Abstract: Methods of restoring or repairing damaged areas in the coating of high performance reflective glass composed of a thin, transparent film such as a metal and/or a metal oxide deposited on a vitreous substrate. Damages to the film such as scratches, abrasive rubs and the like are covered with a compatible filler to substantially restore the light transmittance characteristics. The repaired areas are covered with a protective coating to increase their durability.

Abstract: A unitary, one-piece support element adapted to completely surround a glass substrate in a screen stenciling apparatus. The support element is in the form of a collar having an opening complementary to the shape of the substrate and offers support for the stencil screen during a stenciling operation to maintain the same in a flat condition throughout. Also embodied in the apparatus is a glass aligning arrangement to accurately locate the glass substrate in preparation for the stenciling operation.

Abstract: Multi-layer automotive glazing units that include, in their structures, transparent substrates with protective covers or shields over surfaces of the substrates; and that combine penetration resistant body portions with exposed abrasion resistant surfaces of a silica reinforced organopolysiloxane compound; and methods of producing such units.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for thermally severing thick glass sheets by applying an energized electrical resistance wire element against the glass surface coincident with the intended line of cut and providing mechanical means adjacent the starting end of the cut to spread the glass portions on opposite sides of the line apart as the cut begins to run from the starting end. A glass spreading arrangement also can be provided at the trailing end of the cut to assure a straight cut along the intended path from end to end.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fabricating a solar collector panel including providing a thermal conductive, heat absorbing plate having a plurality of grooves therein, feeding discrete lengths of solder strips having transverse curvatures into said grooves, respectively, placing a tube assembly having a plurality of conduits into said grooves of said plate in superimposed relation on said solder strips, holding said loose assembly together, and heating the loose assembly to melt the solder and effect a thermal conductive bond between said tube assembly and said plate.

Abstract: A solar energy collector including an enclosure provided with a glazing closure or panel and a detachable retainer assembly securing the glazing panel in place. The retainer assembly includes a retainer cap mechanically interlocked with internal protrusions formed on the enclosure walls and a spring clip associated with the retainer cap for urging the same in such interlocked relation with the enclosure wall protrusions.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for applying beads of solder to a metallic plate as an integral part thereof for subsequent attachment to another component in an assembly operation.

Abstract: An expendable heating device having a consumable electrode for extending into a bath of molten glass. The apparatus includes an L-shaped refractory holder whose longer leg is adapted to sit on the top of a wall such as that of a feeding extension or doghouse of a tank type glass melting furnace and whose shorter leg projects into the bath of molten glass for forming a protective jacket for the consumable electrode. The long leg of the refractory holder encases a bus bar which projects from the end thereof, the projecting end of the bus bar being adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy. The bus bar is held in place within the long leg of the holder by a pair of clamping devices.

Abstract: A device for applying a decorative preglued banding material to the edges of a panel including, in suitably mounted operative relationship, a holder for dispensing the banding material from a continuous reel, an air heater with flow control means for directing heated air against the hot melt adhesive on the banding material, a shoe and rotatable star wheels for guiding the band through the heating zone, an adjustable spindle by means of which an appropriate band can be centered upon and pressed against panel edges of different widths, and marking and severing means for terminating the band at a preselected point along the panel edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and conveying thin glass sheets through a tempering area including a series of upper and lower conveyor rolls for continuously advancing heated thin glass sheets between the opposed blastheads of a tempering section. The upper series of rolls are specially configurated for accommodating a common drive element for both series of rolls and are mounted for floating movement as well as being individually pivotable into an inoperative, out-of-the-way position to facilitate access into the tempering area for maintenance and cullet removal.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for determining the contours of sheet material, particularly glass sheets, comprising a checking fixture having a plurality of probe assemblies for determining the exact position of points along the sheet and the deviation, if any, of such measured points from reference points constituting the ideal contour. The probe assemblies generate linear signals transmitted to a controller which, in turn, converts such signals into data displayed on a video screen in selectively different forms.

Abstract: A waist construction for a tank-type glass melting furnace having a lower tank covered by an independently supported sprung arch roof. The side walls forming the lower tank are inset for defining a waist section having a reduced passage interconnecting the melting and conditioning zones of the furnace. An open framework is provided above the inset breast walls for suspending portions of upright closure walls closing the ends of the melting and working zones adjacent the entrance and exit ends of the reduced passage; the suspended portions extending across the entrance and exit ends of the reduced passage closely adjacent the upper surface of the molten glass therein. The suspended portion of each wall is centrally located and flanked by bottom supported wing walls. Additionally, a segmented, suspended cover is provided between the suspended portions of the upright closure walls for enclosing the open top region of the reduced passage.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for press bending glass sheets to special configurations including a press member of outline or ring-type construction having at least one shaping pad mounted for limited floating movement within the outline of the shaping ring for imparting a specially configurated curvature to the glass sheet. The shaping pad is provided with a cover of suitable material maintained in a wrinkle-free condition along both the length and width of the pad. Means are provided for adjusting the vertical disposition of portions of the pad.

Abstract: A roll for conveying flat glass at elevated temperatures over extended periods of time without material damage to the supported surface of the glass, and a procedure for preparing such rolls. The roll is built up of thin asbestos discs compressed endwise upon a mandrel. The asbestos is impregnated with a solution of potassium sulfate and then thoroughly dried before the roll is put into use. The potassium sulfate crystals provide lubricity to the roll surface and bind the asbestos fibers together so as to improve the durability of the roll while minimizing damage to the heated glass.

Abstract: A valve apparatus having a poppet valve carrying a magnet and a switch responsive to movements of the magnet wherein the switch is activated and deactivated by movement of the magnet into and out of proximity with the switch. The spring biased poppet valve is movable from a closed position under the influence of a predetermined fluid flow rate in one direction to an open, switch activating position and then is returned upon a slight reduction in fluid flow in the opposite direction past the switch activating position to a switch deactivating position intermediate the latter and the valve closed position. The valve is formed with a specially configured nose portion to provide poppet valve travel at predetermined fluid flow rates to activate and deactivate the switch.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for precisely locating and quickly producing intermittent, uniform score lines in a surface of a moving sheet of material by first moving a pair of axially aligned gauge wheels into contact with the sheet material and then alternately moving a scoring tool positioned therebetween, into and out of scoring engagement with the surface of the moving sheet. The gauge wheels are mounted on the movable end of a pivotally mounted arm for movement, by a diaphragm motor, along a path lying in a plane extending normal to and longitudinally of the sheet material. The scoring tool is mounted on the arm for movement independent thereof by a double acting motor, and into and out of scoring contact with the sheet material. Also, the scoring tool is provided with an adjusting device for extending it relative to the gauge wheels and an abutment is provided to limit its movement away from the sheet material.

Abstract: Method for processing glass coated tubular metal inserts for use in forming apertures employed in the manufacture of all-glass multiple sheet glazing units. The surface of the metal inserts are first cleaned and then their outer surfaces are prepared to receive a layer of glass frit by tumbling in sand. The layer of glass frit is physically adhered to the clean outer surface by tumbling the inserts in small pieces of glass. The glass fritted inserts are then treated in a continuous operation, at elevated temperatures by first degassing the glass frit layers in a vacuum, oxidizing the outer surface of the metal inserts at a temperature below the sintering temperature of the glass frit in a controlled atmosphere, and then sintering and glazing the glass frit layer at a temperature above the softening point thereof while still in a controlled atmosphere to securely bond the glass layer to the metal inserts.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing uneven and crusty deposits from, and burnishing the surfaces of, conveyor rolls employed in the manufacture of flat glass. The apparatus includes a lower main unit comprising an elongated main frame having a pair of roll supporting stations for rotatably supporting at least one conveyor roll, and for supporting an upper removable surface cleaning or brushing unit comprising a frame slidably supporting a reciprocating carriage upon which is mounted a rotating annular brush for engaging the surface of the conveyor roll. The lower unit is provided with a series of burners for maintaining the temperature of the conveyor roll at a level sufficient to facilitate removal of encrustations thereon and to permit the roll to be reinstalled in a lehr immediately after being cleaned without the usual preheating.

Abstract: A check valve with a mounting ring body defining an orifice and having valving means comprising two pivotal valve members mounted on one face thereof. Each valve member is configured to comprise a segment of a cone which is movable between a closed and an open position over the orifice by the flow of fluid. The strength of the valve members and the flow of fluid therethrough when the valve members are in their open position is maximized by providing the concave inner surface of each valve member with an ellipsoidal segment form. The mounting ring body is also provided with stops against which the valve members abut in their open position for reducing fluttering thereof during fluctuating flow rates and resulting surges in fluid pressure.

Abstract: A solar energy collector formed of a black plastic material in a rigid, unitary, one-piece self-supporting construction. The collector is formed with inlet and outlet manifolds and a multiplicity of fluid flow passages extending therebetween. Each passage is provided with at least one flow restriction to provide a uniform distribution of flow through all passages. A series of such collectors are connected to form an array incorporated in a multipurpose, collapsible structure for heating swimming pool water.