WO2020028001A1

WO2020028001A1 - Substrate packing apparatus and method with fluid flow

Info

Publication number: WO2020028001A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/041308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Devin Joe BARBER; Nils Paul FORNELL; Tzu-Hen Hsu; Kuo-Cheng Wu
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2018-07-30
Filing date: 2019-07-11
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Also published as: TW202014354A; CN112585061A; JP2021533040A; KR20210028257A; CN112585061B; TWI819044B; JP7355809B2

Abstract

A method and apparatus for packing a substrate. The method includes positioning the substrate on a packing frame and positioning a flexible interleaf on the substrate using an arm tool having at least one orifice through which fluid is flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf. The apparatus includes an arm tool that includes at least one orifice configured to flow fluid therethrough.

Description

SUBSTRATE PACKING APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH FUUID FUOW

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S.

Provisional Application Serial No. 62/711,888 filed on July 30, 2018, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to packing of substrates and more particularly to a substrate packing apparatus and method with fluid flow.

Background

[0003] In the packing of substrates, such as glass substrates for display applications, a flexible interleaf, such as an interleaf paper or foam material, is often positioned between substrates in an effort to protectively cushion and minimize damage to the substrates during transportation. As the flexible interleaf is positioned on a substrate, its path can be disrupted due to air resistance, which can result in the interleaf being folded or otherwise positioned on the substrate in an unintended manner. Such air resistance also increases the settling time of the flexible interleaf onto the substrate, which can be rate limiting from a process time efficiency standpoint. Accordingly, it would be desirable to address these issues while packing a flexible interleaf between substrates.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for packing a substrate. The method includes positioning a substrate on a packing frame. The method also includes positioning a flexible interleaf on the substrate using an arm tool. The arm tool includes at least one orifice through which fluid is flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf.

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein also include an apparatus for packing a substrate. The apparatus includes a packing frame. The apparatus also includes an arm tool. The arm tool includes at least one orifice configured to flow fluid therethrough. [0006] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein 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 disclosed embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding, 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

[0008] FIG. l is a schematic view of an example fusion down draw glass making apparatus and process;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a glass sheet;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a flexible interleaf being positioned on a substrate positioned on packing frame;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic side cutaway view of an arm tool comprising a clamping mechanism and a fluid flow conduit and orifice;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of an arm tool comprising a clamping mechanism and a fluid flow conduit and orifice;

[0013] FIGS. 6 A and 6B are, respectively, schematic side and front cutaways views of a fluid flow conduit and orifice wherein orifice is rotatable in the transverse and longitudinal directions;

[0014] FIGS. 7 A and 7B are, respectively, front and side views of fluid flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of a flexible interleaf; and

[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a flexible interleaf being positioned on a substrate positioned on a packing frame using an arm tool comprising a clamping mechanism and a fluid flow conduit and orifice. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be 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.

[0017] Ranges can be expressed herein as from“about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, for example by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 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.

[0018] Directional terms as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0019] 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, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0021] As used herein, the term“substantially vertical” refers to an orientation that is greater than 45 degrees from horizontal, such as an orientation between 45 degrees and 90 degrees from horizontal.

[0022] As used herein, the term“upper portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf’ refers to a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf having an elevation that is above the remainder of the major surface of the flexible interleaf when the flexible interleaf is in a substantially vertical orientation. For example, the upper portion may comprise from a third to a half of the major surface of the flexible interleaf having the highest elevation relative to the remainder of the major surface of the flexible interleaf when the flexible interleaf is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0023] As used herein, the term“lower portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf’ refers to a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf having an elevation that is below the remainder of the major surface of the flexible interleaf when the flexible interleaf is in a substantially vertical orientation. For example, the lower portion may comprise from a third to a half of the major surface of the flexible interleaf having the lowest elevation relative to the remainder of the major surface of the flexible interleaf when the flexible interleaf is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0024] Shown in FIG. 1 is an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some examples, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can comprise a glass melting furnace 12 that can include a melting vessel 14. In addition to melting vessel 14, glass melting furnace 12 can optionally include one or more additional components such as heating elements (e.g., combustion burners or electrodes) that heat raw materials and convert the raw materials into molten glass. In further examples, glass melting furnace 12 may include thermal

management devices (e.g., insulation components) that reduce heat lost from a vicinity of the melting vessel. In still further examples, glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic devices and/or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of the raw materials into a glass melt. Still further, glass melting furnace 12 may include support structures (e.g., support chassis, support member, etc.) or other components.

[0025] Glass melting vessel 14 is typically comprised of refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, for example a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconia. In some examples glass melting vessel 14 may be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks. Specific embodiments of glass melting vessel 14 will be described in more detail below. [0026] In some examples, the glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus to fabricate a glass substrate, for example a glass ribbon of a continuous length. In some examples, the glass melting furnace of the disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a down-draw apparatus such as a fusion process, an up- draw apparatus, a press-rolling apparatus, a tube drawing apparatus or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the aspects disclosed herein. By way of example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion down-draw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets.

[0027] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (e.g., fusion down-draw apparatus 10) can optionally include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 that is positioned upstream relative to glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, a portion of, or the entire upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16, may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12

[0028] As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20 and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device. Storage bin 18 may be configured to store a quantity of raw materials 24 that can be fed into melting vessel 14 of glass melting furnace 12, as indicated by arrow 26. Raw materials 24 typically comprise one or more glass forming metal oxides and one or more modifying agents. In some examples, raw material delivery device 20 can be powered by motor 22 such that raw material delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw materials 24 from the storage bin 18 to melting vessel 14. In further examples, motor 22 can power raw material delivery device 20 to introduce raw materials 24 at a controlled rate based on a level of molten glass sensed downstream from melting vessel 14. Raw materials 24 within melting vessel 14 can thereafter be heated to form molten glass 28.

[0029] Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can also optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 positioned downstream relative to glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, a portion of downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12. In some instances, first connecting conduit 32 discussed below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12. Elements of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus, including first connecting conduit 32, may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group of metals consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy including from about 70 to about 90% by weight platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium. However, other suitable metals can include molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten and alloys thereof.

[0030] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel, such as fining vessel 34, located downstream from melting vessel 14 and coupled to melting vessel 14 by way of the above-referenced first connecting conduit 32. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34 by way of first connecting conduit 32. For instance, gravity may cause molten glass 28 to pass through an interior pathway of first connecting conduit 32 from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34. It should be understood, however, that other conditioning vessels may be positioned downstream of melting vessel 14, for example between melting vessel 14 and fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning vessel may be employed between the melting vessel and the fining vessel wherein molten glass from a primary melting vessel is further heated to continue the melting process, or cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the melting vessel before entering the fining vessel.

[0031] Bubbles may be removed from molten glass 28 within fining vessel 34 by various techniques. For example, raw materials 24 may include multivalent compounds (i.e. fining agents) such as tin oxide that, when heated, undergo a chemical reduction reaction and release oxygen. Other suitable fining agents include without limitation arsenic, antimony, iron and cerium. Fining vessel 34 is heated to a temperature greater than the melting vessel temperature, thereby heating the molten glass and the fining agent. Oxygen bubbles produced by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of the fining agent(s) rise through the molten glass within the fining vessel, wherein gases in the molten glass produced in the melting furnace can diffuse or coalesce into the oxygen bubbles produced by the fining agent. The enlarged gas bubbles can then rise to a free surface of the molten glass in the fining vessel and thereafter be vented out of the fining vessel. The oxygen bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining vessel.

[0032] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include another

conditioning vessel such as a mixing vessel 36 for mixing the molten glass. Mixing vessel 36 may be located downstream from the fining vessel 34. Mixing vessel 36 can be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition, thereby reducing cords of chemical or thermal inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the fined molten glass exiting the fining vessel. As shown, fining vessel 34 may be coupled to mixing vessel 36 by way of a second connecting conduit 38. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36 by way of second connecting conduit 38. For instance, gravity may cause molten glass 28 to pass through an interior pathway of second connecting conduit 38 from fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36. It should be noted that while mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of fining vessel 34, mixing vessel 36 may be positioned upstream from fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, for example a mixing vessel upstream from fining vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream from fining vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels may be of the same design, or they may be of different designs.

[0033] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include another

conditioning vessel such as delivery vessel 40 that may be located downstream from mixing vessel 36. Delivery vessel 40 may condition molten glass 28 to be fed into a downstream forming device. For instance, delivery vessel 40 can act as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and/or provide a consistent flow of molten glass 28 to forming body 42 by way of exit conduit 44. As shown, mixing vessel 36 may be coupled to delivery vessel 40 by way of third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40 by way of third connecting conduit 46. For instance, gravity may drive molten glass 28 through an interior pathway of third connecting conduit 46 from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40.

[0034] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include forming apparatus 48 comprising the above-referenced forming body 42 and inlet conduit 50. Exit conduit 44 can be positioned to deliver molten glass 28 from delivery vessel 40 to inlet conduit 50 of forming apparatus 48. For example, exit conduit 44 may be nested within and spaced apart from an inner surface of inlet conduit 50, thereby providing a free surface of molten glass positioned between the outer surface of exit conduit 44 and the inner surface of inlet conduit 50. Forming body 42 in a fusion down draw glass making apparatus can comprise a trough 52 positioned in an upper surface of the forming body and converging forming surfaces 54 that converge in a draw direction along a bottom edge 56 of the forming body. Molten glass delivered to the forming body trough via delivery vessel 40, exit conduit 44 and inlet conduit 50 overflows side walls of the trough and descends along the converging forming surfaces 54 as separate flows of molten glass. The separate flows of molten glass join below and along bottom edge 56 to produce a single ribbon of glass 58 that is drawn in a draw or flow direction 60 from bottom edge 56 by applying tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge rolls 72 and pulling rolls 82, to control the dimensions of the glass ribbon as the glass cools and a viscosity of the glass increases. Accordingly, glass ribbon 58 goes through a visco-elastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional characteristics. Glass ribbon 58 may, in some embodiments, be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass separation apparatus 100 in an elastic region of the glass ribbon. A robot 64 may then transfer the individual glass sheets 62 to a conveyor system using gripping tool 65, whereupon the individual glass sheets may be further processed.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a glass sheet 62 having a first major surface 162, a second major surface 164 extending in a generally parallel direction to the first major surface (on the opposite side of the glass sheet 62 as the first major surface) and an edge surface 166 extending between the first major surface 162 and the second major surface 164 and extending in a generally perpendicular direction to the first and second major surfaces 162, 164.

[0036] Further processing of glass sheets 62 may, for example, include grinding, polishing, and/or beveling of edge surfaces 166 and/or treating or washing at least one of first and second major surfaces 162, 164. Such glass sheets 62 may also be divided into smaller glass sheets 62. During these and other potential processing steps it may be necessary to temporarily store glass sheets 62 before, after, or between various process steps. Such storage may cause certain adverse effects to the quality of the glass sheets, including increased adherence of small glass particles on at least one of first and second major surfaces 162, 164. Such glass particles can, for example, be generated during certain processing steps, including the separation of glass ribbon 58 into individual glass sheets 62 as well grinding, polishing, and/or beveling steps.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a flexible interleaf 90 being positioned on a substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), positioned on packing frame 200. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a plurality of substrates (i.e., glass sheets 62) positioned on the packing frame 200 wherein a flexible interleaf 90 is positioned between each otherwise adjacent substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) such that the substrates (i.e., glass sheets 62) and flexible interleafs 90 are positioned on the packing frame 200 in an alternating arrangement. Substrates (i.e., glass sheets 62) may be positioned on the packing frame 200 using any method known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, including any mechanical (e.g., robotic) or manual positioning method. [0038] Flexible interleaf 90 is positioned on substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) via arm tool 300. Arm tool 300 comprises clamping mechanism 302, which grips a top edge of the flexible interleaf 90. Arm tool 300 can, for example, be movable from a first position wherein arm tool 300 first grips flexible interleaf 90 to a second position wherein flexible interleaf 90 is positioned on substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62). Clamping mechanism 302 can, for example, be programmed to grip an edge of the flexible interleaf 90 when the arm tool 300 is in the first position and then release the edge of the flexible interleaf 90 when the arm tool 300 is in the second position. Clamping mechanism 302 may, for example, comprise a gripping device, such as a pneumatic gripping device as known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, that is movable between a first and second position, wherein, in a first position, the gripping device is spaced away from a backplate and, wherein, in a second position, the gripping device is biased toward a backplate such that flexible interleaf is clamped between a surface of the gripping device and the backplate.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, packing frame 200 comprises a packing seat back 202 and a packing seat bottom 204, wherein substrates (i.e., glass sheets 62) and flexible interleafs 90 are positioned on the packing frame 200 in a substantially vertical orientation. While such vertical orientation can include any orientation that is greater than 45 degrees from

horizontal, embodiments disclosed herein can include an orientation between about 45 degrees and about 90 degrees, such as between about 60 degrees and about 90 degrees, and further such as between about 75 degrees and about 90 degrees from horizontal.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, flexible interleaf 90 is moved toward packing frame 200 via arm tool 300 in the direction indicated by arrow A. As flexible interleaf 90 is moved toward packing frame 200, air resistance can cause substantial nonuniformity in the relative velocity of different areas of the flexible interleaf 90, as shown, for example, by the curved profile of flexible interleaf 90 illustrated in FIG. 3. More simply, the flexible interleaf 90 may flutter or wave as it is moved via arm tool 300. Such nonuniformity can ultimately result in the flexible interleaf 90 being folded or otherwise positioned on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) in an unintended manner. Such air resistance can also increase the settling time of the flexible interleaf 90 onto the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62).

[0041] In certain exemplary embodiments, flexible interleaf 90 can comprise at least one material selected from paper and foam. In certain exemplary embodiments, packing frame 200 may be comprised of at least one material selected from wood, metal (i.e., stainless steel or aluminum), and plastic. [0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 show, respectively, schematic side cutaway and front views of an arm tool 300 comprising a clamping mechanism 302 and a fluid flow conduit 310 and orifice(s) 312. Arm tool 300 also comprises support bar 304, which, for example, may be comprised of aluminum, including composites comprising aluminum and carbon fiber.

While support bar 304 is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-section, embodiments disclosed herein also include other cross-sections, such as circular, elliptical, and other polygonal, such as triangular, etc.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, clamping mechanism 302 comprises a plurality of gripping devices and arm tool 300 comprises a plurality of orifices 312, wherein plurality of gripping devices of clamping mechanism 302 and plurality of orifices 312 are alternatively positioned along the longitudinal length of arm tool 300. In operation, fluid flows from fluid source 314 through fluid flow conduit 310 along the longitudinal length of arm tool 300. From fluid flow conduit 310, fluid flows through orifices 312 and over at least a portion of a major surface of a flexible interleaf 90 as will be described in greater detail below.

[0044] FIGS. 6 A and 6B show, respectively, schematic side and front cutaways views of a fluid flow conduit 310 and orifice 312 wherein orifice 312 is rotatable in the transverse and longitudinal directions. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a schematic side cutaway view of a fluid flow conduit 310 and orifice 312 wherein transverse rotation direction of orifice 312 is shown by arrow alpha (a) and FIG. 6B shows a schematic front cutaway view of a fluid flow conduit 310 and orifice 312 wherein longitudinal rotation direction of orifice 312 is shown by arrow beta (b). And while FIGS. 6A and 6B show rotation of a single orifice 312 in the transverse and longitudinal directions, embodiments disclosed herein include an arm tool 300 comprising a plurality of orifices 312 (such as, for example, shown in FIG. 5), wherein each of the plurality of orifices 312 are independently operable and rotatable in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0045] In addition, embodiments disclosed herein include an arm tool 300 comprising a plurality of orifices 312 wherein each of the plurality of orifices 312 are movable in a longitudinal direction along a length of the arm tool. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein include an arm tool comprising a plurality of orifices 312 (such as, for example, shown in FIG. 5), wherein each of the plurality of orifices 312 are movable in a longitudinal direction such that the longitudinal distance between closest orifices can be changed or adjusted. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of orifices 312 may be movable from a first arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of orifices 312 are approximately equidistant from each other along the longitudinal length of the arm tool 300, to a second arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of orifices 312 are not equidistant from at least one other of each of the plurality of orifices 312 along the longitudinal length of the arm tool 300.

[0046] In operation, at least subsequent to positing a substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) on packing frame 200 and prior to positing a flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), fluid (e.g., air or another gas) is flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 through at least one orifice 312. In certain exemplary embodiments, fluid may be continuously flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 prior to positioning the flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62). In certain exemplary embodiments, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), fluid flow through at least one orifice 312 is stopped prior to the flexible interleaf 90 contacting the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62).

[0047] In certain exemplary embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3, the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) is positioned on the packing frame 200 in a substantially vertical orientation and, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), the arm tool 300 grips a top edge of the flexible interleaf 90. In certain exemplary embodiments, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), fluid is flowed through at least one orifice 312 from an upper portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 toward a lower portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf. 90.

[0048] For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B show, respectively, front and side views of fluid flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of a flexible interleaf 90. Specifically, FIGS. 7A and 7B relate to an embodiment wherein the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) is positioned on the packing frame 200 in a substantially vertical orientation and, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), the arm tool 300 grips a top edge of the flexible interleaf 90. As the flexible interleaf 90 is moved toward packing frame 200 via arm tool 300 in the direction indicated by arrow A, fluid is flowed from selected orifices 312 over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf as indicated by dashed arrows F. That is, fluid is flowed through selected orifices 312 from an upper portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 toward a lower portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf. 90 as indicated by dashed arrows F.

[0049] As can be seen from FIG. 7A, fluid is flowing through some but not all of the orifices 312 positioned along the longitudinal length of arm tool 300. Specifically, fluid is not flowing through the orifices 312 positioned on either end of arm tool 300. Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include those in which each of a plurality of orifices 312 are independently operable to flow varying amounts of fluid therethrough, which includes embodiments wherein fluid is flowing through at least one orifice 312 positioned along the longitudinal length of arm tool 300 and is not flowing through at least one other orifice 312 positioned along the longitudinal length of arm tool 300. By selecting fluid to be flowed through certain orifices, process efficiency can be maximized for different conditions (e.g., different types and sizes of flexible interleafs, etc.).

[0050] As can be further seen from FIG. 7A, flexible interleaf 90 may have a width W and a length L, and during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf 90 on the substrate, fluid is flowed over a predetermined width of a central portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf 90. Such predetermined width may be approximately the same or less than the width W of the flexible interleaf 90. For example, embodiments disclosed herein include those in which the predetermined width ranges from about 50 percent to about 90 percent, such as from about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the width W of the flexible interleaf 90. Alternatively stated, fluid may be flowed through orifices 312 extending along a central longitudinal length of arm tool 300, wherein the central longitudinal length ranges from about 50 percent to about 90 percent, such as from about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the width W of the flexible interleaf 90.

[0051] As can be additionally seen from FIGS. 7A and 7B, fluid flows via orifices 312 from an upper portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 toward a lower portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 in a direction that is generally parallel to the major surface in both the widthwise and lengthwise directions. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a plurality of fluid flows F that are generally parallel along the widthwise direction W of the major surface of the flexible interleaf 90 while FIG. 7B shows fluid flow F that is generally parallel to the lengthwise direction L of the flexible interleaf 90.

[0052] In certain exemplary embodiments, the fluid flowed through orifices 312 Is a gas.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the fluid flowed through orifices 312 comprises air. In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of orifices 312 flows fluid at a pressure of from about 2 psig to about 20 psig (from about 13.8 KPa to about 138 KPa), such as from about 5 psig to about 15 psig (from about 34.5 KPa to about 103 KPa).

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of a flexible interleaf 90 being positioned on a substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) positioned on a packing frame 200 using an arm tool 300 comprising a clamping mechanism 302 and a fluid flow conduit 310 and orifice 312.

Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a plurality of substrates (i.e., glass sheets 62) positioned on the packing frame 200 wherein a flexible interleaf 90 is positioned between each otherwise adjacent substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) such that the substrates (i.e., glass sheets 62) and flexible interleafs 90 are positioned on the packing frame 200 in an alternating arrangement.

In operation, orifice 312 flows fluid over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf 90.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, flexible interleaf 90 is moved toward packing frame 200 via arm tool 300 in the direction indicated by arrow A. However, in contrast to the movement of flexible interleaf 90 illustrated in FIG. 3, fluid flow through orifice 312, results in

substantially greater uniformity of the relative velocity of different areas of the flexible interleaf 90, as shown, for example, by the relatively straight profile of flexible interleaf 90 illustrated in FIG. 8. Such greater uniformity can greatly minimize the possibility of flexible interleaf 90 being folded or otherwise positioned on the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62) in an unintended manner. Such greater uniformity can also substantially decrease the settling time of the flexible interleaf 90 onto the substrate (i.e., glass sheet 62), thereby enabling improved process time efficiency.

[0055] While the above embodiments have been described with reference to a fusion down draw process, it is to be understood that such embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming processes, such as float processes, slot draw processes, up-draw processes, tube drawing processes, and press-rolling processes.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to embodiment of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for packing a substrate comprising:

positioning a substrate on a packing frame; and

positioning a flexible interleaf on the substrate using an arm tool comprising at least one orifice through which fluid is flowed over at least a portion of a major surface of the flexible interleaf.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate is positioned on the packing frame in a substantially vertical orientation and, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf on the substrate, the arm tool grips a top edge of the flexible interleaf.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf on the substrate, fluid is flowed through the at least one orifice from an upper portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf toward a lower portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf on the substrate, fluid is flowed over a predetermined width of a central portion of the major surface of the flexible interleaf in a direction that is generally parallel to the major surface in both the widthwise and lengthwise directions.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, during the step of positioning the flexible interleaf on the substrate, fluid flow through the at least one orifice is stopped prior to the flexible interleaf contacting the substrate.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the arm tool comprises a plurality of orifices.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of orifices are

independently operable and rotatable in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of orifices are movable in a longitudinal direction along a length of the arm tool.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of orifices are

independently operable to flow varying amounts of fluid therethrough.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of orifices flows fluid at a pressure of from about 2 psig to about 20 psig (from about 13.8 KPa to about 138 KPa).

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises air.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises glass.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible interleaf comprises at least one material selected from paper and foam.

14. An apparatus for packing a substrate comprising:

a packing frame; and

an arm tool comprising at least one orifice configured to flow fluid therethrough.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the packing frame comprises a packing seat back extending in a substantially vertical orientation.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the arm tool comprises a plurality of orifices.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of orifices are

18. . The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of orifices are

movable in a longitudinal direction along a length of the arm tool.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of orifices are independently operable to flow varying amounts of fluid therethrough.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the packing frame comprises a packing seat bottom.