Patent ID: 7150165
Filing Date: 2006-12-19
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
1. A finer for removing bubbles from molten glass, comprising: walls that contain the molten glass in the finer, wherein the walls are constructed of a precious metal; a glass inlet for receiving molten glass; an outlet to allow molten glass to exit the finer for further processing; and a cross-sectional shape having a width to height ratio substantially greater than 1.00, wherein the cross-sectional shape is selected from the group consisting of a) an elliptical cross-section; b) a cross-section comprising a curved top, a curved bottom parallel to the curved top, and two curved sides, wherein the curved bottom and the curved top are the same length and are longer than the curved sides, wherein each of the curved sides are the same length and connects the curved top to the curved bottom at one end; and c) a horizontally oblong cross-section comprising a curved top and a curved bottom not parallel to the curved top, connected at each end by two curved sides, wherein any of the curved top, the curved bottom or the curved sides are comprised of curved and straight sections and may be shaped to be convex outward or convex inward; wherein the finer is operatively connected to a vent for eventually releasing the bubbles at a top of the finer to atmosphere.