the support device 213 is in the second orientation as illustrated. In some embodiments, a method of making glass ribbon 103 can include rotating support apparatus 213 such that first roller 201 is in second position 308 and second roller 207 is in first position 307. When the first roller 201 is located at the second position 308, the transfer belt travel path 401 extends from the first roller 201 to the second roller 207 around the first support roller 321. As the support device 213 rotates between the first and second positions, the first support roller 321 may move relative to the support axis 215. The first support roller 321 contacts the first transfer belt 345 when the first transfer belt 345 extends and moves from the first roller 201. For example, the first transfer belt 345 may extend along the first belt axis 403 from the first roller 201 toward the first support roller 321. Thus, the first transfer ribbon 345 contacts the first support roller 321 and the first support roller 321 redirects the first transfer ribbon 345 such that the first transfer ribbon 345 extends along the second ribbon axis 405 from the first support roller 321 toward the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the first strap axis 403 may not be parallel to the second strap axis 405. Thus, the method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include guiding the first transfer ribbon 345 around the first support roller 321 attached to the support apparatus 213 after rotating the support apparatus 213. The first transfer belt 345 may be guided by the first support roller 321 from moving along the first belt axis 403 to moving along the second belt axis 405.

The first support roller 321 may rotate at a rotational speed substantially equal to the rotational speed of the first roller 201. By rotating the first support roller 321 at a rotational speed substantially equal to the first speed, a speed difference between the first transfer belt 345 and the first support roller 321 may be substantially zero when the first transfer belt 345 contacts the first support roller 321. As such, the first support roller 321 neither accelerates nor slows the movement of the first transfer belt 345 as the first transfer belt 345 transitions from moving along the first belt axis 403 to moving along the second belt axis 405.

Referring to fig. 5, in some embodiments, transfer device 301 may be moved in direction 501 from a first transfer position to a second transfer position. In this first transfer position, the transfer device 301 is spaced apart from the first transfer belt 345 as the first transfer belt 345 moves along the second belt axis 405. In this second transfer position, the transfer device 301 is in contact with the first transfer belt 345 and provides a force to the first transfer belt 345 in the direction 501. The transfer device 301 is moved from the first transfer position to the second transfer position along the transfer axis 313 in the direction 501 such that a distance separating the transfer device 301 from the second roller 207 decreases when the transfer device 301 is moved in the direction 501. For example, a distance separating the transfer device 301 from the second roller 207 is greatest when the transfer device 301 is in the first transfer position and smallest when the transfer device 301 is in the second transfer position.

The method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include biasing the first transfer ribbon 345 into contact with the second transfer ribbon 349. For example, biasing the first transfer belt 345 may include moving the transfer device 301 from the first transfer position spaced a first distance 479 (e.g., the first distance 479 shown in fig. 4) from the second roller to a second transfer position spaced a second distance 505 (e.g., shown in fig. 5) from the second roller 207 such that the first transfer belt 345 contacts the transfer device 301 on one side and the second transfer belt 349 on an opposite side. By biasing the first transfer belt 345, the transfer device 301 applies a force to the first transfer belt 345 and moves the first transfer belt 345 into contact with the second transfer belt 349. The second distance 505 may be less than the first distance 479. In some embodiments, the second distance 505 may be substantially equal to the thickness of the first transfer belt 345 such that the first transfer belt 345 may remain in contact with the transfer device 301 (e.g., on one surface of the first transfer belt 345) and with the second transfer belt 349 (e.g., on an opposite surface of the first transfer belt 345) as the first transfer belt 345 moves from the second roller 207 toward the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, when the transfer device 301 deflects the first transfer belt 345 to contact the second transfer belt 349, a gap may exist between the transfer device 301 and the second roller 207. By biasing the first transfer belt 345, the transfer apparatus 301 can change a travel path of the first transfer belt 345 from the first support roller 321. For example, when the transfer apparatus 301 is in the first transfer position, the first transfer belt 345 travels from the first support roller 321 along the second belt axis 405. When the transfer apparatus 301 is in the second transfer position, the first transfer belt 345 travels along the third belt axis 507 from the first support roller 321 toward the second roller 207. In some embodiments, the third strap axis 507 may be non-parallel to the first strap axis 403 and the second strap axis 405. In some embodiments, the support device 213 may be rotated (e.g., from the first position to the second position) before biasing the first transfer belt 345 to contact the second transfer belt 349.

When the transfer device 301 deflects the first transfer belt 345 to contact the second transfer belt 349, the first transfer roller 303 may rotate at a rotational speed substantially equal to the rotational speed of the first roller 201. For example, by rotating the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305 at a rotational speed that is substantially equal to the first speed of the first transfer belt 345, the relative speed of the first transfer belt 345 pair with respect to the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305 may be substantially zero when the first transfer belt 345 contacts the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305. Therefore, when the first transfer belt 345 contacts the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305, the first transfer roller 303 and the second transfer roller 305 cannot accelerate nor slow down the movement of the first transfer belt 345.

The method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include rotating the second roller 207 in the second rotational direction 511 at a rotational speed that is substantially equal to the rotational speed of the first roller 201. The second rotational direction 511 may be clockwise or counterclockwise, but in fig. 5, the second rotational direction 511 is counterclockwise. The second rotational direction 511 of the second roller 207 coincides with the rotational direction 347 of the first roller 201. For example, in fig. 5, both the rotational direction 347 of the first roller 201 and the second rotational direction 511 of the second roller 207 may be counterclockwise. In some embodiments, the first rotational speed of the first roller 201 and the second rotational speed of the second roller 207 may be substantially equal, wherein the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349 move at a first speed and are substantially equal to the travel speed of the glass ribbon 103 along the travel path 105 in the travel direction 107.

In some embodiments, the second transfer tape 349 may include an adhesive 515 attached to an outer surface thereof. The adhesive 515 may include tape (e.g., double sided tape) or other substance that may adhere the second transfer tape 349 to the first transfer tape 345. As the second roller 207 rotates in the second rotational direction 511, the adhesive 515 may rotate with the second transfer tape 349 about the second axis 209. For example, the second roller 207 may begin to rotate in the second rotational direction 511 before the first transfer belt 345 is biased to contact the second transfer belt 349, or after the first transfer belt 345 is biased to contact the second transfer belt 349. As the second roller 207 rotates in the second rotational direction 511, the adhesive 515 is rotated about the second axis 209 by the transfer device 301 until the adhesive 515 reaches the first transfer belt 345 at a location where the first transfer belt 345 is biased to contact the second transfer belt 349. When the adhesive 515 reaches the first transfer tape 345, the adhesive 515 adheres to the first transfer tape 345. For example, the first transfer belt 345 includes a first belt side 521 and a second belt side 523. The first belt side 521 may face the second roller 207 and contact the second transfer belt 349. Thus, the second belt side 523 faces the second roller 207 and contacts the transfer device 301. The adhesive 515 is attached to the first tape side 521 of the first transfer tape 345, wherein the adhesive 515 passes through the gap between the transfer device 301 and the second roller 207. When attached to the first belt side 521, the adhesive 515 may be attached to both the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349.

A method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include attaching a length 527 of the first transfer ribbon 345 to the second transfer ribbon 349. For example, the section 527 of the first transfer belt 345 connected to the second transfer belt 349 may comprise a portion of the first transfer belt 345 in contact with the adhesive 515 passing through the gap between the transfer device 301 and the second roller 207. Attaching the segments 527 of the first transfer tape 345 may include providing the adhesive 515 to the second transfer tape 349 such that the second transfer tape 349 adheres to the first transfer tape 345. For example, as shown and described with respect to fig. 8-12, adhesive 515 may be first provided to the second transfer belt 349 prior to placement of the second transfer belt 349 on the second roller 207.

In some embodiments, the transfer device 301 may separate the first transfer belt. For example, the transfer device 301 may include a separating device 529 that separates the first transfer belt 345 at a separation position 531. The separating apparatus 529 may comprise a mechanical cutting apparatus (e.g., blade, etc.) or a laser. The separating apparatus 529 may be located in a number of positions. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the separating apparatus 529 may be located upstream of the transfer rollers 303, 305 with respect to the moving direction of the first transfer belt 345, for example between the first support roller 321 and the transfer rollers 303, 305, i.e. the separating position 531. In some embodiments, the separating apparatus 529 may be positioned facing the second belt side 523 of the first transfer belt 345, but in other embodiments, the separating apparatus 529 may be positioned facing the first belt side 521.

In some embodiments, separation of the first transfer tape 345 by the separating apparatus 529 at the separation position 531 occurs after the adhesive 515 has attached the segment 527 of the first transfer tape 345 to the second transfer tape 349. For example, in some embodiments, separation may occur due to the detection of attachment of the first transfer belt 345 to the second transfer belt 349, and separation of the first transfer belt 345 may begin by the separation device 529 immediately after attachment, wherein the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349 are attached prior to cutting and separating the first transfer belt 345. In some embodiments, the separation may be as part of an automated process. For example, one or more sensors, detectors, etc., can detect the position of the adhesive 515 relative to the first transfer belt 345. Once the attachment of the first transfer belt 345 to the second transfer belt 349 is detected, separation of the first transfer belt 345 may begin. By locating the separation position 531 upstream of the attachment location of the first transfer belt 345 to the second transfer belt 349, the first transfer belt 345 may be attached to the second transfer belt 349 before separation occurs. In some embodiments where the separation position 531 is between the transfer rollers 303, 305 and the first support roller 321, the first support roller 321 may be spaced apart from the location where the first transfer belt 345 is attached to the second transfer belt 349.

Referring to fig. 5-6, fig. 5 shows the first transfer belt 345 before the first transfer belt 345 is attached to the second transfer belt 349 by the adhesive 515, and fig. 6 shows the first transfer belt 345 after the first transfer belt 345 is attached to the second transfer belt 349, and after the first transfer belt 345 is separated by the separating apparatus 529. In some embodiments, when the first roller 201 is in the second position 308, the transfer device 301 may deflect the first transfer belt 345 to contact the second transfer belt 349 such that the first transfer belt 345 is attached to the second transfer belt 349 at an attachment position 601 of the second transfer belt 349, after which the transfer device 301 separates the first transfer belt 345 at the separation position 531. Thus, a method of making glass ribbon 103 can include separating segment 527 from first roller 201 and from upstream portion 603 of first transfer ribbon 345. After separation at separation position 531, segments 527 of first transfer ribbon 345 can be attached to second transfer ribbon 349, with segments 527 directed toward first major surface 111 of glass ribbon 103. The upstream portion 603 of the first transfer belt 345 may remain attached to the first roller 201 and terminate at the end 605, wherein the end 605 may include a separation position 531, and the separation apparatus 529 separates the segment 527 from the upstream portion 603 at the separation position 531.

In some embodiments, after segment 527 has separated from upstream portion 603, first roller 201 may cease to rotate in rotational direction 347. Conversely, the second roller 207 may continue to rotate in the second rotational direction 511. For example, a method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include rotating the second roller 207 to provide the second transfer ribbon 349 from the second roller 207 to the first major surface 111 of the glass ribbon 103. Referring to fig. 6, after the first transfer belt 345 is separated, the second roller 207 continues to rotate in the second rotation direction 511. The adhesive 515 attaching one end of the segment 527 of the first transfer tape 345 to one end of the second transfer tape 349 will move in the direction of movement 346 toward the first major surface 111. The adhesive 515 attaches the end of the first transfer tape 345 to the end of the second transfer tape 349 such that the transfer tape (e.g., the first transfer tape 345 followed by the second transfer tape 349) can be continuously provided to the first major surface 111 of the glass ribbon 103 without stopping production and without gaps (e.g., portions of the first major surface 111 not covered by the transfer tape).

Referring to FIG. 7, after separation of segment 527 from upstream portion 603, a second transfer ribbon 349 is conveyed to first major surface 111 of glass ribbon 103. For example, the second roller 207 may continue to rotate in the second rotational direction 511, which allows the second transfer belt 349 to move in the movement direction 346. In some embodiments, the first roller 201 may rotate in a third rotational direction 701 opposite the rotational direction 347 shown in fig. 3-5. For example, in fig. 7, the third rotational direction 701 may be a clockwise direction. As the first roller 201 rotates in the third rotation direction 701, the upstream portion 603 of the first transfer belt 345 moves toward the first roller 201 and winds around the first roller 201. In some embodiments, the end 605 of the first transfer belt 345 may retract toward the first roller 201 such that the upstream portion 603 and the end 605 may move in the direction of movement 703 toward the first roller 201. As the first transfer belt 345 is wound around the first roller 201, the first roller 201 is removed from the supporting apparatus 213, or replaced with a new roller, or an additional first transfer belt is wound around the first roller 201.

Referring to fig. 8, a side view of a roller 801 is shown. A method of making the glass ribbon 103 can include providing the adhesive 515 to a roll 801 that includes a transfer ribbon 803. In some embodiments, the roller 801 may be substantially identical to the first roller 201 and/or the second roller 207. For example, the roller 801 may extend between a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, when the first roller 201 has a small amount of the first transfer belt 345 and is nearly exhausted of the first transfer belt 345 (e.g., after separation after fig. 7), the first roller 201 may be removed from the supporting apparatus 213 and a new transfer belt may be provided to the first roller 201.

The roller 801 includes a central portion 805 (e.g., an axis) on which the transfer tape 803 may be wound. The transfer tape 803 includes an outer surface 807 that forms an outermost radial position of the transfer tape 803 away from the central portion 805. In some embodiments, the roller 801 may be supported on one or more holding rollers, for example, a first holding roller 811 and a second holding roller 813. The first holding roller 811 and the second holding roller 813 may be spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. The gap may be smaller than the diameter of the roller 801, thereby preventing the roller 801 from inadvertently passing through the gap. For example, the roller 801 may rest on the first holding roller 811 and the second holding roller 813.

In some embodiments, transfer tape 803 includes a tape portion 817, which tape portion 817 can be unwound from roller 801 such that tape portion 817 extends away from roller 801. For example, the band portion 817 may pass through a pair of holding rolls, such as a third holding roll 819 and a fourth holding roll 821. The third holding roll 819 and the fourth holding roll 821 may be spaced apart to form a gap through which the tape portion 817 may pass. In some embodiments, the distance separating the third and fourth holding rolls 819, 821 may be substantially equal to the thickness of the band portion 817 such that the third and fourth holding rolls 819, 821 hold the band portion 817 within the gap. The third holding roller 819 and the fourth holding roller 821 thus restrict the movement of the belt portion 817 toward the roller 801, but rather hold the belt portion 817 in a stretched orientation.

In some embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., adhesive 515) may be provided to the outer surface 807 of the transfer tape 803. For example, the adhesive 515 may include an adhesive layer 823 that may be coated with an adhesive mixture. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 823 may be coated on both sides with an adhesive mixture to form a first adhesive surface 825 and a second adhesive surface 827, the first adhesive surface 825 being oriented to face the outer surface 807 of the transfer tape 803 and the second adhesive surface 827 being oriented to face the outer surface 807. In some implementations, the first adhesive surface 825 may be uncovered such that the adhesive layer 823 may be attached to the outer surface 807. For example, the adhesive 515 may be moved toward the outer surface 807 in the attachment direction 831 such that the adhesive 515 is attached to the outer surface 807. In some embodiments, second adhesive surface 827 may be covered with one or more materials. For example, the adhesive 515 may include a first cover 833 and a second cover 835. The first cover 833 and the second cover 835 may be positioned adjacent to each other and may cover substantially the entire second adhesive surface 827.

Referring to fig. 9, the adhesive 515 may be attached to the outer surface 807 by positioning a first adhesive surface 825 in contact with the outer surface 807. By attaching the adhesive 515 to the transfer tape 803, one of the covers can be removed from the adhesive layer 823. For example, in some embodiments, the first cover 833 can be removed from the adhesive layer 823 (e.g., by moving in the direction of the arrow), such that a portion of the second adhesive surface 827 can be exposed. For example, the second cover 835 may remain attached and cover a portion of the second adhesive surface 827. By removing the first cover 833, a portion of the second adhesive surface 827 adjacent to the second cover 835 may be exposed.

Referring to fig. 10, in some embodiments, the roller 801 may rotate after the first cover 833 is removed. For example, the roller 801 may rotate in the direction of rotation 1001 such that the adhesive 515 may move toward the band portion 817. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in fig. 10), rotational direction 1001 may include a clockwise direction, but in other embodiments rotational direction 1001 may include a counterclockwise direction. To facilitate rotation of the roller 801, the first holding roller 811 and the second holding roller 813 can be rotated. For example, the first holding roller 811 may rotate in a first roller rotation direction 1003, and the first roller rotation direction 1003 may include a counterclockwise direction. The second holding roller 813 may rotate in a second roller rotation direction 1005, and the second roller rotation direction 1005 may include a clockwise direction. In this way, the roller 801 and the first holding roller 811 are rotated in the opposite direction, and the roller 801 and the second holding roller 813 are rotated in the opposite direction.

In some embodiments, as the roller 801 rotates and the adhesive 515 moves closer to the belt portion 817, the belt portion 817 retracts toward the roller 801 (e.g., in the retracting direction 1009), causing the belt portion 817 to wrap at least partially around the outer surface 807 of the transfer belt 803. In some embodiments, the adhesive 515 may reach the band portion 817 with an uncovered portion of the second adhesive surface 827 first contacting the band portion 817. For example, since the uncovered portion of the second adhesive surface 827 is closer to the band portion 817 than the second cover 835, the uncovered portion of the second adhesive surface 827 contacts and engages the band portion 817. For example, as the band portion 817 moves in the retracting direction 1009, the adhesive 515 may reach the band portion 817, which causes the band portion 817 to adhere to the uncovered portion of the second adhesive surface 827. Once the band portion 817 is adhered to the second adhesive surface 827, rotation of the roller 801 (e.g., in the direction of rotation 1001) may be stopped.

Referring to fig. 11, in some embodiments, with the strap portion 817 attached to the adhesive 515, a remaining portion of the strap portion 817 can be separated and removed. For example, the band portion 817 may be separate from the portion of the band portion 817 attached to the second adhesive surface 827 (e.g., schematically illustrated with arrow 1101 to indicate a separate location). The band portion 817 may be separated, for example, with a mechanical cutting device (e.g., scissors, knife, etc.). After removal of the band portion 817, the second adhesive surface 827 may be substantially covered. For example, a first portion of the second adhesive surface 827 may be covered by a second cover 835. A second portion of the second adhesive surface 827 may be attached to the transfer tape 803.

Referring to fig. 12, in some embodiments, after separation of the belt portion 817, the rollers 801 may be removed from the first and second retention rollers 811, 813 and transferred to the support apparatus 213 (e.g., shown in fig. 3-7). For example, in some embodiments, the roller 801 may be moved to the support apparatus 213, whereupon the roller 801 is attached to the support apparatus 213 at the first location 307 or the second location 308. In some embodiments, the second cover 835 may be removed from the second adhesive surface 827 prior to attaching the roller 801 to the support apparatus 213. In other embodiments, the second cover 835 may remain attached to the outer surface 807 at least until the roller 801 is attached to the support apparatus 213. When the second cover 835 is removed, the second cover 835 may be peeled off from the second adhesive surface 827 and moved in the removal direction 1201. The second adhesive surface 827 may be exposed when the second cover 835 is removed.

Referring to fig. 7 and 12, in some embodiments, the roller 801 may replace a spent roller (e.g., the first roller 201 in fig. 7). Thus, the first roller 201 may be replaced with a roller 801 after the adhesive attachment process shown in fig. 8-12. For example, the roller 801 may be placed in the second position 308 instead of the first roller 201 and attached to the support apparatus 213. Once the amount of the second transfer belt 349 of the second roller 207 becomes smaller, the process of rotating the supporting device 213 may be started.

Referring to fig. 13-14, in some embodiments, the supply devices 121, 123 can be controlled to deliver transfer ribbons to the glass ribbon 103 such that the transition from one transfer ribbon to a different transfer ribbon on the first major surface 111 can generally match the location along the travel path 105 where one transfer ribbon transitions to a different transfer ribbon on the second major surface 113. For example, referring to fig. 13, glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a supply apparatus 121 and a second supply apparatus 123. The supply device 121 may be substantially identical in structure and function to the second supply device 123. For example, the second supply device 123 may include a second support device 1301 substantially identical to the support device 213 of the supply device 121. In some embodiments, the second supply apparatus 123 may include a third roller 1303, which may be substantially identical to the first roller 201, and a fourth roller 1305, which may be substantially identical to the second roller 207. The second supply device 123 may include a second transfer device 1307, which may be substantially identical to the transfer device 301 of the supply device 121. In some embodiments, the second support apparatus 1301, the third roller 1303, the fourth roller 1305, and the second transfer apparatus 1307 may function in a similar manner to the support apparatus 213, the first roller 201, the second roller 207, and the transfer apparatus 301, which are illustrated and described in connection with fig. 1-12. In some embodiments, the positions of the supply device 121 and the second supply device 123 may be different when the supply device 121 and the second supply device 123 are conveying a transfer tape. For example, the supply apparatus 121 can deliver transfer tapes 345, 349 to the first major surface 111 of the glass ribbon 103, while the second supply apparatus 123 can deliver one or more transfer tapes to the second major surface 113 of the glass ribbon 103.

In some embodiments, the second support apparatus 1301 extends along a second support axis 1306, and the second support apparatus 1301 may be attached to a third roller 1303 and a fourth roller 1305. In some embodiments, third roller 1303 extends along a third axis 1311, and third transfer ribbon 1313 can be provided to second major surface 113 of glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, fourth rollers 1305 extend along fourth axis 1317 and provide fourth transfer ribbon 1319 to second major surface 113 of glass ribbon 103. The second support axis 1306 may be parallel to the third axis 1311 and the fourth axis 1317.

In some embodiments, the second support apparatus 1301 rotates about the second support axis 1306 between a first position (e.g., shown in fig. 13) where the third roller 1303 is in the third position 1321 and the fourth roller 1305 is in the fourth position 1323, and a second position (e.g., shown in fig. 14) where the third roller 1303 is in the fourth position 1323 and the fourth roller 1305 is in the third position 1321. In some embodiments, the distance separating the third location 1321 from the glass ribbon 103 may be less than the distance separating the fourth location 1323 from the glass ribbon 103 such that the third location 1321 is closer to the glass ribbon 103 than the fourth location 1323. Initially, as shown in fig. 13, when the third roller 1303 rotates about the third axis 1311 and supplies the third transfer belt 1313 to the second major surface 113, the third roller 1303 may be located at a third position 1321. After second support apparatus 1301 rotates (e.g., as shown in fig. 14) and fourth transfer tape 1319 is attached to third transfer tape 1313, fourth roller 1305 may be located in third position 1321 as fourth roller 1305 rotates about fourth axis 1317 and supplies fourth transfer tape 1319 to second major surface 113. In some embodiments, the second support apparatus 1301 includes a third support roller 1331 (e.g., substantially identical to the first support roller 321) and a fourth support roller 1333 (e.g., substantially identical to the second support roller 323), wherein the third support roller 1331 and the fourth support roller 1333 are attached to the second support apparatus 1301.

In some embodiments, the second transfer device 1307 moves in a direction toward the second support device 1301. For example, referring initially to fig. 13, the amount or number of third transfer belts 1313 on third roller 1303 may become small. To reduce the likelihood that the second transfer apparatus 1307 will not supply transfer tape to the glass ribbon 103 and ensure that the transfer tapes 1313, 1319 substantially continuously cover the second major surface 113, the fourth transfer tape 1319 can be attached to the third transfer tape 1313 in a manner similar to the attachment of the first transfer tape 345 and the second transfer tape 349 shown and described in connection with fig. 4-7. For example, as the number of third transfer belts 1313 becomes smaller, the second support apparatus 1301 rotates about the second support axis 1306 such that the third roller 1303 moves from the third position 1321 to the fourth position 1323, and the fourth roller 1305 moves from the fourth position 1323 to the third position 1321. Referring to fig. 14, the second transfer device 1307 moves in a direction toward the fourth roller 1305 (e.g., by moving toward the third position 1321). In some embodiments, the second transfer device 1307 deflects the third transfer tape 1313 to contact the fourth transfer tape 1319 such that the third transfer tape 1313 becomes attached to one end (e.g., the second end 1403) of the fourth transfer tape 1319. Third transfer belt 1313 and fourth transfer belt 1319 travel along second conveyance path 1351 to second major surface 113. In some embodiments, the second end 1403 of the fourth transfer tape 1319 includes an adhesive (e.g., substantially the same as the adhesive 515 shown in fig. 5 and 8-12) that adheres the third transfer tape 1313 to the fourth transfer tape 1319.

In some embodiments, transfer belts 345, 349 from supply apparatus 121 travel along a first conveyance path 1353 (e.g., shown in phantom in fig. 13-14) to first major surface 111, and transfer belts 1313, 1319 from second supply apparatus 123 travel along a second conveyance path 1351 (e.g., shown in phantom in fig. 13-14) to second major surface 113. For example, in some implementations, one or more of the first transfer path 1353 or the second transfer path 1351 may include a non-linear path. For example, in some embodiments, the first transfer path 1353 may include one or more segments, such as a first segment 1357, a second segment 1358, a third segment 1359, a fourth segment 1361, and a fifth segment 1363. In some embodiments, the first and second segments 1357, 1358 may be non-parallel, wherein one of the guide rollers 131 separates the first and second segments 1357, 1358. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second and third segments 1358, 1359 may be non-parallel, the third and fourth segments 1359, 1361 may be non-parallel, and the fourth and fifth segments 1361, 1363 may be non-parallel. In some implementations, the first transfer path 1353 can include a first path length 1367 that is the sum of the lengths of each of the segments 1357, 1358, 1359, 1361, 1363. Thus, in some embodiments, the first path length 1367 may be measured from the supply apparatus 121 (e.g., beginning with the supply apparatus 121) to the first major surface 111 (e.g., ending at the first major surface 111) and include the distance traveled by the transfer belts 345, 349 between exiting the supply apparatus 121 and reaching the first major surface 111. In some embodiments, upon exiting one of the first roller 201 or the second roller 207, the transfer belts 345, 349 move along the first conveyance path 1353 by a first path length 1367 until the transfer belt is provided to the first major surface 111.

In some embodiments, the second conveying path 1351 includes one or more segments, such as a first segment 1371 and a second segment 1373. In some embodiments, the first and second segments 1371, 1373 may be non-parallel, wherein one of the guide rollers 131 separates the first and second segments 1371, 1373. In some implementations, the second transfer path 1351 may include a second path length 1375 that is a sum of the lengths of each of the segments 1371, 1373. For example, the second path length 1375 may include a sum of a first length of the first segment 1371 and a second length of the second segment 1373. Thus, in some embodiments, the second path length 1375 may be measured from the second supply device 123 (e.g., beginning with the second supply device 123) to the second major surface 113 (e.g., ending at the second major surface 113) and include the distance traveled by the transfer tape 1313, 1319 between exiting the second supply device 123 and reaching the second major surface 113. In some embodiments, the transfer tape 1313, 1319, upon exiting one of the third roller 1303 or fourth roller 1305, moves along the second conveying path 1351 by a second path length 1375 until the transfer tape is provided to the second major surface 113.

In some embodiments, glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a control apparatus 1381 coupled to supply apparatus 121 and second supply apparatus 123. The control device 1381 may include, for example, a calculator, a class calculator arrangement, a programmable logic controller, or the like. In some implementations, the control apparatus 1381 can be configured (e.g., programmed, encoded, designed, and/or manufactured) to control movement of the transfer apparatus 301 and the second transfer apparatus 1307. In some embodiments, control device 1381 initiates movement of transfer device 301 toward support device 213 and movement of second transfer device 1307 toward second support device 1301. For example, in some embodiments, the control device 1381 can determine a first path length 1367 of the first conveying path 1353 along which the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349 travel to the first major surface 111. The control apparatus 1381 can determine a second path length 1375 of the second conveying path 1351 along which the third transfer belt 1313 and the fourth transfer belt 1319 travel to the second major surface 113. In some implementations, a user or operator may input the path lengths 1367, 1375 to the control device 1381 such that the path lengths 1367, 1375 may be stored by the control device 1381 in, for example, a memory apparatus. Thus, the control device 1381 may determine the path lengths 1367, 1375 based on user or operator measurements and inputs.

In some implementations, the control device 1381 may determine the path lengths 1367, 1375 by a camera coupled to the control device 1381, wherein the camera examines the path lengths 1367, 1375, whereby the path lengths 1367, 1375 may be measured and transmitted to the control device 1381. In some implementations, the control device 1381 can communicate with the transfer device 301 via a first communication line 1383 (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and can communicate with the second transfer device 1307 via a second communication line 1385 (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.). Accordingly, the control device 1381 may send and/or receive data (e.g., instructions, information, etc.) to and/or from the transfer device 301 via the first communication line 1383, and the second transfer device 1307 is via the second communication line 1385. The method of making glass ribbon 103 can thus include determining a first path length 1367 of first conveyance path 1353, first transfer ribbon 345 traveling along first conveyance path 1353 from first roller 201 to first major surface 111, and determining a second path length 1375 of second conveyance path 1351, third transfer ribbon 1313 traveling along second conveyance path 1351 from third roller 1303 to second major surface 113.

In some implementations, the first path length 1367 may be different than the second path length 1375. For example, as shown in fig. 13-19, the first path length 1367 may be greater than the second path length 1375. The different path lengths 1367, 1375 of the first and second conveying paths 1353, 1351 may be due to different positions of the transfer belts 345, 349 from the supply device 121 and the transfer belts 1313, 1319 from the second supply device 123. For example, transfer tapes 345, 349 from the supply device 121 may be fed to the first major surface 111, the first major surface 111 being a longer distance from the supply device 121, 123 than the second major surface 113. In some embodiments, benefits may be realized by coordinating the arrival of transfer tapes 345, 349 to the first major surface 111 with the arrival of transfer tapes 1313, 1319 to the second major surface 113. For example, in some embodiments, the intersection of the first transfer tape 345 and the second transfer tape 349 may be provided to the first major surface 111. This intersection may render the portion of the glass ribbon 103 unusable. Similarly, in some embodiments, the intersection of third transfer tape 1313 and fourth transfer tape 1319 may be provided to second major surface 113. The intersection may also render the portion of the glass ribbon 103 unusable. Thus, to save on the usable portion of the glass ribbon 103, the intersection of the first and second transfer belts 345, 349 may be matched on the glass ribbon 103 to the intersection of the third and fourth transfer belts 1313, 1319. By matching the intersections, a distance separating the intersections between the first and second transfer belts 345, 349 from the intersections between the third and fourth transfer belts 1313, 1319 along the travel path 105 may be reduced.

To control the match at the intersection of the transfer belts 345, 349, 1313, 1319 to the glass ribbon 103, the control device 1381 can control the movement of the transfer device 301 and the second transfer device 1307. For example, referring to fig. 14, the method may include biasing the first transfer belt 345 to contact the second transfer belt 349 wrapped around the second roller 207 to attach the first transfer belt 345 to the first end 1401 of the second transfer belt 349. The control device 1381 may control the transfer device 301 to bias the first transfer tape 345 to contact the second transfer tape 349 such that attachment of the first transfer tape 345 to the first end 1401 of the second transfer tape 349 occurs prior to attachment of the third transfer tape 1313 to the second end 1403 of the fourth transfer tape 1319.

Referring to fig. 15-19, a match of transferring the first and second transfer tapes 345, 349 to the first major surface 111 with transferring the third and fourth transfer tapes 1313, 1319 to the second major surface 113 is shown. In the embodiment of fig. 15-19, for purposes of illustration, the first and second supply devices 121 and 123 have been schematically shown to include portions of the first supply device 121 (e.g., the first and second rollers 201 and 207) and the second supply device 123 (e.g., the third and fourth rollers 1303 and 1305), while other portions of the first supply device 121 (e.g., the support device 213) and the second supply device 123 (e.g., the second support device 1301) are not shown. In operation, the first supply device 121 and the second supply device 123 may function substantially the same as provided with respect to the embodiments shown and described with respect to fig. 1-14.

Referring to fig. 15, the glass ribbon 103 can move along the travel path 105 in the travel direction 107. As the glass ribbon 103 moves, the method can include rotating the first roller 201 to provide the first transfer ribbon 345 from the first roller 201 to the first major surface 111 of the glass ribbon 103 and rotating the third roller 1303 to provide the third transfer ribbon 1313 from the third roller 1303 to the second major surface 113 of the glass ribbon 103. The first speed of the first transfer belt 345 along the first conveying path 1353 may be substantially equal to the second speed of the third transfer belt 1313 along the second conveying path 1351. In some embodiments, the first speed of the first transfer belt 345 from the first roller 201 along the first conveyance path 1353 may be substantially equal to the belt speed at which the glass ribbon 103 moves along the travel path 105 in the travel direction 107. In some embodiments, the second speed of the third transfer belt 1313 from the third roller 1303 along the second conveying path 1351 can be substantially equal to the belt speed of the glass ribbon 103.

Referring to fig. 15-16, as the supply of the first transfer belt 345 on the first roller 201 becomes less, the supply device 121 rotates so that the first transfer belt 345 is biased to contact and attach with the second transfer belt 349. For example, referring to fig. 16, biasing the first transfer belt 345 to contact the second transfer belt 349 may occur before biasing the third transfer belt 1313 to contact the fourth transfer belt 1319. Biasing the first transfer belt 345 into contact with the second transfer belt 349 may occur in substantially the same manner as shown and described with respect to fig. 3-7, such that the first transfer belt 345 is attached to the second transfer belt 349. In attaching the first transfer tape 345 and the second transfer tape 349, the second roller 207 can be rotated to provide the second transfer tape 349 from the second roller 207 to the first major surface 111 of the glass ribbon 103. The first speed of the second transfer belt 349 moving along the first conveyance path 1353 may be substantially equal to the second speeds of the third transfer belt 1313 and the fourth transfer belt 1319 moving along the second conveyance path 1351. Since the first path length 1367 of the first conveying path 1353 is longer than the second path length 1375 of the second conveying path 1351, the first transfer belt 345 may be biased to contact and attach to the second transfer belt 349 prior to attachment of the third transfer belt 1313 and the fourth transfer belt 1319. For example, as shown in fig. 16, the second transfer belt 349 may travel along the first conveyance path 1353 before the fourth transfer belt 1319 travels along the second conveyance path 1351.

Referring to fig. 17, in some embodiments, when the second path length 1375 of the second transfer path 1351 is substantially equal to the distance 1701 along the first transfer path 1353 between the attachment location 601 of the second transfer belt 349 and the first major surface 111, the control device 1381 will control the second transfer apparatus 1307 to deflect the third transfer belt 1313 to contact the fourth transfer belt 1319. For example, when the second path length 1375 is equal to the distance 1701 along the first conveying path 1353 between the first end 1401 of the second transfer belt 349 and the first major surface 111, the third transfer belt 1313 may be biased to contact the fourth transfer belt 1319 wound on the fourth roller 1305 to attach the third transfer belt 1313 to the second end 1403 of the fourth transfer belt 1319. Distance 1701 includes a distance traveled along first conveyance path 1353 by first end 1401 of second transfer tape 349 (e.g., which is attached to first transfer tape 345) until attached to first major surface 111. Distance 1701 may be substantially equal to second path length 1375.

In some embodiments, the control device 1381 controls movement of the second transfer device 1307 in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the control device 1381 includes a timing device that can track the amount of time that has elapsed since the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349 have been attached. Once a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the attachment of the first transfer tape 345 to the second transfer tape 349, the first end 1401 may be located at a position substantially equal to the second path length 1375 by the distance 1701. Thus, in some embodiments, when the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control device 1381 initiates attachment of the third transfer belt 1313 to the fourth transfer belt 1319, wherein the second transfer device 1307 deflects the third transfer belt 1313 to contact the fourth transfer belt 1319. In some embodiments, a camera may be coupled to the control device 1381, wherein the camera may check the position of the first end 1401 along the first conveying path 1353. The camera may also determine when the first end 1401 reaches a position where the distance 1701 is substantially equal to the second path length 1375, wherein the control device 1381 initiates attachment of the third transfer tape 1313 to the fourth transfer tape 1319. In some embodiments, when the first end 1401 has reached a position where the distance 1701 is substantially equal to the second path length 1375, the control device 1381 may cause the third transfer belt 1313 to attach to the fourth transfer belt 1319.

Referring to fig. 18, in some embodiments, after control device 1381 begins attachment of third transfer ribbon 1313 to fourth transfer ribbon 1319, fourth roller 1305 may be rotated to provide fourth transfer ribbon 1319 from fourth roller 1305 to second major surface 113 of glass ribbon 103 such that, within a predetermined period of time, first end 1401 of second transfer ribbon 349 reaches first major surface 111 and second end 1403 of fourth transfer ribbon 1319 reaches second major surface 113. The predetermined period of time may range from about 0 seconds to about 1 second such that the first end 1401 of the second transfer tape 349 reaches the first major surface 111 and the second end 1403 of the fourth transfer tape 1319 reaches the second major surface 113 substantially simultaneously. For example, the second transfer belt 349 can move at a first speed and the fourth transfer belt 1319 can move at a second speed. In some embodiments, the first speed of the second transfer belt 349 may be substantially equal to the second speed of the fourth transfer belt 1319. Thus, the first end 1401 of the second transfer tape 349 and the second end 1403 of the fourth transfer tape 1319 reach the major surfaces 111, 113 of the glass ribbon 103 substantially simultaneously.

Referring to fig. 19, glass ribbon 103 is shown after a period of time has elapsed after first end 1401 is attached to first major surface 111 and second end 1403 is attached to second major surface 113. The separation distance 1901 along the travel path 105 separating the first end 1401 and the second end 1403 along an axis 1903 parallel to the travel path 105 in the travel direction 107 may be minimized and may be nearly zero. The separation distance 1901 includes a distance along the axis 1903 that separates the location of the first end 1401 on the first major surface 111 from the location of the second end 1403 on the second major surface 113. The first attachment locations 1905 may include locations where transfer tapes 345, 349 are attached to the first major surface 111, and the second attachment locations 1907 may include locations where transfer tapes 1313, 1319 are attached to the second major surface 113. The second separation distance 1909 (e.g., along axis 1903) may include a distance separating the first attachment location 1905 from the second attachment location 1907. In some embodiments, the second separation distance 1909 can be minimized or about zero such that the separation distance 1901 between the ends 1401, 1403 can be about zero when the ends 1401, 1403 reach the glass ribbon 103 substantially simultaneously. Thus, if an operator wishes to remove a portion of the glass ribbon 103 including ends (e.g., ends 1401, 1403), a minimum length measured along the axis 1903 of the glass ribbon 103 can be removed because the separation distance 1901 is nearly zero.

With respect to fig. 2-12, the supply apparatus 121 may include a plurality of rollers (e.g., first roller 201 and second roller 207), each supporting a transfer belt (e.g., first transfer belt 345 and second transfer belt 349, respectively). As the first transfer belt 345 is provided to the first main surface 111, the amount of the first transfer belt 345 on the first roller 201 may become smaller. Rather than temporarily stopping production and/or allowing a portion of the first major surface 111 to be covered by the transfer tape, the supply apparatus 121 may provide continuous and uninterrupted transport of the transfer tape. For example, the first transfer belt 345 may be attached to the second transfer belt 349 such that there is no gap between the first transfer belt 345 and the second transfer belt 349. In this way, one end of the first transfer tape 345 may be attached to the beginning of the second transfer tape 349, at which time the second transfer tape 349 is conveyed and provided to the first major surface 111. With the second transfer tape 349 provided to the first major surface 111, the operator may remove the first roller 201 from the supply apparatus 121 and provide a new transfer tape and new adhesive to the first roller 201. Thus, production stoppage due to resupply of the transfer belt can be avoided and cycle time is improved. Further, by reducing the separation distance 1901 separating the first end 1401 (e.g., the transition between the first transfer tape 345 and the second transfer tape 349 on the first major surface 111) and the second end 1403 (e.g., the transition between the third transfer tape 1313 and the fourth transfer tape 1319 on the second major surface 113) along the travel path 105, the length of the glass ribbon 103 including the first end 1401 and the second end 1403 can be minimized, thereby increasing the amount of glass ribbon 103 available.

It should be understood that while various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific examples thereof, the present disclosure should not be considered limited thereto since various modifications and combinations of the disclosed features can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a first roll extending along a first axis and configured to provide a first transfer ribbon to a first major surface of the glass ribbon;

a second roll extending along a second axis and configured to provide a second transfer ribbon to the first major surface of the glass ribbon;

a support device extending along a support axis parallel to the first and second axes and attached to the first and second rollers, the support device being rotatable about the support axis between a first position in which the first roller is in a first position and the second roller is in a second position, and a second position in which the first roller is in the second position and the second roller is in the first position; and

a transfer device configured to move in a direction toward the support device, the transfer device biasing the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt when the first roller is in the second position, thereby attaching the first transfer belt to the second transfer belt at an attachment location of the second transfer belt, the transfer device configured to separate the first transfer belt at a separation location.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer apparatus comprises transfer rollers extending along a transfer roller axis parallel to the support axis.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any of claims 1-2, wherein the transfer apparatus comprises a separation apparatus that separates the first transfer belt at the separation location.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein a gap exists between the transfer apparatus and the second roller when the transfer apparatus deflects the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a support roller coupled to the support apparatus, the transfer ribbon travel path extending around the support roller from the first roller to the second roller when the first roller is in the second position.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

a third roll extending along a third axis and configured to provide a third transfer ribbon to the second major surface of the glass ribbon;

a fourth roll extending along a fourth axis and configured to provide a fourth transfer ribbon to the second major surface of the glass ribbon;

A second support apparatus extending along a second support axis parallel to the third axis and the fourth axis, the second support apparatus coupled to the third roller and the fourth roller, the second support apparatus configured to rotate about the second support axis between a first position wherein the third roller is in a third position and the fourth roller is in a fourth position and a second position wherein the third roller is in the fourth position and the fourth roller is in the third position;

a second transfer device configured to move in a direction toward the second support device, the second transfer device biasing the third transfer tape to contact the fourth transfer tape such that the third transfer tape is attached to a second end of the fourth transfer tape, the third transfer tape and the fourth transfer tape configured to travel along a second conveyance path to the second major surface; and

a control device configured to determine a first path length of a first conveyance path along which the first and second transfer belts travel to the first major surface and a second path length of the second conveyance path, the control device configured to control the second transfer device to deflect the third transfer belt to contact the fourth transfer belt when the second path length of the second conveyance path is substantially equal to a distance along the first conveyance path between the attachment location of the second transfer belt and the first major surface.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first path length is greater than the second path length.

8. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a transfer device configured to move in a direction toward the second roller, the transfer device biasing the first transfer tape to contact the second transfer tape such that the first transfer tape is attached to a first end of the second transfer tape, the first transfer tape and the second transfer tape configured to travel along a first conveyance path to the first major surface;

a second transfer device configured to move in a direction toward the fourth roller, the second transfer device biasing the third transfer tape to contact the fourth transfer tape such that the third transfer tape is attached to a second end of the fourth transfer tape, the third transfer tape and the fourth transfer tape configured to travel along a second conveyance path to the second major surface; and

A control device configured to determine a first path length of the first conveying path and a second path length of the second conveying path, the control device configured to control the second transfer device to deflect the third transfer belt to contact the fourth transfer belt when the second path length of the second conveying path is substantially equal to a distance along the first conveying path between the first end and the first major surface of the second transfer belt.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first path length is greater than the second path length.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, wherein a first speed of the second transfer belt along the first conveyance path is substantially equal to a second speed of the fourth transfer belt along the second conveyance path.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control apparatus is configured to control the transfer apparatus to deflect the first transfer tape to contact the second transfer tape such that the attachment of the first transfer tape to the first end of the second transfer tape occurs before the third transfer tape is attached to the second end of the fourth transfer tape.

12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first end of the second transfer ribbon reaches the first major surface and the second end of the fourth transfer ribbon reaches the second major surface substantially simultaneously.

13. A method of making a glass ribbon comprising:

moving the glass ribbon along a travel path in a travel direction;

rotating a first roller to provide a first transfer ribbon from the first roller to a first major surface of the glass ribbon;

rotating a third roller to provide a third transfer ribbon from the third roller to the second major surface of the glass ribbon;

biasing the first transfer tape to contact a second transfer tape wound on a second roller to attach the first transfer tape to a first end of the second transfer tape;

rotating the second roller to provide the second transfer tape from the second roller to the first major surface;

determining a first path length of a first conveying path along which the first transfer belt travels from the first roller to the first major surface and a second path length of a second conveying path along which the third transfer belt travels from the third roller to the second major surface;

Biasing the third transfer tape to contact a fourth transfer tape wound on a fourth roller to attach the third transfer tape to a second end of the fourth transfer tape when the second path length is equal to a distance along the first conveying path between the first end of the second transfer tape and the first major surface; and

the fourth roller is rotated to provide the fourth transfer tape from the fourth roller to the second major surface such that the first end of the second transfer tape reaches the first major surface and the second end of the fourth transfer tape reaches the second major surface within a predetermined period of time.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined period of time is in a range from about 0 seconds to about 1 second.

15. The method of any of claims 13 to 14, wherein the first path length is greater than the second path length.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein biasing the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt occurs before biasing a third transfer belt to contact the fourth transfer belt.

17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein biasing the first transfer tape comprises: moving a transfer device from a first transfer position spaced a first distance from the second roller to a second transfer position spaced a second distance from the second roller, the second distance being less than the first distance, such that the first transfer belt is in contact with the transfer device on one side and the second transfer belt on an opposite side.

18. The method of any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising: an adhesive is provided to the first end of the second transfer tape such that the second transfer tape adheres to the first transfer tape.

19. The method of any of claims 13 to 18, further comprising: a support device rotatably supporting the first roller and the second roller such that the first roller rotates from a first position to a second position and the second roller rotates from the second position to the first position, and wherein the support device rotates before biasing the first transfer belt to contact the second transfer belt.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: after the rotation of the support device, the first transfer belt is guided around a support roller connected to the support device.