Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and methods for forming a glass ribbon can comprise a support member to move a draw stack along a support surface. In some embodiments, a housing can define an exterior area positioned outside of the wall of the draw stack and between the downstream portion of the draw stack and the housing. The housing can comprise a vent configured to regulate gas flow through the vent from the exterior area to a location outside of the housing and outside of the draw stack. In some embodiments, the draw stack can comprise first gate and a second gate. Each gate can be provided with a corresponding row of conduits to cool a central edge plate.

Abstract: An improved slot down-draw process for forming glass sheets having a thickness less than 200 ?m from glass formulations that have melting points near or above 1200° C. is provided. The improvements allow easier maintenance of the slot assembly and better management of the thermal expansions experienced by some components of the slot down-draw system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of making molten glass. The apparatus includes a glass former having a slot orifice design to deliver a glass ribbon. The slot orifice design can include a transition section, a slot extension, and external structural reinforcements. In some embodiments, the orifice opening distance of the slot extension varies along the width of the orifice. In some embodiments, the orifice has an orifice opening distance that is smaller at the center of the slot extension than at the edges of the slot extension, which limits glass flow at the center of the slot extension. Also disclosed is a method of making glass using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of making molten glass. The apparatus includes a glass former having a slot orifice design to deliver a glass ribbon. The slot orifice design can include a transition section, a slot extension, and external structural reinforcements. In some embodiments, the orifice opening distance of the slot extension varies along the width of the orifice. In some embodiments, the orifice has an orifice opening distance that is smaller at the center of the slot extension than at the edges of the slot extension, which limits glass flow at the center of the slot extension. Also disclosed is a method of making glass using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible seal positioned between two muffles of a glass laminate fusion draw machine comprises, in order from the interior to the exterior of the muffles, a radiation shield comprising overlapping rows of refractory material, a thermal seal comprising a blanket of temperature resistance material, and an air seal comprising a sheet of high temperature elastomeric material. The seal may further comprising a secondary radiation shield positioned between the thermal seal and the air seal.

Abstract: A laminate fusion draw apparatus including: a core isopipe having a first core melter; a clad isopipe having a clad melter; a first core down comer between the core melter and the core isopipe; and a second clad down comer between the clad melter and the clad isopipe, the second clad down comer having an independently adjustable linear and horizontal position with respect to a fixed horizontal position of the first down comer, and the core melter and the clad melter are linearly moveable for relative movement in the same or opposite horizontal direction, as described herein. Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus where the first core down comer remains substantially centered or concentric on the first inlet tube, and the second clad down comer remains substantially centered or concentric on the second inlet tube.

Abstract: A laminate fusion draw apparatus including: a core isopipe having a first core melter; a clad isopipe having a clad melter; a first core down comer between the core melter and the core isopipe; and a second clad down comer between the clad melter and the clad isopipe, the second clad down comer having an independently adjustable linear and horizontal position with respect to a fixed horizontal position of the first down comer, and the core melter and the clad melter are linearly moveable for relative movement in the same or opposite horizontal direction, as described herein. Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus where the first core down comer remains substantially centered or concentric on the first inlet tube, and the second clad down comer remains substantially centered or concentric on the second inlet tube.

Abstract: A flexible seal positioned between two muffles of a glass laminate fusion draw machine comprises, in order from the interior to the exterior of the muffles, a radiation shield comprising overlapping rows of refractory material, a thermal seal comprising a blanket of temperature resistance material, and an air seal comprising a sheet of high temperature elastomeric material. The seal may further comprising a secondary radiation shield positioned between the thermal seal and the air seal.