Abstract: A coating apparatus including a coating part which has a nozzle which ejects a liquid material including an oxidizable metal from a tip portion, and a relative driving unit which moves a substrate and the nozzle in relation to each other so that the tip portion passes through the substrate, such that at least the tip portion of the nozzle provides an affinity control part which is formed so that affinity between the affinity control part and the liquid material is less than that between the liquid materials.

Abstract: Submerged combustion systems and methods of use to produce foamed glass. One system includes a submerged combustion melter having an outlet, the melter configured to produce an initial foamy molten glass having a density and comprising bubbles filled primarily with combustion product gases. The initial foamy molten glass is deposited directly onto or into a transport apparatus that transports the initial foamy molten glass to a downstream processing apparatus. An intermediate stage may be included between the melter and the transport apparatus. One intermediate stage is a channel that includes gas injectors. Another intermediate stage is a channel that produces an upper flow of a less dense glass and a relatively more dense glass lower flow. The upper flow may be processed into foamed glass products, while the more dense flow may be processed into dense glass products.

Abstract: Submerged combustion systems and methods of use to produce foamed glass. One system includes a submerged combustion melter having an outlet, the melter configured to produce an initial foamy molten glass having a density and comprising bubbles filled primarily with combustion product gases. The initial foamy molten glass is deposited directly onto or into a transport apparatus that transports the initial foamy molten glass to a downstream processing apparatus. An intermediate stage may be included between the melter and the transport apparatus. One intermediate stage is a channel that includes gas injectors. Another intermediate stage is a channel that produces an upper flow of a less dense glass and a relatively more dense glass lower flow. The upper flow may be processed into foamed glass products, while the more dense flow may be processed into dense glass products.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for compensating the varying weight of a glass ribbon the glass ribbon is drawn from a molten glass forming material, and an apparatus therefore. The weight compensating apparatus is configured to apply a force to the glass ribbon that is inversely proportional to the weight of the glass ribbon such that as the glass ribbon weight increases, the force applied to the glass ribbon by the weight compensating device decreases.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for use in conveying molten glass from a first vessel to a second vessel, wherein at least a portion of the first vessel is nested within the second vessel without contact between the first and second vessels, and a flexible member comprising a gas-tight seal separates an atmosphere enclosed by the sealing apparatus and an ambient atmosphere. The sealing apparatus is useful for flexibly sealing a non-contact joint between conduits for supplying molten glass to a forming body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the extension of a furnace campaign and/or the reduction of energy input during melting by the shape of exchangeable component assemblies surrounding the melt which are located in the area of the melt surface and which are in contact with the transition area, below as well as above of the melt surface. The same holds for the haulage way of the melt.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for use in conveying molten glass from a first vessel to a second vessel, wherein at least a portion of the first vessel is nested within the second vessel without contact between the first and second vessels, and a flexible member comprising a gas-tight seal separates an atmosphere enclosed by the sealing apparatus and an ambient atmosphere. The sealing apparatus is useful for flexibly sealing a non-contact joint between conduits for supplying molten glass to a forming body.

Abstract: A molten glass delivery system is modified to match it with the overflow downdraw process. A substantial number of defects not removed by the finer are diverted to the unusable inlet and distal edges of the sheet. In one embodiment, the stirring device is relocated from the outlet to the inlet of the finer. In another embodiment, the basic shape of the finer is preferably changed from a cylindrical shape to a Double Apex (or Gull Wing) shaped cross-section, whereby the apexes of the finer contain the glass that will form the unusable inlet end of the glass sheet. The finer vent or vents are preferably located at these apexes such that any homogeneity defects caused by the vents are diverted to the unusable inlet end of the glass sheet. The finer cross-section has a high aspect ratio for increased fining efficiency as compared to a cylindrical finer.

Abstract: Delivery apparatus include an electrical circuit configured to heat a linear conduit and an elbow conduit. A first electrode can be mounted to an upstream portion of the linear conduit, a second electrode can be mounted downstream of the upstream portion, and a third electrode can be mounted to a curved segment of the elbow conduit within a footprint extension of a first passage of the linear conduit. In further examples, a delivery apparatus includes an electrical circuit with a first electrode mounted to an upstream portion of a linear conduit, a second electrode mounted to a downstream portion of the linear conduit, and a third electrode mounted to an elbow conduit. In still further examples, methods of heating molten glass include application of an electrical current such that neither a current flux through a linear conduit nor a current flux through an elbow conduit exceeds 8 amps/mm2.

Abstract: A supplying tube for a molten glass, which is placed in a downstream end portion of a supplying passage directing the molten glass flowing out of a melting furnace to a forming vessel in a forming furnace, has a small diameter tube portion which has a small flow passage area and is provided at an upstream side, and a large diameter tube portion which is provided at a downstream side of the small diameter tube portion and has a large flow passage area. An expanded diameter tube portion of which flow passage area gradually expands toward the downstream side is interposed between the small diameter tube portion and the large diameter tube portion. The small diameter tube portion, the expanded diameter tube portion, and the large diameter tube portion may be integrally and continuously connected to one another.

Abstract: A molten glass dropping nozzle including: a molten glass flow path therein for flowing molten glass; and a plurality of openings of the flow path, the plurality of openings being provided on a front end of the molten glass dropping nozzle, wherein the molten glass flowing out of the plurality of openings is stored in the front end and falls as one molten glass drop.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing molten glass, an apparatus for producing glass products and a process for producing glass products, which achieve production of various types of glass products of small lot with high energy efficiency in a short time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and to a method for the continuous fining or homogenizing of inorganic matter, preferably low-viscosity glass melts in an apparatus. The device and method are distinguished in that the inclusion of bubbles and the occurrence of striations in the glass end product are significantly reduced or even entirely avoided when the melt contact surface of the apparatus has iridium or a high-iridium alloy as its material.

Abstract: A forehearth (5) for containing a volume of molten material and a direct smelting vessel (3) that includes the forehearth are disclosed. The forehearth includes a forehearth connection (15) for connecting the foreheath with a smelting chamber (4) of a smelting vessel (8) so that molten material can flow from the smelting chamber into the forehearth. The forehearth connection is formed so that there is an unrestricted line of sight through the forehearth connection from a location that is external to the forehearth. This makes it possible to unblock the forehearth connection by a mechanical drill or other equipment extending into the forehearth connection and operated externally of the forehearth.

Abstract: An apparatus for preheating a batch (12) of glass cullet which is preferably enriched with raw materials for glass production, comprising a bunker (14) preferably having flow ducts for the passage of warm (off)gas. To discharge the preheated batch of glass cullet from the bunker, the apparatus has one or more discharge worms (26), by way of which the batch of glass cullet can be conveyed to at least one outflow opening (28) in the base region of the bunker (14).

Abstract: Apparatus to eject on demand discrete hollow microsphere droplets that are characterized by a highly regular and predictable spherical shape, devoid of tails or other irregularities common in the prior art with a selected pure gas contained in the center. With this method and apparatus, droplets may be formed of any suitable material including glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal. A variety of gases at various pressures including complete vacuums may be contained in the hollow microsphere. Microspheres filled with ionizable gas may be used as pixels in a plasma display panel. Microspheres used as a pixel elements may be referred to as Plasma-spheres. The inside of each Plasma-sphere may contain a luminescent material such as a phosphor and/or a secondary electron emission material such as magnesium oxide or a rare earth oxide introduced during the gas filling of the microsphere.

Abstract: A method of delivering molten material from a delivering pipe having an outlet end to a receiving vessel having an inlet end is provided. The method includes arranging the delivering pipe and the receiving vessel in such a way that a gap exists between the outlet end of the delivering pipe and the inlet end of the receiving vessel and the molten material can exit the outlet end of the delivering pipe and enter the inlet end of the receiving vessel without spilling over the inlet end of the receiving vessel. Molten material is delivered to the delivering pipe and allowed to flow from the delivering pipe into the receiving vessel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved methods and apparatus for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for forming glass sheets. Methods and systems are provided that comprise a refractory body configured to receive glass-based material and means for transmitting energy to selectively heat at least a portion of the refractory body through the glass-based material. In one aspect, the energy transmitted is of a selected frequency that is not fully absorbed by the glass-based material and is at least partially absorbed by the refractory body. The energy can be transmitted by a laser beam array, a scanning laser beam, a microwave generator, a radio frequency generator, or other means.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass melt including heating a glass feed material in a first melting furnace to form a glass melt, flowing the glass melt into a second melting furnace through a refractory metal connecting tube, and further heating the glass melt in the second melting furnace. The refractory metal connecting tube is heated to prevent the molten glass from excessive cooling, and to ensure that the glass melt entering the second melting furnace is equal to or greater than the temperature of the glass melt in the second melting furnace. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and products relate to display glass from curved glass ribbons, to improve shape stability in glass ribbons, to creation of reduced stress glass ribbons, and to creation of improved shape stability and reduced stress of display glass, which may include forming slightly a curved glass ribbon in a fusion draw machine (FDM). One or more embodiments may include an isopipe having a desired curvature; an isopipe having a desired incline; an offset draw device operable to draw the glass ribbon in an inclined ribbon draw direction; one or more air jets or vacuum operable to apply air pressure to a first side of the glass ribbon, thereby creating a pressure differential on the first side; and/or one or more electrostatic force generators operable to apply electrostatic force to a first side of the glass ribbon, thereby generating an electric field differential across the glass ribbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for forming sheet glass, wherein the apparatus includes a reservoir from which to provide molten glass, an inlet plate in fluid communication with the reservoir to receive the molten glass from the reservoir in a flow direction, the inlet pipe having a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the fluid direction, and a trough in fluid communication with the inlet pipe to receive the molten glass and that is operably coupled to a wedge-shaped sheet forming structure to form the molten glass into a glass sheet. The improvement comprises a bowl that provides fluid communication between the inlet pipe and the trough, the bowl having a cross-sectional area orthogonal to a fluid direction at the molten through the bowl that is equal to or less than the cross-sectional area of the inlet pipe, thereby preventing stagnation of the molten glass within the bowl.

Abstract: A transparent substrate for a cover for a solar battery and a method for producing the same are presented. Hemispherical concave portions are formed in a surface of light entering side of a cover glass almost over the entire surface wherein the ratio d/D of the depth d of the central portion of each concave portion to the radius D of the opening of the concave portion is from 0.10 to 0.50 and the proportion of area occupied by a flat portion where no concave portion is formed in the surface of light entering side is not more than 40%.

Abstract: A cooled discharge unit of an apparatuses for processing homogeneous/heterogeneous radioactive wastes with ion-exchange resins. The cooled discharge unit has a discharge pipe, a cooling jacket having a U-shaped form in cross section, a collector for feeding a coolant into the jacket, a discharge gate having a pipe, on one end of which is a cone-shaped tip and on the other end of which is a lid with an aperture.

Abstract: The use of blocks (1, 2, 3, 4) based on sintered tin oxide for producing the throat of a glass furnace.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches design features that can be used alone or in combination to facilitate faster, more uniform flow of glass through the apparatus and allows the thickness of the sheet to be adjusted. An overflow device is provided at the far end of the trough and is used in conjunction with tilting of the apparatus to expand the range of glass flow rate and glass viscosity for which this invention will produce satisfactory product. The forming apparatus can be made with non-linear weirs and the trough bottom to provide a greater range of flow rates. The glass flow in the inflow pipe can modulated or a contoured trough cross-section used to provide more uniform time dependent flow for forming the sheet. The forming apparatus can include an orifice on top of the trough and glass can be moved through the apparatus using pressure. Additional orifices can be provided on the bottom or sides to allow greater variability in sheet thickness.

Abstract: Method of patterning or forming color gradients and/or designs on a glass surface are disclosed. Patterns are formed by depositing a film of metal on at least one surface of the glass; forming a layer of photoresist over the metal; exposing the article to light through a mask which contains a desired pattern; developing the piece to remove the exposed photoresist to reveal the underlying metal; removing the underlying metal to reveal the underlying glass; and removing the unexposed photoresist to reveal the underlying metal. To form color gradients or color patterns, the glass article is further treated in hydrogen at a temperature in the range of 300-600.degree. C. to effect the desired surface coloration.

Abstract: Method of making polarizing glass having integral polarizing and non-polarizing regions disclosed. The method involves applying a protective glass/frit material capable of blocking reducing gas to the surface of the glass to form a desired pattern, exposing the glass to a reducing gas atmosphere to render unprotected glass polarizing, and removing the protective glass/frit material to reveal underlying non-polarizing regions.

Abstract: Method of making polarizing glass having integral polarizing and non-polarizing regions is disclosed. The method involves applying a protective glass/frit material capable of blocking reducing gas to the surface of the glass to form a desired pattern, exposing the glass to a reducing gas atmosphere to render unprotected glass polarizing, and removing the protective glass/frit material to reveal underlying non-polarizing regions.

Abstract: A method of forming an article having a cermet layer on a porcelain substrate, via the steps of (a) providing a substrate made a porcelain comprising one or more crystalline oxide phases dispersed in a glassy matrix, the glassy matrix containing 0.25 to 45.0 weight % of a reducible metal oxide having a reduction potential of between -1.0 and +3.5 E.degree./V; and (b) heating the substrate in a reducing atmosphere to form on at least one surface of the substrate a layer of cermet comprising elemental metal which is a reduction product of the reducible metal oxide. The article may be used as a substrate for magnetic recording disks.

Abstract: A low-E sputter-coated layer system for automotive and architectural purposes of the basic Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 /NiCr/Ag/NiCr/Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 type improved by either an undercoat of TiO.sub.2 or the use of stainless steel in the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layers, or both. By selection of appropriate thicknesses the layer coatings may be rendered heat treatable. I.G. units are an advantage product in which the coatings may be employed.

Abstract: An electric open-top melter for use in the manufacture of mineral fibers, such as fiberglass, is provided with a side-discharge outlet. The side-discharge outlet allows the melter, conditioner/refiner, and forehearth to all be located on substantially the same level, thereby allowing molten glass to flow from the side of the melter, through the conditioning zone, and into the forehearth from which spinners produce glass fibers or the like. Isolation members are provided in the conditioning or refining area so as to enable molten glass therein to be isolated from the melter and forehearth when the molten glass level is lowered below the tops the isolation members.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a first orifice for receiving core glass from a first source. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by a chamber that communicates with the second orifice through a gap between the first and second orifices. A spout delivers casing glass from a second source through a tube to the chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream. Rate of glass flow through the second or casing glass source is measured and compared with one or more preset limits. Rate of casing glass flow from the second source to the chamber surrounding the orifices is adjusted when rate of flow through the second source departs from the preset limit. In this way, a desired ratio of casing glass to core glass is automatically maintained.

Abstract: A taphole assembly for a vessel containing a molten solid. The assembly is comprised of a tubular element formed of a refractory material. The tubular element has a continuous passage extending therethrough along a first axis. A socket block formed of a plurality of mating refractory components is provided to hold the tubular element. The socket block has a first convex cylindrical surface on one side thereof and a second convex cylindrical surface on an opposite side thereof. The first and the second cylindrical surfaces are defined about a second axis extending through the socket block. The socket block has an inner cavity dimensioned to receive and to capture the tubular element. A first rectangular saddle block has a first concave recess formed therein that is dimensioned to match and to receive the first convex surface on the socket block.

Abstract: A gob formation device and method for improved production of molten glass preforms for use in the precision glass molding of optical glass elements. The device is a dispensing tip which is attached to a stem extending from a working crucible containing a supply of molten glass. The dispensing tip includes a longitudinal bore through which the molten glass flows, and a downwardly projecting gob formation surface located at a distal end of tip. The downwardly projecting gob formation surface is preferably convex which aids in achieving greater uniformity of mass in the gob formation process as well as improving preform internal quality.

Abstract: A nozzle tip for a glass injection cartridge loaded with a rod-shaped glass material and having a heater for melting down the glass material into a molten state for injection into a mold, the nozzle tip containing:a) a nozzle body having a conical shape converging forwardly from a rear-end portion fitted on a fore-end portion of the glass injection cartridge, the nozzle body being formed of tungsten carbide and internally defining a molten glass passage extending axially throughout the nozzle body from the rear-end portion toward a converging fore-end portion to be connected to the mold; andb) a glass releasing layer coated substantially on the entire surface of the nozzle body including the molten glass passage,wherein the glass releasing layer is selected from the group consisting of HfN, BN, TiAlN, CrN, ZrN and TiN.

Abstract: A silica glass member shows a glassy carbon coating wherein a surface of a silica glass substrate of the silica glass member shows a mean surface roughness (R.sub.a) in a range of 0.03 .mu.m to 2 .mu.m and it is coated with a glassy carbon coating. The member is manufactured by chemically roughening the substrate to a surface roughness in the above recited range; coating the surface of the silica glass substrate with an organic raw material containing carbon, curing and thereafter carbonizing the film of the organic raw material by forming a glassy carbon coating.

Abstract: An optical lens element is produced by the following steps of:preparing a glass pre-form;forming a metal thin layer or a powder layer, said metal thin layer including gold, platinum, rhodium, nickel, or palladium; andpressing the glass pre-form with the metal thin layer against molding surfaces to form the optical lens element.

Abstract: A method of heat-treating a glass substrate where the substrate is thermally treated (such as the formation of films, growth of films, and oxidation) around or above its strain point. After thermally treating the substrate around or above its strain point the glass substrate may be slowly cooled at a rate of 0.01.degree. to 0.5.degree. C./min to achieve maximum shrinkage of the substrate. Following further thermal treatments the substrate may be quickly cooled at a rate of 10.degree. C./min to 300.degree. C./sec to suppress shrinkage of the glass substrate. The substrate can have films such as aluminum nitrate films, silicon oxide films, silicon films, insulating films, semiconductor films, etc. Film formation can occur either before or after thermal treatment of the substrate around or above its strain point and before further thermal treatments.

Abstract: A needle assembly (30) for controlling the flow of molten glass from a feeder bowl (76) through one or more orifices (84) in an orifice plate (86) beneath the feeder bowl. The needle assembly includes a vertical needle (32) for each orifice and each needle is precisely adjustable along its vertical axis by a stepper motor (34). The stepper motor for each needle is positioned remotely from the needle and drives the needle through a potentiometer (72) and a linkage mechanism (36). Each linkage mechanism includes a generally horizontally extending member (38), a vertically extending member (40), and a bevel gear drive (88) to permit the generally horizontally extending ember to drive the vertically extending member.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the production of a silver halide-containing glass article essentially free from silver halide crystals exhibiting a bright yellow coloration which strongly attenuates the transmission of ultraviolet radiation and radiation having a wavelength up to about 450 nm, said article having an integral reduced surface layer thereon, the depth of that layer being sufficient to effectively prevent the transmission therethrough of ultraviolet radiation and radiation having a wavelength up to about 450 nm.

Abstract: A high performance, durable sputter coated, heat-treatable glass which after heat-treatment exhibits about 76% or more visible transmittance, a hemispherical emissivity (E.sub.h) of about 0.16 or less, and a normal emissivity (E.sub.n) of about 0.12 or less is formed by sputter coating a layer system on a glass substrate which includes an undercoat and overcoat of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, a silver layer, and two nickel or nichrome layers on opposite sides of the silver layer, and wherein the lower nickel-based layer is about three times as thick as the other nickel based layer. The increased thickness of the lower nickel-based layer allows the coated glass article to be both heat-treatable, and "low-E" after the heat-treatment. This allows matching with other known glasses in the family of layer components by way of the heat-treatment process.

Abstract: Superior microwave transparent thermal insulations for high temperature microwave sintering operations were prepared. One embodiment of the thermal insulation comprises granules of boron nitride coated with a very thin layer of glassy carbon made by preparing a glassy carbon precursor and blending it with boron nitride powder to form a mixture. The blended mixture is granulated to form a grit which is dried and heated to form the granules of boron nitride coated with a glassy carbon. Alternatively, grains of glassy carbon are coated with boron nitride by blending a mixture of a slurry comprising boron nitride, boric acid binder, and methyl alcohol with glassy carbon grains to form a blended mixture. The blended mixture is dried to form grains of glassy carbon coated with boron nitride. In addition, a physical mixture of boron nitride powder and glassy carbon grains has also been shown to be an excellent thermal insulation material for microwave processing and sintering.

Abstract: A strand of glass is cut into gobs by a pair of opposing shearing blades driven by a crank drive in which eccentric pins from a crank disk are connected to a support disk of a crankshaft and a support disk on an auxiliary shaft, connecting rods being linked to the pins and operatively connected to the support arms of the blades.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a radiation-resistant optical fiber includes steps of a) heating a bare optical fiber to remove residual hydrogen gas present in the bare optical fiber and b) forming a coating layer consisting of a substance which does not allow permeation of hydrogen gas on the surface of the bare optical fiber from which the residual hydrogen gas has been removed.

Abstract: A glass vacuum flask coating method comprising a step to put a metal material in the gap between an inner flask and an outer flask before said inner and outer flasks being formed into a blank for a glass vacuum flask, after the process of exhausting and tipping-off said metal material being heated by a magnetic field generated from an inductance coil into a metal vapor inside said gap, permitting said metal vapor to be adhered to the glass surface inside said gap, forming into a metal reflecting film thereon.

Abstract: A process for forming a high temperature oxidation resistant coating on a carbon-carbon composite is disclosed and claimed. The process comprises applying a cyclosiloxane monomer blend containing a filler such as silicon carbide to a carbon-carbon composite, polymerizing and pyrolyzing said blend to form a filled black glass protective coating on the carbon-carbon composite.

Abstract: Anti-veiling-glare glass input window for an optical device. The window has throughout a shallow surface layer over its peripheral surfaces radiation absorbent free-metal-induced color centers. A method for preparation of such a window, such is particularly suited to be used as an input window for an image intensifier, involves pre-shaping the window from clear glass and forming color centers in a shallow surface layer over at least the peripheral surfaces of the window. If the clear glass contains reduceable metal oxides the color centers are formed by subjecting at least the peripheral surfaces of the clear glass to a reducing atmosphere at a temperature high enough to cause the reducing atmospheres reducing component to diffuse into a shallow surface layer of the window and to reduce the metal oxides to free metal atoms.

Abstract: Anti-veiling-glare glass input window for an optical device. The window has throughout a shallow surface layer over its peripheral surfaces radiation absorbent free-metal-induced color centers. A method for preparation of such a window, which is particularly suited to be used as an input window for an image intensifier, involves preshaping the window from a clear glass and forming color centers in a shallow surface layer over at least the peripheral surfaces of the window. If the clear glass contains reduceable metal oxides the color centers are formed by subjecting at least the peripheral surfaces of the clear glass to a reducing atmosphere at a temperature high enough to cause the reducing atmospheres reducing component to diffuse into a shallow surface layer of the window and to reduce the metal oxides to free metal atoms.

Abstract: High-hardness silica glass having transparency substantially on the same level as silica glass and a Vickers hardness of 12-20 GPa is produced by covering silica glass with powder and treating the silica glass at a temperature of 1400.degree.-2500.degree. C. and a pressure of 10-300 MPa in an atmosphere of an inert gas or a nitrogen gas.