Abstract: A composite metal end cap for use with a ceramic roll in a ceramic roll conveyor for conveying glass sheets for thermal treatment comprising a flexible metal inner end cap member adapted for mounting in direct contact over an end of the ceramic roll and a rigid metal outer end cap member adapted for mounting over the inner end cap member, and means for moving said outer end cap member axially relative to said inner end cap member so as to increase radial clamping of said flexible metal inner end cap member against said ceramic roll on axially inward motion of said rigid, outer end cap member relative thereto in a controlled manner and to permit release of said flexible radial clamping between said flexible, metal, inner end cap member and said ceramic roll in response to an opposite direction of axial movement of said rigid, metal, outer end cap member.

Abstract: A ceramic roll for transporting glass sheets for thermal treatment is drivingly connected to a drive shaft through a metal end cap circumferentially grooved to receive a hard rubber O-ring that provides frictional engagement between the metal end cap and an end of the ceramic roll. The metal end cap is constructed and arranged to facilitate its mounting on and removal from the end of the ceramic roll.