Abstract: A harvester for harvesting stalks of stalk-like plants. The harvester includes a chassis, at least one ground contacting propulsion device connected to the chassis, and a basecutter assembly. The basecutter assembly is coupled to the chassis. The basecutter assembly includes a plurality of cutting knives and a pair of counter rotating plates. The pair of counter rotating plates include a first plate and a second plate, each of which have at least one of the plurality of cutting knives attached thereto. The first plate rotates about a first axis. The first plate has at least one portion thereof that extends in a radial direction such that the portion would interfere with the knife of the second plate except that the first plate is offset in a direction parallel to said first axis relative to said knife of said second plate.

Abstract: A front attachment for a self-propelled combine harvester includes intake conveyor mechanisms arranged side by side having grooved conveyor wheels that rotate about a vertical rotational axis. Snapping units located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of crop flow have snapping rollers extending horizontally and transversely to the direction of travel. A transverse conveyor is equipped with opposing auger sections drawn together in the center of the front attachment. The grooved conveyor wheels include extending driving elements that engage via sections thereof into guide channels to pick up and convey plant stalks in the direction of the center of the front attachment.

Abstract: An agricultural haymaking machine intended to be hitched to the lower arms of a tractor comprises a frame supported on the ground by wheels and at least one work device connected to the frame, the frame being in its front part in pivoting connection with a hitching device configured to be connected to the two lower arms, the center of gravity of the machine being situated between the wheels and the hitching device. According to the invention, the projection of the axis of the pivoting connection, on a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to the direction of advance, has an inclination towards the direction of advance following a direction of the ground upward.

Abstract: A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop.

Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus includes a mower deck with a frame, an upper skin attached to the frame, and a lower skin removably attached to the frame below the upper skin such that a separation distance is provided between the upper and lower skins. A blade assembly is removably mounted to the deck below the lower skin and a drive is mounted to the deck and is operative to rotate the blade assembly. The lower skin can also be provided with retarding members on the underside thereof to retard the flow of cut vegetation, and to thereby cut the vegetation into smaller pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a polyolefin fiber. The process comprises the steps of providing at least one polyolefin tape; twisting or folding the at least one polyolefin tape longitudinally to obtain a precursor fiber and exposing the precursor fiber under tension to a temperature within the melting point range of the polyolefin for a time sufficient to at least partly two or more parts of the precursor fiber. The invention also relates to the fiber obtainable thereby.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the general art of connector links, and to the particular field of coupling links for coupling to one or more chain links. Particular embodiments include coupling links having a body with a central portion that has an aperture passing therethrough, a closed first end that is integral, and a second end that has an opening, and a retaining member in the form of a removable, deformable, or pivotable member that may selectively provide a closure to the opening. Other embodiments include retaining members on both ends of the coupling link.

Abstract: An efficient thermal engine is disclosed. In some embodiments, a remainder of energy remaining after an expansion cycle is used to power a subsequent compression cycle. In other embodiments, novel configurations for a larger expansion volume than compression volume are provided. In addition, work of compression may be reduced in a compression cycle, and recovered in an expansion cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements for utilizing waste heat generated from a turbine engine. The turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements is located within the turbine casing at a heat exhaust end of the turbine engine. The turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements convert heat exhaust generated from the turbine engine into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the electrical energy generated from the turbulated arrangement of thermoelectric elements can be used to power electrical components located about the turbine engine.

Abstract: A composite component such as a fan casing liner panel for a gas turbine engine comprises an abradable layer and a layer. The layer is provided with a septum layer, to which the abradable layer is bonded. The septum layer is perforated by holes, which enable air to be extracted from the region between the septum layer and the abradable layer during the process of bonding the components together, for example by a vacuum bonding process.

Abstract: A fan duct (5) is defined between an inner skin (2) and an outer skin into which the inner skin of the sliding cover (7) is incorporated in the direct-thrust configuration. The inner skin of the sliding cover (7) comprises an annular part extending radially inwards and capable, in the reverse-thrust configuration, of coming to face a larger-diameter annular part of the inner skin (2) of the fan duct (5). The annular part of the sliding cover (7) comprises at least one flap (8) mounted such that it can pivot between the retracted position and a deployed position in which a front part (8a) of the flap (8), upstream of its middle axis (9) about which it is articulated, projects into the fan duct (5). Translational stop means (11) are provided in order, in the reverse thrust position, to act on a rear part (8b) of the flap (8) in such a way as to cause the flap (8) to pivot into the deployed position to close off the fan duct (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle that includes a power supply source (113) for a system for actuating and controlling a thrust reverser device (121), and for a system for actuating and controlling a variable nozzle device (120), characterised in that the power supply can be switched between a first position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the thrust reverser device, and a second position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the variable nozzle device, wherein the switching is carried out under the action of a control output from a computer (103) capable of receiving a thrust reverser opening control (100).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed which comprises a bypass duct, a core engine, and a fluid mixing arrangement. The fluid mixing arrangement is configured to mix a bypass flow of fluid and a secondary flow of fluid, the secondary flow of fluid being drawn from the core engine. The arrangement comprises a flow-duct terminating with an outlet and being arranged to direct said secondary flow through the outlet and into the bypass flow. The arrangement is characterized by the provision of a delta-shaped wing in the region of the outlet, said wing extending at least partially across the duct and being configured to generate lift from said secondary flow effective to produce at least one trailing vortex extending into said bypass flow. The fluid mixing arrangement can be used as a ventilation arrangement or as part of a bleed valve arrangement in the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine in whose exhaust-gas region at least one SCR catalytic converter is disposed, which is acted upon by a reagent contributing to the NOx conversion in the SCR catalytic converter, and a device for implementing the method. The reagent level in the SCR catalytic converter is controlled or regulated to a predefined reagent setpoint level, which is specified to at least a maximum value, which corresponds to an SCR catalytic converter completely filled with reagent. In this way the SCR catalytic converter is always operated at the highest possible efficiency at which the highest possible NOx conversion takes place.

Abstract: A method of storing and delivering ammonia and the use of electromagnetic radiation for desorption of ammonia from a chemical complex. Solid metal ammine complexes are applied for safe and high-density storage of ammonia to be released for use as reducing agent in selective catalytic reduction of NOx in exhaust gases. The compositional formula of the metal ammine complexes is M(NH3)nXz, where M2+ represents one or more metal ions capable of binding ammonia, X represents one or more anions, n is the coordination number (from 2 to 12), and z the valency of the metal ion (and thus the total number of compensating anion charges). Ammonia is released non-thermally by photon-activation using electromagnetic irradiation of the complex bond between ammonia coordinated to the metal ion.

Abstract: In an exhaust emission purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine, for adding a reducing agent for NOx to the exhaust gas to thereby purify NOx in the exhaust gas, the mixing of the reducing agent injected by an injection nozzle with the exhaust gas is accelerated. To this end, in the apparatus of the present invention, the injection nozzle for the urea water is disposed to be opposite to the flow of the exhaust gas, or to face upward in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter. A first portion of the first stage catalytic converter output is cooled and a second portion of the catalytic converter output is not cooled. The cooled and not cooled exhausts are united and directed to a second stage catalytic converter. Air is injected into a selected one of (1) the not cooled exhaust prior to the juncture thereof with the cooled exhaust, and (2) the combined cooled and not cooled exhausts after the juncture thereof.

Abstract: A method of controlling a rate of introduction of a NOx reducing substance or precursor to a catalyst component. The method comprises obtaining the amount of NOx entering the catalyst component, modeling the amount of NOx reducing substance or precursor in the catalyst component and controlling the rate of introduction of the NOx reducing substance or precursor to reduce NOx.

Abstract: An exhaust line includes a duct having an injection segment with an inner channel defined by a side wall. The exhaust gas flow includes exhaust gas central streams in a central area of the inner channel and exhaust gas peripheral streams in the vicinity of the side wall. A reagent injector injects a reagent in an injection direction. The duct (3) is conformed so that the exhaust gas central streams flow substantially parallel to the central line of the inner channel. The exhaust line includes an element that imparts, to at least some peripheral streams, a rotary movement through the inner channel; and about a rotation axis that is slightly inclined relative to the injection direction.

Abstract: A protection valve for a hydraulic drive system and a method for protecting the hydraulic drive system and pumping equipment driven by the hydraulic drive system includes a valve body, an actuator shaft movably disposed within the valve body, a thermal actuator for displacing the actuator shaft between an un-actuated position and an actuated position, and a poppet attached to the actuator shaft for movement therewith. The thermal actuator is configured to displace the actuator shaft between the un-actuated position and the actuated position in response to a hydraulic oil temperature that exceeds a predetermined maximum. A thermal actuator body is rigidly attached to the valve body at one end and a valve seat body is rigidly attached to the valve body at the other end. The thermal actuator body has openings formed therein for placing hydraulic oil in fluid communication with the thermal actuator.

Abstract: In various embodiments, compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems feature one or more valves, which may be disposed within end caps of cylinder assemblies in which gas is expanded and/or compressed, for admitting fluid to and/or exhausting fluid from the cylinder assembly.

Abstract: In an over-loading prevention device including a hydraulic pump, a control valve, and a control lever, a discharge-quantity control unit performs constant-torque control which decreases a discharge quantity in proportion to an increase in a discharge pressure in the pump to control an input torque of the pump uniformly. An operation-state detection unit detects an actuation state of the control lever. A control unit outputs a control signal that sets the pump input torque to a minimum torque according to the constant-torque control, to the discharge-quantity control unit when the control lever is operated over a predetermined speed, and subsequently changes a level of the control signal to a maximum torque according to the constant-torque control in accordance with a predetermined control pattern to raise the pump input torque.

Abstract: A cup seal (21) of the invention includes an intermediate lip portion (21d), positioned between an inner lip portion (21b) and an outer lip portion (21c), provided in a base portion (21a). The intermediate lip portion (21d) is configured in such a way that first intermediate lip portions (21d1), communication passages (21d3), second intermediate lip portions (21d2), whose axial direction length is less than that of the first intermediate lip portions (21d1), and the communication passages (21d3), which have no lip portion, are cyclically disposed, in this order, in the peripheral direction. An easy elastic deformation portion of the base portion (21a) which elastically deforms easily is formed by the second intermediate lip portions (21d2) and communication passages (21d3) and, by the easy elastic deformation portion elastically deforming easily when supplying liquid, a flow passage with a larger passage area is formed.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a cylinder body which an operating fluid is introduced from a reservoir, a piston which is slidably fitted in the cylinder body and defines a pressure chamber inside the cylinder body, a supply pathway which is formed in the cylinder body and supplies the operating fluid from the reservoir to the pressure chamber, a bypass pathway which bypasses the supply pathway and allows the reservoir to communicate with the pressure chamber, and a check valve which is installed in the bypass pathway and opens a valve when the pressure inside the pressure chamber is lower than the pressure of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for calibrating pneumatic actuators comprising a containment structure (2) in which a diaphragm (4) is mounted which delimits a variable-volume chamber (5) whose internal pressure may be varied, and a rigid rod (8) able to slide through the containment structure (2) and connected to the diaphragm (4). At least one connecting head (11) can be mounted on an external second end (10) of the rigid rod (8) for connecting to an element to be controlled, such as a crank of a turbo-compressor.

Abstract: A hydraulic soft-start system includes a first flow valve in fluid communication with a pressure source and an inlet of a motor. A first restricting orifice is disposed between the first valve and the inlet. A second flow valve is in fluid communication with the first valve and the inlet. A pilot for actuating the second valve is in fluid communication with the inlet. A second restricting orifice is disposed between the pilot and the inlet. Upon actuation of the first valve, a first flow is passed from the pressure source via the first orifice to the inlet, placing the motor in a partially-actuated state. The second valve being actuated after a threshold pressure of the pilot is reached allowing a second flow to pass from the pressure source to the inlet. The second flow being higher than the first flow, thereby placing the motor in a fully-actuated state.

Abstract: A power system based on a binary power cycle and utilizing a multi-component working fluid is disclosed. The working fluid is partially vaporized and a split recirculation approach is used to control the enthalpy-temperature profiles to match the heat source. A portion of the unvaporized working fluid is sprayed into the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine capable of reducing energy consumption while suppressing a so-called cat back phenomenon. The gas turbine includes a combustor-accommodating chamber casing for accommodating therein a combustor which burns fuel and air compressed by a compressor to generate combustion gas and which injects the combustion gas to a turbine. The gas turbine also includes a first air supply passage and a second air supply passage on an upper portion of the combustor-accommodating chamber casing in the vertical direction. The first air supply passage discharges air toward the compressor in the combustor-accommodating chamber casing. The second air supply passage discharges air in a direction different from that of the first air supply passage.

Abstract: A valve system intermediate a secondary flow path and a primary flow path to selectively communicate secondary airflow into the primary gas flow path and control airflow injected from a higher pressure plenum into a lower pressure flowpath.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling load variations in a gas turbine. The method comprises reducing the flow of gaseous fuel entering the combustor to a predefined minimum value, if an increase is observed in the rotation regime of said turbine above a predefined maximum value and a total reduction in the load, activating a selective feeding sequence of the burners if the turbine is operating in normal functioning or premixed flame mode, modifying the angulation of the adjustable stator vanes, in order to reduce the speed rate of the compressor, and opening one or more anti-surge valves and one or more overboard bleeds, in order to reduce the air flow at the inlet of the combustor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor powered by an expandable, combustible gas. The motor includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge is configured to generate high pressure and high temperature hydrogen. The motor is configured such that hydrogen generated by the cartridge is directed into a series of expandable chambers defined by at least one flywheel. The flywheel is connected to a shaft such that power generated by the hydrogen can be transmitted out of the motor. The motor is configured such that power can be generated by expansion of the hydrogen and subsequent combustion of the hydrogen.

Abstract: A noise reduction device 40, for example for use in a bleed assembly 30 of a gas turbine engine, comprises partitions 50, 52 forming cells 54 having apertures 56, 58, 60 which provide contractions and sudden expansions of flow passing through the device. The apertures 56, 58, 60 are disposed relative to each other so as to force the flow to change direction within the cells 54 to break up jets of gas issuing from the apertures 56, 58, 60. Webs 62, 64, 66 may be provided adjacent the apertures 56, 58, 60 to direct flow and to assist in generating turbulence.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a supply of cooling fluid, a rotatable shaft, blade disc structure coupled to the shaft and having at least one bore for receiving cooling fluid, and a particle separator. The particle separator includes particle deflecting structure upstream from the blade disc structure, and a particle collection chamber. The particle deflecting structure deflects solid particles from the cooling fluid prior to the cooling fluid entering the at least one bore in the blade disc structure. The particle collection chamber is upstream from the particle deflecting structure and receives the solid particles deflected from the cooling fluid by the particle deflecting structure. The solid particles deflected by the particle deflecting structure flow upstream from the particle deflecting structure to the particle collection chamber.

Abstract: Provided is an ice maker including a mold with two or more cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces. A bracket defines a track establishing a range of travel of the mold during an ice making cycle and a removable pin projects outwardly from the mold, extending into the track defined by the bracket to support the mold within the ice maker. The mold can be provided with a partition separating the cavities, the partition including an aperture for establishing a substantially-even water level in the cavities below the partitions.

Abstract: A method for operating a closed circuit vapour compression refrigeration system is disclosed. The system may operate with supercritical pressure on a high pressure side, and includes at least one compressor, at least one heat rejector, at least two in parallel connected heat absorbers, at least one variable expansion means up flow of each heat absorber and at least one control unit for controlling the variable expansion means, connected to a set of sensors. The flow rate of the refrigerant through each of the variable expansion means, is controlled by the control unit, coordinating the flow of refrigerant through each of the variable expansion means to maintain a control parameter within a set range. Any surplus charge resulting from the control is buffered on a low pressure side of the system. Furthermore a refrigeration system based on a closed vapour compression circuit is described.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system control apparatus for controlling an air-conditioning system of a vehicle equipped with a motive power engine, having: a device for determining whether there is a history of a load that has been applied to a compressor, operated by the output of the motive power engine, equal to or greater than a threshold, during operation of the air-conditioning system; a device for carrying out initial operation process of the air-conditioning system if the load history determination device determines that there is a history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor; and a device for carrying out liquid accumulation resolution process when liquefaction of a refrigerant occurs in the compressor only if the load history determination device determines that there is no history of a load equal to or greater than the threshold has been applied to the compressor.

Abstract: A heat pump is provided having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A reversing valve is fluidly coupled between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The reversing valve is adapted to flow of a refrigerant from the compressor to the first heat exchanger during heating mode and to the second heat exchanger during a cooling mode. A thermal expansion valve is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. An electronic expansion valve is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A controller is electrically coupled to operate the electronic expansion valve between a fully open, a fully closed and a modulated position depending on the operation of the compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit, first and second shut-off mechanisms, a communication pipe and a refrigerant detection mechanism. The refrigerant circuit is configured to at least perform a cooling operation. The first shut-off mechanism is downstream of the receiver and upstream of the liquid refrigerant connection pipe when the cooling operation is performed. The second shut-off mechanism is downstream of the heat source-side heat exchanger and upstream of the receiver when the cooling operation is performed. The communication pipe interconnects the refrigerant circuit between the first and second shut-off mechanisms, and the refrigerant circuit on the suction side of the compressor. The refrigerant detection mechanism is upstream of the second shut-off mechanism when the cooling operation is performed.

Abstract: A air channeling sub-system may include a mechanical cooling section and a direct evaporative cooling section. The direct evaporative cooling section may be downstream from the mechanical cooling section. Cooling air is channeled through the air channeling sub-system and into the room. If a first set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-systems is operated in an adiabatic mode. The adiabatic mode includes channeling cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air. If a second set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-system is operated in a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode includes channeling cooling air through the mechanical cooling section to remove heat from the cooling air and channeling the cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air.

Abstract: To provide a low-cost and highly reliable indoor unit and an air-conditioning apparatus having the same by obtaining a dew point temperature at the outlet side without installing a humidity sensor and a dew point temperature detector at the outlet side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window kit (200) and a window sealer (400) of an air conditioner (100). The window kit (200) is provided in the exhaust guide means (140) of the movable air conditioner (100) is firmly fixed to the window frame (D) without having a separate connection member. The gap between the windows generated in the installation process of the window kit (200) is effectively shielded by the window sealer (400).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A safety system for an ice and liquid dispenser of a refrigerator is used to sense the presence of human skin in a dispensing well. The safety system includes a digital image capture device focused on a dispenser well for capturing images of objects, such as hands, in the dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device. The digital image analyzer evaluates the digital images captured by the digital image capture device to determine if human skin color is detected in the image of the object in the dispensing well. If human skin color is detected, thus indicating a hand in the dispensing area, any dispensing operation will be prevented and an alert will be provided.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerant charge compensator having an increased heat transfer surface. The housing has an internal volume and first and second ports for allowing a passage of refrigerant therethrough. The internal volume is partitioned into an indirect refrigerant passageway that extends through the housing and a refrigerant storage area. The refrigerant storage area has a storage access port and is in contact with the indirect refrigerant passageway. Also a heat pump system implementing the compensator is provided and a method of manufacturing the compensator is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact sorption cooling unit, comprising at least one adsorber/desorber unit (1) having a heat exchanger and sorption material, at least one condenser heat exchanger (5), and at least one evaporator heat exchanger (6), wherein these building blocks are located in a common, vacuum-tight metal outer housing, and having connection and coupling elements and pipe ducts for the hydraulic interconnection and operation of the unit. The invention provides a sandwich structure, wherein the at least one adsorber/desorber unit (1) is located in an inner or partial inner housing. The condenser heat exchanger (5) and the evaporator heat exchanger (6) are disposed at a distance from each other, and the inner housing having the adsorber/desorber unit (1) is provided in the intermediate space thereof. The separating surfaces (2) of the inner housing directed toward the condenser heat exchanger (5) and toward the evaporator heat exchanger (6) receive steam valves (8, 9).

Abstract: A turbo-compressor-condenser-expander arrangement, including heat-transferring blades mounted on or surrounding individual conduits. The open framework rotates in free air to promote heat exchange. A first hub, a first set of radial conduits, axial conduits, a second set of radial conduits, and a second hub are included; a motor rotates a central axis of the turbo-compressor-condenser-expander.

Abstract: A method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas from a feed stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a feed stream (10); (b) dividing the feed stream (10) of step (a) to provide at least a first feed stream (20) comprising at least 90 mass % of the initial feed stream (10), and a second feed stream (30); (c) liquefying the first feed stream (20) of step (b) at a pressure between 20-100 bar to provide a first liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream (40); (d) cooling the second feed stream (30) of step (b) to provide a cooled feed stream (50); (e) combining the first LNG stream (40) of step (c) with the cooled feed stream (50) of step (d) to provide a combined LNG stream (60); (f) reducing the pressure of the combined LNG stream (60) of step (e); and (g) passing the combined LNG stream (60) of step (f) through a flash vessel (12) to provide a product LNG stream (70) and a gaseous stream (80).

Abstract: A jewelry piece is formed with a jewelry body made of epoxy material, defining an outer surface and cast in the shape of a piece of jewelry in the form of a ring, pendant, earring, brooch, bracelet, anklet, necklace, and the like. The epoxy has a material density approximating that of gold and the decorative metal layer made of precious metal is affixed to the outer surface of the jewelry body in a thickness greater than 0.125 ?m. The decorative body may be surface mounted to the jewelry or it may be inlaid or affixed in other similar fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an optical fiber preform. The apparatus has an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall surrounds the inner wall and the inner wall surrounds an inner cavity of the apparatus. A consolidated glass rod is deposited in the inner cavity after which particulate glass material, such as glass soot, is deposited in the inner cavity around the glass rod. A radially inward pressure is applied against the particulate glass material to pressurize the particulate glass material against the glass rod.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for controlling glass flow in, for example, a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process). The methods and apparatus are particularly well-suited for use in the manufacture of glass sheets such as the glass sheets used as substrates in display devices, e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs).