Abstract: A funnel compatible with recreational vehicle fill ports. The funnel including: a) an input section having an inlet portion which is tapered; b) an output section having: i) an outlet portion in fluid communication with the inlet portion and adapted to engage with a fill port; and ii) an adapter portion not in fluid communication with the input section and adapted to engage with a support member.

Abstract: The disclosure described herein relates to a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle and a process for making or repairing the same. Particular examples of the present disclosure include a manifold comprising multiple tubes where the manifold is inserted into and secured within a seat of the mixing nozzle. In some examples, multiple manifolds are inserted into and secured within a seat of the mixing nozzle. The tubes extend into the body of the manifold to form a leak proof connection.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and solutions for cleaning tap lines are described herein. One tap line cleaning system, includes a beverage dispensing tap, a beverage storage container, a tap line allowing fluid communication of a beverage between the beverage storage container connected at a first end of the tap line and the beverage dispensing tap connected at a second end of the tap line, a cleaning solution reservoir, a cleaning solution line allowing fluid communication of a cleaning solution into the first end of the tap line such that the cleaning solution can pass into the first end of the tap line, out of the second end of the tap line and exit the system via the beverage dispensing tap, and a valve to switch a valve position between closed and open to allow fluid communication of the cleaning solution to the tap line.

Abstract: A cartridge valve (22, 94) and system (10) are provided in which the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a regulator (44, 96) and an adjustable stroke solenoid (42, 100) to facilitate stable flow control. Also, the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a quick and easy installation and removal fitting (30 and 32).

Abstract: A system is provided using targeted narrowband radiation emitting devices or arrays of devices that offers a solution to the difficulties surrounding heated product dispensing. Rather than maintaining an entire reservoir of product at a raised temperature, much smaller volumes (single portions or small multiples thereof) can be held ready and at temperature to be dispensed without wasting additional energy on keeping a large volume of product warm. This is achieved by leveraging the unique, targeted nature of these devices to quickly and accurately heat a small amount of product separated out from the main reservoir and held ready for dispensing.

Abstract: A fluid exchanger may exchange a fluid (e.g., coolant) in a reservoir (e.g., vehicle radiator) by removing or withdrawing a first fluid (e.g., old, spent, used, etc.) and by introducing a second fluid (e.g., new, clean, etc.). For example, the fluid exchanger may use a negative pressure, suction, or vacuum to draw the first fluid from the reservoir, and subsequently, the second fluid may be transferred into the reservoir using a negative pressure held in the reservoir, a positive pressure applied to the second fluid, or a combination thereof. The fluid exchanger may also include a multi-purpose, hand-held nozzle that can change an operation of the fluid exchanger from a withdrawing mode to a dispensing mode.

Abstract: A system and method for use of a stirrup with multiple treads and side pieces.

Abstract: A MEMS device is provided that includes a piezoelectric film, a first electrode and a second electrode sandwiching the piezoelectric film, a protective film that covers at least part of the second electrode and having a cavity that opens part of the second electrode, a third electrode that contacts the second electrode at least in the cavity and is provided so as to cover at least part of the protective film, and a first wiring layer having a first contact portion in contact with the third electrode.

Abstract: A method for detecting contamination of a microelectromechanical sensor element. The method includes the following steps: outputting heating control signals for controlling a heating device in order to heat the sensor element, receiving measuring signals that represent a physical variable that is measured with the aid of the heated sensor element, ascertaining, based on the measured physical variable, whether the sensor element has contamination or is free of contamination, outputting result signals that represent a result indicating whether the sensor element has contamination or is free of contamination. Moreover, a device is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating a micro machined channel, comprising the steps of providing a substrate of a first material and having a buried layer of a different material therein, and forming at least two trenches in said substrate by removing at least part of said substrate. Said trenches are provided at a distance from each other and at least partly extend substantially parallel to each other, as well as towards said buried layer. The method comprises the step of forming at least two filled trenches by providing a second material different from said first material and filling said at least two trenches with at least said second material; forming an elongated cavity in between said filled trenches by removing at least part of said substrate extending between said filled trenches; and forming an enclosed channel by providing a layer of material in said cavity and enclosing said cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a molded body (10), comprising the following steps: a) providing a molding tool (40) which has at least one receptacle (12) in which at least one material (30) which comprises at least one shape-memory material (31) is introduced, wherein the shape-memory material (31) is present in a first state (111), wherein the material (30) at least partially fills the receptacle (12) of the molding tool (40) in such a manner that said material adjoins at least one surface of the receptacle (12); b) creating a molded body (10) in the receptacle (12) of the molding tool (40) from the material (30), wherein the shape-memory material (31) is present in a second state (112), wherein a form (11) is embossed into the molded body (10) during the second state (112); c) transferring the shape-memory material (31) to a third state (113), wherein the molded body (10) can be deformed during the third state (113) in such a manner that the molded body (10) is demolded from the

Abstract: A method for decreasing the SFFC of a steam reforming plant, including establishing a base operating mode. Then modifying the base operating mode by introducing the shift gas stream into a solvent based, non-cryogenic separator prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption and introducing the compressed hydrogen depleted off-gas stream in a membrane separation unit, wherein the membrane is configured to produce the hydrogen enriched permeate stream at a suitable pressure to allow the hydrogen enriched permeate stream to be combined with carbon dioxide lean shift gas stream, prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption unit without requiring additional compression. Thereby establishing a modified operating mode. Wherein said pressure swing adsorption unit has a modified overall hydrogen recovery. Wherein said modified operating mode has a modified hydrogen production, a modified hydrogen production unit firing duty, a modified SCO2e, and a modified SFFC.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the SFFC of a steam reforming plant, including establishing a base operating mode. Then modifying the base operating mode by introducing the shift gas stream into a solvent based, non-cryogenic separator prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption and introducing the compressed hydrogen depleted off-gas stream in a membrane separation unit, wherein the membrane is configured to produce the hydrogen enriched permeate stream at a suitable pressure to allow the hydrogen enriched permeate stream to be combined with carbon dioxide lean shift gas stream, prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption unit without requiring additional compression. Thereby establishing a modified operating mode. Wherein said pressure swing adsorption unit has a modified overall hydrogen recovery. Wherein said modified operating mode has a modified hydrogen production, a modified hydrogen production unit firing duty, a modified SCO2e, and a modified SFFC.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the field of single-atom catalytic degradation of refractory organic pollutants, and provides a single-atom catalyst for activation of persulfate to generate pure singlet oxygen (1O2) as well as a preparation method and an application thereof. The single-atom catalyst of the present disclosure includes supports and single iron atoms loaded on the support; the supports are graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets; the single iron atoms are bound to the supports in the form of a Fe—N4 coordination structure. The present disclosure employs graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets as the supports, so that the single iron atoms have a uniform surrounding environment and the persulfate is only converted into 1O2 when being activated; 1O2 has good selectivity and anti-interference ability, so the single-atom catalyst provided in the present disclosure may have excellent selectivity and anti-interference performance in the degradation of organic pollutants.

Abstract: Preparation of two-dimensional indium selenide, other two-dimensional materials and related compositions via surfactant-free deoxygenated co-solvent systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for purifying as-synthesized boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) material to remove impurities of boron, amorphous boron nitride (a-BN), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanocages, h-BN nanosheets, and carbon-containing compounds. The processes include heating the BNNT materials at different temperatures in the presence of inert gas and a hydrogen feedstock or in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: A hydrogel comprising a colloidal suspension of MIXMIIYPZ two-dimensional nanocrystals in water, wherein MI is Na+ and/or Li+, MII is Mg2+ or a mixture of Mg2+ with one or more Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+ and/or Mn2+, P is a mixture of dibasic phosphate ions (HPO42?) and tribasic phosphate ions (PO43?). X ranges from about 0.43 to about 0.63, Y ranges from about 0.10 to about 0.18, Z ranges from about 0.29 to about 0.48, X, Y, Z being mole fractions, is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for production of carbon nanotubes and H2 using a reaction system configuration that is suitable for large scale production. In the reaction system, a substantial portion of the heat for the reaction can be provided by using a heated gas stream. Optionally, the heated gas stream can correspond to a heated H2 gas stream. By using a heated gas stream, when the catalyst precursors for the floating catalyst-chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) type catalyst are added to the gas stream, the gas stream can be at a temperature of 1000° C. or more. This can reduce or minimize loss of catalyst precursor material and/or deposition of coke on sidewalls of the reactor. Additionally, a downstream portion of the reactor can include a plurality of flow channels of reduced size that are passed through a heat exchanger environment, such as a shell and tube heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of a growing an embedded single crystal diamond structure, comprising: disposing a single crystal diamond on a non-diamond substrate, wherein the non-diamond substrate is larger than the single crystal diamond; masking a top portion of the single crystal diamond using a masking material; and using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth chamber, growing polycrystalline diamond material surrounding the single crystal diamond in order to join the single crystal diamond to the polycrystalline diamond material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a metal carbide, where the method includes thermally treating a molecular precursor in an oxygen-free environment, such that the treating produces the metal carbide and the molecular precursor includes where M is the metal of the metal carbide, N* includes nitrogen or a nitrogen-containing functional group, and x is between zero and six, inclusively.

Abstract: An ultra-white granular silica-based filler comprises at least 99.5 wt. % silica, wherein the crystal structure of the silica is such that the silica-based filler comprises 40 to 80 wt. % cristobalite, 1 to 25 wt. % tridymite, 2-60 wt. % quartz and <5 wt. % amorphous silica, wherein the temperature of the ultra-white granular silica-based filler is no higher than 50° C. and further wherein the ultra-white granular silica-based filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98. In addition, an ultra-white powder filler is obtained by milling, grinding or comminuting the ultra-white granular silica-based filler. The ultra-white powder filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98.5.

Abstract: Zeolites for extraction of heavy metals are given enhanced purification in a first method stage and further processed in a second method stage to form liquid and solid phases including swollen clinoptilolite fragments ranging from 200 to 2000 Daltons and formed as liposomes and usable to substantially reduce heavy metal ppm burdens for purposes of safe ingestion by mammals and reduction of heavy metal contaminants of gut, vascular and lymphatic systems of a mammalian host.

Abstract: A method of making copper sulfide electrode material comprising steps of: 1) stirring and dissolving copper(ii) nitrate hydrate (Cu(NO3)2.3H2O) and Thiourea (CH4N2S) in a mixed solution consisting of ethylene glycol and deionized water; 2) adding hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (C19H42N.Br) to mixture A; 3) placing the mixture B into a roaster, raising a temperature of the roaster to 100° C. to 180° C. for 10 hours to 18 hours; 4) washing the crude CuS by using a mixed fluid of ethanol absolute (C2H6O) and deionized water to be cooled in a room temperature, placing the crude CuS in the roaster and raising a temperature of the roaster to 50° C. to 80° C.; 5) producing cathode electrode of asymmetric capacitive deionization module by using the copper sulfide electrode material; 6) producing anode electrode of asymmetric capacitive deionization module by using activated carbon electrode material.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an article which is transparent to near-wave IR, mid-wave and Long-wave multi-spectral and IR wavelength in the region of 0.4 ?m to 16 ?m. The method includes the steps of (a) Producing ultra-fine powder of CaLa2S4 via SPLTS process, (b) followed by pretreatment of the ultra-fine powder under inert and reducing gas conditions including H2 or Argon or N2 or H2/H2S, H2S, and mixtures there of (c) followed by sieving the powder in 140 mesh screen and cold pressing the powder at 7000 psi for 7 min. into a disk shaped green body (d) then Cold-Isostatic Pressing (CIP) at 40,000 psi for 5 min in a rubber mold (e) finally sintered article of CaLa2S4 disk of 25.

Abstract: A method of producing an ultraviolet protective agent composition, which has high transparency and excellent protection ability against a light of ultraviolet region of wavelengths of 200 to 420 nm, and an ultraviolet protective agent composition obtained by the production method are provided. The method of producing an ultraviolet protective agent composition includes at least step (a) of precipitating iron oxide microparticles by mixing with a microreactor an iron oxide raw material fluid containing at least Fe3+ ion, and an iron oxide precipitation fluid containing at least a basic substance; and step (b) of dispersing the above precipitated iron oxide microparticles in a dispersion medium to obtain iron oxide microparticle dispersion, wherein a haze value of the iron oxide microparticle dispersion is 2.0% or less, and a transmittance of the iron oxide microparticle dispersion for the light of the wavelengths of 200 to 420 nm is 2.0% or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a residential home water filter system and method. The water filter system comprises a filter stage, a water purification stage, a water storage stage, and a back-up water softening stage, to deliver filtered and purified water to consumers when needed. Water from a pressurized water source first flows through filter 16 and then to a first junction 18 to a reverse osmosis system 22 when a pump 24 is activated or to an ion exchange water softener 20 when the pump 24 is deactivated. The filtered and purified water is then stored in tank 26.

Abstract: A wastewater filter conversion kit for replacing filter elements connected to a shaft includes first and second conveyor segments. Each conveyor segment includes a perforated panel. At least one first tube is secured to a first end of the panel. At least one second tube is secured to a second end of the panel. The least one first tube on the first conveyor segment and the at least one second tube on the second conveyor segment are aligned along a common centerline for receiving the shaft to replace the filter elements on the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the settled solids in the bottom of a wastewater filtration tank to reduce the acidification of the sludge and prevent the excessive growth of undesirable biological growth.

Abstract: An ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) system that reduces atmospheric CO2 and mitigates ocean acidification by electrochemically processing feedstock solution (e.g., seawater or brine) to generate an alkalinity product that is then supplied to the ocean. The OAE system includes a base-generating device and a control circuit disposed within a modular system housing deployed near a salt feedstock. The base-generating device (e.g., a bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) system) generates a base substance that is then used to generate the ocean alkalinity product. The control circuit controls the base-generating device such that the alkalinity product is supplied to the ocean only when (1) sufficient low/zero-carbon electricity is available, (2) it is safe to operate the base-generating device, and (3) supplying the alkalinity product will not endanger sea life.

Abstract: A method for storing solar energy and generating electric power comprising the steps of utilizing a solar powered water treatment device (2) to convert non-potable water (3) into distillate (4) and concentrate (5), storing the distillate and the concentrate in a distillate storage tank (104) and a concentrate storage tank (105) respectively and feeding the distillate from the distillate storage tank and the concentrate from the concentrate storage tank to a salient gradient power device (106) to generate electric power.

Abstract: A water sanitizing system is disclosed and includes an inner chamber and an outer chamber disposed at least partially around the inner chamber. A lens concentrates solar energy applied to a liquid within the inner chamber. A vacuum source in communication separately with the inner chamber and the outer chamber. The vacuum source controls a pressure within the inner chamber separately from the outer chamber for controlling conversion of liquid within the inner chamber to a gas. The outer chamber, also under vacuum, is an insulative layer to prevent heat loss.

Abstract: Water purification systems including an inlet chamber, a purification module, a purified water outlet, and an impure water outlet. The inlet chamber is configured to receive an input water stream. The purification module includes a purification chamber configured to divide the input water stream into a purified water stream fluidly coupled to the purified water outlet and an impure water stream fluidly coupled to the impure water outlet. The purification chamber includes a first hydrophilic surface and a second hydrophilic surface spaced from the first hydrophilic surface. The first hydrophilic surface and the second hydrophilic surface cooperate to establish purified zones of substantially pure water and an impure zone of impurity concentrated water from the input water stream. The purified water stream is supplied by substantially pure water from the purified zones and the impure water stream is supplied by the impurity concentrated water from the impure zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing purified water comprising a step (a) of passing water through a first mixed bed ion exchanger comprising beads having a diameter between 0.5 and 0.7 mm and a step (b) of passing water through a second mixed bed ion exchanger comprising beads having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm. The invention further relates to a module comprising the first and second mixed bed ion exchanger and to a water treatment system for producing ultrapure water comprising the first and second mixed bed ion exchanger.

Abstract: Liquid solution concentration systems, and related methods, are generally described. In some embodiments, the system is an osmotic system comprising a plurality of osmotic modules. For example, the osmotic system can comprise a feed osmotic module configured to produce an osmotic module retentate outlet stream having a higher concentration of solute than the retentate inlet stream transported to the feed osmotic module. The osmotic system can also comprise an isolation osmotic module fluidically connected to the feed osmotic module. The osmotic system can also optionally comprise a purification osmotic module fluidically connected to the feed osmotic module and/or the isolation osmotic module. Certain embodiments are related to altering the degree to which the feed osmotic module retentate outlet stream is recycled back to the retentate-side inlet of the feed osmotic module during operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid system for water treatment, desalination, and chemical production. The hybrid system of the present invention includes a photoanode, an anode chamber, an anion exchange membrane, a middle chamber, a cation exchange membrane, a cathode chamber, and a cathode. In the middle chamber, saltwater or seawater is desalinated by photoelectrochemical electrodialysis. Chloride ions are generated during the desalination, transferred to the anode chamber, and activated by the photoanode. In the anode chamber, wastewater is treated by the activated chloride ions. In the cathode chamber, at least one chemical species selected from the group consisting of water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide is reduced by electrons supplied from the photoanode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for activation of concrete mixing water. The method includes preliminary action on the mixing water in continuous flow by pulsed high-voltage electrohydraulic discharges with supply DC voltage from 500 V to 5000 at a pulse frequency from 2 Hz to 10,000 Hz and a current from 0.1 A to 10 A on electrodes of copper and/or iron and/or titanium. Then the water is treated in a mechanical and/or ultrasonic cavitator in the developed cavitation mode and at a water pressure from 0.8 atm to 6 atm without addition of plasticizers and/or surface-active agents.

Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes: a water electrolyzer configured to electrolyze water to generate gas including oxygen and hydrogen; a gas-liquid separator configured to separate gas phase including hydrogen from liquid phase of the gas generated by the water electrolyzer; a water level detector configured to detect a water level in the gas-liquid separator; a pressure detector configured to detect a pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator; and a CPU and a memory coupled to the CPU. The CPU is configured to perform: calculating an error of the water level in the gas-liquid separator detected by the water level detector based on the pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator detected by the pressure detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning materials, such as flooring and upholstery. In some cases, the systems and methods use an electrolytic cell to electrolyze a solution comprising sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and/or any other suitable chemical to generate electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. In some cases, the cell comprises a recirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anode compartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises a senor and a processor, where the processor is configured to automatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading from the sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before entering the cell. In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditioned by being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to each other. Additional implementations are described.

Abstract: A sewage treatment device includes a fluidized bed body, a reflux device and a chemical feeding device. The fluidized bed body is sequentially provided with a sedimentation zone, a transition zone and a fluidization zone from top to bottom. The reflux device is connected to the fluidized bed body through a reflux pipe. The reflux pipe extends into the fluidized bed body from the sedimentation zone, and the granularity of a crystal product can be controlled by changing the height of a reflux inlet at the bottom end of the reflux pipe in the fluidized bed body. By controlling the position of the reflux inlet of the reflux pipe in the fluidized bed body, combining product granularity requirements, and adjusting an insertion depth of the reflux pipe, the granularity of a final product can be flexibly regulated and controlled, and meanwhile, a product recovery rate is improved.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a safe free chlorine level in a body of water for recreational use where the free chlorine level at a harmful level comprises determining if the free chlorine level in the body of water is above a safe level and adding sufficient DMH to the body of water to bring the free chlorine down to a safe level.

Abstract: A water quality management system for a water installation containing water. In some embodiments, the system has a water quality measurement module adapted to monitor the water quality of the water in the water installation and to send water quality information to a controller; and a chemical dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one chemical directly into the water installation in response to signals from the controller based on a water quality measurement by the water quality measurement module, the chemical dispensing module comprising a reservoir adapted to contain the at least one chemical, a movable dispenser adapted and configured to advance a fixed quantity of the chemical out of the reservoir and into the water of the water installation in response to signals from the controller.

Abstract: A filterwell cartridge having ports for dispensing a dispersant directly into a filterwell of a hot tub, spa or the like with the filterwell cartridge peripherally and postionally supportable in a quick release mode through facial engagement of compound surfaces located on opposite sides of the filterwell cartridge.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus, system and method including introducing an aqueous fluid into a chamber, the aqueous fluid having a pH below 7 and having an oxidizing agent. Contacting, within the chamber, the aqueous fluid with a corrodible sacrificial material which oxidizes in the presence of the oxidizing agent also reducing the oxidizing agent. Thereafter, adjusting, subsequent contacting the corroding particulate, the pH of the aqueous fluid to above 7.

Abstract: An algae scrubber system operates via a flow of water and a power source. The algae scrubber system does not require a bubbler. The rate of flow of the water may be variable. The algae scrubber system includes a screen that is configured to be removed from the system without shutting off the flow of water through the system and without spilling the water. The system includes a main body with a water distributor providing water to a tray. A screen hangs from the tray to and grow light(s) encourage algae growth on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial carriers for wastewater treatment, and in particular, relates to an organic composite powder carrier and its application for strengthening biological denitrification in municipal wastewater treatment. The organic composite powder carrier is compounded by a microbial carrier with a relatively large equivalent particle size and an organic alternative carbon source in the form of ultrafine powder. The composite powder carrier in the present invention includes a dedicated organic alternative carbon source, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The organic alternative carbon source can exclude the competitive relationship between microorganisms to ensure that denitrifying bacteria exclusively obtain electron donors required for denitrification.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a solid waste treatment method, including following steps: screening off masses having a particle size greater than 0.5 cm from solid waste; adding extraction agents to the solid waste and then heating and stirring so that the solid waste is fully dispersed in the extraction agents; placing the mixed extraction agent in a centrifuge and centrifuging the mixed extraction feeding liquid phase separated by centrifuging into a rectification tower for rectification and cooling, recovering residual oil substances in a rectification kettle, separating mixture of cooled extraction agents and water, continuously adding the separated extraction agents into an extraction kettle for cyclic extraction, and conveying sewage to a sewage treatment plant to treat and discharging the sewage after the sewage reaches a treatment standard.

Abstract: A stormwater collection, treatment, and aquifer replenishment installation includes a stormwater drain for receiving surface stormwater, a dry well downwardly extending underground to an outlet proximate to a water table over an aquifer, a tank structure at least partially disposed underground and coupled with the stormwater drain and the dry well in stormwater communication, a stormwater treatment system enclosed within the tank structure between the stormwater drain and the dry well for converting surface stormwater into treated stormwater, the tank structure for conducting surface stormwater to the stormwater treatment system between the stormwater drain and the dry well, and the dry well for receiving and gravity feeding treated stormwater from stormwater treatment system to the outlet.

Abstract: The invention refers to a glass forming machine which includes a blank station for forming a parison (14) from a gob of molten glass (9) and a blow station for forming the parison (14) into a container (26) and an invert mechanism (16) which can move a neck ring (5) from the blank station to the blow station by a rotary motion and which further includes a swab robot and a control device for the swab robot, wherein the control device is set up so that the swab robot can swab and thus swab the neck ring (5) when the neck ring (5) is in an intermediate position between the blank station and the blow station. Defects in the production of bottles can thus be avoided.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass sheet comprises: (a) forming a ribbon of glass from molten glass with a pair of forming rollers; (b) reducing horizontal temperature variability of the ribbon of glass to be 10° C. or less across 80 percent of an entire width of the ribbon of glass before the ribbon of glass cools to a glass transition temperature; (c) controlling a cooling rate of the ribbon of glass while the ribbon of glass moves vertically downward within a setting zone such that the ribbon of glass has a first average cooling rate before the ribbon of glass cools to the glass transition temperature and a second average cooling rate after the ribbon of glass cools to the glass transition temperature, the first average cooling rate being less than the second average cooling rate; and (d) separating a glass sheet from the ribbon of glass.

Abstract: A method for processing a transparent workpiece includes forming a contour of defect in the transparent workpiece and separating the transparent workpiece along the contour using an infrared laser beam. During separation, the method also includes detecting a position and propagation direction of a crack tip relative to a reference location and propagation direction of an infrared beam spot, determining a detected distance and angular offset between the crack tip and the reference location of the infrared beam spot, comparing the detected distance to a preset distance, comparing the detected angular offset to a preset angular offset, and modifying at least one of a power of the infrared laser beam or a speed of relative translation between the infrared laser beam and the transparent workpiece in response to a difference between the detected distance and the preset distance and between the detected angular offset and the preset angular offset.