Corning Incorporated
BEAD REMOVAL APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR SEPARATING BEADS FROM GLASS SHEETS WITH GLASS ENGAGING UNITS

Abstract:

Bead removal apparatus and methods of separating beads from glass sheets with glass engaging units are disclosed. The bead removal apparatus includes a forming body from which a continuous glass ribbon is drawn in a draw direction and a bead removal station adjacent to and laterally offset from the forming body. The bead removal station includes a heating element configured to heat a desired line of bead separation of a glass sheet to a temperature within a range of about 400.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C., and a crack initiation device configured to initiate a crack in the glass sheet at the desired line of bead separation. The bead removal apparatus further includes a glass engaging unit configured to move the glass sheet from the continuous glass ribbon to the bead removal station.