Abstract: A batch charger for feeding raw batch material to a glass making furnace of the type having a reciprocating charger plate positioned under a hopper chute. A pusher bar is supported substantially parallel to the front edge of the charger plate, and rams are connected to the pusher bar to move it from a position under the charger plate such that raw batch that has been delivered over the edge of the charger plate can be pushed further into the furnace.

Abstract: A charger apparatus having a reciprocable charger plate for feeding batch and cullet to a glass melting furnace. The cullet is preferably first preheated in a charger mounted cullet feed hopper utilizing exhaust gas from the furnace as the heat source. The cullet feed hopper deposits a layer of preheated cullet over a layer of batch material on the charger plate prior to delivery to the furnace so as to reduce steam generation and dusting problems. The charger also includes a primary cullet hopper in which cold cullet is preheated with off-gas from the preheater of the cullet feed hopper for subsequent delivery to the cullet feed hopper. The charger may also include an under plate pusher which is tiltable about a vertical axis to provide improved melt control and to direct the charge away from the furnace sidewall so as to improve refractory life. Dusting and carry over of fines in the exhaust gas is minimized due to the use of pre-melt electrodes in the charging zone.

Abstract: To retard the escape of hot gases and dust from batch material being charged from a mechanical batch feeder into the doghouse at the charging end of a glass melting furnace, there is provided an enclosure comprised of two sections, one of which is supported on the side walls of the furnace over the doghouse area and which is closed at its back above the doghouse by the suspended arch wall of the furnace, the other of said enclosure sections being entirely supported on the batch feeder. It has top and end portions, the edges of which confront the top and edges of the furnace supported section when the feeder is in place to deliver batch material to the doghouse. Packing material forms a seal between said confronting edges. The feeder, however, may be quickly moved away from the furnace in case of need or emergency or for the repair of the furnace or the feeder.