Abstract: A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming vessel including a first end and a second end. The first end includes a vessel surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a compression block positioned within the recess and including a first surface and a contact surface that contacts the vessel surface. The compression block applies a force to the forming vessel. The first surface includes a non-planar shape. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support apparatus including a support surface supporting the compression block. The support surface is in contact with a portion of the first surface.

Abstract: A fixture apparatus for positioning an optical component has a transparent base. An adjustment plate that is formed from a transparent material is kinematically coupled to the base. Support posts extend from the adjustment plate for seating the optical component. A number of alignment elements extend from the transparent base for aligning one or more edges of the optical component seated on the support posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a glass sheet with reduced thermal coupling between upper and lower regions of the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus allows for temperature changes near the lower regions of the enclosure without a large temperature impact on the upper regions of the enclosure, thereby providing for greater flexibility in setting a temperature profile for a forming body located within the enclosure.

Abstract: A fixture apparatus for positioning an optical component has a transparent base. An adjustment plate that is formed from a transparent material is kinematically coupled to the base. Support posts extend from the adjustment plate for seating the optical component. A number of alignment elements extend from the transparent base for aligning one or more edges of the optical component seated on the support posts.

Abstract: A method of separating a moving glass ribbon to form an individual sheet of glass is disclosed comprising a plurality of nosing members that move in a direction and at a speed that the moving glass ribbon is moving. The nosing members can be positioned independently of each other, and can be positioned adjacent to but not in contact with the ribbon during the scoring operation to restrict out-of-plane movement of the glass ribbon (movement substantially transverse to the draw direction of the ribbon) during the separation phase of the process.