Abstract: The batch layer in a continuous glass melting furnace is guided by means of an elongated, horizontally extending, rudder-like member inserted into the upper side of the batch layer.

Abstract: A tweel flow control device at the entrance to a flat glass forming chamber is provided with suport means adapted for positioning the tweel in three dimensions.

Abstract: A float glass forming chamber roof fabricated by casting refractory material about an array of anchor elements presents an interior surface having large, planar, uninterrupted areas, whereby drippage from the roof is reduced.

Abstract: Glass photomasks having a stained pattern within the glass for use in photolithographic processes are made by exposing and developing a photographic emulsion on a sheet of glass and migrating silver ions from the emulsion into the surface of the glass under the influence of an electric field and moderately elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Optical quality of float glass is improved by attenuating longitudinally prior to attenuating laterally; and by providing extended residence time prior to attenuating.

Abstract: The rate of melting glass batch to a liquid state is improved by providing sloped surfaces on the batch to enhance run-off of liquid. The slopes may be provided by feeding batch as shaped aggregates, contouring the surface of a batch layer, or by creating openings through a batch layer. The batch may be compressed or compacted into aggregates before they are deposited as a single layer onto a pool of molten glass contained within a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for making holes through a layer of glass batch to enhance run-off of liquid includes a plurality of tapered members adapted for vertical reciprocation to penetrate the batch layer. At least a lower portion of each member is provided with a three-dimensioned shape corresponding generally to the shape of a hole to be produced in the batch layer, the shape having a relatively wide upper portion and a relatively narrow lower portion with tapering side surfaces therebetween oriented to produce lateral compaction of batch upon vertical insertion into the batch layer.At least a lower portion of each member is provided with a three-dimensional shape corresponding generally to the shape of a hole to be produced in the batch layer, the shape having a relatively wide upper portion and a relatively narrow lower portion with tapering side surfaces therebetween oriented to produce lateral compacting of batch upon vertical insertion into the batch layer.

Abstract: Accuracy of producing stained glass photomasks is improved by means of a preliminary heat treatment to adjust the fictive temperature of the glass, thereby improving dimensional stability during subsequent production of a stained pattern in the glass.

Abstract: Glass photomasks having a stained pattern within the glass for use in photolithographic processes are made by dealkalizing surface zones of a glass sheet in a predetermined pattern by means of an electric field and subsequently injecting stain-producing ions, such as silver and/or copper, into the non-dealkalized zones of the glass.

Abstract: The rate of melting glass batch to a liquid state is improved by providing sloped surfaces on the batch to enhance run-off of liquid. The slopes are provided by feeding batch as toroidally shaped aggregates.

Abstract: Heat-softened glass sheets are shaped by being lifted by vacuum drawn through a platen and then dropped onto a shaping mold. The dropping of the glass sheets is assisted by rapidly replacing the vacuum in the platen with super-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Sulfurous emissions from a glass melting furnace are suppressed by including a nitrate oxidizing agent in the raw materials being fed into the furnace.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for edge control of glass in the forming chamber. The invention utilizes a blade that is cushioned by gas discharged from its lower edge. The gas cushioned blade does not directly contact the glass thereby minimizing cooling and wear problems common to such control devices.

Abstract: In a regenerative furnace of the type used for melting glass, localized overheating of the regenerating regenerator packing is minimized and heating of the regenerator packing is made more uniform by the utilization of a manifold flue. The gas distribution space is in continuous contact with the regenerator packing while the manifold flue is joined to said gas distribution space at a plurality of points below the regenerative packing. Further, flow control dampers may be located in the flue between the regenerative packing and the joining point of the manifold flue and another damper may be in the manifold flue itself to regulate the passage of gas to and from the regenerative packing so that the packing is evenly heated or cooled.

Abstract: In a regenerative furnace of the type used for melting glass, localized overheating of the regenerating regenerator packing is minimized and heating of the regenerator packing is made more uniform by the utilization of a second flue. The first flue passage is in continuous contact with the regenerative packing while the second passage is joined to said first passage at points at each end of the regenerative packing. Further, there are flow control dampers located in said first passageway between the regenerative packing and the joining point of the second bypass flue and another damper in the bypass flue itself to regulate the passage of hot gas to and from the regenerative packing so that the packing is evenly heated or cooled.

Abstract: The method of improving the cleaning of float forming chamber roofs is disclosed. The method involves the use of heated forming or nitrogen gas which is directed against the surface of the roof. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen sulfide or other sulfur containing gas is added to the gas directed against the roof in order to aid in cleaning by converting elemental tin to tin sulfide which will sublimate at the temperature of the heated gas.

Abstract: The invention comprises a temperature sensing device comprising a thermocouple which is protected by a woven cloth. The cloth is impervious to wetting or transmission of the molten material whose temperature is to be measured. A thermocouple further is surrounded by weights of greater density than the molten metal in order to hold the thermocouple below the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: Producing glass sheets having improved break patterns over those produced either by typical heat strengthening procedures or by heating to a tempering temperature followed by natural cooling.

Abstract: A method of reducing tin drip by introduction of a sulfur gas into the forming chamber is disclosed. The sulfur containing gas reacts with the elemental tin present in the chamber superstructure and forms compounds such as tin sulfide which will sublime upon heating and that are unlikely to drip from the ceiling.

Abstract: A system for in situ repair of the bottom refractory of a chamber holding molten metal is disclosed. The system utilizes a weighted refractory block which is put in place through the molten metal. The repair is suitable for the bottom refractories of a forming chamber for float glass formation.