A METHOD FOR PRODUCING SHEETS OF GLASS, AN ASSEMBLY FOR GUIDING AN EDGE REGION OF A GLASS RIBBON INTO A VERTICAL PLANE, AND AN APPARATUS FOR GUIDING AND SEPARATING A GLASS RIBBON FROM A FORMING ASSEMBLY

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing the variability of stress levels in glass sheets ( 11 ) cut from a moving glass ribbon ( 13 ). The reductions in variability are achieved by constraining the edge regions ( 53,55 ) of the ribbon ( 13 ) from movement in a horizontal plane at at least one location below the location where a separating assembly ( 20 ) forms a separation line ( 47 ) in the ribbon ( 13 ). Sets of vertically arranged wheels ( 35 ) which engage the edge regions ( 53,55 ) of the ribbon ( 13 ) can be used to provide the horizontal constraint without compromising the central, quality area ( 51 ) of the glass ribbon ( 13 ).