Abstract: A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming vessel including a first end and a second end. The first end includes a vessel surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a compression block positioned within the recess and including a first surface and a contact surface that contacts the vessel surface. The compression block applies a force to the forming vessel. The first surface includes a non-planar shape. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support apparatus including a support surface supporting the compression block. The support surface is in contact with a portion of the first surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a forming body of a glass forming apparatus may include an upper portion with a first forming surface and a second forming surface extending from the upper portion. The first forming surface and the second forming surface may converge at a bottom edge of the forming body. A trough for receiving molten glass may be positioned in the upper portion of the forming body. The trough may include a first weir, a second weir opposite from and spaced apart from the first weir, and a base extending between the first weir and the second weir. At least a portion of a vertical surface of the first weir may curve inward towards a centerline of the trough. Similarly, at least a portion of a vertical surface of the second weir may curve inward towards the centerline of the trough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for producing a glass ribbon, the apparatuses comprising a forming body comprising an upper trough-shaped portion comprising two trough walls and a trough bottom; a lower wedge-shaped portion; a delivery end comprising a first recess; and a compression end comprising a second recess; and first and second supports coupled to the first and second recesses, wherein at least a portion of the first or second support surfaces are non-planar and in continuous contact with at least a portion of the respective first or second recess surfaces. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing a glass ribbon using such apparatuses.

Abstract: A forming body enclosure may include a top panel and a pair of side panels. Each of the pair of side panels of the enclosure may include a plurality of cradle joints extending along a length of the forming body, a plurality of bottom row tiles and a plurality of top row tiles. The plurality the plurality of top row tiles are positioned above the plurality of bottom row tiles with at least one of the plurality of cradle joints positioned between the plurality of bottom row tiles and plurality of top row tiles. The plurality of top row tiles and the plurality of bottom row tiles are seated within the plurality of cradle joints to form each of the pair of side panels.

Abstract: A forming body of a glass forming apparatus is disclosed having an upper portion, a first forming surface, and a second forming surface extending downward from the upper portion to converge at a root. The upper portion of the forming body includes a trough for receiving molten glass, the trough including a first weir, a second weir, and a base extending between weirs. Each weir has a reinforcing portion extending upward from the base towards the tops of the weirs. A width of the base of the trough at a may be less than a top width of the trough. One or more of the top width, width of the base, or angle between an inner surface of the first or second weir and a vertical plane may be constant along a trough length of the trough.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a forming body of a glass forming apparatus may include an upper portion with a first forming surface and a second forming surface extending from the upper portion. The first forming surface and the second forming surface may converge at a bottom edge of the forming body. A trough for receiving molten glass may be positioned in the upper portion of the forming body. The trough may include a first weir, a second weir opposite from and spaced apart from the first weir, and a base extending between the first weir and the second weir. At least a portion of a vertical surface of the first weir may curve inward towards a centerline of the trough. Similarly, at least a portion of a vertical surface of the second weir may curve inward towards the centerline of the trough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for producing a glass ribbon, the apparatuses comprising a forming body comprising an upper trough-shaped portion comprising two trough walls and a trough bottom; a lower wedge-shaped portion; a delivery end comprising a first recess; and a compression end comprising a second recess; and first and second supports coupled to the first and second recesses, wherein at least a portion of the first or second support surfaces are non-planar and in continuous contact with at least a portion of the respective first or second recess surfaces. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing a glass ribbon using such apparatuses.

Abstract: A glass forming apparatus may include a forming body comprising a first forming surface and a second forming surface converging at a root. The apparatus may also include at least one cradle assembly comprising a first contact surface and a second contact surface oriented in a V-configuration. The contact surfaces may be engaged with the forming surfaces. The contact surfaces may impart a holding force to the forming body, the holding force having an upward vertical force component. The forming body may also include at least one end block engaged with an end face of the forming body. The at least one end block may impart a compression force to the forming body in a direction parallel to a length of the forming body and perpendicular to the restraining force component.

Abstract: A glass forming apparatus may include a forming body comprising a first forming surface and a second forming surface converging at a root. The apparatus may also include at least one cradle assembly comprising a first contact surface and a second contact surface oriented in a V-configuration. The contact surfaces may be engaged with the forming surfaces. The contact surfaces may impart a holding force to the forming body, the holding force having an upward vertical force component. The forming body may also include at least one end block engaged with an end face of the forming body. The at least one end block may impart a compression force to the forming body in a direction parallel to a length of the forming body and perpendicular to the restraining force component.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of lightweight objects being conveyed on a conveyor of the type having conveyor rollers. Each conveyor roller is rotatively mounted on a shaft fixed between the conveyor side frames. A selected conveyor shaft has non-rotatively mounted thereon a pair of fulcrum bearings, each located between a conveyor side frame and the adjacent end of the roller mounted on the selected shaft. A pair of sensor arms are provided, each rockably mounted on one of the fulcrum bearings. The sensor arms are substantially identical elongated members having upper ends joined by a shaft on which a plurality of sensor rollers are rotatively mounted. The sensor arms are rockable between a normal position wherein the sensor rollers are elevated above the adjacent conveyor rollers, and a fully depressed position wherein the uppermost surface of the sensor rollers are co-planar with the uppermost surface of the adjacent conveyor rollers.