An assembly for pushing an electrode into a glass melting vessel can include a frame, a shaft, a pusher actuator, a contact mechanism, a master actuator, and a torque limiter. The contact mechanism can be attached to the shaft. The pusher actuator can be mounted to the frame and configured to cause translation of the shaft and the contact mechanism relative to the frame. The master actuator can be operatively connected to the pusher actuator such that operation of the master actuator causes operation of the pusher actuator. The torque limiter can be operatively connected between the master actuator and the pusher actuator, and can be configured to disengage when a rotational force on the master actuator exceeds a predetermined amount.

An assembly for pushing an electrode into a glass melting vessel can include a frame, a shaft, a pusher actuator, a contact mechanism, a master actuator, and a torque limiter. The contact mechanism can be attached to the shaft. The pusher actuator can be mounted to the frame and configured to cause translation of the shaft and the contact mechanism relative to the frame. The master actuator can be operatively connected to the pusher actuator such that operation of the master actuator causes operation of the pusher actuator. The torque limiter can be operatively connected between the master actuator and the pusher actuator, and can be configured to disengage when a rotational force on the master actuator exceeds a predetermined amount.

An assembly provides electrical current to molten glass in a glass melting tank. The assembly includes a structure having an electrode that is in contact with the molten glass, and a fluid-cooled connection apparatus. The fluid-cooled connection apparatus includes a first connection element electrically connected to a current source and a second connection element electrically connected to the current source, where the first and second connection elements are spaced apart from each other; and an electrical cross-connect strut having a first end secured to the first connection element and a second end secured to the second connection element. The assembly also includes a bus bar electrically connected to the fluid-cooled connection apparatus and to an electrode. The current source provides a current to the molten glass via the structure and the electrode for heating the molten glass through resistive heating.

Apparatuses for interfacing with an electrode provided with a melting furnace including a vessel and an electrode. In some embodiments, a support assembly (50) supports the electrode outside of the vessel, and includes a cart (102) or similar apparatus that permits or facilitates selective vertical movement of the electrode and selective transverse movement of the electrode. In some embodiments, a push assembly (52) interfaces with a rear face of the electrode outside of the vessel, and is operable to apply a pushing force onto the rear face. The push assembly can include one or more tracks (e.g., threaded screw) that supports a body between opposing arms of a fixed frame. The body can translate along the tracks to apply a pushing force onto the electrode.

A sealing system for isolating the environment inside a vitrification container from the outside environment comprises a vitrification container with a lid. The lid comprises two or more electrode seal assemblies through which two or more electrodes may be operatively positioned and extend down through the lid into the vitrification container. The electrodes may move axially up and down through the electrode seal assemblies or lock into place. The electrode seal assemblies each comprise a housing having two halves with recessed ring grooves. Sealing rings with a split may be placed into the grooves. Gas galleries may be machined or cast into the housing such that they are adjacent to the ring grooves. The gas galleries distribute gas onto the external faces of the sealing rings causing a change in pressure resulting in the sealing rings compressing onto the electrodes and forming a seal.

A sealing system for isolating the environment inside a vitrification container from the outside environment comprises a vitrification container with a lid. The lid comprises two or more electrode seal assemblies through which two or more electrodes may be operatively positioned and extend down through the lid into the vitrification container. The electrodes may move axially up and down through the electrode seal assemblies or lock into place. The electrode seal assemblies each comprise a housing having two halves with recessed ring grooves. Sealing rings with a split may be placed into the grooves. Gas galleries may be machined or cast into the housing such that they are adjacent to the ring grooves. The gas galleries distribute gas onto the external faces of the sealing rings causing a change in pressure resulting in the sealing rings compressing onto the electrodes and forming a seal.

A method for reconditioning a glass manufacturing system includes establishing a reducing atmosphere in a glass melting vessel and draining a glass melt composition from the melting vessel while the reducing atmosphere is in the vessel. The pressure of the reducing atmosphere is greater than the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the melting vessel and the reducing atmosphere is established by operating at least one combustion burner in the melting vessel in a fuel-rich condition.

A method for reconditioning a glass manufacturing system includes establishing a reducing atmosphere in a glass melting vessel and draining a glass melt composition from the melting vessel while the reducing atmosphere is in the vessel. The pressure of the reducing atmosphere is greater than the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the melting vessel and the reducing atmosphere is established by operating at least one combustion burner in the melting vessel in a fuel-rich condition.

Provided are: a glass substrate that achieves a high strain point while having a low devitrification temperature; and a method for producing said glass substrate. This glass substrate for a display is made of a glass comprising SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2O.sub.3, comprising 0% or more to less than 3% B.sub.2O.sub.3 and from 5 to 14% BaO in mass %, and substantially devoiding Sb.sub.2O.sub.3, wherein the devitrification temperature is 1235° C. or lower and the strain point is 720° C. or higher. Alternatively, this glass substrate for a display is made of a glass comprising SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2O.sub.3, comprising 0% or more to less than 3% B.sub.2O.sub.3, 1.8% or more MgO, and from 5 to 14% BaO in mass %, and substantially devoiding Sb.sub.2O.sub.3, wherein (SiO.sub.2+MgO+CaO)—(Al.sub.2O.sub.3+SrO+BaO) is less than 42%, the devitrification temperature is 1260° C. or lower, and the strain point is 720° C. or higher. This method for producing said glass substrate for a display comprises: a melting step for melting, by using at least direct electrical heating, a glass material prepared to have a predetermined composition; a forming step for forming, into a flat glass sheet, the molten glass that has been melted in the melting step; and an annealing step for annealing the flat glass sheet, wherein a condition for cooling the flat glass sheet is controlled so as to reduce the heat shrinkage rate of the flat glass sheet.

Provided are: a glass substrate that achieves a high strain point while having a low devitrification temperature; and a method for producing said glass substrate. This glass substrate for a display is made of a glass comprising SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2O.sub.3, comprising 0% or more to less than 3% B.sub.2O.sub.3 and from 5 to 14% BaO in mass %, and substantially devoiding Sb.sub.2O.sub.3, wherein the devitrification temperature is 1235° C. or lower and the strain point is 720° C. or higher. Alternatively, this glass substrate for a display is made of a glass comprising SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2O.sub.3, comprising 0% or more to less than 3% B.sub.2O.sub.3, 1.8% or more MgO, and from 5 to 14% BaO in mass %, and substantially devoiding Sb.sub.2O.sub.3, wherein (SiO.sub.2+MgO+CaO)—(Al.sub.2O.sub.3+SrO+BaO) is less than 42%, the devitrification temperature is 1260° C. or lower, and the strain point is 720° C. or higher. This method for producing said glass substrate for a display comprises: a melting step for melting, by using at least direct electrical heating, a glass material prepared to have a predetermined composition; a forming step for forming, into a flat glass sheet, the molten glass that has been melted in the melting step; and an annealing step for annealing the flat glass sheet, wherein a condition for cooling the flat glass sheet is controlled so as to reduce the heat shrinkage rate of the flat glass sheet.