WO2018081772A1

WO2018081772A1 - Glass manufacturing apparatus and methods of forming a glass ribbon

Info

Publication number: WO2018081772A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/059190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomohiro ABURADA; Robert Delia; Bulent Kocatulum; Hung Cheng Lu; Sara Ashley MANLEY; Anca Daniela MILLER; Michael Yoshiya Nishimoto; Jae Hyun Yu
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2016-10-31
Filing date: 2017-10-31
Publication date: 2018-05-03
Also published as: JP2019536724A; KR20190065464A; TW201819318A; CN110121483A

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus to draw a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material may include a forming vessel including a trough and a conduit segment in fluid communication with the trough. At least one conduit may be disposed outside of the conduit segment. In another embodiment, a method of forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material may include cooling molten material traveling along a lateral direction within a conduit segment while passing cooling fluid through at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment.

Description

GLASS MANUFACTURING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF FORMING A

GLASS RIBBON

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Nos. 62/415,080, filed on October 31, 2016 and 62/536505, filed on July 25, 2017, the contents of each are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to glass manufacturing apparatus and methods of forming a glass ribbon and, more particularly, to glass manufacturing apparatus including at least one conduit disposed outside of a conduit segment and methods of forming glass ribbon including cooling molten material traveling along a lateral direction within a conduit segment and laterally delivering the cooled molten material along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to the forming vessel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to deliver molten material through an inlet conduit segment to a forming vessel wherein the molten material may be drawn into a glass ribbon. There is a need for an effective way to increase the viscosity of the molten material being introduced to the forming vessel while minimizing a coring effect of the molten material that may develop in response to cooling the molten material as it travels to the forming vessel.

SUMMARY

[0004] Some example embodiments of the disclosure are described below with the understanding that any of the embodiments may be used alone or in combination with one another.

[0005] Embodiment 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus to draw a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material may include a forming vessel including a trough extending along a lateral direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a conduit segment in fluid communication with, such as connected to, the trough. The conduit segment may laterally extend along a conduit axis including the lateral direction to laterally deliver molten material along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to the trough. The glass manufacturing apparatus may further include at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment.

[0006] Embodiment 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one conduit may include an axial conduit that laterally extends along an axis that is parallel to the conduit axis of the conduit segment.

[0007] Embodiment 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the at least one conduit may include a transverse conduit that extends along an axis that is transverse to the conduit axis of the conduit segment.

[0008] Embodiment 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one conduit may include a plurality of conduits. Each conduit of the plurality of conduits may include an interior pathway including a maximum dimension taken perpendicular to an axis of the corresponding conduit, wherein the maximum dimension of at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits is less than the maximum dimension of another conduit of the plurality of conduits.

[0009] Embodiment 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the at least one conduit may be at least partially disposed in a bore defined by material at least partially encapsulating the conduit segment.

[0010] Embodiment 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the at least one conduit may be movable relative to the bore between an inserted position and a retracted position.

[0011] Embodiment 7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the at least one conduit may include an axial conduit that laterally extends along an axis that is parallel to the conduit axis of the conduit segment. The at least one conduit may be movable relative to the bore between an inserted position and a retracted position.

[0012] Embodiment 8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one conduit may include at least two conduits that may be linked to move together between the inserted position and the retracted position.

[0013] Embodiment 9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one conduit may include a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit may be independently movable relative to a second conduit. [0014] Embodiment 10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one conduit may include a plurality of axial conduits that may be spaced apart along a radial path that may circumscribe the conduit segment.

[0015] Embodiment 11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one conduit may be wound about the conduit axis of the conduit segment.

[0016] Embodiment 12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the at least one conduit may be wound along a radial path that circumscribes the conduit segment.

[0017] Embodiment 13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 11-12, wherein a source of fluid may be connected to an inlet port of the at least one conduit.

[0018] Embodiment 14. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1-13, wherein an elongated electrically conductive element may be wound about the conduit segment.

[0019] Embodiment 15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the at least one conduit may comprise an induction coil of an electrical circuit.

[0020] Embodiment 16. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the forming vessel may include a wedge defining a root.

[0021] Embodiment 17. A method of forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material. The method may include cooling molten material traveling along a lateral direction within a conduit segment while passing cooling fluid through at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment. The method may further include laterally delivering the cooled molten material along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to a forming vessel. The method may further include drawing cooled molten material from the forming vessel into the glass ribbon.

[0022] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein laterally delivering the cooled molten material may include laterally delivering the cooled molten material in the lateral direction into a trough of the forming vessel. The method may then include overflowing the cooled molten material over opposed weirs of the trough. The method may then include fusion drawing the cooled molten material off a root of a wedge of the forming vessel into the glass ribbon.

[0023] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 17 and 18, wherein the at least one conduit may include an axial conduit. The cooling of the molten material may include passing cooling fluid through the axial conduit in the lateral direction.

[0024] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of embodiments 17-19, wherein the at least one conduit may include a transverse conduit. The cooling of the molten material may include passing cooling fluid through the transverse conduit in a direction transverse to the lateral direction.

[0025] Embodiment 21. The method of any one of embodiments 17-20, further including removing the at least one conduit to adjust the cooling rate of molten material within the conduit segment.

[0026] Embodiment 22. The method of any one of embodiments 17-21, further including moving the at least one conduit relative to the conduit segment along an axis of the at least one conduit to adjust the cooling rate of the molten material within the conduit segment.

[0027] Embodiment 23. The method of embodiment 22, wherein the moving of the at least one conduit may include moving at least two conduits together relative to the conduit segment.

[0028] Embodiment 24. The method of any one of embodiments 17 and 18, wherein the cooling of the molten material may include passing cooling fluid through the at least one conduit that is wound about a conduit axis of the conduit segment.

[0029] Embodiment 25. The method of embodiment 24, further including passing electrical current through the at least one conduit to heat the conduit segment with induction heating.

[0030] Embodiment 26. A method of forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material. The method may include cooling the molten material to a first cooled temperature within a conduit segment by operating a heating device to add heat to the molten material within the conduit segment to slow cooling of the molten material traveling along a lateral direction within the conduit segment to provide molten material to a forming vessel at a first cooled temperature. The method may further include laterally delivering the molten material cooled to the first cooled temperature along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to the forming vessel. The method may further include drawing the cooled molten material from the forming vessel into the glass ribbon. The method may then further include increasing a viscosity of the molten material within the conduit segment by passing cooling fluid through at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment to remove heat from the molten material within the conduit segment to cool the molten material traveling along the lateral direction within the conduit segment, thereby providing molten material to the forming vessel at a second cooled temperature that is lower than the first cooled temperature.

[0031] Embodiment 27. The method of embodiment 26, wherein adding the heat to the molten material within the conduit segment may include passing electrical current through the at least one conduit to heat the conduit segment with induction heating.

[0032] 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

[0033] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can be further understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a glass manufacturing apparatus to draw a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at view 3 of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 3; [0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid cooling conduit;

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates each axial fluid conduit of a plurality of axial fluid conduits of FIG. 3 being retracted together to a retracted position relative to a bore;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates one axial fluid conduit of the plurality of axial fluid conduits being independently movable relative to the other axial fluid conduits of the plurality of axial fluid conduits to a retracted position relative to a bore;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates one axial fluid conduit of the plurality of axial fluid conduits being removed from a bore;

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an axial fluid conduit being inserted in the bore of FIG. 9;

[0044] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at view 3 of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of at least one conduit being wound about a conduit axis of a conduit segment; and

[0046] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at view 3 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which 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.

[0048] Various glass manufacturing apparatus and methods of the disclosure may be used to produce a glass ribbon that may be further processed into one or more glass sheets. For instance, the glass manufacturing apparatus may be configured to produce a glass ribbon by a fusion down-draw, press rolling, slot draw, or other glass forming techniques. [0049] The glass ribbon from any of these processes may be subsequently divided to provide sheet glass suitable for further processing into a desired display application. The glass sheets can be used in a wide range of display applications, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), or the like.

[0050] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 101 to draw a glass ribbon 103 from a quantity of molten material 121. For illustration purposes, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 is illustrated as a fusion down-draw apparatus, although other glass manufacturing apparatus (e.g., press rolling apparatus, slot draw apparatus, 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 to 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include a mixing chamber 131 that may be located downstream from the fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogenous composition of molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating cords of 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.

[0053] 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 an inlet conduit 141. 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 inlet conduit 141. 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.

[0054] As further illustrated, a delivery pipe 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet conduit 141 can include a vertical conduit segment 143 including a vertical conduit axis 143a and a lateral conduit segment 145 including a lateral conduit axis 145a. As shown, in some embodiments, the vertical conduit segment 143 can extend along the vertical conduit axis 143a that extends in the direction of gravity although the vertical conduit axis 143a may extend at an angle with respect to gravity in further embodiments. As such, "vertical" within the phrase "vertical conduit axis" and "vertical conduit segment" can include an axis or conduit segment that extends entirely in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, "vertical" within the phrase "vertical conduit axis" or "vertical conduit segment" can include an axis or conduit segment that extends +/- 5 degrees from the direction of gravity. As further shown, in some embodiments, the vertical conduit segment 143 can extend along the vertical conduit axis 143a that extends in a draw direction 157 defined by the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 although the vertical conduit axis 143a may extend at an angle with respect to the draw direction 157 in further embodiments. As such, "vertical" within the phrase "vertical conduit axis" and "vertical conduit segment" can include an axis or conduit segment that extends entirely in the direction of the draw direction 157 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101. Furthermore, "vertical" within the phrase "vertical conduit axis" or "vertical conduit segment" can include a conduit segment that extends +/- 5 degrees from the draw direction 157. In some embodiments, the draw direction 157 and the direction of gravity can be the same direction although the draw direction may extend at a non-zero angle relative to the direction of gravity in further embodiments.

[0055] As further shown, in some embodiments, the lateral conduit segment 145 can extend along the lateral conduit axis 145a. As also shown, in some embodiments, the lateral conduit axis 145a can be perpendicular to the vertical conduit axis 143a although the lateral conduit axis 145a may extend at other non-zero angles relative to the vertical conduit axis 143a in further embodiments. As such, "lateral" within the phrase "lateral conduit axis", "lateral conduit segment", or "lateral direction" can include an axis, conduit segment, or direction that extends entirely in the direction perpendicular to the vertical conduit axis 143a. Furthermore, "lateral" within the phrase "lateral conduit axis", "lateral conduit segment", or "lateral direction" can include a conduit segment that extends +/- 5 degrees from the direction perpendicular to the vertical conduit axis 143a. In addition or alternatively, as shown, further embodiments, may provide that the lateral conduit axis 145a can be perpendicular to gravity although the lateral conduit axis 145a can be located at other non-zero angles relative to gravity in further embodiments. As such, "lateral" within the phrase "lateral conduit axis", "lateral conduit segment" or "lateral direction" can include an axis, conduit segment or direction that extends entirely in the direction perpendicular to gravity. Furthermore, "lateral" within the phrase "lateral conduit axis", "lateral conduit segment" or "lateral direction" can include a conduit segment that extends +/- 5 degrees from the direction perpendicular to gravity.

[0056] In some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 to pass through a vertical interior pathway through the vertical conduit segment 143 along the vertical conduit axis 143a. The molten material 121 may then change direction at an elbow 144 to laterally travel through a lateral interior pathway of the lateral conduit segment 145 along the lateral conduit axis 145a in a lateral direction 159 of the lateral conduit axis 145a. The molten material 121 may continuously travel along the lateral direction 159 (e.g., the illustrated linear lateral direction) to be received by a trough 147 of a forming vessel 140. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trough 147 extends along the lateral direction 159. As such, the molten material 121 may further continuously travel along the lateral direction 159 (e.g., the illustrated linear lateral direction) while passing into an entrance portion 146 of the trough 147. Thus, in some embodiments, as shown, the lateral conduit segment 145 can be in fluid communication with the trough 147. For example, the lateral conduit segment 145 can be connected to the trough 147 to provide fluid communication of the lateral conduit segment 145 with the trough 147. The lateral conduit segment 145 can laterally extend along the lateral conduit axis 145a, in the lateral direction 159 of the lateral conduit axis 145a, to laterally deliver molten material along the lateral direction 159 from the lateral conduit segment 145 to the trough 147. Therefore, in some embodiments the molten material 121 may travel along the same lateral direction 159 (e.g., the linear lateral direction) while passing through the lateral conduit segment 145 and while passing into the entrance portion 146 of the trough 147.

[0057] After passing into the entrance portion 146 of the trough 147, the forming vessel 140 may draw the molten material 121 into the glass ribbon 103. For example, as shown, the molten material 121 may be drawn off of a root 142 of a forming vessel 140. A width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 can extend between a first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second vertical edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. As shown, the forming vessel 140 can include the trough 147 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141. The forming vessel 140 can further include a forming wedge 209 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b extending between opposed ends of the forming wedge 209. The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 converge along a draw direction 211 to intersect along a bottom edge to define the root 142. A draw plane 213 extends through the root 142 wherein the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn in the draw direction 211 along the draw plane 213. As shown, the draw plane 213 can bisect the root 142 although the draw plane 213 may extend at other orientations relative to the root 142. [0059] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the molten material 121 can flow in the lateral direction 159 into the trough 147 of the forming vessel 140. The molten material 121 can then overflow from the trough 147 by simultaneously flowing over corresponding weirs 203a, 203b and downward over the outer surfaces 205a, 205b of the corresponding weirs 203a, 203b. Respective streams of molten material 121 then flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 to be drawn off the root 142 of the forming vessel 140, where the flows converge and fuse into the glass ribbon 103. The glass ribbon 103 may then be fusion drawn off the root 142 in the draw plane 213 along draw direction 211 where a glass sheet 104 (see FIG. 1) may then be subsequently separated from the glass ribbon 103.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the glass ribbon 103 may be drawn from the root 142 with a first major surface 215a of the glass ribbon 103 and a second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103 facing opposite directions and defining a thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 that can, for example, be less than or equal to about 2 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to about 1 millimeter, less than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, less than or equal to about 500 micrometers (μπι), such as less than or equal to about 300 micrometers, such as less than or equal to about 200 micrometers, or such as less than or equal to about 100 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 soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, alumino-borosilicate glass, an alkali-containing glass, or an alkali-free glass.

[0061] Turning to FIGS. 3-13, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can further include at least one conduit to cool molten material 121, and thereby increase the viscosity of the molten material 121, within the lateral conduit segment 145 of the inlet conduit 141. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-10, the at least one conduit may comprise a plurality of conduits disposed outside of the lateral conduit segment 145 to cool molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the at least one conduit can include at least one axial conduit 301a. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the at least one conduit can include a plurality of axial conduits 301a-e. In some embodiments, every conduit of a plurality of conduits can comprise an axial conduit. In addition or alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, at least one of the plurality of conduits can comprise a transverse conduit 305a-b.

[0062] As shown, in some embodiments, each of the axial conduits and transverse conduits can comprise a tube 307 that may, for example, include metal (e.g., stainless steel) or other material capable of operating under the temperature conditions to cool the molten material. In some embodiments, the tube 307 may be identical to one another as shown in FIGS. 3-5, 7 and 8 although the tubes 307 may have different configurations in alternative embodiments. The tube 307 of the axial conduit 301a illustrated in FIG. 3 will be discussed with the understanding that, unless otherwise noted, the description may apply to the tubes 307 of the remaining axial conduits 301b-e and the transverse conduits 305a-b. The tube 307 may include a first end portion 307a and a second end portion 307b with the tube continuously extending between the first end portion 307a and the second end portion 307b to define an interior path 309. A source of fluid 311 (e.g., a fan, blower, pressurized container, pump) may be connected to the first end portion 307a to deliver fluid 315 from the source of fluid 311 to the first end portion 307a of the tube 307. In some embodiments, the source of fluid 311 can be directly connected to the first end portion 307a of the tube 307. In further embodiments, as shown, a flexible connection tube 313 may provide connection between the first end portion 307a of the tube 307 and the source of fluid 311. By way of the connection between the first end portion 307a of the tube 307 and the source of fluid 311 (e.g., direct connection or indirect connection with the flexible connection tube 313), the source of fluid 311 may deliver the fluid 315 from the source of fluid 311 to the first end portion 307a of the tube 307 to thereafter travel along the interior path 309 of the tube in direction 317. The fluid 315 eventually exits an orifice 319 of the second end portion 307b of the tube 307. In some embodiments, the source of fluid 311 may be operated by a controller 349 to increase fluid flow, decrease fluid flow or discontinue fluid flow to one or more of the conduits of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b.

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates one possible alternative conduit 601 that may be used for any or all of the conduits of the plurality of conduits of the present disclosure. As shown, the alternative conduit 601 includes a tube 603 that may be similar to the tube 307 with a first end portion 603a and a second end portion 603b. However, as shown, the orifice of the second end portion 603b may be plugged with an obstruction 605 to prevent or reduce the flow rate of fluid flowing through the orifice of the second end portion 603b. Rather, as shown, the tube 603 may include a plurality of apertures 607 along the length of the tube 603 from the first end portion 603a to the second end portion 603b of the tube 603. Such a construction may help provide fluid at the initial temperature along the entire insertion length to provide more consistent convective cooling along the entire length of the tube 603.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown, the axial conduits 301a-e and transverse conduits 305a-b may be incorporated into a bayonet cooling device. For purposes of this disclosure, bayonet cooling device includes an inner fluid path disposed within an outer fluid path wherein one of a heated fluid or a cooling fluid is designed to flow along one of the inner fluid path and the outer fluid path along a first direction, and the other of the heated fluid and the cooling fluid is then designed to flow along the other of the inner fluid path or the outer fluid path along a second direction opposite the first direction. For example, as described below and illustrated in the drawings, a cooling fluid may flow along the inner fluid path along a first direction, and then the fluid may exit the inner fluid path to eventually enter the outer fluid path where the fluid is heated as it is drawn along the outer fluid path in the second direction opposite the first direction. In another example, although not shown, cooling fluid may be heated as it initially flows along the outer fluid path in the first direction and then the heated fluid may be drawn along the inner path in the second direction opposite the first direction to remove the heated fluid.

[0065] In some embodiments, the bayonet cooling device includes the tube 307 and an outer tube 327. Indeed, after passing through the orifice 319 at the second end portion 307b of the tube 307, the fluid maybe returned along return path 329 that may be defined between the tube 307 and the outer tube 327 wherein the fluid absorbs heat by heat transfer (e.g., convection, conduction), thereby acting as a heat sink to draw heat, and thereby cool, molten material 121 traveling within the lateral conduit segment 145. Like tube 307, the outer tube 327 may include metal (e.g., stainless steel) or other material capable of withstanding the operating temperatures while facilitating heat transfer. As shown, some embodiments may include a fluid return area 323 to operably receive fluid along the return path 329. In such embodiments, a flexible connection tube 325 may connect the fluid return area 323 to the return path although the fluid return area may be directly connected to the return path in further embodiments. The fluid return area 323, if provided, may be operated by the controller 349 that, in some embodiments, can also operate the source of fluid 311. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the return path 329 may be placed in communication with the source of fluid 311 to cycle the fluid in a closed loop path. In such embodiments, a heat exchanger may be provided to remove heat from the fluid from the return path 329. Although not shown, in still further embodiments, the return path may be open to the surrounding environment where the heated fluid is dispensed to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the fluid passing through the tube 307 can comprise liquid (e.g., water), air, vapor or other gas or liquid.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the tube 307 of any of the axial conduits or transverse conduits can be incorporated in a bayonet conduit with the outer tube 327 including a first end 327a and a second end 327b wherein fluid exiting the orifice 319 of the second end portion 307b of the tube 307 may travel in a second direction 321 opposite the direction 317 that the fluid travels through the tube 307 along the return path 329.

[0067] In some embodiments, the axial conduits 301a-e and the transverse conduits 305a-b may be provided with a protective sleeve 331 designed to protect the cooling conduit and/or bayonet device and also help maintain a bore 333 defined by material at least partially encapsulating the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, the protective sleeve 331 can comprise silicon carbide, silicon nitride, alumina, mullite, quartz or other material having a high thermal shock resistance and high thermal conductivity.

[0068] Each conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b, can be at least partially disposed in a corresponding bore 333 of a plurality of bores defined by the material at least partially encapsulating the conduit segment. In some embodiments, the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b may be provided without the outer tube 327 or the protective sleeve 331. In such embodiments, fluid emitting from the orifice 319 may directly contact the material 335, 339. In alternative embodiments, to help protect the material 335, 339, the protective sleeve 331 may be provided. In some embodiments, the protective sleeve can be molded, such as permanently molded, together with the material 335, 339 so that the protective sleeve 331 is not designed to move relative to the material 335, 339. In such embodiments, each respective conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b may be moved relative to the protective sleeve 331. In such embodiments, the conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b can be at least partially disposed in the respective sleeve and each protective sleeve 331 and corresponding conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b can be at least partially disposed in the corresponding bore 333.

[0069] In further embodiments, each conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b can be at least partially disposed in the outer tube 327, if provided. In such embodiments, both the conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b and the corresponding outer tube 327 are at least partially disposed in the corresponding bore 333. If provided with the protective sleeve 331, the conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b, the corresponding outer tube 327 and the corresponding protective sleeve 331 are all at least partially disposed in the corresponding bore 333.

[0070] Various materials can be used to help encapsulate at least the lateral conduit segment 145 of the inlet conduit 141. Such materials can help control heat transfer from at least the lateral conduit segment 145. Furthermore, such material may comprise different materials in some embodiments. For instance, as shown, the material may comprise a first insulation material 335 that can at least partially encapsulate the lateral conduit segment 145 with portions positioned between the axial and transverse conduits 301a-e, 305a-b and the lateral conduit segment 145. Such material can be highly thermally conductive to promote heat transfer between the lateral conduit segment 145 and the axial and transverse conduits 301a-e, 305a-b. In further embodiments, the first insulation material 335 can be electrically isolating to prevent electrical communication between an optional elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 that may be wound about the lateral conduit segment 145 and a portion of the axial and/or transverse conduits and/or associated bayonets. Embodiments of the first insulation material 335 can include silicon nitride and high-density alumina.

[0071] Still furthermore, a second insulation material 339 can be provided that also at least partially encapsulates at least the lateral conduit segment 145 and first insulation material 335 (if provided). The second insulation material 339 can have a relatively lower thermal conductivity when compared to the first insulation material 335 to help prevent or control heat loss from the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, the second insulation material 339 can comprise insulating fire brick, alumina, zircon, silica material etc.

[0072] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the material can comprise the same material. For instance, all of the insulating material can be provided as the first insulation material 335 that may be highly thermally conductive material and highly electrically isolating. Such embodiments may be useful where the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 is employed and where heat loss from the lateral conduit segment 145 by failing to thermally insulate the lateral conduit segment 145 is not of a concern. In further embodiments, all of the insulating material may comprise the second insulation material 339 that does not have electrical isolating properties in embodiments where there is no need to electrically isolate an elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 and there is still a desire to help prevent heat or control heat loss from the lateral conduit segment 145.

[0073] In some embodiments including both the first and second insulation material 335, 339, the bores 333 can optionally be defined by both the first and second insulation material 335, 339. In such embodiments, the first insulation material 335 can help promote heat transfer from the lateral conduit segment 145 and the axial and transverse conduits 301a-e, 305a-b while electrically isolating the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337. At the same time, the second insulation material 339 can be provided on the outside to help prevent heat loss.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, each axial conduit 301a-e can have an axis 303 such as the illustrated symmetrical axis. Each axis 303 of the axial conduits 301a-e can be parallel to one another and the axes 303 of pairs of the axial conduits can be spaced an equal distance "D" from one another although different distances may be provided in further embodiments. In addition, the plurality of axial conduits can be spaced apart from one another along a radial path, such as the illustrated circular radial path 401 that can concentric with lateral conduit segment 145. Indeed, as shown, in some embodiments, all of the axes 303 pass through the circular radial path 401 that is concentric with the lateral conduit segment 145 to provide similar cooling rates at each radial position of the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments including the optional elongated electrically conductive heating element 337, the radial path 401 (e.g., circular radial path) can circumscribe the lateral conduit segment 145 and the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337.

[0075] As shown, one or all of the axial conduits 301a-e can laterally extend along an axis 303 that can be parallel to the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145. Providing the axis 303 of the axial conduits 301a-e parallel to the lateral conduit axis 145a can allow axial adjustment of the axial conduits 301a-e without changing a radial distance "R" between the axial conduits and the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145.

[0076] As shown, in some embodiments, the radial distance "R" can be the radius of the circular radial path 401 such that the axis 303 each of the axial conduits 301a-e can be spaced the same radial distance from the lateral conduit axis 145a. Consequently, a consistent cooling can be provided about a periphery of the lateral conduit segment 145 at a desired radial distance "R" determined to provide effective cooling of the lateral conduit segment 145. Furthermore, due to the parallel nature of the axis 303 of each of the axial conduits 301a-e and the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145, the cooling effect can be maintained along the lateral conduit axis 145a regardless of the axially adjusted position of the axial conduits 301a-e relative to the lateral conduit segment 145. As such, in some embodiments, due to the constant radial distance "R" along the length of the axial conduits 301a-e that is radially spaced from a corresponding length of the lateral conduit segment 145, a more efficient and consistent cooling can be provided along the corresponding length of the lateral conduit segment 145 regardless of the adjusted axial position of the axial conduits 301a-e relative to the corresponding bore 333

[0077] In some embodiments, at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b may be movable relative to the corresponding bore 333 between an inserted position and a retracted position. For example, discussion of the axial conduit 301a will be initially discussed with respect to FIGS. 3 and 8 with the understanding that, unless otherwise noted, similar or identical relative movement can be achieved with any of the other conduits of the plurality of remaining conduits 301b-e, 305a-b. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the conduit 301a can be moved in an inward direction of the double arrow 341 to the position shown in FIG. 3. In such a position, the return path 329 may be maximized, thereby maximizing the cooling flow rate. To reduce the cooling rate, in some embodiments, the conduit 301a may be moved in an outward direction of the double arrow 341 to the position shown in FIG. 8. In such a position, the return path may be minimized, thereby minimizing the cooling flow rate.

[0078] In some embodiments, at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b may be independently movable relative to another conduit of the plurality of conduits. For example, each transverse conduit 305a, 305b may be independently movable along the double arrow 341 relative to all of the other conduits. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 8, any of the axial conduits 301a-e can be independently movable along the corresponding double arrow 341 relative to all the other conduits of the plurality of conduits. Allowing independent adjustment can help control the cooling rate at different radial positions around the lateral conduit segment 145.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least two conduits of the plurality of conduits may be linked to move together between the inserted position and the retracted position. For instance, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, all of the axial conduits 301a-e may be linked together by a bracket 343 although two or any number of the axial conduits may be linked together in further embodiments. As such, as shown in FIG. 3, due to the bracket 343, all of the axial conduits 301a-e can be moved together between the inserted position shown in FIG. 3 and the retracted position shown in FIG. 7. Allowing a plurality of axial conduits to move together can allow simultaneous cooling adjustment at selected radial positions, such as all of the radial positions associated with the axial conduits, to simplify cooling and provide consistent cooling at radial positions around the lateral conduit segment 145.

[0080] As mentioned previously, conduits of the plurality of conduits can optionally include one or more transverse conduits 305a, 305b. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, such transverse conduits 305a, 305b can extend along an axis 303 that is transverse to the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145. Indeed, the axis 303 of the transverse conduits 305a, 305b extends along a direction that is not parallel to the direction of the lateral conduit axis 145a. Rather, the direction of the axis 303 of the transverse conduits 305a, 305b extends at a non-zero angle relative to the direction of the lateral conduit axis 145a. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction of the axis 303 of the transverse conduits 305a, 305b extends at a 90 degree angle relative to the direction of the lateral conduit axis 145a. It will be appreciated from FIG. 3, that axial conduits may be prevented from being inserted axially due to interference from the vertical conduit segment 143. As such, the transverse conduits 305a, 305b provide a transverse approach to reach the upper areas and therefore help cool upper areas of the lateral conduit segment 145.

[0081] As discussed above, embodiments of the disclosure can provide conduits of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b that may be independently movable or a plurality of the conduits may be movable together to adjust the cooling rate associated the conduit. In addition or alternatively, in further embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid may be adjusted to change the cooling rate of the conduit. Furthermore, alternative conduit designs may be provided with different cooling rates. For example, referring to FIG. 10, the plurality of conduits 1001 includes an interior pathway 1003 including a maximum dimension 1005 taken perpendicular to an axis 1007 of the corresponding conduit 1001. As shown, the maximum dimension 1005 (e.g., inner diameter) of the conduit 1001 can be greater than the corresponding maximum dimension 701 (e.g., inner diameter, see FIG. 7) of the tube 307 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8. Indeed, one may select the maximum dimension 1005 to be greater than the maximum dimension 701 to increase fluid flow and thereby increase cooling associated with the conduit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, different cooling rates may be provided by selecting conduits with different maximum dimensions at different positions relative to the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, one may select the maximum dimension 701 of at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits to be less than the maximum dimension 1005 of another conduit to reduce the cooling rate at that particular location.

[0082] Features of the disclosure can allow quick removal of bayonets to replace with another bayonet or even operate without cooling at a particular location. For instance, the bayonet including tube 307 and outer tube 327 can be dimensioned to be snuggly but slidingly received in the protective sleeve 331. Thus, if desired, the bayonet including tube 307 and outer tube 327 can be axially removed from the protective sleeve 331 as shown in FIG. 9. If there is a desire to remove cooling at this location, a plug 901 may be inserted at this location. As such, cooling can be minimized at this location while other conduits can be used to continue cooling of the lateral conduit segment 145 at the desired radial location. Alternatively, another bayonet, such as the tube 1002 and outer tube 1009 can be inserted into the protective sleeve 331. Due to the increased maximum dimension 1005 relative to the maximum dimension 701 of the removed bayonet, cooling can be increased at that location.

[0083] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the inlet conduit 141. Unless otherwise noted, the inlet conduit 141 may include similar or identical features discussed with respect to the inlet conduit 141 referenced above. The at least one conduit of FIGS. 11 and 12 can comprise one or more conduits. For instance, the at least one conduit can include two conduits 1101a, 1101b although a single conduit or three or more conduits may be provided in further embodiments. Providing multiple conduits may provide multiple cooling zones disposed along the lateral direction 159 to allow independent cooling within each zone, provide more consistent cooling between the zones and/or provide more efficient cooling along the lateral direction 159.

[0084] As shown, in some embodiments, each conduit 1101a, 1101b, may be wound about the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145. Each conduit can comprise a tube 1103 defining an interior fluid path 1105. Fluid, such as liquid (e.g., water), air, vapor or other gas or liquid can be confined within the interior of the tube 1103 to travel along the interior fluid path 1105. The tube(s) 1103 can comprise metal (e.g., stainless steel, copper) or other material capable of facilitating heat transfer. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the tubes 1103 with interior fluid paths 1105 may be wound about the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145. Indeed, as shown in each conduit 1101a, 1101b may be wound in lateral direction 159 wherein successive windings, such as each successive winding, may be helically wound about the lateral conduit axis 145a in the lateral direction 159. In some embodiments, one or more windings of the conduit may be wound with different distances from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 or may continuously alternate between different distances from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the windings may vary between a first distance 1107 from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 and a second distance 1109 from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 that is larger than the first distance 1107. As schematically shown in FIGS. 12, the windings may all be positioned along substantially the same distance from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. Although not shown, in some embodiments, multiple conduits may be provided at different distances from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, a first conduit may be wound at the first distance 1107 and a second conduit may be wound at the second distance 1109 greater than the first distance 1107 such that the first conduit may be radially positioned between the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 and the second conduit. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the windings may be staggered such that the windings of the conduit successively transition (e.g., continuously transition) between a first winding distance 1107 and a second winding distance 1109 that is greater than the first winding distance 1107. Furthermore, as shown, some embodiments may optionally provide the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 (as discussed above) positioned within the distances 1107, 1109 such that the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 is positioned between the lateral conduit segment 145 and each of the conduits 1101a, 1101b

[0085] FIG. 12 and 13 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the inlet conduit 141. Unless otherwise noted, the inlet conduit 141 may include similar or identical features discussed with respect to any of the inlet conduits 141 referenced above. For example, unless otherwise noted, the inlet conduit of FIG. 13 can include similar or identical features as the inlet conduit of FIG. 11. Indeed, with reference to FIG. 13, the at least one conduit can include two conduits 1101a, 1101b although a single conduit or three or more conduits may be provided in further embodiments. Providing multiple conduits may provide multiple cooling zones disposed along the lateral direction 159 to allow independent cooling within each zone, provide more consistent cooling between the zones and/or provide more efficient cooling along the lateral direction 159. [0086] As shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, each conduit 1101a, 1101b, may be wound about the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145. Each conduit can comprise the tube 1103 defining the interior fluid path 1105. Fluid, such as liquid (e.g., water), air, vapor or other gas or liquid can be confined within the interior of the tube 1103 to travel along the interior fluid path 1105. The tube(s) 1103 can comprise metal (e.g., stainless steel, copper) or other material capable of facilitating heat transfer. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tubes 1103 with interior fluid paths 1105 may be wound about the lateral conduit axis 145a of the lateral conduit segment 145. Indeed, as shown in each conduit 1101a, 1101b may be wound in lateral direction 159 wherein successive windings, such as each successive winding, may be helically wound about the lateral conduit axis 145a in the lateral direction 159. In some embodiments, one or more windings of the conduit may be wound with different distances from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 or may continuously alternate between different distances from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, as shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the windings may vary between a first distance 1107 from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 and a second distance 1109 from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 that is larger than the first distance 1107. As schematically shown in FIGS. 12, the windings of FIG. 13, like the windings of FIG. 11, may all be positioned along substantially the same distance from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. Although not shown, in some embodiments, multiple conduits may be provided at different distances from the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, a first conduit may be wound at the first distance 1107 and a second conduit may be wound at the second distance 1109 greater than the first distance 1107 such that the first conduit may be radially positioned between the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145 and the second conduit. Like FIG. 11, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the windings may be staggered such that the windings of the conduit successively transition (e.g., continuously transition) between a first winding distance 1107 and a second winding distance 1109 that is greater than the first winding distance 1107.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 of FIG. 11 may not be provided. Rather, at least one conduit, such as both illustrated conduits 1101a, 1101b, can be provided as an induction coil of an electrical circuit to promote induction heating of the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, only a single conduit may act as an induction coil in an electrical circuit. For example, only one of the two illustrated conduits 1101a, 1101b may be arranged to function as an induction coil although both conduits 1101a, 1101b are illustrated as induction coil in an electrical circuit. In some embodiments, both conduits 1101a, 1101b may be placed in series or in parallel in an electrical circuit to operate simultaneously. Alternatively, each conduit 1101a, 1101b may be placed in a respective separate electrical circuit or sub-circuit to allow independent operation of each induction coil to facilitate different induction heating intensities at different lateral locations of the lateral conduit segment 145. Although not shown, the two conduits 1101a, 1101b may also be provided as a single conduit in embodiments where separate conduits are not desired to be placed in series along the length of the conduit segment 145

[0088] As discussed above, various materials can be used to help encapsulate at least the lateral conduit segment 145 of the inlet conduit 141. Such materials can help control heat transfer from at least the lateral conduit segment 145. Furthermore, such material may comprise different materials in some embodiments. For instance, as shown, the material may comprise the first insulation material 335, discussed above, that can at least partially encapsulate the lateral conduit segment 145 with and the conduits 1101a, 1101b. Such material can be highly thermally conductive to promote heat transfer between the lateral conduit segment 145 and the conduits 1101a, 1101b. In further embodiments, the first insulation material 335 can be electrically isolating to prevent electrical communication between the conduits 1101a, 1101b and the lateral conduit segment 145. In further embodiments, the first insulation material 335 can avoid interference with inductive heating of the lateral conduit segment 145 with the conduits 1101a, 1101b when acting as induction coils. Embodiments of the first insulation material 335 can include silicon nitride and high-density alumina.

[0089] Still furthermore, the second insulation material 339, discussed above, can be provided that also at least partially encapsulates at least the lateral conduit segment 145 and the first insulation material 335 (if provided). The second insulation material 339 can have a relatively lower thermal conductivity when compared to the first insulation material 335 to help prevent or control heat loss from the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, the second insulation material 339 can comprise insulating fire brick, alumina, zircon, silica material etc.

[0090] Less insulation material may be required for the embodiment of the inlet conduit 141 shown in FIG. 13 compared to the embodiment of the inlet conduit 141 shown in FIG. 11. Indeed, the embodiment of the inlet conduit 141 of FIG. 11 illustrates a relatively thick profile Tl that provides room for the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337. In contrast, the embodiment of the inlet conduit 141 of FIG. 13 illustrates a relatively thin profile T2 since additional room is not necessary for the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337. Indeed, the heating of FIG. 13 can be achieved with the same conduits 1101a, 1101b used for cooling. As shown in FIG. 13, since the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 may not be provided in this embodiment, the conduits 1101a, 1101b may be radially constricted to be positioned closer to the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, as shown, the first distance 1107 and the second distance 1109 of FIG. 13 can be less than the first distance 1107 and the second distance 1109 of FIG. 11, thereby reducing the thickness profile. As shown in FIG. 13, reducing the thickness profile can save on material costs by eliminating the potentially costly heating element 337. Furthermore, eliminating the elongated electrically conductive heating element can simplify the design while maintaining the ability to heat the molten material 121 along the lateral conduit segment 145 by using the conduits 1101a, 1101b as both cooling coils and induction coils.

[0091] Methods of forming the glass ribbon 103 from the quantity of molten material 121 will now be discussed. The methods will be discussed with reference to the illustrated down-draw fusion process wherein the forming vessel 140 includes a trough 147 although other glass forming techniques may be employed that incorporate features of the disclosure while incorporating inventive aspects of the disclosure.

[0092] As discussed previously, batch material 107 may be processed into a molten material 121 within the melting vessel. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may then proceed to various processing stations such as a fining vessel 127, mixing chamber 131 and delivery vessel 133. In some embodiments, although not shown, more or less processing stations may be provided in further embodiments and/or the illustrated processing stations may be provided in a different order. For instance some embodiments may include multiple fining stations and/or multiple mixing stations and further embodiments may omit the processing station and/or the mixing station. In further embodiments, as shown, the fining station (if provided) may be positioned upstream from the mixing station although further embodiments may provide the fining station positioned downstream from the mixing station. Still further, although not shown, embodiments of the disclosure may omit the delivery vessel 133. For instance, the molten material may pass directly from the mixing chamber 131 or the fining vessel 127 to the delivery pipe 139.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery pipe 139 may include a vertical delivery pipe although nonvertical delivery pipes may be provided in further embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the end 139a of the delivery pipe 139 may be positioned within an interior of the vertical conduit segment 143 of the inlet conduit 141. In the illustrated embodiment, the end 139a of the delivery pipe 139 may be positioned above the free surface 345 of the molten material 121 within the vertical conduit segment 143 although further embodiments may provide that the end 139a of the delivery pipe 139 is positioned at or below the free surface 345 of the molten material 121 in further embodiments.

[0094] In some embodiments, as discussed previously, gravity may then drive the molten material 121 to pass through a vertical interior pathway through the vertical conduit segment 143 along the vertical conduit axis 143a. The molten material 121 may then change direction at the elbow 144 to laterally travel through a lateral interior pathway of the lateral conduit segment 145 along the lateral conduit axis 145a in a lateral direction 159 of the lateral conduit axis 145a. The molten material 121 may continuously travel along the lateral direction 159 (e.g., the illustrated linear lateral direction) to be received by a trough 147 of a forming vessel 140.

[0095] After passing into the entrance portion 146 of the trough 147, the forming vessel 140 may draw the molten material 121 into the glass ribbon 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the molten material 121 may be drawn off of a root 142 of a forming vessel 140. Over time, there may be a desire to modify the viscosity of molten material being delivered to the entrance portion 146 of the trough 147. For instance, over a period of time, processing conditions may modify features of the forming vessel 140. For instance, under the weight and high-temperature operating conditions, the forming vessel may experience thermal creep. Such changes in the forming vessel 140 may adversely impact features of the glass ribbon being formed with the forming vessel 140. To counter adverse effects due to some changes in the forming vessel, the viscosity of the molten material 121 may be modified. Modifying the viscosity of the molten material 121 can avoid or delay the time and cost that would be necessary to replace the deformed forming vessel 140 with a new forming vessel.

[0096] In some embodiments, the molten material may be cooled as it passes through the inlet conduit 141. In order to slow the cooling process, the inlet conduit 141 may be at least partially encapsulated by the second insulation material 339 to help resist thermal heat transfer from the molten material 121 passing through the inlet conduit 141 to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, cooling may be further slowed by a heating device. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11-13, the method may include cooling the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145 while operating a heating device to add heat to the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145 to slow cooling of the molten material 121 traveling along the lateral direction 159 within the lateral conduit segment 145 to provide molten material 121 to a forming vessel 140 at a first cooled temperature.

[0097] Various heating devices may be employed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the heating device may comprise an external thermal heating device applied to the lateral conduit segment 145. Such heating device may comprise an elongated heating element that may be heated by electrical resistance heating. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the heating device may comprise the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 that may be helically wound about the lateral conduit segment 145 and may contact the outer surface of the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, an electrical device 347 may be provided including an electrical relay and power source. Electrical wires 349a, 349b may be connected to opposite ends of the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337. Furthermore, the controller 349 may be designed to operate the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 by, for instance, interfacing with the relay of the electrical device 347. For instance, a temperature sensor (not shown) may provide feedback to the controller 349 that operates the relay and power source to provide appropriate power by way of the electrical wires 349a, 349b to increase or decrease heat being supplied by the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 to the molten material 121 passing through the lateral conduit segment 145.

[0098] In further embodiments, electrical current may be run through the lateral conduit segment 145 to heat the molten material by direct electrical resistance heating of the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, electrical leads may be connected to the lateral conduit segment 145 to heat the lateral conduit segment 145 by direct electrical resistance heating. In alternative embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an inductor may be used to heat the lateral conduit segment 145 by direct electrical resistance heating. Indeed, as discussed above, the conduits 1101a, 1101b may be arranged as inductors in an electrical circuit to promote electrical current through the lateral conduit segment 145 to heat the lateral conduit segment 145 by direct electrical resistance heating. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, electrical devices 347, 348 may be provided including an electrical relay and power source. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the electrical wires 349a, 349b associated with the first electrical device 347 may be connected to the inlet port 1111a and outlet port 1111b, respectively, of the first conduit 1101a. Likewise, the electrical wires 350a, 350b associated with the second electrical device 348 may be connected to the inlet port 1111a and outlet port 1111b, respectively, of the second conduit 1101b. Furthermore, the controller 349 may be designed to operate the induction coils by, for instance, interfacing with the relay of the electrical devices 347, 348. For instance, a temperature sensor(s) (not shown) may provide feedback to the controller 349 that operates the relay and power source of the electrical devices 347, 348 to provide appropriate power by way of the electrical wires 349a, 349b, 350a, 350b to increase or decrease heat being promoted by the conduits 1101a, 1101b that are acting as induction coils. Indeed, the conduits 1101a, 1101b can act as inductors to provide direct electrical resistance heating of the lateral conduit segment 145 to heat the molten material 121 passing through the lateral conduit segment 145 [0099] If the heating device is employed (e.g., see FIGS. 11-13), the viscosity of the molten material being delivered to the forming vessel 140 can be increased by reducing the heat being supplied by the heating element(s) 337, 338. The viscosity of the molten material can be further increased over time by still further reducing the heat being supplied by the heating element(s) 337, 338. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the cooling fluid may optionally pass through the conduits 1101a, 1101b to cool the conduit segments while the conduit segments act as inductors to heat the lateral conduit segment 145. As such, the cooling fluid can help prevent overheating of the conduits 1101a, 1101b while using the conduits 1101a, 1101b as induction coils to heat the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, the heating device may eventually be turned off to prevent further reduction in cooling rate due to the heat being supplied by the heating device. If further increases in viscosity are desired, the method may further include the step of increasing the viscosity of the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145 by passing (or continuing to pass) cooling fluid through the at least one conduit with reduced or no heating with the elongated electrically conductive heating element 337 or the conduits 1101a, 1101b. In such examples, passing the cooling fluid through the at least one conduit may remove heat from the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145 to cool the molten material 121 traveling along the lateral direction 159 within the lateral conduit segment 145, thereby providing the molten material 121 to the forming vessel at a second cooled temperature that is lower than the first cooled temperature discussed above.

[00100] With reference to FIGS. 3-10, the method may include the step of increasing the viscosity of the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145 by passing cooling fluid through the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b disposed outside of the lateral conduit segment 145 to remove heat from the molten material within the lateral conduit segment 145 to cool the molten material traveling along the lateral direction 159 within the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be cooled to a second temperatures that is lower than the first cooled temperature achieved with or without the heating device.

[00101] In some embodiments, the method can include laterally delivering the cooled molten material in the lateral direction 159 into the trough 147 of the forming vessel 140 and the overflowing the cooled molten material over opposed weirs 203a, 203b of the trough. The cooled molten material can be then fusion drawn as the glass ribbon 103 off the root 142 of the forming wedge 209 of the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, the method can include providing some or all of the plurality of conduits as an axial conduit 301a-e, wherein the cooling of the molten material includes passing cooling fluid 315 through each of the axial conduits in the lateral direction 159. In further embodiments, at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits may include the transverse conduit 305a-b and wherein the cooling of the molten material includes passing cooling fluid through the at least one conduit transverse conduit 305a-b in a direction transverse to the lateral direction 159.

[00102] In some embodiments, the method can include removing at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b to adjust the cooling rate of molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the axial conduit 301a may be removed and optionally replaced with the plug 901 in embodiments were cooling with an axial conduit is no longer desired at that particular location.

[00103] In further embodiments, the method can include moving at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b relative to the lateral conduit segment 145 along an axis of the at least one conduit to adjust the cooling rate of the molten material within the conduit segment. In some embodiments one or all of the conduits may be independently movable to allow radial cooling rate control at radial locations about the lateral conduit segment 145. In further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of conduits may be moved together relative to the lateral conduit segment 145. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the axial conduits 301a-e may all be linked together, for instance with bracket 343, such that all of the axial conduits may be adjusted between a retracted and extended position.

[00104] In some embodiments, the illustrated bayonet cooling device may be provided wherein the conduit comprises the illustrated tube 307 that may be mounted within the outer tube 327. In some embodiments, the tube 307 may normally be operated to have a maximum inserted position shown in FIG. 3 wherein the orifice 319 is spaced from an inner end surface of the outer tube 327 and a maximum retracted position shown in FIG. 7, wherein a stop (not illustrated) prevents further retraction of the tube 307 from the outer tube 327. If the bayonet device is damaged or if a different bayonet device having different cooling characteristics is desired (e.g., see the bayonet device of FIG. 10), the bayonet device including tube 307 and outer tube 327 may be laterally removed from the protective sleeve 331 and replace with the desired new bayonet device.

[00105] With reference to FIGS. 11-13, the method may include the step of increasing the viscosity of the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145 by passing cooling fluid through the interior fluid path 1105 of the conduits 1101a, 1101b disposed outside of the lateral conduit segment 145 to remove heat from the molten material within the lateral conduit segment 145 to cool the molten material traveling along the lateral direction 159 within the lateral conduit segment 145. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be cooled to a second temperatures that is lower than the first cooled temperature achieved with or without the heating device.

[00106] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the source of fluid 311 may be connected to inlet ports 1111a of the conduits 1101a, 1101b by fluid delivery lines 1113a. As further shown, the fluid return area 323 may be connected to outlet ports 1111b of the conduits 1101a, 1101b by fluid delivery lines 1113b. In operation, the source of fluid 311 may deliver fluid to the inlet ports 1111a of the conduits 1101a, 1101b by fluid delivery lines 1113a. The fluid may then travel along the interior fluid path 1105, such as helically travel along the interior fluid path 1105, to the outlet port 1111b of the conduits 1101a, 1101b to draw heat from the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145. The heated fluid may then be removed from the outlet port 1111b by way of the fluid delivery lines 1113b to be received by the fluid return area 323. In some embodiments, a heat exchanger can exist to remove the heat from the fluid return area 323 and then pass the cooled fluid back to the source of fluid 311 for recycling through the cooling circuit.

[00107] In some embodiments, the controller 349 may be designed to control one or both of the source of fluid 311 and/or the fluid return area 323 to increase or decrease the fluid flow rate of the fluid traveling along the interior fluid path 1105. As such, the controller 349 may help control the heat transfer provided by the conduits 1101a, 1101b and thereby allow control of the temperature and associated viscosity of the molten material 121 within the lateral conduit segment 145. Furthermore, the flow rate of cooling fluid through each of the conduits 1101a, 1101b can be independently controlled by the controller 349 to provide desired cooling characteristics along the length of the lateral conduit segment 145.

[00108] In some embodiments, the at least one conduit, such as the plurality of conduits 301a-e, 305a-b of FIGS. 3-10 and/or the conduits 1101a, 1101b of FIGS. 11-13 of the present disclosure can be positioned to cool the lateral conduit segment 145 wherein the lateral conduit segment 145 is the last opportunity to influence the viscosity of the molten material prior to the molten material entering the entrance portion 146 of the forming vessel 140. While cooling at the vertical conduit segment 143 is possible in some embodiments, there can be a benefit in limiting or avoiding actively controlling cooling in the vertical conduit segment 143 in further embodiments. For instance, as the molten material may be quickly drawn into the glass ribbon 103 after entering the trough 147. Thus, in some embodiments, actively controlling the cooling may occur primarily or entirely within the lateral conduit segment 145 to minimize or eliminate a coring effect that may otherwise develop within the molten material flowing through the conduit. Indeed, if active cooling were conducted farther upstream, such as within the vertical conduit segment 143 of the inlet conduit 141 or even within the delivery pipe 139, an undesired coring effect may develop where relatively lower temperature molten material closest to the inner surface of the vertical conduit segment 143 or delivery pipe 139 would travel at a slower rate than the relatively higher temperature molten material of the core of the flow of material. Such differences in travel rates of the core and outer periphery of the cross section of the molten material glass flow can result in undesirable attributes to the glass ribbon 103. This undesired coring effect can have a significant opportunity to develop over larger travel distances to the entrance portion 146 of the forming vessel 140. The present disclosure avoids undesired attributes in the glass ribbon 103 by minimizing or preventing the coring effect by locating the point where the viscosity is increased significantly or entirely within the lateral conduit segment 145 where the molten material passes from the inlet conduit 141 to the forming vessel 140. [00109] 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 appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments herein provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus to draw a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material comprising:

a forming vessel including a trough extending along a lateral direction;

a conduit segment in fluid communication with the trough, the conduit segment laterally extending along a conduit axis including the lateral direction to laterally deliver molten material along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to the trough; and at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit includes an axial conduit that laterally extends along an axis that is parallel to the conduit axis of the conduit segment.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit includes a transverse conduit that extends along an axis that is transverse to the conduit axis of the conduit segment.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit includes a plurality of conduits, each conduit of the plurality of conduits includes an interior pathway including a maximum dimension taken perpendicular to an axis of the corresponding conduit, wherein the maximum dimension of at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits is less than the maximum dimension of another conduit of the plurality of conduits.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit is at least partially disposed in a bore defined by material at least partially encapsulating the conduit segment.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one conduit is movable relative to the bore between an inserted position and a retracted position.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one conduit includes an axial conduit that laterally extends along an axis that is parallel to the conduit axis of the conduit segment, and the at least one conduit is movable relative to the bore between an inserted position and a retracted position.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one conduit includes at least two conduits that are linked to move together between the inserted position and the retracted position.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one conduit includes a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein the first conduit is independently movable relative to a second conduit.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit includes a plurality of axial conduits that are spaced apart along a radial path that circumscribes the conduit segment.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit is wound about the conduit axis of the conduit segment.

12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one conduit is wound along a radial path that circumscribes the conduit segment.

13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further including a a source of fluid connected to an inlet port of the at least one conduit.

14. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elongated electrically conductive element wound about the conduit segment.

15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit comprises an induction coil of an electrical circuit.

16. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the forming vessel comprises a wedge defining a root.

17. A method of forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material comprising:

cooling molten material traveling along a lateral direction within a conduit segment while passing cooling fluid through at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment;

laterally delivering the cooled molten material along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to a forming vessel; and

drawing cooled molten material from the forming vessel into the glass ribbon.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein laterally delivering the cooled molten material comprises laterally delivering the cooled molten material in the lateral direction into a trough of the forming vessel, then overflowing the cooled molten material over opposed weirs of the trough, and then fusion drawing the cooled molten material off a root of a wedge of the forming vessel into the glass ribbon.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one conduit includes an axial conduit, and the cooling of the molten material includes passing cooling fluid through the axial conduit in the lateral direction.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one conduit includes a transverse conduit, and the cooling of the molten material includes passing cooling fluid through the transverse conduit in a direction transverse to the lateral direction.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising removing the at least one conduit to adjust the cooling rate of molten material within the conduit segment.

22. The method of claim 17, further including moving the at least one conduit relative to the conduit segment along an axis of the at least one conduit to adjust the cooling rate of the molten material within the conduit segment.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the moving of the at least one conduit includes moving at least two conduits together relative to the conduit segment.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the cooling of the molten material including passing cooling fluid through the at least one conduit that is wound about a conduit axis of the conduit segment.

25. The method of claim 24, further including passing electrical current through the at least one conduit to heat the conduit segment with induction heating.

26. A method of forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material comprising:

cooling the molten material to a first cooled temperature within a conduit segment by operating a heating device to add heat to the molten material within the conduit segment to slow cooling of the molten material traveling along a lateral direction within the conduit segment;

laterally delivering the molten material cooled to the first cooled temperature along the lateral direction from the conduit segment to the forming vessel;

drawing the cooled molten material from the forming vessel into the glass ribbon; and then

increasing a viscosity of the molten material within the conduit segment by passing cooling fluid through at least one conduit disposed outside of the conduit segment to remove heat from the molten material within the conduit segment to cool the molten material traveling along the lateral direction within the conduit segment, thereby providing molten material to the forming vessel at a second cooled temperature that is lower than the first cooled temperature.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein adding the heat to the molten material within the conduit segment includes passing electrical current through the at least one conduit to heat the conduit segment with induction heating.