Abstract: A cross-strap tensioning apparatus is disclosed for use with a brace having a proximal portion engageable above a joint of a user and an opposing distal portion engageable below the joint. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides first and second cross-straps each extending between and interconnecting the proximal and distal portions of the brace. A terminal end of each of a first anterior strap portion and a spaced apart first posterior strap portion of the first cross-strap, along with a second anterior strap portion and a spaced apart second posterior strap portion of the second cross-strap, provides a cord channel configured for allowing a cord from a tensioning mechanism to extend therethrough in series. During use, as the tensioning mechanism is selectively tightened, the cord urges each of the first anterior strap portion, first posterior strap portion, second anterior strap portion and second posterior strap portion closer together.

Abstract: A cross-strap apparatus is disclosed for use with a brace having an proximal portion engageable above a joint of a user, an opposing distal portion engageable below the joint, and first and second cross-straps extending between and interconnecting the proximal and distal portions, the first and second cross-straps transversely oriented relative to one another and positioned for intersecting one another in an overlapping fashion at a cross-strap intersection substantially at the joint. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a resilient hub portion sized and configured for engagement with each of the first and second cross-straps proximal to the cross-strap intersection.

Abstract: A soda-lime glass which has a gray-green color, an excitation purity (P) of more than 7%, a light transmission of greater than 30% under Illuminant A and for a glass thickness of 4 mm, a selectivity (SE4) of greater than 1.55, and an ultraviolet radiation transmission (TUV4) of less than 10%, and which comprises soda-lime glass forming constituents as main constituents and coloring agents consisting essentially of, in weight %, more than 0.25 and less than 0.4% of FeO, from 0.9 to 1.8% of Fe2O3, from 0.001 to 0.010% of Co, from 0.0100 to 0.024% of Cr2O3, and from 0 to 0.2% of V2O5, in which the total quantity of iron is expressed as Fe2O3.

Abstract: Soda lime glass including glass-forming constituents for soda lime glass; and coloring agents including iron, cobalt and selenium present in a form and in an amount as percent by weight of the soda lime glass as follows:from 1.00 to 1.65% of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 ;from 0.017 to 0.030% of Co; andfrom 0.001 to 0.010% of Se.The soda lime glass has a very dark grey color, a total luminous transmission measured for Illuminant A for a glass thickness of 4 mm (TLA4) of less than 20%, and a total energy transmission measured for a glass thickness of 4 mm (TE4) of less than 20%. This glass is particularly suitable for vehicle roof panels.

Abstract: Soda lime glass includes glass forming constituents for soda lime glass; and coloring agents including iron, cobalt, selenium and chromium express in the form indicated and in an amount as percent by weight of the soda lime glass as follows:from 1.05 to 1.80% of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3,from 0.0040 to 0.0180% of Co,from 0.0003 to 0.0040% of Se, andfrom 0.0010 to 0.0100% of Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3.The soda lime glass has a dark grey color, a total energy transmission measured for a glass thickness of 4mm (TE4) mm (TE4) ranging between 15 to 40%, a selectivity (SE4) which is high and is at least 1.2, and an excitation purity which does not exceed 10%. This glass is particularly suitable for automobile rear windows or rear side windows.

Abstract: Grey soda-lime glass is composed of main glass-forming constituents together with iron, selenium, cobalt and chromium as colouring agents in the following quantities:______________________________________ Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.5 to 0.9% Co 0.012 to 0.025% Se 0.0025 to 0.010% Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.005 to 0.020%. ______________________________________The proportions of colouring agents are such that the glass has a light transmission factor (TL) of less than 30% and an excitation purity (P) of less than 12%. The dark grey glass is especially appropriate for installation in the sunroofs of cars.

Abstract: A method of producing dealkalized sheet glass in which sheet glass is dealkalized in stages. The method includes dealkalizing sheet glass in a first stage by exposing the sheet glass to contact with a first dealkalizing medium including at least one acid gas for a period of at least 1 minute while the sheet glass is at a temperature above 400.degree. C.; and further dealkalizing the sheet glass in a subsequent stage by exposing the sheet glass after the first stage to contact with a second dealkalizing medium including at least one acid gas for a period of at least 3 minutes while the sheet glass is at a temperature which is at least 50.degree. C. below one of the temperature of the sheet glass during the first stage and the minimum temperature of the sheet glass during the first stage, and ranges between 400.degree. C. and 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Dealkalized sheet glass having a core region which is not dealkalized, having a pre-dealkalization bulk sodium ion concentration of at least 8%, calculated as weight percent sodium oxide in the sheet glass, which pre-dealkalization bulk sodium ion concentration continues to be maintained in the core region of the sheet glass, and having a surface which is dealkalized to a depth such that a sodium ion concentration gradient exists. The sodium ion depletion is maximum at the surface, the depth at which the sodium ion concentration is 90% of the pre-dealkalization bulk sodioum ion concentration is at least twice the depth at which the sodium ion concentration is 50% of the predealkalization bulk sodium ion concentration, and the sodium ion concentration at a depth of 50 nm is not more than 50% of the pre-dealkalization bulk sodium ion concentration. A long-lasting dealkalization is achieved because of a reduced tendancy to ionic migration due to the shape of said sodium ion concentration gradient.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring the redox state of one or more elements in glass are disclosed in which a working electrode 2 and an auxiliary electrode 7 are immersed in the glass 11 while the latter is molten. A scanning potential is applied to the working electrode, a series of potential pulses is superimposed on said scanning potential, and the resulting current between the electrodes is monitored to give an indication of the redox state of one or more elements in the glass.