Method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a supply chamber and a conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of a forming apparatus. This conduit is made from a closed sidewall that surrounds a passage extending in the flow direction of the conduit. This glass manufacturing apparatus includes an outer casing that surrounds the conduit and extends along the length of the conduit. This outer casing includes a refractory material that contacts the conduit such that the inner surface of the outer casing substantially conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the sidewall. A method of manufacturing a glass ribbon is provided.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] The present applicant claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 369,529, filed Jul. 27, 2022, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus and methods for manufacturing glass ribbons, and more particularly to methods for manufacturing glass ribbons with an outer enclosure surrounding a conduit.

Background Art

[0003] It is known to manufacture glass ribbons with forming devices. Conventional forming devices include conduits through which a molten material can flow. The conduits may be exposed to relatively high temperatures and stresses during operation. Over time, the conduits may experience leaks due to those temperatures and stresses. Maintenance to repair the conduits is time-consuming and costly. Further, until maintenance is performed, conduit leaks will adversely affect the quality of the glass ribbon.

Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] A method of manufacturing glass with a conduit is described. A molten material can flow through a passage of the conduit. The conduit can be surrounded by an outer enclosure to reduce stress on the conduit. A biasing device can facilitate thermal expansion and contraction of the conduit. For example, the conduit can be heated before the molten material flows through the conduit, thereby allowing the conduit to expand or contract. The biasing device enables expansion or contraction in the longitudinal and / or radial directions.

[0006] In an aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a supply chamber and a conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of a forming device. This conduit is formed from a closed sidewall surrounding a passage extending in the flow direction of the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes an outer casing surrounding the conduit and extending along the length of the conduit. This outer casing is made of a refractory material that contacts the conduit such that the inner surface of the outer casing substantially conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the sidewall.

[0007] In an aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes an insulating layer surrounding the outer casing and spaced from the conduit to form a gap. The outer casing is positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

[0008] In an aspect, the conduit includes a first section having a first diameter, a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section connecting the first section and the second section. The outer casing is in contact with the first section, the second section, and the transition section.

[0009] In an aspect, the transition section forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees with respect to the first section.

[0010] In an aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a biasing device attached to the outer casing. This biasing device is adjustable with respect to the outer casing to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In an aspect, the biasing device includes a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In an aspect, the biasing device includes a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

[0013] In one aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit that is in fluid communication with an inlet of a supply chamber and a forming apparatus. This conduit is formed from a closed sidewall that surrounds a passage extending in the flow direction of the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes an outer casing that surrounds the conduit and extends along the length of the conduit. This outer casing is made of a refractory material that contacts the conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a biasing device attached to the outer casing. This biasing device is adjustable with respect to the outer casing so as to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In one aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes an insulating layer that surrounds the outer casing and is spaced apart from the conduit to form a gap. The outer casing is positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

[0015] In one aspect, the conduit includes a first section having a first diameter, a second section having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section that connects the first section and the second section. The outer casing is in contact with the first section, the second section, and the transition section.

[0016] In one aspect, the transition section forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees with respect to the first section.

[0017] In one aspect, the biasing device includes a first spring that extends along a first spring axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] In one aspect, the biasing device includes a second spring that extends along a second spring axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

[0019] In an aspect, a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon includes flowing a molten material in a passage of a conduit in a flow direction of the conduit. The method includes surrounding the conduit with a jacket such that the jacket contacts the conduit and reduces stress on the conduit. The method includes accommodating dimensional changes of the conduit due to temperature changes as the molten material flows through the passage.

[0020] In an aspect, surrounding the conduit with a jacket includes supplying a suspension material to a gap surrounding the conduit and curing the suspension material to form the jacket.

[0021] In an aspect, accommodating dimensional changes includes accommodating thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to the flow direction.

[0022] In an aspect, accommodating dimensional changes includes accommodating thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

[0023] Additional features and advantages of aspects disclosed herein are set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from that description, or may be recognized by practicing the aspects described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present aspects intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the aspects disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] These and other features, correspondences, and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Here, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary aspects are shown, the aspects will be described more fully below. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects described herein.

[0026] As used herein, the term "about" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not exact and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or may be greater or less, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc., and other factors known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] A range can be expressed herein as from “about” one value to and / or “about” another value. When such a range is expressed, aspects include from one of those values to and / or 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 further be understood that each of the endpoints of each range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0028] The terms used herein to indicate direction—e.g., up, down, right, left, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, etc.—are used only with respect to the drawn figures and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, it is never intended that any of the methods described herein require performing the steps in a particular order or that any apparatus require a particular orientation. Thus, when a method claim does not actually recite an order for the steps to follow, or an apparatus claim does not actually enumerate an order or orientation for individual components, or when it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claim or description that those steps should be limited to a particular order or that a particular order or orientation for the components of an apparatus is enumerated, it is never intended that an order or orientation be implied in any way. This applies to any possible non-expression criteria for interpretation, including the arrangement of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components, or the orientation of components; the plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation; and the logical matters regarding the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0030] As used herein, a noun includes a plurality of objects, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to a component include aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] The words "exemplary", "example", or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. No aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or as an "example" should be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, examples are provided solely for clarity and understanding and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or any related portions of the present disclosure in any way. It will be recognized that numerous additional or alternative examples in various areas may have been presented but have been omitted for brevity.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including" and variations thereof are synonymous and are to be construed as having no limitation, unless specifically stated otherwise. A list of elements preceding the term "comprising" in a transitional phrase is a non-exclusive list, and thus elements additional to those specifically recited in the list may also be present.

[0033] The terms "substantially", "substantially", and variations thereof as used herein are intended to indicate that the recited feature is equal to or approximately equal to a certain value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean a flat or approximately flat surface. Further, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values are equal to or approximately equal to each other. The term "substantially" can mean values within about 10% of each other, for example, within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0034] Modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the subject matter of the claims. Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are not intended to imply a temporal, spatial, ordering, etc. aspect. Rather, such terms are used only as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B, or two different ends.

[0035] The present disclosure relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon. Hereinafter, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon from a glass material will be described by way of illustrative embodiments. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, in an embodiment, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a glass melting and supply apparatus 102 and a forming apparatus 101 designed to manufacture a glass ribbon 103 from a large amount of molten material 121. The glass ribbon 103 can include a central portion 152 positioned between opposite edge portions (e.g., edge beads) formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103, and the thickness of the edge portions may be greater than the thickness of the central portion. Moreover, in an embodiment, a split glass ribbon 104 can be split from the glass ribbon 103 along a splitting path 151 by a glass splitting machine 149 (e.g., scriber, ruling wheel, diamond chip, laser, etc.).

[0036] In an embodiment, the glass melting and supply apparatus 102 can include a melting tank 105 oriented to receive a batch material 107 from a storage container 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch supply apparatus 111 driven by a motor 113. In an embodiment, an optional control device 115 can be operated to operate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of the batch material 107 into the melting tank 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting tank 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide a molten material 121. In an embodiment, a melting probe 119 can be utilized to measure the height of the molten material 121 within the riser tube 123 and transmit measurement information to the control device 115 via a communication line 125.

[0037] In addition, in an aspect, the glass melting and supplying device 102 may include a first state adjustment station including a clarification tank 127 located downstream of the melting tank 105 and coupled to the melting tank 105 by a first connection conduit 129. In an aspect, the molten material 121 can be gravity-fed from the melting tank 105 to the clarification tank 127 through the first connection conduit 129. For example, in an aspect, gravity can drive the molten material 121 to pass through the internal path of the first connection conduit 129 from the melting tank 105 to the clarification tank 127. In addition, in an aspect, bubbles can be removed from the molten material 121 in the clarification tank 127 by various techniques.

[0038] In an aspect, the glass melting and supplying device 102 may further include a second state adjustment station including a mixing chamber 131 that may be located downstream of the clarification tank 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be utilized to provide a uniform composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating non-uniformities that would otherwise be present in the molten material 121 exiting the clarification tank 127. As can be seen from the figure, the clarification tank 127 can be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 by a second connection conduit 135. In an aspect, the molten material 121 can be gravity-fed from the clarification tank 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connection conduit 135. For example, in an aspect, gravity can drive the molten material 121 to pass through the internal path of the second connection conduit 135 from the clarification tank 127 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0039] In addition, in an aspect, the glass melting and supplying device 102 may include a third state adjustment station including a supply chamber 133 that may be located downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In an aspect, the supply chamber 133 can condition the molten material 121 to be supplied to the inlet conduit 141. For example, the supply chamber 133 can function as an accumulator and / or a flow regulator to regulate and provide a consistent flow of the molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As can be seen from the figure, the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the supply chamber 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In an aspect, the molten material 121 can be gravity-fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the supply chamber 133 by the third connecting conduit 137. For example, in an aspect, gravity can be driven to pass the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 through the internal path of the third connecting conduit 137 to the supply chamber 133. As will be further described, in an aspect, the conduit 139 can be positioned to supply the molten material 121 to the forming device 101, for example, to the inlet conduit 141 of the forming device 101. The forming device 101 can include a gutter (e.g., the gutter 201 shown in FIG. 2) extending along a gutter axis 140 between an inlet end 142 of the forming device 101 and an opposite end 143 opposite the inlet end 142. The inlet end 142 is the end of the gutter 201 proximate to the inlet conduit 141 through which the molten material 121 is received. The opposite end 143 is the end furthest from the inlet conduit 141.

[0040] As an example, the disclosed forming apparatus 101 shown below can be provided for fusing and drawing the molten material 121 away from the bottom edge defined by the base 145 of the forming wedge 209 to produce the glass ribbon 103. For example, in an aspect, the molten material 121 can be supplied to the forming apparatus 101 from the inlet conduit 141. The molten material 121 can then be formed into the glass ribbon 103, in part based on the structure of the forming apparatus 101. For example, as can be seen from the figure, the molten material 121 can be drawn away from the bottom edge (e.g., the base 145) of the forming apparatus 101 along a draw path extending in the moving direction 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In an aspect, the edge directors 163, 164 can direct the molten material 121 away from the forming apparatus 101 and, in part, define the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103. In an aspect, the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103 extends between the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0041] In an aspect, the width 108 of the glass ribbon 103 that extends between the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 can be about 20 millimeters (mm) or more, for example, about 50 mm or more, for example, about 100 mm or more, for example, about 500 mm or more, for example, about 1000 mm or more, for example, about 2000 mm or more, for example, 3000 mm or more, for example, about 4000 mm or more. However, in an aspect, other widths smaller or larger than the above-described widths can also be provided. For example, in an aspect, the width 108 is within the range of about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, within the range of about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, within the range of about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, within the range of about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, within the range of about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, within the range of about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, within the range of about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, within the range of about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the forming device 101 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In an aspect, the forming device 101 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 device 101 includes a pair of weirs 203, 204 that define an opening 224 within the trough 201. The forming device 101 has a bottom surface 225, which may be substantially flat and may extend at least partially between the inlet end 142 and the opposite end 143 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). The bottom surface 225 can at least partially define the trough 201. For example, the bottom surface 225 extends along the bottom of the trough 201, and the pair of weirs 203, 204 extend along opposite sides of the trough 201. The forming device 101 can further include a forming wedge 209 having a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 that extend between opposite ends of the forming wedge 209. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 can converge along the movement direction 154 and intersect along the base 145 of the forming device 101 (e.g., the bottom edge of the forming wedge 209 where the converging surface portions 207, 208 meet). The draw surface 213 of the glass manufacturing device 100 can extend through the base 145 along the movement direction 154. In an aspect, the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn along the movement direction 154 along the draw surface 213. As can be seen from the figure, the draw surface 213 can bisect the forming wedge 209 through the base 145. However, in an aspect, the draw surface 213 can extend in another orientation with respect to the base 145. In an aspect, the glass ribbon 103 can move along a movement path 221 that can be in the same plane as the draw surface 213 along the movement direction 154.

[0043] Furthermore, the molten material 121 can flow in the gutter 201 of the forming apparatus 101 along the flow direction 156. The molten material 121 can then overflow from the gutter 201 by flowing over the corresponding weirs 203, 204 and down the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204 through the openings 224. Next, each flow of the molten material 121 can flow along the converging surface portions 207, 208 that slope downwardly below the forming wedge 209 and extend away from the base of the forming apparatus 101, where the flows converge and fuse to the glass ribbon 103. Next, the glass ribbon 103 can extend along the travel direction 154. In an aspect, the glass ribbon 103 has a state of one or more materials based on the vertical position of the glass ribbon 103, i.e., the distance from the base 145. For example, at a first position, the glass ribbon 103 can consist of the viscous molten material 121, and at a second position, the glass ribbon 103 can consist of an amorphous solid in a vitreous state (e.g., a glass ribbon).

[0044] The glass ribbon 103 faces in opposite directions and has a first major surface 215 and a second major surface 216 that define the thickness 212 (e.g., average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103 therebetween. In an aspect, the thickness 212 of the glass ribbon 103 can be about 2 millimeters (mm) or less, about 1 millimeter or less, about 0.5 millimeter or less, e.g., about 300 micrometers (μm) or less, about 200 micrometers or less, or about 100 micrometers or less, but in further aspects, other thicknesses may be provided. For example, in an aspect, the thickness 212 of the glass ribbon 103 is within the range of about 20 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 750 micrometers, within the range of about 100 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, within the range of about 200 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, within the range of about 300 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, within the range of about 50 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, within the range of about 25 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, including all ranges and sub-ranges of the intervening thickness. In addition, the glass ribbon 103 can be made from one or more of various compositions, such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, alkali-free glass, aluminosilicate, borosilicate, borosilicate, silicate, glass-ceramic, or other materials including glass. In an aspect, the glass ribbon 103 can include one or more of lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), barium fluoride (BaF2), sapphire (Al2O3), zinc selenide (ZnSe), germanium (Ge), or other materials.

[0045] In an aspect, the glass splitter 149 (see FIG. 1) can split the glass ribbon 103 along the splitting path 151 into the glass ribbon 104, providing a plurality of split glass ribbons 104 (i.e., a plurality of glass sheets). In an aspect, the long portion of the glass ribbon 104 can be wound around a storage roll. The split glass ribbon can then be processed for a desired application, such as for display applications. For example, the split glass ribbon can be used for a wide range of display and non-display applications including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, plasma display panels (PDPs), micro LED displays, mini LED displays, organic light emitting diode lighting, light emitting diode lighting, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), touch sensors, solar cells, foldable phones, or other applications.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the conduit 139 attached to the supply chamber 133. The conduit 139 can be positioned between the supply chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1) such that the conduit 139 can supply the molten material 121 from the supply chamber 133 to the inlet conduit 141. In this way, the conduit 139 is in fluid communication with the supply chamber 133 and the inlet of the forming device 101 (e.g., the inlet conduit 141). The conduit 139 is substantially hollow and is made of a closed sidewall 301 surrounding a passage 303 extending in the flow direction 305 of the conduit 139. The molten material 121 can flow through the passage 303 towards the inlet conduit 141 along the flow direction 305. In an aspect, the conduit 139 can extend substantially vertically between the supply chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141, and thus, the flow direction 305 can be in the direction of gravity. For example, the conduit 139 can extend along an axis in the direction of gravity.

[0047] In an aspect, an opening (e.g., a void, a gap, a space, etc.) between the supply chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141 can be eliminated in the closed sidewall 301. For example, by being closed and eliminating the opening, the closed sidewall 301 does not define a free passage between the inside and the outside of the conduit 139. In this way, the closed sidewall 301 can surround the passage 303 while restricting air or undesirable contaminants that enter the passage 303 through the closed sidewall 301. The closed sidewall 301 can be made of, for example, a metallic material (e.g., platinum). In an aspect, the conduit 139 can be connected to the supply chamber 133 such that the closed sidewall 301 can define a closed atmosphere that extends continuously from the supply chamber 133 to the inlet conduit 141 through the conduit 139. For example, the conduit 139 can be connected to the supply chamber 133 such that the closed sidewall 301 is connected to the outlet of the supply chamber 133. In this way, an opening (e.g., a void, a gap, a space, etc.) can be eliminated between the inside (e.g., the outlet of the supply chamber 133 and the conduit 139 connected to the outlet of the supply chamber 133) where the molten material 121 flows into the outlet of the supply chamber 133 and the conduit 139 connected to the outlet of the supply chamber 133 and the outside.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the conduit 139 as seen in the target area 4 of FIG. 3. The conduit 139 can have a non-constant cross-sectional size in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction 305 between the supply chamber 133 and the inlet conduit 141. For example, the cross-sectional size of the conduit 139 can be measured in a direction orthogonal to the axis along which the conduit 139 extends. In an aspect, the conduit 139 can have a circular shape, in which case the cross-sectional size of the passage 303 can include a diameter. For example, the conduit 139 can include a first section 401 having a first diameter 403 and a second section 407 having a second diameter 409 that is smaller than the first diameter 403. In an aspect, the second section 407 can be downstream of the first section 401 with respect to the flow direction 305, and thus the diameter of the conduit 139 decreases in the flow direction 305. In an aspect, the conduit 139 can include a transition section 411 that connects the first section 401 and the second section 407. The transition section 411 can have a diameter that decreases from the first section 401 to the second section 407, and the transition section 411 has the first diameter 403 at the first section 401 and the second diameter 409 at the second section 407. In this way, the transition section 411 can form an angle 415 with respect to the first section 401. For example, the angle 415 is defined between the axis 417 along which the first section 401 extends and the transition section 411. In an aspect, the angle 415 can be greater than about 5 degrees.

[0049] The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include an outer enclosure 423 that surrounds the conduit 139 and extends along the length of the conduit 139. In an aspect, the outer enclosure 423 can be made of a refractory material that contacts the conduit 139 such that the inner surface 425 of the outer enclosure 423 substantially coincides with the outer surface 427 of the side wall 301. For example, by extending along the length of the conduit 139, the outer enclosure 423 can contact the conduit 139 from the upper portion of the conduit 139 (e.g., the position where the conduit 139 is attached to the supply chamber 133) to a position below the transition section 411. In this way, the outer enclosure 423 can contact the first section 401, the second section 407, and the transition section 411. The outer enclosure 423 can extend circumferentially around the outer surface 427 such that the outer enclosure 423 surrounds the conduit 139 (e.g., when the conduit 139 has a circular cross-sectional shape).

[0050] In an aspect, the inner surface 425 of the outer enclosure 423 can take or conform to the same shape as the outer surface 427 by substantially coinciding with the shape of the outer surface 427. In an aspect, the conduit 139 can be formed by attaching (e.g., welding, bonding, etc.) together a plurality of sections, such as metal sections. As a result of the forming process, the conduit 139 may include one or more weld lines 431, which are non-uniform surfaces that define the location (e.g., by welding) where two sections are attached. Therefore, the outer surface 427 is not completely smooth at all locations, but instead may include non-uniform portions at the weld lines 431, which define a non-constant diameter with hills, valleys, irregularities, etc. As described with respect to FIG. 5, the outer enclosure 423 provides several advantages, one of which is that the outer enclosure 423 can be formed to substantially coincide with the shape of the outer surface 427 at the weld lines 431.

[0051] In an aspect, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include an insulating layer 435 that surrounds the outer vessel 423. The insulating layer 435 is spaced from the conduit 139 so as to form a gap 437 between the insulating layer 435 and the conduit 139. In an aspect, the gap 437 can have a radial thickness (e.g., the distance separating the insulating layer 435 from the conduit 139) within a range from about 4.7 millimeters (mm) to about 25 mm. In an aspect, the insulating layer 435 can include one or more bricks made of a thermal insulation material or a refractory material. In an aspect, a metal winding can be disposed on the inner surface of the insulating layer 435, and this metal winding is made to conduct an electric current and generate heat. By surrounding the outer vessel 423, the insulating layer 435 can extend circumferentially around the outer vessel 423.

[0052] The outer enclosure 423 can be positioned within the gap 437 and can contact the insulating layer 435 at the outer radius surface and the conduit 139 at the inner radius surface (e.g., the inner surface 425). FIG. 5 shows a side view of the conduit 139 in which the outer enclosure 423 is formed within the gap 437. For example, initially, the gap 437 can be empty and without material, so that a hollow passage surrounds the conduit 139 between the conduit 139 and the insulating layer 435. A method of manufacturing the glass ribbon 103 can include the step of surrounding the conduit 139 with the outer enclosure 423 such that the outer enclosure 423 contacts the conduit 139 and reduces the stress thereon. In an aspect, the step of surrounding the conduit 139 with the outer enclosure 423 can include the step of supplying a suspension material 501 into the gap 437 surrounding the conduit 139 and curing the suspension material 501 to form the outer enclosure 423. The suspension material 501 can include, for example, a semi - liquid suspension (e.g., or semi - liquid material) including a mixture of alumina (e.g., in solid form) and water (e.g., in liquid form). In an aspect, the suspension material 501 (e.g., and thus the outer enclosure 423) can include an alumina - based amorphous material, such as 95% alumina including a phosphate component. In an aspect, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer enclosure 423 can be substantially matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the conduit 139. The suspension material 501 can be supplied to the gap 437, for example, by pouring it into the gap 437. In an aspect, the gap 437 may initially not be completely filled with the suspension material 501, but rather, a portion (e.g., not all) of the gap 437 can be filled with the suspension material 501. For example, the suspension material 501 can first be brought into contact with the lower portions of the second section 407 and the transition section 411 of the conduit 139. The upper portions of the first section 401 and the transition section 411 may not be covered by the suspension material 501 and may not be in contact.

[0053] After supplying the suspension material 501 to the gap 437, the suspension material 501 can be cured, whereby the suspension material 501 solidifies (e.g., into a solid state) and can form the first portion 503 of the outer vessel 423. In an embodiment, the suspension material 501 can be cured in several ways, for example, by applying heat to the suspension material 501 and / or by allowing the suspension material 501 to cure over a period of time. After the suspension material 501 has cured to form the first portion 503 of the outer vessel 423, an additional amount of the suspension material 501 can be supplied to the gap 437 above the first portion 503, and the additional amount of the suspension material 501 cures to form an additional portion of the outer vessel 423. In this way, by supplying the suspension material 501, curing it, and forming a plurality of portions that together form the outer vessel 423, the outer vessel 423 can be gradually formed within the gap 437.

[0054] Supplying the suspension material 501 to the gap 437 is beneficial because the suspension material substantially conforms to the shape of the outer surface 427 of the conduit 139. For example, when supplying the suspension material 501 to the gap 437, the suspension material 501 can conform to the shape of the outer surface 427. In an embodiment, the outer surface 427 may include one or more weld lines 431 that represent a non-smooth surface. Since the suspension material 501 is initially supplied in a non-solid, soft state, the suspension material 501 can surround and conform to the shape at the smooth portions (e.g., away from the weld line 431) and the non-smooth portions (e.g., at the weld line 431) of the outer vessel 423. In addition, the first section 401 and / or the second section 407 may have a non-uniform diameter, for example, as a result of the manufacturing process, and this diameter can be within about ±5% of the average diameter of the first section 401 and / or the second section 407. The suspension material 501 can conform to the shape of the first section 401 and the second section 407 despite dimensional variations due to the manufacturing process.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a portion of the outer enclosure 423. In an aspect, the outer enclosure 423 can include a biasing device 601 that can accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 (shown in dashed lines because it is housed within the outer enclosure 423). For example, the biasing device 601 can be in contact with the outer enclosure 423 and can include one or more support structures that can partially or fully surround the outer enclosure 423. In an aspect, 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 enclosure 423 at the transition section 411 or a location below it. For example, the first support structure 603 can be attached to the outer enclosure 423 at the transition section 411 or a location below it with respect to the flow direction 305. The second support structure 605 can be attached to the outer enclosure 423 at a location downstream of the first support structure 603 with respect to the flow direction 305 and 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 enclosure 423 at a location downstream of the second support structure 605 with respect to the flow direction 305 and below the transition section 411 (e.g., in contact with the second section 407).

[0056] In an aspect, the support structures 603, 605, 607 can be made of a metallic material and may be attached to the outer vessel 423 such that relative movement between the outer vessel and the support structures 603, 605, 607 is restricted. The support structures 603, 605, 607 can be attached to the outer vessel 423 in several ways, such as, for example, with mechanical fasteners, one-piece molding, adhesives, or welding. In an aspect, the support structures 603, 605, 607 can form a hollow frame into which the outer vessel 423 is received, and the support structures 603, 605, 607 provide a compressive force to the outer vessel 423 such that the support structures 603, 605, 607 are attached to the outer vessel 423 by surrounding and compressing the outer vessel 423. In this way, the first support structure 603 can surround and enclose the outer vessel 423 at a first axial position along the conduit 139, the second support structure 605 can surround and enclose the outer vessel 423 at a second axial position along the conduit 139 downstream of the first axial position, and the third support structure 607 can surround and enclose the outer vessel 423 at a third axial position along the conduit 139 downstream of the second axial position. In an aspect, the first support structure 603 may be spaced from and not attached to the second support structure 605, and the second support structure 605 may be spaced from and not attached to the third support structure 607.

[0057] In an aspect, the biasing device 601 can include a base 609 attached to the bottom end of the outer vessel 423 and the third support structure 607. The base 609 can be substantially flat such that the bottom end of the outer vessel 423 (e.g., and the conduit 139) contacts and can rest thereon. The base 609 can be attached to the third support structure 607 in several ways, such as, for example, with mechanical fasteners, one-piece molding, adhesives, or welding. In an aspect, the base 609 may include an opening through which the conduit 139 can extend.

[0058] 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 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 be made of elastic bodies that can store mechanical energy. In an aspect, the springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can include several types of springs, such as coil springs (e.g., made of metal or elastic material having a helical shape that can expand when a load is applied and return to its natural length when unloaded), gas springs (e.g., a sealed cylinder containing a compressed gas with a movable 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 an aspect, the second spring 617 can be installed on the opposite side of the outer enclosure 423 from the first spring 615 (e.g., offset from the first spring 615 by about 180 degrees), and the second spring 617 is attached to the first support structure 603 and the second support structure 605. Therefore, the first spring 615 and the second spring 617 can be installed at substantially the same position along the axis 612 of the conduit 139 on opposite sides of the outer enclosure 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 in several ways, such as with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, and the like.

[0059] The third spring 619 can be positioned downstream of the first spring 615 with respect to the flow direction 305, and the fourth spring 621 can be positioned downstream of the second spring 617 with respect to the flow direction 305. In an aspect, the third spring 619 can be attached to the second support structure 605 and the third support structure 607. In an aspect, the fourth spring 621 can be installed on the opposite side of the outer casing 423 from the third spring 619 (e.g., offset by about 180 degrees from the third spring 619), and the fourth spring 621 is attached to the second support structure 605 and the third support structure 607. Therefore, the third spring 619 and the fourth spring 621 can be installed at substantially the same position along the shaft 612 on opposite sides of the outer casing 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 in several ways, such as by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.

[0060] The first spring 615 can extend along a first spring axis 631 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 633 along which the conduit 139 extends. The third spring 619 can extend along the first spring axis 631. In an aspect, the second spring 617 can extend along a second spring axis 635 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal 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 contraction of the conduit 139 in the longitudinal direction 633. For example, referring to FIGS. 6-7, the conduit 139 may have a first length 639 between the bottom of the transition section 411 (e.g., at the intersection of the transition section 411 and the second section 407) and the bottom of the conduit 139 before the conduit 139 is heated. The conduit 139 can be heated before the molten material 121 flows through the passage 303. The conduit 139 may experience thermal expansion when heated, and thus the conduit 139 may have a second length 641 between the bottom of the transition section 411 and the bottom of the conduit 139, and the second length 641 is greater than the first length. Due to the thermal expansion of the conduit 139, the outer casing 423 may similarly expand in the longitudinal direction 633.

[0061] In an aspect, to accommodate the thermal expansion of the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423, the springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can expand in the longitudinal direction 633. For example, when the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423 expand in the longitudinal direction 633, the first spring 615 and the second spring 617 can expand similarly, so that the second support structure 605 can move downward away from the first support structure 603 in the longitudinal direction 633. Further, in an aspect, when the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423 expand in the longitudinal direction 633, the third spring 619 and the fourth spring 621 can expand similarly, so that the third support structure 607 can move downward away from the second support structure 605 in the longitudinal direction 633. In this way, the base 609 can move downward so 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 enclosure 423 is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 7. The springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can bias the support structures 603, 605, 607 back to the first length 639 so that the conduit 139 can return to the first length 639 after the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423 have cooled and so that the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423 can thermally contract in the longitudinal direction 633.

[0062] Accordingly, the biasing device 601 including the support structures 603, 605, 607, the base 609, and the springs 615, 617, 619, 621 can be attached to the outer enclosure 423 and can be made adjustable relative to the outer enclosure 423 to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the longitudinal direction 633 that is substantially parallel to the flow direction 305. By being adjustable relative to the outer enclosure 423, the biasing device 601 can move the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423 in the longitudinal direction 633 (e.g., due to thermal expansion and contraction) while remaining attached to the outer enclosure 423. The biasing device 601 can support the bottom portions of the conduit 139 and the outer enclosure 423 with the base 609 and can move the base 609 downward when thermal expansion occurs. In this way, the method can accommodate dimensional changes of the conduit 139 due to temperature changes (e.g., before the molten material 121 flows through the passage 303 when the conduit 139 is heated). The dimensional changes can include changes in the length of the conduit 139. Therefore, the step of accommodating dimensional changes can include the step of accommodating thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the longitudinal direction 633 that is substantially parallel to the flow direction 305.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a view from above the outer enclosure 423. In an aspect, the biasing device 601 can accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 633 (e.g., in and out of the page). For example, the biasing device 601 can contact the outer enclosure 423 and can include one or more support structures that may partially or fully surround the outer enclosure 423. In an aspect, the one or more support structures can include a first support structure 803 and a second support structure 805. The support structures 803, 805 can be attached to the outer surface of the outer enclosure 423 at the transition section 411 or a location below it. For example, in an aspect, the support structures 803, 805 can be attached to the outer enclosure 423 at a location below the transition section 411 (e.g., in contact with the second section 407).

[0064] In an aspect, the support structures 803, 805 can be made of a metallic material and may be attached to the outer vessel 423 such that relative movement between the outer vessel and the support structures 803, 805 is restricted. In an aspect, the support structures 803, 805 can be attached to the outer vessel 423 in several ways, for example, with mechanical fasteners, one-piece molding, adhesives, or welding. The support structures 803, 805 can have a shape that substantially matches the shape of the outer surface of the outer vessel 423, for example, a rounded circular shape. Therefore, the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805 can sandwich the outer vessel 423 (e.g., the outer vessel 423 is positioned between the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805) and, in an aspect, can apply a compressive force to the outer vessel 423. In an aspect, the first support structure 803 may be spaced apart from the second support structure 805.

[0065] In an aspect, the biasing device 601 can include one or more springs that can be attached to the support structures 803, 805 to facilitate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801. For example, the one or more springs can include a first spring 807 and a second spring 809. The springs 807, 809 can be made of an elastic body that can store mechanical energy. In an aspect, the springs 807, 809 can include several types of springs, such as a coil spring (e.g., a metal or elastic material having a helical shape that can expand when a load is applied and return to its natural length when unloaded), a gas spring (e.g., a sealed cylinder containing a compressed gas with a movable piston that stores potential energy), and the like. The first spring 807 can be attached to the first end of the first support structure 803 and the first end of the second support structure 805, and the first ends of the support structures 803, 805 are adjacent to each other. In an aspect, 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 the second end of the first support structure 803 and the second end of the second support structure 805, and the second ends of the support structures 803, 805 are adjacent to each other. In an aspect, a second gap 813 can exist between the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805. The first spring 807 can be installed on the opposite side of the outer enclosure 423 from the second spring 809 (e.g., offset by about 180 degrees 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, and the like.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, the first spring 807 and the second spring 809 can accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801. For example, the conduit 139 may have a first diameter 901 before the conduit 139 is heated. The conduit 139 may get hot as the molten material 121 flows through the passage 303. As the conduit 139 gets hot, it may experience thermal expansion, and thus the conduit 139 may have a second diameter 903, where the second diameter 409 is larger than the first diameter. The enlarged outer perimeter 905 of the conduit 139 and the enlarged outer perimeter 907 of the shroud 423 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9. Due to the thermal expansion of the conduit 139, the shroud 423 may similarly expand in the radial direction 801. In an aspect, to accommodate the thermal expansion of the conduit 139 and the shroud 423, the springs 807, 809 can expand in the radial direction 801. For example, when the conduit 139 and the shroud 423 expand in the radial direction 801 (e.g., due to the thermal expansion shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9), the first spring 807 and the second spring 809 can similarly expand, and thus the first support structure 803 and the second support structure 805 can move away from each other. In this way, the first gap 811 and the second gap 813 can increase in size. The springs 807, 809 bias the support structures 803, 805 back to the first diameter 901 so that after the conduit 139 and the shroud 423 cool, the conduit 139 can return to the first diameter 901 and the conduit 139 and the shroud 423 can thermally contract in the radial direction 801.

[0067] Accordingly, the biasing device 601 comprising the support structures 803, 805 and the springs 807, 809 can be attached to the outer casing 423 and can be made adjustable relative to the outer casing 423 to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 633. By being adjustable relative to the outer casing 423, the biasing device 601 can move the conduit 139 and the outer casing 423 in the radial direction 801 (e.g., due to thermal expansion and contraction) while remaining attached to the outer casing 423. In this way, the method can include the step of accommodating dimensional changes of the conduit 139 due to temperature changes as the molten material 121 flows through the passageway 303. The dimensional changes can include changes in the diameter of the conduit 139. Therefore, the step of accommodating dimensional changes can include the step of accommodating thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit 139 in the radial direction 801.

[0068] The outer casing 423 and the biasing device 601 can provide several advantages. For example, during operation as the molten material 121 flows through the conduit 139, the conduit 139 may experience stress and tensile forces, which can result in strain rates and fractures at high temperatures. Specifically, high strain can stretch and thin the conduit 139 in local areas over time, for example, at the weld line 431, and cracks can occur. By surrounding the conduit 139 with the outer casing 423, these stresses applied to the conduit 139 can be reduced. For example, the conduit 139 can be made from an alloy of platinum and rhodium (e.g., 90% platinum and 10% rhodium, or 80% platinum and 20% rhodium). The outer casing 423 can include an amorphous material layer that surrounds the conduit 139 to provide additional support by strengthening and / or providing structural support, thereby reducing local stresses by spreading the stress over a larger area. In this way, the outer casing 423 can reduce axial and radial stresses and, therefore, the tendency for creep (e.g., deformation of the conduit 139) and, therefore, cracking in the conduit 139. In this way, the outer casing 423 can surround the conduit 139 such that the outer casing 423 contacts the conduit 139 and can reduce the stress thereon.

[0069] The outer casing 423 can surround and support the conduit 139, while the biasing device 601 can facilitate the thermal expansion and contraction of the conduit 139. For example, during operation, the conduit 139 can become hot and cold, and the spring of the biasing device 601 allows for expansion / contraction in the axial and radial directions. The outer casing 423 can further provide additional thermal insulation to the conduit 139, thereby improving the melting process. In addition, the transition section 411 can have an angle 415 greater than about 5 degrees. The advantage of this angle 415 is that it can balance the impedance during the flow of the molten material 121 through the conduit 139 by improving the balance of stresses (e.g., axial stress and hoop stress).

[0070] Although various aspects have been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not to be considered limited thereto, as various modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0071] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item.

[0072] Embodiment 1 In a glass manufacturing apparatus,[[]] a conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of a supply chamber and a forming device, the conduit being made of a closed sidewall surrounding a passage extending in the flow direction of the conduit, and an outer casing surrounding the conduit and extending along the length of the conduit, the outer casing being made of a refractory material in contact with the conduit such that the inner surface of the outer casing substantially conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the sidewall,[[]] a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising.

[0073] Embodiment 2 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, further comprising an insulating layer that surrounds the outer enclosure and is spaced from the conduit to form a gap, wherein the outer enclosure is positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

[0074] Embodiment 3 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the conduit includes a first section having a first diameter, a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section connecting the first section and the second section, and the outer enclosure is in contact with the first section, the second section, and the transition section.

[0075] Embodiment 4 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3, wherein the transition section forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees with respect to the first section.

[0076] Embodiment 5 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising a biasing device attached to the outer enclosure, the biasing device being adjustable with respect to the outer enclosure so as to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a length direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction.

[0077] Embodiment 6 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 5, wherein the biasing device includes a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the length direction, and the first spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the length direction.

[0078] Embodiment 7 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 5, wherein the biasing device includes a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the length direction, and the second spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction.

[0079] Embodiment 8 In a glass manufacturing apparatus, a conduit that is in fluid communication with an inlet of a supply chamber and a forming apparatus, the conduit being formed from a closed sidewall that surrounds a passage extending in a flow direction of the conduit, an outer casing that surrounds the conduit and extends along a length of the conduit, the outer casing being made of a refractory material in contact with the conduit, and a biasing device attached to the outer casing, the biasing device being adjustable with respect to the outer casing so as to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a length direction that is substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length direction. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising the above.

[0080] Embodiment 9 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 8, further comprising an insulating layer that surrounds the outer casing and is spaced apart from the conduit to form a gap, and the outer casing being positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

[0081] Embodiment 10 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the conduit includes a first section having a first diameter, a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section connecting the first section and the second section, and the outer casing is in contact with the first section, the second section, and the transition section.

[0082] Embodiment 11 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 10, wherein the transition section forms an angle greater than about 5 degrees with respect to the first section.

[0083] Embodiment 12 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 8 to 10, wherein the biasing device includes a first spring extending along a first spring axis that is substantially parallel to the length direction, and the first spring is configured to accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in the length direction.

[0084] Embodiment 13 The biasing device according to any one of Embodiments 8 to 12, including 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.

[0085] Embodiment 14 In a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon, a step of flowing a molten material in a passage of a conduit in a flow direction of the conduit, a step of surrounding the conduit with an outer casing so that the outer casing contacts the conduit and reduces stress on the conduit, and a step of accommodating dimensional changes of the conduit due to temperature changes when the molten material flows in the passage. A method including these steps.

[0086] Embodiment 15 The method according to Embodiment 14, wherein the step of surrounding the conduit with an outer casing includes a step of supplying a suspension material to a gap surrounding the conduit and a step of curing the suspension material to form the outer casing.

[0087] Embodiment 16 The method according to Embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the step of accommodating dimensional changes includes a step of accommodating thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a length direction substantially parallel to the flow direction.

[0088] Embodiment 17 The method according to Embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the step of accommodating dimensional changes includes a step of accommodating thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the conduit.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0089] 100 Glass manufacturing apparatus 101 Forming apparatus 102 Glass melting and supply apparatus 103 Glass ribbon 104 Split glass ribbon 105 Melting tank 107 Batch material 109 Storage container 111 Batch feeder 113 Motor 115 Control device 119 Melting probe 121 Molten material 123 Upright pipe 125 Communication line 127 Clarifying tank 131 Mixing chamber 133 Supply chamber 139 Conduit 141 Inlet conduit 142 Inlet end 143 Opposite end 149 Glass splitter 151 Splitting path 153 First outer edge 155 Second outer edge 163, 164 Edge director 201 Trough 203, 204 Weir 207, 208 Converging surface part 209 Forming wedge 213 Extension surface 215 First main surface 216 Second main surface 301 Side wall 303 Passage 305 Flow direction 401 First section 403 First diameter 407 Second section 409 Second diameter 411 Transition section 415 Angle 423 Outer enclosure 425 Inner surface of the outer enclosure 427 Outer surface of the outer enclosure 431 Weld line 435 Insulation layer 437 Gap 501 Suspended material 601 Biasing device 603, 803 First support structure 605, 805 Second support structure 607 Third support structure 609 Base 615, 807 First spring 617, 809 Second spring 619 Third spring 621 Fourth spring

Claims

1. In a glass manufacturing apparatus, a conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of a supply chamber and a forming apparatus, the conduit being made of a closed sidewall surrounding a passage extending in a flow direction of the conduit, and an outer casing surrounding the conduit and extending along a length of the conduit, the outer casing being made of a refractory material contacting the conduit such that an inner surface of the outer casing substantially conforms to a shape of an outer surface of the sidewall, a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising the same.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating layer surrounding the outer casing and spaced apart from the conduit to form a gap, wherein the outer casing is positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conduit includes a first section having a first diameter, a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section connecting the first section and the second section, and the outer casing contacts the first section, the second section, and the transition section.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing device attached to the outer casing, the biasing device being adjustable with respect to the outer casing so as to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

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

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

7. In a glass manufacturing apparatus, a conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of a supply chamber and a forming apparatus, the conduit being made of a closed sidewall surrounding a passage extending in a flow direction of the conduit, an outer casing surrounding the conduit and extending along a length of the conduit, the outer casing being made of a refractory material contacting the conduit, and A biasing device attached to the outer casing, the biasing device being adjustable relative to the outer casing so as to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the flow direction and in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising the same. **Claim 8** The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an insulating layer surrounding the outer casing and spaced from the conduit to form a gap, wherein the outer casing is positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the conduit. **Claim 9** The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the conduit includes a first section having a first diameter, a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section connecting the first section and the second section, and the outer casing is in contact with the first section, the second section, and the transition section. **Claim 10** The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the biasing device includes a first spring extending along a first spring axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, the first spring being configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the longitudinal direction. **Claim 11** The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the biasing device includes a second spring extending along a second spring axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the second spring being configured to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in the radial direction. **Claim 12** In a method of manufacturing a glass ribbon, a step of flowing a molten material in a passage of a conduit in a flow direction of the conduit; a step of surrounding the conduit with an outer casing such that the outer casing contacts the conduit and reduces stress on the conduit; and a step of accommodating dimensional changes of the conduit due to temperature changes when the molten material flows through the passage. A method comprising the above steps. **Claim 13** The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of surrounding the conduit with an outer casing includes a step of supplying a suspension material to a gap surrounding the conduit and a step of curing the suspension material to form the outer casing. **Claim 14** The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of accommodating the dimensional changes includes a step of accommodating thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the flow direction. **Claim 15** The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of adapting to the dimensional change includes a step of adapting to thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the conduit in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

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