Abstract: A free-falling curtain of molten glass that is uniform in thickness and temperature is formed by flowing the glass over the lip of a forehearth after conditioning the glass in said forehearth. The forehearth is constructed to provide an increasing rate of fall as the glass travels, flows from the furnace through the forehearth and progressively cools. The floor of the forehearth is essentially the mirror image of the viscosity versus temperature curve of the material being treated.Other molten materials that become viscous as they cool can also be treated by the method of my invention to provide a uniform falling curtain of said material.

Abstract: An improved method of imparting colors to fires in home fireplaces is described as well as the preparation of the materials used to provide said color. Metal salts which impart color to flames are granulated using hydrated alkali metal silicate as a binder. When these granules are added to fires, the silicate binder softens on contact with warm or hot combustible material. The silicate then loses water and is transformed to a solid once more so that the material becomes bonded to the combustibles. Upon burning the metal salts are decomposed and the flames are colored. The system is very efficient and proper application requires the use of bulking agents in the granules.

Abstract: A bulk container for tobacco leaves which includes a tine frame member adapted to fit over the open end of a leaf container and having means to lock the individual tines after insertion into the tobacco leaves.

Abstract: A fluxing process for removing inorganic deposits from equipment used to produce base metals from ores by inclusion of alkali metal silicates, preferably as liquids or hydrates, as at least 10% of the fluxing agent, thereby improving effectiveness of the fluxing process.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the production of alkali metal silicates. More particularly the invention relates to the production of compressed alkali metal silicate granules of desirable density and particle properties.