WO2019165402A1

WO2019165402A1 - Support apparatus for electrical cables

Info

Publication number: WO2019165402A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/019499
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gilbert De Angelis; Juan Camilo ISAZA
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2018-02-26
Filing date: 2019-02-26
Publication date: 2019-08-29
Also published as: TW201937515A; CN111902373B; CN111902373A; JP7246403B2; JP2021513957A; KR20200115668A

Abstract

Apparatus are disclosed for supporting electrical power cables supplying an electric current to components of a glass making apparatus. The apparatus allow movement in at least two axes, thereby allowing the cables to follow movement of the glass making components as the glass making components expand and contract, during heat up and cool down, without creating excessive stress on the attachment points of the electrical cables.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL CABLES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priory of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/635,080 filed on February 26, 2018 the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to support apparatus for high-current electrical cables, and more particularly, electrical power cables supplying a direct-heated vessel for the manufacture of glass.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Commercial glass making processes can be divided into three stages: melting, fining, and conditioning. The conditioning step involves cooling the molten glass to achieve the proper viscosity for forming glass articles and is performed within the delivery system. The delivery system can be divided into zones, depending on specific functions to be carried out in each zone. For example, the delivery system may include fining apparatus to remove bubbles from the molten glass, a mixing apparatus to homogenize the molten glass, and a delivery vessel to route the molten glass to a forming apparatus. The delivery system further comprises various conduits configured to carry the molten glass to and between each zone.

[0004] For the manufacture of optical quality glass articles, such as glass sheets for display devices (cell phones, desktop and laptop computers, televisions, etc.), the major delivery system components are typically metallic, and heated by establishing an electrical current in the components. Such a method is commonly referred to as direct heating. Thus, in exemplary glass making processes, each zone of the delivery system is generally directly heated. The heat is delivered to the molten glass by passing an electric current through a series of flanges (electrodes) connected to the metallic components (conduits or vessels) containing the molten glass and functioning to provide resistance (Joule) heating. The electrical energy is typically provided by a power supply connected to the flanges by a series of large, high electric current capacity cables. The size of these cables is proportional to the magnitude of the electric current. These cables can be very large and heavy.

l [0005] As the metallic conduits and/or vessels that contain the molten glass are heated from room temperature to their operating condition, they are subject to thermal expansion, and the location of the flanges can move from a cold position to a hot position. Despite the weight and the stiffness of these cables, the cables are expected to follow the flange movement. If the cables are not properly supported to accommodate movement of the conduits and/or vessels as they heat up and expand, the various thin-walled metallic components can be damaged.

[0006] What is needed are cable supporting apparatus that allow the cables to move freely vertically, horizontally and laterally to follow the expansion movement of the attached component (vessel, conduit) without impeding the movement of the component.

SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with the present disclosure, a glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed comprising a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass, a flange attached to the metallic vessel, the flange coupled to an electrical cable, and a cable support apparatus supporting the cable, the cable support apparatus comprising a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable and movable in a first direction against a spring force.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cable engagement assembly is movable along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. For example, the first direction can be a vertical direction

[0009] In some embodiments, the cable engagement apparatus is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel with the first direction.

[0010] The spring force can be provided by a spring, and the cable engagement assembly can be coupled to the spring by a support rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support rod is engaged with a support arm and slidable within the support arm along a longitudinal axis of the support rod. The support arm can be rotatable about a rotational axis extending through a first end of the support arm.

[0012] In embodiments, a length of the support arm can be variable along a longitudinal axis of the support arm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support arm can comprise a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, the locking mechanism configured to prevent variation in the length of the support arm when in the locked position.

[0014] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the support rod can be parallel with the rotational axis of the support arm. [0015] In some embodiments, the cable engagement assembly can comprise a cable tray removably coupled to a support plate attached to the support rod.

[0016] The cable engagement assembly can comprise an electrically insulating material.

[0017] In some embodiments, the support rod can be coupled to a pulley assembly. A wire rope can be used to couple the cable engagement assembly to the support rod with the pulley.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cable engagement assembly can comprise at least one cable passage extending therethrough. The cable tray can comprise at least two sections removably coupled one to the other, and wherein the at least one cable passage is divided between the at least two sections. The cable tray can comprise a plurality of cable passages.

[0019] The spring force can be provided by a spring, and in some embodiment the spring force can be a nonlinear function of a displacement of the spring.

[0020] In other embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus is described, comprising a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass, a flange attached to the metallic vessel, the flange coupled to an electrical cable, a cable support apparatus supporting the cable. The cable support apparatus can comprise a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable and movable in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and wherein movement of the cable engagement assembly in the first direction is against a spring force.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cable engagement assembly can be rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0022] The spring force is provided by at least one spring. In embodiments, the at least one spring can be coupled to a support rod. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one spring can comprise a plurality of springs coupled to a plurality of support rods.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support rod can be slidably coupled to a support arm. In accordance with some embodiments, the support arm can be rotatable about an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, a length of the support arm is variable along a longitudinal axis of the support arm.

[0024] In still other embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, comprising a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass, a flange attached to the metallic vessel, the flange coupled to an electrical cable, a cable support apparatus supporting the cable. The cable support apparatus can comprise a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable, movable in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein movement of the cable engagement assembly in the first direction is against a spring force. [0025] In yet other embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, comprising a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass, a flange attached to the metallic vessel, the flange coupled to an electrical cable, and a cable support apparatus supporting the cable. The cable support apparatus can comprise a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable, movable in a first direction against a spring force, and rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0026] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be clear to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary glass making apparatus;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary metallic vessel for carrying molten glass and fitted with flanges for conducting an electric current to the metallic vessel;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cable support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary support arm for use with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0032] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the cable support apparatus of FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary cable support apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 7 is still another exemplary cable support apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary spring assembly for use with the cable support apparatus of FIG. 7; and [0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary cable engagement assembly for use with the cable support apparatus of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be 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.

[0038] Ranges can be expressed herein as from“about” one particular value, and/or to“about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value 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 embodiment. 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.

[0039] Directional terms as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0040] 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, nor that with any apparatus, specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0041] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0042] The word“exemplary,”“example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an“example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

[0043] Shown in FIG. 1 is an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can comprise a glass melting furnace 12 that can include a melting vessel 14. In addition to melting vessel 14, glass melting furnace 12 can optionally include one or more additional components such as heating elements (e.g., combustion burners and/or electrodes) configured to heat raw material and convert the raw material into a molten material (hereinafter,“molten glass”,“glass melt”, or“melt”).

[0044] In further embodiments, glass melting furnace 12 may include thermal management devices (e.g., insulation components) that reduce heat loss from the melting vessel. In still further embodiments, glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic devices and/or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of the raw material into a glass melt. Still further, glass melting furnace 12 may include support structures (e.g., support chassis, support member, etc.) or other components.

[0045] Glass melting vessel 14 is typically formed from a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, for example a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconia, although the refractory ceramic material may comprise other refractory materials, such as yttrium (e.g., yttria, yttria stabilized zirconia, yttrium phosphate), zircon (ZrSiCh) or alumina-zirconia-silica or even chrome oxide, used either alternatively or in any combination. In some examples, glass melting vessel 14 may be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks.

[0046] In some embodiments, glass melting furnace 12 may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to fabricate a glass article, for example a glass ribbon of an indeterminate length, although in further embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may be configured to form other glass articles without limitation, such as glass rods, glass tubes, glass envelopes (for example, glass envelopes for lighting devices, e.g., light bulbs) and glass lenses, although many other glass articles are contemplated. In some examples, the melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a down-draw apparatus (e.g., a fusion down-draw apparatus), an up-draw apparatus, a pressing apparatus, a rolling apparatus, a tube drawing apparatus or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the present disclosure. By way of example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion down draw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets or rolling the glass ribbon onto a spool.

[0047] Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (e.g., fusion down-draw apparatus 10) can optionally include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 positioned upstream relative to glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, a portion of, or the entire upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16, may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

[0048] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a raw material storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20 and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device. Raw material storage bin 18 may be configured to store a quantity of raw material 24 that can be fed into melting vessel 14 of glass melting furnace 12 through one or more feed ports, as indicated by arrow 26. Raw material 24 typically comprises one or more glass forming metal oxides and one or more modifying agents. In some examples, raw material delivery device 20 can be powered by motor 22 such that raw material delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from the storage bin 18 to melting vessel 14. In further examples, motor 22 can power raw material delivery device 20 to introduce raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on a level of molten glass sensed downstream from melting vessel 14 relative to a flow direction of the molten glass. Raw material 24 within melting vessel 14 can thereafter be heated to form molten glass 28. Typically, in an initial melting step, raw material is added to the melting vessel as particulate, for example as comprising various“sands”. Raw material may also include scrap glass (i.e. cullet) from previous melting and/or forming operations. Combustion burners are typically used to begin the melting process. In an electrically boosted melting process, once the electrical resistance of the raw material is sufficiently reduced (e.g., when the raw materials begin liquefying), electric boost is begun by developing an electric potential between electrodes positioned in contact with the raw materials, thereby establishing an electric current through the raw material, the raw material typically entering, or in, a molten state at this time.

[0049] Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can also optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 positioned downstream of glass melting furnace 12 relative to a flow direction of the molten glass 28. In some examples, a portion of downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12. However, in some instances, first connecting conduit 32 discussed below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. Elements of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus, including first connecting conduit 32, may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy including from about 70% to about 90% by weight platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium. However, other suitable metals for forming downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus can include molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten and alloys thereof.

[0050] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can include a first conditioning (i.e. processing) vessel, such as fining vessel 34, located downstream from melting vessel 14 and coupled to melting vessel 14 by way of the above-referenced first connecting conduit 32. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34 by way of first connecting conduit 32. For instance, gravity may drive molten glass 28 through an interior pathway of first connecting conduit 32 from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34. It should be understood, however, that other conditioning vessels may be positioned downstream of melting vessel 14, for example between melting vessel 14 and fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning vessel may be employed between the melting vessel and the fining vessel wherein molten glass from a primary melting vessel is further heated in a secondary vessel to continue the melting process, or cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the primary melting vessel before entering the fining vessel.

[0051] As described previously, bubbles may be removed from molten glass 28 by various techniques. For example, raw material 24 may include multivalent compounds (i.e. fining agents) such as tin oxide that, when heated, undergo a chemical reduction reaction and release oxygen. Other suitable fining agents include without limitation arsenic, antimony, iron and cerium, although the use of arsenic and antimony may be discouraged for environmental reasons in some applications. Fining vessel 34 is heated to a temperature greater than the melting vessel temperature, thereby heating the fining agent. The fining vessel, and optionally first connecting conduit 32, can be directly heated, wherein electrical flanges 33 attached to fining vessel 34 are connected to a suitable electrical power supply (not shown) by electrical cables 35. As best seen in FIG. 2, flanges 33 encircle fining vessel 34 and are attached to an outside surface of the fining vessel, such as by welding. Electrical cables 35 are connected to electrical flanges 33, typically by a terminal 37 at the end of a respective electrical cable 35 that can be bolted to a receiving electrode 39 on the respective electrical flange 33. An additional terminal 37 (see FIG. 3) can be disposed on an opposite end of electrical cable 35 and used to bolt electrical cable 35 to a further conductor, such as a rigid main bus bar for example. The number and location of electrical flanges can vary depending on the number and location of individual heating zones desired along a particular conduit and/or vessel. While FIGS. 1 and 2 depict electrical cables and electrical flanges attached to fining vessel 34, electrical flanges and electrical cables can be similarly associated with any of the metallic components of downstream glass making apparatus 30.

[0052] Oxygen produced in fining vessel 34 by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of one or more fining agents included in the melt can diffuse into the bubbles produced in the melting furnace. The enlarged oxygen-enriched gas bubbles, with increased buoyancy, can then rise to a free surface of the molten glass within the fining vessel and thereafter be vented out of the fining vessel. The bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining vessel as they rise through the molten glass.

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 1, The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36, for example a stirring vessel, for mixing the molten glass that flows downstream from fining vessel 34. Mixing vessel 36 can be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition, thereby reducing chemical or thermal inhomogeneities that may otherwise exist within the fined molten glass exiting the fining vessel. As shown, fining vessel 34 may be coupled to mixing vessel 36 by way of a second connecting conduit 38. In some embodiments, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36 by way of second connecting conduit 38. For instance, gravity may drive molten glass 28 through an interior pathway of second connecting conduit 38 from fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36. Like fining vessel 34, mixing vessel 36, and optionally second connecting conduit 38, can be directly heated, wherein flanges similar to flanges 33 are attached to mixing vessel 36, and optionally second connecting conduit 38, and are connected to a suitable power supply (not shown) by electrical cables.

[0054] Typically, the molten glass within mixing vessel 36 includes a free surface, with a free volume extending between the free surface and a top of the mixing vessel. It should be noted that while mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of fining vessel 34 relative to a flow direction of the molten glass, mixing vessel 36 may be positioned upstream from fining vessel 34 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, for example a mixing vessel upstream from fining vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream from fining vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels may be of the same design, or they may be of a different design from one another. In some embodiments, one or more of the vessels and/or conduits may include static mixing vanes positioned therein to promote mixing and subsequent homogenization of the molten material.

[0055] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include another conditioning vessel such as delivery vessel 40 that may be located downstream from mixing vessel 36. Delivery vessel 40 may condition molten glass 28 to be fed into a downstream forming device. For instance, delivery vessel 40 can act as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and provide a consistent flow of molten glass 28 to forming body 42 by way of exit conduit 44. The molten glass within delivery vessel 40 can, in some embodiments, include a free surface, wherein a free volume extends upward from the free surface to a top of the delivery vessel. As shown, mixing vessel 36 may be coupled to delivery vessel 40 by way of third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40 by way of third connecting conduit 46. For instance, gravity may drive molten glass 28 through an interior pathway of third connecting conduit 46 from mixing vessel 36 to delivery vessel 40. And, similar to other metallic components already described, third connecting conduit 46, and optionally delivery vessel 40, can be directly heated, wherein electrical flanges attached to third connecting conduit 46, and optionally delivery vessel 40, are connected to a suitable power supply (not shown) by electrical cables.

[0056] Downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 can further include forming apparatus 48 comprising the above-referenced forming body 42, including inlet conduit 50. Exit conduit 44 can be positioned to deliver molten glass 28 from delivery vessel 40 to inlet conduit 50 of forming apparatus 48. In some embodiments, exit conduit 44, and optionally inlet conduit 50, can be directly heated, wherein electrical flanges attached to exit conduit 44, and optionally inlet conduit 50, can be connected to a suitable power supply (not shown) by electrical cables.

[0057] Forming body 42 in a fusion down draw glass making apparatus can comprise a trough 52 positioned in an upper surface of the forming body and converging forming surfaces 54 (only one surface shown) that converge in a draw direction along a bottom edge (root) 56 of the forming body. Molten glass delivered to the forming body trough 52 via delivery vessel 40, exit conduit 44 and inlet conduit 50 overflows the walls of trough 52 and descends along the converging forming surfaces 54 as separate flows of molten glass. The separate flows of molten glass join below and along the root 56 to produce a single ribbon 58 of molten glass that is drawn in a draw direction 60 from root 56 by applying a downward tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge rolls and pulling roll assemblies, to control the dimensions of the glass ribbon as the molten glass cools and a viscosity of the material increases. Accordingly, glass ribbon 58 goes through a visco-elastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional characteristics. Glass ribbon 58 may in some embodiments be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass separation apparatus (not shown) in an elastic region of the glass ribbon, while in further embodiments, the glass ribbon may be wound onto spools and stored for further processing.

[0058] As described supra, exemplary downstream glass manufacturing process 30 utilizes electrical heating power delivered directly to glass containing vessels and conduits comprising the downstream components. The electrical current is delivered by large, high electric current- carrying capacity electrical cables 35 that connect these various components to the power transformers. For example, electrical currents greater than 15,000 amps may be needed to heat the various metallic components of the downstream glass making apparatus.

[0059] Despite their size, stiffness, and weight, cable support apparatus described herein support these electrical cables and allow movement of the electrical cables along at least two axes (in at least two directions, such as in at least two orthogonal directions), thereby aiding expansion of the glass containing vessel(s). The cable support apparatus described herein can reduce possible stress deformation of metallic vessels to which the electrical cables may be connected.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary cable support apparatus 100 comprising a support bracket 102 for attachment of cable support apparatus 100 to a suitable frame or supporting member such as a building girder or beam, a support arm 104, a support rod 106, and a cable engagement assembly 108. Cable engagement assembly 108 may further comprise a support plate 110 and a cable tray 112 removably coupled to support plate 110.

[0061] In embodiments, support arm 104 is pivotably coupled to support bracket 102 and rotatable about rotational axis 114, although in further embodiments, support arm 104 can be rotatably coupled directly to another supporting structure, for example directly to a building girder or beam, apparatus frame or other rigid structural support without the need for a separate bracket. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, support bracket 102 comprises a U-shaped channel member 116 with openings on opposing sides of the channel. A first end portion 118 of support arm 104, shown as a hollow pipe, is provided with a pair of opposing openings and positioned within U-shaped channel member 116 with the openings of support bracket 102 aligned with the openings of support arm 104. A hinge pin 120 extends through the U-shaped channel member openings and the opposing openings in first end portion 118 of support arm 104, pivotably coupling support arm 104 to support bracket 102. It should be recognized that one of ordinary skill in the art could provide other implementations of support bracket 102 and support arm 104. For example, support arm 104 need not be entirely hollow. Indeed, in some embodiments, support arm can be a solid bar, or portions of the support arm can be solid while other portions are hollow.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, support arm 104 may be extendable (and/or retractable) along a longitudinal axis 122 of the support arm, as indicated by double arrow 124. For example, FIG. 4 depicts support arm 104 comprising support arm first section 126 including first end portion 118 pivotably coupled to support bracket 102 and rotatable about rotational axis 114, and a support arm second section 128. A first end portion 130 of support arm second section 128 is inserted into a hollow second end portion 132 of support arm first section 126 and is slidable therein. Thus, support arm second section 128 is extendable (and/or retractable) along support arm longitudinal axis 122 within support arm first section 126. However, in other embodiments, support arm first section 126 could be sized to slidably engage within support arm second section 128. In still further embodiments, support arm 104 can be a single section, and could include a nonlinear longitudinal shape.

[0063] Cable support apparatus 100 may further comprise support rod 106 slidably engaged with a second end of support arm 104 opposite first end portion 118. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 - 5, support rod 106 extends through a passage in second end portion 132 of support arm second section 128 and is slidable therein. Spring 136 is captured between support arm 104 (e.g., support arm second section 128), or a stop member 138 engaged therewith, and a support rod first end portion 140. For example, support rod first end portion 140 may be provided with threads, wherein spring 136 is captured between support arm 104, e.g., support arm second section 128, or stop member 138, and a washer 142 secured with a nut 144 coupled to support rod first end portion 140. Accordingly, downward movement of support rod 106 along support rod longitudinal axis 146 compresses spring 136, and wherein the downward movement of support rod 106 is resisted by a spring force supplied by spring 136 that applies a restorative force according to

F = -kx, (1) where F is the restoring force produced by the spring, x is the distance (displacement) by which the spring is compressed and k is the spring constant for spring 136. Spring 136 is selected based on the expected weight of the electrical cables (force applied to spring 136 by the supported electrical cables) and the desired magnitude of the displacement x along support rod longitudinal axis 146. For example, too low a spring constant and the weight of the electrical cables could fully compress the spring and provide no further movement of support rod 106 in the downward direction. Too large a spring constant, and the spring assembly may again hinder movement of support rod 106, e.g., provide insufficient displacement.

[0064] While equation (1) above describes a linear relationship between force F and displacement x, in other embodiments the relationship between F and x can be nonlinear, wherein,

F = -f(x), (2) and f denotes a nonlinear function of displacement x.

[0065] The spring constant k (or nonlinear relationship between force and displacement, f(x)) of spring 136 (and/or the number of springs), is selected such that an uncompressed length L of spring 136 is compressed to a length L_c in a range from about 0.2L to about 0.6L of its uncompressed length after the desired number of electrical cables are supported in the cable tray, for example in a range from about 0.25L to about 0.5L, after the cable tray is loaded with cables. Cable support apparatus 100 may be located such that as the metal components of downstream glass making apparatus 30 move during thermal expansion in a heat-up process, sufficient restorative force F exists to allow the spring(s) to expand (decompress) and follow the movement of the downstream glass making apparatus.

[0066] In embodiments, support arm first section 126 may be provided with a locking mechanism 148 movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to prevent extension or retraction of support arm second section 128, if desired. For example, as best seen in FIG. 5, support arm 104 can be provided with one or more locking bolts 148. The one or more locking bolts 148 can be provided in support arm first section 126 for example, and can be loosened and disengaged from support arm second section 128 during initial heating of downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30. However, once downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 has reached a desired operating temperature and the metal components (metallic vessels) of downstream glass making apparatus 30 have reached their full expansion, the one or more locking bolts 148 can be screwed inward through support arm first section 126 to engage with support arm second section 128, thereby preventing further movement of support arm second section 128 within support arm first section 126.

[0067] Support rod second end portion 150 can be coupled to cable engagement assembly 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, cable engagement assembly 108 can comprise support plate 110 and cable tray 112 removably attached thereto, such as by bolts, screws or other suitable fasteners. In accordance with FIGS. 3 and 5, cable tray 112 can provide a platform configured to support electrical cables when the cable tray is attached to support plate 110. Cable tray 112 may be further provided with an electrically insulating liner 152 (see FIG. 5) on which electrical cables 35 rest, thereby separating and electrically isolating electrical cables 35 from cable support apparatus 100. The liner may be formed, for example, from a fiber glass polyester material, such as Gastic® manufactured by Rochling Glastic Composites, Cleveland, OH 44121 USA, although other electrical insulating materials may be substituted. In addition, metal components of cable support apparatus 100, such as support plate 110 and cable tray 112, are preferably formed from a non-magnetic metal, for example stainless steel (for example SS303), to prevent induction heating of the support apparatus components.

[0068] As illustrated by the embodiment of FIGS. 3 - 5, cable support apparatus 100 can provide rotational movement of cable engagement assembly 108, and the electrical cables supported thereby, about first rotational axis 114. Cable support apparatus 100 can further provide linear movement of cable engagement assembly 108 in a direction along support arm longitudinal axis 122 orthogonal to rotational axis 114 via retraction or extension of support arm 104. In addition, cable support apparatus 100 can provide linear movement (e.g., vertical movement) of cable engagement assembly 108 via translation of support rod 106 along support rod longitudinal axis 146 extending parallel with rotational axis 114 and orthogonal to support arm longitudinal axis 122. Thus, cable support apparatus 100 can provide two linear movements, along support arm longitudinal axis 122 and along orthogonal support rod longitudinal axis 146, and rotational movement about rotational axis 114.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a cable support apparatus 200. Cable support apparatus 200 comprises a cable engagement assembly 202 comprising support plate 204 and cable tray 206 removably coupled thereto. More specifically, a plurality of support rods 208 can be secured to support plate 204 at a first end 210 of each support rod, for example at the comers of support plate 204, by suitable couplers, for example nuts and washers. Support rods 208 extend through passages formed in respective comer portions 212 (e.g., comer tabs) of cable tray 206, and cable tray 206 is movable along support rod longitudinal axes 214 and supported by springs 216. Springs 216 are captured between a capture element 218 (e.g., nut and washer) attached at the second end 220 of each support rod 208 and the respective comer portions of cable tray 206 such that a downward force exerted by the cable tray, for example by the weight of the cable tray and/or electrical cables supported therein, compresses springs 216. Springs 216 apply a counter restorative force according to equation (1) or equation (2). Springs 216 are selected based on the expected weight of the electrical cables (force applied to the cable engagement assembly by the supported electrical cables) and the desired magnitude of the displacement along support rod longitudinal axes 214. [0070] The spring constant k (or nonlinear relationship between force and displacement, f(x)) of springs 216 (and/or the number of springs), is selected such that an uncompressed length L of springs 216 is compressed to a length L_c in a range from about 0.2L to about 0.6L of its uncompressed length after the desired number of cables are supported in the cable tray, for example in a range from about 0.25L to about 0.5L, that is, after the cable tray is loaded. Cable support apparatus 200 may be located such that as the metal components of downstream glass making apparatus 30 move during thermal expansion, sufficient restorative force F exists to allow the spring(s) to expand and follow the movement of the downstream glass making apparatus.

[0071] As in the previous embodiment, cable tray 206 and optionally support plate 204 may be lined with a suitable electrically insulating liner 222, for example Glastic. Additionally, each support rod 208 may include electrically insulating washers and/or grommets 224 and be secured by support rod first end 210 to support plate 204 by washers 226 and nuts 228, or other suitable fasteners, at each coupling location where a support rod 208 is coupled to support plate 204 to electrically isolate support plate 204 from cable tray 206. Moreover, as in the previous embodiment, metal components of cable support apparatus 200 are preferably formed from a non-magnetic metal, for example stainless steel (for example SS303), to prevent induction heating of the cable support apparatus components via electrical current in electrical cables 35.

[0072] Cable support apparatus 200 may further comprise an attachment bracket 230 attached to support plate 204, attachment bracket 230 comprising one or more slots 232 for attaching cable support apparatus 200 to a support member (not shown), for example a strut, beam, girder or other rigid framework piece. Attachment bracket 230, and thus cable support apparatus 200, can be coupled to the support member by a suitable fastener, for example a nut, bolt, and washers. Provided the attaching bolt(s), nut(s) and washer(s) are not tightened sufficiently to hold the attachment bracket rigidly, the one or more slots allow movement of the cable support apparatus in a direction parallel with a long axis 234 of the one or more slots during the glass manufacturing heatup. Once the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus is heated to an operating temperature and the apparatus is fully expanded, the attaching bolts can be tightened to secure the cable engagement assembly in place. Additionally, cable tray 206 can be provided with translational (e.g., vertical) movement in a direction along support rod longitudinal axes 214 of support rods 208, as indicated by double arrow 236.

[0073] It can be appreciated that, while the foregoing embodiments of cable support apparatus 100 and 200 are best suited for generally horizontal electrical cabling, the exemplary cable support apparatus 300 depicted in FIG. 7 - FIG. 9 is best suited for generally vertical electrical cabling. The cable support apparatus 300 of FIG. 7 - FIG. 9 can comprise a bracket 302 for attaching cable support apparatus 300 to a supporting member 304, for example building structural steel (girder, beam, stanchion, etc.), and a spring assembly 306 coupled thereto. For example, bracket 302 can include a passage into which spring assembly 306 is positioned. Spring assembly 306 can comprise support rod 308 extending through spring housing 310 (and bracket 302), support rod 308 being capable of linear motion along a longitudinal axis 312 of support rod 308 (see FIG. 8). Spring assembly 306 may further comprise a spring 314 positioned within spring housing 310 and engaged with support rod 308. For example, stop member 316 can be coupled to support rod 308 such that spring 314 is captured between stop member 316 and base 318 of spring housing 310. When support rod 308 is pulled downward along axis 312, such as by the coupling of a weight, e.g., electrical cable, to support rod 308, stop member 316 moving downward with support rod 308 compresses spring 314. In response, spring 314 applies a counter restorative force according equations (1) or (2). Spring 314 can be selected based on the expected weight of the electrical cables (force applied to the spring assembly by the supported electrical cables) and the desired magnitude of the displacement along longitudinal axis 312. For example, too low a spring constant and the weight of the electrical cables could fully compress the spring and provide no further movement in the downward direction. Too large a spring constant, and the spring assembly acts as a substantially rigid body, with insufficient compression when the cable weight is applied and no restorative force if movement of the downstream glass making apparatus requires an upward movement of the cable support apparatus to accommodate the glass making apparatus movement.

[0074] The spring constant k (or nonlinear relationship between force and displacement, f(x)) of spring 314 (and/or the number of springs), is selected such that an uncompressed length L of spring 314 is compressed to a length L_c in a range from about 0.2L to about 0.6L of its uncompressed length after the desired number of cables are supported in the cable tray, for example in a range from about 0.25L to about 0.5L, that is, after the cable tray is loaded. Cable support apparatus 300 may be located such that as the metal components of downstream glass making apparatus 10 move during thermal expansion, sufficient restorative force F exists to allow the spring(s) to expand and follow the movement of the downstream glass making apparatus (e.g., electrical flanges 33).

[0075] As best seen with the aid of FIG. 8, cable support apparatus 300 may further comprise a pulley assembly 320 coupled to lower end 322 of support rod 308, such as to rotary joint 324. Pulley assembly 320 comprises a yoke 326 in which a pulley 328 is mounted by axle 330 and rotatable about axle axis 332.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 9, cable support apparatus 300 may further comprise a cable engagement assembly 334 including cable tray 336. Cable tray 336, when assembled, can comprise a plurality of cable passages 338 extending therethrough and sized to receive electrical cables 35. Cable tray 336 may comprise a plurality of sections. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, cable tray 336 comprises four cable passages 338 (338a - 338d) and is divided into three cable tray sections, 336a, 336b, and 336c. Cable passages 338a and 338b are split between cable tray sections 336a and 336c, and cable passages 338c and 338d are split between cable tray sections 336b and 336c. Thus, electrical cables 35 can, in some embodiments, be aligned with (e.g., positioned within) the cable tray section 336c of cable passages 338a - 338d, after which cable tray sections 336a and 336b can be coupled to cable tray section 336c, for example by bolts 340, thereby capturing electrical cables 35 within the now circumferentially-closed cable passages. To secure the electrical cables within cable passages 338a - 338d, the cable passages can be made smaller than the electrical cables. That is, an inside diameter of the cable passages 338a - 338d can be made smaller upon assembly of cable tray sections 336a - 336c than the outside diameter of the electrical cables, e.g., smaller than an outside diameter of the electrical cable jackets (in the case where the electrical cables are provided with a jacket material). This allows the electrical cables to be clamped securely within cable tray 336. It should be understood, however, that cable tray 336 can include fewer than four cable passages 338 or more than four cable passages 338.

[0077] Cable support apparatus can further comprise a wire rope 342 (e.g., wire cable) attached to cable engagement assembly 334 at opposite sides of cable tray 336, such as by linkages 344a, 344b. Wire rope 342 extends from one side of cable tray 336 via linkage 344a, loops over pulley 328, and is attached to the opposing side of the cable tray via linkage 344b.

[0078] Cable tray 336, coupled to pulley 328 by wire rope 342 and supported by spring 314 via support rod 308, allows electrical cables 35 to move freely. The pulley, wire rope, spring and all hardware can be made of non-magnetic material such as stainless steel (for example SS303). Cable tray 336 is preferably made of a suitable electrical isolating material, for example a resin-impregnated fiber glass composite, such as Glastic.

[0079] In accordance with FIGS. 7 - 9, cable engagement assembly 334 is capable of vertical movement along axis 312 as indicated by double arrow 350. Cable engagement assembly 334 is also capable of tilting, wherein if one attachment point for wire rope 342 to cable tray 336 (e.g., linkage 344a) rises (see arrow 352), the opposite point for wire rope 342 attachment (e.g., linkage 344b) lowers (see arrow 354) owing to engagement of wire rope 342 with pulley 328. The resulting motion produces a tilting of cable tray 336. It should be apparent that cable tray 336 is capable of tilting in the opposite direction as well.

[0080] Cable engagement assembly 334 may also be capable of swinging motion with pulley 328 as a pivot point, and rotational motion in a plane provided by rotatable coupling 324 as indicated by double arrow 356.

[0081] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such

modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass;

an electrical flange attached to the metallic vessel and coupled to an electrical cable; and

a cable support apparatus supporting the electrical cable, the cable support apparatus comprising a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable and movable in a first direction against a spring force.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable engagement assembly is movable along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable engagement assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel with the first direction.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spring force is provided by a spring, and the cable engagement assembly is coupled to the spring by a support rod.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the support rod is engaged with a support arm and slidable within the support arm along a longitudinal axis of the support rod.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the support arm is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through a first end of the support arm.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a length of the support arm is variable along the longitudinal axis of the support arm.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the support arm comprises a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of the support rod is parallel with the rotational axis of the support arm.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cable engagement assembly comprises a cable tray removably coupled to a support plate attached to the support rod.

12. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable engagement assembly comprises an electrically insulating material.

13. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the support rod is coupled to a pulley assembly.

14. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a wire rope coupled to the cable engagement assembly and engaged with the pulley.

15. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable engagement assembly comprises at least one cable passage extending therethrough.

16. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable engagement assembly comprises a cable tray with at least two cable tray sections removably coupled one to the other, the cable tray comprising at least one cable passage divided between the at least two cable tray sections.

17. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the cable tray comprises a plurality of cable passages.

18. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spring force is provided by a spring, and the spring force is a nonlinear function of a displacement of the spring.

19. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass;

an electrical flange attached to the metallic vessel, the electrical flange coupled to an electrical cable;

a cable support apparatus supporting the electrical cable, the cable support apparatus comprising a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable and movable in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and

wherein movement of the cable engagement assembly in the first direction is against a spring force.

20. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the cable engagement assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

21. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the spring force is provided by at least one spring.

22. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the at least one spring is coupled to a support rod.

23. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the at least one spring comprises a plurality of springs coupled to a plurality of support rods.

24. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the support rod is slidably coupled to a support arm.

25. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the support arm is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

26. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a length of the support arm is variable along a longitudinal axis of the support arm.

27. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass;

a cable support apparatus supporting the electrical cable, the cable support apparatus comprising a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable and movable in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and rotatable about an axis of rotation; and

28. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

a metallic vessel configured to convey molten glass;

an electrical flange attached to the metallic vessel, the electrical flange coupled to an electrical cable; and

a cable support apparatus supporting the electrical cable, the cable support apparatus comprising a cable engagement assembly engaged with the electrical cable and movable in a first direction against a spring force and rotatable about an axis of rotation.