Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure, including subjecting a implantation surface of a donor semiconductor wafer to an ion implantation step to create a weakened slice in cross-section defining an exfoliation layer of the donor semiconductor wafer; and subjecting the donor semiconductor wafer to a spatial variation step, either before, during or after the ion implantation step, such that at least one parameter of the weakened slice varies spatially across the weakened slice in at least one of X- and Y-axial directions.

Abstract: A glass sheet assembly includes a glass sheet having an edge surface and a shaped fiber. The shaped fiber has a first surface bonded to the edge surface of the glass sheet and a convex second surface not bonded to the edge surface for receiving a load.

Abstract: A process for making large zircon blocks by bonding multiple zircon components, and bonding materials for use in such process. The invention enables the manufacture of large zircon blocks without the need of larger-size isopressing equipment. The invention is particularly useful in making large-size isopipes for use in a fusion down-draw process in making glass sheets for use in, e.g., LCD production.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating glass sheets (13) are provided in which the sheets are cut from a glass ribbon (15) composed of a glass having a setting zone temperature range (SZTR). As the glass is drawn, it passes through the SZTR (31) and an across-the-ribbon temperature distribution is produced at least one longitudinal position along the ribbon to compensate for in-plane stress induced in the sheets (13) when flattened. Through such thermal compensation, glass sheets (13) are produced which exhibit controlled levels of distortion when cut into sub-pieces and thus are suitable for use as substrates in the manufacture of, for example, flat panel displays, e.g., LCD displays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segmented modular solid oxide fuel cell device having a plurality of independently controllable electrical power producing segments disposed within a common thermal environment. Also disclosed are methods for selectively operating one or more segments of the disclosed segmented modular solid oxide fuel cell device. Also disclosed are methods for performing a maintenance process on one or more segments of a segmented modular fuel cell device during fuel cell operation.

Abstract: An F-doped silica glass, a process for making the glass, an optical member comprising the glass, and an optical system comprising such optical member. The glass material comprises 0.1-5000 ppm by weight of fluorine. The glass material according to certain embodiments of the present invention has low polarization-induced birefringence, low LIWFD and low induced absorption at 193 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isopipe for use in the manufacture of sheet glass by, and more specifically to an isopipe designed to control sag during use, as well as a method for reducing the sag of an isopipe used in a fusion process for molten glass. In one embodiment, the isopipe comprises a cavity that extends at least partially through the refractory body of the isopipe along its longitudinal length. The cavity has varying cross-sections configured such that, for at least a portion of the length of the isopipe, the load bending moment is greater than or generally equal to the gravity bending moment. In one embodiment, the neutral axis varies along the length of the cavity and has a similar profile to that of the gravity bending moment diagram.

Abstract: Described herein are alkali-free, boroalumino silicate glasses exhibiting desirable physical and chemical properties for use as substrates in flat panel display devices, such as, active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). The glass compositions possess numerous properties that are compatible with the downdraw process, particularly fusion drawing.

Abstract: A zircon composition having a multi-modal particle size distribution is disclosed. The multi-modal zircon composition comprises greater than about 40 parts by weight of a coarse zircon component having a median particle size of from greater than about 3 ?m to about 25 ?m, and less than about 60 parts by weight of a fine zircon component having a median particle size of 3 ?m or less. Methods for manufacturing a green body and a fired refractory ceramic body comprising the multi-modal zircon composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed in the application are a synthetic silica glass having low fluence-dependent transmission, particularly at about 193 nm, and a process for making the same. The glass may desirably exhibit a low level of fluorescence at 290 and 390 nm when activated at about 248 nm. The glass may desirably exhibit low level of LIWFD, [SiH*] and/or [ODC].

Abstract: Disclosed are novel light polarizing articles comprising a substrate, a light polarizing layer, an inorganic intermediate layer between the polarizing layer and the substrate, an optional inorganic sub-layer between the substrate and the inorganic intermediate layer, and a protective layer over the light polarizing layer, and method of making the same. Due to the presence of the inorganic intermediate layer and the optional sub-layer, adhesion of the polarizing layer is improved substantially. The light polarizing article has improved chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance. The light polarizing article can be used, for example, as ophthalmic products and in display devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure, including subjecting a implantation surface of a donor semiconductor wafer to an ion implantation step to create a weakened slice in cross-section defining an exfoliation layer of the donor semiconductor wafer; and subjecting the donor semiconductor wafer to a spatial variation step, either before, during or after the ion implantation step, such that at least one parameter of the weakened slice varies spatially across the weakened slice in at least one of X-and Y-axial directions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a refractory ceramic body is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a zirconia precursor, a silica precursor, a sol-gel forming agent, and a preformed zircon. The method can further comprise forming the composition into a desired shape and firing the desired shape to form a dense, creep resistant refractory body. An article made by the methods above is disclosed, wherein a fine particle zircon is formed within and/or between grains of a preformed zircon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved apparatuses for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a structural web that supports the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.

Abstract: A method keeps the width of the manufactured sheet substantially the same by attaching edge directors for the formed sheet to the manufacturing apparatus structure instead of to the forming block. Thus, sheet glass may be manufactured to specification for a longer time with the same forming block. An additional method adjusts the width of the manufactured sheet by changing the distance between the edge directors. Thus sheet glass may be manufactured to different width specifications with the same forming block.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved methods and apparatus for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein that control the environment (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, humidity, temperature, gas flow rate, pressure) around one or more vessels in a glass manufacturing system. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a closed-loop control system and a capsule that are used to control the level of hydrogen around the exterior (non glass contact surface) of the vessel(s) so as to suppress the formation of gaseous inclusions and surface blisters in glass sheets. In addition, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to help cool molten glass while the molten glass travels from one vessel to another vessel in the glass manufacturing system. Moreover, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to maintain an atmosphere with minimal oxygen around the vessel(s) so as to reduce the oxidation of precious metals on the vessel(s).

Abstract: A system and method are described herein that control the environment (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, humidity, temperature, gas flow rate, pressure) around one or more vessels in a glass manufacturing system. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a closed-loop control system and a capsule that are used to control the level of hydrogen around the exterior (non glass contact surface) of the vessel(s) so as to suppress the formation of gaseous inclusions and surface blisters in glass sheets. In addition, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to help cool molten glass while the molten glass travels from one vessel to another vessel in the glass manufacturing system. Moreover, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to maintain an atmosphere with minimal oxygen around the vessel(s) so as to reduce the oxidation of precious metals on the vessel(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating the properties of material used in the manufacture of pulling rolls. In one embodiment, a method is provided for aligning plates comprising the material along an axis and compressing the plates to form a cartridge. The plates can be compressed by a piston. The cartridge can be rotated by a motor. In one embodiment, the cartridge, while rotating, is contacted with a cutting surface to produce a surface finish on the cartridge. Properties such as compressibility, recovery and resiliency, and hardness can be measured.

Abstract: A pulling roll for glass manufacture comprised of a high-temperature millboard material. The millboard comprises aluminosilicate refractory fiber, silicate, mica, and kaolin clay. A method of manufacturing a pulling roll is disclosed, together with a roll produced by the methods disclosed herein. The method comprises forming a pulling roll and densifying at least a portion of the pulling roll by exposing to the pulling roll to high temperatures.