Method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass ribbon

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a forming vessel having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a vessel surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a compression block positioned within the recess and including a first surface and a contact surface that contacts the vessel surface. The compression block applies a force to the forming vessel. The first surface includes a non-planar shape. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a support device including a support surface that supports the compression block. The support surface is in contact with a portion of the first surface.

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 on February 3, 2020, the content of which is relied upon and all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosure of the present invention generally relates to a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon, and more specifically, to a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus provided with a compression block.

Background Art

[0003] It is known to manufacture a molten material into a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus. In order to reduce the slack of the forming container of the glass manufacturing apparatus, a compression device can be used to apply a force to the end of the forming container. However, the application of the force may cause damage to the forming container and / or the compression device over time.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following presents a brief summary of the disclosure of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention".

[0005] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression device capable of applying a force to an end portion of a forming container. The compression device can include a compression block capable of contacting a container surface of the forming container. The compression block can be movable relative to a 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 container. The compression device can include one or both of an insulating block or a heating element attachable to the support device. Accordingly, the compression block can move independently of the insulating block and the heating element, i.e., it is possible for the insulating block and / or the heating element to remain in a fixed position.

[0006] In accordance with some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming container having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion can include a container surface defining a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess and having a contact surface that contacts the first surface and the container surface. The compression block can be configured to apply a force to the forming container. The first surface can have a non-planar shape. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a support device having a support surface for supporting the compression block. The support surface may be in contact with a portion of the first surface.

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

[0008] In some embodiments, the second surface portion and the third surface portion can be positioned on both sides of the first surface portion. The second surface portion can form a first angle of about 1 degree to about 3 degrees with respect to the first surface portion. The third surface portion can form a second angle of about 1 degree to about 3 degrees with respect to the first surface portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the forming vessel can receive the molten material along a flow direction that may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the forming vessel. The compression block can apply a force along a force direction that may 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 may be on the first side of the support plane.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support device can include a second surface that defines a support opening spaced from the vessel surface, and 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 comprising a heat insulating material configured to thermally insulate the support device from the forming vessel, or 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 comprising a conductive material configured to raise the temperature of a portion of the forming vessel, and can include one or both of the above.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming vessel having a first end and a second end. The first end can include a vessel surface that defines a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess and having 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 supports the compression block and has a support surface that extends along a support plane. The compression block may be positioned on the first side of the support plane.

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

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

[0016] In some embodiments, the compression block can include a second edge surface that connects the contact surface and the second contact surface. The second edge surface can be angled with respect to the contact surface and the second contact surface and may be spaced from the container surface.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a forming container that can have a first end and a second end. The first end can include a container surface that defines a recess. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a compression block positioned within the recess and having a contact surface that contacts the container surface. The compression block can be configured to apply a force to the forming container. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a support device that can include a support surface for supporting the compression block. The support device can include a second surface spaced from the container surface that defines 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 container surface. The insulating block can include a heat insulating material configured to thermally insulate the support device from the forming container.

[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 include a first surface facing the forming container and a second surface facing the support device. The second surface can include a surface opening that extends along an 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 surface toward the forming container. The support protrusion can be configured to be received within the surface opening to attach the first block portion and the second block portion to the support device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include an insulating block attached to the second surface and positioned within a support opening between the support device and the container surface. The insulating block can include a heat insulating material configured to thermally insulate the support device from the forming container.

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

[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. 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 a first end and a second end along a first axis parallel to the second surface. 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 in this specification are set forth in the following detailed description, are partly apparent to those skilled in the art from this description, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments described in this specification, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are presented to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. 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 disclosure of the present invention and, together with the description, explain the principles and its operation.

[0027] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Here, the embodiments will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary elements. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts whenever possible. However, the disclosure of the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown in this specification.

[0030] The disclosure of the present invention relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus and method for manufacturing a glass ribbon. Here, a method and apparatus for generating a glass ribbon are described below using an exemplary embodiment for generating 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 generate a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material from a quantity of molten material 121. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can include a central portion 152 positioned between opposing edge portions (e.g., edge beads) formed along its first outer edge 153 and second outer edge 155, and the thickness of the edge portions can be greater than the thickness of the central portion. Further, in some embodiments, a separated glass ribbon 104 can be separated from the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (e.g., a scoring needle, a cutting 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 a batch material 107 from a storage 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 operative to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired quantity of the 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 a molten material 121. In some embodiments, a melting probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 within a standpipe 123, and the melting probe 119 can communicate measurement information to the controller 115 through a communication line 125.

[0032] In addition, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery device 102 can include a first conditioning station that includes 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 can 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 can 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. Further, in some embodiments, bubbles can be removed from the molten material 121 by various techniques within the fining vessel 127.

[0033] In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery device 102 can further include a second conditioning station that includes a mixing chamber 131 positioned downstream from the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a uniform composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating non-uniformities that may otherwise be present in the molten material 121 flowing out of the fining vessel 127. As shown, the fining vessel 127 can be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 through a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can 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 can 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] In addition to this, the glass melting and delivery device 102 can include a third adjustment station including a delivery chamber 133 that can be positioned downstream from the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the delivery chamber 133 can adjust the molten material 121 supplied into the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery chamber 133 can function as an accumulator and / or flow controller to condition the molten material 121 and provide its consistent flow 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. Further as shown, in some embodiments, the delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver the molten material 121 to the forming device 101, for example, to the inlet conduit 141 of the forming container 140.

[0035] The forming device 101 can comprise various embodiments of the formed container according to the features of the disclosure of the present invention, for example, a formed container having a wedge for the melt drawing of a glass ribbon, a formed container having a slot for the slot drawing of a glass ribbon, or a formed container provided with rolling rolls for rolling a glass ribbon from the formed container. In some embodiments, the forming device 101 can comprise, for example, a sheet redraw having the forming device 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 formed container 140 disclosed below as an embodiment can be provided to melt-draw the molten material 121 from the bottom edge defined as the bottom 145 of the forming wedge 209 to generate a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material. For example, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be fed from the inlet conduit 141 to the formed container 140. Next, the molten material 121 can be formed into a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material based in part on the structure of the formed container 140. For example, as shown in the figure, the molten material 121 can be drawn along a draw path extending from the bottom edge (e.g., the bottom 145) of the formed container 140 in the advancing direction 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the edge guides 163, 164 can guide the molten material 121 from the formed container 140 and can partially define the width "W" of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material. In some embodiments, the width "W" of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material extends between a first outer edge 153 of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material and a second outer edge 155 of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material.

[0036] In some embodiments, the width "W" of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material extending between the first outer edge 153 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), for example, greater than or equal to about 50 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 100 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 500 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 2000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 3000 mm, for example, greater than or equal to about 4000 mm. However, in still other embodiments, other widths smaller or larger than the above-described widths can be provided. For example, in some embodiments, the width "W" of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material is in the range from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, in the range from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range from about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, in the range from about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and can be in all ranges and sub-ranges between these values.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a forming apparatus 101 (e.g., a forming vessel 140) along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 can include a trough 201 oriented to receive molten material 121 from an 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 that includes a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 that extend between its opposing ends 210, 211 (see FIG. 1). The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 converge along the travel direction 154 so as to intersect along the bottom 145 of the forming vessel 140. The draw plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can extend through the bottom 145 along the travel direction 154. In some embodiments, a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can be drawn along the travel direction 154 along the draw plane 213. As shown, the draw plane 213 can bisect the forming wedge 209 through the bottom 145, but in some embodiments, it can extend in other orientations with respect to the bottom 145. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can move along a travel path 221 that is coplanar with the draw plane 213 along the travel direction 154.

[0038] In addition, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 can flow into and along the trough 201 of the forming vessel 140 in the flow direction 156. For example, the forming vessel 140 can receive the molten material 121 along the flow direction 156 which may 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 cross the advancing direction 154 shown in FIG. 1). Next, the molten material 121 can overflow from the trough 201 by flowing downward over the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204 simultaneously. Next, each flow of the molten material 121 can flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 such that it is drawn from the bottom 145 of the forming vessel 140, where at the bottom 145 these flows converge and fuse into a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material. Next, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material can be drawn along the advancing direction 154 within the draw plane 213 from the bottom 145. In some embodiments, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material comprises material in one or more states based on its vertical location. For example, the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material may comprise viscous molten material 121 at one location and an amorphous solid (e.g., a glass ribbon) in a vitreous state at another location.

[0039] The ribbon 103 of the glass-forming material has a first major surface 215 and a second major surface 216 that face in opposite directions and define the thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) of the ribbon 103 of the glass-forming material. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the ribbon 103 of the glass-forming material is 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 millimeter, e.g., 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, but other thicknesses can be provided in still other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the ribbon 103 of the glass-forming material is in the range from about 20 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 750 micrometers, from about 100 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, from about 200 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, from about 300 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 700 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, from about 25 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, and can be in a range that includes all ranges and sub-ranges of thicknesses between these values. Further, the ribbon 103 of the glass-forming material can comprise various compositions, such as borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass 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 a glass ribbon 104 from a ribbon 103 of glass-forming material along a separation path 151 to provide a plurality of separated glass ribbons 104 (i.e., a plurality of glass sheets). In other embodiments, a longer portion of the glass ribbon 104 can be coiled onto a storage roll. The separated glass ribbons can then be processed for a desired application, such as a display application. For example, the separated glass ribbons can be used for 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 viewing perspective 3 of 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 temperature at 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 can include one or more compression devices 305. For example, one compression device 305 can be positioned at the first end 210 of the forming vessel 140, while another compression device 305 can 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 the sagging of the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, the compression device 305 at the first end 210 and the compression device 305 at the second end 211 can be substantially identical.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first end portion 210 can include a container surface 307 that defines a recess 309. The recess 309 (e.g., a void, a space, an opening, etc.) can receive a portion of the compression device 305. In some embodiments, the container surface 307 can include a plurality of 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 each other. For example, the first container surface portion 311 can include a planar surface, while the second container surface portion 313 that is adjacent to and / or can be 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 include a planar 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 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 traveling direction 154, while the third container surface portion 315 can extend substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction 154.

[0043] The compression device 305 can include one or more structures for applying force to the forming container 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 a compression block 321 that may be positioned within the recess 309 and can include a first surface 331 and a contact surface 335 that contacts the container surface 307. In some embodiments, the first surface 331 can face the advancing direction 154, for example, by being oriented so as to face downstream from the forming container 140 with respect to the movement of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material along the advancing 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 an angle of 90°, with respect to the contact surface 335 so 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 have a rounded shape with 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 can be about 8 mm. Due to the rounded shape of the edge surface 337 having a radius of curvature, the stress within the compression block 321 during the application of force to the forming container 140 may be lower than the desired value.

[0044] In some embodiments, the compression block 321 can include a second contact surface 341 that may 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 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 travel direction 154, e.g., in an upstream direction with respect to the movement of the ribbon 103 of glass-forming material along the travel direction 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 that connects 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 with respect to the contact surface 335 and the second contact surface 341 and may be spaced 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-planarly with respect to the contact surface 335 and non-planarly with respect to the second contact surface 341. In some embodiments, the second edge surface 343 can form an angle within a range of about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees, or within a range of about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees, with respect to the contact surface 335. In some embodiments, the second edge surface 343 can form an angle within a range of about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees, or within a range of about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees, with respect to the second contact surface 341. In some embodiments, one or both of the contact surface 335 or the second edge surface 343 can include a heating element 602. The heating element 602 can include a 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 raise the temperature of a portion of the forming container 140.

[0045] In some embodiments, the compression block 321 can contact the container surface 307, and in contrast, the compression block 321 is positioned within the recess 309. For example, the contact surface 335 can be in a connected state with the first container surface portion 311 of the container surface 307, and the second contact surface 341 can be in a connected state with the third container surface portion 315 of the container surface 307. In some embodiments, when the contact surface 335 is in a connected state with the first container surface portion 311 and the second contact surface 341 is in a connected state 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 this surface portion so as to be flush with this surface portion when in contact with the first container surface portion 311. The second contact surface 341 can be substantially parallel to this surface portion so as to be flush with this surface portion 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 formed 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 container surface 307, the compression block 321 can apply a force to the forming container 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 to be in contact with the surface of the compression block 321 opposite the contact surface 335 so that the compression block 321 can be positioned between the first container 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 crosses the traveling direction 154 and is directed toward the forming container 140. In some embodiments, by moving the force direction 345, the force block 323 can cause the compression block 321 to apply a compressive force to the forming container 140, for example, the first container surface portion 311. For example, the compression block 321 can apply a force (e.g., to the forming container 140) along a force direction 345 that may be parallel to the flow direction 156 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) and the longitudinal direction of the forming container 140. The compressive force can reduce the slack of the forming container 140.

[0047] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a support device 325 that can include a support surface 347 for supporting the compression block 321. In some embodiments, the support surface 347 can be in contact with a portion of the first surface 331. For example, the compression block 321 can be placed 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 capable of supporting the compression 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 the support surface 347, and the compression block 321 can be placed on the moving plate 349 with the first surface 331 in contact therewith. For example, the compression block 321 can move relative to the moving plate 349 when moving towards 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 added to the support surface 347 and / or the first surface 331. For example, in some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can include an alumina material, and the compression block 321 can include a zirconia material. In some embodiments, the friction reducing material is a copper oxide-based thermal paste. The friction reducing material can reduce the friction between the compression block 321 and the moving plate 349 such that the compression block 321 can move relative to the moving plate 349 in response to the force applied by the force block 323. In some embodiments, the support plate 351 can support the moving plate 349, and the moving plate 349 can be in contact with and placed on the support plate 351. In some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can support the compression block 321, and the compression block 321 can be in contact with and placed on the moving plate 349, and the compression block 321 is spaced apart from the support plate 351 and not in contact therewith. In some embodiments, the moving plate 349 can have a height within the range of about 6 mm to about 18 mm or about 12.7 mm.

[0048] In some embodiments, the support surface 347 can extend along the 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 disposed on the first side 357 of the support plane 355, the entire compression block 321 with the first surface 331 can be positioned on the first side 357 such that no portion of the compression block 321 intersects the support plane 355 and extends to the second side 359. In some embodiments, by being disposed on the second side 359, the entire support plate 351 can be positioned on the second side 359 such that no portion of the support plate 351 intersects the support plane 355 and extends to the first side 357. In some embodiments, the support device 325 can include a second surface 363 that defines a support opening 365 spaced from the container surface 307. 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 formed container 140. The second surface 363 of the support plate 351 and the third surface 367 of the moving plate 349 can be spaced from the formed container 140, e.g., from the container surface 307, to define the support opening 365. In some embodiments, the support opening 365 can be positioned between the formed container 140 and the support device 325 (e.g., between 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 may be attached to the second surface 363 and positioned within a support opening 365 between the support device 325 and the container surface 307. The insulating block 327 can be attached to the second surface 363 in several ways. For example, in some embodiments, mechanical fasteners (such as screws, bolts, etc.) can attach the insulating block 327 to the second surface 363 of the support plate 351. In some embodiments, an attachment device (similar to the attachment device 901 shown in FIG. 9, for example) can facilitate the removable attachment of the insulating block 327 to the second surface 363. The insulating block 327 can include a thermal insulation material that can thermally insulate the support device 325 from the forming container 140. For example, in some embodiments, the insulating block 327 can include 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, the support plate 351 can include a metallic material, such as steel, and thus the insulating block 327 can thermally isolate the support plate 351 from the temperature of the forming container 140. For example, by being positioned within the support opening 365, the insulating block 327 can thermally insulate the support plate 351 from the forming container 140, thereby reducing the temperature that the 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 may be spaced apart from the compression block 321. For example, by spacing it apart from the compression block 321, a gap can exist between the insulating block 327 and the first face 331 of the compression block 321, whereby the compression block 321 can move independently of the insulating block 327 (e.g., in the force direction 345). 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 container 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 container 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 can 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 a plurality of parts. For example, in some embodiments, the insulating block 327 can comprise a plurality of block portions, such as a first block portion 401, a second block portion 403, and a third block portion 405. The first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 can be attached to each other and can be attached to the support device 325. For example, the insulating block 327 can comprise a first block portion 401 attached to the second block portion 403. In some embodiments, the first block portion 401 can comprise a first protrusion 407 and a first cavity 409. The second block portion 403 can comprise a second protrusion 413 and a second cavity 415. The first protrusion 407 can be received within the second cavity 415, and the second protrusion 413 can be received within 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 each other, and the axis 419 extends 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 towards 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 towards 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.Accordingly, the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403 can be in contact with each other such that the first protrusion 407 can be received within the second cavity 415 and the second protrusion 413 can be received within 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 within the fourth cavity 429, and the fourth protrusion 427 can be received within 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. Accordingly, 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 brings 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 passing through the insulating block 327 (e.g., passing through the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405) can be avoided. The first cross-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 arranged. The first cross-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 cross-axis 433 can be directed to extend through a location between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403. On the other hand, due to the first protrusion 407 being received within the second cavity 415 and the second protrusion 413 being received within the first cavity 409, the first protrusion 407 and the second protrusion 413 can extend adjacent to and parallel to each other. Accordingly, the first cross-axis 433 can intersect the first protrusion 407 and / or the second protrusion 413. By avoiding the gap between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403, heat transfer from between the first block portion 401 and the second block portion 403 to the support plate 351 can be reduced, and thus, the insulation of the support device 325 from the forming container 140 can be improved.

[0054] Similarly, in some embodiments, the second intersection axis 435 can extend substantially parallel to the first intersection axis 433. The second intersection 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 intersection axis 435 can be oriented to extend through a location between the second block portion 403 and the third block portion 405. On the other hand, due to the third protrusion 423 being received within the fourth cavity 429 and the fourth protrusion 427 being received within the third cavity 425, the third protrusion 423 and the fourth protrusion 427 can extend adjacent to and parallel to each other. Accordingly, the second intersection 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, and thus, insulation of the support device 325 from the forming container 140 can be improved.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 can include a first face 441 facing the forming container 140 and a second face 443 facing 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 each other, the first face 441 can include a substantially flat face facing the forming container 140. When the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 are attached to each other, the second face 443 can include a substantially flat face facing the support device 325. In some embodiments, the second face 443 can include a face opening 445 extending 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 opening 445 can include a groove, a channel, or a notch formed in the second face 443, and the face opening 445 in the first block portion 401, the face opening 445 in the second block portion 403, and the face opening 445 in the third block portion 405 can be aligned so that they can extend linearly along the axis 419.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, in some embodiments, the support device 325 can include support protrusions 451 that extend from the second surface 363 toward the forming container 140. For example, the support protrusions 451 can include an exposed portion, a protruding portion, an extension portion, etc. that extend from the second surface 363 toward the forming container 140. In some embodiments, the support protrusions 451 can extend substantially linearly along the second surface 363. The support protrusions 451 can be sized to be received within the surface 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 protrusions 451 can have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the surface openings 445 and have a cross-sectional size that is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the surface openings 445. The support protrusions 451 can be received within the surface 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 protrusions 451 are received within the surface openings 445, the movement of these block portions can be restricted so that the first block portion 401, the second block portion 403, and the third block portion 405 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 when viewed along line 6-6 of 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 both sides of the first surface portion 601. In some embodiments, the first surface 331 can have a non-planar shape. For example, the second surface portion 603 can form a first angle 609 that can range from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees with respect to the first surface portion 601. In some embodiments, the first angle 609 may be different from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees and can range, for example, from about 0.5 degree to about 10 degrees. The first angle 609 can be defined between the second surface portion 603 and the plane along which the first surface portion 601 extends. In some embodiments, the third surface portion 605 can form a second angle 611 that can range from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees with respect to the first surface portion 601. In some embodiments, the second angle 611 may be different from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees and can range, for example, from about 0.5 degree to about 10 degrees. The second angle 611 can be defined between the third surface portion 605 and the 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 with respect to each other, and the first surface portion 601 and the third surface portion 605 can be non-planar with respect to each other. 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, due to the second surface portion 603 forming the first angle 609 with respect to the first surface portion 601, the second surface portion 603 may be non-planar with respect to 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 can rest on the support surface 347 such that the support surface 347 can support the compression block 321. In some embodiments, due to the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 being non-planar with respect to the first surface portion 601, when the first surface portion 601 is in contact with the support surface 347, the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 can be non-planar with respect to the support surface 347. For example, the first distance 615 can separate the second surface portion 603 from the support surface 347, and the second distance 617 can separate the third surface portion 605 from the support surface 347. In some embodiments, by separating the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 from the support surface 347, the support surface 347 can be brought into 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 bring several benefits. For example, when the first surface portion 601 is in contact with the support surface 347, a portion less than all of the first surface 331 of the compression block 321 can be brought into contact with the moving plate 349. For example, the central portion (e.g., the first surface portion 601) may be in contact with the support surface 347, while the lateral portions (e.g., the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605) positioned on both sides of the central portion may be spaced apart from the support surface 347 and not in contact therewith. Accordingly, the contact area width 621 (e.g., having the width of the first surface portion 601) defined by the width of the compression block 321 in contact with the moving plate 349 can be made smaller than the block width 623 (e.g., having the width of the first surface portion 601, the width of the second surface portion 603, and the width of the third surface portion 605) defined by the total width of the compression block 321 between the opposing sides of the compression block 321. Accordingly, the force that the compression block 321 can apply to the moving plate 349 can be limited to the contact area width 621. Due to the contact area width 621 being 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, thus, reduce the stress on the compression block 321 and the moving plate 349.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the 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 raise the temperature of a portion of the forming container 140. For example, the heating portion 702 can comprise a resistive heating element comprising a metallic material through which electrons can flow to generate an electric current capable of generating heat. In some embodiments, the portion of the forming container 140 that the heating portion 702 can heat is the edge inducers 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 facing the forming container 140. The conductive material 703 can be arranged to wind along the first surface 705. In some embodiments, the heat generated by the conductive material 703 can facilitate the control of the temperature of the forming container 140. For example, when the heating portion 702 is arranged around the forming container 140, the conductive material 703 can generate heat capable of raising the temperature of a portion of the forming container 140, e.g., the edge inducers 163, 164.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heating element 701 can include an insulating block 707 that can thermally insulate the support device 325 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3) from the heating portion 702. For example, the insulating block 707 can be made of the same material as the insulating block 327 shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the insulating block 707 can have 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 conform to the dimensions of the first surface 705 so as to thermally insulate the support device 325 and shield it 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 operate 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 advantages 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 temperature different from that of the forming container 140, a desired and / or more finely tuned heat profile can be achieved.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, a rear perspective view of the insulating block 707 of the 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 positioned at the first end 801, and the second opening 807 can be positioned at the second end 803. The first opening 805 can be bounded by a first wall 809, while 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 shorter than the second distance 815. In some embodiments, the insulating block 707 can include a third opening 821 that can extend through the 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] Referring to FIG. 9, a front perspective view of the support plate 351 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the support plate 351 of the support device 325 can include an attachment device 901 having a plurality of attachment brackets extending from the second surface 363 toward the forming container 140. For example, the plurality of attachment brackets can include a first attachment bracket 903 and a second attachment bracket 905 that can extend from the second surface 363 toward the forming container 140. The attachment device 901 can attach the heating portion 702 to the support plate 351. For example, the first attachment bracket 903 can include a first wall 907 and a second wall 909. The first wall 907 can extend from the second surface 363, for example, by extending substantially perpendicular to the second surface 363. 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, it 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 to the first wall 907. For example, the second wall 909 can project from the first wall 907 toward the second attachment 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 with the first wall 907 (e.g., as a one-piece structure), while in other embodiments, it 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 attachment bracket 905 can be substantially identical to the first attachment bracket 903, and the second attachment bracket 905 is spaced apart from the first attachment bracket 903 by a distance. For example, the second attachment 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 to the second surface 363. 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), while in other embodiments, it can be attached separately to the second surface 363 (using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). In some embodiments, the fourth wall 919 can be attached to the third wall 917 on the opposite side of 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 perpendicular to the third wall 917. For example, the fourth wall 919 can protrude from the third wall 917 towards the first attachment 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 with the third wall 917 (e.g., as a one-piece structure), while in other embodiments, it can be attached separately 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 can 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 shaped 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 be left unbounded. In some embodiments, the heating element 701 can be configured to be received into the mounting device 901, for example, through the first end 925 of the first mounting bracket 903 and the first end 929 of the second mounting bracket 905, and then can rest on and / or be supported by the second end 927 of the first mounting bracket 903 and the second end 931 of the second mounting bracket 905. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the heating element 701 is attached to the second surface 363, one of the plurality of mounting brackets (e.g., the second mounting bracket 905) can be received within the first opening 805 of the heating element 701, and another one of the plurality of mounting brackets (e.g., the first mounting bracket 903) can be received within the second opening 807.

[0066] In some embodiments, the attachment device 901 can include a third attachment bracket 935. The third attachment bracket 935 can extend from the second surface 363 toward the molded container 140. In some embodiments, the third attachment bracket 935 can extend substantially parallel to the first attachment bracket 903 and the second attachment bracket 905 and can be positioned between the first attachment bracket 903 and the second attachment bracket 905. The third attachment bracket 935 can include an exposed portion, a protruding portion, an extension portion, etc. that protrude from the second surface 363. In some embodiments, the third attachment bracket 935 can be attached to the ledge 923. One end of the third attachment bracket 935 can be attached to the ledge 923, while the opposite end of the third attachment bracket 935 can be left unbound. In this way, the third attachment 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 the mounting device 901 when viewed along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 with the heating element mounted on 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 can 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, and the third mounting bracket 935 centers 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 made shorter 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. Accordingly, 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] Due to the second distance 815 (e.g., separating the first wall 809 and the second wall 811) being longer than the first distance 813, the first wall 809 and the second wall 811 can maintain the heating element 701 in an attached state with 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 accidentally 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 accidentally 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 to facilitate thermal expansion of the heating element 701, and the heating element 701 may expand and / or contract due to temperature changes during the glass manufacturing process. In some embodiments, during this thermal expansion, a third mounting bracket 935 that can be received within the third opening 821 can maintain the heating element 701 in a centered position relative to the first mounting bracket 903 and the second mounting bracket 905.

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

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 11 - 13, embodiments of the support plate 351 and the edge inductor 163 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 - 2) are illustrated, where different shadings can represent different temperatures of the support plate 351 and the edge inductor 163. For example, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where neither the insulating block 327 nor the heating element 701 is provided within the support opening 365 such that no structure exists between the second surface 363 and the forming container 140. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment where an insulating block 327 attached to the second surface 363 is provided within the support opening 365 such that the support plate 351 is blocked from the forming container 140 by the insulating block 327. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment where a heating element 701 attached to the second surface 363 is provided within the support opening 365 such that the support plate 351 is blocked from the forming container 140 by the heating element 701 and heat is provided to the forming container 140 and the edge inductor 163.

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

[0072] The compression device 305 provides several benefits that can extend its own life and / or the life of the forming container 140. For example, due to the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701 being attached to the support plate 351 and separated from the compression block 321 (e.g., not attached thereto), the compression block 321 can move freely independently of the insulating block 327 and / or the heating element 701. Accordingly, 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 a fixed position and can insulate the support plate 351 and / or provide heat to the edge inductor 163. In addition to this, the support plate 351 can support one or both of the insulating block 327 or the heating element 701 so as to achieve insulation of the support plate 351 and an increase in the temperature of the edge inductor 163. In some embodiments, due to the chamfered shape of the first surface 331 of the compression block 321 (e.g., the second surface portion 603 and the third surface portion 605 are non-planar with respect to the first surface portion 601), a portion of the compression block 321 can be in contact with the moving plate 349, e.g., the first surface portion 601 of the compression block 321. Accordingly, the bending moment applied to the moving plate 349 by the compression block 321 can be reduced. In some embodiments, the reduction of the bending moment can reduce the bending stress of the compression block 321 that may result from the relaxation of the support plate 351. Accordingly, the total stress on the compression block 321 can be reduced. Yet another stress reduction for the compression block 321 can be achieved due to the radius of curvature of the edge surface 337 that can be in the range of about 6 mm to about 10 mm or is about 8 mm.

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

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

Claims

1. A forming container having a first end and a second end, each having a container surface defining a recess, A compression block positioned within the recess and having a contact surface that contacts the first surface and the container surface, the compression block being configured to apply a force to the forming container, wherein the first surface has a non-planar shape, A support device having a support surface for supporting the compression block, the support surface being in contact with a portion of the first surface, A glass manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that.

2. The first surface includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion, and a third surface portion, the first surface portion being in contact with the support surface and having a planar shape, The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The forming container is configured to receive molten material along a flow direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the forming container, and the compression block is configured to apply the force along a force direction parallel to the flow direction and the longitudinal direction, The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. 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 3.

5. 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 4.

6. The support device has a second surface defining a support opening spaced from the container surface, 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 a heat insulating material configured to thermally 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 a conductive material configured to raise the temperature of a portion of the shaped container. Comprising one or two of the following: The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A shaped container comprising a first end portion with a container surface defining a recess and a second end portion, A compression block positioned within the recess, the compression block having a contact surface that contacts the container surface, the compression block being configured to apply a force to the shaped container. A support device supporting the compression block and having a support surface extending along a support plane, the compression block being positioned on a first side of the support plane. The support device includes a second surface spaced apart 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 being positioned on a second side of the support plane and spaced apart from the compression block, the insulating block comprising a heat insulating material configured to thermally insulate the support device from the shaped container. A glass manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above.

8. 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 a second side of the support plane and spaced apart from the compression block, the heating element comprising a conductive material configured to raise the temperature of a portion of the shaped container. Further comprising: The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The compression block includes a second contact surface that is perpendicular to the contact surface, the contact surface is in contact with a first container surface portion of the container surface, and the second contact surface is in contact with a third container surface portion of the container surface. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The compression block includes a second edge surface that connects the contact surface and the second contact surface, the second edge surface is angled with respect to the contact surface and the second contact surface, and is spaced apart from the container surface. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9.

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