SUCTION CUP APPARATUS AND METHODS OF SUPPORTING A SHEET OF GLASS

摘要

A suction cup apparatus (143) for supporting a glass sheet (141a) includes a central suction member (401) including a substantially rigid member (403) which includes a support surface (405). The central suction member (401) further includes a layer of deformable material (407) extending over the support surface (405). A plurality of fluid ports (409) extend through the substantially rigid member (403) and the layer of deformable material (407). The suction cup apparatus (143) further includes a flexible peripheral flange (411) circumscribing the layer of deformable material (407). The flexible peripheral flange (411) and the central suction member (401) are configured to define a pressure zone (413) adjacent to a surface (501) of a glass sheet (141a). Methods are also provided including the step of applying a negative pressure to the suction cup apparatus (143) such that the suction cup apparatus (143) produces a negative pressure zone (413) adjacent to the surface (501) of the glass sheet (141a).