Orville L Tary

US Patent:

43392610, Jul 13, 1982

Filed:

Sep 8, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/185207

Inventors:

Ronald O. Walton - Toledo OH
Orville L. Tary - Toledo OH

Assignee:

Libbey-Owens-Ford Company - Toledo OH

International Classification:

C03B 5187

US Classification:

65178

Abstract:

A continuous tank-type glass melting furnace includes a melting zone into which raw materials are charged and reduced to a molten state. The molten glass then flows through a relatively narrow waist or conditioning area to refining and conditioning zones, and is then withdrawn as a continuous ribbon or sheet. Within the waist area there is provided a plurality of stirrers whose mixing and kneading action assist in homogenizing the glass as it flows through the restricted area. Each stirrer is connected to and driven by its own individual power unit so that the speed and direction of rotation of individual stirrers can be independently regulated and synchronized. Individual stirrers can also be removed and replaced with little or no interruption in operation of the remaining units.