Abstract: For the manufacture of curved insulating glazing panes having close tolerances of form, surface and thickness, the curved single glass sheets (2; 22) are brought to their desired shape via rigid suction mold plates (1; 21) and are glued together in this condition. A device suitable for carrying out this method consists of a press having two rigid plates (3; 23), template strips (4, 5; 24, 25) and positioning stops (8, 10; 28, 30) corresponding to the theoretical shape of the glass sheets, and also retractable suckers (15; 26) disposed between the template strips (4, 5; 24, 25), being mounted on the rigid plates (3; 23).

Abstract: An optical recording disc which includes a pair of recording disc substrates opposed to each other with a space there between with a hub situated at the central portion of the disc substrates so that there is formed the closed space between the disc substrates, thereby providing a dual sided recordable optical recording disc. The hub may be formed by a pair of hub halves. There is disposed an annular inner spacer and annular outer space around the hub so as to separate the pair of recording disc substrates.

Abstract: A method of laminating glass sheets, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a glass sheet assembly comprising a pair of opposed glass sheets which are spaced from each other and spacer means located between the glass sheets, the spacer means being air permeable and liquid impermeable and extending along peripheral edges of the glass sheets, the glass sheet assembly being in a substantially horizontal orientation; (b) introducing a measured volume of a liquid laminating resin between the glass sheets so that the resin contacts the inner surfaces of both the top and bottom glass sheets as it is introduced into the space between the sheets, the introduction of resin being controlled so that a resin meniscus between the top and bottom sheets spreads outwardly in a controlled manner; (c) filling the space between the glass sheets with the measured volume of resin, air which is displaced by the resin being evacuated through the spacer means; and (d) permitting the resin to cure and solidify thereby to fo

Abstract: A process for forming a shaped prelaminate of glass and plastic by a) drawing an assembly of plastic layers against a hot, contoured, e.g. of compound curvature, mold surface to provide a shaped plastic preform at elevated temperature; b) transferring the shaped preform without cooling to an adjacent unheated glass layer of substantially matching surface contour to heat bond the shaped plastic preform to the glass layer; and then c) removing heat from the shaped plastic preform via conductive heat transfer to the glass layer to form the shaped prelaminate of glass and plastic layers. A bilayer glazing panel is formed in a conventional unmodified autoclave bonding system by exposing the prelaminate to elevated temperature and pressure to firmly bond the plastic to the glass.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing laminated glass wherein a film-forming plastisol is coated on a surface of a first glass plate to form a layer of the plastisol so that the thickness of the layer may monotonically vary; a second glass plate which has been heated at least at its peripheral portions is brought in contact with the layer of the plastisol first at a portion where the layer is the thickest and thereafter at portions where the layer is thinner, thereby gradually laminating the glass plates to each other while causing the plastisol to lose its fluidity at portions where is comes in contact with the heated second glass plate; and the laminated glass plates is heated under pressure so that the plastisol gelates. The process and apparatus are productive of laminated glass of high quality in high productivity.

Abstract: A method of dimensionally stabilizing a transparent, shrinkable thermoplastic layer, such as polyethylene terephthalate, in a draw-formed laminate with plasticized polyvinyl butyral which comprises heat setting the thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a unique method for producing an anti-lacerative glass assembly wherein a plastic composite anti-laceration sheet is to be bonded to a glass substrate sheet. The plastic anti-laceration sheet includes an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral adpated to abut the glass substrate sheet, an intermediate layer of polyester, and an outer layer of abrasion resistant material. A glass cover sheet having substantially the same curvature as the glass substrate sheet is utilized to press the anti-laceration sheet into bonding engagement with the glass substrate sheet. In accordance with the present invention, the bonding operation is accomplished by heating the laminated glass assembly to a predetermined temperature in the range of 285.degree. F. to 305.degree. F. The present invention also concerns the use of a unique vacuum ring construction which is mounted about the periphery of the laminated assembly and it utilized to de-air the assembly.

Abstract: A process for the production of a safety glass for instance for cars or buildings, said glass being made of a sheet of glass and a sheet of plastic material, through press forming on said glass sheet of a composition having a urethanic/acrylic/vinylic base.

Abstract: A prepress roll assembly includes upper and lower pressing roll segments that apply pressure to the opposing major surfaces of a windshield assembly as the assembly passes between the roll segments. A drive roll arrangement is provided that moves vertically in response to the elevational of the leading edge of a windshield assembly to be prepressed while continuing to drive the windshield assembly between the prepress rolls.

Abstract: A process for increasing resistance to penetration of glass in a glazed opening, including removing the glass from the glazed opening; and replacing the glass by laminated glazing consisting of the glass removed to which is fastened, by cementing with the aid of at least one intermediate layer of thermoplastic material, a sheet of thinner glass which has dimensions substantially equal to those of the glass removed except for having a thickness which is less than that of the glass removed, and which has been subjected to a chemical tempering treatment.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing curved laminated glass panels comprises overlaying at least two sheets of flat strengthened glass. Adjacent edges of the at least two sheets are sealed along a predetermined extent thereon to form a closed space between these two sheets. An opening is formed into the closed space along one edge of the glass sheets and glass laminating material is poured into the opening to fill the space between the two sheets. The opening is then closed and the at least two sheets are compressed in a preselected curvature form until the sheets assume the curvature of the form. Finally, the two sheets are held in the preselected curvature until the glass laminating material substantially cures.

Abstract: Intermediate films are automatically removed from an intermediate film stack. The removed intermediate film is positioned on a table and cut to a desired size, and then placed on one of two curved glass sheets which has its convex side facing up. Thereafter, the other glass sheet is positioned over said one of the glass sheets, and both the glass sheets are positioned at the same time. Then, the lower glass sheet is moved upwardly against the upper glass sheet so that the glass sheets are superposed with the intermediate film interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A process for producing laminated safety glass is disclosed, comprising depositing a film which comprises at least one function layer on a plastic sheet, inserting the sheet between a plurality of further layers, such as two polyvinylbutyral sheets which are in turn enclosed by glass panes, such that the plastic sheet projects beyond the edges of the other layers, clamping the plastic sheet along its projecting sections, and laminating the layers. A clamping device for performing the process and a laminated safety glass produced by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus operable in accordance with the method of the present invention is provided for automatically controlling the operation of a de-air/tacker machine used in the manufacture of safety glass laminates to remove air from and promote bonding within the laminates. The machine comprises pinch rolls mounted to a carriage which is in turn mounted for rotational movement about a generally horizontal axis relative to a support frame. The pinch rolls define a pressure nip through which the laminates pass to be processed. A motor is connected to the carriage for rotating the carriage, and hence the pinch rolls, about the generally horizontal axis and a digital encoder is provided for sensing rotational operating movement of the motor.

Abstract: A glass/polycarbonate laminate is provided with an edge attachment configuration that reduces the deflection of the laminate and reduces the loading on the polycarbonate plies of the laminate.

Abstract: A process for making a fire-retardant composition in which monoaluminumphosphate is reacted with boric acid in a weight ratio 10:1 to 25:1, and to which preferably aluminum oxide in the form of aluminumhydroxide gel is added. The composition is applied between glass panes to form a fire-retardant barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of laminated safety glass panes comprised of a sheet of glass and a sheet of flexible plastic material. Within the framework of a method wherein a "counter-mold" is applied to the plastic sheet or film before permanent combination of the constituent parts of the product glass pane, the invention proposes an improvement wherein, before this final assembly, stacks corresponding to a plurality of product glass panes are superimposed, wherewith the face of each of the glass sheets which face is not covered by its corresponding plastic sheet or film serves as the "counter-mold" for the adjoining stack.

Abstract: When filling the inner space (14) of an insulating glass unit (4) with a filler gas, a pressure is exerted during filling on the outer surfaces of the glass panes (12, 13) of the insulating glass unit (4) to be filled. For this purpose, an apparatus is suggested with a device (5) for feeding filler gas and with a device (6), by which air and/or gas can be removed from the inner space (14) of the insulating glass unit, wherein two pressure plates (1, 2) are provided which can be placed, during the filling step, with a preselectable pressure against the outer surfaces of the glass panes (12, 13) of the insulating glass unit (4).

Abstract: An insulated window comprising a layer of insulation between two transparent sheets of glazing. The sheets are glued to the insulation layer and then separated so as to increase the thickness of the insulation, thereby providing a way to reduce the density of the insulation beyond the minimum density that can be manufactured. The light transmission of the insulation is substantially unaffected, but the thermal insulating value of the insulation is improved.

Abstract: A method of producing multifocal ophthalmic lenses having a near vision minor lens element adhesively secured to the ocular surface of a major lens is disclosed. The ocular surface of the major lens is finished to provide an ophthalmic prescription lens. This ocular surface may have a spherical, cylindrical, or prismatic curvature, or any combination thereof, and thus generally may have a complex toric curvature. The minor lens has a predetermined "add power", to provide a near vision segment on the major lens, and preferably is flexible, or is made flexible as by heating, so that it can conform to the shape of the toric curve on the ocular surface of the major lens without distortion or change in its add power. An adhesive material is placed on the major lens, and the minor lens is carefully positioned and gently pressed against it so that it conforms to the curvature of the major lens.

Abstract: Curved, insulated glazing structures and their preparation are disclosed. The glazing structures comprise two rigid outer surfaces (generally glass) and a suspended inner film surface parallel to the outer surfaces. The inner film is adhered to the outer surfaces only on its curved edges--its straight edges being unattached. The inner film is generally heat shrunk in the direction parallel to the straight edges and preferably carries a heat reflective coating.

Abstract: A process of imparting a predetermined curvature to a sheet of thermoplastics material in which a thermoplastics sheet is bent by placing it against a face of a bending form. The form having a moulding surface area of the required curvature. The process includes heating the thermoplastics sheet and causing or allowing it to conform to the moulding surface area. The thermoplastics sheet is formed oversized and is bent by placing it against a bending form having a moulding surface area portion of the required dimensions and curvature which is surrounded by a bending form surround. Next, the thermoplastics sheet is heated and caused or allowed to conform to the moulding surface area portion while its oversized margins are supported by the bending form surround. Thereafter, the thermoplastics sheet is cooled at a rate slow enough to maintain such conformity, and then the thermoplastics sheet is trimmed to size.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a molded composite form comprising a substrate bonded to a thermoplastic element whereby the thermoplastic element, either separate from or together with the substrate, is heated to a first temperature sufficient to soften prior to placement in a mold with the substrate. The thermoplastic element and substrate are then comolded in a cool mold whereby the composite is cooled and shaped into a predetermined configuration in one operation.

Abstract: Two rigid sheets are centered separately in horizontal positions which are separated with regard to height, the centering being carried out relative to the same vertical plane of symmetry taken as a reference plane. The lower sheet is centered directly in the required position for stacking, and then after the deposition of the intermediate sheet the upper sheet is brought into its stacked position by a horizontal translation and a vertical translation of predetermined length corresponding to the distance separating the two positions of centering.

Abstract: Preformed, two-ply, optical, energy-absorbing, flexible polyurethane sheet including a self-healing surface and a surface which is adhesive under the influence of heat and pressure; bilayer glazing laminates and bilayer automotive safety windshields including said two-ply sheet; said two-ply sheet comprises a self-healing ply and an energy-absorbing adhesive polyurethane ply which is prepared preferably by reactive-casting on a horizontal support and formed preferably from a polyisocyanate monomer including from about 2 to about 10 wt. % of urea groups.

Abstract: A method of making a windshield is disclosed. A first glass template (10) is cut. An opaque material is bonded to a surface of the glass template. A conductive material is bonded to portions of the opaque and portions of the surface of the glass template to form electrically conductive terminals. A slippage inducing material is placed on portions of the opaque area not having electrically conductive terminal material thereon. A second glass template (24) is cut. The first and second glass templates are placed in a glass bending device (26). The glass templates are bent with the electrically conductive terminal areas and slippage inducing material permitting relative movement between the templates during the bending thereof without the production of glass chips. The first and second glass templates are separated and an electrically conductive coating is applied between terminal areas of opposite polarity on the first glass template.

Abstract: A composite ribbon suitable for winding into coils, comprising an acrylate resin film destined to be used as an intermediate layer in safety glass panels, interposed between two thin protective films, is produced by means of a continuous process of polymerization induced by light radiation, using the two protective films themselves as a polymerization cell.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing a glass release surface useful in the manufacture of anti-lacerative window assemblies is disclosed. The glass surface is treated with a perfluorosilane such as (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-Tetrahydrodecyl)-1-Trichlorosilane, and thereafter may be easily released from the polyurethane layer of an anti-lacerative window assembly. The release agent (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-Tetrahydrodecyl)-1-Trichlorosilane is particularly useful under severe laminating conditions such as high temperature and pressure over a long period of time. Its use imparts excellent optical properties to the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the laminating of glass is described. Glass sheets are transported by a gantry which places the sheet on a workstation. The glass sheet is allowed to dish and a second sheet is placed over the first sheet after depositing a resin on the first sheet. The trolley and the workstation from a press to complete the lamination process.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing a glass release surface useful in the manufacture of anti-lacerative window assemblies is disclosed. The glass surface is treated with octadecyltriethoxysilane, and thereafter may be easily released from the polyurethane layer of an anti-lacerative window assembly. Use of the octadecyltriethoxysilane parting agent enables excellent optical properties to be imparted to the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing curved laminated glass having an adhesion interlayer between curved sheets of plate glass by passing the curved laminated glass through a pair of press rolls. A level of a contact position between said pair of press rolls and an inclination angle of a line connecting axes of said pair of press rolls with respect to a curved surface of the laminated glass are controlled to control a posture of said pair of press rolls upon movement of the laminated glass so as to correspond to controlled rotation of said pair of press rolls. A line of action of a press pressure is directed along a direction substantially normal to the curved surface of the laminated glass, and the location of application of the press pressure is level-shifted along the curved surface of the laminated glass. The posture of the press rolls is controlled in accordance with prestored data sampled along the curved surface of the laminated glass.

Abstract: A large single-crystalline film on an amorphous insulator is formed by high energy beam annealing. The crystal growth of a molten polycrystalline or amorphous film on the insulator is controlled to occur from the central region toward the outer edge of the molten zone. This control is accomplished by using, for example, a doughnut-shaped laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous shaping and lamination of lightweight laminated transparencies, particularly those that are suitable for use in aircraft. The plies of an assembly to be shaped and laminated are assembled with additional elements to form a flexible cell of air impervious material. The cell includes an air impervious flexible wall defining a peripheral space around the assembly and porous material in the space. The cell containing the assembly is mounted over a vacuum mold and heated to sag the cell and its assembly to the contour of the mold while evacuating the cell while the cell and said assembly are exposed to atmospheric pressure.The cell is cooled while still under evacuation until the shape of the assembly is set, then is separated from the vacuum mold. The resulting assembly thus shaped and laminated is separated from the cell.

Abstract: Lightweight aircraft transparencies are shaped to a desired configuration by laying up a plurality of flat oversized plastic sheets in a desired sequence to form a flat assembly. Portions of the marginal edges of the flat assembly are supported on a female support ring having a non-planar supporting surface. The assembly is first shaped at a temperature below its deformation temperature to a preliminary shape where its marginal edge portions conform to the non-planar supporting surface of the female support ring. While the marginal edges of the preliminarily shaped assembly are maintained in conformity with the female support ring, the assembly is uniformly exposed in an enclosed autoclave to elevated pressures to minimize outgassing and to elevated temperatures above its deformation temperature. A male form having an outline smaller than the female support ring engages the central portion of the preliminarily shaped assembly to impress the desired final shape thereto, e.g., a compound configuration.

Abstract: An interlayer material is scanned prior to laminating same with glass sheets to generate a thickness variation signal, a wedge angle signal and an optical power signal. The signals are then selectively filtered to determine the thickness variation, wedge angle and optical power of the interlayer after lamination.

Abstract: An interlayer material is scanned prior to laminating same with glass sheets to generate a thickness variation signal, a wedge angle signal and an optical power signal. The signals are then selectively filtered to determine the thickness variation, wedge angle and optical power of the interlayer after lamination.

Abstract: Ordered liquids, or mesophases, are aligned by forming a structure on a substrate surface using a planar process of formation, the surface structure having a predetermined pattern, and applying a mesophase to the surface to substantially orient the molecules of the mesophase in accordance with the predetermined pattern. A liquid crystal display device can be made in which, in a preferred embodiment, the liquid crystal is confined between two substrates having oppositely disposed surfaces on which selected patterns of surface structures have been formed. The surface structures can be grating structures made of a conductive material, such as metal, which structures act to align the liquid crystal in accordance with the selected patterns, to polarize light passing through the surface structures, and to provide electrical contacts so that an electric signal applied thereto can produce an electric field in the region between the substrate surface structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement of vacuum cups in a bent glass sheet sandwich assembly apparatus and method of using said arrangement that provides a temporary bias to the central portion of a bent glass sheet to insure that a flexible sheet of interlayer material applied to the bent glass sheet initially engages its central portion and the area of engagement extends gradually to the edge of the sheets to avoid entrapment of air or other vapors in the interface of the resulting subassembly. When another bent glass sheet is applied to the opposite surface of the flexible sheet of interlayer material, the subassembly is temporarily biased once more to insure initial engagement in the central portion gradually extending to the edge of the sheets to avoid entrapment of air or other vapors in the interface of the subassembly with the second bent glass sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for aligning a pair of bent glass sheets of matching configuration for assembly with a position occupied by a flexible sheet of interlayer material to form a sandwich to be laminated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic assembly of a flexible interlayer sheet with one or more bent glass sheets using residual heat from bending the glass sheets to make the flexible interlayer sheet sufficiently tacky to avoid relative sliding between the sheets comprising the subassembly or sandwich that is assembled.

Abstract: A mold for supporting a flexible sheet of interlayer material for assembly against a bent glass sheet or between a pair of bent glass sheets of matching configuration has a first apertured wall shaped to conform to the shape of the bent glass, and a second apertured wall of conforming shape adapted for coupling to a vacuum source to form and hold the flexible sheet of interlayer material against the mold in unwrinkled condition. The mold is pivoted to a carriage from a mold loading orientation of convex elevational configuration to a mold unloading orientation of concave elevational configuration. Carriage movement between a mold loading station and an assembly station is correlated to the elevational configuration of the mold in a method of using the mold in assembling said flexible sheet of interlayer material againt one or more bent glass sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatic bonding of a layered structure having at least one glass stratum by heating the layered structure to a temperature above the annealing point of the glass stratum, by applying a predetermined pressure and voltage potential across the layered structure while the layered structure is maintained at an elevated temperature. Application of pressure across the heated layered structure permits electrostatic bonding of non-complemental surfaces to form a laminated structure.

Abstract: An interlayer material is scanned prior to laminating same with glass sheets to generate a thickness variation signal, a wedge angle signal and an optical power signal. The signals are then selectively filtered to determine the thickness variation, wedge angle and optical power of the interlayer after lamination.

Abstract: Fabricating a panel comprising a rigid mounting frame surrounding a laminated transparency having a metal reinforcing insert embedded therein in such a manner that the insert is parallel to the outer major surface of the transparency after its fabrication.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite optical element such as lenses and optical filters is provided. The resulting product has a high quality precision surface with a relatively low production cost. A glass substrate is treated with a silanating agent to activate its surface. An organic polymer material can then be applied to the activated surface with a mold platen forming a desired exterior configuration. The organic polymer is then polymerized to form a relatively thin layer of cured organic material having the exterior desired surface configuration of the glass substrate. The composite optical product is then released from the mold in its final configuration in a relatively short time period.

Abstract: A glass-plastic composite lens combining a glass element with a high-shrinkage thermosetting plastic is provided in accordance with a direct casting process comprising a consolidation heating step, subsequent to plastic curing and shrinkage, during which a thermoplastic coating between the glass element and the cured plastic bonds the assembly into a unitary low-stress composite.

Abstract: A glass break apparatus and method includes a pedestal which forms an airtight seal to a syringe and to the glass over the break. The flange on the pedestal enables the gripping and sealing.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of material from a solution containing the material and a solvent which comprises the steps of forming the solution into a layer, contacting at least one major face of the solution layer with a wall which is permeable over the area of that face substantially to the vapor phase only of the solvent, and effecting the escape of solvent simultaneously from both major faces of the layer including the one major face by vapor diffusion through the wall so as to set the layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simultaneous press polishing and lamination of laminated plastic transparencies such as are used in aircraft as aircraft windshields or aircraft canopies. The present invention is especially useful to minimize deviations from surface smoothness of the all plastic laminates due to the entrapment of air that form air pockets within a flexible evacuating bag within which an assembly to be press polished and laminated is inserted during its fabrication.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of cells having a hollow space adapted to lodge a liquid crystal, such cells being used, for example, in various display devices. The essence of the method is to induce in the supporting members forming the walls of the cell an elastic deformation and to maintain the confronting cell surfaces pressed together with the interposition of appropriate spreaders. Such elastic deformation is originated by imparting an appropriate curvature to at least one of the supporting members prior to uniting them and welding them together. Critical values for the radius of curvature are given, as well as for the spreader interspaces.