Abstract: Methods and systems for determining density or density gradient of molten foamed glass in a glass melter, an apparatus downstream of a glass melter, or both. A molten foamed glass is generated having molten glass and bubbles entrained therein and/or a layer of glass foam on a top surface thereof in a melter. At least a portion of the molten foamed glass is transferred into an apparatus positioned downstream of the melter, and the density or density gradient of the molten foamed glass in the melter or downstream apparatus is determined as a function of distance from a structural feature of the melter or downstream apparatus, or both, using one or more electromagnetic (EM) wave-based sensors.

Abstract: A stereolithography system comprises an emitting device and a tank disposed above the emitting device. The tank has a first optically transparent bottom wall and a second optically transparent bottom wall with a space disposed therebetween. There is a linear stage that extends away from the tank and a carrier platform is moveable along the linear stage away from the tank. There is also a wettable material at a bottom wall of the tank within the tank. A fluid cooling system is in fluid communication the space disposed between the first optically transparent bottom wall of the tank and the second optically transparent bottom wall of the tank.

Abstract: A DLP projector apparatus is provided for projecting a monochromatic display from plurality of monochromatic light sources. The DLP projector is adapted to radiate from each micromirror of its DMD chip an image comprising a plurality of radiated locations which are shifted with respect to each other. The DLP projector apparatus comprise a controller unit that is adapted to control the radiation from the plurality of light sources to the image according to a radiation scheme in an object production file. A DLP projector apparatus is also provided comprising an imaging table that is adapted to be moved in a plane perpendicular to an imaging beam of the projector. The movements of the table are coordinated and synchronized with the imaging scheme of the projector. The imaging scheme and the movements of the table are controlled according to a radiation scheme in an object production file.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-spinning type pattern forming apparatus. The electro-spinning type pattern forming apparatus includes a nozzle, a stage, and a fiber guide part. The nozzle has a first voltage applied thereto and spins a spinning solution. The stage is disposed below the nozzle to support a substrate on which a pattern is to be formed and has a second voltage applied thereto. The fiber guide part is disposed between the nozzle and the stage, and transforms the electric field formed between the nozzle and the stage to apply a force, acting in a direction parallel to the stage, to nano-fibers spun from the nozzle. The electro-spinning type pattern forming apparatus can form a nano-fiber pattern arranged in one direction.

Abstract: A method of the present invention for producing glass sheets includes the steps of: (I) forming a molten glass raw material into a glass ribbon on a molten metal; and (II) bringing an acid gas that contains a fluorine element (F)-containing acid and in which a volume ratio of water vapor to the acid (a volume of the water vapor/a volume of the acid) is 0 or more and 30 or less, into contact with a surface of the glass ribbon on the molten metal so as to subject the surface of the glass ribbon to dealkalization and control a morphology of the surface in accordance with the volume ratio.

Abstract: Processes of controlling submerged combustion melters, and systems for carrying out the methods. One process includes feeding vitrifiable material into a melter vessel, the melter vessel including a fluid-cooled refractory panel in its floor, ceiling, and/or sidewall, and heating the vitrifiable material with a burner directing combustion products into the melting zone under a level of the molten material in the zone. Burners impart turbulence to the molten material in the melting zone. The fluid-cooled refractory panel is cooled, forming a modified panel having a frozen or highly viscous material layer on a surface of the panel facing the molten material, and a sensor senses temperature of the modified panel using a protected thermocouple positioned in the modified panel shielded from direct contact with turbulent molten material. Processes include controlling the melter using the temperature of the modified panel. Other processes and systems are presented.

Abstract: 3-D printing system include development stations positioned to electrostatically transfer build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface, a transfer station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface, guides adjacent the transfer station, and platens moving on the guides. The guides are shaped to direct the platens to repeatedly pass the transfer station and come in contact with the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to the platens each time the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station to successively form layers of the build and support materials on the platens. The platens and the intermediate transfer surface include alignment features.

Abstract: A window glass forming apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention includes a first mold configured to move along a first direction, a pressing member including a first end coupled to the first mold and configured to move along a second direction crossing the first direction, a second mold having a supporting surface configured to support a glass, and a curved surface extending from the supporting surface, and a third mold between the first mold and the second mold, the third mold being coupled to a second end of the pressing member and defining a guide groove configured to guide the pressing member along the curved surface.

Abstract: An exemplary replaceable atomizing unit includes a liquid conducting body, a heating element in contact with the liquid conducting body, a holder, and a press fit element. The holder is configured for supporting the liquid conducting body. The holder includes an open end. The press fit element is coupled with the open end. The press fit element and the holder cooperatively define an atomizing chamber. The heating element is received in the atomizing chamber. The open end defines a gap for accommodating the liquid conducting body. At least one part of the liquid conducting body extends along the gap outside of the atomizing chamber. The atomizing unit further includes a resilient component nesting the open end, and the resilient component is tightly pressed against the liquid conducting body by the press fit element.

Abstract: An apparatus for downwardly drawing glass ribbon comprises edge directors, wherein an outer portion defining a first pair of surfaces and a second pair of surfaces. In one example, the first and second pair of surfaces of each edge director includes a glass wettability with a static contact angle within a range of from about 30° to about 60°. In another example, the outer portion comprises a platinum alloy including from about 0.05 weight % tin to about 5 weight % tin. Methods for forming glass include the step of providing the edge director with a desired glass wettability and/or a desired platinum alloy.

Abstract: A printer head for 3D printing of glass and a method of 3D printing of glass is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer head comprises a heating body made of a refractory metal, a through hole arranged in a central part of the heating body for feeding glass through the heating body, a nozzle arranged on the heating body at an outlet of the through hole, and an induction coil arranged around the heating body and to heat the heating body by way of electromagnetic induction if a HF voltage is applied across the induction coil.

Abstract: A method of producing a spiral cut transparent tube using laser machining includes using an ultrafast laser beam comprising a burst of laser pulses and focusing the laser beam on the transparent tube to enable relative movement between the laser beam and the transparent tube by moving the laser beam, the glass tube or both the laser beam and the glass tube. A beam waist is formed external to the surface of the transparent tube wherein the laser pulses and sufficient energy density is maintained within the transparent tube to form a continuous laser filament therethrough without causing optical breakdown. The method and delivery system makes a spiral cut in the transparent tube.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.

Abstract: A DLP projector apparatus (10) for projecting a monochromatic display comprising a plurality of monochromatic light sources (111-113). The DLP projector (10) being adapted to radiate from each micromirror of its DMD chip (100) an image comprising a plurality of radiated locations which are shifted with respect to each other. The DLP projector apparatus (10) comprising a controller unit that is adapted to control the radiation from the plurality of light sources (111-113) to the image according to a radiation scheme in an object production file. The DLP projector apparatus (10) is also provided with an imaging table (240) that is adapted to be moved in a plane perpendicular to an imaging beam of the DLP projector apparatus (10). The movements of the table are coordinated and synchronized with the imaging scheme of the DLP projector apparatus (10). The imaging scheme and the movements of the table are controlled according to a radiation scheme in an object production file.

Abstract: 3-D printing system include development stations positioned to electrostatically transfer build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface, a transfer station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface, guides adjacent the transfer station, and platens moving on the guides. The guides are shaped to direct the platens to repeatedly pass the transfer station and come in contact with the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to the platens each time the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station to successively form layers of the build and support materials on the platens. The platens and the intermediate transfer surface include rack and pinion structures that temporarily join at the transfer station, as the platens pass the transfer station, to align the platens with the intermediate transfer surface as the platens contact the intermediate transfer surface.

Abstract: Provided is a lamination molding apparatus which can prevent the recoater head from being damaged when the recoater head clashes with an obstacle. Provided is a lamination molding apparatus including: a recoater head to form a material powder layer by moving in a chamber while supplying a material powder on a molding region and planarizing the material powder; wherein the recoater head is configured so as to be capable of being moved by a recoater head driving mechanism; the recoater head driving mechanism includes: a servo motor to move the recoater head; an encoder to detect a movement amount of the recoater head; and a controlling apparatus to control the servo motor in accordance with a value detected by the encoder; and the controlling apparatus is configured to place the servo motor in a non-control state when clashing of the recoater head with an obstacle is detected.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an improved method of strengthening glass substrates (e.g., soda lime silica glass substrates). In certain examples, a glass substrate may be chemically strengthened by creating an electric field within the glass. In certain cases, the chemical tempering may be performed by surrounding the substrate by a plasma including certain ions, such as Li+, K+, Mg2+, and/or the like. In some cases, these ions may be forced into the glass substrate due to the half-cycles of the electric field generated by the electrodes that formed the plasma. This may advantageously chemically strengthen a glass substrate on a substantially reduced time scale. In other example embodiments, an electric field may be set in a float bath such that sodium ions are driven from the molten glass ribbon into the tin bath, which may advantageously result in a stronger glass substrate with reduced sodium content.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a capillary tube in communication with a liquid supply including liquid material and a heater operable to heat the capillary tube to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material contained therein and form an aerosol. The liquid supply is adapted to be squeezed or otherwise compressed so as to allow a smoker to manually pump liquid to the capillary tube and simultaneously activate the heater.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped glass article includes placing a glass sheet on a mold such that a first glass area of the glass sheet corresponds to a first mold surface area of the mold and a second glass area of the glass sheet corresponds to a second mold surface area of the mold. The first glass area and the second glass area are heated such that the viscosity of the second glass area is 8 poise or more lower than the viscosity of the first glass area. A force is applied to the glass sheet to conform the glass sheet to the mold surface. During the heating of the second glass area, the first mold surface area is locally cooled to induce a thermal gradient on the mold.

Abstract: Provided is a glass film ribbon manufacturing device (1), including: a transverse conveyance unit (4), which is configured to convey a glass film ribbon (G) in a transverse direction; and a cleaving unit (5), which is arranged on a conveyance path of the transverse conveyance unit (4), and is configured to cleave the glass film ribbon (G) along a preset cleaving line extending in a longitudinal direction, the transverse conveyance unit (4) including a wrinkle-smoothing unit (14) configured to smooth a wrinkle generated in the glass film ribbon (G) before the glass film ribbon (G) is cleaved by the cleaving unit (5).