APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING CROSS-RIBBON TENSION IN A GLASS MAKING PROCESS

摘要

A caster assembly configured to engage a continuously moving ribbon of material, such as a glass ribbon, and apply a tension force to the glass ribbon. The caster assembly may be used in a set of caster assemblies, wherein each set includes two opposing pairs of opposing caster assemblies configured to pinch opposing edge portions of the glass ribbon between the opposing caster assemblies with a predetermined pinch force. Each caster assembly includes at least one force device, wherein engagement between a caster wheel and the ribbon of material rotates a caster wheel mounting member against a force produced by force device, thereby applying the tension force. Each caster assembly may further include a second force device configured to vary the pinch force.