Abstract: Method and apparatus is presented particularly suitable for blending and homogenizing a low viscosity molten additive into a relatively high viscosity host glass composition as it flows through a supply forehearth. The blending and homogenizing is performed by a rotating spiral stirrer operating within a mixing well simultaneously mixing and pumping the molten mixture therethrough. The spiral stirrer may be used separately or in concert with one or more spiral stirrers.

Abstract: A process for controlling the composition, viscosity, resistivity or other variables of a molten glass by sensing temperature and resistivity or viscosity and making corrections in accordance with the deviation of the sensed properties and desired properties of the glass, as for example, a desired viscosity and/or composition.

Abstract: Where electrodes mounted in an electric melt furnace are inclined toward each other, the current distribution between the electrodes is the least in density in the region between the electrodes where the displacement is the widest, and increases in the region between the electrodes at the tips where the displacement is the narrowest. The maximum current density can be focused in a particular area, preferably toward the upper regions of the electric melt furnace where the batch is being melted to its liquid state. Additionally, the high density current is removed from the walls, and wear and tear on the refractory is thereby reduced. An alternate embodiment is to group a number of inclined electrodes and to excite each of the separate electrodes within the group from a separate phase of the power supply. This produces current paths between each of the inclined electrodes in the group, and is used after the furnace is cooled down and hot spots must be created to start the furnace up again.

Abstract: There is provided a process, and the product resulting therefrom, for coating a refractory block or substrate with a small particle size form of at least one platinum group metal whereby a fused layer of such metal is formed on the refractory and is directly and strongly adhered on a surface thereof. This technique can likewise be employed in such a manner that the layer is a bonding agent for purposes of bonding a separate sheet of a platinum group metal to the refractory which structure can then be employed as a glass contacting member in apparatus for handling molten glass.

Abstract: There is provided a process, and the product resulting therefrom, for coating a refractory block or substrate with a small particle size form of at least one platinum group metal whereby a fused layer of such metal is formed on the refractory and is directly and strongly adhered on a surface thereof. This technique can likewise be employed in such a manner that the layer is a bonding agent for purposes of bonding a separate sheet of a platinum group metal to the refractory which structure can then be employed as a glass contacting member in apparatus for handling molten glass.