Abstract: In embodiments, a melter for melting glass may include an inlet wall, an outlet wall opposite the inlet wall, and sidewalls extending from the inlet wall to the outlet wall. The inlet wall, outlet wall, and sidewalls define a glass melting space enclosed by a floor and a top. In embodiments, the inlet wall may comprise a glass contact wall comprising a glass contact surface facing the glass melting space. A superstructure of the inlet wall comprises a jack arch positioned over the glass contact wall and at least a portion of the glass melting space. A plane of an interior face of the jack arch and a plane of the glass contact surface are off-set in a horizontal direction. A vertical distance from the floor to an underside of the jack arch is less than a vertical distance from the floor to an underside of the top.

Abstract: An alumina sintered body comprising 0.01 to 1.0 mass % of one or more types selected from Ta, Nb, and V in terms of oxide thereof. The alumina sintered body may further comprise 0.01 to 1.0 mass % of Mg in terms of Mg oxide. It is particularly preferable that the alumina sintered body has an alumina purity of 99% or more. An alumina sintered body having low dielectric loss as compared with that in related art can therefore be produced at low cost.

Abstract: Described herein are glass forming apparatuses with cooled muffle assemblies and methods for using the same to form glass ribbons. According to one embodiment, a muffle assembly for a fusion forming apparatus may include a muffle frame comprising a back wall, a front wall opposite the back wall, and a pair of sidewalls joining the front wall to the back wall in a closed-loop. At least one first cooling tube may extend through the back wall and the front wall across the closed-loop. At least one second cooling tube may extend through the back wall and the front wall across the closed loop such that the at least one second cooling tube is spaced apart from and parallel with the at least one first cooling tube.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus (1) for a glass sheet, including roller pairs (5), which are configured to convey a glass ribbon (G) downward while sandwiching the glass ribbon (G) from both front and back sides, and are arranged in a plurality of vertical stages, wherein each of rollers forming each of the roller pairs (5) is formed so as to be movable between a sandwiching position for sandwiching the glass ribbon (G) a retracted position that is separated from a conveyance path (P) of the glass ribbon (G) and is capable of preventing contact of flying objects flying from above, and wherein, when the glass ribbon (G) during conveyance is damaged, the roller (5a) that is positioned below a damaged part of the glass ribbon (G) moves to the retracted position.

Abstract: A system includes an overflow distributor and a support member. The overflow distributor includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a floor extending between the opposing first and second sidewalls. Interior surfaces of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the floor cooperatively define a trough configured to receive molten glass. Exterior surfaces of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are configured to direct molten glass that overflows the trough. The support member is disposed between the opposing first and second sidewalls of the overflow distributor and abutting an exterior surface of the floor of the overflow distributor.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming laminated sheet glass comprises a first upper pipe and a lower pipe and an adjustment mechanism comprising first and second first-upper-pipe suspension rods supported by a first horizontally extending support member, third and fourth first-upper-pipe suspension rods supported by a second horizontally extending support member the first upper pipe supported, directly or indirectly, by the first, second, third, and fourth first-upper-pipe suspension rods, a first and second lower-pipe suspension rod supported by the first horizontally extending support member and a third and fourth lower-pipe suspension rod and supported by the second horizontally extending support member, lower pipe supported, directly or indirectly, by the first, second, third, and fourth lower-pipe suspension rods, each respective rod suspended so as to be horizontally adjustable and independently vertically adjustable.

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: A ceramic block consisting essentially of substantially homogeneous (Y2O3)? P2O5, where 0.95?x?1.05, having length LL, a width WW and a height HH, and a volume W of at least 8×10?3 m3 essentially free of cracks throughout the volume, a density of at least 85% of the theoretical maximal density of Y203.P2O5 under standard conditions, and a creep rate CR at 1250° C. and 6.89 MPa; where CR?8.0×10?6 hour?1 and method for making the same. The method utilizes a dry process where the starting YP04-based ceramic material is synthesized by reacting anhydrous P2O5 with dry Y2O3 powder.

Abstract: A fusion down-draw method for making a glass sheet using a forming body comprising an upper part (101) made of a first material and a lower part (103) made of a second material, where the first material has lower creep rate than the second material at the normal operating temperature of the forming body, and an fusion down-draw forming apparatus comprising such forming body. The invention is advantageous in that it solves the issues of internal stress and long-term creep issue of a unitary forming body made of a single material such as zircon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for steering flexible glass webs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a steering device for non-contact steering of a glass web having a conveyance direction and a cross direction normal to the conveyance direction includes a fluid injection bar having an elongate axis oriented in a cross direction of the glass web. The steering device also includes a pivot bearing assembly coupled to the fluid injection bar such that the fluid injection bar is pivotable in a plane perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the glass web, an actuator coupled to the fluid injection bar for adjusting the orientation of the fluid injection bar with respect to the glass web, and an edge detection device positioned proximate to an edge of the glass web for evaluating a position of an edge of the glass web.

Abstract: A glass-substrate manufacturing method which includes a forming step and a cooling step. In the forming step, a molten glass is formed into a sheet glass by a down-draw process. In the cooling step, the sheet glass is cooled. The cooling step includes first, second and third coating steps as defined herein.

Abstract: Ion exchangeable boroaluminosilicate glasses having high levels of intrinsic scratch resistance are provided. The glasses include the network formers SiO2, B2O3, and Al2O3, and at least one of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O. When ion exchanged these glasses may have a Knoop scratch initiation threshold of at least about 40 Newtons (N). These glasses may also be used to form a clad layer for a glass laminate in which the core layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the clad glass.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for precision glass roll forming a supply of molten glass at a glass temperature of 1000° C. or higher with a pair of hot forming rolls having a surface temperature of about 500° C. or higher located vertically below the glass feed. The forming rolls thin the supplied stream of molten glass to produce a formed glass ribbon. A pair of cold sizing and texturing rolls maintained at a surface temperature of about 400° C. or lower or 300° C. or lower is located vertically below the forming rolls. The sizing and texturing rolls thin and texture the formed glass ribbon to produce a sized glass ribbon having a desired texture, thickness and thickness uniformity. The sized and textured glass ribbon may have a thickness of 1 mm or less that varies in thickness by no more than +/?0.025 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a glass sheet using overflow fusion down-draw process comprising an inlet assembly having an elliptic cylindrical section coupled to a transition section which is, in turn, coupled to an open end of an open channel of an isopipe, and an overflow fusion down-draw process for making glass sheet. The glass melt flow has a high surface velocity profile conducive to the formation of a glass ribbon over the surface of the weirs and the wedge side surfaces with the desired mass distribution.

Abstract: Alkali-doped boroaluminosilicate glasses are provided. The glasses include the network formers SiO2, B2O3, and Al2O3. The glass may, in some embodiments, have a Young's modulus of less than about 65 GPa and/or a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 40×10?7/° C. The glass may be used as a cover glass for electronic devices, a color filter substrate, a thin film transistor substrate, or an outer clad layer for a glass laminate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass sheet according to the present invention comprises the steps of creating split flows of molten glass in a forming body 10 and causing the molten glass to flow down, subsequently merging the flows at a merging point to form a glass sheet G and causing the glass sheet to flow downward in the vertical direction. In this method of manufacturing a glass sheet, a partition member 20 is disposed facing the glass sheet G in the vicinity of a location below the forming body 10, and a facing surface of the partition member 20 is shaped so as to correspond to a sheet thickness variation of the glass sheet G, so that a gap between the glass sheet G and the partition member 20 is substantially uniform.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing device (1) of a glass film, the device including: a forming apparatus (10) of a glass film ribbon (G) for forming molten glass or a glass base material for secondary processing into a glass film ribbon (G); a winding apparatus (20) for winding, into a roll shape, the glass film ribbon (G), which is drawn downward while being cooled; and a width direction cutting apparatus (30) for cutting the glass film ribbon (G) along its width direction at a position before being wound by the winding apparatus (20). A vertical distance (h) from the glass film ribbon (G) forming start position by the forming apparatus (10) to a glass film ribbon (G) cutting position by the width direction cutting apparatus (30) is set as five times or more of a dimension in the width direction of the glass film ribbon (G).

Abstract: A thickness of at least one preselected portion of a substrate, such as glass substrate for example, is controlled. A laser beam is directed to the at least one preselected portion of the substrate in a viscous state, thereby increasing a temperature and reducing a viscosity of the at least one preselected portion of the substrate in a viscous state sufficiently to cause the at least one preselected portion of the glass substrate to attain a desired thickness. The laser beam after it is generated can be directed to a reflecting surface from which the laser beam is reflected to the at least one preselected portion of the substrate in the viscous state. The substrate can comprise a glass ribbon produced in a downdraw glass forming process for example, and the laser beam can be directed onto a plurality of preselected portions of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface of a glass ribbon during a drawing process using atmospheric vapor deposition is provided. The method includes forming a glass ribbon in a viscoelastic state, desirably with a fusion draw. The glass ribbon is drawn in the viscoelastic state. The glass ribbon is cooled in the viscoelastic state into an elastic state. The glass ribbon is directed into an open end of a reactor. The reactor includes multiple channels. A first channel directs a first reactant gas, a second channel directs a second reactant gas and one or more third channels draw excess reactant, or purge it with inert gas flow, or both.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cutting a continuous glass ribbon involving the use of edge restrainers such as suction cups and clamps connected to an actuator of a robot tooling through a flexible linkage capable of reciprocal motion in the direction of the ribbon velocity. The use of the flexible linkage reduces peak pulling-force when the glass ribbon is pulled or pushed laterally to during bending and separation along a pre-formed score-line. The invention can be advantageously used in the bottom of the draw of a vertical down-draw forming process.

Abstract: Alkali-free phosphoboroaluminosilicate glasses are provided. The glasses include the network formers SiO2, B2O3, and at least one of Al2O3 and P2O5. The glass may, in some embodiments, have a Young's modulus of less than about 78 GPa and/or a coefficient of thermal expansion, averaged over a temperature range from about 20° C. to about 300° C., of less than about 38×10?7/° C. The glass may be used as a cover glass for electronic devices or as an outer clad layer for a glass laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus for downwardly drawing glass ribbon comprises edge directors, wherein an outer portion defining a first pair of surfaces and a second pair of surfaces. In one example, the first and second pair of surfaces of each edge director includes a glass wettability with a static contact angle within a range of from about 30° to about 60°. In another example, the outer portion comprises a platinum alloy including from about 0.05 weight % tin to about 5 weight % tin. Methods for forming glass include the step of providing the edge director with a desired glass wettability and/or a desired platinum alloy.

Abstract: A reactive-ceramming process for making YPO4 ceramics involving the reaction between a YP-glass and a Y-source material. The invention can be used to synthesize, inter alia, phase-pure YPO4 ceramic material 5 at a relatively low temperature in a relatively short period of time and at a low cost. Invention can be used to make large piece of YPO4 blocks suitable for, e.g., an isopipe in a fusion down-draw process for making large-size glass sheets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass sheet includes creating split flows of molten glass in a forming body (10) and causing the molten glass to flow down, subsequently merging the flows at a merging point to form a glass sheet G and causing the glass sheet to flow downward in the vertical direction. A plurality of chambers (42b, 42c, . . . ) separated by heat-insulating plates (40a, 40b, . . . ) in the direction of movement of the glass sheet G are provided. A heater (60a, 60b, . . . ) is provided for each of the chambers (42b, 42c, . . . ) so that the temperature decreases in the direction of movement. The heat-insulating plates (40a, 40b, . . . ) are disposed facing the glass sheet G, and facing surfaces of the heat-insulating plates (40a, 40b, . . . ) are shaped so as to correspond to a sheet thickness variation of the glass sheet G.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing glass ribbon includes a control device configured at least periodic thermal stress compensation of the glass ribbon by independently adjusting operation of a plurality of temperature adjustment elements based on stress characteristic information at least periodically obtained from a stress sensor apparatus. In further examples, methods of producing glass include at least periodically sensing a stress characteristic of a glass ribbon and at least periodically changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon based stress characteristic information. In further examples, methods include the step of changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon only if a measured parameter is within an operating range associated with the parameter.

Abstract: A glass forming apparatus and method include a weir on at least a first side of a molten core glass reservoir. The weir includes an inclined surface that, in the intended direction of molten glass flow, slopes downward in the vertical direction while extending away from the molten core glass reservoir in the horizontal direction. A source of molten clad glass is configured above the glass forming apparatus such that when molten clad glass is flowing down and molten core glass is flowing over the weir, the molten clad glass drops onto the molten core glass at a highest upstream contact point that is located directly above the inclined surface of the weir.

Abstract: Described herein are alkali-free, boroalumino silicate glasses exhibiting desirable physical and chemical properties for use as substrates in flat panel display devices, such as, active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). In accordance with certain of its aspects, the glasses possess good dimensional stability as a function of temperature.

Abstract: Laminated glass articles and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a laminated glass article may include a glass core layer and at least one glass cladding layer fused to the glass core layer. The at least one glass cladding layer may be phase separated into a first phase and at least one second phase having different compositions. The first phase of the at least one glass cladding layer may have an interconnected matrix. The at least one second phase of the at least one glass cladding layer may be dispersed throughout the interconnected matrix of the first phase of the at least one glass cladding layer. In some embodiments, the at least one second phase may be selectively removed from the interconnected matrix leaving a porous, interconnected matrix of the first phase.

Abstract: A glass substrate contains specific contents of SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZrO2, Na2O, K2O and Li2O. The glass substrate has a glass transition temperature of 580 to 720° C., an average coefficient of thermal expansion at 50 to 350° C. of 65×10?7 to 85×10?7/° C., a compaction (C) of 15 ppm or less, a glass surface devitrification temperature Tc of 900 to 1,300° C., a glass internal devitrification temperature Td of 900 to 1,300° C., a temperature T4 at which a viscosity reaches 104 dPa·s of 1,100 to 1,350° C., a relationship (T4?Tc) of ?50 to 350° C. and a relationship (T4?Td) of ?50 to 350° C.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a glass roll includes forming a glass film by a downdraw method, winding the glass film into a roll using a winding roller in a state in which front and back glass surfaces of the glass film formed in said forming operation are exposed, and during said winding operation, superposing the glass film on a separable protective sheet. The protective sheet extends beyond both sides in a width direction of the glass film. The method may further include winding the protective sheet on an outer peripheral surface of the glass film by winding only the protective sheet from a trailing end of the glass film in a winding direction of the glass film.

Abstract: A fusion draw apparatus includes a pair of engagement rollers. At least one of the pair of engagement rollers includes a circumferential knife edge configured to cooperate with the other of the pair of engagement rollers to thin the edge portion or sever the edge portion from a central portion of the glass ribbon within the viscous zone of the glass ribbon. In further examples, fusion draw methods include the step of thinning the edge portion or severing the edge portion from the central portion of the glass ribbon within the viscous zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for downwardly drawing glass ribbon comprises edge directors, wherein an outer portion defining a first pair of surfaces and a second pair of surfaces. In one example, the first and second pair of surfaces of each edge director includes a glass wettability with a static contact angle within a range of from about 30° to about 60°. In another example, the outer portion comprises a platinum alloy including from about 0.05 weight % tin to about 5 weight % tin. Methods for forming glass include the step of providing the edge director with a desired glass wettability and/or a desired platinum alloy.

Abstract: A method keeps the width of the manufactured sheet substantially the same by attaching edge directors for the formed sheet to the manufacturing apparatus structure instead of to the forming block. Thus, sheet glass may be manufactured to specification for a longer time with the same forming block. An additional method adjusts the width of the manufactured sheet by changing the distance between the edge directors. Thus sheet glass may be manufactured to different width specifications with the same forming block.

Abstract: The present invention significantly modifies “The Overflow Process”. It includes a method and apparatus for measuring glass flow rate and maintaining a constant glass flow rate. It also embodies design features and methods that support and stress the forming apparatus in a manner such that the deformation that results from thermal creep is corrected, thus minimizing the effect of the thermal creep on the thickness variation of the glass sheet. The present invention also embodies design features that change the process from a single step (combined flow distribution and cooling) to a two step process; step one being flow distribution and step two being cooling.

Abstract: A downstream roll for glass manufacture comprises at least one millboard piece. At least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the downstream roll comprises infiltrated ceramic particles. The infiltrated ceramic particles are infiltrated to a depth of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Further examples of the disclosure include methods for manufacturing a glass ribbon and a downstream roll for glass manufacture.

Abstract: A method keeps the width of the manufactured sheet substantially the same by attaching edge directors for the formed sheet to the manufacturing apparatus structure instead of to the forming block. Thus, sheet glass may be manufactured to specification for a longer time with the same forming block. An additional method adjusts the width of the manufactured sheet by changing the distance between the edge directors. Thus sheet glass may be manufactured to different width specifications with the same forming block.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming laminated sheet glass and a method for forming laminated sheet glass or articles using the glass laminating apparatus, the apparatus including: a lower fusion pipe providing a first liquid stream that forms the core of the laminate; a first upper fusion pipe having a pair of adjustable baffles situated between the bottom of the upper fusion pipe and the top of the lower fusion pipe, the first upper fusion pipe provides a second liquid glass stream onto the first liquid glass stream that forms the clad of the laminate on the core of the laminate, the adjustable baffles being separated from the lower fusion pipe by a gap, and the adjustable baffles control the landing angle (?) and drop point of the second liquid glass stream onto the first liquid glass stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for downwardly drawing glass ribbon comprises edge directors, wherein an outer portion defining a first pair of surfaces and a second pair of surfaces. In one example, the first and second pair of surfaces of each edge director includes a glass wettability with a static contact angle within a range of from about 30° to about 60°. In another example, the outer portion comprises a platinum alloy including from about 0.05 weight % tin to about 5 weight % tin. Methods for forming glass include the step of providing the edge director with a desired glass wettability and/or a desired platinum alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming laminated sheet glass, including: a lower pipe providing a first liquid stream that forms the core of the laminate; an first upper pipe having a pair of adjustable baffles situated between the bottom of the upper pipe and the top of the lower pipe, the first upper pipe provides a second liquid glass stream onto the first liquid glass stream that forms the clad of the laminate on the core of the laminate, the adjustable baffles being separated from the lower pipe by a gap, and the adjustable baffles control the landing angle (?) and drop point of the second liquid glass stream onto the first liquid glass stream. Also disclosed is a method for forming laminated sheet glass or articles thereof using the aforementioned glass laminating apparatus, as defined herein.

Abstract: Glass manufacturing apparatuses with particulate removal devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fusion draw machine for forming a glass web from molten glass includes an enclosure and a first pull roll and a second pull roll rotatably positioned in an interior of an enclosure. The first pull roll and the second pull roll cooperate to draw a glass web in a draw direction. A particulate removal device for removing particulate matter from the interior of the enclosure is fluidly coupled to the enclosure and includes a vacuum nozzle disposed in the interior of the enclosure and fluidly coupled to a vacuum source with a vacuum line. A particulate filter is fluidly coupled to the vacuum nozzle and the vacuum source and traps particulate matter exhausted from the interior of the enclosure through the vacuum nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing volatilized chemical compounds from within enclosed or partially enclosed spaces containing molten glass. One or more condensing devices are positioned within the enclosure to produce preferential condensation of the vapor on condensing elements of the condensing devices, thereby facilitating easy removal of the condensates from the enclosure. The condensing elements may have a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the design of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of making glass through a glass ribbon forming process in which a glass ribbon is drawn from a root point to an exit point is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (I) cooling the glass ribbon at a first cooling rate from an initial temperature to a process start temperature, the initial temperature corresponding to a temperature at the root point; (II) cooling the glass ribbon at a second cooling rate from the process start temperature to a process end temperature; and (III) cooling the glass ribbon at a third cooling rate from the process end temperature to an exit temperature, the exit temperature corresponding to a temperature at the exit point, wherein an average of the second cooling rate is lower than an average of the first cooling rate and an average of the third cooling rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a glass ribbon including an edge roll assembly that contacts the glass ribbon with a force that is dynamically altered by an actuator electrically coupled to a sensor that measures the force applied against the ribbon. Dynamic, or real-time, variation of the edge roll force minimizes stress variability in the glass ribbon and improves ribbon shape control.

Abstract: A fusion down-draw method for making a glass sheet using a forming body comprising an upper part (101) made of a first material and a lower part (103) made of a second material, where the first material has lower creep rate than the second material at the normal operating temperature of the forming body, and an fusion down-draw forming apparatus comprising such forming body. The invention is advantageous in that it solves the issues of internal stress and long-term creep issue of a unitary forming body made of a single material such as zircon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a glass sheet using a fusion down-draw process, wherein the heating powers of the heating elements are managed such that in case of a failure of one heating element, the heating power of the adjacent heating element is immediately increased. The method decreases the thermal stress the forming body is exposed to due to the failure of the heating element.

Abstract: Glass manufacturing apparatuses with particulate removal devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fusion draw machine for forming a glass web from molten glass includes an enclosure and a first pull roll and a second pull roll rotatably positioned in an interior of an enclosure. The first pull roll and the second pull roll cooperate to draw a glass web in a draw direction. A particulate removal device for removing particulate matter from the interior of the enclosure is fluidly coupled to the enclosure and includes a vacuum nozzle disposed in the interior of the enclosure and fluidly coupled to a vacuum source with a vacuum line. A particulate filter is fluidly coupled to the vacuum nozzle and the vacuum source and traps particulate matter exhausted from the interior of the enclosure through the vacuum nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing glass ribbon includes a control device configured at least periodic thermal stress compensation of the glass ribbon by independently adjusting operation of a plurality of temperature adjustment elements based on stress characteristic information at least periodically obtained from a stress sensor apparatus. In further examples, methods of producing glass include at least periodically sensing a stress characteristic of a glass ribbon and at least periodically changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon based stress characteristic information. In further examples, methods include the step of changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon only if a measured parameter is within an operating range associated with the parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass sheet, the method including: running down molten glass along both side surfaces of a molded body arranged inside a molding chamber; joining and integrating the molten glass just under a lower edge part of the molded body; and drawing downward an integrated sheet-shaped glass ribbon out of an opening of the molding chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of separating a glass sheet from a moving glass ribbon, wherein the glass ribbon comprises thickened bead portions. The method comprises weakening the bead portions of the ribbon using laser-initiated ablation at the bead portions to overcome the potential for uncontrolled cracking through the bead portion.

Abstract: A method of cooling a glass ribbon formed using a fusion draw process. The method includes forming a glass ribbon using the fusion draw process. The glass ribbon, once formed, passes vertically through a glass transition temperature region. The glass ribbon is directed through a protective plenum at least partially located in a bottom of the draw region. A gas is directed into the protective plenum and vertically along a broad surface of the glass ribbon. The gas is directed out of the protective plenum through at least one outlet slot formed through a sidewall of the protective plenum at no less than about 100 Nm3/h.