GLASS DROP SUPPLY SYSTEM

Abstract

One method involves observing a molten glass droplet (G) discharged from a transport cup (12) and adjusting a fluid flow parameter (F1, F2) in a channel (28) of the transport cup based on at least one observed characteristic of the discharged glass droplet. The observed characteristics may include the shape, diameter (D), temperature, or discharge timing of the molten glass droplet. In one implementation, the adjustable fluid flow parameter(s) include the initial and secondary flow rates (F1i, F1s) of a first fluid flow (F1) to the channel, the initial and secondary flow rates (F2i, F2s) of a second fluid flow (F2) to the channel, and the timing of the transitions between the initial and secondary flow rates of each fluid flow. A molten glass droplet delivery system (10) includes the transport cup, one or more image sensors (14, 16), a temperature sensor (32), and a process controller (38).