Gas cushioned ice skate edge stretcher
AssigneePPG Industries, Inc.
InventorRonald L. Schwenninger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for edge control of glass in the forming chamber. The invention utilizes a blade that is cushioned by gas discharged from its lower edge. The gas cushioned blade does not directly contact the glass thereby minimizing cooling and wear problems common to such control devices.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing float glass comprising delivering molten glass at a controlled rate to a molten metal bath, forming an advancing layer of molten glass in ribbon form, controlling the location of a margin of the glass ribbon by means of an elongated blade extending in the direction of glass travel, wherein the glass is penetrated by a tapered, lower edge of the blade, and delivering pressurized gas through an open conduit to open port means extending through the blade to the vicinity of the lower extremity of the lower edge of the blade from which the pressurized gas is released at sufficient pressure to form a lubricating film of gas between the glass and substantially the entire penetrated portion of the blade, so that the glass slides freely under the blade.
Apparatus for forming glass comprising a tank structure holding a bath of molten metal for supporting a ribbon of molten glass as it is advanced on the surface of the molten metal, thickness control means comprising an elongated blade extending generally in the direction of glass travel and having a tapered, lower edge oriented so as to penetrate into a margin of the glass, the blade including an open gas supply conduit in communication with a source of pressurized gas, and port means extending from the gas supply chamber to substantially the lower extremity of the lower edge of the blade whereby a stream of gas is released closely adjacent to the lower extremity of the blade to form a lubricating layer between the glass and substantially the entire penetrated surface portion of the blade.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.