Abstract: A platinum welded structures are provided with a first oxide dispersion strengthened platinum or platinum alloy portion and a second oxide dispersion strengthened platinum or platinum alloy portion welded to the first platinum or platinum alloy portion. The second portion is welded to the first portion with a weld joint including a platinum or platinum alloy weld bead. The weld bead further includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of Zr, ZrO2 and rhodium at a level greater than the first and second portions. A method of making a platinum welded structure is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making glass are provided. The apparatus comprise a first glass melt station and a standpipe. The standpipe includes a first end portion in fluid communication with the first glass melt station. The standpipe further includes a gravity trap that is configured to inhibit formed impurities from traveling from at least a portion of the standpipe through the first end portion of the standpipe. The methods comprise the steps of providing the first glass melt station with glass melt, sensing a condition of a quantity of glass melt within the standpipe, and inhibiting formed impurities from traveling from at least a portion of the standpipe through the first end portion of the standpipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of reducing contamination of a glass melt by volatilized precious metal oxides that may condense on the stirrer shaft of a stirring vessel and fall back into the glass melt, by heating the shaft. In one embodiment, the stirrer shaft includes an interior cavity and a heating element disposed within the cavity. The heating element heats the shaft to a temperature sufficient to prevent volatilized materials from condensing on the surfaces of the shaft.

Abstract: Several embodiments of trowels which have an elongated handle and a pair of generally facing weights or a weight or weights and a connector between which a pair of blades are secured with one blade being of lesser height than the other to thereby resist undesired flexing of the other blade. In another embodiment, in lieu of having a second blade, a second weight which is disposed on the opposite side of the blade from the handle, has a downward extension which limits flexing of the blade. In a further embodiment, a blade is a two component blade and has a detachable and replaceable cutting edge. The weights and connector serve a multiple purpose of securing the upper end of the blades therebetween, facilitating downward pressure when the trowel is in use and in some embodiments through either a second blade or an extension of a weight for limiting the amount of flexing of the blade.

Abstract: A method of reducing metal loss from the refractory metal of a stirring apparatus for stirring molten glass, and the apparatus therefore are disclosed. The method includes stirring a molten glass with a stirrer comprising a layer containing at least about 50% iridium. An apparatus comprising an iridium-containing layer is also presented. The apparatus may have surfaces adapted to reduce a flow of molten glass over the surface, thereby forming a layer of stagnant, or quasi-stagnant glass on the surface of the stirrer. Adaptations may include grooves in a surface of the stirrer impeller blades, or holes through the stirrer impeller blades.

Abstract: Several embodiments of trowels which have an elongated handle and a pair of generally facing weights or a weight or weights and a connector between which a pair of blades are secured with one blade being of lesser height than the other to thereby resist undesired flexing of the other blade. In another embodiment, in lieu of having a second blade, a second weight which is disposed on the opposite side of the blade from the handle, has a downward extension which limits flexing of the blade. In a further embodiment, a blade is a two component blade and has a detachable and replaceable cutting edge. The weights and connector serve a multiple purpose of securing the upper end of the blades therebetween, facilitating downward pressure when the trowel is in use and in some embodiments through either a second blade or an extension of a weight for limiting the amount of flexing of the blade.

Abstract: A method of selecting color of tile grout providing at least one partially transparent card having a first color band thereon, placing the card over an array of tiles with the color band generally overlying the grout and visually comparing the first color band and the tile color to facilitate selecting a grout color. A second color band oriented angularly with respect to the first band may be employed so as to provide a pair of color bands overlying the intersecting grout areas. Corresponding sets of cards are disclosed.