Patent ID: 8375747
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
1. A method of making a glass article by a fusion downdraw process comprising: producing a molten glass in a conditioning section; conveying the molten glass from the conditioning section to a first conduit, said first conduit having an open distal end and a proximal end connected to the conditioning section; conveying the molten glass from the first conduit to a second conduit, said second conduit having an open distal end and a proximal end coupled to an inlet of a forming body, said forming body defining, a channel, and converging forming surfaces wherein at least a first portion of the first conduit extends within the second conduit without contacting the second conduit, there being a free surface of the molten glass exposed to a first atmosphere in a gap between the first and second conduits; wherein the first atmosphere is separated from an ambient atmosphere by a flexible metallic barrier, the flexible metallic barrier disposed about a second portion of the first conduit extending from the second conduit open distal end; a first sealing flange joined to the first conduit; a second sealing flange joined to the second conduit; and wherein the flexible metallic barrier, the first sealing flange and second sealing flange comprises a gas tight seal between the first and ambient atmospheres; and, flowing the molten glass from the second conduit to the forming body to produce a glass article.