Support structure for accepting thermal expansion and glass manufacturing apparatus including the same

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a stir chamber disposed on a base. The stir chamber includes an inlet port attached to a first connector tube, a chamber conduit, and a flex conduit. The apparatus also includes a second connector tube connected to the flex conduit for delivering molten glass therefrom. At least a portion of the second connector tube extends at least partially vertically upward. The apparatus also includes a delivery vessel connected to the second connector tube. One of the base or the delivery vessel is mounted to a vertically fixed reference point. The other of the base or the delivery vessel is movable in response to a thermal expansion of the second connector tube that is independent of a thermal expansion of the other of the base or the delivery vessel.

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. 63 / 188,191, filed on May 13, 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and made a part hereof.

[0002] This specification relates to glass manufacturing apparatuses, and more particularly, to a glass manufacturing apparatus having a support structure for accommodating the thermal expansion of a molten glass delivery vessel.

Background Art

[0003] Glass manufacturing apparatuses can include various individual components for melting, processing, and forming glass. For example, a typical glass manufacturing apparatus can include, among other components, a melter for melting a batch of glass components to form a molten material precursor (e.g., molten glass), a fining system for removing dissolved gases from the molten glass, a stirring chamber for homogenizing the molten glass, and a forming device for forming the molten glass into a desired shape (e.g., ribbon, cylinder, tube, etc.). The components of a glass manufacturing apparatus may be connected through a plurality of connector tubes through which the molten glass flows from one component to the next. The connector tubes may be formed from a heat - resistant metal such as platinum and platinum alloys to withstand the relatively high temperature and corrosiveness of the molten glass.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Components of a glass manufacturing apparatus may be subjected to high temperatures over an extended period. Cycles between room temperature conditions and high temperature operating conditions of the glass manufacturing apparatus may introduce stress into components of the glass manufacturing apparatus. Regular and continuous introduction of stress into components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may lead to premature failure of the components. Further, increasing the throughput of molten glass through the glass manufacturing apparatus may require the use of higher temperatures to ensure proper flow of molten glass through the glass manufacturing apparatus. Higher operating temperatures may further increase the stress introduced into components of the glass manufacturing apparatus and in turn shorten the useful life of the components.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A first aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus including a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first connector tube for receiving molten glass and a stirring chamber disposed on a base. The stirring chamber includes an inlet port attached to the first connector tube, a chamber conduit extending at least partially vertically downward away from the inlet port, and a bending conduit in fluid communication with the chamber conduit and including a first portion for receiving molten glass therefrom and a second portion extending at an angle from the vertical direction to redirect the molten glass flowing from the chamber conduit. The glass manufacturing apparatus also includes a second assembly including a second connector tube connected to the bending conduit and delivering molten glass therefrom, wherein at least a portion of the second connector tube extends at least partially vertically upward, and a delivery container connected to the second connector tube. One of the base or the delivery container is attached to a vertically fixed reference point. The other of the base or the delivery container is movable in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube. Movement of the other of the base or the delivery container in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube is independent of thermal expansion of the other of the base or the delivery container.

[0006] A second aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to the first aspect further including a support system that makes mechanical contact with one of a base or a delivery vessel attached to a reference point, the support system facilitating its vertical expansion away from the reference point during heating to counter the gravitational load associated with one of the base or the delivery vessel.

[0007] A third aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to second aspects further including a support structure attached to a reference point to structurally support one of a base or a delivery vessel, the support system including one or more spring assemblies extending between one of the base or the delivery vessel and the support structure attached to the reference point.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the delivery vessel is fixedly attached to the reference point, and the glass manufacturing apparatus includes a stirring chamber support cart extending horizontally between a second assembly and a first assembly, and a stirring chamber support frame extending vertically from the base to structurally support the stirring chamber, and one or more sliding joints coupling the stirring chamber support frame to the stirring chamber support cart such that the base moves vertically relative to the stirring chamber support cart as the stirring chamber expands.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further including a system configured to cancel out the weight of the stirring chamber and permit vertical expansion of the stirring chamber through the application of a force to the stirring chamber.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the system includes a weight coupled to a pivot arm coupled to the stirring chamber support cart.

[0011] The seventh aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the stirring chamber support frame includes a plurality of support arms connected to the base, and the glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a plurality of sliding joints that couple the stirring chamber support frame to the stirring chamber support cart. Each of the plurality of sliding joints includes a support sleeve attached to the stirring chamber support cart, and each of the support sleeves is slidably coupled to one of the plurality of support arms. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is included.

[0012] The eighth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the system includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, which includes a plurality of mass compensation members coupled to the plurality of support arms of the stirring chamber support frame.

[0013] The ninth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects includes a spring assembly in which the plurality of mass compensation members apply an elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the stirring chamber support frame.

[0014] The tenth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the stirring chamber includes a metal container forming a chamber conduit and a bent conduit, and a holder structure enclosing the metal container. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is included.

[0015] The eleventh aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the metal container includes a flange disposed at the upper end of the stirring chamber on the opposite side of the bent conduit, the stirring chamber further includes a plurality of flange extensions extending outward from the flange, and the plurality of flange extensions are connected to a reference point. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is included.

[0016] The twelfth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention further includes a plurality of expansion assistors that extend between the plurality of flange extensions and a support structure coupled to the first assembly and apply an upward force to the flange to assist in the expansion of a portion of the stirring chamber. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is included.

[0017] The 13th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, wherein the stirring chamber further includes a heat-resistant body that surrounds the metal container and extends between the metal container and the retainer structure.

[0018] The 14th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 13th aspects.

[0019] 14. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the retainer structure includes a plurality of circumferential segments surrounding the metal container, a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies compressing the metal container in the radially inward direction, and a plurality of tension spring assemblies applying circumferential tension to the plurality of circumferential segments.

[0020] The 15th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 14th aspects, wherein the plurality of tension spring assemblies and the plurality of pressure bolts are arranged in a circumferentially alternating arrangement and are configured to blunt the accumulation of strain in the metal container from the thermal expansion of the second connector tube.

[0021] The 16th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 15th aspects, wherein the second connector tube includes a flow axis extending in a third direction forming a non-zero acute angle with the vertical direction toward the delivery container.

[0022] The 17th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 16th aspects, wherein the second assembly includes a plurality of support modules each including a support frame extending between the bent conduit and the delivery container around a segment of the second connector tube.

[0023] The 18th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 17th aspects, wherein the support frames of consecutive ones of the plurality of support modules are coupled to each other through a plurality of sliding joints such that the ends of the plurality of support modules move along the flow axis of the second connector tube during thermal expansion of the second connector tube.

[0024] The 19th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is an inflation assistance assembly extending between support frames of consecutive ones of a plurality of support modules, the inflation assistance assembly further including a spring that applies an elastic force along the flow axis of a second connector tube to the support frame, and includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 18th aspects.

[0025] The 20th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 19th aspects, wherein the inflation assistance assembly is disposed at an end of a second assembly close to the delivery container.

[0026] The 21st aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus including a first assembly including a first connector tube for delivering molten glass from a clarification container and a stirring chamber disposed on a base. The stirring chamber includes an inlet port attached to the first connector tube, a chamber conduit extending vertically downward away from the inlet port and including a central axis, and a bent conduit connected to the chamber conduit for redirecting the molten glass in a second direction. The glass manufacturing device also includes a stirring chamber support frame attached to the base and including a plurality of stirring chamber supports, and a second assembly including a second connector tube connected to the bent conduit to the vertically fixed delivery container and at least a portion of which extends vertically upward along the flow axis, and a stirring chamber support cart extending between the first assembly and the second assembly. The stirring chamber support cart is connected to the stirring chamber supports through a plurality of sliding joints such that the stirring chamber support frame moves vertically with respect to the stirring chamber support cart during thermal expansion of the stirring chamber.

[0027] The 22nd aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a plurality of support arms that the stirring chamber support frame extends vertically upward from the base, the stirring chamber support cart includes a plurality of support sleeves, each of the plurality of support arms extends through one of the plurality of support sleeves, and a sliding joint is arranged between the plurality of support sleeves and a second assembly, and includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to the 21st aspect.

[0028] The 23rd aspect of the disclosure of the present invention further includes a plurality of mass compensation members that are coupled to the plurality of support arms of the stirring chamber support frame and apply a force in a direction perpendicular to the stirring chamber, and includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 22nd aspects.

[0029] The 24th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 23rd aspects, wherein the plurality of mass compensation members include a plurality of spring members.

[0030] The 25th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 24th aspects, wherein the plurality of mass compensation members include a plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0031] The 26th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 25th aspects, wherein the stirring chamber support cart is attached to the stirring chamber through a support bracket at an inflow port.

[0032] The 27th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 26th aspects, wherein the inflow port includes an expansion neutral point of the stirring chamber that remains fixed in the vertical direction.

[0033] The 28th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 27th aspects, wherein the stirring chamber includes a metal container that forms a chamber conduit and a bent conduit, and a retainer structure that encloses the metal container, and the metal container includes a flange arranged at the upper end of the stirring chamber on the opposite side of the bent conduit.

[0034] The 29th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 28th aspects, wherein the stirring chamber further includes a plurality of flange extensions that extend outward from the flange and are connected to the stirring chamber support cart.

[0035] The 30th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 29th aspects, wherein the stirring chamber further includes a heat-resistant body that encloses the metal container between the metal container and the retainer structure.

[0036] The 31st aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 30th aspects, further including a plurality of expansion aids that extend between the plurality of flange extensions and a flange support structure connected to the stirring chamber support cart, and apply an upward force to the flange to assist in the expansion of a portion of the stirring chamber.

[0037] The 32nd aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 31st aspects, wherein the retainer structure includes a plurality of tension spring assemblies that apply tension to the retainer structure circumferentially around the heat-resistant body, and a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies that apply radial pressure to the metal container through the heat-resistant body.

[0038] The 33rd aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the 21st to 32nd aspects, wherein the plurality of tension spring assemblies and the plurality of pressure bolts are arranged in a circumferential alternating arrangement and are configured to blunt the accumulation of strain in the metal container associated with the thermal expansion of the second connector tube.

[0039] A 34th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 21 to 33, wherein the second assembly includes a plurality of support modules extending around segments of a second connector tube between the bent conduit and the delivery vessel, and successive ones of the support modules are coupled to each other through a plurality of sliding joints such that ends of the plurality of support modules move along the flow axis of the second connector tube upon thermal expansion of the second connector tube.

[0040] A 35th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 21 to 34, further including the expansion assist assembly extending between successive ones of the plurality of support modules, the expansion assist assembly including a spring that applies an elastic force along the flow axis of the second connector tube.

[0041] A 36th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is a method for reducing stress at an outflow port of a stirring chamber of a glass manufacturing apparatus. The method includes introducing molten glass into an inflow port of the stirring chamber, thereby causing the molten glass to flow through a metal vessel of the stirring chamber and further into a connector tube connected to the outflow port and flowing to a delivery vessel of the glass manufacturing apparatus. The connector tube includes a flow axis that extends partially vertically upward between the outflow port and the delivery vessel. Contact between the molten glass and the connector tube causes thermal expansion along the axis of the connector tube. The stirring chamber is disposed on a base. The method also includes allowing relative movement between the delivery vessel and the base as a result of thermal expansion of the connector tube to reduce stress buildup at the outflow port.

[0042] The 37th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the molten glass causes vertical thermal expansion of the metal container of the stirring chamber, the base is attached through a stirring chamber support frame to a stirring chamber support cart extending between the inflow port and the delivery container, and the step of allowing relative movement between the delivery container and the base includes sliding the support member of the stirring chamber support frame relative to the stirring chamber support cart through a plurality of sliding joints in response to the thermal expansion of the metal container, including the method according to the 36th aspect.

[0043] The 38th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention further includes the step of canceling the weight of the stirring chamber by applying a vertically upward force to the stirring chamber support frame before introducing the molten glass into the inflow port, including the method according to any one of the 36th to 37th aspects.

[0044] The 39th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention is that the step of allowing relative movement between the delivery container and the base includes the step of translating the delivery container horizontally in response to the thermal expansion of the second connector tube, including the method according to any one of the 36th to 38th aspects.

[0045] The 40th aspect of the disclosure of the present invention further includes the step of attaching the metal container to the base through a plurality of linkages extending radially outward from the flange of the metal container before introducing the molten glass into the inflow port, including the method according to any one of the 36th to 39th aspects.

[0046] The 41st aspect of the disclosure of the present invention further includes the step of canceling the weight of the flange before introducing the molten glass, including the method according to any one of the 36th to 40th aspects.

[0047] The 42nd aspect of the disclosure of the present invention further includes the step of assisting the expansion along the axis of the connector tube using an expansion assist device, including the method according to any one of the 36th to 41st aspects.

[0048] A forty-third aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes the step of applying a radial pressure to a metal container through a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies circumferentially dispersed around the metal container after introducing molten glass to avoid accumulation of strain, the method being according to any one of aspects 36 to 42.

[0049] A forty-fourth aspect of the disclosure of the present invention includes a method according to any one of aspects 36 to 43, wherein a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies apply a radial pressure to a retainer structure enclosing the metal container, and the method further includes the step of circumferentially tensioning the retainer structure through a plurality of tension spring assemblies.

[0050] Additional features and advantages of the support structure disclosed herein and the glass manufacturing apparatus including the same are set forth in the following detailed description, which features and advantages will be in part 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.

[0051] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the subject matter being described and claimed in various embodiments. The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide an understanding of the various embodiments, are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein in conjunction with the description explaining the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0052]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0053] Here, embodiments of a support structure suitable for a molten glass delivery device and a glass manufacturing device including the same will be described in detail, and examples thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are always used, if possible, to indicate the same or similar parts throughout the drawings. In an embodiment, the glass manufacturing device described herein includes a fining vessel that receives molten glass, a stirring chamber that includes a stirring device for homogenizing the molten glass received from the fining vessel, and a delivery vessel that redirects the molten glass to a forming device for forming the molten glass into a desired shape. The stirring chamber can be fluidly connected to both the fining vessel and the delivery vessel using a first connector tube and a second connector tube. The introduction of molten glass into the connector tube and the stirring chamber may cause thermal expansion of the connector tube and the stirring chamber. Various structural aspects of the glass manufacturing device described herein prevent the accumulation of stress and strain at the bottom portion of the stirring chamber connected to the second connector tube. In an embodiment, the support structure described herein allows the base of the stirring chamber and the delivery vessel to move relative to each other during thermal expansion of various components of the glass manufacturing device to avoid the accumulation of stress and strain. For example, in an embodiment, the delivery vessel is attached to a reference point (e.g., a structure within a building in which the glass manufacturing device is disposed) fixed along a vertical axis. A stirring chamber support cart can be connected to and fixed along the vertical axis to the delivery vessel. The base of the stirring chamber can be connected to the stirring chamber support cart through a plurality of sliding joints formed between the stirring chamber support frame and the stirring chamber support cart. Such sliding joints allow movement along the vertical axis of the base of the stirring chamber associated with thermal expansion of the stirring chamber, thereby avoiding the accumulation of strain at the bottom of the stirring chamber.

[0054] Such relative movement between the base of the agitation chamber and the delivery vessel during thermal expansion can avoid the accumulation of stress and strain resulting from the expansion of the second connector tube. For example, in an embodiment, the agitation chamber includes a chamber conduit extending along an agitation chamber axis and a flex conduit extending from the chamber conduit. The flex conduit can connect the chamber conduit to the second connector tube. In an embodiment, the second connector tube includes a second connector tube axis extending at an angle relative to the agitation chamber such that unrestrained thermal expansion of the second connector tube occurs at least partially along a vertical axis. By allowing relative movement between the base and the delivery vessel, thermal expansion along the vertical axis of the second connector tube is facilitated, and the amount of stress accumulation can be reduced compared to the amount of stress accumulation present in a glass manufacturing apparatus in which both the delivery vessel and the base are fixed along the vertical axis. In an embodiment, the second connector tube is supported by a plurality of support modules extending along different axial segments of the second connector tube between the agitation chamber and the delivery vessel. Such support modules can include support frames coupled to each other through a plurality of sliding joints that permit relative movement of the modules along the connector tube axis associated with the thermal expansion of the second connector tube. In an embodiment, an expansion assist member extends between such support modules to facilitate such expansion along the connector tube axis and avoid the accumulation of strain.

[0055] Additional aspects of the agitation chamber described herein can be designed to facilitate its thermal expansion. In an embodiment, the agitation chamber includes a metal container that contacts the molten glass, a heat-resistant body that encloses and insulates it, and a retainer structure that supports the metal container and the heat-resistant container. The heat-resistant body can be composed of a suitable heat-resistant material (e.g., one or more ceramics). To allow the thermal expansion of the metal container while maintaining sufficient pressure on the heat-resistant body by the retainer without change (thereby avoiding the accumulation of radial distortion caused by an increase in the glass pressure head), the retainer can include a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies and tension spring assemblies dispersed around the circumferential direction of the agitation chamber. In an embodiment, the agitation chamber includes a flange extending from its upper end. A plurality of flange extensions can extend from the flange to connect the metal container to the agitation chamber support cart. Such a connection establishes the flange as a fabrication standard (i.e., data) for installing the heat-resistant body and the retainer of the agitation chamber, thereby eliminating the need to fix the bottom of the agitation chamber during processing and further thereby avoiding expansion suppression.

[0056] As used herein, the term "fixed" can refer to the mobility of a component within a reference frame and the connection method between two or more components. When referring to a single component as "fixed", the component can be considered to be in a stationary state within a reference coordinate system (e.g., with respect to the ground or a building). When a first component is "fixed" or "fixedly attached" to a second component, these two components do not move relative to each other, at least at their connection points.

[0057] In this specification, a range may be expressed as "about" one particular value and / or "about" another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the pre-modifier "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will further be understood that each of the endpoints of a range is effective both when related to the other endpoint and when unrelated to the other endpoint.

[0058] The directional terms used in this specification, such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, are used only with respect to the figures and are not intended to imply an absolute orientation.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, none of the methods shown in this specification are intended to require that the steps be performed in a particular order or that any device require a particular orientation. Accordingly, when the claims of a method do not actually enumerate the order in which the steps of the method should be followed or when any claims of a device do not actually enumerate the order or orientation with respect to individual components, or when in the claims or this specification the steps are not limited to a particular order or when the claims or this specification do not enumerate a particular order or orientation with respect to the components of a device, it is never intended that the order or orientation be inferred in any respect. This applies to any non-explicit underlying matters that may be considered in giving an interpretation including the logic regarding the arrangement of steps, the operation flow, the order of components, or the orientation of components, the plain meaning derived from the grammatical construction or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described in this specification.

[0060] As used in this specification, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents. Thus, for example, when simply indicating "a component", embodiments having two or more such components are included unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1 as an example, an embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for forming glass products from molten glass is shown. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can include a melter 11, a fining system 13, a stirring chamber 14, a delivery vessel 18, and a forming apparatus 20. A glass batch material is introduced into the melter 11 through a batch inlet port 12. The batch material is melted in the melter 11 to form molten glass 16. The melter 11 is fluidly coupled to the fining system 13 using a connector tube 50. The molten glass 16 flows from the melter 11 through the connector tube 50 into the fining system 13.

[0062] The fining system 13 can include a high-temperature processing zone that receives the molten glass 16 from the melter 11. While the molten glass 16 is present in the fining system 13, dissolved gas and / or bubbles are removed from the molten glass 16. The fining system 13 can be fluidly coupled to the agitation chamber 14 by a first connector tube 15. That is, the molten glass flowing from the fining system 13 to the agitation chamber 14 can flow through the first connector tube 15. While the molten glass 16 passes through the agitation chamber 14, it can be agitated to homogenize the molten glass 16. Further, the agitation chamber 14 can be fluidly coupled to the delivery vessel 18 by a second connector tube 17 such that the molten glass flows from the agitation chamber 14 through the second connector tube 17 to the delivery vessel 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the second connector tube 17 extends upwardly at least partially along a vertical axis (the Z-axis shown in FIG. 1). The upward extension of the second connector tube 17 can function to regulate the pressure of the molten glass 16 flowing through the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. For example, in an embodiment, the upward extension of the second connector tube 17 can prevent the flow of molten glass to the delivery vessel 18 in the absence of pressure generated by the agitation chamber 14. For example, the agitation chamber 14 can include an agitation device that generates a glass pressure head that induces the movement of the molten glass from the melter 11 to the delivery vessel 18. As a result of the upward extension of the second connector tube 17, the molten glass cannot flow to the forming device 20 in the absence of operation of the agitation device.

[0063] The delivery vessel 18 supplies the molten glass 16 into the forming apparatus 20 through the downcomer 19. The forming apparatus 20 can be, for example, a fusion draw machine or another forming apparatus for forming the molten glass into a glass product such as a ribbon, a tube, or a bulb, but is not limited thereto. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the forming apparatus 20 is a fusion draw machine that includes an enclosure 22 in which an inlet 24 and a forming vessel 30 are disposed. The molten glass 16 from the downcomer 19 flows into the inlet 24 leading to the forming vessel 30. The forming vessel 30 includes an opening 32 for receiving the molten glass 16. The molten glass 16 can flow into the recess 33 and then overflow and flow along the two converging side surfaces 34a and 34b of the forming vessel 30, and then fuse together at the base 36 of the forming vessel 30 where these two side surfaces join, and then are contacted and further drawn in the downstream direction 41 to form a seamless glass ribbon 38.

[0064] FIG. 1 shows a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for forming a glass ribbon using a fusion draw machine, but other processes including, but not limited to, a float glass process or a slot draw process can be used to form the glass ribbon. Further, although the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown as being used to form a glass ribbon, other glass manufacturing apparatuses can be used to form glass stock materials other than glass sheets including, but not limited to, glass tubes, glass cylinders, and bulbs.

[0065] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is configured at room temperature and can then be operated at a high temperature. By heating the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 to the operating temperature, the dimensional sizes of the components expand according to the coefficient of thermal expansion of each of these components. For example, the connector tubes 15, 17, and 50, and the stirring chamber 14 can be formed from a heat-resistant metal and can expand upon heating. The structure of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may suppress the expansion of one or more components and lead to the accumulation of stress within the components when heated to the operating temperature. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the bottom portion 40 of the stirring chamber 14 is disposed on the base 42, and the stirring chamber 14 is connected to the second connector tube 17. The base 42 can be fixed (i.e., mechanically installed on the floor). The base 42 may suppress the expansion of the stirring chamber 14 in the downward direction (e.g., the negative Z direction) along the vertical axis and lead to the accumulation of stress into the bottom portion 40 of the stirring chamber 14. Similarly, the base 42 may suppress the expansion of the second connector tube 17 along its axis and also lead to the accumulation of stress and strain at the transition between the stirring chamber 14 and the second connector tube 17. Such accumulation of stress and strain within the stirring chamber 14 and the second connector tube 17 may lead to component failure and interrupt the operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0066] This specification discloses a support structure for the stirring chamber 14, the second connector tube 17, and the delivery container 18 that accommodates their thermal expansion to avoid such stress and strain buildup. The disclosed support structure of the present invention facilitates relative movement between a base 42 on which the stirring chamber 14 is disposed and a reference support 44 to which the delivery container 18 is attached. In an embodiment, the reference support 44 can be fixed within a reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. For example, in an embodiment, the reference support 44 includes a mounting structure fixedly attached to an installation surface on which the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is disposed or a wall of a building. In an embodiment, the support structure described herein facilitates movement of the base 42 relative to the reference support 44 along a vertical axis (e.g., the Z-axis of the coordinate axes shown in FIG. 1) in response to thermal expansion of various components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. During heating, for example, the stirring chamber 14 (or a portion thereof) can expand along the vertical axis, causing the base 42 to move downward along the vertical axis (e.g., in the negative Z direction shown in FIG. 1). In an existing glass manufacturing apparatus, the base 42 is fixed relative to the reference support 44 (e.g., so that the positioning of the base 42 relative to the reference support 44 does not change during thermal expansion of various components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10), thereby suppressing downward expansion of the stirring chamber 14 and the second connector tube 17. The mobility of the base 42 along the vertical axis allows such downward expansion of the stirring chamber 14 and avoids stress and strain buildup resulting from thermal expansion.

[0067] In an embodiment, the support structure described herein facilitates movement of the delivery container 18 along a horizontal axis (e.g., the X-axis of the coordinate axes shown in FIG. 1) during thermal expansion of various components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. Such horizontal movement of the delivery container 18 can reduce stress and strain buildup within the second connector tube 17 near the bottom portion 40 of the stirring chamber 14. Next, various aspects of the support structure for enabling such relative movement between the base 42 and the delivery container 18 are described below.

[0068] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a support structure 100 that structurally supports the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 described herein with respect to FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the support structure 100 includes various components for supporting the first connector tube 15, the stirring chamber 14, and the second connector tube 17 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 described herein with respect to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2A, the support structure 100 includes a first assembly 104 extending between the clarification system 13 (not shown in FIG. 2A) and the stirring chamber 14, and a second assembly 106 extending between the stirring chamber 14 and the delivery vessel 18. The first assembly 104 includes a first support frame 210 that structurally supports the first connector tube 15, and the second assembly 106 includes a second support frame 212 that structurally supports the second connector tube 17. In an embodiment, the first and second support frames 210 and 212 include a plurality of support members formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel or similar load-bearing materials. In an embodiment, the first and second assemblies 104 and 106 further include a heat-resistant body (not shown) extending between the first support frame 210 and the first connector tube 15 and between the second support frame 212 and the second connector tube 17. The heat-resistant body can insulate the first connector tube 15 and the second connector tube 17 from each other. In an embodiment, the first and second assemblies 104 and 106 include a plurality of modules each structurally supported by a separate support frame. In an embodiment, each of these modules structurally supports a separate axial segment of one of the first or second connector tubes 15 or 17. In an embodiment, molten glass is permitted to leak between adjacent modules of the first and second assemblies 104 and 106. When the molten glass cools and solidifies, a glass seal is formed between adjacent ones of the modules, confining the molten glass within the first and second connector tubes 15 and 17. Such segmentation of the first and second assemblies 104 and 106 facilitates accommodation of the thermal expansion of the first and second connector tubes 15 and 17.

[0069] In an embodiment, the second connector tube 17 includes a second connector tube axis 202 that extends at an elevation angle α with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the positive X direction of the coordinate axis shown in FIG. 2A). The second connector tube axis 202 can be the flow axis for the molten glass 16 (see FIG. 1) that extends between the stirring chamber 14 and the delivery vessel 18. The elevation angle α establishes a gravity that opposes the flow of the molten glass that the molten glass traveling through the second connector tube 17 must overcome to reach the delivery vessel 18. In an embodiment, pressure accumulates in the molten glass as the molten glass travels through the stirring chamber 14. The accumulated pressure is sufficient to overcome the upward extension of the second connector tube 17 and the associated gravity. In an embodiment, a stirring device (not shown) disposed in the stirring chamber 14 contributes to generating sufficient pressure for the molten glass to reach the delivery vessel 18. When the stirring device is ineffective and the molten glass is not pressurized, the molten glass cannot reach the delivery vessel 18. The elevation angle α can facilitate preventing the molten glass flow without disposing additional components (e.g., stop pins, etc.) within the flow path of the molten glass.

[0070] In an embodiment, the reference support 44 on which the delivery vessel 18 is disposed includes a mounting platform fixedly attached to a locking structure (e.g., associated with a building in which the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is disposed). In an embodiment, the delivery vessel 18 is fixedly attached to the reference support 44. Thus, the delivery vessel 18 can remain fixed regardless of the thermal expansion of adjacent components (e.g., the second connector tube 17). Assuming such fixation of the delivery vessel 18, the support structure 100 includes a stirring chamber support cart 214 connected to the delivery vessel 18. The stirring chamber support cart 214 is fixedly attached to the reference support 44 (e.g., through a support structure associated with the delivery vessel 18) and provides structural support for various components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2A, the stirring chamber support cart 214 includes a support arm 216 that extends at least partially horizontally (e.g., in the ±X direction shown in FIG. 2A) between the stirring chamber 14 and the delivery vessel 18. The support arm 216 can be connected to the reference support 44 through an attachment arm 226. In an embodiment, the support arm 216 is movably coupled to the attachment arm 226 to allow horizontal movement of the stirring chamber support cart 214 relative to the reference support 44.

[0071] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2A, the stirring chamber support cart 214 further includes an extension arm 218 extending from the support arm 216. The extension arm 218 is attached to the first support frame 210 of the first assembly 104 through one or more support brackets 220 such that it vertically supports the first assembly 104. The support arm 216 and the extension arm 218 are further supported by a plurality of track assemblies 222. The plurality of track assemblies 222 can be fixedly attached to a support structure (not shown) coupled to the building in which the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is disposed such that the track assemblies 222 are mechanically grounded (i.e., positionally fixed) within the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the plurality of track assemblies 222 includes tracks extending substantially horizontally. To facilitate movement of the stirring chamber support cart 214 relative to the plurality of track assemblies 222, a plurality of roller assemblies 224 slidably engage the plurality of track assemblies 222. In an embodiment, the thermal expansion of the first and second connector tubes 15 and 17 enables the extension arm 218 to slide relative to the support arm 216 by virtue of the movable connection between the roller assembly 224 and the track assembly 222. In an embodiment, to facilitate the horizontal movement of the support arm 216 associated with the thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17, the support arm 216 is movably attached to the delivery vessel 18 through the support arm 216. Thus, the plurality of track assemblies 222 and the plurality of roller assemblies 224 assist the horizontal thermal expansion of the first and second connector tubes 15 and 17 while providing constant vertical structural support to the first and second assemblies 104 and 106.

[0072] In an embodiment, the plurality of roller assemblies 224 are attached to the extension arm 218 through adjustment bolts. The adjustment bolts can be manually adjusted in response to the vertical thermal expansion of the stirring chamber 14 during heating. In an embodiment, for example, the stirring chamber 14 can expand at least partially upward along its axis 108, and thus the inlet port to which the second connector tube 17 is attached moves upward. The adjustment bolts can facilitate the movement of the first assembly 104 associated with the vertical expansion of the stirring chamber 14 to avoid the accumulation of strain at the inlet port of the stirring chamber 14 and the associated potential leakage. The adjustment bolts can also prevent the weight of the first assembly 104 from hindering the vertical expansion of the stirring chamber 14.

[0073] In an embodiment, various aspects of the support structure 100 can be designed to reduce the need to manually adjust the adjustment bolts to accommodate the vertical expansion of the stirring chamber 14. As shown in FIG. 2A, the support structure 100 includes a stirring chamber support frame 110 extending from the base 42 of the stirring chamber 14. The stirring chamber support frame 110 includes a plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 extending vertically from the base 42 substantially parallel to the axis 108 of the stirring chamber 14. In an embodiment, the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 are coupled to the stirring chamber 14 and are attached to a retainer structure 116 that provides structural support to the stirring chamber 14.

[0074] Next, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the support structure 100 further includes a stirring chamber support structure 118 fixedly attached to the stirring chamber support cart 214. The stirring chamber support structure 118 includes a plurality of stirring chamber support members 120 attached to the stirring chamber support cart 214. The plurality of stirring chamber support members 120 can extend vertically and substantially parallel to the axis 108 of the stirring chamber 14. In an embodiment, the plurality of stirring chamber support members 120 includes sleeves that receive the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 of the stirring chamber support frame 110. In an embodiment, the plurality of stirring chamber support members 120 are dimensioned to define a cavity larger than the circumferential dimension of the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 such that there is a gap 124 extending therebetween. The gap 124 isolates the weight of the first assembly 104 from the stirring chamber 14, and thus prevents the weight of the first assembly 104 from inhibiting the vertical expansion of the stirring chamber 14.

[0075] In an embodiment, the stirring chamber support arm 112 is disposed within the stirring chamber support arm 112 to provide a plurality of sliding joints. The sliding joints can be configured to facilitate and guide the movement of the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 relative to the plurality of stirring chamber support members 120 in response to the thermal expansion of the stirring chamber 14. In an embodiment, the sliding joints include one or more bearings (e.g., ball bearings, roller bearings, fluid bearings, or other suitable types of bearings) disposed within each of the gaps 124 to reduce friction from the movement of the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 within the cavities defined by the plurality of stirring chamber support members 120. In an embodiment, the sliding joints are configured to guide the relative movement of the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 based on a predetermined thermal expansion path of the stirring chamber 14. For example, based on the interconnections between the various components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1), the direction in which the axis 108 extends can vary slightly depending on the thermal state of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (e.g., the expansion of the second connector tube 17 can result in a slight clockwise rotation of the axis 108). The plurality of stirring chamber support members 120 and the sliding joints disposed therein can be designed to allow movement of the plurality of stirring chamber support arms 102 along the axis 108 (e.g., by providing sufficient clearance for such movement) in addition to allowing such rotational movement of the entire stirring chamber 14. For example, the gap 124 between the stirring chamber support arm 112 and the stirring chamber support member 120 can accommodate a slight rotation of the stirring chamber 14 while facilitating the vertical thermal expansion of the stirring chamber 14.

[0076] By allowing a plurality of stirring chamber support arms 112 to move relative to the stirring chamber support cart 214, the stirring chamber support structure 118 facilitates the vertical downward movement of the base 42 associated with the thermal expansion of the bottom portion 40 of the stirring chamber 14 (see FIG. 1). As a result of the gap 124, the base 42 is allowed to move vertically relative to the reference support 44 to which the delivery container 18 is fastened. Such mobility of the base 42 facilitates the axial thermal expansion of both the stirring chamber 14 and the second connector tube 17, thereby preventing the accumulation of stress and strain within them.

[0077] FIG. 2C schematically depicts the metal container 126 of the stirring chamber 14 described herein. In an embodiment, the metal container 126 is composed of a metallic material such as platinum, a platinum alloy, or other suitable materials. The metal container 126 includes an inlet port 128 and an outlet port 130. The inlet port 128 includes an opening in fluid communication with the first connector tube 15 (see FIG. 1), allowing the inflow of molten glass into the stirring chamber 14 therefrom. When flowing into the metal container 126 through the inlet port 128, the molten glass is guided through the chamber conduit 132 and the bent conduit 134 towards the outlet port 130. The chamber conduit 132 extends along the vertical direction such that gravity guides the molten glass along the axis 108 towards the bent conduit 134 therethrough. The bent conduit 134 redirects the molten glass flow towards the second connector tube 17 (see FIG. 1). The bent conduit 134 includes a first portion 136 extending substantially vertically from the chamber conduit 132 (e.g., in the Z direction of the coordinate system shown in FIG. 2C) and a second portion 138 extending at an angle (e.g., vertically or substantially vertically) with respect thereto. The second portion 138 defines the outlet port 130 and can be attached to the second connector tube 17 for the delivery of molten glass to the delivery container 18 described herein.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2C, the metal container 126 further includes a discharge tube 140 extending from the flexure conduit 134. In an embodiment, the discharge tube 140 is used to discharge molten glass from the agitation chamber 14 (and other parts of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10) when the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is not in use for production. In an embodiment, the discharge tube 140 extends through the base 42 (see FIG. 1) and provides a path for withdrawing molten glass from the agitation chamber 14. In an embodiment, the discharge tube 140 is not fixedly attached to the base 42 and is slidably engaged with the base 42 such that a portion of the discharge tube 140 can slide relative to the base 42 in response to thermal expansion of the metal container 126. Such vertical mobility of the discharge tube 140 advantageously prevents suppression of the downward expansion of the metal container 126. For example, when the discharge tube 140 is fixedly attached to the base 42, the downward expansion of the metal container 126 may be suppressed, resulting in strain and buckling stresses in the lower portion 142 of the chamber conduit 132 and the flexure conduit 134. By enabling vertical mobility of the discharge tube 140, the support structure 100 described herein advantageously avoids such strain and buckling stresses, thereby avoiding potential leakage and facilitating long-term operability of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0079] In an embodiment, the second portion 138 of the flexure conduit 134 can extend in a direction different from that of the second connector tube 17. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the second portion 138 extends in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction of the coordinate system shown in FIG. 2C), whereas the second connector tube 17 extends along a second connector tube axis 202 (see FIG. 2A) at an elevation angle α with respect to the horizontal direction. As a result, axial expansion of the second connector tube 17 occurs at least partially vertically downward. Based on that, the mobility of the discharge tube 140 described herein also allows for axial expansion of the second connector tube 17, thereby avoiding accumulation of strain at the connection point between the second connector tube 17 and the flexure conduit 134.

[0080] In existing glass manufacturing apparatuses, the base 42 and the discharge tube 140 are fixedly perpendicular to provide a fabrication base for additional components (e.g., a heat-resistant body and a retainer structure) of the stirring chamber 14. Fixing the discharge tube 140 enables holding the metal container 126 in a fixed position to allow for the configuration of such additional components around the metal container 126. However, in the depicted embodiment, since the discharge tube 140 is movable, one or more alternative locations of the metal container 126 can be fixed to facilitate the assembly of the stirring chamber 14. In an embodiment, the metal container 126 includes a flange 144 at its upper end. Generally, the flange 144 functions as a connection point to a current source that supplies current to the metal container 126 to heat the molten glass within the metal container 126. In the depicted embodiment, the flange 144 functions as a fabrication reference generally provided by the discharge tube 140 within existing glass manufacturing apparatuses. The flange 144 can be fixed into the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 to facilitate the assembly of the stirring chamber 14 (not shown).

[0081] Next, referring to FIG. 2D, the flange 144 includes a plurality of flange extensions 146 that extend radially outward from the body of the metal container 126 (e.g., away from the axis 108 and radially away from the main portion of the flange 144). The flange extensions 146 can be constructed from the same material as the remainder of the flange 144. The flange extensions 146 are attached to the agitation chamber support structure 118 through a plurality of bolt assemblies 148. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D, the agitation chamber support structure 118 includes a plurality of support brackets 150 attached to a plurality of agitation chamber support members 120. Each of the plurality of support brackets 150 includes a support surface 152 that extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., within 20° of perpendicular) to the axis 108. The plurality of bolt assemblies 148 extend between the flange extensions 146 and the support surfaces 152 of the plurality of support brackets 150 to vertically secure the flange 144 of the metal container 126. That is, the agitation chamber support structure 118 functions as a manufacturing reference for the agitation chamber 14 by the flange 144 of the metal container 126. In an embodiment, for example, the flange 144 is fixedly attached to the agitation chamber support cart 214 through the plurality of flange extensions 146 to facilitate the remaining assembly of the agitation chamber 14 around the metal container 126.

[0082] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of bolt assemblies 148 includes a spring assembly 154. In an embodiment, each spring assembly 154 includes a spring or other suitable elastic member that is compressed between one of the support surfaces 152 of the agitation chamber support structure 118 and the housing of the spring assembly 154. As a result of such compression, the spring assembly 154 applies a force in a vertically upward direction along the axis 108 with respect to the flange 144. The force applied by the spring assembly 154 can facilitate the thermal expansion of the upper portion 156 (see FIG. 2C) of the metal container 126 that extends between the inlet port 128 and the flange 144. Accordingly, the flange extension 146 enables the thermal expansion of a plurality of different portions of the metal container 126, i.e., the thermal expansion of the lower portion 142, and further facilitates the thermal expansion of the upper portion 156 by providing a mechanical connection with the agitation chamber support structure 118 through the spring assembly 154 that counteracts the force of the weight of the flange 144 and any components attached thereto, thereby enabling the mobility of the discharge tube 140 with respect to the base 42.

[0083] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2D, the agitation chamber support structure 118 further includes a support frame 160 that structurally supports the inlet port 128 of the metal container 126. In an embodiment, the support frame 160 includes an opening 162 through which the inlet port 128 of the metal container 126 extends. The support frame 160 is attached to the agitation chamber support cart 214 through a plurality of connection bolts 164 that extend between the plurality of support brackets 150 and the support frame 160. Accordingly, by further securing the support frame 160 to the agitation chamber support cart 214 through the opening 162, the support frame 160 holds the inlet port 128 in place during the thermal expansion of the metal container 126. Since the inlet port 128 is held in a fixed state, the first assembly 104 of the support structure 100 (see FIG. 2A) can remain in a fixed state during the operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus, eliminating or reducing the need to adjust the vertical position of the first assembly 104 (by the vertical adjustment bolts shown in FIG. 2A). The support frame 160 also prevents the weight of the first assembly 104 from inhibiting the thermal expansion of the metal container 126.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D, as a result of the vertical extension of the chamber conduit 132, the weight of the metal container 126 may suppress the thermal expansion of various portions of this container in various manners. For example, the upward thermal expansion of the lower portion 142 and other portions of the metal container 126 extending above it may be suppressed by the weight of the upper portion 156 and the flange 144. As a result of such suppression, the metal container 126 may include a thermal expansion neutral point 166 that attempts to remain stationary axially even during the thermal expansion period. In an embodiment, the metal container 126 and the support structure 100 are configured such that the thermal expansion neutral point 166 is disposed at a vertical height where it overlaps the inlet port 128 along the axis 108. Assuming that the inlet port 128 is held in a fixed state by the support frame 160, such an arrangement of the thermal expansion neutral point 166 prevents the support frame 160 from suppressing the thermal expansion of various portions of the metal container 126, and further prevents stress and strain from accumulating in the inlet port 128.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2D, the agitation chamber support structure 118 further includes a mass compensation system 168 configured to apply a compensation force in a vertically upward direction with respect to at least a portion thereof. The force applied by the mass compensation system 168 can cancel at least a portion of the gravity from the mass of the agitation chamber 14 to prevent the accumulation of stress and strain in the metal container 126. In the depicted embodiment, the mass compensation system 168 includes a plurality of mass compensation members 170 disposed at the ends of each of the plurality of agitation chamber support arms 112. In some embodiments, by connection with the plurality of agitation chamber support members 120, the plurality of mass compensation members 170 can apply an upward force that cancels the weight of the agitation chamber 14 with respect to the agitation chamber support frame 110 and prevent the accumulation of undesirable stress and strain within the metal container 126. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of mass compensation members 170 includes a spring member or other suitable load generating source such as a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a compression spring that acts with a biasing force in the vertically upward direction. In an embodiment, the force exerted by each of the plurality of mass compensation members 170 is the same to provide a balanced canceling force.

[0086] The mass compensation system 168 may take various forms depending on the implementation. For example, in an embodiment, the plurality of mass compensation members 170 includes attachment bolts such as spring bolts that couple each of the plurality of agitation chamber support arms 112 to the agitation chamber support structure 118. In such an embodiment, the attachment bolts can be manually adjusted to allow for the thermal expansion of the metal container 126 during operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus. In an embodiment, the mass compensation system 168 includes a single mass compensation member attached to the agitation chamber support cart 214. For example, in an embodiment, the mass compensation system 168 includes, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a pneumatic actuator (not shown) extending between the base 42 and the agitation chamber support cart 214. The pneumatic cylinder or the pneumatic actuator applies a compensating force to the agitation chamber support cart 214. In other embodiments, the mass compensation system 168 includes a counterweight (not shown) pivotally coupled to the agitation chamber support cart 214 through a pivot arm that extends at least partially horizontally (e.g., in the ±X direction of the coordinate axes shown in FIG. 2D) from the agitation chamber support cart 214. The pivot arm can function as a torque multiplier such that the weight of the counterweight applies a vertically upward compensating force to the agitation chamber support cart 214 through the pivot arm.

[0087] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a cross - sectional view of the stirring chamber 14 (including a portion of the support structure 100 associated therewith) passing through line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, in addition to the metal container 126 described herein with respect to FIG. 2B, the stirring chamber 14 includes a casting element 250 surrounding the metal container 126, a heat - resistant body 252 surrounding the casting element 250, and a retainer structure 116. In an embodiment, the casting element 250 at least partially encloses the metal container 126 and is composed of a castable heat - resistant material such as a cast ceramic cement. The casting element 250 can provide structural support and thermal insulation for the metal container 126. In an embodiment, the stirring chamber 14 includes a gap (not shown) extending between the metal container 126 and the casting element 250 (e.g., resulting from the solidification of the casting element 250). Such a gap can provide a space suitable for the radially outward thermal expansion of the metal container 126 from the axis 108 (see FIG. 2A).

[0088] In an embodiment, the heat - resistant body 252 encloses and surrounds the casting element 250. The heat - resistant body 252 can be composed of a heat - resistant ceramic material that insulates the metal container 126 and the molten glass flowing therethrough. In an embodiment, the heat - resistant body 252 minimizes the radial temperature change of the metal container 126. The heat - resistant body 252 can be formed from, for example, but not limited to, alumina, zirconia, stabilized zirconia, and / or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the heat - resistant body 252 can be formed from a plurality of individual parts incorporated around the metal container 126. As described herein, the retainer structure 116 provides structural support to other components of the stirring chamber 14, for example, by providing a linkage to the stirring chamber support frame 110 and the stirring chamber support cart 214. The retainer structure 116 can be formed from a load - bearing material such as, for example, but not limited to, structural steel or similar load - bearing materials.

[0089] In an embodiment, the retainer structure 116 and the heat-resistant body 252 apply a pressure to the metal container 126 in a radially inward direction (toward the axis 108 shown in FIG. 2C) to counter the deformation of the metal container 126 resulting from thermal expansion during the operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. For example, a consistent stress from the molten glass may cause creep of the metal container 126 such that the metal container deforms in a radially outward direction when there is insufficient structural support for the metal container 126. In particular, in the lower portion 246 of the chamber conduit 132 and the bent conduit 134 (see FIG. 2C), the glass head pressure may cause additional stress and strain to accumulate within the metal container 126. Over a long operating period, the accumulated stress and strain from creep and glass head pressure may cause leakage or deformation of the metal container 126, or even cause failure of the metal container 126.

[0090] In an embodiment, to counteract the accumulation of stress and strain associated with creep and glass head pressure, the retainer structure 116 further includes a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 and a plurality of tension spring assemblies 266. The plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 are configured to apply a pressure to the metal container 126 in a radially inward direction (e.g., toward the axis 108 shown in FIG. 2A) to blunt the expansion and the accumulation of stress and strain in the metal container 126. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 extend between the agitation chamber support frame 110 (see FIG. 2A) and the body 290 of the retainer structure 116 that encloses the heat-resistant body 252, thereby including connector bolts 268 that couple the retainer structure 116 to the agitation chamber support frame 110.

[0091] In an embodiment, the agitation chamber support frame 110 includes a plurality of support brackets 267 extending from each of the plurality of agitation chamber support arms 112. Each connector bolt 268 associated with one of the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 can extend through one of the support brackets 267 and toward the body 290 of the retainer structure 116. A pressure head 273 extends from each connector bolt 268 and contacts the body 290 of the retainer structure 116. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 includes a spring assembly 270 (or other force applicator such as a pneumatic cylinder) that includes a spring or other suitable elastic member compressed by one of the support brackets 267. The spring assembly 270 can apply a force to the connector bolt 268 in a radially inward direction (e.g., toward axis 108, see FIG. 2A) to counteract creep due to glass head pressure and radially outward expansion.

[0092] In an embodiment, the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 are arranged to provide a radially uniform circumferential distribution of pressure to the metal container 126. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 are arranged in an opposing relationship such that each includes an opposing pressure bolt assembly extending from either end of the outer diameter of the heat-resistant body 252. It should be understood that while each of the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 in the depicted embodiment is coupled to one of the plurality of agitation chamber support arms 112, alternative embodiments are contemplated that include different numbers and arrangements for the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264. For example, in an embodiment, the support structure 100 includes a separately supported pressure bolt assembly that is not directly connected to one of the plurality of agitation chamber support arms 112. The disclosure of the present invention contemplates the use of any number and arrangement of pressure bolt assemblies.

[0093] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, a plurality of tension spring assemblies 266 can maintain the geometric balance of the retainer structure 116 to maintain the structural support provided to the metal container 126. The body 290 of the retainer structure 116 is shown to include a first circumferential segment 292 and a second circumferential segment 294. The first and second circumferential segments 292 and 294 include extensions 278 and 280 that extend radially outward at their ends. The plurality of tension spring assemblies 266 connect the first circumferential segment 292 and the second circumferential segment 294 to each other through the extensions 278 and 280. In the depicted embodiment, each of the plurality of tension spring assemblies 266 includes a connector rod 276 that extends through openings in the extensions 278 and 280. A spring assembly 282 is disposed on the outer surface of the extension 280, and the head of the connector rod 276 is disposed on the outer surface of the extension 278 relative thereto. The spring or other suitable elastic material of the spring assembly 282 is compressed to generate a force in a plane perpendicular to the axis 108 (e.g., in the ±X directions of the coordinate axes shown in FIG. 3).

[0094] In response to the thermal expansion of the metal container 126 and the radial compression of the spring assembly 270 of the pressure bolt assembly 264, the tension spring assembly 266 prevents the circumferential segments 292 and 294 of the body 290 from separating from each other, thereby facilitating the holder structure 116 to maintain the pressure on the metal container 126 through the heat-resistant body 252. The plurality of tension spring assemblies 266 facilitate the body 290 to maintain its cross-sectional profile regardless of the expansion state of the metal container 126, thereby preventing deformation and failure of the metal container 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of tension spring assemblies 266 and the plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264 are arranged in a circumferentially alternating pattern, in which case at least one of the pressure bolt assemblies 264 is arranged between successive ones of the plurality of tension spring assemblies 266. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the tension spring assemblies 266 disposed on either side of any one of the pressure bolt assemblies 264 can counter any radial movement of the portion of the body 290 that is compressed by the pressure bolt assembly 264. However, it should be understood that alternative embodiments are also envisioned that include pressure bolt assemblies and tension spring assemblies with different circumferential dispersions. For example, in some embodiments, the holder structure 116 may not include a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies 264. In some embodiments, the holder structure 116 may not include a plurality of tension spring assemblies 266.

[0095] Next, referring to FIG. 4, an example of a second assembly 106 of the support structure 100 described herein with respect to FIG. 2A is shown. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the second assembly 106 includes a second support frame 212 for a second connector tube 17 that extends between the base 42 and the delivery container 18. The second support frame 212 includes a plurality of modules 300 (e.g., a first module 300a, a second module 300b, a third module 300c, a fourth module 300d, a fifth module 300e, a sixth module 300f, a seventh module 300g, an eighth module 300h, a ninth module 300i, and a tenth module 300j) that extend around different axial segments of the second connector tube 17 between the flex conduit 134 (see FIG. 2C) and the delivery container 18. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of modules 300 includes a carriage 320 that defines a support volume through which the second connector tube 17 (and any additional components that enclose the second connector tube 17, such as a heat-resistant body that encloses the axial segment of the second connector tube 17) extends. Further, each of the plurality of modules 300 can include a separate support frame that structurally supports one of the axial segments of the second connector tube 17 by the heat-resistant body of the module. For example, the second support frame 212 is shown as including a first support frame 302 that extends from the base 42 and a second support frame 304 that extends from the delivery container 18. The first, second, and third axial support frames 314, 316, and 318 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the second connector tube axis 202 and connect the first support frame 302 and the second support frame 304 to each other. The depicted embodiment includes three axial support frames, the first axial support frame 314, the second axial support frame 316, and the third axial support frame 318, but it should be understood that, in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention, the second assembly 106 can include any number of such axial support frames.

[0096] In an embodiment, the first support frame 302 is connected to the first axial support frame 314 through the first connector 306, and the second support frame 304 is connected to the third axial support frame 318 through the second connector 308. In an embodiment, the first axial support frame 314 is rotatably coupled to the first support frame 302 through the first connector 306, and the third axial support frame 318 is rotatably coupled to the second support frame 304 through the second connector 308. The first support frame 302 can be attached to the base 42 through an attachment pin 310 extending from the base 42. The attachment pin 310 can extend through a slot in the first support frame 302. The slot in the first support frame 302 extends horizontally (e.g., along the X direction of the coordinate axes shown in FIG. 4), and allows the first support frame 302 to move relative to the base 42 in response to the horizontal thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17. The second support frame 304 can be attached to the delivery container 18 through an attachment pin 312 extending from a portion (e.g., the base) of the delivery container 18. The attachment pin 312 can extend through a slot in the second support frame 304. The slot in the second support frame 304 extends horizontally and allows the second support frame 304 to move relative to the delivery container 18 in response to the horizontal thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17. The rotatable connections between the first and second support frames 302 and 304 and the first and third axial support frames 314 and 318 facilitate maintaining the angle α (see FIG. 2A) between the second connector tube axis 202 and the axis 108 of the agitation chamber 14 when thermal expansion and contraction of the second connector tube 17 occur, thereby preventing the accumulation of various stresses and strains in the second connector tube 17.

[0097] The plurality of modules 300, and the first, second, and third axial support frames 314, 316, and 318 can take various forms such that the plurality of modules 300 are movable relative to each other to avoid preventing the thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17 (see FIG. 1) along the second connector tube axis 202. For example, in an embodiment, each of the first, second, and third axial support frames 314, 316, and 318 can include one or more rail systems 322 that support a carriage 320 of one of the plurality of modules 300. The rail systems 322 of the first, second, and third axial support frames 314, 316, and 318 can extend parallel or substantially parallel to the second connector tube axis 202 to structurally support the second connector tube 17 in a desired orientation. The carriage 320 is movably coupled to the rail system 322 through rollers and can allow movement of each carriage 320 along the second connector tube axis 202 during thermal expansion and contraction of the second connector tube 17.

[0098] In an embodiment, the rail systems 322 of the first, second, and third axial support frames 314, 316, and 318 are movably coupled to each other through sliding joints 324 and 326. For example, in an embodiment, the first and third axial support frames 314 and 318 at least partially overlap the second axial support frame 316 along the second connector tube axis 202, and a movable coupling assembly (e.g., a roller or a rail mounting bracket not shown in FIG. 4) couples the first and third axial support frames 314 and 318 to the second axial support frame 316 in an axially overlapping position to form the sliding joints 324 and 326. For example, in an embodiment, the first, second, and third axial support frames 314, 316, and 318 include a housing or a support structure for the rail system 322 that overlaps each other to form the sliding joints 324 and 326. The movable connection between the first axial support frame 314, the second axial support frame 316, and the third axial support frame 318 facilitates the thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17 away from the delivery container 18 (e.g., toward the base 42) and prevents the accumulation of stress and strain during operation.

[0099] FIG. 5 schematically depicts another exemplary embodiment of the second assembly 106 of the support structure 100 described herein with respect to FIG. 2A. In the embodiment, the second assembly 106 has a similar structure to the embodiment described herein with respect to FIG. 4. Thus, similar reference numerals are incorporated in FIG. 4 to indicate the incorporation of such similar components. The embodiment of the second assembly 106 shown in FIG. 5 can be different from that described with respect to FIG. 5 in that an inflation assist 400 extends between the delivery container 18 and the second axial support frame 316. In the depicted embodiment, the inflation assist 400 includes a rod 402 that extends between the delivery container 18 and a support bracket 404 attached to the second axial support frame 316. The rod 402 is connected to the base 406 of the delivery container 18 through a connector assembly 410. In the embodiment, the connector assembly 410 includes a support bracket coupled to the third axial support frame 318. In the embodiment, the rod 402 extends in a direction parallel to the second connector tube axis 202 across a sliding joint 326 (not shown in FIG. 5, see FIG. 4) that is between the first axial support frame 314 and the second axial support frame 316.

[0100] In an embodiment, the expansion assist device 400 includes a spring assembly 408 that extends around the rod 402. The spring assembly 408 can provide an elastic force that is compressed and extends toward the base 42. By extending across the sliding joint 326, such an elastic force can facilitate the relative movement between the second axial support frame 316 and the third axial support frame 318 and facilitate the expansion of the second connector tube 17 away from the delivery container 18 along the second connector tube axis 202. The expansion assist device 400 can further prevent the suppression of the expansion of the second connector tube 17 by canceling out the weight of the agitation chamber 14. The expansion assist device 400 shown in FIG. 5 includes a spring assembly 408, but alternative assist mechanisms are contemplated, and these mechanisms are within the disclosure of the present invention. For example, in an embodiment, the expansion assist device 400 can include a pneumatic cylinder, an actuator, or any other load generating source having a function of applying an assisting force away from the delivery container 18 along the second connector tube axis 202.

[0101] The depicted embodiment incorporates a single expansion assist device 400 that extends along a portion of the second support frame 212 close to the delivery container 18, but alternative arrangements including different positioning and / or numbers of expansion assist devices are contemplated, and these arrangements are within the disclosure of the present invention. For example, in an embodiment, multiple expansion assist devices having a similar structure to the expansion assist device 400 described herein can extend from the delivery container 18. In an embodiment, multiple expansion assist devices can extend to various axial locations on the second support frame 212. In an embodiment, one or more expansion assist devices can directly apply a force to the base 42 or the agitation chamber 14 to prevent the expansion of the second connector tube 17 from being suppressed.

[0102] Figure 6 schematically depicts a support structure 600 for providing structural support to various structural components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 described herein with respect to FIG. 1. The support structure 600 includes a first assembly 602 that provides structural support to the first connector tube 15 and a second assembly 604 that provides structural support to the second connector tube 17. In an embodiment, the first and second assemblies 602 and 604 have a similar structure to the first and second assemblies 104 and 106 described herein with respect to FIGS. 2A-5. The support structure 600 can be different from the support structure 100 described herein with respect to FIGS. 2A-5 in that it can be designed to receive the base 42 of the stirring chamber in a stationary state (e.g., fixed within the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10). The support structure 600 can allow the stirring chamber 14 to freely expand in the upward direction (e.g., the positive Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in FIG. 6).

[0103] To avoid suppressing the expansion of the second connector tube 17 along the connector tube axis 610 and to avoid the accumulation of stress and strain in the second connector tube 17, the delivery vessel 18 can be made movable in the horizontal direction (e.g., the positive or negative X direction of the coordinate axis in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the delivery vessel 18 is disposed on a support cart 608. The support cart 608 is movable within the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (e.g., not fixedly attached to a fixed structure). In an embodiment, for example, the support cart 608 includes a roller assembly (not shown) that engages a support structure (e.g., a rail structure or a surface) fixed within the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. That is, the support cart 608 movably supports the delivery vessel 18. In an embodiment, the support cart 608 is in a stationary state in the vertical direction (e.g., along the positive and negative Z directions of the coordinate axis shown in FIG. 6). The thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17 along the connector tube axis 610 can cause the movement of the delivery vessel 18.

[0104] In an embodiment, to facilitate such movement of the delivery container 18, the support structure 600 includes a support mechanism 612 that contacts the delivery container 18. The support mechanism 612 can prevent friction from inhibiting horizontal movement of the delivery container 18 in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube 17 against the gravitational load associated with the delivery container 18. In an embodiment, the support mechanism 612 includes one or more elements configured to apply a force in an upward vertical direction to the delivery container to counter the weight of the delivery container 18. For example, in an embodiment, the support mechanism 612 includes a plurality of spring assemblies, actuators, or pneumatic cylinders that contact a support structure (e.g., a support arm) that supports the delivery container 18. For example, in an embodiment, the support structure 600 includes a plurality of support arms (not shown) movably coupled to a stationary reference of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10, and the plurality of support arms are configured to move horizontally with the support cart 608 (e.g., the plurality of support arms can extend from the support cart 608). In an embodiment, the support mechanism 612 includes a plurality of spring assemblies, actuators, or pneumatic cylinders that couple the plurality of support arms to the delivery container and apply a force countering the weight of the delivery container 18 in a vertically upward direction. In an embodiment, the support system includes a counterweight pivotally coupled to the delivery container 18 through a pivot arm (not shown). The counterweight applies a downward force to a first end of the pivot arm to push up a second end of the pivot arm coupled to the delivery container 18. In an embodiment, the support mechanism 612 includes a support structure extending from a fixed reference point. Such a support structure can include an orbital system or a rail system that engages features (e.g., rollers, extensions, etc.) of the delivery container 18 to vertically support the delivery container 18 while also allowing horizontal movement of the delivery container 18. In an embodiment, the support mechanism 612 includes a movable hanger system that extends above the delivery container 18, and the movable hanger system includes a plurality of hanger elements (e.g., support wires or other suitable structures) that engage the delivery container 18.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6, the support structure 600 further includes a stirring chamber support cart 606. In an embodiment, the stirring chamber support cart 606 is fixedly attached within the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the stirring chamber support cart 606 is supported by the base 42 through a support structure 614 that extends vertically between the base 42 and the stirring chamber support cart 606.

[0106] In an embodiment, the connection point between the first connector tube 15 and the stirring chamber 14 (e.g., through the inlet port 128 shown in FIG. 2C) is not fixed within the reference frame of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10, allowing for thermal expansion of the stirring chamber 14 in the vertical upward direction. That is, in contrast to being fixed near the inlet port 128 as in the case of the support structure 100, the upper portion of the stirring chamber 14 is allowed to move relative to the stirring chamber support cart 606, preventing the suppression of the expansion of the stirring chamber 14. The stirring chamber support cart 606 is shown to include a support arm 620 connected to the base 42 through the support structure 614, and an extension 622 extending therefrom, the extension 622 overlapping a first assembly 602 that supports the first connector tube 15. In an embodiment, the extension 622 is movable relative to the support arm 620, preventing the suppression of the vertical expansion of the stirring chamber 14. In an embodiment, the support arm 620 and the extension 622 are fixed to the reference of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 through a plurality of assemblies 624. The assembly 624 can have a structure similar to the plurality of roller assemblies and track assemblies 222 and 224 described herein with respect to FIG. 2A, allowing for the movement of the support arm 620 and / or the extension arm 622 in response to thermal expansion and contraction of the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0107] To allow for horizontal mobility of the dispensing container 18, the agitation chamber support cart 606 may not be fixedly attached to the dispensing container 18. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the end 616 of the agitation chamber support cart 606 is not directly attached to the dispensing container 18 or the support cart 608. In an embodiment, the second assembly 604 includes some of the features described herein with respect to the second assembly 106 of the support structure 100 described herein in connection with FIGS. 2A-5. For example, in an embodiment, the second assembly 106 includes a plurality of modules 300 connected to each other through sliding joints 324 and 326 described herein with respect to FIG. 4, preventing suppression of the expansion of the second connector tube 17 along the connector tube axis 610. In an embodiment, the second assembly 604 includes one or more expansion aids configured to counter the resistance to expansion caused by the dispensing container 18 when a force is applied. For example, in an embodiment, the second assembly 604 includes an expansion aid (e.g., including a rod extending parallel to the connector tube axis 610 and a compression spring) similar to the expansion aid 400 described herein with respect to FIG. 5. Such an expansion aid can extend between the base 42 and the support frame 618 that structurally supports the second connector tube 17 to connect the base 42 to the support frame 618. The support frame 618 can have a structure similar to that of the second support frame 212 in the various embodiments described herein with respect to FIGS. 2A-5.

[0108] In an embodiment, the structure of the stirring chamber 14 may be different as a result of the support structure 600 from that described above with respect to FIG. 2C. In an embodiment, the discharge tube 140 (see FIG. 2C) can be fixedly attached to the base 42 through a discharge tube ring (not shown). Fixing of the discharge tube 140 can eliminate the need for the flange extension 146 that extends radially outward from the body of the metal container 126 described with respect to FIG. 2C. As a result, the manner in which the stirring chamber 14 is supported by the stirring chamber support cart 606 may be different from the embodiments described herein with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C. However, embodiments are envisioned in which the support structure 600 includes various aspects of the stirring chamber support structure 118 described herein (e.g., flange extension 146, spring assembly 154, stirring chamber support member 120, etc.). In an embodiment, for example, the support structure 600 can include a plurality of mass compensation members 170 described herein with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C to compensate for the mass of the stirring chamber 14 and avoid expansion inhibition. Various combinations of the various aspects of the support structure described above are contemplated, and such combinations are within the disclosure of the present invention.

[0109] The support structure for the glass manufacturing apparatus described herein can be structured to avoid suppressing thermal expansion of the connector tube extending between the stirring chamber and the delivery vessel. The support structure described herein allows relative movement between the bottom portion of the stirring chamber and the delivery vessel and avoids accumulation of stress and strain in the bottom of the stirring chamber and the connector tube. Such relative movement facilitates thermal expansion of the stirring chamber and the connector tube and avoids leakage and other potential failure modes.

[0110] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. That is, this specification is intended to cover such modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided that these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0111] 15 First connector tube 42 Base 44 Reference support 100 Support structure α Elevation angle with respect to the horizontal direction

Claims

1. (A) A first assembly, comprising: (i) a first connector tube for receiving molten glass; (ii) a stirring chamber disposed on a base, the stirring chamber comprising: (a) an inlet port attached to the first connector tube; (b) a chamber conduit extending at least partially vertically downward away from the inlet port; and (c) a bent conduit in fluid communication with the chamber conduit and including a first portion for receiving molten glass therefrom and a second portion extending at an angle from the vertical for redirecting the molten glass flowing from the chamber conduit; the stirring chamber; the first assembly; (B) A second assembly, comprising: (i) a second connector tube connected to the bent conduit for delivering molten glass therefrom, at least a portion of the second connector tube extending at least partially vertically upward; and (ii) a delivery container connected to the second connector tube; wherein one of the base or the delivery container is attached to a vertically fixed reference point; the other of the base or the delivery container is movable in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube; and movement of the other of the base or the delivery container in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube is independent of thermal expansion of the other of the base or the delivery container; the delivery container; the second assembly; a glass manufacturing apparatus.

2. further comprising a support system in mechanical contact with the one of the base or the delivery container attached to the reference point, the support system facilitating vertical expansion thereof away from the reference point during heating to counteract the gravitational load associated with the one of the base or the delivery container, the glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. further comprising a support structure attached to the reference point for structurally supporting the one of the base or the delivery container, the support system comprising one or more spring assemblies extending between the one of the base or the delivery container and the support structure attached to the reference point, the glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the delivery container is fixedly attached to the reference point, the glass manufacturing apparatus ​ ​ A stirring chamber support cart extending horizontally between the second assembly and the first assembly, A stirring chamber support frame extending vertically from the base and structurally supporting the stirring chamber, One or more sliding joints coupling the stirring chamber support frame to the stirring chamber support cart such that the base moves vertically relative to the stirring chamber support cart as the stirring chamber expands, The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising.

5. The stirring chamber, A metal container forming the chamber conduit and the bent conduit, A retainer structure enclosing the metal container, The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising.

6. The metal container includes a flange disposed at an upper end of the stirring chamber on the opposite side of the bent conduit, The stirring chamber further includes a plurality of flange extensions extending outwardly from the flange, The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of flange extensions are connected to the reference point.

7. The stirring chamber further includes a heat-resistant body surrounding the metal container, the heat-resistant body extending between the metal container and the retainer structure, the glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The second connector tube includes a flow axis extending in a third direction forming a non-zero acute angle with the vertical direction toward the delivery container, the glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. A method for reducing stress at the outflow port of a stirring chamber of a glass manufacturing apparatus, (A) introducing molten glass into the inlet port of the stirring chamber, thereby causing the molten glass to flow through the metal container of the stirring chamber and into a connector tube connected to the outlet port leading to the delivery container of the glass manufacturing apparatus, wherein the connector tube includes a flow axis that extends partially vertically upward between the outlet port and the delivery container, and the contact between the molten glass and the connector tube causes thermal expansion of the connector tube along the axis, and the stirring chamber is disposed on a base, the step of causing the flow-through, The connector tube includes a flow axis that extends partially vertically upward between the outlet port and the delivery container, The contact between the molten glass and the connector tube causes thermal expansion of the connector tube along the axis, and The stirring chamber is disposed on a base, The step of causing the flow-through, (B) allowing relative movement between the delivery container and the base as a result of the thermal expansion of the connector tube to reduce stress accumulation at the outlet port. A method comprising.

10. The molten glass causes thermal expansion of the metal vessel of the agitation chamber in a vertical direction, The base is attached to an agitation chamber support cart extending between the inlet port and the delivery vessel through an agitation chamber support frame, The step of allowing the relative movement between the delivery vessel and the base includes the step of sliding a support member of the agitation chamber support frame relative to the agitation chamber support cart through a plurality of sliding joints in response to the thermal expansion of the metal vessel, according to the method of claim 9. **Claim 11** The step of allowing the relative movement between the delivery vessel and the base includes the step of translating the delivery vessel horizontally in response to the thermal expansion of the connector tube, according to the method of claim 9. **Claim 12** The method of claim 9 further includes the step of attaching the metal vessel to the base through a plurality of linkages extending radially outward from a flange of the metal vessel prior to the step of introducing the molten glass into the inlet port. **Claim 13** The method of claim 9 further includes the step of assisting the thermal expansion of the connector tube along the axis using an expansion assistor. **Claim 14** The method of claim 9 further includes the step of applying a radial pressure to the metal vessel after the step of introducing the molten glass through a plurality of pressure bolt assemblies circumferentially distributed around the metal vessel to avoid strain accumulation.

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