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: 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 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 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.

Abstract: Devices for lifting and lowering the driven ends of large, heavy rotating conveyor rolls and having a rigid member provided with portions engaging bearing housings journalling the driven ends of the rolls. Rotatable members, operatively connected to the rigid member, lift and lower the engaging portions in a vertical path relative to a stationary surface mounting the bearing housings so that shims supporting the conveyor rolls in a common planar position may be removed or placed therebeneath, whereby conveyor rolls in the conveying system can be removed and installed.

Abstract: This application describes a method of treating glass sheets to be stacked, by applying water, a stain inhibiting material such as ammonium chloride, and dry particles of a mechanical separator such as wood flour, to such sheets in a plurality of sequential steps; together with articles resulting from that method.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming relatively sharp angled bends in a flat sheet of glass including a sectionalized gravity mold supported on a frame having electrically conducting means thereon including a plurality of bus bars mounted on one of the end members of the frame in spaced relation thereto for engagement by electrically conducting probes to deliver electric current to said electrically conducting means. A rigid, unitary, one-piece electrical insulator substantially coextensive with said frame end member is interposed between the bus bars and the frame end member to electrically insulate the latter from said bus bars.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for thermally severing a thick glass sheet by applying localized heat to one surface of the sheet along an intended line of cut and flexing the sheet adjacent the exit end of said intended line of cut to assist in the severance of the sheet and confining the cut to such line at the exit end thereof.

Abstract: A tool for detaching a mechanically and adhesively secured retainer member from its mounting. The tool includes a base member supportable on a workpiece and having a lift element extending therethrough for rotary and axial movement relative thereto. The lift element is provided with a radially projecting foot or blade having a sharp edge for penetrating the adhesive material and insertable behind a flange of the retainer member for prying the latter loose from its mounting.

Abstract: A quick connect-disconnect coupling assembly detachably connecting the inner core member of a composite type conveyor roll to its mounting. The coupling assembly includes a tubular drive extension, a first coupling section rigidly secured to the core member and a second coupling section mounted within the drive extension.

Abstract: A method of and device for lubricating a torque transmitting coupling while it is rotating, the coupling being of the type having two halves that are drivingly connected by an intermediate member. The coupling is provided with a ring having a lubricant passage which is confluent with lubricant passages in the coupling. The ring is capable of rotating with the coupling or being held stationary relative thereto so that when the coupling is rotating the ring can be held stationary, and lubricant can be introduced into its passage and flow into the lubricant passages of the coupling.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus in a glass heat treating operation for removing a horizontally disposed sheet from a horizontal glass processing line and reorienting it into a substantially vertical plane for final processing in a vertically oriented quench operation. The transfer apparatus constitutes a pivotal end section of a horizontal conveyor system and is adapted to be equipped with glass bending fixtures.

Abstract: A method for preventing the dropping of individual bricks from a sprung arch roof employed in a continuous tank-type glass melting furnace, the dropping of the bricks normally occurring during heat-up of the furnace. The slightly tapered bricks employed in constructing the roof are oriented with their long axis in the vertical direction and, as heating occurs and the structure differentially expands and the bricks dry out, some become sufficiently loose to drop from the roof into the tank of the furnace. In visually observing the interior surface of the roof during heat-up, it can be seen which bricks are settling and likely to drop therefrom. These bricks are pulled up through the roof from above by a suction cup and mortar is placed around the bricks. The bricks are then dropped back into place with the mortar holding the bricks until they become wedged firmly in place as the temperature of the roof increases.