Abstract: The present disclosure relates to non-metallic articles that can be burner shields having grease flow control and/or chemical resistance. The present disclosure also relates to glass-ceramic burner shields that can have grease flow control and/or chemical resistance, and preferably both.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to products and methods for modifying the reflection of a light source in a fireplace and other products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to non-metallic articles that can be burner shields having grease flow control and/or chemical resistance. The present disclosure also relates to glass-ceramic burner shields that can have grease flow control and/or chemical resistance, and preferably both.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to products and methods for modifying the reflection of a light source in a fireplace and other products.

Abstract: A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes a front section, a rear section, and a middle section securing the front and rear sections to one another with a gap therebetween. The front section has a strike face formed of an impact resistant layer and a polymer backing layer bonded to the impact resistant layer by an interlayer. The rear section has a forward face comprising at least one polymer layer. The front and middle sections can form an integral subassembly.

Abstract: A cooktop system with a glass or glass-ceramic cooktop system is provided. The cooktop system has a heating area that has a heating element thermally connected thereto and a limiter system so that the cooktop is suitable for a standard cooking operation at a first limit and suitable for a non-standard cooking operation at a second limit different from the first limit.

Abstract: A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes two transparent layers, a transparent interlayer, and an inorganic barrier layer. The two transparent layers each have an inner face and a side edge. The transparent interlayer is between and laminates the inner faces of the two transparent layers to one another. The transparent interlayer also extends over the side edges of the two transparent layers and laminates the inorganic barrier layer to at least the side edges of the two transparent layers.

Abstract: A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes a front section, a rear section, and a middle section securing the front and rear sections to one another with a gap therebetween. The front section has a strike face formed of an impact resistant layer and a polymer backing layer bonded to the impact resistant layer by an interlayer. The rear section has a forward face comprising at least one polymer layer. The front and middle sections can form an integral subassembly.

Abstract: A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes two transparent layers, a transparent interlayer, and an inorganic barrier layer. The two transparent layers each have an inner face and a side edge. The transparent interlayer is between and laminates the inner faces of the two transparent layers to one another. The transparent interlayer also extends over the side edges of the two transparent layers and laminates the inorganic barrier layer to at least the side edges of the two transparent layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a touch control assembly including a substrate for interfacing with a user and a touch keypad removably connected to the substrate. The touch keypad includes a sensor.

Abstract: A method for protecting a glass-ceramic surface by applying a layer of silicone to the surface is provided. The method involves utilizing an automated spray nozzle or roller device connected to a robotic arm which applies silicone to the glass-ceramic surface in areas prone to scratching. A cooktop including a glass-ceramic cooking surface with a protective layer of silicone applied thereto is also provided. The layer of silicone is provided on only on an underside portion of the cooktop, opposite a top portion designed to receive cooking implements. Further provided is a method for manufacturing the above described cooktop.

Abstract: A sealant having luminescent properties for use on various industrial and household products is provided. One luminescent sealant includes a sealant, such as RTV sealant, mixed with a thermoluminescent pigment. When applied to a surface, this thermoluminescent sealant emits light in response to a change in the surface's temperature. Preferably, a change in color of the sealant accompanies the emission of light to warn those who may come in contact with a hot surface on which the sealant is applied. Another luminescent sealant is provided mixed with a photoluminescent pigment to produce a photoluminescent effect. This photoluminescent sealant absorbs and emits light energy. The light produced by the sealant is useful to indicate the location of a product in a darkened environment, or to verify whether the sealant has been properly applied on the product.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing an appliance door and a method for forming the gasket on an appliance surface are provided. The gasket, formed of gasket material with magnetic properties, is attached to an appliance door shell. The gasket material uses the magnetic properties to releasably engage a mating door jamb when the door shell is in a closed position. Alternatively, the gasket includes a magnetic strip covered by formed-in-place gasket material. A method for forming the gasket in-place is also provided.

Abstract: A glass/metal laminate for an appliance or the like and a method of fabricating the same. The glass/metal laminate includes a glass sheet, a metal sheet, and an adhesive layer bonding the glass and metal sheets together, whereby the metal sheet is visible through the glass sheet. The laminate is preferably installed on the outer surface of a refrigerator, oven, or other appliance to provide a durable and visually appealing finish surface. The laminate may be fabricated in a batch process, using a sealed curing chamber under reduced pressure to remove entrained air bubbles from the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the laminate may be fabricated in a continuous process using a pair of counter-rotating rollers to remove air from the adhesive layer. A UV light source emits radiation which passes through the glass sheet to cure the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method of bonding a heating element onto the back of a glass or glass-ceramic material is provided. The heating element is bonded to the back of the glass or glass-ceramic material using a suitable adhesive material, such as an adhesive tape, RTV silicone, or a similar temperature resistant, chemically inert material. A burner unit formed from a glass or glass-ceramic material having a desired shape with the heating element connected to it with a heat resistant adhesive can be formed by this method. This allows greater freedom of design of burners to have any desired shape, as well as providing a strong, easily cleanable surface.