Method and apparatus of manufacturing glass ribbon

Abstract

To provide an apparatus of manufacturing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus including a compression block.SOLUTION: Provided is a glass manufacturing apparatus that includes: a molding container that includes a first edge part including a container surface defining a recess part, and a second edge part; a compression block that is positioned in the recess part, includes a contact surface contacting the container surface, and is configured to apply a force on the molding container; a support device that includes a support surface for supporting the compression block and a second surface for defining a support opening part at a distance from the container surface; and an insulation block that is positioned in the support opening part between the support device attached to the second surface and the container surface, and is configured to thermally isolate the support device from the molding container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 969,282, filed February 3, 2020, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to methods for producing glass ribbons, and more particularly to methods for producing glass ribbons using glass manufacturing equipment including compression blocks. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known to use glass-making equipment to produce molten material into a glass ribbon. To reduce sagging in the forming vessel of the glass-making equipment, a compression device can be used to apply force to the ends of the forming vessel. However, the application of force can cause damage to the forming vessel and / or the compression device over time. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0005] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression device capable of applying a force to an end of the forming vessel. The compression device can include a compression block capable of contacting a vessel surface of the forming vessel. The compression block can move relative to the support device, and a friction-reducing material is added between the compression block and the support device to reduce friction and facilitate movement of the compression block toward the forming vessel. The compression device can include one or both of an insulating block or a heating element that can be attached to the support device. Thus, the compression block can move independently of the insulating block and the heating element, i.e., allowing the insulating block and / or the heating element to remain in a fixed position.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming vessel, which can have a first end and a second end. The first end can include a vessel surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess and including a first surface and a contact surface contacting the vessel surface. The compression block can be configured to apply a force to the forming vessel. The first surface can include a non-planar shape. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a support device, which can include a support surface that supports the compression block. The support surface can be in contact with a portion of the first surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first surface can comprise a first surface portion, a second surface portion, and a third surface portion. The first surface portion can be in contact with the support surface and can comprise a planar shape.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second and third surface portions can be positioned on opposite sides of the first surface portion. The second surface portion can form a first angle with the first surface portion that is between about 1 degree and about 3 degrees. The third surface portion can form a second angle with the first surface portion that is between about 1 degree and about 3 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the forming vessel can receive the molten material along a flow direction that can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the forming vessel, and the compression block can apply a force along a force direction that can be parallel to the flow direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the compression block can include an edge surface that can connect the contact surface and the first surface. The edge surface can have a rounded shape.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support surface can extend along a support plane. The compression block can be on a first side of the support plane.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support device may include a second surface spaced from the container surface and defining a support opening, and one or both of an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the insulating block comprising an insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming container, or a heating element attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the heating element comprising an electrically conductive material configured to increase the temperature of a portion of the forming container.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming vessel, which can have a first end and a second end. The first end can include a vessel surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess, the compression block including a contact surface that contacts the vessel surface. The compression block can be configured to apply a force to the forming vessel. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a support device that can include a support surface that supports the compression block and extends along a support plane. The compression block can be positioned on a first side of the support plane.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support device can include a second surface spaced from the container surface to define a support opening, and one or both of an insulating block or a heating element. The insulating block can be attached to the second surface and can be positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface. The insulating block can be positioned on the second side of the support plane and spaced from the compression block. The insulating block can comprise an insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming container. The heating element can be attached to the second surface and can be positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface. The heating element can be positioned on the second side of the support plane and spaced from the compression block. The heating element can comprise an electrically conductive material and can be configured to increase the temperature of a portion of the forming container.

[0015] In some embodiments, the compression block can include a second contact surface that can be substantially perpendicular to the contact surface, the contact surface can contact a first container surface portion of the container surface, and the second contact surface can contact a third container surface portion of the container surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the compression block can include a second edge surface connecting the contact surface and the second contact surface, which can be angled relative to the contact surface and the second contact surface and can be spaced apart from the container surface.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming vessel, which can have a first end and a second end. The first end can include a vessel surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess and including a contact surface contacting the vessel surface. The compression block can be configured to apply a force to the forming vessel. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a support device, which can include a support surface supporting the compression block. The support device can include a second surface spaced from the vessel surface and defining a support opening. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the vessel surface. The insulating block can include an insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming vessel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the insulating block can include a first block portion attached to a second block portion. The first block portion can include a first protrusion and a first cavity. The second block portion can include a second protrusion and a second cavity. The first protrusion can be configured to be received within the second cavity, and the second protrusion can be configured to be received within the first cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first block portion and the second block portion can have a first surface facing the forming vessel and a second surface facing the support device, and the second surface can have a surface opening that extends along the axis when the first block portion is attached to the second block portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the support device can include a support protrusion extending from the second face toward the forming container, and the support protrusion can be configured to be received within the face opening to attach the first block portion and the second block portion to the support device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the glass making apparatus can include an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support apparatus and the vessel surface. The insulating block can include an insulating material that can be configured to insulate the support apparatus from the forming vessel.

[0022] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming vessel, which can have a first end and a second end. The first end can include a vessel surface, which can define a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess, the compression block including a contact surface that contacts the vessel surface. The compression block can be configured to apply a force to the forming vessel. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a support device, which can include a support surface that supports the compression block. The support device can include a second surface spaced from the vessel surface and defining a support opening. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a heating element attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the vessel surface. The heating element can include a conductive material configured to increase a temperature of a portion of the forming vessel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support device can include a plurality of mounting brackets that can extend from the second surface toward the forming container.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heating element can include a first opening and a second opening, and when the heating element is attached to the second surface, one of the plurality of mounting brackets can be received within the first opening and another of the plurality of mounting brackets can be received within the second opening.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heating element can extend a first length between the first end and the second end along a first axis parallel to the second surface, and the compression block can extend a second length along a second axis parallel to the first axis. The first length can be substantially equal to the second length.

[0026] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein are set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain its principles and operation.

[0027] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at view point 3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of a compression device of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the compression device of FIG. 4 in a fully assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the contact surface of the compression block as viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a heating element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the heating element of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a support plate mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a top view of the heating element and mounting arrangement as viewed along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 illustrates the temperatures of the support plate and edge inductors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 illustrates the temperatures of the support plate and edge inductors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 illustrates the temperatures of the support plate and edge inductors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary elements are shown. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to glass manufacturing apparatus and methods for producing glass ribbons. The methods and apparatus for producing glass ribbons are described below using exemplary embodiments for producing a glass ribbon from a ribbon of glass-forming material. As shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 and a forming apparatus 101 including a forming vessel 140 designed to produce a ribbon of glass-forming material 103 from a quantity of molten material 121. In some embodiments, the ribbon of glass-forming material 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 thereof, where the thickness of the edge portions can be greater than the thickness of the central portion. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a separated glass ribbon 104 can be separated from the ribbon of glass-forming material 103 along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (e.g., a scriber, a notching wheel, a diamond tip, a laser, etc.).

[0031] In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a reservoir bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. In some embodiments, an optional controller 115 can be actuated 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 some embodiments, a melt probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in a standpipe 123, and the melt probe 119 can communicate the measurement information to the controller 115 over communication line 125.

[0032] Additionally, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may include a first conditioning station including a fining vessel 127 positioned downstream from the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 through a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 through the first connecting conduit 129 to the fining vessel 127. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 through the internal passage of the first connecting conduit 129 to the fining vessel 127. Furthermore, in some embodiments, gas bubbles may be removed from the molten material 121 within the fining vessel 127 by various techniques.

[0033] In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 may further comprise a second conditioning station comprising a mixing chamber 131, which may be positioned downstream from the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 may be used to provide a uniform composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating non-uniformities that may otherwise be present in the molten material 121 exiting the fining vessel 127. As shown, the fining vessel 127 may be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 through a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 127 through the second connecting conduit 135 to the mixing chamber 131. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 from the fining vessel 127 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 135 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0034] Additionally, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a third conditioning station including a delivery chamber 133 that can be positioned downstream from the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the delivery chamber 133 can condition the molten material 121 being supplied into the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery chamber 133 can function as an accumulator and / or a 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 through a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 through the third connecting conduit 137 to the delivery chamber 133. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can drive the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 through the internal passage of the third connecting conduit 137 to the delivery chamber 133. As further shown, in some embodiments, delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to molding apparatus 101 , for example, to an inlet conduit 141 of molding vessel 140 .

[0035] The forming apparatus 101 can include various embodiments of forming vessels according to features of the present disclosure, such as a forming vessel having wedges for melt-drawing a glass ribbon, a forming vessel having slots for slot-drawing a glass ribbon, or a forming vessel provided with rolling rolls for rolling the glass ribbon from the forming vessel. In some embodiments, the forming apparatus 101 can include, for example, a sheet redraw with the forming apparatus 101 as part of a redraw process. For example, a glass ribbon 104 having a certain thickness can be heated and redrawn to achieve a thinner glass ribbon 104 having a smaller thickness. The forming vessel 140, as illustrated and disclosed below as an embodiment, can be provided to melt-draw molten material 121 from a bottom edge defined as a bottom 145 of the forming wedge 209 to produce a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material. For example, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be delivered from an inlet conduit 141 to the forming vessel 140. The molten material 121 can then be formed into a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material based in part on the configuration of the forming vessel 140. For example, as shown, the molten material 121 may be drawn along a drawing path that extends from a bottom edge (e.g., bottom 145) of the forming vessel 140 in a direction of travel 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, edge directors 163, 164 may direct the molten material 121 from the forming vessel 140 and partially define a width "W" of the ribbon of glass-forming material 103. In some embodiments, the width "W" of the ribbon of glass-forming material 103 extends between a first outer edge 153 of the ribbon of glass-forming material 103 and a second outer edge 155 of the ribbon of glass-forming material 103.

[0036] In some embodiments, the width "W" of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material extending between the first outer edge 153 of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material and the second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can be greater than or equal to about 20 millimeters (mm), such as greater than or equal to about 50 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 100 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 500 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 2000 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 3000 mm, such as greater than or equal to about 4000 mm, although in further embodiments other widths lesser or greater than the aforementioned widths can be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the width "W" of the ribbon 103 of glass forming material is in the range of about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., in the range of about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm. , for example, in the range of about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range of about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the forming apparatus 101 (e.g., forming vessel 140) along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 can include a trough 201 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, the cross-hatching of the molten material 121 has been removed from FIG. 2 for clarity. The forming vessel 140 can further include a forming wedge 209, the forming wedge 209 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 extending between its opposite ends 210, 211 (see FIG. 1). The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 converge along the direction of travel 154 to intersect along the bottom 145 of the forming vessel 140. A drawing plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can extend through the bottom 145 along the direction of travel 154. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material may be drawn in the travel direction 154 along a drawing plane 213. As shown, the drawing plane 213 may bisect the forming wedge 209 through the base 145, but in some embodiments, the drawing plane 213 may extend in other orientations relative to the base 145. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material may travel along a travel path 221 that may be coplanar with the drawing plane 213 in the travel direction 154.

[0038] Additionally, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 can flow into and along the trough 201 of the forming vessel 140 in a flow direction 156. For example, the forming vessel 140 can receive the molten material 121 along a flow direction 156 that can be parallel to its longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the forming vessel 140 can extend between a first end 210 and a second end 211 (e.g., the longitudinal direction can be transverse to the direction of travel 154 shown in FIG. 1 ). The molten material 121 can then overflow the trough 201 by simultaneously flowing over and downwardly over the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204. Each stream of molten material 121 may then flow along downwardly sloping converging surface portions 207, 208 of forming wedge 209 as it is drawn from bottom 145 of forming vessel 140, where it converges and coalesces into a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material. The ribbon 103 of glass-forming material may then be drawn from bottom 145 within drawing plane 213 along advance direction 154. In some embodiments, ribbon 103 of glass-forming material comprises one or more states of material based on its vertical location. For example, ribbon 103 of glass-forming material may comprise viscous molten material 121 in one location and an amorphous solid (e.g., glass ribbon) in a glassy state in another location.

[0039] The ribbon 103 of glass-forming material has first and second major surfaces 215 and 216 facing in opposite directions and defining a thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can be less than or equal to about 2 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to about 1 millimeter, less than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, such as less than or equal to about 300 micrometers (μm), less than or equal to about 200 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, although other thicknesses can be provided in yet other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the ribbon 103 of glass forming material can be in the range of about 20 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 750 micrometers, about 100 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, about 200 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, about 300 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, about 50 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, about 25 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, including all ranges and subranges of thickness therebetween. Additionally, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can comprise a variety of compositions, such as borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing or alkali-free glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, and the like.

[0040] In some embodiments, a glass separator 149 (see FIG. 1 ) can then separate the glass ribbon 104 from the ribbon of glass-forming material 103 along a separation path 151 to provide a plurality of separated glass ribbons 104 (i.e., a plurality of glass sheets). According to other embodiments, longer portions of the glass ribbon 104 can be coiled onto a storage roll. The separated glass ribbons can then be processed into desired applications, such as display applications. For example, the separated glass ribbons can be used in a wide variety of display applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), touch sensors, photovoltaic cells, and other electronic displays.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the forming vessel 140 at viewpoint 3 in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 includes a first end 210 and a second end 211 (the first end 210 and the second end 211 shown in FIG. 1 ), and the forming vessel 140 extends along an axis between the first end 210 and the second end 211. In some embodiments, due to the weight of the forming vessel 140 and the temperatures to which the forming vessel 140 may be exposed, the forming vessel 140 may undergo sagging, and a portion of the forming vessel 140 may bend along the direction of travel 154. To reduce the likelihood of sagging of the forming vessel 140, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include one or more compression devices 305. For example, one compression device 305 may be positioned at the first end 210 of the forming vessel 140, while another compression device 305 may be positioned at the second end 211 of the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, one or more compression devices 305 can apply a compressive force to the first end 210 and / or the second end 211 of the forming vessel 140. The compressive force can reduce sagging of the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, the compression devices 305 at the first end 210 and the compression devices 305 at the second end 211 can be substantially identical.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first end 210 can include a container surface 307 that defines a recess 309. The recess 309 (e.g., a void, space, opening, etc.) can receive a portion of the compression device 305. In some embodiments, the container surface 307 can include multiple surface portions, such as a first container surface portion 311, a second container surface portion 313, and a third container surface portion 315. The first container surface portion 311, the second container surface portion 313, and the third container surface portion 315 can form non-planar surfaces with one another. For example, the first container surface portion 311 can include a planar surface, whereas the second container surface portion 313, which can be adjacent to and / or adjacent to the first container surface portion 311, can include a non-planar surface. In some embodiments, the second container surface portion 313 can include a rounded surface. In some embodiments, the third container surface portion 315 can comprise a flat surface and can be adjacent to and / or connected to the second container surface portion 313. Thus, in some embodiments, the second container surface portion 313 can be attached to and positioned between the first container surface portion 311 and the third container surface portion 315. In some embodiments, the first container surface portion 311 and the third container surface portion 315 can form an angle with respect to each other, for example, by extending substantially perpendicular to each other. For example, the first container surface portion 311 can extend substantially parallel to the direction of travel 154, while the third container surface portion 315 can extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel 154.

[0043] The compression device 305 can include one or more structures for applying a force to the forming vessel 140. For example, in some embodiments, the compression device 305 can include a compression block 321, a force block 323, a support device 325, and an insulating block 327. Referring to the compression block 321, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include the compression block 321, which may be positioned within the recess 309, and can include a first surface 331 and a contact surface 335 that contacts the vessel surface 307. In some embodiments, the first surface 331 can face the traveling direction 154, for example, by being oriented to face in a downstream direction from the forming vessel 140 with respect to the movement of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material along the traveling direction 154. In some embodiments, the first surface 331 can be non-planar with respect to the contact surface 335. For example, the first surface 331 can form an angle, such as a 90° angle, with respect to the contact surface 335 such that the first surface 331 can be substantially perpendicular to the contact surface 335. The first surface 331 and the contact surface 335 can be connected by an edge surface 337. For example, the compression block 321 can include an edge surface 337 that can connect the contact surface 335 and the first surface 331. In some embodiments, the edge surface 337 can include a rounded shape having a radius of curvature. For example, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the edge surface 337 can be in the range of about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm. Due to the rounded shape of the edge surface 337 having a radius of curvature, stress within the compression block 321 during application of force to the forming container 140 may be lower than desired.

[0044] In some embodiments, the compression block 321 can include a second contact surface 341 that can be substantially perpendicular to the contact surface 335. For example, the second contact surface 341 can extend along a plane that forms an angle, e.g., a 90° angle, with respect to the plane along which the contact surface 335 extends. In some embodiments, the second contact surface 341 can face in a direction opposite to the direction of travel 154, e.g., in an upstream direction with respect to the movement of the ribbon 103 of glass forming material along the direction of travel 154. In some embodiments, the second contact surface 341 can be substantially parallel to the first surface 331. The compression block 321 can include a second edge surface 343 connecting the contact surface 335 and the second contact surface 341. For example, the second edge surface 343 can be positioned between the contact surface 335 and the second contact surface 341. In some embodiments, the second edge surface 343 can be angled relative to the contact surface 335 and the second contact surface 341 and can be spaced apart from the container surface 307. For example, by angling the contact surface 335 and the second contact surface 341, the second edge surface 343 can extend non-planar relative to the contact surface 335 and non-planar relative to the second contact surface 341. In some embodiments, the second edge surface 343 can form an angle with the contact surface 335 that is in the range of about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees, or about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, the second edge surface 343 can form an angle with the second contact surface 341 that is in the range of about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees, or about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, one or both of the contact surface 335 or the second edge surface 343 can comprise a heating element 602. The heating element 602 can comprise an electrically conductive material that can extend along and / or through the contact surface 335 and / or the second edge surface 343. The heating element 602 can generate heat to increase the temperature of a portion of the forming vessel 140.

[0045] In some embodiments, the compression block 321 can contact the container surface 307, for which the compression block 321 is positioned within the recess 309. For example, the contact surface 335 can be in connection with a first container surface portion 311 of the container surface 307, and the second contact surface 341 can be in connection with a third container surface portion 315 of the container surface 307. In some embodiments, when the contact surface 335 is in connection with the first container surface portion 311 and the second contact surface 341 is in connection with the third container surface portion 315, the second edge surface 343 can be spaced apart from the second container surface portion 313 of the container surface 307. The contact surface 335 can be substantially parallel to the first container surface portion 311 such that the contact surface 335 is flush with the first container surface portion 311 when in contact with the first container surface portion 311. The second contact surface 341 can be substantially parallel to the third container surface portion 315 so as to be flush with the third container surface portion 315 when in contact with the third container surface portion 315. In some embodiments, due to the contact between the third container surface portion 315 and the second contact surface 341, a portion of the weight of the forming container 140 can rest on and / or be supported by the compression block 321.

[0046] When the compression block 321 is in contact with the vessel surface 307, the compression block 321 can apply a force to the forming vessel 140. For example, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a force block 323 that can be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the compression block 321. The force block 323 can be positioned in contact with a surface of the compression block 321 opposite the contact surface 335 such that the compression block 321 can be positioned between the first vessel surface portion 311 and the force block 323. In some embodiments, the force block 323 can apply a force to the compression block 321 along a force direction 345 that is transverse to the direction of travel 154 and toward the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, moving the force direction 345 can cause the force block 323 to apply a compressive force to the forming vessel 140, e.g., the first vessel surface portion 311. For example, the compression block 321 can apply a force (e.g., to the forming vessel 140) along a force direction 345, which can be parallel to the flow direction 156 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) and the longitudinal direction of the forming vessel 140. The compression force can relieve sagging of the forming vessel 140.

[0047] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a support device 325 that can include a support surface 347 that supports the compressed block 321. In some embodiments, the support surface 347 can be in contact with a portion of the first surface 331. For example, the compressed block 321 can rest on the support device 325 with the first surface 331 facing the support surface 347. In some embodiments, the support device 325 can include one or more structures that can support the compressed block 321. For example, in some embodiments, the support device 325 can include a moving plate 349 and a support plate 351. The moving plate 349 can include a support surface 347 such that the compressed block 321 can rest on the moving plate 349 with the first surface 331 in contact. For example, the compressed block 321 can move relative to the moving plate 349 as it moves toward the forming vessel 140 (e.g., along the force direction 345). To facilitate movement and reduce friction between the compression block 321 and the moving plate 349, in some embodiments, a friction-reducing material can be applied to the support surface 347 and / or the first surface 331. For example, in some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can comprise an alumina material, and the compression block 321 can comprise a zircon material. In some embodiments, the friction-reducing material is a copper oxide-based thermal paste. The friction-reducing material can reduce friction between the compression block 321 and the moving plate 349 so that the compression block 321 can move relative to the moving plate 349 in response to a force applied by the force block 323. In some embodiments, a support plate 351 can support the moving plate 349, and the moving plate 349 can be in contact with and rest on the support plate 351. In some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can support the compression block 321, which can be in contact with and can rest on the moving plate 349, and the compression block 321 is spaced apart from and not in contact with the support plate 351. In some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can have a height that is in the range of about 6 mm to about 18 mm, or is about 12.7 mm.

[0048] In some embodiments, the support surface 347 can extend along a support plane 355. The support plane 355 defines a first side 357 and a second side 359 (e.g., the support plane 355 extends between the first side 357 and the second side 359). In some embodiments, the compression block 321 can be positioned on the first side 357 of the support plane 355, while the support plate 351 can be positioned on the second side 359 of the support plane 355. For example, in some embodiments, by being positioned on the first side 357 of the support plane 355, the entire compression block 321 including the first surface 331 can be positioned on the first side 357 without any portion of the compression block 321 extending across the support plane 355 to the second side 359. In some embodiments, being disposed on the second side 359 allows the entire support plate 351 to be positioned on the second side 359 without any portion of the support plate 351 extending across the support plane 355 to the first side 357. In some embodiments, the support device 325 can include a second surface 363 that is spaced apart from the container surface 307 and defines a support opening 365. For example, the support plate 351 can include the second surface 363, and the moving plate 349 can include a third surface 367. In some embodiments, the second surface 363 of the support plate 351 and the third surface 367 of the moving plate 349 can face the forming container 140. The second surface 363 of the support plate 351 and the third surface 367 of the moving plate 349 can be spaced apart from the forming container 140, for example, from the container surface 307, to define the support opening 365. In some embodiments, the support opening 365 can be positioned between the forming vessel 140 and the support device 325 (eg, the moving plate 349 and the support plate 351).

[0049] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a thermal element, such as an insulating block 327. The insulating block 327 can be attached to the second surface 363 and positioned within the support opening 365 between the support apparatus 325 and the vessel surface 307. The insulating block 327 can be attached to the second surface 363 in several ways. For example, in some embodiments, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) can attach the insulating block 327 to the second surface 363 of the support plate 351. In some embodiments, a mounting device (e.g., similar to the mounting device 901 shown in FIG. 9 ) can facilitate removable attachment of the insulating block 327 to the second surface 363. The insulating block 327 can include an insulating material that can insulate the support apparatus 325 from the forming vessel 140. For example, in some embodiments, insulating block 327 can comprise a refractory material comprising one or more of zircon, zirconia, alumina, magnesium oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, xenotime, monazite, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, support plate 351 can comprise a metallic material, such as steel, such that insulating block 327 can insulate support plate 351 from the temperature of forming vessel 140. For example, by being positioned within support opening 365, insulating block 327 can insulate support plate 351 from forming vessel 140, thereby reducing the temperature that support plate 351 may be subjected to.

[0050] In some embodiments, the insulating block 327 can be positioned on the second side 359 of the support plane 355 and can be spaced apart from the compression block 321. For example, being spaced apart from the compression block 321 can provide a gap between the insulating block 327 and the first surface 331 of the compression block 321, thereby allowing the compression block 321 to move (e.g., in the force direction 345) independently of the insulating block 327. In some embodiments, the insulating block 327 can remain attached to and / or in contact with the support device 325, while the compression block 321 is moved in the force direction 345 to apply a force to the forming vessel 140. By providing the insulating block 327 separately and spaced apart from the compression block 321, inadvertent detachment of the insulating block 327 from the support device 325 can be avoided when the compression block 321 applies a force to the forming vessel 140.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded view of the compression device 305 of FIG. 3 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the insulating block 327 may comprise a single, one-piece structure that can be attached to the second surface 363. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the insulating block 327 is not limited to a one-piece structure and can comprise multiple sections. For example, in some embodiments, the insulating block 327 may comprise multiple block sections, such as a first block section 401, a second block section 403, and a third block section 405. The first block section 401, the second block section 403, and the third block section 405 can be attached to each other and to the support device 325. For example, the insulating block 327 may comprise a first block section 401 attached to the second block section 403. In some embodiments, the first block section 401 may comprise a first protrusion 407 and a first cavity 409. The second block portion 403 can include a second protrusion 413 and a second cavity 415. The first protrusion 407 can be received in the second cavity 415, and the second protrusion 413 can be received in the first cavity 409. For example, the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 can be positioned along an axis 419 and can intersect this axis when attached to one another, the axis 419 extending substantially parallel to the second surface 363. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 407 can extend from the first block portion 401 along the axis 419 toward the second block portion 403. The first cavity 409 can be bounded by the first protrusion 407. In some embodiments, the second protrusion 413 can extend from the second block portion 403 along the axis 419 toward the first block portion 401. The second cavity 415 can be bounded by the second protrusion 413. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 407 can be aligned with the second cavity 415, and the second protrusion 413 can be aligned with the first cavity 409.Thus, the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403 can be in contact with each other so that the first protrusion 407 can be received in the second cavity 415 and the second protrusion 413 can be received in the first cavity 409.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second block portion 403 and the third block portion 405 can be attached in a manner similar to the attachment between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403. For example, the second block portion 403 can include a third protrusion 423 and a third cavity 425. The third block portion 405 can include a fourth protrusion 427 and a fourth cavity 429. The third protrusion 423 can be received in the fourth cavity 429, and the fourth protrusion 427 can be received in the third cavity 425. For example, the third protrusion 423 can extend from the second block portion 403 along the axis 419 toward the third block portion 405. The third cavity 425 can be bounded by the third protrusion 423. In some embodiments, the fourth protrusion 427 can extend from the third block portion 405 along the axis 419 toward the second block portion 403. The fourth cavity 429 can be bounded by the fourth protrusion 427. In some embodiments, the third protrusion 423 can be aligned with the fourth cavity 429, and the fourth protrusion 427 can be aligned with the third cavity 425. Thus, the second block portion 403 and the third block portion 405 can be in contact with each other such that the third protrusion 423 can be received within the fourth cavity 429 and the fourth protrusion 427 can be received within the third cavity 425.

[0053] The attachment of the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 provides several benefits. For example, when the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 are attached, a gap through the insulating block 327 (e.g., through the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405) can be avoided. The first intersecting axis 433 can extend substantially perpendicular to the axis 419 along which the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 are disposed. The first intersecting axis 433 can intersect the insulating block 327 and the support plate 351, for example, by being substantially perpendicular to the second surface 363. In some embodiments, the first intersecting axis 433 can be oriented to extend through a location between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403. Meanwhile, due to the first protrusion 407 being received in the second cavity 415 and the second protrusion 413 being received in the first cavity 409, the first protrusion 407 and the second protrusion 413 may extend adjacent to and parallel to each other. Thus, the first intersecting axis 433 may intersect the first protrusion 407 and / or the second protrusion 413. Avoiding a gap between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403 reduces heat transfer from between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403 to the support plate 351, and therefore improves thermal insulation of the support device 325 from the forming vessel 140.

[0054] Similarly, in some embodiments, the second intersecting axis 435 can extend substantially parallel to the first intersecting axis 433. The second intersecting axis 435 can intersect the insulating block 327 and the support plate 351, for example, by being substantially perpendicular to the second surface 363. In some embodiments, the second intersecting axis 435 can be oriented to extend through a location between the second block portion 403 and the third block portion 405. While the third protrusion 423 is received in the fourth cavity 429, the fourth protrusion 427 is received in the third cavity 425, so that the third protrusion 423 and the fourth protrusion 427 can extend adjacent to and parallel to each other. Thus, the second intersecting axis 435 can intersect the third protrusion 423 and / or the fourth protrusion 427. By avoiding a gap between the second block portion 403 and the third block portion 405, heat transfer from between the second block portion 403 and the third block portion 405 to the support plate 351 can be reduced, thus improving the insulation of the support device 325 from the forming vessel 140.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 can have a first surface 441 that faces the forming vessel 140 and a second surface 443 that faces the support device 325. For example, when the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 are attached to one another, the first surface 441 can have a substantially flat surface that faces the forming vessel 140. When the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 are attached to one another, the second surface 443 can have a substantially flat surface that faces the support device 325. In some embodiments, the second face 443 can include face openings 445 that extend along the axis 419 when the first block portion 401 is attached to the second block portion 403, and when the second block portion 403 is attached to the third block portion 405. For example, the face openings 445 can include grooves, channels, notches, or the like molded in the second face 443, and the face openings 445 in the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 can be aligned such that they extend linearly along the axis 419.

[0056] 4-5 , in some embodiments, the support device 325 can include a support protrusion 451 extending from the second surface 363 toward the forming vessel 140. For example, the support protrusion 451 can include an outcrop, protrusion, extension, etc. extending from the second surface 363 toward the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, the support protrusion 451 can extend substantially linearly along the second surface 363. The support protrusion 451 can be sized to be received within the face openings 445 of the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405. For example, in some embodiments, the support protrusion 451 can have a shape that substantially matches the shape of the face opening 445 and has a cross-sectional size that is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the face opening 445. The support protrusion 451 can be received within the face openings 445 to attach the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 to the support device 325. For example, when the support protrusion 451 is received within the face opening 445, it can limit the movement of the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 so that these block portions can be attached to the support plate 351.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a front view of the contact surface 335 of the compression block 321 supported by the moving plate 349 as viewed along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the first surface 331 can comprise one or more surface portions. For example, the first surface 331 can comprise a first surface portion 601, a second surface portion 603, and a third surface portion 605. The first surface portion 601 can be positioned between the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605, and thus the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 may be positioned on either side of the first surface portion 601. In some embodiments, the first surface 331 can comprise a non-planar shape. For example, the second surface portion 603 can form a first angle 609 with the first surface portion 601, which can be from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle 609 can vary from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees, for example, about 0.5 degrees to about 10 degrees. The first angle 609 can be defined between the second surface portion 603 and a plane along which the first surface portion 601 extends. In some embodiments, the third surface portion 605 can make a second angle 611 with the first surface portion 601, which can be about 1 degree to about 3 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle 611 can vary from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees, for example, about 0.5 degrees to about 10 degrees. The second angle 611 can be defined between the third surface portion 605 and a plane along which the first surface portion 601 extends. In some embodiments, the first surface portion 601 and the second surface portion 603 can be non-planar relative to one another, and the first surface portion 601 and the third surface portion 605 can be non-planar relative to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the first surface portion 601 can be substantially planar. In some embodiments, the second surface portion 603 can be substantially planar. However, the second surface portion 603 may be non-planar relative to the first surface portion 601 due to the second surface portion 603 forming a first angle 609 with the first surface portion 601. In some embodiments, the third surface portion 605 can be substantially planar.However, due to the third surface portion 605 forming a second angle 611 with respect to the first surface portion 601, the third surface portion 605 may be non-planar with respect to the first surface portion 601.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first surface portion 601 may be in contact with the support surface 347 and may have a planar shape such that the first surface portion 601 can extend substantially parallel to the support surface 347. For example, the first surface portion 601 may rest on the support surface 347 such that the support surface 347 can support the compression block 321. In some embodiments, the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 may be non-planar with respect to the support surface 347 when the first surface portion 601 is in contact with the support surface 347 due to the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 being non-planar with respect to the first surface portion 601. For example, a first distance 615 may separate the second surface portion 603 from the support surface 347, and a second distance 617 may separate the third surface portion 605 from the support surface 347. In some embodiments, the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 are spaced apart from the support surface 347, allowing the support surface 347 to be in contact with a portion of the first surface 331 (e.g., the first surface portion 601) without contacting other portions of the first surface 331 (e.g., the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605).

[0059] The non-planar shape of the first surface 331 can provide several benefits. For example, when the first surface portion 601 is in contact with the support surface 347, less than all of the first surface 331 of the compression block 321 can be in contact with the moving plate 349. For example, a central portion (e.g., the first surface portion 601) can be in contact with the support surface 347, while lateral portions (e.g., the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605) positioned on either side of the central portion can be spaced apart from and not in contact with the support surface 347. Thus, a contact area width 621 defined by the width of the compression block 321 in contact with the moving plate 349 (e.g., comprising the width of the first face portion 601) can be smaller than a block width 623 defined by the overall width of the compression block 321 between opposing sides of the compression block 321 (e.g., comprising the width of the first face portion 601, the width of the second face portion 603, and the width of the third face portion 605). Thus, the force that the compression block 321 can apply to the moving plate 349 can be limited to the contact area width 621. Because the contact area width 621 is smaller than the block width 623, the force applied by the compression block 321 can be concentrated on a smaller area of ​​the moving plate 349, which can reduce the bending moment on the moving plate 349 and therefore reduce stress on the compression block 321 and the moving plate 349.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7 , a perspective view of a heating element 701 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the heating element 701 can comprise one or both of a heating portion 702 and / or an insulating block 327 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 3-5 ). In some embodiments, the heating portion 702 of the heating element 701 can comprise a conductive material 703 configured to increase the temperature of a portion of the forming vessel 140. For example, the heating portion 702 can comprise a resistive heating element comprising a metallic material through which electrons can flow to generate a current that can generate heat. In some embodiments, the portion of the forming vessel 140 that the heating portion 702 can heat is the edge inductor 163, 164 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2 ). For example, the conductive material 703 can comprise a wire that can be positioned on a first surface 705 of the heating portion 702 that faces the forming vessel 140. The conductive material 703 can be arranged to wrap around the first surface 705. In some embodiments, the heat generated by the conductive material 703 can facilitate control of the temperature of the forming vessel 140. For example, when the heating portion 702 is positioned around the forming vessel 140, the conductive material 703 can generate heat that can increase the temperature of a portion of the forming vessel 140, such as the edge inductors 163, 164.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heating element 701 can include an insulating block 707 that can insulate the support device 325 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3 ) from the heating portion 702. For example, the insulating block 707 can comprise the same material as the insulating block 327 shown in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the insulating block 707 can comprise a single, one-piece structure that can be attached to the first surface 705. The insulating block 707 can have dimensions (e.g., length and width) that substantially match the dimensions of the first surface 705 so as to insulate the support device 325 from the heat generated by the heating portion 702. In some embodiments, the heating element 602 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6 ) and the heating element 701 (e.g., shown in FIG. 7 ) can be operated independently of each other. For example, the heating element 602 (e.g., for the compression block 321) and the heating element 701 (e.g., for the heating portion 702 of the insulating block 327) can be operated independently so that the compression block 321 can be heated separately from the heating portion 702 of the insulating block 327. By operating independently, several benefits can be achieved. For example, when one of the heating elements 602, 701 is turned off, the other of the heating elements 602, 701 can remain on. Thus, the heating element 602 can operate at a temperature that can be different from the temperature of the heating element 701. Thus, by heating the edge inductor 163 to a different temperature than the forming vessel 140, a desired and / or more finely tuned thermal profile can be achieved.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 8 , a rear perspective view of an insulating block 707 of a heating element 701 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the insulating block 707 can include one or more openings (e.g., grooves, channels, etc.) that can facilitate attachment of the heating element 701 to the support device 325. For example, the insulating block 707 can extend between a first end 801 and a second end 803. In some embodiments, the heating element 701 can include a first opening 805 and a second opening 807. The first opening 805 can be located at the first end 801, and the second opening 807 can be located at the second end 803. The first opening 805 can be bounded by a first wall 809, whereas the second opening 807 can be bounded by a second wall 811. In some embodiments, a first distance 813 can separate the first opening 805 and the second opening 807. In some embodiments, a second distance 815 can separate an end of the first wall 809 and the second wall 811. The first distance 813 can be less than the second distance 815. In some embodiments, the insulating block 707 can include a third opening 821 that can extend through a center of the insulating block 707. For example, the third opening 821 can extend along an axis 823 that is perpendicular to the axis along which the first distance 813 and the second distance 815 are measured.

[0063] 9 , a front perspective view of the support plate 351 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the support plate 351 of the support apparatus 325 can include a mounting apparatus 901 including a plurality of mounting brackets extending from the second surface 363 toward the forming vessel 140. For example, the plurality of mounting brackets can include a first mounting bracket 903 and a second mounting bracket 905 that can extend from the second surface 363 toward the forming vessel 140. The mounting apparatus 901 can attach the heating portion 702 to the support plate 351. For example, the first mounting bracket 903 can include a first wall 907 and a second wall 909. The first wall 907 can extend from the second surface 363 by extending substantially perpendicular from the second surface 363, for example. The first wall 907 can be attached to the second surface 363 in several ways. For example, in some embodiments, the first wall 907 can be formed with the second surface 363 (e.g., as a one-piece structure), while in other embodiments, the first wall 907 can be separately attached to the second surface 363 (e.g., using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). In some embodiments, the second wall 909 can be attached to the first wall 907 on the opposite side of the second surface 363. For example, the first wall 907 can be attached to the second surface 363 at one end and to the second wall 909 at the opposite end. In some embodiments, the second wall 909 can extend substantially perpendicular from the first wall 907. For example, the second wall 909 can protrude from the first wall 907 toward the second mounting bracket 905. The second wall 909 can be attached to the first wall 907 in several ways. For example, in some embodiments, the second wall 909 can be formed together with the first wall 907 (e.g., as a one-piece structure), whereas in other embodiments, the second wall 909 can be separately attached to the first wall 907 (using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). In some embodiments, the second wall 909 can form a first opening 911 between the second wall 909 and the second surface 363. For example, the first opening 911 can be bounded by the second surface 363, the first wall 907, and the second wall 909.

[0064] The second mounting bracket 905 can be substantially identical to the first mounting bracket 903, with the second mounting bracket 905 spaced a distance apart from the first mounting bracket 903. For example, the second mounting bracket 905 can include a third wall 917 and a fourth wall 919. The third wall 917 can extend from the second surface 363, for example, by extending substantially perpendicular thereto. In some embodiments, the third wall 917 can extend substantially parallel to the first wall 907. The third wall 917 can be attached to the second surface 363 in several ways. For example, in some embodiments, the third wall 917 can be formed with the second surface 363 (e.g., as a one-piece structure), whereas in other embodiments, the third wall 917 can be separately attached to the second surface 363 (e.g., using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). In some embodiments, the fourth wall 919 can be attached to the third wall 917 opposite the second surface 363. For example, the third wall 917 can be attached to the second surface 363 at one end and to the fourth wall 919 at the opposite end. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 919 can extend substantially perpendicularly from the third wall 917. For example, the fourth wall 919 can protrude from the third wall 917 toward the first mounting bracket 903. The fourth wall 919 can be attached to the third wall 917 in several ways. For example, in some embodiments, the fourth wall 919 can be formed together with the third wall 917 (e.g., as a one-piece structure), whereas in other embodiments, the fourth wall 919 can be separately attached to the third wall 917 (using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). In some embodiments, the fourth wall 919 can form a second opening 921 between the fourth wall 919 and the second surface 363. For example, the second opening 921 may be bounded by the second surface 363 , the third wall 917 and the fourth wall 919 .

[0065] In some embodiments, the mounting device 901 can include a ledge 923. The ledge 923 can extend from the second surface 363 toward the forming container 140. In some embodiments, the ledge 923 can extend partially between the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905. For example, the first mounting bracket 903 can extend between a first end 925 and a second end 927, while the second mounting bracket 905 can extend between a first end 929 and a second end 931. In some embodiments, the ledge 923 can be attached to the second end 927 of the first mounting bracket 903 and the second end 931 of the second mounting bracket 905. In some embodiments, the first end 925 of the first mounting bracket 903 and the first end 929 of the second mounting bracket 905 can remain unbounded. In some embodiments, the heating element 701 can be configured to be received within the mounting apparatus 901, for example, through a first end 925 of the first mounting bracket 903 and a first end 929 of the second mounting bracket 905, and can then rest on and / or be supported by a second end 927 of the first mounting bracket 903 and a second end 931 of the second mounting bracket 905. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the heating element 701 is mounted to the second surface 363, one of the multiple mounting brackets (e.g., the second mounting bracket 905) can be received within the first opening 805 of the heating element 701, and another of the multiple mounting brackets (e.g., the first mounting bracket 903) can be received within the second opening 807.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus 901 can include a third mounting bracket 935. The third mounting bracket 935 can extend from the second surface 363 toward the forming container 140. In some embodiments, the third mounting bracket 935 can extend substantially parallel to the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905 and can be positioned between the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905. The third mounting bracket 935 can include an outcrop, protrusion, extension, or the like that protrudes from the second surface 363. In some embodiments, the third mounting bracket 935 can be attached to the ledge 923, and one end of the third mounting bracket 935 can be attached to the ledge 923, while the opposite end of the third mounting bracket 935 can be left unbounded. In this manner, the third mounting bracket 935 can extend along an axis that can intersect the ledge 923.

[0067] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the heating element 701 and mounting device 901 as viewed along line 10-10 in FIG. 9 , with the heating element attached to the support plate 351 by the mounting device 901. For example, in some embodiments, the first mounting bracket 903 can be sized and shaped to be received within the second opening 807 at the second end 803 of the insulating block 707. The second mounting bracket 905 can be sized and shaped to be received within the first opening 805 at the first end 801 of the insulating block 707. The heating element 701 can rest on the ledge 923 and remain in contact with the ledge 923 due to gravity. In some embodiments, the third mounting bracket 935 can be received within the third opening 821. Thus, the heating element 701 can be supported between the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905, with the third mounting bracket 935 centering the heating element 701. In some embodiments, the first distance 813 (e.g., separating the first opening 805 and the second opening 807) can be less than the distance separating the second wall 909 of the first mounting bracket 903 and the fourth wall 919 of the second mounting bracket 905. Thus, the fourth wall 919 can be received within the first opening 805, and the second wall 909 can be received within the second opening 807.

[0068] Because the second distance 815 (e.g., separating the first wall 809 and the second wall 811) is longer than the first distance 813, the first wall 809 and the second wall 811 can maintain the heating element 701 attached to the mounting device 901. For example, the first wall 809 can be supported between the support plate 351 and the fourth wall 919 such that the fourth wall 919 can limit the first wall 809 from inadvertently detaching from the second mounting bracket 905. Similarly, the second wall 811 can be supported between the support plate 351 and the second wall 909 such that the second wall 909 can limit the second wall 811 from inadvertently detaching from the first mounting bracket 903. In some embodiments, the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905 may be spaced apart at a distance to accommodate thermal expansion of the heating element 701, which may expand and / or contract due to temperature changes during the glass making process. In some embodiments, during this thermal expansion, the third mounting bracket 935, which may be received within the third opening 821, may maintain the heating element 701 in a centered position relative to the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905.

[0069] Thus, in some embodiments, the heating element 701 can be attached to the second surface 363 and positioned within the support opening 365 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3 ) between the support device 325 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3 ) and the vessel surface 307. Referring briefly to FIG. 3 , where the heating element 701 can replace the location of the insulating block 327, the heating element 701 can be positioned on the second side 359 of the support plane 355 and spaced apart from the compression block 321. In some embodiments, the first length 1001 of the heating element 701 can substantially match the second length 1003 of the compression block 321. For example, the heating element 701 can extend the first length 1001 between the first end 801 and the second end 803 along a first axis 1005, which can be parallel to the second surface 363. In some embodiments, the compression block 321 can extend a second length 1003 along a second axis 1007 that can be parallel to the first axis 1005. In some embodiments, the first length 1001 of the heating element 701 can be substantially equal to the second length 1003 of the compression block 321.

[0070] 11-13, embodiments of the support plate 351 and edge inductor 163 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-2) are illustrated, with different shading representing different temperatures of the support plate 351 and edge inductor 163. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which neither an insulating block 327 nor a heating element 701 is disposed within the support opening 365, such that no structure is present in the support opening 365 between the second surface 363 and the forming vessel 140. FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which an insulating block 327 mounted on the second surface 363 is disposed within the support opening 365, such that the support plate 351 is shielded from the forming vessel 140 by the insulating block 327. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which a heating element 701 mounted on the second surface 363 is disposed within the support opening 365 to provide heat to the forming vessel 140 and the edge inductor 163, such that the support plate 351 is shielded from the forming vessel 140 by the heating element 701.

[0071] In FIG. 11 , the support plate 351 may reach a maximum temperature in the first region 1101, which may be about 1040°C. The edge inductor 163 may reach a minimum temperature in the second region 1103, which may be about 1100°C. The average temperature of the edge inductor 163 in the lower region 1105 may be about 1150°C. In FIG. 12 , the support plate 351 may reach a maximum temperature in the first region 1101, which may be about 1000°C. The edge inductor 163 may reach a minimum temperature in the second region 1103, which may be about 1100°C. The average temperature of the edge inductor 163 in the lower region 1105 may be about 1150°C. In FIG. 13 , the support plate 351 may reach a maximum temperature in the first region 1101, which may be about 1000°C. The edge inductor 163 may reach a minimum temperature in the second region 1103, which may be approximately 1120° C. The average temperature of the edge inductor 163 in the lower region 1105 may be approximately 1160° C. Thus, the absence of the insulating block 327 and heating element 701 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11 ) may result in the highest maximum temperature of the support plate 351 in the first region 1101 (e.g., 1040° C.), the lowest minimum temperature of the edge inductor 163 in the second region 1103 (e.g., approximately 1100° C.), and the lowest average temperature in the lower region 1105 (e.g., approximately 1150° C.). In contrast, the provision of insulating block 327 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12) or heating element 701 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13) compared to the embodiment of FIG. 11 may provide a lower maximum temperature in first region 1101, a higher minimum temperature in second region 1103, and a higher average temperature in lower region 1105. Thus, insulating block 327 and heating element 701 may reduce the maximum temperature to which support plate 351 may be exposed and / or increase the minimum temperature to which edge inductor 163 may be exposed.

[0072] The compression device 305 provides several benefits that can extend the life of itself and / or the forming container 140. For example, because the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701 are attached to the support plate 351 and separate from (e.g., not attached to) the compression block 321, the compression block 321 is free to move independently of the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701. Therefore, inadvertent detachment of the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701 from the support plate 351 can be avoided. By avoiding detachment of the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701 from the support plate 351, the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701 can remain in place and can insulate the support plate 351 and / or provide heat to the edge inductor 163. Additionally, the support plate 351 can support one or both of the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701, so that insulation of the support plate 351 and an increase in the temperature of the edge inductor 163 can be achieved. In some embodiments, due to the chamfered shape of the first face 331 of the compression block 321 (e.g., the second face portion 603 and the third face portion 605 are non-planar with respect to the first face portion 601), a portion of the compression block 321 can be in contact with the moving plate 349, e.g., the first face portion 601 of the compression block 321. Thus, the bending moment applied by the compression block 321 to the moving plate 349 can be reduced. In some embodiments, the reduced bending moment can reduce bending stress on the compression block 321 that may result from sagging of the support plate 351. Thus, the total stress on the compression block 321 can be reduced. Further stress reduction on the compression block 321 can also be achieved due to the radius of curvature of the edge surface 337, which can be in the range of about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 8 mm.

[0073] In some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can include a friction-reducing material that can facilitate movement of the compression block 321 relative to the moving plate 349. The friction-reducing material, for example, a copper oxide-based thermal paste, can act as a lubricant between the compression block 321 and the moving plate 349 and can function up to temperatures of approximately 1500°C.

[0074] While various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific examples thereof, it should be understood that the present disclosure should not be considered as limited thereto, as many modifications and combinations of the features of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. a forming container having a first end and a second end with a container surface defining a recess; a compression block positioned within the recess and configured to apply a force to the forming container, the compression block having a first surface and a contact surface that contacts the container surface, the first surface having a non-planar shape; a support device having a support surface that supports the compression block, the support surface contacting a portion of the first surface; A glass manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

2. the first surface comprises a first surface portion, a second surface portion, and a third surface portion, the first surface portion contacting the support surface and having a planar shape; The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The second surface portion and the third surface portion are positioned on opposite sides of the first surface portion, the second surface portion forming a first angle with the first surface portion that is between about 1 degree and about 3 degrees, and the third surface portion forming a second angle with the first surface portion that is between about 1 degree and about 3 degrees. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the forming vessel is configured to receive molten material along a flow direction that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the forming vessel, and the compression block is configured to apply the force along a force direction that is parallel to the flow direction and the longitudinal direction.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. the compression block has an edge surface connecting the contact surface and the first surface, the edge surface having a rounded shape; The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the support surface extends along a support plane, and the compression block is on a first side of the support plane. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the support device having a second surface spaced from the container surface and defining a support opening; an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the insulating block comprising insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming container; or a heating element attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the heating element comprising an electrically conductive material configured to increase a temperature of a portion of the forming container; and one or more of:

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. a forming container having a first end with a container surface defining a recess, and a second end; a compression block positioned within the recess, the compression block having a contact surface that contacts the container surface, the compression block configured to apply a force to the forming container; a support device having a support surface that supports the compression block and extends along a support plane, the compression block being positioned on a first side of the support plane; A glass manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

9. the support device having a second surface spaced from the container surface and defining a support opening; an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the insulating block positioned on the second side of the support plane and spaced from the compression block, the insulating block comprising insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming container; or a heating element attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the heating element being positioned on the second side of the support surface and spaced from the compression block, the heating element comprising an electrically conductive material configured to increase the temperature of a portion of the forming container; and one or more of: The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. the compression block has a second contact surface substantially perpendicular to the contact surface, the contact surface contacting a first container surface portion of the container surface, and the second contact surface contacting a third container surface portion of the container surface. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. the compression block includes a second edge surface connecting the contact surface and the second contact surface, the second edge surface being angled relative to the contact surface and the second contact surface and spaced apart from the container surface; The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. a forming container having a first end with a container surface defining a recess, and a second end; a compression block positioned within the recess, the compression block including a contact surface that contacts the container surface, the compression block configured to apply a force to the forming container; a support device including a support surface for supporting the compression block, the support device including a second surface spaced from the container surface and defining a support opening; an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the insulating block comprising an insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming container. A glass manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

13. the insulating block comprises a first block portion attached to a second block portion, the first block portion comprising a first protrusion and a first cavity, the second block portion comprising a second protrusion and a second cavity, the first protrusion configured to be received within the second cavity, and the second protrusion configured to be received within the first cavity; The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 12.

14. The first block portion and the second block portion have a first surface facing the forming container and a second surface facing the support device, and the second surface has a surface opening extending along an axis when the first block portion is attached to the second block portion. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13.

15. the support device includes a support protrusion extending from the second surface toward the forming container, the support protrusion configured to be received within the surface opening to attach the first block portion and the second block portion to the support device.

15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 14.

16. an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the insulating block comprising an insulating material configured to insulate the support device from the forming container.

16. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. a forming container having a first end with a container surface defining a recess, and a second end; a compression block positioned within the recess, the compression block having a contact surface that contacts the container surface, the compression block configured to apply a force to the forming container; a support device including a support surface for supporting the compression block, the support device including a second surface spaced from the container surface and defining a support opening; a heating element attached to the second surface and positioned within the support opening between the support device and the container surface, the heating element comprising an electrically conductive material configured to increase a temperature of a portion of the forming container. A glass manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

18. the support device includes a plurality of mounting brackets extending from the second surface toward the forming container.

18. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 17.

19. the heating element has a first opening and a second opening, and when the heating element is attached to the second surface, one of the plurality of mounting brackets is received within the first opening and another of the plurality of mounting brackets is received within the second opening; 19. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 18.

20. the heating element extends a first length between a first end and a second end along a first axis parallel to the second surface, and the compression block extends a second length along a second axis parallel to the first axis; The first length is substantially equal to the second length.

20. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

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