REPOSITIONABLE HEATER ASSEMBLIES FOR GLASS PRODUCTION LINES AND METHODS OF MANAGING TEMPERATURE OF GLASS IN PRODUCTION LINES

摘要

Repositionable heater assemblies and methods of controlling temperature of glass in production lines using the repositionable heater assemblies are disclosed. The repositionable heater assembly includes a support frame, a first sled and a second sled each coupled to the support frame with bearing members that allow the first sled and the second sled to translate in a longitudinal direction. Each of the first sled and the second sled include at least one heating element, where the heating elements are spaced apart from the glass ribbon a spacing distance. The first and second sleds are movable in the longitudinal direction to controlling the spacing distance between the heating elements of the first sled and the second sled and the glass ribbon to manage temperature of the glass ribbon.

主权项

1. A repositionable heater assembly for heating a glass ribbon comprising:
a support frame; a first sled and a second sled each coupled to the support frame with bearing members that allow the first sled and the second sled to translate in a longitudinal direction, each of the first sled and the second sled comprising at least one heating element coupled to attachment surfaces, the heating elements spaced apart from the glass ribbon a spacing distance; a first actuator coupled to the first sled and the support frame; and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator controlling the spacing distance between the heating elements of the first sled and the glass ribbon.