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 After a sufficient time has elapsed for the glass to adhere to the electrode or device, it is withdrawn to a selected operating depth.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: 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.