Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotatably driven transfer apparatus is adapted to receive a design configuration and a follower synchronously driven therewith for carrying and orienting an article to receive the design from the transfer apparatus into alignment therewith in nonslip rolling contact. The respective transfer apparatus and article share a respective center and apex as established by the follower. In another embodiment the transfer apparatus and article are forced into engagement via an elastic interface.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a rotatably driven turret carrying one or more collector means at selected radial and angular positions, and transfer means synchronously driven with said turret for depositing on each of said collector means a design configuration. The turret and each of the transfer means share a common point of rotation along respective central axes thereof.

Abstract: An automotive headlight has a clear unfluted front cover and a reflector which directs light from a source through the front cover in a desired pattern. The reflective surface is smooth and continuous formed of two edge ellipsoids and a center ellipsoid joined in smooth continuous junctions. The center ellipsoid is modified to include a smooth vertical bump and the ellipsoids are tilted off the axis of the headlight. The headlight is formed by a digital computer aided process which includes tracing the paths of a plurality of light rays emanating from a digitally modeled light source, intersecting a reflector modeled by digital shape functions and projected onto a sphere surrounding the reflector. The light intensity across a part of the sphere is compared with the prescribed automotive headlight specifications. The parameters of the shape functions are changed and the process is performed iteratively to produce a light intensity best matching the specifications.

Abstract: A heat release decal, for decorating a shaped surface of an article, is disclosed. The decal includes a stretchable web, a meltable release layer on the web and a design layer thereover. When heated, the release layer melts, thereby releasing the design layer therefrom. When the decal is heated to above the melt point of the release layer, the design layer becomes tacky. The design layer sticks to the article upon intimate contact. The web, the design layer and release layer are formed of materials which do not migrate into each other upon formation of the decal, or upon application to the article. Each are stretchable to allow the decal to conform to the shape of the article to be decorated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for extruding honeycomb structures having cohesive cellular walls from an extrusion die. Deflector means are provided within flow passageways of the die, wherein the deflector means has a secondary feed system such that the batch flow from the main feed system is broken up into a multi-channel stream system which improves the flow of the batch material into the discharge slots, thus improving product quality and knitting or cohesiveness of the material prior to discharge from the die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for extruding honeycomb structures having cohesive cellular walls from an extrusion die. A baffle member is provided within the flow passageways of the die so as to provide impedance to longitudinal batch flow through certain of the discharge slots such that the impedance to flow in all of the slots is substantially equal, thus improving product quality and knitting or cohesiveness of the batch material prior to discharge from the die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for supporting a laminated extrusion die in such a manner so as to virtually eliminate all tensile stress in the die by applying a compressive force to end portions of die blades, forming said laminated die, parallel to the neutral axis thereof and offset a given distance from the neutral axis toward an outlet face of the die.

Abstract: In an extrusion die, restricted flow of material from large to small feed holes is relieved by the formation of a transition zone within the die. The transition zone is formed by extending either or both of the large and small feed holes so that they axially overlap.

Abstract: A method is set forth for forming laminated articles such as by pressing, blowing, and press and blow techniques, directly from a composite gob of molten glass having an inner core of one glass and an outer skin of a second glass. A charge of molten core glass is delivered from one supply of molten glass and a charge of molten skin glass from a separate supply is simultaneously delivered so as to surround the core glass. The composite charge is severed from their separate supplies so as to form a discrete composite gob of molten glass having a core glass encapsulated within a skin glass. The discrete composite charge of molten glass is delivered to a forming mold wherein a positive force such as pressing and/or blowing is applied to said charge of molten glass within the mold to form a laminated article having a core of one glass which is completely surrounded by a skin of a second glass.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a self aligning applicator/doctor blade assembly having at least two working surfaces adapted to engage an ink carrying conical roll wherein the working surfaces lie along the roll surface. A geometric apex for the cone and the working surfaces are coincident. An inking device circulates ink along a path including a zone adjacent to at least one working surface and the roll.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a rotatably driven transfer means adapted to receive a design configuration and follower means synchronously driven therewith for carrying and orienting an article to receive the design from the transfer means into alignment therewith in nonslip rolling contact. The respective transfer means and article share a respective center and apex as established by the follower means. In another embodiment the transfer means and article are forced into engagement via an elastic interface.

Abstract: A flow cell is described comprising a solid liquid tight body having axial and radial optical paths. Absorbance and fluoroescence characteristics of a fluid sample in the cell may be measured simultaneously using the same exitation source. Means is provided for suppressing bubble formation and turbulance. Flow cell temperature is controlled using a solid state heat pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting thermoplastic material is disclosed utilizing, in a preferred embodiment, a vessel having a bottom wall and upstanding sidewalls. A protective liner for the vessel is provided, being formed of corrosion resistant material. The furnace may include both through-the-batch and floor electrodes, and also hot spot fining to a conductive outlet channel.A method is set forth for operating the furnace described herein utilizing symmetrical, below the batch heat dissipation for accelerated melting. In order to protect the liner, which in some instances may be fabricated from an oxidizable refractory metal, start-up burners are operated under a reduced oxygen supply.

Abstract: Glass-melting electrodes and other devices may be protected from degradation by oxygen above an oxidation temperature thereof by immersion into the glass. After a sufficient time has elapsed for the glass to adhere to the electrode or device, it is withdrawn to a selected operating depth. The adhered glass becomes partially solidified and forms a protective shield along the electrode. Other precoating measures are described.

Abstract: There has been provided an evacuated tubular solar collector wherein a relatively long extraordinarily large diameter glass tube having sealed hemispheric-like ends surrounds a corresponding large absorber therewithin. A conduit, in heat exchange relation with the absorber, passes through the envelope by means of a hermetic seal. The conduit provides a fluid flow path for a working fluid. Important parameters include, at least one of a ratio of tube diameter to tube length and absorber area to the length of the conduit.

Abstract: In the thermal cycles utilized for frit sealing glass members together for forming a glass housing and for baking-out such housing, shielding means are provided to protect and shield those portions of the glass members having multiple surfaces which would otherwise be exposed to excess thermal energy, from such thermal energy so as to inhibit the formation of detrimental thermal gradients within the housing structure.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a circular turret for carrying a plurality of flexible membrane collectors thereon. The collectors are hingeably mounted near a peripheral edge of the turret and sequentially engage printing stations for receiving a design portion on one side thereof. The collectors are indexably rotated into a transfer station whereupon they are deployed outboard of the turret. A flexible plunger engages a backside of the collector for stretching the same into engagement with ware for transferring the design from the collector to said ware.

Abstract: A process of wire cutting electrical discharge machining is set forth including the steps of initially machining a counter slot to a depth greater than 0.03" in the surface of a workpiece having a width at least 1.5 times the width of a desired slot, machining the desired slot with dielectric fluid beginning at the bottom of the counter slot, utilizing the counter slot to facilitate the flushing out of such fluid, and removing the counter slot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for forming a laminated gob or charge of molten glass having a core glass which is not only completely surrounded by a skin glass but also has a reentrant portion of skin glass which projects inwardly within the core glass from the periphery of the molten charge intermediate its upper and lower extent. The reentrant portion of skin glass is formed within the charge during the gobbing cycle by momentarily retarding or retracting the outward flow of the core glass while simultaneously positively pulsing the flow of the skin glass. Thus, a laminated gob or charge of molten glass is formed which not only has a skin glass completely surrounding and encompassing a core glass but also has a reentrant portion of the skin glass which is continuous with the remainder of the skin glass surrounding the core glass.

Abstract: A cell for generating electric energy is provided comprising a sealed container partitioned into anode and cathode chambers, said partition comprising an electrolyte/separator in the form of a bundle of hollow glass or ceramic fibers, fusion sealed together between their interstices adjacent at least one end thereof. Preferably, the ends of the fibers which project within the anode chamber are sealed closed whereas the opposite ends are in open communication with the cathode chamber. Preferred anode and cathode materials comprise an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium and sulfur respectively.