Abstract:
A float glass forming chamber is provided with heating elements that extend through the side walls of the chamber. As a result, the roof of the chamber may be of simpler construction, the heating elements are more accessible, and electrical connections can be more conveniently arranged.
Abstract:
A float glass system includes a float bath having an entrance end and an exit end. At least one machine vision camera is located to view an interior of the float bath. At least one sensor is connected to the float bath to measure an operating parameter of the float bath. At least one operating device is connected to the float bath. The at least one machine vision camera, the at least one sensor, and the at least one operating device are connected to a control system configured to control the operating device based on input from the at least one machine vision camera and/or the at least one sensor.
Abstract:
Repositionable heater assemblies and methods of controlling temperature of glass in production lines using the repositionable heater assemblies are disclosed. The repositionable heater assembly includes a support frame, a first sled and a second sled each coupled to the support frame with bearing members that allow the first sled and the second sled to translate in a longitudinal direction. Each of the first sled and the second sled include at least one heating element, where the heating elements are spaced apart from the glass ribbon a spacing distance. The first and second sleds are movable in the longitudinal direction to controlling the spacing distance between the heating elements of the first sled and the second sled and the glass ribbon to manage temperature of the glass ribbon.
Abstract:
Device for manipulating the edge of a ribbon of glass comprising a wheel, and float glass installation comprising such a device. A device for manipulating the edge of a ribbon of pasty glass travelling on a bath of liquid in a float chamber, comprising a wheel (1) positioned at a distal end of a barrel (2), the wheel (1) being turned about its own axis, this axis being concurrent with the longitudinal geometric axis of the barrel and making therewith a permanent fix angle determined by design, the barrel (2) having a possibility for adjustment in rotation about its longitudinal axis, and installation comprising such a device.
Abstract:
Apparatus for selectively heating marginal edge portions of a stream of molten glass includes at least two independent heating elements presenting a substantially planar heating face toward the marginal edge of a stream of molten glass flowing in close proximity thereunder. A first set of the heating elements overlies a portion of the marginal edge adjacent a containing sidewall and the second set is positioned inboard of the first set relative to the central portion of the stream. Generated heat is directed primarily downward, e.g., greater than about fifty percent, and preferably greater than seventy-five percent toward first and second distinct areas of the marginal edge by a thermal insulating barrier positioned over the heating elements, to provide first and second localized zones of heating. The heating elements may be cantilevered through the sidewall in close proximity to the stream of molten glass.
Abstract:
A pair of glass ribbon edge detectors each have a power source connected to a carbon probe suspended over the molten metal bath of a glass forming chamber and to the molten metal bath to form a pair of capacitors. The voltage output of each capacitor has a first value when the probe is over the molten metal bath, a second value when the probe is over the glass ribbon and a third value when the probe is over a portion of the molten metal bath and a portion of the glass ribbon edge. Displacement and direction of displacement of each probe is used to determine glass ribbon width.A tweel for metering glass onto the molten metal bath has linear displacement gauges mounted at each side thereof and directly connected to the tweel so as to monitor displacement of the tweel to determine the flow of molten glass into the forming chamber. Movement of the tweel in response to the capacitors' output controls the flow of molten glass to control the ribbon width.
Abstract:
A method of improving the speed of production of flat glass by the flotation method, and of decreasing the thickness of a molten ribbon of flat glass supported on a liquid bath, which comprises heating the metal guide wires and putting them into the molten ribbon at a temperature at which the wires are more perfectly wetted by the molten glass than when the wires are at room temperature and maintaining the wires under tension sufficient to prevent stabilization by the forces of gravity and surface tension, and cooling the sheet.
Abstract:
The thickness of a float glass ribbon is regulated by electromagnetically applying transversely-directed forces to molten glass in ribbon form as it is advancing along a molten metal bath. The margins of the glass are provided with electrically conductive regions along which current flow takes place, and each region is subjected to a magnetic field acting through the glass to produce said transversely-directed forces.