Abstract: In the method according to the invention cold or unheated hardened glass and/or glass-ceramic parts are bonded together with a metallic ductile joining material, preferably silver, copper, aluminum or an alloy of those metals, to form a brittle article. The parts to be joined in an initial unheated state are placed with the metallic ductile joining material between them in a high frequency alternating field with frequencies preferably from 100 to 500 kHz. Then the joining material is inductively heated locally to melt it by means of the alternating field and the parts are pressed together to form a sufficiently strong bond between the parts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a photonic device comprising a first section including a material adapted to interact with photons, a second section including a material adapted to interact with photons, with an area of said first section and an area of said second section abutting each other wherein at least a part of said first area and a part of said second area defines a low temperature bonding area to provide adaptability for a plurality of applications based on a combination of materials having specific characteristic benefits, however without introducing unwanted effects having a negative influence on the quality of optical signals.

Abstract: Friction linings for torque transmission devices, in particular for friction clutches, are based on an inorganic composite material of (a) a matrix of glass or glass ceramic, (b) inorganic reinforcing fibres and (c) one or more ceramic, vitreous or metallic fillers, the fillers providing the friction clutches with improved comfort characteristics.