Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Andrew C. Siminerio
  • Method and apparatus for supporting strand
    Patent number: 5052125
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supporting a strand. The strand is positioned between a pair of nozzles that are tilted towards each other such that an upwardly directed gas stream issuing from the first nozzle intersects an upwardly directed gas stream issuing from the second nozzle along a line which along with the strand, forms a generally vertical plane. The combined upwardly directed force from the gas streams lifts and supports the strand while the opposing lateral force from each gas stream on the strand tend to reduce and lateral movement and stabilize its relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Jensen
  • Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous fiber glass strand reinforcing mat
    Patent number: 5051122
    Abstract: The subject matter of this invention relates to a method and apparpatus for making mats of continuous glass fiber strands in which a heated calendering roll and continuous belt are used to compact the mat, expel excess noisture, melt, and/or cure resin previously distributed throughout the glass strand. The resin may be deposited in the mat in the form of a powdered resin or as continuous thread of material that is combined with the remaining strands that form the mat as the glass strands are projected onto the surface of a moving conveyor to form the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Reese, Anastasia Morfesis, George T. Salego, David A. Vorp
  • Segmented bushing temperature controller and method for using same
    Patent number: 5051121
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling the temperature of a multiple segment fiber glass bushing. Sensors monitor the temperature of each individual segment and the current delivered to the bushing is adjusted so as to maintain the average bushing temperature at a predetermined value. In addition, the temperature of each individual segment is compared to a set point reference value and bushing current is shunted around each segment based on this comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Reed H. Grundy
  • Partial press apparatus and method for glass sheet bending
    Patent number: 5049178
    Abstract: A glass sheet is supported on a shaping rail and conveyed through a heating lehr. A press assembly moves along with the glass such that there is no relative horizontal movement between the glass sheet and press assembly and shapes a selected portion of the sheet. A rail support membe moves along with the press assembly to maintain the shaping rail configuration during the shaping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon F. Pereman, John D. Kellar
  • Windshield moisture sensor
    Patent number: 5040411
    Abstract: A moisture sensor to sense rain on a windshield includes sensor members and leads on the outboard surface of the windshield. The members and leads are uncoated and directly exposed to any moisture accumulation on the sensor. Leads connect the sensor to a controller which includes a signal generator and sensor monitor. The relative spacing between the leads as compared to the spacing between the sensor members is such that the impedance of the sensor when the leads are electrically interconnected by moisture is measurably different from the sensor impedance when said members or said members and leads are electrically interconnected. In response to the latter signal, the windshield wipers are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Medzius
  • Method and apparatus for glass edge finishing
    Patent number: 5041151
    Abstract: Flame seaming a glass sheet of irregular outline using a ring-type burner having an apertured inner wall aligned with the central portion of the glass sheet edge develops an edge of more uniform appearance when the application of a fuel mixture to a portion of said apertured wall facing the glass edge is different for curved portions of the wall facing curved portions of the glass sheet outline than to straight line portions of the wall facing straight portions of the glass sheet outline. Further reduction of non-uniformity of glass edge appearance may result from providing orbital motion between said glass sheet outline and an apertured inner wall of said ring-type burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Bricker, Earl L. May
  • Method and apparatus for processing glass sheets
    Patent number: 5040342
    Abstract: The glass sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet support stand which rotates the glass about a vertical axis and cutting and edging tools that move along linear axes generally perpendicular to the vertical axis. As the glass is rotated, the cutting tool moves towards and away the support stand to score the desired outline configuration of the glass part. The undesired trim portion of the glass is then removed. The glass sheet is then rotated and the edging tool is moved towards and away from the support stand to grind the periphery of the glass part to its final finished edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. McGuire, Dennis J. Korber, Donald P. Michelotti, Gary V. Cannon, Donald A. Mackey
  • Apparatus for scoring a glass sheet
    Patent number: 5038654
    Abstract: The load applied to a scoring wheel to the combined load of a first predetermined constant load and a second variable load. The second load is varied in response to changes in the scoring speed to provide a uniform scoring depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Mackey
  • Support system for abrasive jet cutting
    Patent number: 5003729
    Abstract: A sheet support assembly for fluid jet cutting operation having a first support extending through and independent of a catcher tank of the cutting jet system to support the central portion of said sheet and a frame assembly mounted independent of said catcher tank to support selected edge portions of the sheet to be cut. The first support includes a vertically adjustable vacuum plenum to secure the sheet thereto. The sheet edge supports on the frame are vertically and horizontally adjustable so that they may support the edges of a variety of sheet sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Sherby
  • Automotive windshield for a head up display system
    Patent number: 4998784
    Abstract: An automotive windshield for a head up display system is disclosed. The windshield includes a hologram embedded within the windshield assembly. In fabricating the windshield, the hologram, is deposited on a carrier substrate. The hologram is initially adhered to the windshield interlayer and the carrier substrate is removed, leaving the hologram. The windshield is then assembled and laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Freeman, James L. Valimont, James H. Dunaway, Karen J. Korenkiewicz
  • Electric field detector for a heatable windshield
    Patent number: 4994650
    Abstract: An electric field detector for a heatable windshield includes detector lines which extend around a portion of the perimeter of the windshield between the edge of the windshield's electroconductive coating and the leads to one of the windshield bus bars and are electrically insulated from the coating, bus bars and leads. The detector lines are electrically interconnected to the coating by a tab at a predetermined location between the bus bars. As electrical current passes through the coating, voltage in the coating at the predetermined location is monitored and the current to the coating is interrupted in response to predetermined variations in the measured coating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry S. Koontz
  • Laminate prepress roll assembly
    Patent number: 4988398
    Abstract: A prepress roll assembly includes upper and lower pressing roll segments that apply pressure to the opposing major surfaces of a windshield assembly as the assembly passes between the roll segments. A drive roll arrangement is provided that moves vertically in response to the elevational of the leading edge of a windshield assembly to be prepressed while continuing to drive the windshield assembly between the prepress rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon F. Pereman, John D. Kellar
  • Glass shaping ring having a thermal insulating member and method of shaping glass sheets using same
    Patent number: 4983200
    Abstract: A method of reducing localized tensile stresses in shaped glass sheets formed by sag bending. An unperforated thermal insulating member is mounted throughout the area within a shaping rail and spaced below a heat softened glass sheet shaped on the shaping rail to thermally insulate the glass from heat reradiated from the shaping rail and reduce air circulation beneath the sheet so as to support structure during the cooling of the shaped glass sheet and provide more uniform cooling of the entire glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Reese, David B. Rayburn
  • Bending iron having member to effect reverse bend and method of using same
    Patent number: 4979977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the shape of heat softened glass sheets. A pan member is positioned inboard of the shaping rails of a bending iron. The upper surface of the pan member has a curvature corresponding to the final desired shape of a selected portion of the glass sheet. As the glass sheet is heated and sags to conform with the contoured shaping rail, it also sags into contact with the pan member and conforms to its shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Frank, Thomas J. Reese
  • Moisture seal for aircraft windows
    Patent number: 4960631
    Abstract: A laminated transparency includes a flexible epoxy moisture seal about the periphery of the transparency. The edge of the transparency may be cleaned and primed with a silane surface treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia B. Walters, David C. Allen
  • Composite bushing design
    Patent number: 4957525
    Abstract: A fiber glass production bushing is described utilizing a flat precious metal plate which is preferably supported by a nonprecious metal support plate. The support plate has slots cut in it so that the rows of depending fiber glass tips can project through it and yet be electrically isolated from the support plate by an air gap. The side and end walls of the bushing are provided by the bushing block located above the tip plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Gaertner, Eugene J. Palamara
  • Stationary strand deflector for continuous strand manufacture
    Patent number: 4955999
    Abstract: A strand deflector used in the manufacture of continuous strands is shown and described. The deflector comprises a rigid surface which stretches across the width of the mat making machine and which is interposed between the strand feeders located above it and the mat making surface so that the strands fed toward the surface must deflect from the deflector surface before they are collected on the mat making surface. The deflector surface is adjustable in the vertical direction and the angle of deflection with respect to the flow of strand from the feeder may also be changed to any desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Schaefer, Walter J. Reese
  • Processing glass sheets with ceramic enamel bands
    Patent number: 4954153
    Abstract: Thermal energy from quartz lamp heaters are used to fire ceramic enamel material onto a glass substrate while minimizing any increase in the temperature of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Coleman, Terry L. Wolfe, John A. Winter, Elizabeth A. Fiano
  • Aircraft windshield
    Patent number: 4933227
    Abstract: A glass/polycarbonate laminate is provided with an edge attachment configuration that reduces the deflection of the laminate and reduces the loading on the polycarbonate plies of the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sherman D. Stewart
  • Aircraft windshield design and method of use
    Patent number: 4932608
    Abstract: An aircraft windshield having an outer glass ply spaced from an inner polycarbonate laminate. The space between the two structure is pressurized with gas at a level approximately one pound per square inch less than the aircraft cabin pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Heidish, Joseph T. Mueller