Abstract: A method of sintering large refractory ceramic articles is disclosed. The method includes supporting a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates, the support plates in turn being supported by a plurality of support members having arcuate upper and lower surfaces. A setter material is disposed between the green refractory body to be sintered and the support plates. As the refractory body is sintered, the density of the article increases. Concurrently, the dimensions of the body decrease, which shrinkage, unless otherwise accommodated, may cause fracture of the body. The support plates and the structure of the support members, move to prevent the development of detrimental stresses in the refractory body as it sinters.

Abstract: A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet.

Abstract: A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet.

Abstract: A method of sintering large refractory ceramic articles is disclosed. The method includes supporting a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates, the support plates in turn being supported by a plurality of support members having arcuate upper and lower surfaces. A setter material is disposed between the green refractory body to be sintered and the support plates. As the refractory body is sintered, the density of the article increases. Concurrently, the dimensions of the body decrease, which shrinkage, unless otherwise accommodated, may cause fracture of the body. The support plates and the structure of the support members, move to prevent the development of detrimental stresses in the refractory body as it sinters.

Abstract: A method of sintering large refractory ceramic articles is disclosed. The method includes supporting a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates, the support plates in turn being supported by a plurality of support members having arcuate upper and lower surfaces. A setter material is disposed between the green refractory body to be sintered and the support plates. As the refractory body is sintered, the density of the article increases. Concurrently, the dimensions of the body decrease, which shrinkage, unless otherwise accommodated, may cause fracture of the body. The support plates and the structure of the support members, move to prevent the development of detrimental stresses in the refractory body as it sinters.

Abstract: A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet.

Abstract: A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet.

Abstract: A pull roll assembly is described herein that is used to draw a glass sheet. The pull roll assembly includes a first roll assembly, a second roll assembly and a device (e.g., differential drive, sensor(s)). The device enables one to control the first and/or second roll assemblies based in part on pulling forces (e.g., glass contact normal force and/or required sheet pulling force) associated with a glass sheet while the glass sheet is being drawn between the first and second roll assemblies. A glass manufacturing system and method for using the pull roll assembly are also described herein.

Abstract: A molten glass delivery system for use in producing sheet glass by a fusion process is provided. The delivery system includes a first conduit (9) which surrounds a portion of a second conduit (19) with a free surface (21) of molten glass (31) being formed between the two conduits. The first (9) and second (19) conduits are positioned with respect to one another so that the spatial relationship between the exit end (20) of the second conduit (19) and the free surface (21) results in neither substantial numbers of devitrification defects (27, 29) nor substantial numbers of blister defects (35) in finished sheets of devitrification sensitive glass, e.g., high silica LCD glass.

Abstract: A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet.

Abstract: The sag rate of fusion pipes (e.g., isopipes (13) used in an overflow downdraw fusion process) is reduced by the application of axial forces (F) to the end regions (23) of the pipe. The axial forces are applied to the end regions below the pipe's neutral axis (19) so that a bending moment is generated which opposes gravitational sagging of the middle of the pipe. The use of such sag-controlling axial forces increases pipe service life by, for example, at least a third.

Abstract: A molten glass delivery system for use in producing sheet glass by a fusion process is provided. The delivery system includes a first conduit (9) which surrounds a portion of a second conduit (19) with a free surface (21) of molten glass (31) being formed between the two conduits. The first (9) and second (19) conduits are positioned with respect to one another so that the spatial relationship between the exit end (20) of the second conduit (19) and the free surface (21) results in neither substantial numbers of devitrification defects (27, 29) nor substantial numbers of blister defects (35) in finished sheets of devitrification sensitive glass, e.g., high silica LCD glass.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing low density, ceramic bodies in the nature of hollow or solid beads which may be used as such or bonded into a unitary mass. The bodies are composed of ion-exchanged, synthetic mica crystals wherein large cations, such as K.sup.+, have been exchanged for lithium and/or sodium ions from the mica. The method involves forming a gel by dissolution of a synthetic mica in a polar liquid, releasing droplets of the gel into a fluid to form shaped bodies, effecting the indicated ion exchange, and drying the beads thus formed.