Abstract: According to embodiments, a method of making a coated pharmaceutical container, may include: forming a glass tube; forming the glass tube into a pharmaceutical container comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface; and applying a coating to the exterior surface. The coating has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.7 relative to a second pharmaceutical container when tested in a vial-on-vial testing jig under a normal load of 30 N. The coated pharmaceutical container may be thermally stable after depyrogenation at a temperature of at least 260° C. for 30 minutes in air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method for the production of hollow quartz-glass ingots and an apparatus for said method, whereby the hollow quartz-glass ingots are cooled on the internal surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and printing hollow bodies from amorphous materials to form three-dimensional objects are provided. Apparatus provide a hollow body forming and printing machine, and methods for determining a desired amount of impact deformation for the hollow spheres, including calculating specific characteristics of the hollow spheres and the amorphous material, deriving a target viscosity range, adjusting the apparatus to satisfy the target viscosity range, and using the apparatus to form a plurality of hollow spheres with controlled deformation.

Abstract: A method for forming a continuous glass sheet from a tube of glass includes expanding and thinning the tube of glass by drawing the tube of glass over susceptor bearing comprising a porous sidewall defining an internal chamber. The diameter of the susceptor bearing may increase between a top portion and a bottom portion. The tube of glass may be maintained at a temperature above a softening point of the glass as the tube of glass is drawn over the susceptor bearing. The tube of glass is suspended over the susceptor bearing by blowing the tube of glass away from the susceptor bearing in a radial direction with a pressurized fluid supplied to the internal chamber and emitted from the porous sidewall as the tube of glass is drawn over the susceptor bearing. Thereafter, the tube of glass is cooled and sectioned to form a continuous glass sheet.

Abstract: Borosilicate glasses, preferably for use in the pharmaceutical sector, are provided. The borosilicate glasses are outstandingly suitable for the use as pharmaceutical primary packaging, such as phials or ampoules, since the aqueous or water-containing medicaments kept in the containers do not attack the glass significantly, and so the glass releases no, or only few, ions. The borosilicate glasses have the following composition in % by weight or consist thereof: SiO2 71-77; B2O3 9-12; Al2O3 5.5-8; Na2O 6-8; K2O 0.1-0.9; Li2O 0-0.3; CaO 0-1.5; BaO 0-1; F 0-0.3; Cl- 0-0.3; and MgO + CaO + BaO + SrO 0-2.

Abstract: The method produces glass tubes having a predetermined inner profile according to a Vello-method or Down-Draw method, wherein molten glass emerges from an outlet orifice of a melt feed and is drawn over a shaping body to form a hollow drawing bulb, and the drawing bulb is drawn over a profile forming body downstream of the shaping body to form the predetermined inner profile. To enable a reliable, risk-free positioning of the profile forming body within the drawing bulb, the profile forming body is axially moved either from below the shaping body via an inner space of the glass tube or via an inner bore of a shaft supporting the shaping body until reaching an operational position in the inner space of the glass tube. An apparatus for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: In a known method for drawing a tubular quartz glass strand, SiO2-containing starting material is fed to a melting crucible, softened therein into a viscous quartz glass mass (27), and said mass is pulled vertically downward as a cylindrical quartz glass strand (5; 33) through a die (4; 34) provided in the bottom region of the melting crucible (1), said die having a gap-shaped outlet (25; 36), which is defined by a bottom opening and a die inside part, and thereafter the quartz glass cylinder is cut to length.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for making an enclosure having a three-dimensionally shaped glass wall portion comprising an initial step of shaping a glass charge into a preform having a preform cross-section corresponding in shape to a smaller cross-sectional shape for the three-dimensional glass wall portion. At least a surface portion of the preform is then finished if necessary to remove any visible optical surface defects therefrom and/or to meet geometric tolerances, and the preform is drawn along an elongation axis perpendicular to the preform cross-section to reduce or draw down the preform in size to the smaller cross-sectional shape for the three dimensional glass wall portion. The smaller cross-sectional shape or sections thereof are then tempered to provide a strengthened glass wall portion having a compressively stressed surface layer thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing glass tubes having a predetermined inner profile according to a Vello-method or Down-Draw-method, wherein molten glass 6 emerges from an outlet orifice 12 of a melt feed 2 and is drawn over a shaping body 3 so as to form a hollow drawing bulb 50, and the drawing bulb 50 is drawn over a profile forming body 4 positioned downstream of the shaping body 3 to form the predetermined inner profile. In order to enable a reliable and riskless positioning of the profile forming body 4 in an operational position within the drawing bulb 50, according to the invention the profile forming body 4 is moved in axial direction either from below the shaping body 3 via the inner space of the glass tube 5; 5? or via an inner bore 31 of a shaft 30 supporting said shaping body until reaching an operational position in the inner space of said glass tube 5; 5?.

Abstract: In the process a glass tube line is drawn from a glass tube production plant and the glass tube is severed from the glass tube line. At the same time the still heated glass tube is subjected to a selective local heat treatment of the at least one tube end section prior to cooling down completely in order to reduce the stresses in the respective tube end section. Not the entire glass tube but instead only the respective tube end section is subjected to the selective local heat treatment. The heat treatment is performed in particular in such a manner that the mechanical tensile stress in the region between 7 mm and 20 mm from the tube end or ends is reduced to below 6.0 MPa, more preferably to below 4.5 MPa.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a flow of a viscous material, such as a molten glass or glass ceramic material in a tube or rod forming process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stabilization member through which the molten glass is passed after leaving the nozzle of a forming vessel. The stabilization member is positioned a finite distance below the nozzle. The column of viscous material is supported by a wall of the stabilization member, or by a gaseous film disposed between the column and the stabilization member. A method of stabilizing the flow of viscous material after it leaves the nozzle during a drawing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a flow of a viscous material, such as a molten glass or glass ceramic material in a tube or rod forming process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stabilization member through which the molten glass is passed after leaving the nozzle of a forming vessel. The stabilization member is positioned a finite distance below the nozzle. The column of viscous material is supported by a wall of the stabilization member, or by a gaseous film disposed between the column and the stabilization member. A method of stabilizing the flow of viscous material after it leaves the nozzle during a drawing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for making high precision glass forms (110). A glass rod (1) is pushed into a melting tube (47) and the glass form is pulled from the chamber. Preferably, both the push rate and the pull rate are controlled. Fiber optic glass ferrules and other components manufactured by the use of this invention have precision dimensions that fall well within the tight dimensional tolerances required for ferrules and others.

Abstract: In the method molten glass emerges from an outlet opening of a melt feed. The molten glass is drawn over a shaping body so as to form a hollow drawing bulb. According to the invention, the drawing bulb is drawn over a profile forming body positioned downstream of the shaping body so that inner circumferential surfaces of the drawing bulb are deformed while abutting against outer surfaces of the profile forming body to form the predetermined inner profile. The distance between the shaping body and the profile forming body can be changed to vary the wall thickness of the glass tube.

Abstract: A silica deposition tube is fused in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere and optionally baked in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere to substantially reduce the hydrogen content in the tube for decreased fiber attenuation. Alternatively, raw silica material is pre-treated in D2 gas followed by fusing of the raw silica tube in a D2 gas environment.

Abstract: The sleeve-type glass melt agitator has a rotatable cylindrical sleeve provided with outwardly protruding vane elements and through-going openings in its outer cylindrical surface to stir the glass melt when the sleeve is rotated. The sleeve type agitator is arranged vertically in a glass melt feed channel in a glass melt feed system for making glass tubes or pipes according to the Vello or down-drawn process. During formation of glass tubes or pipes from the glass melt the sleeve-type agitator is rotated as the glass melt flows downward to prevent formation of schlieren in the glass melt, which causes glass material losses.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of making halogen lamps and halogen lamp bulbs, as well as other analogous lamps and objects. The present invention also relates to apparatus used in a method of making halogen lamps and halogen lamp bulbs, as well as other analogous lamps and objects. The method minimizes contamination in the body of the glass and minimizes reaction of lamp halogen with the interior of a halogen lamp.

Abstract: A silica deposition tube is fused in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere and optionally baked in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere to substantially reduce the hydrogen content in the tube for decreased fiber attenuation. Alternatively, raw silica material is pre-treated in D2 gas followed by fusing of the raw silica tube in a D2 gas environment.

Abstract: In order to avoid deposition of evaporating alkali compounds on an inner surface of a hollow glass body during thermal processing to form a glass container from the hollow glass body, an overpressure is provided in the hollow glass body during the thermal processing. Either rinsing the hollow glass body with a gas, such as air, or at least partially closing the glass body at one end so that sufficiently rapid pressure equilibration is avoided, can provide this overpressure. The glass containers made by these methods are especially suited for food or pharmaceuticals because they have a reduced alkali release from their inner surfaces, for example at most about 2.0 mg/l sodium oxide.

Abstract: A silica deposition tube is fused in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere and optionally baked in a deuterium (D2) gas atmosphere to substantially reduce the hydrogen content in the tube for decreased fiber attenuation. Alternatively, raw silica material is pre-treated in D2 gas followed by fusing of the raw silica tube in a D2 gas environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of internally-hardened glass tubes, in which in a tube-drawing process for the production of glass tubes that is known in the art, a coated drawing tool, for example in the process according to Danner a coated mandrel or in the process according to Vello or in A-drawing process a coated needle, is used, whose coating releases coating material upon contact with the inside surface of the tube that is produced and accumulates on the inside glass surface. The chemical resistance is increased by this internal hardening. The invention also relates to devices for implementing this process and uses of the tubes that are produced according to these processes.

Abstract: The sleeve-type glass melt agitator has a rotatable cylindrical sleeve provided with openings or small loops in its outer surface. The sleeve type agitator is arranged vertically in a glass melt feed channel in a glass melt feed system for making glass tubes or pipes according to the Vello or down-drawn process. During formation of glass tubes or pipes from the glass melt the sleeve-type agitator is rotated as the glass melt flows downward to prevent formation of schlieren in the glass melt, which causes glass material losses.

Abstract: Silica grain of desired properties and size is created in a vacuum chamber. Fine silica powder is injected in the chamber or silica powder is formed in situ by combusting precursors. A plasma is formed centrally in the chamber to soften the silica powders so that they stick together and form larger grains of desired size. The grains are collected, doped, fused and flowed into tubes or rods. A puller pulls the tube or rod through a chamber seal into a lower connected vacuum chamber. The tube or rod is converted to rods and fibers or plates and bars in the connected chamber. Fused silica in a crucible tray is subjected to ultrasound or other oscillations for outgassing. Gases are removed by closely positioned vacuum ports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for forming glass articles containing enclosed channels. The method comprises the following steps: a) delivering and depositing a first length of a molten glass ribbon (18) to a surface of a mold (20) having a mold cavity (22) possessing at least one channel-forming groove (22) and a peripheral surface, wherein the first length (18) overlies the mold cavity (22) and the peripheral surface; b) allowing the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18) to substantially conform to the contour of the mold cavity (22) resulting in the formation of at least one channel in the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18); c) delivering and depositing a second length of the molten glass ribbon (26) to the exposed surface of the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18).

Abstract: A partition member having partition walls arranged in a lattice is disposed in the vicinity of an upper surface of a molten metal mass. The upper surface is divided by the partition walls into a multiplicity of segmental surfaces. A forming starter member is brought into contact with the partition member so that the molten material adheres to a starter surface of the forming starter member, and is then separated from the partition member. The molten metal is drawn from each of the segmental surfaces, and the drawn metal is solidified to form a piece which has a cross sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the starter surface. With the use of forming starter members having respective starter surfaces which are different in shape from each other, it is possible to form pieces having various cross sectional shapes which correspond to the shapes of the starter surfaces.

Abstract: A multichannel capillary column having an interior wall defining a single internal bore, wherein the interior wall defines a plurality of n channels and n ridges, wherein adjacent channels are partially separated by a respectively interposed ridge, and wherein a central, coaxial portion of the internal bore allows cross-channel fluid communication between all of the n channels.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for extruding glass tubing (12) which comprises a furnace (14). A component (16) within the furnace (14) is for holding molten glass (18). A duplex mandrel (20) on one end of the furnace (14) is connected into the holding component (16). A facility (22) is for forcing the molten glass (18) in the holding component (16) out through the duplex mandrel (20), so as to form the glass tubing (12) having an upper support segment (24) and a lower structural segment (26). An assembly (28) is for quick cooling the upper support segment (24) of the glass tubing (12) upon exiting the duplex mandrel (20), so that the lower structural segment (26) will maintain its desired shape while slow cooling.

Abstract: A runway for conveying glass tubing, as the tubing is drawn from a source of molten glass, embodies support assemblies having rotating sleeves mounted on guide shafts to contact the tubing. A circulating humid atmosphere is maintained in an enclosure during an initial potion of the tube draw to reduce frictive damage to the tubing.

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UV-C and UV-B bands, which is particularly dangerous, is absorbed and filtered by quartz glass doped with between 0.065% and 3.25%, and preferably between 0.065% and 1.3%, by weight, of cerium metal, or cerium as such. Preferably, the cerium is added to quartz sand and/or rock crystal, in form of a fine-grained powder of up to 20 .mu.m grain size, in form of cerium aluminate (CeAlO.sub.3), present in up to about 5% by weight, and preferably up to about 2%, by weight, and melted together in a single step. The quartz glass so obtained is particularly suitable for a metal halide discharge lamp, e.g. as an outer envelope (1), or as the discharge vessel (27) itself, or for halogen incandescent lamps, to form the quartz-glass light bulb or an envelope therefor. A small quantity of titanium oxide, up to about 0.05%, may be added as a further doping agent to the melt to further improve the UV absorption in the B and C bands.

Abstract: A method for producing an elongated composite glass body by melting at least two starting materials of different material compositions, feeding the starting materials to a drawing die disposed at the bottom of an externally heated melting crucible, and continuously drawing the melts vertically out of the drawing die to form a composite body laminated transverse to the drawing direction. To provide an interface free from impurities between the starting materials in the composite body and to enable the path of the interface to be freely shaped, the starting materials are fed in particle form continuously to a single melting crucible and heaped therein to form a preformed body in which one starting material lies directly next to the other starting material forming an interface line therebetween that extends substantially vertically and parallel to the drawing direction.

Abstract: In the manufacture of tube glass, in which following the drawing of a tube from molten glass the inside surface of the tube is treated with a chemically reactive gas or gas mixture, a gas or gas mixture which is not reactive at the drawing temperature of the glass is dispensed into the tube in the direction of drawing. At a location in the tube where the tube has cooled down so far that the diameter is constant, the gas or gas mixture is made to react by means of a plasma which is generated in the tube.

Abstract: A softened section of length of a glass tube is expanded in a dimensionally accurate mold until it has assumed the dimensions of the mold, the mold being made of a material of lower thermal expansion than that of the glass, so that, after cooling, the calibrated section of tube can be released from the mold without any problems. A block of a .alpha.-o glass ceramic with a calibrated mold bore is preferably employed as the mold. It is possible for the first time to avoid a material-removing machining step, which causes damage to the glass surface, yet to be able to produce sections of the tube with a calibrated outside diameter of a dimensional accuracy which could previously be attained only by cylindrical grinding.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of hollow glass fibers using a novel tip design. It is believed that the success of the instant invention is due to the injection of pressurized gas to create a central lumen at distances farther removed from the terminus of the tip than taught possible by the prior art. This results in a more stable process and the production of hollow fibers having more uniform wall concentricity.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of a tube or rod of vitreous fused silica. Silicon dioxide in particle form is heated in a crucible to the softening temperature and is withdrawn contiuously downward from a bottom outlet opening in which a shaping tool is disposed. In the annular space between the shaping tool and the bottom outlet opening the softened silicon dioxide is subjected to an electrical field. In the closed crucible, a hydrogen-containing atmosphere with a hydrogen content of at least 80% is sustained above the silicon dioxide and in the space underneath the crucible that adjoins the shaping region.

Abstract: A feeder for the production of hollow glass filaments is comprised of tip assemblies wherein a tube positioned in the stream defining member is in communication with the gas in the fiber forming region immediately below the dischrge wall to form a gas filled void in the stream and filament.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hollow glass fibers is described in which the glass from a bushing tip and the gas used to provide a lumen in fibers as they are drawn from the tip are fed from passages in the tip sized to provide desired inside to outside diameter in the fibers drawn at the tip. This ratio is established inside of the tip by sizing the gas column having the tip and the glass column leaving the tip such that the ratio of the gas column to glass column is substantially the same ratio desired in the hollow fiber being drawn. Apparatus used to produce this ratio is also shown.

Abstract: A fiber glass bushing is described which produces hollow glass fibers from a multiplicity of tips having air tubes centered inside of them. Modules for providing a common header for rows of tubes centered in rows of tips on the bushing bottom are shown along with means to maintain the tubes centered during the running of the bushing.

Abstract: A method of making fluorescent lamps having increased brightness and improved maintenance by changing the surface chemistry of the inside surface of the glass tubing while the tubing is being manufactured. While the glass tubing is being drawn from a melt through a bag stage, a predetermined mixture of an organo-fluoride gas and an oxidizing gas is dispensed into the glass bag. The gas mixture is continuously combusted to produce an amount of fluoride gas sufficient to react with alkali ions and alkaline earth ions on the inner surface of the hot glass at the bag stage to form alkali and alkaline earth compounds which are exhausted out through the tubing. Preferably, the organo-fluoride gas is 1,1 difluoroethane.

Abstract: A bushing support system for anchoring hollow fiber forming tips in a fiber glass bushing is described. The truss like support for the air tubes and bushing tips insure minimal movement of the tips during bushing operation and that any movement is accompanied by corresponding movement of their tubes to thereby maintain the initially established concentricity of tube wall to tip wall when the tubes are positioned in the interior of the tips.

Abstract: A method of treating flat glass to reduce its vulnerability to scratching, e.g. during storage and/or transit, wherein a transparent film of a cationic surface active agent is adsorbed on the glass by applying an aqueous solution of the surface active agent to the glass on the production line and drying the glass. The solution may be applied to the glass after is has been washed, near the end of the production line, using for example an anionic surface active agent as detergent. Alternatively, a solution containing both a cationic surface active agent and an nonionic surface active agent as detergent may be applied to the glass to wash it, followed by rinsing with water and drying.

Abstract: An improved method for melting silica material in a crucible and drawing off a fused silica tube therefrom having reduced air lines or striations. Bubble formation in the silica melt in the crucible is considerably reduced by supplying the exterior of the crucible with an atmosphere of hydrogen in a carrier gas of argon or certain other noble gases. The fused silica melt is discharged from the crucible around a hollow mandrel and a gas mixture of hydrogen in argon is fed within the hollow mandrel to the interior of the issuing silica tubing while the above atmosphere of hydrogen in argon is passed over the exterior of such silica tubing to form a silica tube product with markedly reduced striations.

Abstract: A fused silica glass tube (26) is extruded from a melt (21) in a chamber (11) pressurized with an inert gas. A shield is placed in close, spaced, relation to the melt (21) surface during the gas pressure extrusion process to substantially eliminate losses from the melt due to vaporization.

Abstract: A glass tube extrusion apparatus (50) is comprised of a chamber (52) having a crucible (72) therein mounted within and spaced from an inductive heating coil (77). As a glass tube (170) is extruded from an annular opening (74) in the bottom of the crucible (72) the tube is monitored for bending. When a bend starts to occur an X-Y motion apparatus (54) is activated to move the crucible (72) laterally within the coil (77) in a direction opposite to the bend to straighten the tube (170).

Abstract: The invention provides method and apparatus for supporting hot glass tubing drawn from a source of molten glass, on a cushion of air. A horizontally elongated chamber is disposed beneath the drawpath of the tubing and an elevated air pressure is maintained in the chamber. The top wall of the chamber defines a V notch in vertical cross section within which the tubing is disposed and one or more openings or slots traversing the vertex portion of the top wall provide an upward flow of air from the chamber to support the tubing being drawn. The dimensions of the openings are selected as a function of the range of diameter and weight of the glass tubing to be supported and the air pressure is selected as a function of the same variables. Air flow cooling of the top portions of the tubing may be provided to reduce bow.

Abstract: A transparent, electrically conductive film of tin oxide is formed on the inner surface of tubing or blown glassware by dispensing therein a solution containing tin chloride and hydrofluoric acid. The solution is dispensed while the glassware is being formed and while the glass is in a softened state.

Abstract: A continuous flow process is disclosed in which optical fibre is made by a method involving the chemical vapor deposition of material upon the bore of a tube. The tube is fabricated from an annular crucible around a vertical gas feed and is lowered through a hot zone where it is softened and drawn into fibre. The gas deposits one or more layers on the inside of the tube prior to drawing so as to provide the drawn fibre with optical waveguide properties.

Abstract: Thread-like capillary tubes are formed by spinning molten glass material through an annular orifice, blowing a gas centrally into the tube issuing from the orifice, drawing the gas filled tube away from the orifice and controlling the flow rate and pressure of the gas and the drawing rate to reduce the tubes to capillary size with a lumen, an external diameter, and a wall thickness of controlled dimensions.

Abstract: A flexible hollow glass tube of optical fiber dimensions provides a central light passage and serves as an optical transmission line characterized by substantially less absorption and distortion of signals superposed on transmitted light waves. A metal rod located within a preform evaporates as the preform is heated and drawn, providing a convenient method of reflectively coating the internal surface of small tubes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making composite glass tubing, and a molten glass feeding apparatus uniquely designed to carry out such method. The feeder apparatus comprises concentrically-arranged cylindrical containers, a blow tube located within the central container, and a plug member mounted on the base of the blow tube. The bottom portion of each cylindrical wall is downwardly and inwardly directed to provide restricted annular bottom openings. The bottom edges of the cylindrical walls and of the plug are positioned in such relation to each other that orifices are provided through which annular streams of molten glass may flow and contact adjacent streams in the fluid state, thereby forming composite glass tubing having at least three layers.

Abstract: A copper oxide containing seal glass is formed by a controlled low temperature process which reduces the formation of seeds in the glass. In one embodiment the glass is prepared in two portions with the first portion containing the high melting oxides and the second portion containing the low melting oxides. The copper oxide is added to the second portion and the two portions are combined to form the seal glass at temperatures below about 800.degree.C which reduces the formation of Cu.sub.2 O crystals in the glass.