Abstract: A continuous tank-type glass melting furnace includes a melting zone into which raw materials are charged and reduced to a molten state. The molten glass then flows through a relatively narrow waist or conditioning area to refining and conditioning zones, and is then withdrawn as a continuous ribbon or sheet. Within the waist area there is provided a plurality of stirrers whose mixing and kneading action assist in homogenizing the glass as it flows through the restricted area. Each stirrer is connected to and driven by its own individual power unit so that the speed and direction of rotation of individual stirrers can be independently regulated and synchronized. Individual stirrers can also be removed and replaced with little or no interruption in operation of the remaining units.

Abstract: A waist construction for a tank-type glass melting furnace having a lower tank covered by an independently supported sprung arch roof. The side walls forming the lower tank are inset for defining a waist section having a reduced passage interconnecting the melting and conditioning zones of the furnace. An open framework is provided above the inset breast walls for suspending portions of upright closure walls closing the ends of the melting and working zones adjacent the entrance and exit ends of the reduced passage; the suspended portions extending across the entrance and exit ends of the reduced passage closely adjacent the upper surface of the molten glass therein. The suspended portion of each wall is centrally located and flanked by bottom supported wing walls. Additionally, a segmented, suspended cover is provided between the suspended portions of the upright closure walls for enclosing the open top region of the reduced passage.