Method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit in fluid communication with a delivery chamber and an inlet of a forming device. The conduit includes a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes an outer shell surrounding the conduit and extending along a length of the conduit. The outer shell includes a refractory material in contact with the conduit such that an inner surface of the outer shell substantially matches a shape of an outer surface of the sidewall. Methods of manufacturing a glass ribbon are provided.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 369529, filed July 27, 2022, pursuant to 35 U.SC §119, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing glass ribbons, and more specifically to methods for manufacturing glass ribbons using a shell surrounding a conduit. Background Technology

[0004] The manufacture of glass ribbons using forming apparatus is known. Conventional forming apparatuses consist of conduits through which molten material flows. During operation, these conduits may be exposed to high temperatures and stresses. Over time, leaks may occur in the conduits due to these temperature and stress conditions. Repairing these conduits is both time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, leaks in the conduits, even before maintenance is performed, can negatively impact the quality of the glass ribbon. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described in the detailed description.

[0006] There are several methods for manufacturing glass using conduits. Molten material flows through the channels of the conduit. The conduit can be encased in a shell to reduce stress on it. Biasing devices facilitate the thermal expansion and contraction of the conduit. For example, the conduit can be heated before the molten material flows within it, which can cause it to expand or contract. Biasing devices allow expansion or contraction in the longitudinal and / or radial directions.

[0007] In several aspects, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of a conveying chamber and a forming device. The conduit includes enclosed sidewalls surrounding a channel extending along the flow direction of the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a housing surrounding the conduit and extending along its length. The housing includes a refractory material in contact with the conduit, such that the inner surface of the housing substantially matches the shape of the outer surface of the sidewalls.

[0008] In several aspects, the glass manufacturing equipment also includes an insulating layer that surrounds the housing and is spaced apart from the conduit to form a gap. The housing is located within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

[0009] In several aspects, the conduit includes: a first segment having a first diameter, a second segment having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition segment connecting the first and second segments. A housing contacts the first segment, the second segment, and the transition segment.

[0010] In aspects, the transition segment forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees relative to the first segment.

[0011] In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus further comprises a biasing device attached to the enclosure. The biasing device is adjustable relative to the enclosure to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a lengthwise direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction.

[0012] In aspects, the biasing device comprises a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction. The first spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in the lengthwise direction.

[0013] In aspects, the biasing device comprises a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The second spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

[0014] In aspects, a glass manufacturing apparatus comprises a conduit in fluid communication with a delivery chamber and an inlet of a forming device. The conduit comprises a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus comprises an enclosure surrounding the conduit and extending along a length of the conduit. The enclosure comprises a refractory material in contact with the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus comprises a biasing device attached to the enclosure. The biasing device is adjustable relative to the enclosure to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a lengthwise direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction.

[0015] In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus further comprises an insulating layer surrounding the enclosure and spaced a distance from the conduit to form a gap. The enclosure is located within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

[0016] In aspects, the conduit comprises a first segment comprising a first diameter, a second segment comprising a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a transition segment connecting the first segment and the second segment. The enclosure is in contact with the first segment, the second segment, and the transition segment.

[0017] In aspects, the transition segment forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees relative to the first segment.

[0018] In aspects, the biasing device comprises a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction. The first spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in the lengthwise direction.

[0019] In aspects, the biasing device comprises a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The second spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

[0020] In aspects, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes flowing a molten material within a channel of a conduit in a flow direction of the conduit. The method includes surrounding the conduit with a shell such that the shell contacts the conduit and reduces stress on the conduit. The method includes accommodating a dimensional change of the conduit due to a temperature change when the molten material is flowing within the channel.

[0021] In aspects, surrounding the conduit with a shell includes delivering a suspension material in a gap surrounding the conduit and solidifying the suspension material to form the shell.

[0022] In aspects, accommodating the dimensional change includes accommodating thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a length direction substantially parallel to the flow direction.

[0023] In aspects, accommodating the dimensional change includes accommodating thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the conduit.

[0024] Additional features and advantages of the aspects disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure, or realized through practice of the aspects described herein, including the detailed description and appended claims. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are presented for the purpose of providing an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the aspects disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the aspects and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with respect to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary aspect of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present application is schematically illustrated;

[0027] Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present application is shown along line 2-2 of Figure 1

[0028] Figure 3 A side view of a glass manufacturing apparatus including a conduit according to aspects of the present application is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A side view of a conduit according to aspects of the present application at a focal region 4 of Figure 3

[0030] Figure 5 ​​A side view of a portion of a catheter and housing is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0031] Figure 6 A side view of a biasing device is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0032] Figure 7 A side view of a biasing device is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application;

[0033] Figure 8 A top down view of a biasing device is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application; and

[0034] Figure 9 A top down view of a biasing device is shown in accordance with aspects of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Aspects will now be described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. The present application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein.

[0036] The term "about" as used herein means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, and need not be, exact, but can be approximated and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and other factors and

[0037] Ranges can be expressed here as from "about" one value, and / or to "about" another value. When such a range is recited, aspects include from the one value and / or to the other value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant, and that the

[0038] Directional terms as used herein - such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, etc. - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and not intended to imply absolute directions.

[0039] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method described herein is intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order, nor requiring any particular orientation when using any device. Therefore, method claims do not actually list the order in which steps are to be followed, or any device claim does not actually list the order or orientation of individual elements, or unless specifically stated in the claims or description that steps are restricted to a particular order, or a particular order or orientation of the device's elements is listed, nor is any inference made of order or orientation. This applies to any possible non-expressive basis of interpretation, including logical questions relating to the arrangement of steps, the flow of operations, the order of elements, or the orientation of elements; simple meanings derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of multiple aspects described in the specification.

[0040] As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural references unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to the element “a” includes aspects having two or more such elements unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0041] The terms “exemplary,” “example,” or their various forms are used herein to mean as an example, instance, or illustration. No aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “example” should be construed as superior or better than other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided for clarity and understanding purposes only and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant parts of the invention in any way. It is understood that numerous additional or alternative examples of varying scope may have been proposed, but have been omitted for brevity.

[0042] The terms “including” and “contains” and their variations, as used herein, should be interpreted as synonymous and open-ended, unless otherwise stated. The list of elements following the transitional terms “includes” or “contains” is a non-exclusive list, and therefore may include elements other than those specifically listed in the list.

[0043] The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and their variations, as used herein, are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, a “substantially flat” surface is intended to mean a plane or approximately plane surface. Furthermore, “substantially” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. The term “substantially” can mean values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, for example, within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0044] Modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless otherwise indicated, "first," "second," or like designations herein do not necessarily imply time, spatial, quantitative, or the like aspects, but are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to A end and B end, respectively, or two different ends.

[0045] The present disclosure relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus and method for producing a glass ribbon. A method and apparatus for producing a glass ribbon from a glass material will now be described by way of example aspects. As Figure 1 As schematically shown in the center, in aspects, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 and a forming device 101 designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 from a quantity of molten material 121. The glass ribbon 103 can include a central portion 152 positioned between opposing edge portions (e.g., edge beads) formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103, where the thickness of the edge portions can be greater than the thickness of the central portion. Additionally, in aspects, a separate glass ribbon 104 can be separated from the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (e.g., a scribe, a scoring wheel, a diamond point, a laser, etc.).

[0046] In aspects, the glass melting and delivery device 102 can include a melting vessel 105 positioned to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch material delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. In aspects, an optional controller 115 can be operated to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide molten material 121. In aspects, a molten probe 119 can be used to measure the height of the molten material 121 within a standpipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 via a communication line 125.

[0047] Further, in aspects, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a first conditioning station including a fining vessel 127 positioned downstream from the melting vessel 105 and connected to the melting vessel 105 by a first connecting conduit 129. In aspects, the molten material 121 can be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127 through the first connecting conduit 129. For example, in aspects, gravity can drive the molten material 121 through an internal passage of the first connecting conduit 129 from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127. Additionally, in aspects, gas bubbles can be removed from the molten material 121 within the fining vessel 127 by various techniques.

[0048] In aspects, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can further include a second conditioning station including a mixing chamber 131 that can be positioned downstream of the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a uniform composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating heterogeneities that can otherwise exist within the molten material 121 flowing out of the fining vessel 127. As shown, the fining vessel 127 can be connected to the mixing chamber 131 by a second connecting conduit 135. In aspects, the molten material 121 can be delivered from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connecting conduit 135 by gravity. For example, in aspects, gravity can drive the molten material 121 through an internal passage of the second connecting conduit 135 from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0049] Further, in aspects, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a third conditioning station including a delivery chamber 133 that can be positioned downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In aspects, the delivery chamber 133 can condition the molten material 121 to be delivered to the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery chamber 133 can act as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of the molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the delivery chamber 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In aspects, the molten material 121 can be delivered from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery chamber 133 through the third connecting conduit 137 by gravity. For example, in aspects, gravity can drive the molten material 121 through an internal passage of the third connecting conduit 137 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery chamber 133. As further explained, in aspects, the conduit 139 can be positioned to deliver the molten material 121 to the forming apparatus 101, such as the inlet conduit 141 of the forming apparatus 101. The forming apparatus 101 can include a trough (e.g., a trough 201 as shown in FIG. 1), which extends along a trough axis 140 between an inlet end 142 of the forming apparatus 101 and an opposite end 143 opposite the inlet end 142. The inlet end 142 is the end of the trough 201 proximate to the inlet conduit 141 that receives the molten material 121. The opposite end 143 is the end furthest from the inlet conduit 141. Figure 2 Further, in aspects, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a third conditioning station including a delivery chamber 133 that can be positioned downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In aspects, the delivery chamber 133 can condition the molten material 121 to be delivered to the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery chamber 133 can act as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of the molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the delivery chamber 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In aspects, the molten material 121 can be delivered from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery chamber 133 through the third connecting conduit 137 by gravity. For example, in aspects, gravity can drive the molten material 121 through an internal passage of the third connecting conduit 137 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery chamber 133. As further explained, in aspects, the conduit 139 can be positioned to deliver the molten material 121 to the forming apparatus 101, such as the inlet conduit 141 of the forming apparatus 101. The forming apparatus 101 can include a trough (e.g., a trough 201 as shown in FIG. 1), which extends along a trough axis 140 between an inlet end 142 of the forming apparatus 101 and an opposite end 143 opposite the inlet end 142. The inlet end 142 is the end of the trough 201 proximate to the inlet conduit 141 that receives the molten material 121. The opposite end 143 is the end furthest from the inlet conduit 141.

[0050] As an illustration, the forming apparatus 101 shown and disclosed below can be provided to fuse draw molten material 121 from a bottom edge of the forming wedge 209 (defined as a root 145) to produce a glass ribbon 103. For example, in aspects, the molten material 121 can be delivered from an inlet conduit 141 to the forming apparatus 101. The molten material 121 can then be formed into the glass ribbon 103 based in part on the structure of the forming apparatus 101. For example, as shown, the molten material 121 can be drawn from the bottom edge (e.g., root 145) of the forming apparatus 101 along a draw path extending in a travel direction 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In aspects, edge directors 163, 164 can direct the molten material 121 away from the forming apparatus 101 and partially define a width 108 of the glass ribbon 103. In aspects, the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103 extends between a first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0051] In aspects, the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103 extending between the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 can be greater than or equal to about 20 millimeters (mm), for example, greater than or equal to about 50 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 100 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 500 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 2000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 3000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 4000 mm, although other widths less than or greater than the above widths can be provided in aspects. For example, in aspects, the width 108 can be in a range from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in a range from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in a range from about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in a range from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in a range from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in a range from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in a range from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in a range from about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0052] Figure 2 The forming apparatus 101 is shown along Figure 1A perspective view of a cross-section along line 2-2. In several aspects, the forming device 101 may include a groove 201 positioned to receive molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, and for clarity, from... Figure 2 The shading lines of the molten material 121 have been removed. The forming device 101 includes a pair of weirs 203, 204 that define an opening 224 in the groove 201. The forming device 101 includes a bottom surface 225, which may be substantially planar and may extend at least partially between the inlet end 142 and the opposite end 143 (e.g., as shown). Figure 1 (As shown). The bottom surface 225 may at least partially define the groove 201; for example, the bottom surface 225 extends along the bottom of the groove 201, and a pair of weirs 203, 204 extend along opposite sides of the groove 201. The forming apparatus 101 may also include a forming wedge 209, which includes a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 extending between opposite ends of the forming wedge 209. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 may converge along the travel direction 154 to intersect along the root 145 of the forming apparatus 101 (e.g., the bottom edge of the forming wedge 209, where the converging surface portions 207, 208 meet). The stretching plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may extend along the travel direction 154 through the root 145. In several aspects, the glass strip 103 may be stretched along the stretching plane 213 in the travel direction 154. As shown, the stretching plane 213 can bisect the forming wedge 209 at the root 145, but in several aspects, the stretching plane 213 can extend in other directions relative to the root 145. In several aspects, the glass strip 103 can move along a travel path 221 that is coplanar with the stretching plane 213 in the travel direction 154.

[0053] Additionally, molten material 121 can flow into and along the groove 201 of the forming device 101 in the flow direction 156. Then, molten material 121 can overflow from the groove 201 through the opening 224 by flowing over the corresponding weirs 203, 204, and flow downwards over the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204. The respective liquid flows of molten material 121 can then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 and be drawn out from the root 145 of the forming device 101, where the flow converges and fuses into the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 can then be stretched along the travel direction 154. In several aspects, the glass ribbon 103 includes one or more material states based on the vertical position of the glass ribbon 103 (i.e., the distance from the root 145). For example, in a first position, the glass ribbon 103 may include a viscous molten material 121, while in a second position, the glass ribbon 103 may include an amorphous solid in a glassy state (e.g., a glass ribbon).

[0054] The glass ribbon 103 includes a first major surface 215 and a second major surface 216 facing in opposite directions, and defines a thickness 212 (e.g., an average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103 therebetween. In aspects, the thickness 212 of the glass ribbon 103 can be less than or equal to about 2 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to about 1 mm, less than or equal to about 0.5 mm, for example, less than or equal to about 300 micrometers (pm), less than or equal to about 200 pm, or less than or equal to about 100 pm, although other thicknesses can be provided in further aspects. For example, in aspects, the thickness 212 of the glass ribbon 103 can be in a range from about 20 pm to about 200 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 750 pm, in a range from about 100 pm to about 700 pm, in a range from about 200 pm to about 600 pm, in a range from about 300 pm to about 500 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 500 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 700 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 600 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 500 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 400 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 300 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 200 pm, in a range from about 50 pm to about 100 pm, in a range from about 25 pm to about 125 pm, including all ranges and sub-ranges of thickness therebetween. Further, the glass ribbon 103 can include one or more of a soda lime glass, a borosilicate glass, an alumina-borosilicate glass, an alkali-containing glass, an alkali-free glass, an aluminosilicate, a borosilicate, a boroaluminosilicate, a silicate, a glass-ceramic, or other glass- comprising material. In aspects, the glass ribbon 103 can include one or more of lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), barium fluoride (BaF2), sapphire (AI2O3), zinc selenide (ZnSe), germanium (Ge), or other materials.

[0055] In aspects, the glass separator 149 (see Figure 1 ) can separate the glass ribbon 104 from the glass ribbon 103 along the separation path 151 to provide a plurality of separated glass ribbons 104 (i.e., a plurality of glass sheets). In aspects, the longer portions of the glass ribbon 104 can be wound onto a storage roll. The separated glass ribbons can then be processed into a desired application, for example, a display application. For example, the separated glass ribbons can be used in a wide range of display and non-display applications, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLED), plasma display panels (PDP), micro LED displays, mini LED displays, organic light emitting diode lighting, light emitting diode lighting, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), touch sensors, photovoltaics, foldable phones, or other applications.

[0056] Figure 3 A side view of the conduit 139 attached to the delivery chamber 133 is shown. The conduit 139 may be located between the delivery chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 As shown, the conduit 139 allows molten material 121 to be conveyed from the delivery chamber 133 to the inlet conduit 141. Thus, the conduit 139 is in fluid communication with both the delivery chamber 133 of the forming apparatus 101 and the inlet (e.g., inlet conduit 141) of the forming apparatus 101. The conduit 139 is substantially hollow and includes a closed sidewall 301 surrounding a channel 303 extending in a flow direction 305 of the conduit 139. Molten material 121 can flow along the flow direction 305 through the channel 303 to the inlet conduit 141. In several respects, the conduit 139 can extend substantially vertically between the delivery chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141, such that the flow direction 305 is in the direction of gravity. For example, the conduit 139 can extend along an axis, wherein the axis is in the direction of gravity.

[0057] In several aspects, the enclosed sidewall 301 may have no openings (e.g., gaps, voids, spaces, etc.) between the delivery chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141. For example, because it is enclosed and has no openings, the enclosed sidewall 301 cannot define a free path between the interior and exterior of the conduit 139. Thus, the enclosed sidewall 301 can surround the channel 303 while restricting air or unwanted contaminants from entering the channel 303 through the enclosed sidewall 301. The enclosed sidewall 301 may comprise, for example, a metallic material (e.g., platinum). In several aspects, the conduit 139 may be connected to the delivery chamber 133 such that the enclosed sidewall 301 can be continuous from the delivery chamber 133 to the inlet conduit 141 to define a closed atmosphere from the delivery chamber 133, through the conduit 139, and to the inlet conduit 141. For example, the conduit 139 may be connected to the delivery chamber 133, as if by connecting the enclosed sidewall 301 to the outlet of the delivery chamber 133. Thus, between the interior (e.g., the interior of the outlet of the delivery chamber 133 and the conduit 139 connected to the outlet of the delivery chamber 133) and the exterior through which the molten material 121 flows, the outlet of the delivery chamber 133 and the conduit 139 connected to the outlet of the delivery chamber 133 may be without openings (e.g., voids, gaps, spaces, etc.).

[0058] Figure 4 It shows in Figure 3a side view of the conduit 139 as observed at the focal region 4. The conduit 139 can include a non-constant cross-sectional dimension in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction 305 between the delivery chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141. For example, the cross-sectional dimension of the conduit 139 can be measured in a direction orthogonal to an axis along which the conduit 139 extends. In aspects, the conduit 139 can include a circular shape, in which case the cross-sectional dimension of the passage 303 can include a diameter. For example, the conduit 139 can include a first segment 401 including a first diameter 403 and a second segment 407 including a second diameter 409 that is less than the first diameter 403. In aspects, the second segment 407 can be located downstream of the first segment 401 with respect to the flow direction 305, such that the conduit 139 decreases in diameter along the flow direction 305. In aspects, the conduit 139 can include a transition segment 411 connecting the first segment 401 and the second segment 407. The transition segment 411 can include a decreasing diameter from the first segment 401 to the second segment 407, where the transition segment 411 includes the first diameter 403 at the first segment 401 and the second diameter 409 at the second segment 407. As such, the transition segment 411 can form an angle 415 with respect to the first segment 401, for example, defined between an axis 417 along which the first segment 401 extends and the transition segment 411. In aspects, the angle 415 can be greater than about 5 degrees.

[0059] The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a shell 423 that surrounds the conduit 139 and extends along a length of the conduit 139. In aspects, the shell 423 can include a refractory material that is in contact with the conduit 139, such that an inner surface 425 of the shell 423 substantially matches a shape of an outer surface 427 of the sidewall 301. For example, by extending along the length of the conduit 139, the shell 423 can be in contact with the conduit 139 at a top of the conduit 139 (e.g., at a location where the conduit 139 is attached to the delivery chamber 133) to a location below the transition segment 411. As such, the shell 423 can be in contact with the first segment 401, the second segment 407, and the transition segment 411. By surrounding the conduit 139, the shell 423 can extend in a circumferential direction around the outer surface 427, such that the shell 423 surrounds the conduit 139 (e.g., when the conduit 139 includes a circular cross-sectional shape).

[0060] In aspects, the inner surface 425 of the enclosure 423 can conform to or have the same shape as the outer surface 427 by substantially matching the shape of the outer surface 427. In aspects, the conduit 139 can be shaped by attaching (e.g., welding, bonding, etc.) multiple segments together, for example, metal segments. As a result of the shaping process, the conduit 139 can include one or more weld seams 431, which are uneven surfaces that define where two segments are attached (e.g., by welding). Thus, the outer surface 427 can not be perfectly smooth at all locations, but, instead, can include uneven portions at the weld seams 431 that define a non-constant diameter with peaks, valleys, fluctuations, etc. As shown, the enclosure 423 provides a number of benefits, one of which is that the enclosure 423 can be formed to substantially match the shape of the outer surface 427 at the weld seams 431. Figure 5

[0061] In aspects, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include an insulating layer 435 that surrounds the enclosure 423. The insulating layer 435 is spaced apart from the conduit 139 to form a gap 437 between the insulating layer 435 and the conduit 139. In aspects, the gap 437 can include a radial thickness (e.g., the distance separating the insulating layer 435 from the conduit 139) in a range from about 4.7 millimeters (mm) to about 25 mm. In aspects, the insulating layer 435 can include one or more bricks that include a heat- insulating or refractory material. In aspects, a metal winding can be located on an inner surface of the insulating layer 435, the metal winding configured to conduct electrical current and generate heat. By surrounding the enclosure 423, the insulating layer 435 can extend in a circumferential direction around the enclosure 423.

[0062] The enclosure 423 can be located within the gap 437 and can be in contact with the insulating layer 435 at an outer radial surface and in contact with the conduit 139 at an inner radial surface (e.g., at the inner surface 425). Figure 5 ​A side view of the conduit 139 is shown, with the enclosure 423 formed within the gap 437. Initially, for example, the gap 437 can be empty and free of material, such that a hollow passageway is formed around the conduit 139 between the conduit 139 and the insulating layer 435. The method of manufacturing the glass ribbon 103 can include surrounding the conduit 139 with the enclosure 423, such that the enclosure 423 contacts and reduces stress on the conduit 139. In aspects, surrounding the conduit 139 with the enclosure 423 can include delivering a suspension material 501 in the gap 437 around the conduit 139 and solidifying the suspension material 501 to form the enclosure 423. The suspension material 501 can include a semi-liquid suspension (e.g., or semi-liquid material) including, for example, a mixture of aluminum oxide (e.g., in solid form) and water (e.g., in liquid form). In aspects, the suspension material 501 (e.g., and thus the enclosure 423) can include an alumina-based casting material, such as, for example, 95% alumina with a phosphate component. In aspects, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the enclosure 423 can substantially match the coefficient of thermal expansion of the conduit 139. The suspension material 501 can be delivered to the gap 437, for example, by pouring the suspension material 501 into the gap 437. In aspects, the gap 437 can initially not be completely filled with the suspension material 501, but rather a portion (e.g., less than all) of the gap 437 can be filled with the suspension material 501. For example, the suspension material 501 can initially contact the second section 407 of the conduit 139 and a lower portion of the transition section 411. An upper portion of the first section 401 and the transition section 411 can not be covered by and in contact with the suspension material 501.

[0063] After the suspension material 501 is delivered to the gap 437, the suspension material 501 can be solidified, causing the suspension material 501 to harden (e.g., become solid) and form a first portion 503 of the enclosure 423. In aspects, the suspension material 501 can be solidified in several ways, for example, by heating the suspension material 501 and / or by allowing the suspension material 501 to solidify over a period of time. After the suspension material 501 is solidified to form the first portion 503 of the enclosure 423, additional suspension material 501 can be delivered to the gap 437 above the first portion 503, and the additional suspension material 501 is solidified to form an additional portion of the enclosure 423. In this way, the enclosure 423 can be formed in stages within the gap 437, with the suspension material 501 being delivered and solidified to form multiple portions that together form the enclosure 423.

[0064] It is beneficial to transport the suspended material 501 to the gap 437 because the shape of the suspended material substantially matches the outer surface 427 of the conduit 139. For example, the suspended material 501 can conform to the shape of the outer surface 427 as the suspended material 501 is transported to the gap 437. In aspects, the outer surface 427 can include one or more welds 431 that represent a non-smooth surface. Because the suspended material 501 is initially transported in a non-solid and non-rigid state, the suspended material 501 can conform and match the shape around the smooth portions of the outer shell 423 (e.g., away from the welds 431) and the non-smooth portions of the outer shell 423 (e.g., at the welds 431). Further, the first section 401 and / or the second section 407 can include a non-constant diameter, for example, as a result of the manufacturing process, which can be within about + / - 5% of the average diameter of the first section 401 and / or the second section 407. The suspended material 501 can match the shape of the first section 401 and the second section 407 regardless of the dimensional variations that result from the manufacturing process.

[0065] Figure 6 A side view of a portion of the outer shell 423 is shown. In aspects, the outer shell 423 can include a biasing device 601 (e.g., represented by a dashed line as being housed within the outer shell 423) that can accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139. For example, the biasing device 601 can include one or more support structures that can be in contact with and can partially or completely surround the outer shell 423. In aspects, the one or more support structures can include a first support structure 603, a second support structure 605, and a third support structure 607. The support structures 603, 605, 607 can be attached to the outer surface of the outer shell 423 at a location at or below the transition section 411. For example, the first support structure 603 can be attached to the outer shell 423 at a location at or below the transition section 411 with respect to the flow direction 305. The second support structure 605 can be attached to the outer shell 423 at a location downstream of the first support structure 603 with respect to the flow direction 305, and at a location below the transition section 411 (e.g., in contact with the second section 407). The third support structure 607 can be attached to the outer shell 423 at a location downstream of the second support structure 605 with respect to the flow direction 305, and at a location below the transition section 411 (e.g., in contact with the second section 407).

[0066] In aspects, the support structures 603, 605, 607 can comprise a metallic material and can be attached to the outer shell 423 such that relative movement between the outer shell and the support structures 603, 605, 607 is limited. The support structures 603, 605, 607 can be attached to the outer shell 423 in a variety of ways, such as with mechanical fasteners, integral formation, adhesives, or welding, among others. In aspects, the support structures 603, 605, 607 can form a hollow frame in which the outer shell 423 is received, and the support structures 603, 605, 607 can provide a compressive force to the outer shell 423 such that the support structures 603, 605, 607 can be attached to the outer shell 423 by surrounding and compressing the outer shell 423. In this manner, the first support structure 603 can surround and enclose the outer shell 423 along the catheter 139 at a first axial location, the second support structure 605 can surround and enclose the outer shell 423 along the catheter 139 at a second axial location downstream from the first axial location, and the third support structure 607 can surround and enclose the outer shell 423 along the catheter 139 at a third axial location downstream from the second axial location. In aspects, the first support structure 603 can be spaced apart from and not attached to the second support structure 605, and the second support structure 605 can be spaced apart from and not attached to the third support structure 607.

[0067] In aspects, the biasing device 601 can comprise a base 609 attached to the bottom end of the outer shell 423 and the third support structure 607. The base 609 can be substantially planar such that the bottom end of the outer shell 423 (e.g., and the catheter 139) can be in contact with and positioned above the base 609. The base 609 can be attached to the third support structure 607 in a variety of ways, such as with mechanical fasteners, integral formation, adhesives, or welding, among others. In aspects, the base 609 can comprise an opening through which the catheter 139 can extend.

[0068] The biasing device 601 can include one or more springs that can be attached to the support structures 603, 605, 607 to facilitate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139. For example, the one or more springs can include a first spring 615, a second spring 617, a third spring 619, and a fourth spring 621. The springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can include an elastic object that can store mechanical energy. In aspects, the springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can include several types of springs, such as, for example, a coil spring (e.g., a metal or elastic material having a helical shape that can expand when a load is applied and can return to a natural length when unloaded), a gas spring (e.g., a closed cylinder containing compressed gas with a moving piston that stores potential energy), and the like. The first spring 615 can be attached to the first support structure 603 and the second support structure 605. In aspects, the second spring 617 can be located on an opposite side of the housing 423 from the first spring 615 (e.g., offset by about 180 degrees from the first spring 615), the second spring 617 attached to the first support structure 603 and the second support structure 605. In this manner, the first spring 615 and the second spring 617 can be located at substantially the same location along the axis 612 of the conduit 139 on opposite sides of the housing 423. The first spring 615 and the second spring 617 can be attached to the first support structure 603 and the second support structure 605 by a variety of means, such as, for example, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, and the like.

[0069] The third spring 619 can be located downstream of the first spring 615 with respect to the flow direction 305, and the fourth spring 621 can be located downstream of the second spring 617 with respect to the flow direction 305. In aspects, the third spring 619 can be attached to the second support structure 605 and the third support structure 607. In aspects, the fourth spring 621 can be located on an opposite side of the housing 423 from the third spring 619 (e.g., offset by about 180 degrees from the third spring 619), the fourth spring 621 attached to the second support structure 605 and the third support structure 607. In this manner, the third spring 619 and the fourth spring 621 can be located at substantially the same location along the axis 612 on opposite sides of the housing 423. The third spring 619 and the fourth spring 621 can be attached to the second support structure 605 and the third support structure 607 by a variety of means, such as, for example, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, and the like.

[0070] The first spring 615 can extend along a first spring axis 631 that is substantially parallel to the length direction 633 along which the conduit 139 extends. The third spring 619 can extend along the first spring axis 631. In aspects, the second spring 617 can extend along a second spring axis 635 that is substantially parallel to the length direction 633. The fourth spring 621 can extend along the second spring axis 635. The first spring 615 and the second spring 617 can accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139 in the length direction 633. For example, with reference to Figure 6-7 Prior to heating of the conduit 139, the conduit 139 can include a first length 639 between a bottom of the transition section 411 (e.g., at the intersection of the transition section 411 and the second section 407) and a bottom of the conduit 139. The conduit 139 can be heated prior to the molten material 121 flowing within the channel 303. Upon heating, the conduit 139 can undergo thermal expansion such that the conduit 139 can include a second length 641 between the bottom of the transition section 411 and the bottom of the conduit 139, the second length 641 being greater than the first length. Due to the thermal expansion of the conduit 139, the outer shell 423 can likewise expand in the length direction 633.

[0071] In aspects, to accommodate thermal expansion of the conduit 139 and the outer shell 423, the springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can expand in the length direction 633. For example, as the conduit 139 and the outer shell 423 expand in the length direction 633, the first spring 615 and the second spring 617 can likewise expand, allowing the second support structure 605 to move downward and away from the first support structure 603 in the length direction 633. Further, in aspects, as the conduit 139 and the outer shell 423 expand in the length direction 633, the third spring 619 and the fourth spring 621 can likewise expand, allowing the third support structure 607 to move downward and away from the second support structure 605 in the length direction 633. In this way, the base 609 can move downward such that the conduit 139 can expand from the first length 639 to the second length 641. The expanded second length 641 of the conduit 139 and the outer shell 423 is represented in dashed line in Figure 7 The springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can bias the support structures 603, 605, 607 to the first length 639 such that, upon cooling of the conduit 139 and the outer shell 423, the conduit 139 and the outer shell 423 can thermally contract in the length direction 633 such that the conduit 139 can return to the first length 639.

[0072] Accordingly, biasing device 601, including support structures 603, 605, 607, base 609, and springs 615, 617, 619, 621, can be attached to housing 423 and can be adjustable relative to housing 423 to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of conduit 139 in a lengthwise direction 633 that is substantially parallel to flow direction 305. By being adjustable relative to housing 423, biasing device 601 can allow conduit 139 and housing 423 to move (e.g., due to thermal expansion and contraction) in lengthwise direction 633 while remaining attached to housing 423. Biasing device 601 can support the bottom of conduit 139 and housing 423 with base 609 while allowing base 609 to move downward when thermal expansion occurs. In this way, the method can include accommodating changes in size of conduit 139 due to changes in temperature when heating conduit 139 (e.g., prior to flowing molten material 121 within passage 303). The changes in size can include changes in length of conduit 139. In this way, accommodating changes in size can include accommodating thermal expansion or thermal contraction of conduit 139 in a lengthwise direction 633 that is substantially parallel to flow direction 305.

[0073] Figure 8 A top-down view of housing 423 is shown. In aspects, biasing device 601 can accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of conduit 139 in a radial direction 801 that is substantially perpendicular to lengthwise direction 633 (e.g., in and out of the page direction). For example, biasing device 601 can include one or more support structures that can be in contact with and can partially or completely encircle housing 423. In aspects, the one or more support structures can include a first support structure 803 and a second support structure 805. Support structures 803, 805 can be attached to an outer surface of housing 423 at or below transition section 411. For example, in aspects, support structures 803, 805 can be attached to housing 423 at a location below transition section 411 (e.g., in contact with second portion 407).

[0074] In aspects, the support structures 803, 805 can comprise a metallic material and can be attached to the housing 423 such that relative motion between the housing and the support structures 803, 805 is limited. In aspects, the support structures 803, 805 can be attached to the housing 423 in a number of ways, such as with mechanical fasteners, integrally formed, adhesives, or welding, among others. The support structures 803, 805 can comprise a shape that substantially matches the shape of the outer surface of the housing 423, such as a circular shape. Thus, the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805 can sandwich the housing 423 (e.g., the housing 423 is positioned between the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805) and, in certain aspects, provide a compressive force to the housing 423. In aspects, the first support structure 803 can be spaced apart from the second support structure 805.

[0075] In aspects, the biasing device 601 can comprise one or more springs that can be attached to the support structures 803, 805 to facilitate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801. For example, the one or more springs can comprise a first spring 807 and a second spring 809. The springs 807, 809 can comprise an elastic object that can store mechanical energy. In aspects, the springs 807, 809 can comprise several types of springs, such as a coil spring (e.g., a metal or elastic material having a coil shape that can expand when a load is applied and return to a natural length when unloaded), a gas spring (e.g., a closed cylinder comprising compressed gas with a moving piston that stores potential energy), among others. The first spring 807 can be attached to a first end of the first support structure 803 and a first end of the second support structure 805, the first ends of the support structures 803, 805 being adjacent to each other. In aspects, a first gap 811 can exist between the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805. The second spring 809 can be attached to a second end of the first support structure 803 and a second end of the second support structure 805, the second ends of the support structures 803, 805 being adjacent to each other. In aspects, a second gap 813 can exist between the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805. The first spring 807 can be positioned on an opposite side of the housing 423 from the second spring 809 (e.g., approximately 180 degrees offset from the first spring 807). The springs 807, 809 can be attached to the support structures 803, 805 in several ways, such as with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, among others.

[0076] Reference is made to Figure 8-9, the first spring 807 and the second spring 809 can accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801. For example, prior to the conduit 139 being heated, the conduit 139 can include a first diameter 901. Due to the molten material 121 flowing within the channel 303, the conduit 139 can be heated. Upon heating, the conduit 139 can experience thermal expansion such that the conduit 139 can include a second diameter 903, the second length 641 being greater than the first length. The expanded circumference 905 of the conduit 139 and the expanded circumference 907 of the housing 423 are represented in dashed lines in Figure 9 . Due to the thermal expansion of the conduit 139, the housing 423 can likewise expand in the radial direction 801. In aspects, to accommodate the thermal expansion of the conduit 139 and the housing 423, the springs 807, 809 can expand in the radial direction 801. For example, as the conduit 139 and the housing 423 expand along the radial direction 801 (e.g., using thermal expansion represented in dashed lines in Figure 9 , the first spring 807 and the second spring 809 can likewise expand, allowing the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805 to move apart. As such, the first gap 811 and the second gap 813 can increase in size. The springs 807, 809 can bias the support structures 803, 805 to return to the first diameter 901 such that, upon the conduit 139 and the housing 423 cooling, the conduit 139 and the housing 423 can thermally contract in the radial direction 801 such that the conduit 139 can return to the first diameter 901.

[0077] Accordingly, the biasing device 601 including the support structures 803, 805 and the springs 807, 809 can be attached to the housing 423 and can be adjustable relative to the housing 423 to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801, which is substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction 633. By being adjustable relative to the housing 423, the biasing device 601 can allow the conduit 139 and the housing 423 to move in the radial direction 801 (e.g., due to thermal expansion and contraction) while remaining attached to the housing 423. As such, when the molten material 121 is flowing within the channel 303, the method can include accommodating a change in size of the conduit 139 due to a change in temperature. The change in size can include a change in diameter of the conduit 139. As such, accommodating the change in size can include accommodating thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801.

[0078] The shell 423 and biasing device 601 can provide several benefits. For example, during operation, as the molten material 121 flows through the conduit 139, the conduit 139 can experience stresses and resistances that can cause the strain rate to increase and rupture at high temperatures. In particular, over time, high strain can cause the conduit to stretch and thin in localized areas, leading to cracks, for example, at the welds. By surrounding the conduit 139 with the shell 423, these stresses on the conduit 139 can be reduced. For example, the conduit 139 can include an alloy of platinum and rhodium (e.g., 90% platinum and 10% rhodium, or 80% platinum and 20% rhodium). The shell 423 can include a layer of investment material around the conduit 139 that provides additional support by strengthening and / or providing structural support, which can reduce localized stresses by spreading the stresses over a larger area. In this way, the shell 423 can reduce the stresses in the axial and radial directions, thereby reducing the likelihood of creep (e.g., deformation of the conduit 139), and thus reducing cracks in the conduit 139. In this way, the shell 423 can surround the conduit 139 such that the shell 423 contacts the conduit 139 and reduces the stresses on the conduit 139.

[0079] While the shell 423 can surround and support the conduit 139, the biasing device 601 can facilitate thermal expansion and contraction of the conduit 139. For example, during operation, the conduit 139 can heat and cool, and the springs of the biasing device 601 allow for expansion / contraction in the axial and radial directions. The shell 423 can further provide additional thermal insulation for the conduit 139, which can improve the melting process. Additionally, the transition section 411 can include an angle 415 that is greater than about 5 degrees. One benefit of this angle 415 is that the balance of stresses (e.g., axial and hoop stresses) is improved, which can balance the impedance during the flow of the molten material 121 through the conduit 139.

[0080] It should be understood that while various aspects have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific examples, it should not be considered limited to such, as numerous modifications and combinations of the disclosed features can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A conduit, in fluid communication with the inlet of the delivery chamber and the forming device, the conduit comprising a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in the flow direction of the conduit; An outer shell, surrounding the conduit and extending along the length of the conduit, the outer shell comprising a refractory material in contact with the conduit, such that the inner surface of the outer shell substantially matches the shape of the outer surface of the sidewall; and An insulating layer surrounds the housing and is spaced apart from the conduit to form a gap, wherein the housing is formed within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit by conveying and solidifying suspended material in the gap.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises: The housing includes a first segment with a first diameter, a second segment with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition segment connecting the first segment and the second segment, wherein the housing contacts the first segment, the second segment, and the transition segment.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transition section forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees relative to the first section.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing device attached to the housing, the biasing device being adjustable relative to the housing to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a length direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the biasing device includes a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the length direction, the first spring being configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the length direction.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the biasing device includes a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the length direction, the second spring being configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

7. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A conduit, in fluid communication with the inlet of the delivery chamber and the forming device, the conduit comprising a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in the flow direction of the conduit; An outer shell, surrounding the conduit and extending along the length of the conduit, the outer shell comprising a refractory material in contact with the conduit; An insulating layer surrounds the housing and is spaced apart from the conduit to form a gap, wherein the housing is formed within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit by conveying and solidifying suspended material within the gap; and A biasing device attached to the housing, the biasing device being adjustable relative to the housing to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a length direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the conduit comprises: The housing includes a first segment with a first diameter, a second segment with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition segment connecting the first segment and the second segment, wherein the housing contacts the first segment, the second segment, and the transition segment.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the transition section forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees relative to the first section.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the biasing device includes a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the length direction, the first spring being configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the length direction.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the biasing device includes a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the length direction, the second spring being configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

12. A method for manufacturing a glass ribbon, comprising: The molten material flows within the channel of the conduit along the flow direction of the conduit; An insulating layer is provided, which surrounds the conduit and is spaced apart from the conduit by a distance to form a gap surrounding the conduit; Suspended material is conveyed and solidified in the gap to form a shell surrounding the conduit within the gap, such that the shell contacts the conduit and reduces stress on the conduit; and As the molten material flows within the channel, it adapts to changes in the dimensions of the conduit caused by temperature variations.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein adapting to dimensional changes comprises: To accommodate the thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit along its length, which is substantially parallel to the flow direction.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein adapting to dimensional changes comprises: To accommodate the thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the conduit.

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