WO2017172467A1

WO2017172467A1 - Glass manufacturing methods and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2017172467A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/023716
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Roy Burdette; Mark Thomas Massaro; Robert Richard QUIEL
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2016-03-28
Filing date: 2017-03-23
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-28
Also published as: TW201733922A; JP2019513668A; CN108883958A; KR20180121672A

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus can include a glass former to form a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material and a cutting torch oriented to cut through the glass ribbon to separate a first edge portion from a central portion of the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is drawn from the glass former. A method of manufacturing glass can include forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material, drawing the glass ribbon in a draw direction, where the glass ribbon includes a pair of opposed edge portions and a central portion laterally spanning between the opposed edge portions, and separating a first edge portion of the pair of opposed edge portions from the central portion by cutting through the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction.

Description

GLASS MANUFACTURING METHODS AND APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U. S.C. § 1 19 of U. S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/314076 filed on March 28, 2016, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for manufacturing glass and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material and separating an edge portion of the glass ribbon from a central portion of the glass ribbon by cutting through the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is being drawn in a draw direction.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to form a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material. It is further known to separate an edge portion of the glass ribbon from a central portion of the glass ribbon.

SUMMARY

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0005] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing glass can include forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material, drawing the glass ribbon in a draw direction, where the glass ribbon includes a pair of opposed edge portions and a central portion laterally spanning between the opposed edge portions, and separating a first edge portion of the pair of opposed edge portions from the central portion by cutting through the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction. Cutting through the glass ribbon can create a gap including a distance of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm between a cut edge of the central portion and a cut edge of the first edge portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the gap can be created when the glass ribbon is in a viscous state prior to the glass ribbon transitioning to an elastic state. [0007] In some embodiments, separating the first edge portion from the central portion can include cutting through the glass ribbon with a cutting torch.

[0008] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon with a cutting torch can include contacting the glass ribbon with a flame produced by the cutting torch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method can further include separating a second edge portion of the pair of opposed edge portions from the central portion by cutting through the glass ribbon with another cutting torch while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon with the other cutting torch can create another gap including a distance of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm between another cut edge of the central portion and a cut edge of the second edge portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon can provide the cut edge of the central portion with a cut edge bead including a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method can further include removing the cut edge bead from the interior portion of the central portion to provide a trimmed central portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the opposed edge portions can include an outer edge bead including a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon.

[0014] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon can provide the cut edge of the central portion with a cut edge bead including a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the outer edge bead of the first edge portion of the opposed edge portions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method can further include separating a glass sheet from the central portion of the glass ribbon along a separation path that is transverse to the draw direction of the glass ribbon.

[0016] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon can provide the cut edge of the central portion with a cut edge bead including a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon. The glass sheet can include the cut edge bead, and the method can further include removing the cut edge bead from the glass sheet to provide a trimmed glass sheet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the glass ribbon can include a first cladding layer on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second cladding layer on a second major surface of the glass ribbon, and separating the first edge portion from the central portion can further include cutting through the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, separating the first edge portion from the central portion can include cutting through the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer with a cutting torch.

[0019] In some embodiments, cutting through the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer with a cutting torch can include contacting at least one of the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer with a flame produced by the cutting torch.

[0020] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon, the first cladding layer, and the second cladding layer can provide the cut edge of the central portion of the glass ribbon with a cut edge bead including a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon.

[0021] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon, the first cladding layer, and the second cladding layer can provide the cut edge of the central portion of the glass ribbon with a cut edge bead that is encapsulated by at least one of the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer.

[0022] In some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a glass former to form a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material and a cutting torch oriented to cut through the glass ribbon to separate a first edge portion from a central portion of the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is drawn from the glass former.

[0023] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can further include another cutting torch oriented to cut through the glass ribbon to separate a second edge portion from the central portion of the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is drawn from the glass former.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cutting torch can be oriented to direct a flame from the cutting torch to contact a glass ribbon being drawn from the glass former.

[0025] The above embodiments are exemplary and can be provided alone or in any combination with any one or more embodiments provided herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments as they are described and claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure can be further understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates another schematic view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus of another embodiment along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; [0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, illustrating initiation of a method of separating a first edge portion of a pair of opposed edge portions from a central portion of a glass ribbon;

[0033] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the method after initiating separation of FIG. 6, wherein a bulge has developed in the glass ribbon;

[0034] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the method after developing the bulge of FIG. 7, wherein cut edge beads have begun to develop;

[0035] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 after the cut edge beads have developed with a gap formed between the developed edge beads;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 illustrating initiation of a method of separating a first edge portion of a pair of opposed edge portions from a central portion of a glass ribbon;

[0037] FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the method after initiating separation of FIG. 10, wherein a bulge has developed in the glass ribbon;

[0038] FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the method after developing the bulge of FIG. 11, wherein cut edge beads have begun to develop;

[0039] FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12 after the cut edge beads have developed with a gap formed between the developed edge beads;

[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, along line 14-14 of FIG. 3; and

[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus, according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, along line 14-14 of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0043] Glass sheets are commonly fabricated by flowing molten glass to a forming body whereby a glass ribbon may be formed by a variety of ribbon forming processes including, float, slot draw, down-draw, fusion down-draw, up-draw, press roll or any other forming processes. The glass ribbon from any of these processes may then be subsequently divided to provide one or more glass sheets suitable for further processing into a desired application, including but not limited to, a display application. For example, the one or more glass sheets can be used in a variety of display applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), or the like.

[0044] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 101 to form a glass ribbon 103. For illustration purposes, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 is illustrated as a fusion down-draw apparatus, although other glass manufacturing apparatus for up-draw, float, press rolling, slot draw, etc. may be provided in further embodiments. As illustrated, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. An optional controller 115 can be operated to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. A glass melt probe 119 can be used to measure a level of molten material 121 within a standpipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 by way of a communication line 125.

[0045] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can also include a fining vessel 127 located downstream from the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by way of a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127 by way of the first connecting conduit 129. For example, gravity may act to drive the molten material 121 to pass through an interior pathway of the first connecting conduit 129 from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127. Within the fining vessel 127, bubbles may be removed from the molten material 121 by various techniques.

[0046] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a mixing chamber 131 that may be located downstream from the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogenous composition of molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the molten material 121 exiting the fining vessel 127. As shown, the fining vessel 127 may be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 by way of a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 by way of the second connecting conduit 135. For instance, gravity may drive the molten material 121 to pass through an interior pathway of the second connecting conduit 135 from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0047] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a delivery vessel 133 that may be located downstream from the mixing chamber 131. The delivery vessel 133 can condition the molten material 121 to be fed into a glass former 140. For example, the delivery vessel 133 can function as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to the glass former 140. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 may be coupled to the delivery vessel 133 by way of a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 by way of the third connecting conduit 137. For instance, gravity may drive the molten material 121 to pass through an interior pathway of the third connecting conduit 137 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133.

[0048] As further illustrated, a delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to the glass former 140 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101. The glass former 140 may draw the molten material 121 into the glass ribbon 103 off of a root 145 of a forming vessel 143. In the illustrated embodiment, the forming vessel 143 can be provided with an inlet 141 oriented to receive molten material 121 from the delivery pipe 139 of the delivery vessel 133. A width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 can extend between a first vertical edge 147a of the glass ribbon 103 and a second vertical edge 147b of the glass ribbon 103.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. As shown, the forming vessel 143 can include a trough 201 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet 141. The forming vessel 143 can further include a forming wedge 209 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b extending between opposed ends of the forming wedge 209. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b converge along a draw direction 211 to form the root 145. A draw plane 213 extends through the root 145 wherein the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn in the draw direction 211 along the draw plane 213. As shown, the draw plane 213 can bisect the root 145 although the draw plane 213 may extend at other orientations relative to the root 145.

[0050] In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can flow from the inlet 141 into the trough 201 of the forming vessel 143. The molten material 121 can then overflow from the trough 201 by simultaneously flowing over corresponding weirs 203a, 203b and downward over the outer surfaces 205a, 205b of the corresponding weirs 203a, 203b. Respective streams of molten material 121 then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 to be drawn off the root 145 of the forming vessel 143, where the flows converge and fuse into the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 may then be fusion drawn off the root 145 in the draw plane 213 along draw direction 211.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 for fusion drawing the glass ribbon 103 can also include at least one edge roll assembly 149a, 149b. As illustrated, each edge roll assembly 149a, 149b can be identical with one another although different edge roll assembly configurations may be provided in further embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, each edge roll assembly 149a, 149b can include a pair of edge rolls 221 with a corresponding one of two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b (see FIG. 1) of the glass ribbon 103 pinched between each pair of edge rolls 221. As shown in FIG. 1, a first edge roll assembly 149a (with a pair of edge rolls 221) can be associated with a first edge portion 301a of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b. As further shown in FIG. 1, a second edge roll assembly 149b (with a pair of edge rolls 221) can be associated with a second edge portion 301b of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b. In some embodiments, the edge rolls 221 can be configured to freely rotate although the edge rolls 221 may be driven rolls (e.g., driven by one or more motors), in further embodiments.

[0052] Outer edge beads 353, 355 of each of the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b can be drawn through the corresponding pair of edge rolls 221 as the glass ribbon 103 is drawn off the root 145 of the forming wedge 209. Each pair of edge rolls 221 can provide proper finishing of the corresponding outer edge beads 353, 355 of the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b of the glass ribbon 103. Indeed, edge roll finishing of the outer edge beads 353, 355 with the corresponding pairs of edge rolls 221 can provide desired edge characteristics and proper fusion of the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b of the molten glass being pulled off opposed surfaces of respective edge directors 225 at each end of the forming wedge 209 (one edge director shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one or both of the edge rolls of the pairs of edge rolls 221 can include a knurled surface 227 that may finish one or both opposed surfaces of the outer edge beads 353, 355 of the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b with a corresponding knurled surface 229 stamped into the glass surfaces of the outer edge beads 353, 355 as the edge portions are finished with the pairs of edge rolls 221 of each edge roll assembly 149a, 149b.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b can be substantially identical to one another or the edge portions 301a, 301b may have different configurations in further embodiments. As illustrated, a central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 can be defined between the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b. FIG. 14 illustrates representative features of the first edge portion 301a with the understanding that the first edge portion 301a may be identical to or similar to the second edge portion 301b. In some embodiments, the outer edge bead 353, 355 of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b can each include a thickness 363 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) that is greater than the thickness "T" of an interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the thickness 363 can be greater than or equal to about 1 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 2 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, although other thicknesses may be produced in further embodiments.

[0054] As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a first and second pull roll assembly 151a, 151b associated with each respective edge portion 301a, 301b to facilitate pulling of the glass ribbon 103 in the draw direction 211 of the draw plane 213. As illustrated, each pull roll assembly 151a, 151b can be identical with one another although different pull roll assembly configurations may be provided in further embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, each pull roll assembly 151a, 151b can include a pair of pull rolls 153 with a corresponding outer edge bead 353, 355 of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b (see FIG. 1) of the glass ribbon 103 pinched between each pair of pull rolls 153. As shown in FIG. 1, a first pull roll assembly 151a (with a pair of pull rolls 153) can be associated with the first edge portion 301a of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b. As further shown in FIG. 1, a second pull roll assembly 151b (with a pair of pull rolls 153) can be associated with the second edge portion 301b of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b. In some embodiments, the pull rolls 153 can be configured to be driven by one or more motors 155.

[0055] Each outer edge bead 353, 355 of the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b can be drawn through the corresponding pair of pull rolls 153 as the glass ribbon 103 is drawn off the root 145 of the forming wedge 209. The pull rolls 153 may be driven by the motors 155 to provide appropriate tension within the glass ribbon 103 and therefore facilitate drawing the glass ribbon 103 at an appropriate rate to provide desired attributes of the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103). The knurled surface 229 of the outer edge beads 353, 355 of the two opposed edge portions 301a, 301b can increase the coefficient of friction and therefore provide appropriate gripping between the pull rolls 153 and the outer edge beads 353, 355. As such, slipping between the pull rolls 153 and the knurled surfaces 229 can be reduced or prevented to provide a precise and consistent pulling force to the glass ribbon 103. [0056] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 which respectively illustrate a cross- sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn from the root 145 along the draw plane 213 in the draw direction 211 with a first major surface 215a of the glass ribbon 103 and a second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103 facing opposite directions and defining a thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 that can be, for example, from about 40 micrometers (μιτι) to about 1 millimeter (mm), for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 0.5 millimeters, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, or, for example, about 40 micrometers, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments. In addition, the glass ribbon 103 can include a variety of compositions including but not limited to glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, alumino-borosilicate glass, an alkali-containing glass, an alkali-free glass, or any combination thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the glass ribbon 103 can include a first cladding layer 501 on the first major surface 215a of the glass ribbon 103 and a second cladding layer 502 on the second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103. A first major cladding surface 515a of the first cladding layer 501 and a second major cladding surface 515b of the second cladding layer 502 can face opposite directions and can define a total thickness "t" including the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 and the thickness of each of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502. In some embodiments, the total thickness "t" can be for example, from about 100 micrometers (μπι) to about 3 millimeters (mm), for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 2.5 millimeters, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 2 millimeters, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 1.5 millimeters, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 1 millimeter, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 0.5 millimeters, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, for example, from about 100 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, or for example, about 100 micrometers, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments.

[0058] In addition, the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 can include a variety of compositions including but not limited to glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, alumino-borosilicate glass, an alkali-containing glass, an alkali-free glass, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can define a laminate glass including a core layer of glass disposed between the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502. The first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 can, therefore be exterior layers (e.g., outermost layers). In some embodiments, the first cladding layer 501 can be fused to the first major surface 215a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second cladding layer 502 can be fused to the second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, an interface between the first cladding layer 501 and the glass ribbon 103 and/or between the second cladding layer 502 and the glass ribbon 103 can be free of any bonding material (e.g., adhesive, a coating layer, or any other material to adhere the respective cladding layer 501, 502 to the core layer of glass).

[0059] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 can be fused directly to the glass ribbon 103 and can be directly adjacent to the respective first major surface 215a and second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103. In other embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can include any suitable number of layers, such as two, four, or more layers, including one or more intermediate layers disposed between the core layer of the glass ribbon 103 and at least one of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502. Thus, the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502, when provided, are intended to refer to the exterior (e.g., outermost) layers of the glass ribbon 103, including the first maj or cladding surface 515a of the first cladding layer 501 and the second major cladding surface 515b of the second cladding layer 502, regardless of the total number of layers included in the glass ribbon 103. [0060] In some embodiments, the core layer (e.g., glass ribbon 103) can include a core coefficient of thermal expansion, and the cladding layer (e.g., the first cladding layer 501, the second cladding layer 502) can include a cladding coefficient of thermal expansion. As used herein, the term "coefficient of thermal expansion," or "CTE," refers to the average coefficient of linear thermal expansion of a given material or layer between 0 °C and 300 °C, unless otherwise indicated. For example, the core layer can be formed from a material having a composition including the core CTE and the cladding layer 501, 502 can be formed from another material having a composition including the cladding CTE. In some embodiments, the core CTE can be greater than the cladding CTE such that the core layer is in tension and the cladding layer 501, 502 is in compression, thereby strengthening the glass laminate article. The difference in CTE between the core layer and the cladding layer 501, 502 can be referred to as CTE mismatch. In some embodiments, the CTE of the core layer and the CTE of the cladding layer 501, 502 can differ by at least about 5xlO^"7oC^_1, at least about 15x10^'^C^"1, at least about 25xlO^"7oC^_1, or at least about 30χ10^"7Τ^_1. In some embodiments, the CTE of the core layer and the CTE of the cladding layer 501, 502 can differ by from about 5xlO^"7oC^_1 to about 30xlO^"7oC^"\ In another embodiment, the CTE of the core layer and the CTE of the cladding layer 501, 502 can differ by from about 15xlO^"7oC^_1 to about 30xlO^"7oC^_1. In another embodiment, the CTE of the core layer and the CTE of the cladding layer 501, 502 can differ by from about 25xlO^"7oC^_1 to about 30xlO^"7oC^_1 although other ranges may be provided in further embodiments.

[0061] In some embodiments, based at least in part on the CTE mismatch between the core layer and the cladding layer 501, 502, the laminated glass can provide a glass article that, compared to for example a non-laminated glass article, has improved resistance to breakage and therefore improved mechanical reliability. Additionally, in some embodiments, based at least in part on the CTE mismatch between the core layer and the cladding layer 501, 502, the laminated glass may be more likely to crack and break when cut as compared to cutting non-laminated glass. Furthermore, while not being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that selection of the glass composition of the clad and core can improve encapsulation of the edge bead with one of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 by the surface tension of the clad glass being lower than the surface tension of the core glass. Consequently, proper selection of glass compositions with the differing CTE discussed above can result in enhanced encapsulation of the edge bead by the cladding layer(s), thereby strengthening the edge bead while also strengthening the glass laminate article with the cladding layers in compression and the core layer in tension. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be employed to cut either or both a laminated glass article and a non-laminated glass article.

[0062] Methods and apparatus for separating at least one of the first edge portion 301a and the second edge portion 301b from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 will now be described. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing glass can include forming the glass ribbon 103 from a quantity of molten material 121, drawing the glass ribbon 103 in a draw direction 211, where the glass ribbon 103 includes a pair of opposed edge portions (e.g., first edge portion 301a, second edge portion 301b) and a central portion 303 laterally spanning between the opposed edge portions 301a, 301b. The method can include separating the first edge portion 301a of the pair of opposed edge portions 301a, 301b from the central portion 303 by cutting through the glass ribbon 103 while the glass ribbon 103 is being drawn in the draw direction 211. Similarly, in some embodiments, the method can further include separating the second edge portion 301b of the pair of opposed edge portions 301a, 301b from the central portion 303 by cutting through the glass ribbon 103 while the glass ribbon 103 is being drawn in the draw direction 211.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a first cutting torch 170 oriented to cut through the glass ribbon 103 to separate the first edge portion 301a of the glass ribbon 103 from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 while the glass ribbon 103 is drawn from the glass former 140. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a second cutting torch 171 oriented to cut through the glass ribbon 103 to separate the second edge portion 301b from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 while the glass ribbon 103 is drawn from the glass former 140. It is to be understood that while some embodiments of a method for manufacturing glass and a glass manufacturing apparatus 101 disclosed herein can include a cutting torch 170 (as illustrated), other embodiments may include other cutting devices without departing from the scope of disclosure. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, the present disclosure is to be understood to encompass other cutting devices oriented to cut through the glass ribbon 103 to create a gap 325, including but not limited to mechanical scoring tools, knives, shears, lasers, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, as discussed above, each of the opposed edge portions (e.g., first edge portion 301a, second edge portion 301b) of the glass ribbon 103 can include the outer edge bead (e.g., the first outer edge bead 353 and the second outer edge bead 355). The thickness 363 of the outer edge beads 353, 355 can be greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the outer edge beads 353, 355 can be desirable by aiding in sheet stabilization, sheet width loss control, thickness control, etc. during the manufacturing process where the glass ribbon 103 can be formed and stretched by viscous deformation. However, in some embodiments, the outer edge beads 353, 355 can, among other features, impart undesirable stresses on the glass ribbon 103, can distort a shape of the glass ribbon 103, can impart undesirable features including wrinkles in the glass ribbon 103. In further embodiments, the outer edge beads 353, 355 can make it difficult to separate, for example, a glass sheet 104 (see FIG. 3) from the glass ribbon 103. For example, as the glass ribbon 103 cools from a higher temperature (e.g., of the molten material 121) to a lower temperature (e.g., of the glass ribbon 103) as the glass ribbon 103 transition from a viscous state, to a viscous-elastic state, and then to an elastic state throughout the glass manufacturing process, internal stresses in the glass ribbon 103 can occur based at least in part on temperature gradients resulting in different cooling rates between regions of the glass ribbon 103 having different thicknesses. In some embodiments, thickness differences between the outer edge beads 353, 355 and the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103, for example, can induce large temperature and stress gradients in the glass ribbon 103.

[0065] Removing the first edge portion 301a of the glass ribbon 103 including the first outer edge bead 353 and the second edge portion 301b of the glass ribbon 103 including the second outer edge bead 355 can, therefore, reduce the occurrence of such large temperature and stress gradients in the glass ribbon 103 and thus, in some embodiments, improve the overall strength and quality of the glass ribbon 103. Moreover, removing the first edge portion 301a of the glass ribbon 103 including the first outer edge bead 353 and the second edge portion 301b of the glass ribbon 103 including the second outer edge bead 355 can reduce the likelihood of cracks that may be present in the outer edge beads 353, 355 from propagating, for example, into the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 that can cause the glass ribbon 103 to crack, fracture, and fail.

[0066] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., with the first cutting torch 170) can create a first gap 325 between a first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 and a first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a. Similarly, cutting through the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., with the second cutting torch 171) can create a second gap 326 between a second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 and a second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b. Advantageously, the first gap 325 and the second gap 326 can provide a spaced separation between the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a as well as between the second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 and the second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b. The spaced separation can prevent contact and interference between features of the first edge portion 301a of the glass ribbon 103, the second edge portion 301b of the glass ribbon 103, and the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 that may otherwise, cause chipping, cracking, and damage to the glass ribbon 103.

[0067] In some embodiments, the gap (e.g., the first gap 325, the second gap 326) can be created at any elevation relative to the draw direction 211 along the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., at any elevation on the glass ribbon 103 below the glass former 140). In some embodiments, the gap 325, 326 can be created in the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is in a viscous state prior to the glass ribbon 103 transitioning to an elastic state. In some embodiments, the gap 325, 326 can be created in the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is in an elastic state after having transitioned from a viscous state. In some embodiments, the gap 325, 326 can be created in the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is in a viscous-elastic state while transitioning from a viscous state to an elastic state. In some embodiments, the gap 325, 326 can be created in the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is, for example, reheated to be in a viscous state (e.g., locally reheated in the region to be cut) after having already transitioned from a viscous state to an elastic state. In some embodiments, a higher elevation of the cut relative to the draw direction 211 (e.g., closer to the glass former 140) can correspond to a higher relative temperature of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the glass ribbon 103 can cool from a higher temperature to a lower temperature as it is drawn from the glass former 140 in the draw direction 211. Cutting the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is at a higher temperature (e.g., cutting the glass ribbon 103 at a location having a higher elevation relative to the draw direction 211) can reduce the tension stress in the cut edges (e.g., the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303, the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a) which can improve the quality and strength of the cut edges as compared to cut edges that are created when the glass ribbon 103 is at a relatively lower temperature. In some embodiments, creating the gap 325, 326 when the glass ribbon 103 is in a viscous state or when the glass ribbon 103 is transitioning from a viscous state to an elastic state can strengthen the cut edges and therefore reduce the likelihood of secondary cracking of the cut edges after they are formed. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can provide a stable cutting process that can be employed to continuously separate the edge portions 301a, 301b of the glass ribbon 103 from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0068] In some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., with the first cutting torch 170) can provide the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 with a first central cut edge bead 309 and can provide the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a with a first cut edge bead 310. Similarly, in some embodiments, cutting through the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., with the second cutting torch 171) can provide the second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 with a second central cut edge bead 311 and can provide the second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b with a second cut edge bead 312. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the flame-polished edges of the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a as well as the second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 and the second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b can provide, respectively, a flame-polished first cut edge bead 310, a flame-polished first central cut edge bead 309, a flame-polished second cut edge bead 312, and a flame-polished second central cut edge bead 311.

[0069] In addition, the first cutting torch 170 and the second cutting torch 171 can simultaneously cut through the glass ribbon 103 and finish (e.g., flame-polish) the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a as well as the second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 and the second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b. In some embodiments, as compared to, for example, edges that are separated by scoring, cracking, etc., a flame-polished edge that is separated by cutting through the glass ribbon 103 with a cutting torch 170, 171 can include relatively less defects, flaws, and cracks which can reduce the likelihood of crack initiation, crack formation, and crack propagation in the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, in some embodiments, a flame- polished edge including a flame-polished edge bead that is separated by cutting through the glass ribbon 103 with a cutting torch 170, 171 can include relatively less defects, flaws, and cracks which can reduce the likelihood of crack initiation, crack formation, and crack propagation in the glass ribbon 103.

[0070] Additionally, in some embodiments, the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a as well as the second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 and the second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b can also be tempered as the edges cool during the glass manufacturing process which can provide edges having less stress than may be observed in edges that are flame-polished without tempering. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a continuous, online process for removing the first edge portion 301a including the first outer edge bead 353 and the second edge portion 301b including the second outer edge bead 355 from the glass ribbon 103 can be provided. Such removal can provide a central portion 303 with the interior portion 302 disposed between polished central cut edge beads 309, 311 that can reduce stress concentrations while still providing central cut edge beads 309, 311 that can provide durable edges to avoid damage during subsequent processing and/or handling techniques. Indeed, compared to the outer edge beads 353, 355, the polished central cut edge beads 309, 311 do not include the stress concentrations associated with formation of the outer edge beads 353, 355. Furthermore, compared to edges without edge beads (e.g., by way of full body crack propagation), the polished central cut edge beads 309, 311 can provide a more durable edge configuration that may resist cracks, chips or other edge imperfections that may result from the relatively fragile full body cut edges that do not include an edge bead. As such, the polished central cut edge beads 309, 311 may reduce crack failures through the central portion 303 during handling and/or processing techniques.

[0071] In some embodiments, (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the second edge portion 301b) a guide roller 335 can be provided to guide the separated second edge portion 301b. Although not shown, a similar guide roller may be provided to guide the separated first edge portion 301a. The guide roller 335 can direct the second edge portion 301b and/or the first edge portion 301a into, for example, a container (e.g., cullet chute) where the corresponding separated edge portion 301a, 301b can then be discarded. In some embodiments, a heater 336 and a cooler 337 can be provided to, respectively, heat and then cool the separated edge portion 301a, 301b to fracture, crack, and break (e.g., crizzle) the separated edge portion 301a, 301b. In some embodiments, the heater 336 can include any one or more of an electric heater, a gas heater, and any other suitable heater. In some embodiments, the heater 336 can include the same or similar features as the cutting torch 170, including a flame oriented to impinge on the separated edge portion 301a, 301b to heat the separated edge portion 301a, 301b. In some embodiments, the cooler 337 can include a fluid cooler oriented to provide a cooled fluid (e.g., gas, liquid) that impinges on the heated separated edge portion 301a, 301b. The successive heating by the heater 336 and relatively rapid cooling by the cooler 337 can induce thermal stresses that can cause the glass to fracture, crack, and break (e.g., crizzle, as shown with respect to the second separated edge portion 301b shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, where the edge portion 301a, 301b is at a temperature high enough for thermal induced stresses to occur when the edge portion 301a, 301b is shocked with a cooler temperature, the cooler 337 may be provided without the heater 336 to relatively rapidly cool the edge portion 301a, 301b and thereafter induce thermal stresses that can cause the glass to fracture, crack, and break (e.g., crizzle). The crizzled edge portion (including any pieces of glass broken from the edge portion) can then be deposited into the container for subsequent disposal.

[0072] In some embodiments, the guide roller 335 can offset the separated edge portion 301a, 301b relative to the central portion 303 to further separate the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 relative to the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a and the second central cut edge 307 of the central portion 303 relative to the second cut edge 308 of the second edge portion 301b. For example, an offset of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 relative to the separated first edge portion 301a and the separated second edge portion 301b can be provided. For example, the central portion 303, the first separated edge portion 301a, and the second separated edge portion 301b can be offset with respect to the draw plane 213 relative to each other. In such an orientation, the first cut edge bead 310 can be further separated from the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second cut edge bead 312 can be further separated from the second central cut edge bead 311. It is to be understood that the guide roller 335, the heater 336, and the cooler 337, can be applied to one or both of the first separated edge portion 301a and/or the second separated edge portion 301b without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0073] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the method can further include separating a glass sheet 104 from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 322 that is transverse to the draw direction 211 of the glass ribbon 103. For example, a glass separator 350 (e.g., a travel anvil machine) can be employed to separate a glass sheet 104 from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 along the separation path 322. In some embodiments, the glass separator 350 can include a mechanical scoring tool to provide a score path on the glass ribbon 103 along the separation path 322 and a robot (not shown) to bend the glass ribbon 103 about the score path to separate the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 along the separation path 322. It is to be understood that any suitable glass separator 350 including mechanical separation, laser separation, etc. can be provided in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0074] In some embodiments, the method can further include removing at least one of the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 from the central portion 303 to provide a trimmed central portion (e.g. , trimmed glass sheet 304). In some embodiments (not shown), prior to separating the glass sheet 104 from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 the at least one of the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 can be removed from the central portion 303 to provide a trimmed central portion. In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 can include at least one of the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 and the method can further include removing at least one of the at least one of the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 from the glass sheet 104 (e.g. , as shown by separation paths 329, 331) to provide the trimmed glass sheet 304. The trimmed glass sheet 304 can then be employed in a variety of display applications, for example. Various techniques may be used to separate the central cut edge beads 309, 311 along the separation paths 329, 331. In one embodiment, a full body crack may be propagated by a laser. In further embodiments, a full body crack may be propagated by a laser followed by quenching with a cooling fluid. In such embodiments, the newly formed edges of the trimmed central portion may be provided with mirror edge surfaces that are substantially or entirely free of edge defects. In some embodiments, the central cut edge beads 309, 311 can be cut away after handling and/or processing that may have otherwise damaged the mirror edge surfaces. As such, the central cut edge beads 309, 311 can provide enhanced processing and/or handling of the glass ribbon 103 and/or glass sheet 104 prior to being removed, at an appropriate time, to provide the final product without the central cut edge beads 309, 311.

[0075] In some embodiments, a plurality of glass sheets 104, each including the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311, can be stacked together to provide a stack of glass sheets 340 that can, for example, be stored, transported, etc. In some embodiments, the stack of glass sheets 340 can be oriented at any angle (e.g., horizontally, vertically, diagonally, etc.) relative to the force of gravity to permit various types of storage and transportation of the stack of glass sheets 340. Advantageously, the glass sheet 104 including the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 can be stacked with the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 providing a space 345 between central portions 303 of adjacent glass sheets 104 in the stack of glass sheets 340. In some embodiments, the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 of adjacent glass sheets 104 can be in contact with each other to provide the space 345 between central portions 303 of adjacent glass sheets 104 in the stack of glass sheets 340. In some embodiments, an intermediate spaced (e.g., interleaf paper) can be provided between the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 of adjacent glass sheets 104 to prevent, for example, glass-on-glass contact between the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 of adjacent glass sheets 104. Moreover, glass-on- glass contact between the pristine major surfaces 215a, 215b of the glass ribbon 103 can be avoided by spacing the central portions 303 of adjacent glass sheets 104 apart, and scratches, chips, and damage caused from glass-on-glass contact of the pristine major surfaces 215a, 215b of the glass ribbon 103 can likewise be avoided or reduced. In some embodiments, one or more of the glass sheets 104 from the stack of glass sheets 340 can be further processed by, for example, removing at least one of the at least one of the first central cut edge bead 309 and the second central cut edge bead 311 from the glass sheet 104 (e.g., as shown by separation paths 329, 331) to provide the trimmed glass sheet 304 which can then be employed in a variety of display applications.

[0076] FIGS. 6-9 schematically illustrate some embodiments of a cross- sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4. Likewise, FIGS. 10-13 schematically illustrate some embodiments of a cross-sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5. Although methods and apparatus may be illustrated herein with respect to separating the first edge portion 301a of the pair of opposed edge portions 301a, 301b from the central portion 303 (e.g., with the first cutting torch 170), it is to be understood that, in further embodiments, the same or similar features can be applied to separate the second edge portion 301b of the pair of opposed edge portions 301a, 301b from the central portion 303 (e.g., with the second cutting torch 171).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to direct a flame 270 from the cutting torch 170 to contact the glass ribbon 103 being drawn from the glass former 140. In some embodiments the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to direct the flame 270 to contact either the first major surface 215a of the glass ribbon 103 or the second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, a cutting torch 170 can be provided on each side of the glass ribbon 103 to contact both the first major surface 215a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to direct a flame 270 from the cutting torch 170 to contact the first cladding layer 501 as the glass ribbon 103 being drawn from the glass former 140. In some embodiments the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to direct the flame 270 to contact either the first major cladding surface 515a of the first cladding layer 501 or the second major cladding surface 515b of the second cladding layer 502. In some embodiments, a cutting torch 170 can be provided on each side of the glass ribbon 103 to contact both the first major cladding surface 515a of the first cladding layer 501 and the second major cladding surface 515b of the second cladding layer 502.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can include a pressurized fluid that can be ignited to produce the flame 270. Accordingly, unlike some other sources of heat (e.g., a laser) than can produce heat in the form of non-contact thermal radiation, the cutting torch 170 of the present disclosure can produce a flame 270 that can provide heat as a pressurized jet that can impinge on a surface, applying both a force from the pressure of the jet in addition to thermal heat from the ignition (e.g., combustion, burning) of the pressurized fluid. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the cutting torch 170 can create a bulge 175 in the glass ribbon 103 based at least in part on the impinging pressure of the flame 270 from the cutting torch 170 on the glass ribbon 103. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11, the cutting torch 170 can create the bulge 175 in the glass ribbon 103 and a corresponding first cladding bulge 176 in the first cladding layer 501 and a second cladding bulge 177 in the second cladding layer 502 based at least in part on the impinging pressure of the flame 270 from the cutting torch 170 on the glass ribbon 103 including the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502.

[0079] Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that contacting the glass ribbon 103 with the flame 270 from the cutting torch 170 to provide a bulge 175 in the glass ribbon 103 can aid in the cutting of the glass ribbon 103 by, in addition to heating the glass ribbon 103, also stretching and pulling a localized heated region of the glass ribbon 103 until the glass ribbon 103 separates. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the cutting torch 170 can melt the glass ribbon 103 and the bulge 175 can begin to thin creating a first edge bead formation 310a and a first central edge bead formation 309a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, the cutting torch 170 can melt the glass ribbon 103 including the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 and the bulge 175 including the corresponding first cladding bulge 176 and second cladding bulge 177 can begin to thin creating the first edge bead formation 310a and the first central edge bead formation 309a.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the cutting torch 170 can cut completely through the glass ribbon 103 separating the first edge portion 301a from the central portion 303. Upon separation, at least a remaining portion of melted glass from the bulge 175 can combine with the first edge bead formation 310a to form the first cut edge bead 310 and at least another remaining portion of melted glass from the bulge 175 can combine with the first central edge bead formation 309a to form the first central cut edge bead 309. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, the cutting torch 170 can cut completely through the glass ribbon 103 including the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 separating the first edge portion 301a from the central portion 303. Upon separation, at least a remaining portion of melted glass from the bulge 175 can combine with the first edge bead formation 310a to form the first cut edge bead 310 that can be encapsulated with at least one of the melted first cladding layer 501 and second cladding layer 502 from, for example, the corresponding first cladding bulge 176 and second cladding bulge 177. Likewise, at least another remaining portion of melted glass from the bulge 175 can combine with the first central edge bead formation 309a to form the first central cut edge bead 309 that can be encapsulated with at least one of the melted first cladding layer 501 and second cladding layer 502 from, for example, the corresponding first cladding bulge 176 and second cladding bulge 177.

[0081] Accordingly, the cutting torch 170 of the present disclosure can provide advantageous benefits not achievable with some other sources of heat alone, including but not limited to a laser used alone as the only heating source. Moreover, the cutting torch 170 of the present disclosure can be employed without significant modification of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 to cut through the glass ribbon 103 relatively less expensively than, for example, conventional laser cutting techniques which, in some embodiments, can include complex mirrors that may require intricate alignment, setup, and maintenance. It is to be understood that the exemplary cutting torch 170 described herein can include any one or more cutting torches, including a combination of any one or more of a blowtorch, a plasma torch, a line burner, a pencil burner, a piloted fine tip burner, a gas torch, an oxygen-gas torch (e.g., an oxygen-acetylene torch), and any other suitable cutting torches. Moreover, it is to be understood that various features of the cutting torch 170 including but not limited to, the type of tip or tips of the cutting torch 170, the flame 270 setting of the cutting torch 170, a distance of the cutting torch 170 from the glass ribbon 103, etc. can be modified to provide a cutting torch 170 that can cut (e.g., melt) through the glass ribbon 103 without departing from the scope of disclosure.

[0082] In some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can include a flame 270 provided, for example, from a single orifice of the cutting torch 170 to cut through the glass ribbon 103. In other embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can include a plurality of orifices producing a corresponding plurality of flames to cut through the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can include a plurality of cutting torches including a plurality of flames to cut through the glass ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, one flame can be provided to soften the glass ribbon 103 and another flame can be provided to cut through the softened glass ribbon 103. The one flame and the other flame can be provided from the same cutting torch (e.g., from a first orifice and a second orifice of cutting torch 170). In addition or alternatively, the one flame and the other flame can be provided from different cutting torches, each of which can include the same or similar features as cutting torch 170, that can be positioned in a spaced relationship from each other (e.g., downstream along the draw direction 211) to respectively soften the glass ribbon 103 (e.g., with one cutting torch) and then cut through the softened glass ribbon 103 (e.g., with another cutting torch) as the glass ribbon 103 is being drawn in the draw direction 211. In some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can include any number of flames that either individually or together cut through the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 is drawn in the draw direction 211. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to remain stationary relative to the glass ribbon 103 as the glass ribbon 103 is drawn in the draw direction 211. In some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to move relative to the glass ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, the cutting torch 170 can be oriented to traverse in the draw direction 211 at a same speed or a different speed than a speed at which the glass ribbon 103 is drawn to, for example, follow a location on the glass ribbon 103 to cut through the glass ribbon 103 at that location.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 14 which illustrates an embodiment of a cross- sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 14-14 of FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the first central cut edge bead 309 can include a first central cut edge bead thickness 319 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the first outer edge bead 353 can include a first outer edge bead thickness 363 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the first central cut edge bead thickness 319 of the first central cut edge bead 309 of the central portion 303 can be greater than the first outer edge bead thickness 363 of the first outer edge bead 353 of the first edge portion 301a and also greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0084] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the first central cut edge bead 309 can include the first central cut edge bead thickness 319 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. Furthermore, a first central cut cladding edge bead thickness 320 can be greater than the total thickness "t" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 including the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502. In some embodiments, the first outer edge bead 353 can include a first outer edge bead thickness 363 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, in some embodiments, the first central cut cladding edge bead thickness 320 of the first central cut edge bead 309 including the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 can be greater than the first outer edge bead thickness 363 of the first outer edge bead 353 of the first edge portion 301a and also greater than the total thickness "t" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 including the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502.

[0085] As shown, in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the gap 325 can include a distance "G" of, for example, from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example, from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, for example, from about 10 mm to about 15 mm, for example, from about 15 mm to about 20 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 15 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, although other distances can be provided in further embodiments. In some embodiments, the distance "G" can be defined between the first central cut edge 305 including the first central cut edge bead 309 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 including the first cut edge bead 310 of the first edge portion 301a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments cutting through the glass ribbon 103, the first cladding layer 501, and the second cladding layer 502 can create the gap 325 that can include a distance "g" of, for example, from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example, from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, for example, from about 10 mm to about 15 mm, for example, from about 15 mm to about 20 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 15 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, although other distances can be provided in further embodiments. In some embodiments, the gap 325 can include the distance "G" defined between the first central cut edge 305 including the first central cut edge bead 309 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 including the first cut edge bead 310 of the first edge portion 301a as well as the distance "g" between the at least one of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 that can encapsulate the first central cut edge 305 including the first central cut edge bead 309 of the central portion 303 and the first cut edge 306 including the first cut edge bead 310 of the first edge portion 301a. Although illustrated in FIG. 15, as encapsulating the first cut edge bead 310 of the first edge portion 301a, in some embodiments, the at least one of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 may not encapsulate the first cut edge bead 310 of the first edge portion 301a. Because the first edge portion 301a can be separated from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 and subsequently disposed of, in some embodiments, the quality and characteristics of the first cut edge 306 of the first edge portion 301a may be of less concern.

[0086] Accordingly, in some embodiments, as compared to conventional techniques (e.g., propagating a crack) to separate the first edge portion 301a of the glass ribbon 103 from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 which attempt to create a separation between the first edge portion 301a and the central portion 303 that does not alter the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 at the first central cut edge 305, the features of the present disclosure can create a first central cut edge bead 309 at the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 that includes a first central cut edge bead thickness 319 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. Moreover, the first central cut edge 305 including the first central cut edge bead 309 can, in some embodiments, provide various advantages over the cut edges of the prior art including but not limited to relatively smooth cut edges that are relatively free of cracks, chips, and defects that may otherwise be present in edges cut with conventional techniques. In addition, when encapsulated by at least one of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502, the first central cut edge 305 including the first central cut edge bead 309 can further strengthen and protect the first central cut edge 305 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 and reduce the likelihood of cracks, chips, and defects in the glass ribbon 103. [0087] In some embodiments, the first central cut edge bead thickness 319 can be based at least in part on the distance "G" of the gap 325 and the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103. For example, based at least in part on conservation of mass of the material that is separated to form the gap 325, a larger gap 325 (e.g., distance "G") and/or a greater thickness "T" can produce a central cut edge bead 309 with a correspondingly larger thickness 319 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, based at least in part on conservation of mass of the material that is separated to form the gap 325, a smaller gap 325 (e.g., distance "G") and/or a smaller thickness "T" can produce a central cut edge bead 309 with a correspondingly smaller thickness 319 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103, but to a lesser degree than the thickness 319 of the central cut edge bead 309 created from a proportionally larger gap 325 (e.g., distance "G") and/or a proportionally greater thickness "T".

[0088] Similarly, in some embodiments, the first central cut cladding edge bead thickness 320 can be based at least in part on the distance "g" of the gap 325 and the total thickness "t" of the glass ribbon 103 and the first and second cladding layers 501, 502. For example, based at least in part on conservation of mass of the material that is separated to form the gap 325, a larger gap 325 (e.g., distance "g") and/or a greater total thickness "t" can produce an encapsulated central cut edge bead 309 with a correspondingly larger thickness 320 that is greater than the total thickness "t" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103. Likewise, based at least in part on conservation of mass of the material that is separated to form the gap 325, a smaller gap 325 (e.g., distance "g") and/or a smaller total thickness "t" can produce an encapsulated central cut edge bead 309 with a correspondingly smaller thickness 320 that is greater than the thickness "T" of the interior portion 302 of the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103, but to a lesser degree than the thickness 320 of the encapsulated central cut edge bead 309 created from a proportionally larger gap 325 (e.g., distance "g") and/or a proportionally greater total thickness "t".

[0089] Accordingly, the smooth, defect-free cut edges of the present disclosure can, in some embodiments, increase stability of the glass manufacturing process, increase strength of and reduce stress in the glass ribbon 103, and can provide a central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103 from which glass sheets 104 can be separated without interference from the first edge portion 301a and the second edge portion 301b of the glass ribbon 103. For example, the first edge portion 301a and the second edge portion 301b can include the first outer edge bead 353 and the second outer edge bead 355 as well as a first cladding bead 503 and a second cladding bead 504. The first cladding bead 503 and the second cladding bead 504 can be present, in some embodiments, when the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502 are provided on the glass ribbon 103. The first outer edge bead 353 and the second outer edge bead 355 either alone or in combination with the first cladding bead 503 and the second cladding bead 504 can include high stress and high thermal gradient characteristics that can cause the glass ribbon 103 to crack, fracture, and fail when separating a glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103. Thus, by removing the first edge portion 301a and the second edge portion 301b from the central portion 303 of the glass ribbon 103, the associated high stress and high thermal gradient characteristics of the first edge portion 301a and the second edge portion 301b that can cause the glass ribbon 103 to crack, fracture, and fail when separating a glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 can be entirely eliminated from the glass manufacturing process and instead replaced with a smooth, defect-free edge that, in some embodiments, can be flame-polished, tempered, and encapsulated with at least one of the first cladding layer 501 and the second cladding layer 502.

[0090] It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may involve particular features, elements or steps that are described in connection with that particular embodiment. It will also be appreciated that a particular feature, element or step, although described in relation to one particular embodiment, may be interchanged or combined with alternate embodiments in various non-illustrated combinations or permutations.

[0091] It is to be understood that, as used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0092] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0093] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

[0094] While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitional phrase "comprising," it is to be understood that alternative embodiments, including those that may be described using the transitional phrases "consisting" or "consisting essentially of," are implied. Thus, for example, implied alternative embodiments to an apparatus that comprises A+B+C include embodiments where an apparatus consists of A+B+C and embodiments where an apparatus consists essentially of A+B+C.

[0095] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of manufacturing glass comprising:

forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material;

drawing the glass ribbon in a draw direction, wherein the glass ribbon comprises a pair of opposed edge portions and a central portion laterally spanning between the opposed edge portions; and

separating a first edge portion of the pair of opposed edge portions from the central portion by cutting through the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction, wherein

cutting through the glass ribbon creates a gap comprising a distance of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm between a cut edge of the central portion and a cut edge of the first edge portion.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the gap is created when the glass ribbon is in a viscous state prior to the glass ribbon transitioning to an elastic state.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein separating the first edge portion from the central portion comprises cutting through the glass ribbon with a cutting torch.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein cutting through the glass ribbon with a cutting torch comprises contacting the glass ribbon with a flame produced by the cutting torch.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

separating a second edge portion of the pair of opposed edge portions from the central portion by cutting through the glass ribbon with another cutting torch while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein cutting through the glass ribbon with the other cutting torch creates another gap comprising a distance of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm between another cut edge of the central portion and a cut edge of the second edge portion.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein cutting through the glass ribbon provides the cut edge of the central portion with a cut edge bead comprising a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

removing the cut edge bead from the interior portion of the central portion to provide a trimmed central portion.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the opposed edge portions comprises an outer edge bead comprising a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein cutting through the glass ribbon provides the cut edge of the central portion with a cut edge bead comprising a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the outer edge bead of the first edge portion of the opposed edge portions.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

separating a glass sheet from the central portion of the glass ribbon along a separation path that is transverse to the draw direction of the glass ribbon.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein cutting through the glass ribbon provides the cut edge of the central portion with a cut edge bead comprising a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon, wherein the glass sheet comprises the cut edge bead, and wherein the method further comprises: removing the cut edge bead from the glass sheet to provide a trimmed glass sheet.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the glass ribbon comprises a first cladding layer on a first major surface of the glass ribbon and a second cladding layer on a second major surface of the glass ribbon, and wherein separating the first edge portion from the central portion further comprises cutting through the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer while the glass ribbon is being drawn in the draw direction.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein separating the first edge portion from the central portion comprises cutting through the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer with a cutting torch.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein cutting through the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer with a cutting torch comprises contacting at least one of the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer with a flame produced by the cutting torch.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein cutting through the glass ribbon, the first cladding layer, and the second cladding layer provides the cut edge of the central portion of the glass ribbon with a cut edge bead comprising a thickness that is greater than a thickness of an interior portion of the central portion of the glass ribbon.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein cutting through the glass ribbon, the first cladding layer, and the second cladding layer provides the cut edge of the central portion of the glass ribbon with a cut edge bead that is encapsulated by at least one of the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer.

18. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a glass former to form a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material; and a cutting torch oriented to cut through the glass ribbon to separate a first edge portion from a central portion of the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is drawn from the glass former.

19. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:

another cutting torch oriented to cut through the glass ribbon to separate a second edge portion from the central portion of the glass ribbon while the glass ribbon is drawn from the glass former.

20. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cutting torch is oriented to direct a flame from the cutting torch to contact a glass ribbon being drawn from the glass former.