Abstract: A method of producing glass includes drawing unrefined foamy molten glass from a glass melt held in a submerged combustion melter and introducing the unrefined foamy molten glass into a stilling chamber of a stilling tank. An intermediate pool of molten glass is held within the stilling chamber of the stilling tank and is heated therein by one or more non-submerged burners. Molten glass flows from the intermediate pool of molten glass to a transfer pool of molten glass held in a spout chamber of a feeding spout that is appended to the stilling tank. A molten glass feed can be drawn from the transfer pool of molten glass and delivered from the feeding spout at a controlled rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for making a glass ribbon includes a forming wedge with a pair of inclined forming surface portions converging along a downstream direction to form a root. The apparatus further includes an edge director intersecting with at least one of the pair of downwardly inclined forming surface portions, and a replaceable heating cartridge configured to direct heat to the edge director and thermally shield the edge director from heat loss. A replaceable heating cartridge is also provided for directing heat to the edge director and thermally shielding the edge director from heat loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shaft high temperature continuous graphitizing furnace comprising a furnace body comprising a feeding inlet and a discharging outlet, an electrode pair, a cooling system and a discharging device; the furnace body is designed to be a shaft cylindrical structure; the electrode pair is provided within the furnace body and comprise an upper electrode and a lower electrode, the upper electrode is located below the feeding inlet, and an umbrella or cone table shape electric field having a lower cross section area greater than its upper cross section area arises between the upper electrode and eh lower electrode; and the cooling system is located between the lower electrode and the discharging outlet.

Abstract: A current conducting melting vessel within which glass can be melted is provided. At least two induction heating coils are provided at selected locations proximate to the melting vessel. Power is selectively supplied to the coils to thereby selectively energize the coils so that the mutual induction of current in a non-energized heating coil adjacent to an energized heating coil is prevented via a switching element in power supply circuitry associated with the non-energized coil.

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).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling glass flow in, for example, a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process) are provided. In certain aspects, the mass, thickness, and/or the temperature distribution of molten glass (40) on the surface of forming apparatus (60) is managed by: (A) constructing a stream-tube mapping between (i) regions (510; FIG. 5A) of a cross-section of a conduit (400) that supplies molten glass (40) to the forming apparatus (60) and (ii) regions (510; FIG. 5B) on the exterior surface of the forming apparatus (60); (B) using the stream-tube mapping to select a temperature distribution for the cross-section that results in a desired mass, thickness, and/or temperature distribution of molten glass (40) on the surface of the forming apparatus (60); and (C) heating and/or insulating the conduit (400) so as to produce a temperature distribution for the cross-section which equals or at least approximates the distribution selected in step (B).

Abstract: Delivery apparatus include an electrical circuit configured to heat a linear conduit and an elbow conduit. A first electrode can be mounted to an upstream portion of the linear conduit, a second electrode can be mounted downstream of the upstream portion, and a third electrode can be mounted to a curved segment of the elbow conduit within a footprint extension of a first passage of the linear conduit. In further examples, a delivery apparatus includes an electrical circuit with a first electrode mounted to an upstream portion of a linear conduit, a second electrode mounted to a downstream portion of the linear conduit, and a third electrode mounted to an elbow conduit. In still further examples, methods of heating molten glass include application of an electrical current such that neither a current flux through a linear conduit nor a current flux through an elbow conduit exceeds 8 amps/mm2.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing preforms for press molding, a glass melt gob is separated from glass melt flow flowing out of a pipe and the glass melt gob is molded into a preform for press molding on a glass gob casting mold. The method comprises a viscosity-increasing step to increase viscosity of the glass melt.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling glass flow in, for example, a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process) are provided. In certain aspects, the mass, thickness, and/or the temperature distribution of molten glass (40) on the surface of forming apparatus (60) is managed by: (A) constructing a stream-tube mapping between (i) regions (510; FIG. 5A) of a cross-section of a conduit (400) that supplies molten glass (40) to the forming apparatus (60) and (ii) regions (510; FIG. 5B) on the exterior surface of the forming apparatus (60); (B) using the stream-tube mapping to select a temperature distribution for the cross-section that results in a desired mass, thickness, and/or temperature distribution of molten glass (40) on the surface of the forming apparatus (60); and (C) heating and/or insulating the conduit (400) so as to produce a temperature distribution for the cross-section which equals or at least approximates the distribution selected in step (B).

Abstract: The method of making thin glass panes includes conveying a glass melt through a vertical inlet to a drawing tank with a slit nozzle; drawing a glass ribbon downward from the slit nozzle; setting a total throughput by setting length and cross section of the inlet and by heating and cooling the inlet to control glass melt viscosity so that pressure in the inlet decreases; and setting a throughput per unit of length in a lateral direction along the glass ribbon via nozzle system geometry and by heating and cooling of the drawing tank and slit nozzle to control melt viscosity, so that glass does not wet an underside of the slit nozzle near a breaking edge. The setting of the total throughput and the throughput per unit length are largely decoupled to simplify process control. An inventive apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of delivering molten material from a delivering pipe having an outlet end to a receiving vessel having an inlet end is provided. The method includes arranging the delivering pipe and the receiving vessel in such a way that a gap exists between the outlet end of the delivering pipe and the inlet end of the receiving vessel and the molten material can exit the outlet end of the delivering pipe and enter the inlet end of the receiving vessel without spilling over the inlet end of the receiving vessel. Molten material is delivered to the delivering pipe and allowed to flow from the delivering pipe into the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing molten glass from flow channels for the transport of production glass that are installed between a melting furnace and an extraction point for the production glass. The flow channel has a glass-resistant inner lining. A drainage unit for bottom glass is installed upstream of the extraction point for the production glass. In order to keep electrodes away from the molten glass, but still maintain a local and temporal influence on the temperature profile within the cross section, the inner lining, at least in the area of the drainage unit, of is formed of a fusion cast electrically conductive material which has a drainage opening for the bottom glass with a drainage slit above it. At least two electrodes are installed on opposite sides of the flow channel and the drainage unit for the bottom glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of high-melting glass materials or high-melting glass ceramic materials by a process during which a temperature of a molten mass exceeds 1,760° C., wherein a shard material or raw material is molten to a molten mass, the molten mass is fined, and the molten mass emerges via a tubular outlet made of iridium or an iridium alloy having an iridium content of at least 50 wt.-%. According to the invention the temperature of a section of said tubular outlet, which is in contact with the ambient atmosphere having a natural gas composition, is controlled or regulated such that said temperature is held below 1,000° C. except during pouring out the molten mass out of said tubular outlet. Thus, an oxidative decomposition of the apparatus can be prevented.

Abstract: The method of making thin glass panes includes conveying a glass melt through a vertical inlet to a drawing tank with a slit nozzle; drawing a glass ribbon downward from the slit nozzle; setting a total throughput by setting length and cross section of the inlet and by heating and cooling the inlet to control glass melt viscosity so that pressure in the inlet decreases; and setting a throughput per unit of length in a lateral direction along the glass ribbon via nozzle system geometry and by heating and cooling of the drawing tank and slit nozzle to control melt viscosity, so that glass does not wet an underside of the slit nozzle near a breaking edge. The setting of the total throughput and the throughput per unit length are largely decoupled to simplify process control. An inventive apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for glass melt devlivery and methods for using these devices. In these devices, a delivery nozzle comprising at least one platinum group metal material is directly heated by electricty. To facilitate heating, a cylindrical heating ring is mounted in ceramic base. The device's construction ensures a regulatable heating of the nozzle and the melted glass flux.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for glass melt devlivery and methods for using these devices. In these devices, a delivery nozzle comprising at least one platinum group metal material is directly heated by electricty. To facilitate heating, a cylindrical heating ring is mounted in ceramic base. The device's construction ensures a regulatable heating of the nozzle and the melted glass flux.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine system includes an individual section glassware forming machine having a plurality of sections, each with at least one blank mold, and a gob distributor for distributing molten glass gobs to the blank molds of each machine section in sequence. The molten glass gobs are delivered to the blank molds of each section through deflectors on which the glass gobs slide to each blank mold. At least one liquid coolant passage is integral with each deflector, and the several coolant passages for the entire machine are connected in parallel between source and return liquid coolant manifolds. Variable flow control valves are individually connected between each liquid coolant passage and the return manifold for controlling flow of liquid coolant through the passages and thereby balance temperatures among the parallel gob deflectors.

Abstract: The method for granulating liquid slag melts, in particular blast furnace slag, in which the melt (2) is ejected into a cooling chamber via a slag tundish (1) and in which fluid under pressure, in particular compressed gas, vapor or pressurized water, is injected in the direction of the slag exit (6) in order to eject said liquid slag, is characterized in that the pressure fluid jet discharges into a throttle pipe (3) which is immersed in the slag bath and whose lower edge is mounted so as to be adjustable in the height direction (4). The corresponding device comprises a lance (7) which is surrounded by a height-adjustable throttle pipe (3) whose lower edge (5) is immersed in the slag bath (2) contained in the tundish (1) and forms a throttling cross section between the slag exit (6) and the slag bath (2).

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass that includes a spout for delivering core glass from a first source through a first orifice. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through a gap between the first and second orifices. A tube delivers casing glass from the outlet opening of a casing glass spout to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity through the orifices from the first and second sources to form the cased glass stream. A hollow tube within the casing glass spout is positioned with respect to the spout outlet opening for metering flow of casing glass through the outlet opening and delivery tube to the annular chamber surrounding the orifices.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a glass stream including a first inner layer and a second outer layer, including a generally vertical orifice, and delivering glass from a second source such that the glass from said second source provides an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through the orifice. A resistance heated tube assembly is made of platinum or material having similar resistance heating properties and extends from a glass source to an orifice through which the glass flows from a glass source for the inner layer. The tube assembly includes a tube portion having an inlet end that communicates with the source for the outer layer and an outlet end that communicates with the source. The tube portion has an axis positioned at any angle ranging between the horizontal and vertical but preferably has an axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Flanges are secured to the ends of the tube portion, and the flanges are connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a coated glass stream having a first inner layer and a second outer layer wherein the method comprises providing a vertical orifice, delivering molten glass from a first source through the orifice, providing a gap about the orifice intermediate its upper and lower ends, delivering glass from a second source about the gap such that the glass from the second source flows through the gap to provide an outer layer about the glass from said first source as it flows through the orifice, and controlling the size and shape of the gap parallel to the flow and the size of the gap perpendicular to the flow such that the gap provides sufficient flow resistance and the gap is of sufficient size and shape to prevent clogging.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a first orifice for receiving core glass from a first source. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through the gap between the first and second orifices. A spout delivers casing glass from a second source through a tube to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream. A plurality of gas burners are disposed in the spout above the glass pool. The casing glass delivery spout is configured for improved heat transfer to, and improved heat retention within, the casing glass pool within the spout. Specifically, the glass pool surface area is enlarged, and the glass pool depth is reduced.

Abstract: A method for delivering a coated glass stream having a first inner layer and a second outer layer wherein the method includes providing a vertical orifice, delivering molten glass from a first source through the orifice, providing a gap about the orifice intermediate its upper and lower ends, delivering glass from a second source about the gap such that the glass from the second source flows through the gap to provide an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through the orifice, and controlling the size and shape of the gap parallel to the flow and the size of the gap perpendicular to the flow such that the gap provides sufficient flow resistance and the gap is of sufficient size and shape to prevent clogging.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream that includes at least one pair of aligned orifices coupled to sources of core and casing glass such that glass flows by gravity from the glass sources through the aligned orifices to form a cased glass stream. The orifices are carried by an orifice housing mounted on a frame for movement into seating engagement of the orifice housing against the core and casing glass delivery mechanisms. A fluid manifold is mounted on the orifice housing, with an inlet for connection to a source of cooling fluid such as air. A plurality of outlets on the manifold are directed toward the area of seating engagement between the orifice ring housing and the core and casing glass delivery mechanisms for cooling the seating area and thereby reducing leakage of glass between the housing and the glass delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for delivering a glass stream having a first inner layer and a second outer layer, including a generally vertical orifice, and delivering glass from a second source such that the glass from the second source provides an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through the orifice. A resistance heated tube assembly is made of platinum or material having similar resistance heating properties and extends from a glass source to an orifice through which the glass flows from a glass source for the inner layer. The tube assembly includes a tube portion having an inlet end that communicates with the source for the outer layer and an outlet end that communicates with the source. The tube portion has an axis positioned at any angle ranging between the horizontal and vertical but preferably has an axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Flanges are secured to the ends of the tube portion, and the flanges are connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: A glass gob production device for producing a glass gob from molten glass. The glass gob production device has a crucible which accommodates molten glass, a nozzle one end of which is connected to the crucible and from the other end of which the molten glass in the crucible is discharged, and a support member opposite to the other end of nozzle and having an indentation on the surface thereof for receiving and retaining the discharged molten glass in the indentation to form a glass gob. The indentation of the support member has a bottom surface and a reference surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the circumference of the bottom surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a spout for receiving core glass from a first source and delivering such glass through a first orifice. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through the gap between the first and second orifices. A tube delivers casing glass from a second source to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream. The core glass delivery spout includes a reservoir for receiving and holding the core glass, and having at least one lower opening of a first diameter. An orifice ring is positioned beneath the reservoir, and has at least one opening of second diameter less than the first diameter aligned with the first opening and forming the first orifice.

Abstract: A discharging device is provided at the bottom of a glass melting furnace. The device includes an inductively heated outlet unit including a compression flange having an inlet opening and an outlet pipe extending from the compression flange to form therewith a unit having a T-shaped cross section. The outlet pipe is penetrated by an outlet channel communicating with the inlet opening. The outlet pipe projects downwardly out of an opening in the furnace. An outlet block is seated on the compression flange and has an outlet channel flush with the inlet opening of the compression flange. An annular supporting flange supports the outlet unit from the bottom against the compression flange, with the annular supporting flange being supported by a bottom carrier plate of the furnace and the outlet pipe of the outlet unit projecting through an opening in the annular supporting flange.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a continuous or perturbated stream of liquid material, which process consists essentially of passing the said stream of liquid material through a plasma arc coupling zone in which at least two plasma arcs are coupled at the surface of the liquid stream in order to raise both the bulk temperature of the stream and the temperature of the outer surface of the stream of material, thereby to effect a treatment of the stream selected from thermal, chemical, and a mixture of thermal and chemical.

Abstract: A bushing balance controller controls the overall average temperature of a multiple segment glass fiber forming bushing and the temperature of each individual bushing segment. Current shunting loops divert current away from each bushing segment as required to provide the proper bushing segment temperature profile as well as the desired average bushing temperature.

Abstract: A bottom tap of a glass melting furnace comprises a tap brick with a tap hole in which glass is frozen when the tap is not in operation and seals the tap. A tap gate of refractory and non-oxidizing metal is urged against the tap brick underneath the tap hole which is connected as an electrode to a counter-electrode situated in a glass bath. A tap chamber is situated underneath the tap gate, and a removable insulation is provided for the tap chamber.

Abstract: A glass delivery system is disclosed which includes a molybdenum delivery pipe surrounded by molten glass and inductively heated by a water cooled induction heating coil surrounding the molybdenum pipe and spaced apart therefrom by means of refractory material.

Abstract: A fluid transferring mechanism especially adapted for providing cooling fluid to the scoops of a glass gob distributor having a housing and an oscillating member mounted therein. The housing has inlet and outlet passageway having an exit and entrance respectively at the interface between the housing and oscillating member. The oscillating member has first and second grooves in its outer surface which communicates with the exit and entrance respectively during the entire oscillation of the oscillating member. A passageway connects the first and second grooves to provide a path for the fluid from the inlet and outlet passageways.

Abstract: A vertical standpipe which has an internal fitting. The standpipe conveys a molten glass stream from a molten bath in a furnace forehearth to a spinner below the forehearth. The internal fitting has an orifice positioned so as to maintain a spaced-apart relationship between the interior surface of the standpipe and the molten glass stream issuing from the orifice. The mass flow rate of the molten glass stream is throttled by variable cooling means in the vicinity of the orifice.

Abstract: The glass melter has an outlet portion formed as a heating device for controlling the outlet flow rate of molten glass from the melter. Raw batch material that is used to form the molten glass is heated to a molten state at a first temperature range. The molten glass, while flowing toward the outlet of the melter, is cooled to a second temperature range to increase the viscosity of the molten glass to a desired level. The outlet member then heats the exiting molten glass a predetermined amount to decrease the glass viscosity in accordance with desired flow rate requirements. Heating of the outlet member is accomplished by imposing a relatively low voltage and a relatively high amperage on the outlet member. Accordingly, by using the outlet member as a heater a controlled flow rate of molten glass from the melter is achieved.

Abstract: A melting furnace is disclosed which heats by joule effect to supply molten material of uniform temperature at the floor of the melter. During formation of molten material, an essentially isothermal condition across a given horizontal plane of the body of molten material is established. Spaced apart opposed electrodes and controlled current flow establish these uniform temperatures and allow molten material to be formed directly from the melter without further processing.

Abstract: A freeze valve for a molten glass discharging nozzle is disposed at the bottom of a glass melting furnace. The freeze valve has at least two sets of temperature control units provided around the nozzle and arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and an ejector for ejecting a high-pressure gas disposed at the lower end of the nozzle and adapted to eject the high-pressure gas toward the axis of the nozzle. Each of the temperature control units includes heating and cooling means so as to heat and cool independently both the upper and lower portions of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically melting solidified glass in difficult to reach regions of a glass melting furnace not readily accessible with fossil fuel heating means and, more particularly, to an electrode arrangement for electrically heating solidified glass in difficult to melt regions such as a submerged outlet throat between a furnace melter section and the riser through which the glass is supplied in production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for periodically discharging batches of a glass melt from a ceramic glass melting furnace in which localized heating energy limitable in time is supplied to the glass melt by means of electrodes in the furnace, the furnace being provided at its bottom with an induction heatable outlet member of ceramic material presenting a vertically oriented outlet passage for discharge of such batches, the furnace being operated to cause the outlet passage to be closed by a plug of the glass when no discharge is to take place, in which such plug is melted for discharging a batch of the glass melt via the outlet passage by preheating the outlet member and the glass plug by induction heating up to a preheating temperature which is below the melting temperature of the glass and above which the rate of increase of the electrical conductivity of the glass plug as a function of increasing temperature is greater than that of the ceramic material of the outlet member, and then further heating the plug, while

Abstract: A glass delivery system is disclosed having a central glass conducting pipe enclosed within a heat exchange structure. Heat shields reflect energy back to the pipe for reducing heat losses from the pipe and heaters are located about the pipe to add heat energy as required. Heaters which may be immersed in surrounding glass, are provided externally of the pipe at connections into and out of the pipe, and a bellows arrangement for accommodating expansion due to thermal cycling is provided in at least one of such connections. In a preferred embodiment, oxidizable refractory metals are used which may be protected from contamination by providing inert or reducing purging atmospheres or vacuum. Heat losses may also be regulated by atmospheric control of the purging atmosphere as well as control of a working fluid for the heat exchange structure. Means may be provided for shielding or insulating refractory components from intense radiation.

Abstract: A glass delivery system is disclosed having a glass conducting pipe enclosed within a refractory structure. The refractory structure is spaced about the pipe and defines a closed space for receiving therein a quantity of the glass. Heat input devices are located in the closed space for supplying heat to the pipe. The refractory structure may include heat exchange passages for circulation of a first heat exchange fluid therethrough. Means may be included for introducing a second gaseous fluid within the closed space between the refractory structure and the pipe for removing heat given up by the glass and under certain conditions the first fluid may act as an inert atmosphere or purge gas for protecting certain components of the system from deleterious ambience. The first heat exchange fluid removes a relatively greater portion of the heat energy given up by the glass than the second fluid.

Abstract: There has been provided a delivery system for conditioning molten thermo-plastic material, wherein a first pipe member, having an inlet at one end adapted to receive the material and an outlet at an opposite end for delivering the material therefrom at a desired homogeneity is coupled at its inlet end to a furnace. An insulated shell structure, having at least one fluid inlet and outlet therein, is located concentrically about the first pipe member and defines a closed insulated space thereabout. The shell is adapted to receive heat exchange fluid for circulation from the inlet to the outlet in said closed space for removing heat from the thermo-plastic material flowing through the pipe member. Means is provided for shielding inside surfaces of space between the shell and the pipe member from deleterious ambient including a purge fluid which may act alone as the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A molten glass feeder system and method of controlling the flow of glass through the feeder to deliver a plurality of uniform, molten glass gobs. The feeder has a heavy-walled bowl structure and a heavy-walled bottom transitional member mounted within the lower region of the feeder bowl, the transitional member having substantial height with a circular passageway at its upper region and an elongated slot passageway at its lower region, and an elongated discharge orifice member having a plurality of three or more, and preferably three to six, discharge orifices in lineal alignment with the elongated slot passageway. The feeder permits the simultaneous formation and delivery, when coupled with suitable glass shearing mechanism, of more uniform plural glass gobs having similar weight, temperature and heat characteristics to multiple-cavity gob-fed glass forming machines.

Abstract: The molten glass feeding bowl has two parallel sides with a third side being generally perpendicular thereto. Electrodes for heating glass within the bowl extend through aligned holes in the side walls of the refractory bowl and metal housing. The bowl can accommodate electrodes along its parallel side walls and along a front wall depending upon the operative position of the shear mechanism which may extend along the center line of the bowl or to either side of the center line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a triple gob feeder of a glass forming apparatus for forming molten glass gobs of uniform size, weight, volume and shape by equalizing the temperatures of the molten glass flowing through orifices in a triple gob orifice ring. Molten glass is retained in a middle reservoir of the triple gob orifice ring for a relatively longer average period of time than in end reservoirs of the ring preferably by providing a middle reservoir having a relatively larger volumetric size than the end reservoirs. In addition, the middle reservoir is cooled by directing a coolant through channels in a bottom surface portion of the orifice ring and onto external surfaces surrounding the middle reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a uniform thermal history of a free-falling glass gob having a hollow, heat-resistant conveyor tube extending between the point of shear of the molten glass and the desired mold to which the glass is to be directed and having an electrical heating means associated with at least a portion of the tube which may be controlled by a control means to transfer thermal energy through the tube to the glass gobs passing within the tube, the control means being fed information received from sensing means located at selected points along the tube which is activated by infrared rays transmitted through openings in the tubing by the glass gobs, which temperature information is transmitted to the control means and integrated to determine the operation of the heating means.