Abstract: A glass manufacturing apparatus comprises a forming device configured to produce a glass ribbon and a control device configured to independently operate a first pull roll apparatus and a second pull roll apparatus such that at least one of a first upstream pair of draw rolls rotates with a substantially constant torque and at least one of a first downstream pair of draw rolls rotates with a substantially constant angular velocity. In further examples, methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a glass ribbon including an edge roll assembly that contacts the glass ribbon with a force that is dynamically altered by an actuator electrically coupled to a sensor that measures the force applied against the ribbon. Dynamic, or real-time, variation of the edge roll force minimizes stress variability in the glass ribbon and improves ribbon shape control.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a glass ribbon including a shroud surrounding the glass ribbon and an edge roll that penetrates the shroud to contact the glass ribbon. The apparatus includes regulating a pressure within the seal assembly to be equal to or less than a pressure within the shroud and prevent ingress of relatively cooler outside gas into the hot interior of the shroud. The edge roll utilizes an air bearing to minimize friction that can produce periodic fluctuation of the ribbon as the edge roll is displaces in response to variations in the ribbon thickness or equipment dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a glass ribbon including an edge roll assembly that contacts the glass ribbon with a force that is dynamically altered by an actuator electrically coupled to a sensor that measures the force applied against the ribbon. Dynamic, or real-time, variation of the edge roll force minimizes stress variability in the glass ribbon and improves ribbon shape control.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a glass ribbon including a shroud surrounding the glass ribbon and an edge roll that penetrates the shroud to contact the glass ribbon. The apparatus includes regulating a pressure within the seal assembly to be equal to or less than a pressure within the shroud and prevent ingress of relatively cooler outside gas into the hot interior of the shroud. The edge roll utilizes an air bearing to minimize friction that can produce periodic fluctuation of the ribbon as the edge roll is displaces in response to variations in the ribbon thickness or equipment dimensions.

Abstract: A method for splicing optical fibers includes securing a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber within an apparatus, stripping a coating from about the first optical fiber by a first laser beam generated from at least one laser, and stripping a coating from about the second optical fiber by the first laser beam. The method also includes cleaving an end of the first optical fiber via a second beam from the laser, and cleaving an end of the second optical fiber via the second laser beam. The method further includes splicing the ends of the optical fibers together via a third laser beam from the laser, thereby creating a fused connection between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and removing the first and second optical fibers from within the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for splicing optical fibers includes securing a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber within an apparatus, stripping a coating from about the first optical fiber by a first laser beam generated from at least one laser, and stripping a coating from about the second optical fiber by the first laser beam. The method also includes cleaving an end of the first optical fiber via a second beam from the laser, and cleaving an end of the second optical fiber via the second laser beam. The method further includes splicing the ends of the optical fibers together via a third laser beam from the laser, thereby creating a fused connection between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and removing the first and second optical fibers from within the apparatus.