WO2017205203A1

WO2017205203A1 - Glass manufacturing apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2017205203A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/033509
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rashid Abdul-Rahman; Thomas Anthony Becket ANASTASIO; Melissa Denise BAKER; Jeremy Walter TURNER
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2016-05-24
Filing date: 2017-05-19
Publication date: 2017-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-24
Also published as: TW201815698A; CN109219581A; KR20190003810A; JP2019516658A

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus can include a first aperture extending through a first enclosure, a second aperture extending through a second enclosure positioned within the first enclosure, and a vessel to contain molten material that is positioned within the second enclosure. The first aperture and the second aperture define an insertion path from outside the first enclosure to inside the second enclosure. The glass manufacturing apparatus can further include a third aperture spaced from the first aperture and extending through the first enclosure, and a blocking-object including a shaft positioned within the third aperture and a protrusion extending from the shaft and oriented to selectively block the second aperture. In further embodiments, methods of blocking an aperture of a glass manufacturing apparatus can include measuring an attribute of a vessel with a device, removing the device from an aperture, and blocking the aperture with a blocking-object.

Description

GLASS MANUFACTURING APPARATUS AND METHODS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/340622 filed on May 24, 2016.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for manufacturing glass and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for blocking an aperture in a glass manufacturing apparatus with a blocking-object.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to manufacture glass with a glass manufacturing apparatus. It is further known to measure temperatures of the glass manufacturing apparatus with a thermocouple.

SUMMARY

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

[0005] In some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a first enclosure, a second enclosure positioned within the first enclosure, and a vessel to contain molten material that is positioned within the second enclosure. The glass manufacturing apparatus can also include a first aperture extending through the first enclosure and a second aperture extending through the second enclosure. The first aperture and the second aperture define an insertion path from outside the first enclosure to inside the second enclosure. The glass manufacturing apparatus can also include a third aperture spaced from the first aperture and extending through the first enclosure. The glass manufacturing apparatus can still further include a blocking-object including a shaft positioned within the third aperture and a protrusion extending from the shaft and oriented to selectively block the second aperture. [0006] In some embodiments, the vessel can include a trough and a forming wedge including a pair of downwardly inclined surfaces that converge at a root of the vessel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the blocking-object can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the protrusion of the blocking-object can be positioned between the first enclosure and the second enclosure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the protrusion of the blocking-object can be oriented to selectively abut an outer surface of the second enclosure along a path circumscribing the second aperture.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second aperture can be spaced a distance from an inner surface of the first enclosure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the insertion path can include a linear axis extending from the first aperture to the second aperture.

[0012] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a cover positioned outside the first enclosure, and the cover can be oriented to block the third aperture.

[0013] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a spring oriented to bias the cover in a direction toward the first enclosure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover can engage the shaft of the blocking- object.

[0015] In some embodiments, the blocking-object can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft based at least in part on a corresponding rotation of the cover.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method of blocking an aperture in a glass manufacturing apparatus can include inserting a device through a first aperture in a first enclosure and a second aperture in a second enclosure along an insertion path from outside the first enclosure to inside the second enclosure, where the second enclosure is positioned within the first enclosure. The method can include measuring an attribute of a vessel to contain molten material with the device, where the vessel is positioned within the second enclosure, removing the device from the second aperture, and blocking the second aperture with a blocking-object.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device can include a thermocouple.

[0018] In some embodiments, the attribute can include a temperature.

[0019] In some embodiments, measuring an attribute can be performed without molten material contained in the vessel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method can include containing molten material in the vessel after measuring the attribute of the vessel.

[0021] In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture can be performed without molten material contained in the vessel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method can include removing the device from the first aperture and the second aperture, and then blocking the first aperture.

[0023] In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture can include rotating the blocking-object.

[0024] In some embodiments, the blocking-object can be rotated by rotating a cover positioned outside the first enclosure.

[0025] In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture can include moving the blocking-object within a third aperture in the first enclosure.

[0026] In some embodiments, moving the blocking-object can include rotating the blocking-object within the third aperture.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method can include blocking the third aperture with a cover positioned outside the first enclosure.

[0028] In some embodiments, the blocking-object can be moved within the third aperture by moving the cover.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method can include biasing the cover against the first enclosure to seal the third aperture with the cover.

[0030] The above embodiments are exemplary and can be provided alone or in any combination with any one or more embodiments provided herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments as they are described and claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure can be further understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 2, including an exemplary blocking-object; and

[0035] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus including the blocking-object of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0037] Glass sheets are commonly fabricated by flowing molten glass to a forming body whereby a glass ribbon may be formed by a variety of ribbon forming processes including, float, slot draw, down-draw, fusion down-draw, up-draw, press roll or any other forming processes. The glass ribbon from any of these processes may then be subsequently divided to provide one or more glass sheets suitable for further processing into a desired application, including but not limited to, a display application. For example, the one or more glass sheets can be used in a variety of display applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), or the like.

[0038] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 101 to process, manufacture, and form a glass ribbon 103. The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can operate to include a glass manufacturing process 100 that can, in some embodiments, include any one or more of the features of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 disclosed herein to at least one of manufacture and process glass. For illustration purposes, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 is illustrated as a fusion down-draw apparatus, although other glass manufacturing apparatus for up-draw, float, press rolling, slot draw, etc. may be provided in further embodiments. As illustrated, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage bin 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. An optional controller 115 can be operated to activate the motor 113 by which batch delivery device 111 can introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. A glass melt probe 119 can be used to measure a level of molten material 121 within a standpipe 123 and communicate the measured information to the controller 115 by way of a communication line 125.

[0039] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can also include a fining vessel 127 located downstream from the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by way of a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127 by way of the first connecting conduit 129. For example, gravity may act to drive the molten material 121 to pass through an interior pathway of the first connecting conduit 129 from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127. Within the fining vessel 127, bubbles may be removed from the molten material 121 by various techniques. [0040] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a mixing chamber 131 that may be located downstream from the fining vessel 127. In some embodiments, the mixing chamber 131 can include a mixing shaft 150 including mixing blades 151 to mix molten material 121 within the mixing chamber 131. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogenous composition of molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the molten material 121 exiting the fining vessel 127. As shown, the fining vessel 127 may be coupled to the mixing chamber 131 by way of a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 by way of the second connecting conduit 135. For instance, gravity may drive the molten material 121 to pass through an interior pathway of the second connecting conduit 135 from the fining vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131.

[0041] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a delivery vessel 133 that may be located downstream from the mixing chamber 131. The delivery vessel 133 can condition the molten material 121 to be fed into a glass former 140. For example, the delivery vessel 133 can function as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to the glass former 140. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 may be coupled to the delivery vessel 133 by way of a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 by way of the third connecting conduit 137. For instance, gravity may drive the molten material 121 to pass through an interior pathway of the third connecting conduit 137 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133. As further illustrated, a delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to the glass former 140 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101. The glass former 140 may draw the molten material 121 into the glass ribbon 103 off of a root 145 of a forming vessel 143. In the illustrated embodiment, the forming vessel 143 can be provided with an inlet 141 oriented to receive molten material 121 from the delivery pipe 139 of the delivery vessel 133.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the forming vessel 143 can include a trough 204 (see FIG. 2) oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet 141 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the forming vessel 143 can further include a forming wedge 205 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b extending between opposed ends of the forming wedge 205. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can flow from the inlet 141 into the trough 204 of the forming vessel 143. The molten material 121 can then overflow from the trough 204 by simultaneously flowing over corresponding weirs 203a, 203b and downward over the outer surfaces of the corresponding weirs 203a, 203b. Respective streams of molten material 121 can then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 205 to be drawn off the root 145 of the forming vessel 143, where the flows converge and fuse into the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 may then be drawn off the root 145 along a draw plane 213 in a draw direction 211 with a width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 (shown in FIG. 1) extending between a first vertical edge 147a of the glass ribbon 103 and a second vertical edge 147b of the glass ribbon 103.

[0043] Turning back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 defined between a first major surface 215a and a second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103 can be, for example, from about 40 micrometers (μπι) to about 1 millimeter (mm), for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 0.5 millimeters, for example from about 40 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 300 micrometers, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, for example, from about 40 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, or, for example, about 40 micrometers, although other thicknesses may be provided in further embodiments. In addition, the glass ribbon 103 can include a variety of compositions including but not limited to glass, ceramic, glass- ceramic, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, alumino-borosilicate glass, an alkali- containing glass, an alkali-free glass, or any combination thereof.

[0044] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a first enclosure 171 and a second enclosure 172, where the second enclosure 172 can be positioned within the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, a vessel 160 to contain material (e.g., molten material 121) can be positioned within the second enclosure 172. The vessel 160 can include a container to contain material and can, in some embodiments, include an open container providing access to a free surface of material contained within the vessel 160. For example, in some embodiments, the vessel 160 can include the forming vessel 143 including the trough 204 and the forming wedge 205 including the pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b that converge at the root 145 of the forming wedge 205. In some embodiments, any one or more vessels can be positioned within the second enclosure 172 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the vessel 160 positioned within the second enclosure 172 can include any one or more features of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 including, but not limited to, the melting vessel 105, the storage bin 109, the standpipe 123, the fining vessel 127, the first connecting conduit 129, the mixing chamber 131, the delivery vessel 133, the second connecting conduit 135, the third connecting conduit 137, and the delivery pipe 139.

[0045] The first enclosure 171 can include a first outer surface 175 facing an exterior area 202 that is outside of the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the exterior area 202 can include an environment or room in which the first enclosure 171 is positioned. The first enclosure 171 can include a first enclosure wall 177 extending between the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 and a first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the second enclosure 172 can include a second outer surface 176 spaced a first distance "dl" from the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171, defining an intermediate space 201 between the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172. The second enclosure 172 can include a second enclosure wall 178 extending between the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 and a second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172. The second inner surface 174 can face an interior area 200 that is inside the second enclosure 172.

[0046] As shown, the vessel 160 can be positioned within (e.g., at least partially within, entirely within) the second enclosure 172 in the interior area 200 and can be spaced a second distance "d2" from the second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172. In some embodiments, each of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 can one or more walls connected together to form the respective enclosure. It is to be understood that in some embodiments, an enclosure defined as positioned within another enclosure may include features that extend outside of a boundary of the enclosure, and such embodiments, unless otherwise noted, are intended to be within the scope of disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 can include an opening to provide bulk access into or out of the enclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the first enclosure 171 can include a first bottom opening 161 and the second enclosure 172 can include a second bottom opening 162 from which the glass ribbon 103 can extend as the glass ribbon 103 is provided from the vessel 160 positioned within the second enclosure 172.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first enclosure 171 can include a refractory material (e.g., refractory brick) that can provide an insulated barrier between the exterior area 202 and an interior of the first enclosure 171. The first enclosure 171 can therefore prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants that may be present in the exterior area 202 from coming into contact with the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 including any material that may be contained within the vessel 160. In addition, the intermediate space 201 and the interior area 200 provided by the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 can provide a controlled atmosphere in which at least one of a temperature and a pressure can be regulated, changed, and maintained. The first enclosure 171 can be positioned within the exterior area 202 with one or more brackets that attach to the first enclosure 171 and connect the first enclosure 171 to a frame, wall, or other support structure (not shown).

[0048] In some embodiments, the second enclosure 172 can be manufactured from a material that includes properties that distribute heat evenly relative to the vessel 160. For example, in some embodiments, the second enclosure 172 can include silicon carbide to distribute and maintain an even temperature profile above the vessel 160. By controlling and reducing temperature fluctuations and temperature gradients in the interior area 200 of the second enclosure 172, a temperature of the material contained in the vessel 160 can be likewise controlled. For example, in some embodiments, the second enclosure 172 can provide a uniformly heated region around the vessel 160 to provide the molten material 121 within the vessel 160 with a uniform temperature. The uniform, controlled temperature of the molten material 121 can, in some embodiments, provide a better quality glass ribbon 103 relative to glass ribbons formed with molten material 121 that includes temperature gradients when contained in the vessel 160. The second enclosure 172 can be positioned within the first enclosure 171 with one or more brackets that attach to the second enclosure 172 and connect the second enclosure 172 to the first enclosure 171, a frame, wall, or other support structure (not shown).

[0049] The first distance "dl" between the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 can provide the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 in spaced relationship relative to each other. The spaced relationship between the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 can permit thermal expansion and contraction of at least one of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 such that the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 do not interfere and contact when the at least one of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 may, for example, expand and contract based at least in part on thermal expansion when subjected to heat and corresponding temperature changes. Likewise, the second distance "d2" between the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 can provide the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 in spaced relationship relative to each other. The spaced relationship between the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 can permit thermal expansion and contraction of at least one of the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 independent of the other such that the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 do not contact when the at least one of the second enclosure 172 and vessel 160 may, for example, expand and contract based at least in part on thermal expansion when subjected to heat and corresponding temperature changes. In addition to compensating for thermal mismatch between the first enclosure 171, the second enclosure 172, and the vessel 160, the spaced relationship between the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172, and between the second enclosure 172 and the vessel 160 can prevent mechanical loading of one component from another component. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 can include a brittle material that, when subjected to external loading, may crack, fracture, and be unable to support the external load. In some embodiments, a brittle material can be defined at least in part as a material that, when subjected to stress, may fail (e.g., fracture, break) without deformation (e.g., strain). In some embodiments, a brittle material can be defined as having relatively little or no ductility and as absorbing relatively little or no energy prior to failure.

[0050] In some embodiments, a first aperture 191 can extend through the first enclosure 171, and a second aperture 192 can extend through the second enclosure 172. For example, the first aperture 191 can extend from the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171, through the first enclosure wall 177, to the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. Likewise, the second aperture 192 can extend from the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172, through the second enclosure wall 178, to the second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172. In some embodiments, the second aperture 192 can be spaced a distance (e.g., first distance "dl") from the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the first aperture 191 and the second aperture 192 can define an insertion path 180 from outside the first enclosure 171 (e.g., from the exterior area 202) to inside the second enclosure 172 (e.g., to the interior area 200). In some embodiments, the insertion path 180 can include a linear axis extending from the first aperture 191 to the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, the insertion path 180 can include a non-linear, curved path, and any other path extending from the exterior area 202 to the interior area 200 between the first aperture 191 and the second aperture 192.

[0051] In some embodiments, the insertion path 180 can be provided for insertion of a device 350. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a thermocouple 350 can be inserted along the insertion path 180 from the exterior area 202 to the interior area 200. In some embodiments, any one or more of a sensor, camera, measurement tool, probe, detector, and any other device can be provided for insertion along the insertion path 180 from the exterior area 202 to the interior area 200. In some embodiments, access to the vessel 160 (e.g., access to the trough 204 of the forming vessel 143) may be restricted or difficult based at least in part on the presence of any one or more of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 within which the vessel 160 can be positioned. Thus, advantageously, the insertion path 180 can allow access from the exterior area 202 through the first enclosure 171 to the intermediate space 201 and through the second enclosure 172 to the interior area 200 including the vessel 160 positioned within the second enclosure 172.

[0052] In some embodiments, contents (e.g., fluid, liquid, gas, vapor, particulates, debris, heat, condensate, etc.) within the exterior area 202 outside of the first enclosure

171 can pass from the exterior area 202 through the first aperture 191 in the first enclosure 171 to the intermediate space 201. In some embodiments, contents can pass from the intermediate space 201 through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure

172 to the interior area 200. Likewise, in some embodiments, contents within the interior area 200 inside the second enclosure 172 can pass from the interior area 200 through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 to the intermediate space 201. In some embodiments, contents can pass from the intermediate space 201 through the first aperture 191 in the first enclosure 171 to the exterior area 202. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent contents from passing from the exterior area 202 to the intermediate space 201 through the first aperture 191 and from the intermediate space 201 to the interior area 200 through the second aperture 192. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent contamination of the intermediate space 201 and the interior area 200 including the material in the vessel 160 with contents from the exterior area 202. Likewise, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent contents from passing from the interior area 200 to the intermediate space 201 through the second aperture 192 and from the intermediate space 201 to the exterior area 202 through the first aperture 191. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent contamination of the intermediate space 201 and the exterior area 202 with contents from the interior area 200.

[0053] For example, in some embodiments, vapors (e.g., boron vapors) can be produced in the interior area 200 during the glass manufacturing process 100 when molten material 121 is contained in the vessel 160. The vapors can pass from the interior area 200 through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 to the intermediate space 201, where the vapors can, in some embodiments, condense on the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. The condensing vapors can form a condensate that can attack and corrode the structural integrity and material characteristics of the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171 as well as, in some embodiments, the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172. In some embodiments, the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171 can include a refractory brick that can be porous and brittle and therefore susceptible to structural degradation from condensation of the vapors on the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the structural degradation of the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171 can cause any one or more of the first inner surface 173, the first enclosure wall 177, and the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 to deform, fracture, crumble, and break. Likewise, in some embodiments, the structural degradation of the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 can cause any one or more of the second outer surface 176, the second enclosure wall 178, and the second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172 to deform and fracture. In some embodiments, deformation, fracture, crumbling, and breaking of the any one or more of the first inner surface 173, the first enclosure wall 177, and the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 can impact the structural integrity of the second enclosure 172. For example, in some embodiments, pieces of the first enclosure 171 may fall onto the second enclosure 172 causing any one or more of the second outer surface 176, the second enclosure wall 178, and the second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172 to deform and fracture.

[0054] In some embodiments, structural degradation of the first enclosure 171 can cause the first enclosure 171 to fail to provide, among other features, the insulation characteristics for which the first enclosure 171 may be provided. In addition, in some embodiments, structural degradation of the first enclosure 171 can cause pieces of the first enclosure 171 to separate from the first enclosure 171 and pass from the intermediate space 201 through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 into the interior area 200 of the second enclosure 172, contaminating, for example, the material contained in the vessel 160. Contamination of the material contained in the vessel 160 can, in some embodiments, reduce the quality of glass produced from the molten material 121. Therefore, in some embodiments, the passage of contents from the interior area 200 in the second enclosure 172 through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 to the intermediate space 201 can cause problems in the glass manufacturing process 100 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101. Such problems can include repairs and replacement of components resulting in shut-down of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and delay of the glass manufacturing process 100.

[0055] Methods and apparatus of blocking the second aperture 192 will now be described. Advantageously, in some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 can block contents from passing through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 between at least one of the interior area 200 in the second enclosure 172 and the intermediate space 201 outside the second enclosure 172 and between the intermediate space 201 outside the second enclosure 172 and the interior area 200 in second enclosure 172. In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 can, for example, block vapors produced in the interior area 200 during the glass manufacturing process 100 when molten material 121 is contained in the vessel 160 from passing from the interior area 200 through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 to the intermediate space 201. Accordingly, blocking the second aperture 192 can prevent the vapors from contacting the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171 thus preventing the corresponding production of condensate on the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. Accordingly, blocking the second aperture 192 can reduce and prevent attack and corrosion of the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171 that may otherwise occur when the vapors condense and form condensate on the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. In addition, blocking the second aperture 192 can prevent contents from passing from the intermediate space 201 through the second aperture 192 into the interior area 200 and contaminating, for example, material contained within the vessel 160.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a blocking-object 300. In some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can include a shaft 301 and a protrusion 302 extending from the shaft 301. The blocking-object 300 can be provided to selectively block the second aperture 192. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the blocking- object 300 can be oriented to selectively block the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis 380 of the shaft 301. In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the blocking-object 300 can be positioned between the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 (e.g., within the intermediate space 201). In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the blocking- object 300 can be oriented to selectively abut the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 along a path circumscribing the second aperture 192. By abutting the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 along a path circumscribing the second aperture 192, the protrusion 302 of the blocking-object 300 can provide a seal around the second aperture 192 to block the second aperture 192.

[0057] In some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be inserted into the second aperture 192 to block the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 by inserting the blocking-object 300 into the second aperture 192 can provide an air-tight seal in the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be positioned to block the second aperture 192 by at least one of obstructing a first opening of the second aperture 192 (e.g., abutting the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172) to block the second aperture 192 and by abutting a second opening of the second aperture 192 (e.g., abutting the second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172) to block the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 by obstructing the second aperture 192 with the blocking-object 300 can provide an air-tight seal around the second aperture 192. In addition, in some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 by obstructing the second aperture 192 with the blocking-object 300 (e.g., as opposed to inserting the blocking-object 300 into the second aperture 192) can provide an air-tight seal around the second aperture 192 that is relatively unaffected by structural changes caused by thermal mismatch (e.g., expansion, contraction) of at least one of the blocking-object 300 and the second enclosure 172. In addition, in some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 and the second enclosure 172 can be manufactured from a same or similar material (e.g., silicon carbide) to reduce the effects of thermal mismatch (e.g., expansion, contraction) of at least one of the blocking-object 300 and the second enclosure 172 when the blocking-object 300 and the second enclosure 172 are subjected to temperature changes. [0058] In some embodiments, obstructing the second aperture 192 with the blocking-object 300 by positioning the protrusion 302 of the blocking-object 300 to abut the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 (e.g., as opposed to inserting the blocking-object 300 into the second aperture 192 or as opposed to abutting the second inner surface 174 of the second enclosure 172 with the blocking-object 300) can reduce, and in some embodiments prevent, the blocking-object 300 (e.g., pieces of the blocking- object 300) from falling into the interior area 200 within the second enclosure 172, if the blocking-object 300 including any pieces of the blocking-object 300 were to break, chip, and separate. In some embodiments, it may therefore be desirable to avoid risk of contaminating the interior area 200 within the second enclosure 172 (e.g., the molten material 121 contained in the vessel 160) by positioning the protrusion 302 of the blocking-object 300 to abut the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 to obstruct the second aperture 192.

[0059] Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, embodiments in which the blocking- object 300 is positioned to block (e.g., partially block, entirely block) the second aperture 192, irrespective of whether the blocking-object 300 is inserted into (e.g., inserted partially into, inserted entirely into) the second aperture 192, or positioned to obstruct (e.g., partially obstruct, entirely obstruct) the second aperture 192 are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

[0060] In some embodiments, a method of blocking an aperture in a glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include inserting a device 350 through the first aperture 191 in the first enclosure 171 and through the second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 along the insertion path 180 from the exterior area 202 outside the first enclosure 171 to the interior area 200 inside the second enclosure 172. For the purposes of explanation and not limitation, the following description will be presented in the context that the device 350 is a thermocouple to measure a temperature. However, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the device 350 may be any other device, including but not limited to, any one or more of a sensor, camera, measurement tool, probe, detector, etc. to measure an attribute (e.g., characteristic, quality, value, image, video, composition, etc.). [0061] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the method can include measuring a temperature of the vessel 160 to contain molten material 121 with the thermocouple 350. In some embodiments, measuring a temperature can be performed without molten material 121 contained in the vessel 160. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to measure a temperature of the vessel 160 during a preheating operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 before molten material 121 is contained in the vessel 160. In some embodiments, a temperature of the interior area 200 inside the second enclosure 172 can correspond to a temperature of the vessel 160. In some embodiments, the thermocouple 350 can measure the temperature at least one of instantaneously, periodically, and continuously to, for example, monitor the temperature as the vessel 160 is heating-up from a cooler temperature to a hotter temperature. In some embodiments, the thermocouple 350 can measure a temperature of the trough 204 of the forming vessel 143, the temperature of which can be compared to a temperature of the root 145 of the forming vessel 143 to determine a temperature difference between the trough 204 and the root 145 of the forming vessel 143. In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the trough 204 and the root 145 of the forming vessel 143 can be monitored, for example during the preheating operation, to determine when any one or more of the vessel 160, the first enclosure 171, the second enclosure 172, and any other component of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 achieves a predetermined temperature.

[0062] In some embodiments, when it is determined that any one or more of the vessel 160, the first enclosure 171, the second enclosure 172, and any other component of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 has attained a predetermined temperature, for example, during the preheating operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101, the thermocouple 350 can then be removed from the second enclosure 172. The method can also include removing the thermocouple 350 from the second aperture 192, and then blocking the second aperture 192 with the blocking-object 300 after the thermocouple 350 has been removed from the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, the method can include containing molten material 121 in the vessel 160 after measuring the temperature of the vessel 160. In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 can be performed without molten material 121 contained in the vessel 160. In some embodiments, the method can include removing the thermocouple 350 from the first aperture 191 and the second aperture 192, and then blocking the first aperture 191 with a plug 321 (as shown in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the plug 321 can be positioned to block the first aperture 191 to block contents from passing through the first aperture 191 from the exterior area 202 outside the first enclosure 171 into the intermediate space 201. For example, in some embodiments, the first aperture 191 can be blocked during the glass manufacturing process 100 when the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may be operating to manufacture the glass ribbon 103 to block contents from passing through the first aperture 191.

[0063] In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 can include moving the blocking-object 300 to block the second aperture 192. For example, in some embodiments, moving the blocking-object 300 can include moving the blocking-object 300 from an unblocking position 340 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3) where the blocking- object 300 does not block the second aperture 192 to a blocking position 345 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4) where the blocking-object 300 blocks the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be selectively moved between the unblocking position 340 and the blocking position 345 any number of times to selectively block and unblock the second aperture 192. In some embodiments, moving the blocking- object 300 can include any one or more of a translation, rotation, and reflection of the blocking-object 300, including but not limited to sliding, pushing, pulling, lifting, flipping, rotating, turning, and any other movement of the blocking-object 300.

[0064] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a third aperture 193 spaced from the first aperture 191 and extending through the first enclosure 171. For example, the third aperture 193 can extend from the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171, through the first enclosure wall 177, to the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171. It is to be understood that any one or more of the first aperture 191, the second aperture 192, and the third aperture 193 can include a cross-sectional profile having any shape, including but not limited to, circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, and any other geometric, prismatic, or polygonal shape. In some embodiments, a cross-section of any one or more of the first aperture 191, the second aperture 192, and the third aperture 193 can include a constant dimension cross- sectional profile or a variable cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first aperture 191, the second aperture 192, and the third aperture 193 can extend perpendicular to at least one of the first outer surface 175, the first inner surface 173, the second outer surface 176, and the second inner surface 174. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first aperture 191, the second aperture 192, and the third aperture 193 can extend at any angle relative to at least one of the first outer surface 175, the first inner surface 173, the second outer surface 176, and the second inner surface 174. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first aperture 191, the second aperture 192, and the third aperture 193 can include a same, similar, or different shape, size, orientation, cross-sectional profile, etc. as any of another of the first aperture 191, the second aperture 192, and the third aperture 193.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shaft 301 of the blocking-object 300 can be positioned within the third aperture 193. For example, the shaft 301 can extend from the intermediate space 201 to the first inner surface 173 of the first enclosure 171 and into the third aperture 193. In some embodiments, the shaft 301 can extend from the intermediate space 201 through the third aperture 193, past the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 and into the exterior area 202. Accordingly, the third aperture 193 can provide access for an operator (e.g., human operator, mechanical or mechanized operator, computer controlled operator, etc.) to move the blocking-object 300 to block the second aperture 192 from outside the first enclosure 171. Advantageously, the operator can be located in the exterior area 202 outside the first enclosure 171, for example, and can therefore block the second aperture 192 with the blocking-object 300 without interfering with and without disrupting the glass manufacturing process 100 occurring within at least one of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172. Similarly, in some embodiments, the thermocouple 350 can likewise be selectively inserted along the insertion path 180 without interfering with and without disrupting the glass manufacturing process 100 occurring within at least one of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include features that provide advantageous benefits including selectively blocking the second aperture 192 with a blocking-object 300 while the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and the glass manufacturing process 100 are fully operational, without having to disassemble the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172 and without interfering with and without disrupting the glass manufacturing process 100 occurring within at least one of the first enclosure 171 and the second enclosure 172.

[0066] In some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 can include moving the blocking-object 300 within the third aperture 193 in the first enclosure 171. For example, in some embodiments, an operator can move a first end 311 of the shaft 301 causing a second end 312 of the shaft 301 including the protrusion 302 to likewise move. In some embodiments, moving the blocking-object 300 can include rotating the blocking- object 300 within the third aperture 193. Accordingly, in some embodiments, blocking the second aperture 192 can include rotating the blocking-object 300. For example, as represented by arrow 341 in FIG. 3, the blocking-object 300 can be rotated from the unblocking position 340 to the blocking position 345 (FIG. 4) to block the second aperture 192. Likewise, as represented by arrow 346 in FIG. 4, the blocking-object 300 can be rotated from the blocking position 345 to the unblocking position 340 (FIG. 3) to unblock the second aperture 192.

[0067] For example, in some embodiments, an operator can rotate a first end 311 of the shaft 301 of the blocking-object 300 causing a second end 312 of the shaft 301 including the protrusion 302 to likewise rotate. Movement of the first end 311 of the shaft 301 can therefore result in a corresponding movement of the second end 312 of the shaft 301, including the protrusion 302, such that the protrusion 302 can be selectively positioned to block (or unblock) the second aperture 192. Advantageously, the blocking- object 300 can therefore be selectively positioned to block (or unblock) the second aperture 192 when direct access from the exterior area 202 is not feasible. For example, in some embodiments, the presence of the first enclosure 191 and the second enclosure 192 can prevent direct access from the exterior area 202 to the interior area 200. In addition, in some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be selectively positioned to block the second aperture 192, thus blocking contents from passing from the interior area 200 to the intermediate space 201 and from the intermediate space 201 to the interior area 200. Likewise, in some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be selectively positioned to unblock the second aperture 192 when access from the exterior area 202 to the interior area 200 is desired to, for example, permit insertion of the thermocouple 350 into the interior area 200 through the first aperture 191 in the first enclosure 171 and through second aperture 192 in the second enclosure 172 along the insertion path 180.

[0068] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a cover 320 positioned outside the first enclosure 171. The cover 320 can be oriented to block the third aperture 193. Similar to blocking the first aperture 191 and the second aperture 192, blocking the third aperture 193 can likewise block contents from passing through the third aperture 193, for example, from the exterior area 202 to the intermediate space 201 and from the intermediate space 201 to the exterior area 202. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a spring 325 oriented to bias the cover 320 in a direction toward the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the cover 320 can abut the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 along a path circumscribing the third aperture 193 to block the third aperture 193. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the spring 325 can apply a biasing force on the cover 320 to maintain the abutting relationship between the cover 320 and the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 along the path circumscribing the third aperture 193 to block the third aperture 193.

[0069] In some embodiments, the spring 325 can be positioned between the cover 320 and a bracket 326, where the bracket 326 can be positioned to abut a surface 330. In some embodiments, the surface 330 can include a wall, ceiling, grating, frame, support structure, and any other structure against which the bracket 326 can abut to provide a biasing force (e.g., spring force) in the spring 325 that biases the cover 320 in a direction toward the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the method can include biasing the cover 320 against the first enclosure 171 to seal the third aperture 193 with the cover 320. In some embodiments, a piece of paper 313 (e.g., refractory paper) can be positioned between the cover 320 and the first outer surface 175 to provide a seal around the third aperture 193 and to reduce the coefficient of friction between the contacting surfaces of the cover 320 and the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171. For example, the piece of paper 313 can provide less resistance between the cover 320 and the first outer surface 175 of the first enclosure 171 in some embodiments where the cover 320 may be moved relative to the first outer surface 175 while in contact with the first outer surface 175.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method can include blocking the third aperture 193 with the cover 320 positioned outside the first enclosure 171. In some embodiments, the cover 320 can be removed from blocking the third aperture 193 to provide access to the shaft 301 of the blocking-object 300 such that the blocking-object 300 can be moved to block (or unblock) the second aperture 192. After the blocking-object 300 has been moved to block (or unblock) the second aperture 192, the cover 320 can then be replaced to block the third aperture 193. Conversely, in some embodiments, the cover 320 can remain in place, blocking the third aperture 193. For example, in some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be moved within the third aperture 193 by moving the cover 320. In some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be rotated by rotating the cover 320 positioned outside the first enclosure 171. For example, in some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis 380 of the shaft 301 based at least in part on a corresponding rotation of the cover 320. In some embodiments the longitudinal axis 380 of the shaft 301 can be parallel to the insertion path 180. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 380 of the shaft 301 can extend at an angle relative to the insertion path 180.

[0071] In some embodiments, the cover 320 can engage the shaft 301 of the blocking-object 300. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 320 can include a recess 315 that can mate with the first end 311 of the shaft 301 of the blocking-object 300. In some embodiments, the recess 315 can include a keyed-slot in which the first end 311 of the shaft 301 of the blocking-object 300 can be positioned. In some embodiments, movement of the cover 320 can produce a corresponding movement of the blocking- object 300. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the blocking-object 300 can be positioned to block the second aperture 192 without removing the cover 320 from blocking the third aperture 193. Accordingly, the blocking-object 300 can be selectively moved between the unblocking position 340 and the blocking position 345 any number of times without removing the cover 320 from blocking the third aperture 193. Although not shown, in some embodiments, a spring or other biasing device may be provided in the recess 315 to bias the blocking-object 300 away from the cover 320, thereby biasing the protrusion 302 against the second outer surface 176 of the second enclosure 172 to enhance the sealed closure of the second aperture 192 in the blocking position 345.

[0072] In addition, in some embodiments, an indicator can be provided to indicate the position of the blocking-object 300 such that an operator may view the indicator to determine whether the blocking-object 300 is positioned in the unblocking position 340 or the blocking position 345. For example, in some embodiments, an indicator can be provided on the cover 320, and the indicator can correspond to a position (e.g., rotated position) of the cover 320 that likewise corresponds to a position of the blocking-object 300. In some embodiments, a limiting structure (e.g., mechanical stop) can be provided to limit movement (e.g., rotation) of the cover 320 between the unblocking position 340 and the blocking position 345. For example, full travel of the cover 320 toward the limiting structure in one direction can correspond to the unblocking position 340, and full travel of the cover 320 in another direction away from the limiting structure can correspond to the blocking position 345. In some embodiments, the indicator can include any one or more of a graphical mark, a notch, an electronic image, and any other indication to communicate a position of the blocking-object 300 to an operator.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may involve particular features, elements or steps that are described in connection with that particular embodiment. It will also be appreciated that a particular feature, element or step, although described in relation to one particular embodiment, may be interchanged or combined with alternate embodiments in various non-illustrated combinations or permutations.

[0074] It is to be understood that, as used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0075] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0076] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

[0077] While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitional phrase "comprising," it is to be understood that alternative embodiments, including those that may be described using the transitional phrases "consisting" or "consisting essentially of," are implied. Thus, for example, implied alternative embodiments to an apparatus that comprises A+B+C include embodiments where an apparatus consists of A+B+C and embodiments where an apparatus consists essentially of A+B+C.

[0078] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure include the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a first enclosure;

a second enclosure positioned within the first enclosure;

a vessel to contain molten material, wherein the vessel is positioned within the second enclosure;

a first aperture extending through the first enclosure;

a second aperture extending through the second enclosure, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture define an insertion path from outside the first enclosure to inside the second enclosure;

a third aperture spaced from the first aperture and extending through the first enclosure; and

a blocking-object comprising a shaft and a protrusion extending from the shaft, wherein the shaft is positioned within the third aperture and the protrusion is oriented to selectively block the second aperture.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises a trough and a forming wedge comprising a pair of downwardly inclined surfaces that converge at a root of the vessel.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blocking-object is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the blocking- object is positioned between the first enclosure and the second enclosure.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the blocking- object is oriented to selectively abut an outer surface of the second enclosure along a path circumscribing the second aperture.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second aperture is spaced a distance from an inner surface of the first enclosure.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertion path comprises a linear axis extending from the first aperture to the second aperture.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover positioned outside the first enclosure, wherein the cover is oriented to block the third aperture.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a spring oriented to bias the cover in a direction toward the first enclosure.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cover engages the shaft of the blocking-object.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the blocking-object is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft based at least in part on a corresponding rotation of the cover.

12. A method of blocking an aperture in a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: inserting a device through a first aperture in a first enclosure and a second aperture in a second enclosure along an insertion path from outside the first enclosure to inside the second enclosure, wherein the second enclosure is positioned within the first enclosure,

measuring an attribute of a vessel to contain molten material with the device, the vessel is positioned within the second enclosure, removing the device from the second aperture; and

blocking the second aperture with a blocking-object.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the device is a thermocouple.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the attribute is a temperature.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein measuring an attribute is performed without molten material contained in the vessel.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising containing molten material in the vessel after measuring the attribute of the vessel.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein blocking the second aperture is performed without molten material contained in the vessel.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising removing the device from the first aperture and the second aperture, and then blocking the first aperture.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein blocking the second aperture comprises rotating the blocking-object.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the blocking-object is rotated by rotating a cover positioned outside the first enclosure.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein blocking the second aperture comprises moving the blocking-object within a third aperture in the first enclosure.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein moving the blocking-object comprises rotating the blocking-object within the third aperture.

23. The method of claim 21, comprising blocking the third aperture with a cover positioned outside the first enclosure.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the blocking-object is moved within the third aperture by moving the cover.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising biasing the cover against the first enclosure to seal the third aperture with the cover.