Mass Transmissive Of Light Through All Layers And Having Opaque Border (e.g., Stained Glass, Wired Glass, Etc.) Patents (Class 428/38)
  • Patent number: 5908704
    Abstract: Optical and firescreening protective glazing laminates comprising fluoropolymer interlayer films are described. The films and their laminates comprise THV and blends of THV with FEP, ECTFE or ECCTFE, and modified with additives, such as coupling agents, pigment or color concentrates, and IR- or UV- light blockers, and may be subjected to a surface corona treatment. The films also may incorporate a fiber mesh for additional reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Norton Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Friedman, Louis Laucirica, Glenn T. Visscher
  • Patent number: 5885670
    Abstract: The Conventional Direct Glazing invention concerns a process for securing fixed panes of inorganic or organic glass to vehicles or parts thereof, in which flexible structural components and or sealing strips are prefitted by a weld strip between them and the pane by thermally activating the weld strip and thus producing a seaming effect on the pane, and pane modules thus produced. A pane module thus produced can subsequently be conventionally fitted to the coachwork on the assembly line using fitting strings without any further auxiliaries and working process. Owing to the material used for the flexible structural component and or sealing strip, the sealing quality corresponds to that of direct glazing. If the residual heat from the manufacture of the pane is used as the activation heat for the sealing strip, considerable economies are achieved in the manufacturing process for the pane module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Saar-Gummiwerk GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Kientz, Andreas Schafer
  • Patent number: 5884441
    Abstract: An art glass display formed primarily of a framework, at least one protective sheet of a translucent material adjacent the framework, and a peripheral border in contact with a portion of the framework and the translucent material. The framework is comprised of a plurality of cames and connectors in interconnected relationship. The cames are formed having a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion, and a pair of grooves extending the length of each came intermediate the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion, with the grooves being on opposite sides of the came. The connectors are formed having a center section, and a plurality of arms. The center section has a notch formed therein. The framework has retained therein at least one pane of glass, each pane of glass being approximately 3.1 mm (1/8") thick and having a bevelled edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: James L. Monroe, Jr., Michael D. Monroe, Jeffrey J. Menhart
  • Patent number: 5885695
    Abstract: This invention is related to a method for shaping profile an extrudable plastic material attached to a surface. In the process, a die being part of a cylinder and having a shape corresponding to the desired cross-section of the profile is introduced into the plastic material and is then extracted therefrom by rolling the cylinder. The invention is also related to a device for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Florenz Kittel, Helmut Krumm, Herbert Joeris
  • Patent number: 5860876
    Abstract: Stained glass Golf Course markers comprised of concrete and stained glass which show the layout of each hole on a golf course, including the hole number, Par, handicap, and tee to green yardage from each tee box. The concrete and glass construction provide a durable marker which will withstand exposure to the elements well. These markers are also very unique and beautiful and thus will add greatly to the appearance of any golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Shirley Joelene Rich Guffey
  • Patent number: 5853835
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a laminated and beveled safety glass panel. More particularly, the safety glass panel comprises a panel having the appearance of a leaded glass panel that meets safety glass requirements. The glass panel is preferably constructed by taking an outer panel and bonding to it an inner glass panel, preferably annealed, having a glass joiner therebetween. At least one groove is machined into the outer glass panel and/or the inner glass panel simulating separate glass panel sections. Within the groove a bead, preferably formed of lead, is adhesively placed thereby yielding an overall beveled and leaded appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Scott J. Leniton
  • Patent number: 5853852
    Abstract: A decorative glass sheet including a glass panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. An applique overlies a portion of the upper surface of the glass panel and has a periphery, an upper surface and a lower surface. An adhesive coupler is interposed between the upper surface of the glass panel and the lower surface of the applique. The applique is secured to the glass panel by the adhesive coupler. The decorative glass sheet may also include one or more grooves formed in the glass panel. Further, one or more coatings may be disposed on the surface of the glass panel. Preferably, the applique covers the entirety of the portion of the glass panel underlying the applique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 5849383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a minute structure for showing an interference color having a certain wavelength within a visible light region, by reflection and interference of a natural light incident on the minute structure. The minute structure has: a laminated portion including a plurality of first layers having a first refractive index and a plurality of second layers having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index; and a stray-light absorbing member. The first and second layers are alternately placed on top of each other. The stray light has wavelengths other than the certain wavelength and is formed by transmittance of the natural light through the laminated portion, reflectance of the natural light by the laminated portion and/or scattering of the natural light by the laminated portion. The invention further relates to a fabric for showing the interference color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Kumazawa, Hiroshi Tabata, Junichi Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5843546
    Abstract: A decorative glass sheet and a method and apparatus for forming the same. The decorative glass sheet includes a glass panel having opposed surfaces with at least one decorative band formed in at least one of the surfaces. The decorative band includes a roughed band which provides a frosted appearance. A remaining portion of the surface is not covered by the decorative band. The decorative band contrasts with the remaining portion of the surface to provide a unique visual effect including the simulation of a muntin on the glass panel. In preferred embodiments, one or more straight walled grooves are formed in the surface parallel to and immediately adjacent the roughed band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 5840391
    Abstract: A decorative glass sheet simulating a multi-pane, camed window or door, and a method for forming the same. The decorative glass sheet includes a glass panel having an outer surface. At least one groove is formed through the outer surface and into the glass panel. Each groove includes a first wall extending from a first peripheral edge to a groove bottom apex and a second wall extending from the apex to a second peripheral edge. The second wall has a width greater than a width of the first wall. At least one decorative caming strip is adhered to the outer surface of the glass panel and is disposed adjacent and along the first peripheral edge of the at least one groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Glass Unlimited of High Point, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith L. Eichhorn, Lars Richter
  • Patent number: 5800892
    Abstract: A plastic cloisonne article and method of making same is provided. The plastic cloisonne article includes a plastic substrate which can be pre-molded into a fixed shape, a framework of metal wire for forming a design on the plastic substrate, one or more colored glazes, and a clear glaze which covers the outer surfaces of the colored glazed plastic substrate. The plastic substrate is preferably comprised of a high density polystyrene, polyprophylene, polyurethane or polyethylene which has a high melting point and is sufficiently rigid to withstand the temperature of firing. The plastic cloisonne article can be formed into such shapes which include, but are not limited to, ornaments, Christmas ornaments, boxes, vases, picture frames, coasters, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: William F. Yee
  • Patent number: 5796071
    Abstract: This invention concerns a pane, particularly a pane for an automobile vehicle, especially a rear window or side window, comprising a glass sheet coated on its inner face, i.e., the face intended to be towards the passenger compartment, with a network based upon an enamel composition of low emissivity and/or conductive of electricity, this network extending over, essentially, the entire area of the glass sheet corresponding to the viewing field, with a rate of coverage by the enamel composition of between 20 and 90%, and preferably between 25 and 80% of the area over which the network extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Claude Morin, Andre Beyrle
  • Patent number: 5783264
    Abstract: A decorative window consists of thick transparent plastic resin layer laminated to a sheet of glass. The outer surface of resin layer includes decorative features, such as deeply contoured pictographic images and finely detailed textured surfaces. The decorative window is produced as replica of a glass master originally made using conventional grinding and surface finishing techniques. The master is then covered with a mixture of silicone, catalysts for curing the silicone, and a light oil to form a mold. After curing, the mold is removed from the glass master, inverted and a glass sheet, which has been prepared for the process by being coated with organosilane ester, is clamped thereto. The mold cavity is then filled with a mixture of a clear plastic resin, catalysts for curing the resin, and organosilane ester. After curing, the replicated decorative window is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen Edwin Howes
  • Patent number: 5770674
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a gasket around a substrate from a novel polyurethane/urea composition via the RIM process. Window gaskets may be produced by this method. These novel polyurethane/urea compositions comprise the reaction product of a (cyclo)aliphatic polyisocyanate having a viscosity of less than about 25,000 mPa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C. and a NCO functionality of 2.0 to 4.0 with an isocyanate-reactive component comprising b1) a relatively high molecular weight organic compound containing hydroxyl groups, amine groups, or mixtures thereof; and b2) a low molecular weight chain extender selected from the group consisting of diols, primary amines, secondary amines, aminoalcohols, and mixtures thereof; in the presence of a catalyst. The isocyanate and isocyanate-reactive components are selected such that the crosslinking density of the resultant polyurethane/urea composition is at least 0.3 moles/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Cageao, A. Donald Meltzer, Brian R. Suddaby
  • Patent number: 5728632
    Abstract: The light intercepting net in accordance with the present invention has fine meshes and is formed by weaving or knitting yarns, a tackiness may be applied to the net at one side thereof. The one side of the net to which the tackiness agent is applied is preferably flat or smoothed.Preferably, the net is formed by weaving or knitting glass fiber yarns and then coated with resin, and yarns constituting the net have a suitable stretchability and elasticity.Colors or patterns may be painted or drawn on the net at one side or both sides thereof.The tackiness agent is preferably hydrophilic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ryoichi Sugie
  • Patent number: 5716694
    Abstract: A pane of glass composed of at least two sheets of glass 2,3 and of at least one insert layer 7. The surface-area of one of the sheets of glass is smaller than that of the other sheet, the edges of the two sheets lying flush at least at part of the periphery and the edge of the sheet of glass having the smaller surface-area not overhanging the large sheet of glass at any point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage
    Inventor: Francois Jacquemet
  • Patent number: 5679417
    Abstract: Easily breakable glass pane for emergency exits or the like, comprising at least one first sheet that is provided with at least one hole and is joined to at least one second sheet having no holes. The pane constituted by said sheets is perimetrically shaped so that only the second sheet is mounted in a perimetric frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: S.P.S. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Zaccaria Menegazzo
  • Patent number: 5679435
    Abstract: A retro-reflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retro-reflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retro-reflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced thereover such that when the light level on the image side of said panel is slightly less than, equal to, or greater than that on the other side, an observer on the image side clearly sees the image while an observer on the other side sees through the panel without seeing any trace whatsoever of the image or design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Michael D. Andriash
  • Patent number: 5677064
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a water-based paint composition comprising sodium silicate, water, water-soluble base, metal oxide pigment, and glass frit as an adhesion promoter. Preferably, it further comprises zinc oxide, surfactants, and aluminum hydroxide. In other aspects, it is directed to the method of making the composition, and glass sheets having a cured paint field thereon, and the method of making such glass sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Premakaran T. Boaz
  • Patent number: 5650208
    Abstract: A laminated window includes at least one rigid external substrate (5) and a sheet made of flexible plastic material (6) which is adjacent to the substrate (5). The window is equipped with an electrostatic protection circuit which is capable of dissipating the charges which have accumulated on the external sheet (7). This circuit includes conducting elements (2) which cross through at least the substrate and at least one part of the sheet made of plastic material (6). The conducting elements (2) are connected to a collector element (3) which is connected to the ground (4) and embedded in the sheet made of flexible plastic material (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Pierre Chaussade, Thierry Mannevy-Tassy
  • Patent number: 5643644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a vacuum in an insulating glazing composed of two glass sheets (2, 3) separated by pins (4). According to the invention, one of the glass sheets includes a hole (12) which is plugged by a softened ball after the vacuum has been achieved. The invention also relates to an insulating glazing whose glass sheets are separated by pins (4) and joined at their periphery by a sealing joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage
    Inventor: Yves Demars
  • Patent number: 5637363
    Abstract: A laminated glass pane having at least one rigid glass sheet and one flexible plastic material sheet is described, which has a peripheral strip disposed over at least a part of the edge of the pane over at least one edge of a flexible plastic sheet. The peripheral strip has two layers of respectively different materials, a first layer designated the "internal layer", is comprised of a material having a softening temperature which is less than or equal to the temperature employed in autoclaving the sheets which are components of the pane, and a second layer designated the "external layer", is comprised of a material having a softening temperature which is greater than the temperature employed in autoclaving the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Stephane Leray, Patrick Janvier, Yves Naoumenko
  • Patent number: 5624761
    Abstract: A fire-protection and safety composite glass panel includes a fireproof glass plate and a film of fluorocarbon resin of a chain molecular structure type. The film is bonded onto one of opposite side surfaces of the fireproof glass plate by the thermo-compression bonding. The fluorocarbon resin is a copolymer of at least three kinds of monomers. It may be arranged that another film of the fluorocarbon resin is further bonded onto the other side surface of the fireproof glass plate by the thermo-compression bonding. Another glass panel may be arranged that a plurality of fireproof glass plates are attached with a film of the foregoing fluorocarbon resin interposed between adjacent glass plates through the thermo-compression bonding. Those glass panels can be used as glass plates in fire-protective windows and doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Sakamoto, Tadashi Takahashi, Masayuki Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 5620799
    Abstract: A glazing for an enclosed space includes at least one sheet of glass having a precisely delimited surface region and a transmitter and/or a receiver for electromagnetic radiation in a non-visible portion of the spectrum. The transmitter and/or receiver are positioned for respectively transmitting and receiving radiation in a non-visible portion of the spectrum via the precisely delimited surface region. The transmissivity of said precisely delimited surface region for electromagnetic radiation in said non-visible portion of the spectrum is higher than that of a remainder of the at least one sheet of glass for electromagnetic radiation in the non-visible portion of the spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventor: Gerd Sauer
  • Patent number: 5609938
    Abstract: One or more panels define a support for an image layer and a relatively dark layer. Holes extend through the panel and the layer. The holes allow viewing through the panels in one direction without seeing the image, yet the image can be viewed by looking at the panel assembly from the opposite direction. Thus, the image is suitable as an advertising medium as applied to the transparent windows of buildings, vehicles and the like. A person sitting in a building or in a vehicle cannot see the image on a window by looking outwardly through the window. Looking in the opposite direction, from outside to inside the vehicle, a person will see the image through the assembly of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Creative Minds Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney M. Shields
  • Patent number: 5580628
    Abstract: The invention discribes a glazing equipped with an extruded profile on which or in place of which is cast a complement, which is connected to the profile,The procedure makes it possible to replace part of the profile which is difficult to produce by extrusion or to add to it foreign elements such as fastenings or various accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage International
    Inventors: Hans Cordes, Helmut Krumm, Ludwig Schwartz, Ilan Kahn, Gerd Cornils, Ulrich Behrend
  • Patent number: 5573824
    Abstract: A protective, impact resistant material and method, the material comprising a fabric of thermoplastic polymeric fibers having a strength of at least 0.5 GPa and an elastic modulus of at least 25 GPa and a matrix of polymeric material disposed in the interstices between the fibers, the matrix having an elastic modulus in the range 0.2 to 3.times.10.sup.6 psi. The polymeric fibers can be gel spun polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene terephthalate. In a second embodiment, the matrix is derived from the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignees: Texas Instruments, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Paul Klocek, William J. MacKnight, Richard J. Farris, Christian Lietzau
  • Patent number: 5558827
    Abstract: A simulated multipane window consists of a thick transparent plastic resin layer molded onto a sheet of glass. The outer surface of the resin layer includes simulated came structure between adjacent panel portions of the window. The decorative window is produced as a replica of a glass master originally made using actual glass panels, such as beveled glass panels. The master is then covered with a mixture of silicone, catalysts for curing the silicone, and a light oil to form a mold. After curing, the mold is removed from the glass master, inverted and a glass sheet, which has been prepared of the process by being coated with organosilane ester, is clamped thereto. The mold cavity is then filled with a mixture of a clear plastic resin, catalysts for curing the resin, and organosilane ester. After curing, the simulated multipane window is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen E. Howes
  • Patent number: 5540961
    Abstract: A process for the production of a laminated glass glazing having one or more wires within an intermediate thermoplastic layer and electrically connected to busbars, wherein the wires are heated by an adequate energy application locally limited to the connection points prior to the electrical connection to the busbars, to the extent that the surface layers adhering to the surface of the wires are eliminated. The application of a locally limited adequate energy supply takes place by use of laser rays, as a result of the fact that the focus of a beam of laser rays oriented perpendicular to the busbars is displaced in the longitudinal direction above and on the busbars. The wires are then welded to the busbars. The layers forming the laminated glass glazings are presently assembled in a conventional manner and joined to one another under heat and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: M. Bernard Reul, Stefan Immerschitt
  • Patent number: 5523138
    Abstract: A glazing assembly, suitable for use as an emergency escape, includes a laminated panel composed of at least two sheets of vitreous material adhered to a polymeric intervening layer which extends continuously between the at least two sheets of vitreous material, wherein, in at least one minor area zone of the laminated panel, possibility of elongation of the polymeric intervening layer under the influence of mechanical stess when the at least two sheets of vitreous material are broken, is different compared with the possibility of elongation of the polymeric intervening layer over the rest of the laminated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Glaverbel
    Inventor: Calogero Chinzi
  • Patent number: 5501888
    Abstract: The present invention provides a divided light inserts which employ metal caming and a kit for mounting the inserts on existing windows. The preferred divided light inserts use substantially lead-free, rigid caming which incorporates a flange and steel core around the perimeter of the insert. The preferred mounting kit provides for ventilation between the insert and the primary glazing panel of a window in which the insert is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Anderson Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Hanson, John Gallagher, Kirk Schneider
  • Patent number: 5500274
    Abstract: Composite coatings are provided having a variable thickness and a gradient coloration in the cross-web direction using a premetered extrusion coating process wherein a pigmented coating composition and a non-pigmented coating composition are simultaneously extruded onto a carrier film. The composite coatings are useful in preparing laminated structures such as automobile windshields with a colored gradient band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Debra C. Francis, Siva V. Vallabhaneni, Bert C. Wong
  • Patent number: 5493826
    Abstract: A novel "three-dimensional" appearing light-transmitting and insulating sandwich panel of planar outer facing sheets in which the illusion of a three-dimensional array of step-like block structures is produced by periodic light transmission contrasting blocks containing, internally of the panel, contrasting light-transmitting insulation filler battes in alternate blocks, and method of constructing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Kalwall Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Keller, Samuel F. Keller
  • Patent number: 5492587
    Abstract: A pellicle for use on a photomask reticle in conjunction with deep ultraviolet light wavelengths. The membrane of the pellicle comprises a purified fluoropolymer that has been spin coated on a glass substrate treated with a surface modifier and then separated and mounted on an aluminum frame. The aluminum frame has vents that filter air of contaminants and which allow an equalization of air pressure on both sides of the pellicle membrane when a peel-off backliner is in place on the opposite side of the frame. A permanent bond is made between the membrane and frame and a sticky adhesive is used to keep the backliner on the frame until peel-off. The sticky adhesive is such that the backliner may be re-attached a plurality of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Gilbert H. Hong
  • Patent number: 5492739
    Abstract: The apparatus is a flexible suction cup including a convex outer wall with a concave interior wall having a translucent design allowing illumination through the suction cup walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventors: Leroy A. Thorne, Susan C. Potts
  • Patent number: 5484657
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of glass sheets with a view to laminating them consists of curving the glass sheets by causing them to pass one after another along a curved trajectory, then cooling them by passage between blowing chests, and of dispatching them by batches to the assembling station, and a laminated pane, the sheets of which have, in the central zone, a core compressive stress of from 1 to 50 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage International
    Inventors: Franz Kramling, Herve Charrue, Frederic Weber, Bernard Letemps, Claude Didelot
  • Patent number: 5451465
    Abstract: The invention discloses an improved structural glass composition and process for manufacture. In one embodiment in which the improved structural glass may be used in isolation, the glass comprises a foamed glass core which is manufactured by supplying a glass base through which a gas is infused, either by reaction or by entrapment. As the gas to glass ratio is increased to an optimum level, the quality of the foamed glass moves from a stiff homogeneous glass which is strong in compression, weak in compression and brittle, to a foamed glass which is strong in compression, weak in tension and ductile. In a second embodiment of the invention inorganic fibers supported by a glass matrix may be wrapped around the foamed glass core. This fibrous material is generally strong in tension and also ductile. The resultant combination is a glass structure which is both strong in compression and strong in tension and which is ductile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Robin D. Goldstein
    Inventor: Neil H. G. Garrioch
  • Patent number: 5435603
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing greeting card having a stained-glass window effect provided by a pattern of cut-outs in a face panel thereof and a panel of translucent material having a corresponding colored pattern rearwardly thereof, the colored pattern allowing the transmission of light therethrough to provide a stained-glass effect. The card may be attached to a window or other light source to enhance the aesthetically pleasing stained-glass window effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Robert Barreca, Karen Hurley
  • Patent number: 5419940
    Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments (10, 30, 40, 50, 60) of an award assembly having a colorized and reflective appearance. The award assemblies include a base (11, 36, 84, 62) having a reflective surface (18, 87, 72). The award assemblies have three-dimensional uprights or prisms (10, 31, 32, 33, 40, 50, 88, 61) which are made of transparent acrylic. A solvent (25) such as methylene chloride fuses the prism to the base. Also disclosed is a method for making award assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Designer Selections, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornell D. Wood, Clyde L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5418041
    Abstract: A ceramic ink is transferred to complex ceramic articles by a modified transfer process which allows 20% or greater of the surface area of the ceramic article to be printed. To adhere the ceramic ink to the ceramic articles, the surface of the ceramic article is sprayed with a thin layer of oil. After transfer of the ink design, residual poly vinyl alcohol is washed off of the article while the printed image is held in place by the insoluble precoated oil. The finished ceramic article has a 100% ceramic finish that is very durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Kent, Terry N. Tice, William C. Welch
  • Patent number: 5418024
    Abstract: An art product is produced by providing a carrier having a metal layer, an adhesive layer and a substrate, applying a protective material on portions of the metal layer which must be retained in the final art product, etching the remaining portions of the metal layer to expose portions of the adhesive layer, and painting the exposed portions of the adhesive layer with a painting material which binds with the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Alexander Inashvili
  • Patent number: 5418021
    Abstract: An insulating, tinted glass window assembly of components that can be efficiently assembled and disassembled for repair or cleaning provides a three-layer glass window assembly having a tinted-glass layer sandwiched between two clear, transparent glass panes. The tinted-glass layer is formed by a lattice inner frame holding a plurality of preformed tinted glass sized to fit in the lattice frame. The inner frame also holds the clear, transparent glass panes resting on the inner frame in a spaced-apart relation to the internal tinted glass layer. Thus, two insulating layers of air is presented within each of which air movement is restricted by the lattice of the inner frame, thereby further improving insulation properties of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Chang S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5418025
    Abstract: A window glass comprising at least one sheet of glass coated with an electroconductive ITO layer, pyrolyzed from powdered components, combined with a flexible plastic material of the PVB, PU, PVC type, with an index approaching more the index of the ITO layer than the index of air, with which the said layer is coated, and a sheet of glass dyed in the mass, with the same color as the ITO layer, and with properties of reduced energy transmission also entering advantageously into the composition of the window glass is provided. The invention particularly applies to the production of heated windshields for automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Helene Harmand, Vincent Sauvinet, Maurice Trouve
  • Patent number: 5411780
    Abstract: A series of stained glass modules and connectors allow arbitrary decorative apparatus assemblies to be formed. The apparatus may be connected to any structure capable of supporting the weight of the assembled modules. Connectors are formed of a strong pliable material shaped in a decorative manner. Some connectors are permanently attached to decorative modules, allowing the addition of other modules. Arrays of interconnected modules may be hung in openings or adjacent to windows, simulating a traditional stained glass assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Pamela A. Kaefer
  • Patent number: 5407738
    Abstract: A minute structure for showing colors by reflection and interference of natural light includes a plurality of fin portions and a central portion for uniting the fin portions. The fin portions are aligned in a first direction and positioned such that the adjacent fin portions are spaced from each other so as to define therebetween a void space which is filled with air. Each fin portion has a first width defined in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and a second width defined in the first direction. The void space has a third width which is defined in the first direction. The central portion has a fourth width defined in the second direction. The first width of each fin portion is three times or more larger than the fourth width of the central portion. The third width of the void space ranges from 0.02 .mu.m to 0.4 .mu.m. The second width of each fin portion is not less than 0.02 .mu.m. A refractive index of each fin portion ranges from 1.2 to 1.8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tabata, Kinya Kumazawa, Junichi Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5397647
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of glass sheets with a view to laminating them consists of curving the glass sheets by causing them to pass one after another along a curved trajectory, then cooling them by passage between blowing chests, and of dispatching them by batches to the assembling station, and a laminated pane, the sheets of which have, in the central zone, a core compressive stress of from 1 to 50 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage International
    Inventors: Franz Kramling, Herve Charrue, Frederic Weber, Bernard Letemps, Claude Didelot
  • Patent number: 5387456
    Abstract: There is provided a method for producing extruded, optical-quality, transparent panel units having integral flange members for joining to adjacent, similar panel units. The method includes the steps of extruding a substantially flat strip of suitable plastic material, calendering the extruded strip by pulling it in the still hot, pliable state through a calender, at least the central portion of the strip being smoothened to an optical-quality transparency and the marginal portions of the strip being provided with at least one sawtooth-like, continuous projection on at least one face of the marginal portions, controllably heating the strip at a limited zone on the one face to render the zone pliable, using bending rolls to bend the marginal portions at substantially a right angle, so as to turn them into flange members, the inside corners formed by the bending rolls between the central portion and the marginal portions being rounded, and finally, cutting the flanged panels to required length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dan Pal
    Inventors: Nir Ben-Zvi, Shaul Giovoni
  • Patent number: 5364673
    Abstract: The plate-shaped component (1) has a sealing (2) surrounding its side faces (2a) and is easily exchangeable. The surrounding sealing (2) is an integral part of component (1) and has varying thicknesses along its length. This allows compensating for dimensional variations of the plate-shaped component (1) by suitable production processes, such as casting or spraying, and keeping the fixed external dimensions of the component (1) surrounded by sealing (2). An overhanging area (3), positioned on component (1) and surrounded by sealing material, serves as a stop and permits component (1) to be flush-mounted in a housing (7) from the inside. A wedge-shaped elevation (4) of sealing material, which acts as a pinch or fold and is positioned in the overhanging area (3), improves the flush mounting still further. For outdoor installation, the plate-shaped component (1) may be additionally provided with heating as well as temperature measuring means (5, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Manfred Schmidt, Klaus Staudenmaier, Joachim Schnee, Walter Mannsdoerfer, Volker Weber
  • Patent number: 5350613
    Abstract: A safety windowpane and process of manufacture made of laminated glass. The windowpane includes two glasses made of annealed, hardened or quenched glass 1, 2 bonded to one another by an insert sheet of synthetic material 3 to the opposite faces of which the glasses are adhesively attached. The sheet includes in the material a line 4 of discontinuity in mechanical strength of relatively small width. The line defines an outline of preopening of a surface area such that after breaking of the glasses 1, 2 and rupture along the outline, it offers a sufficient passage for a human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Vertal Nord Est
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Deprez, Christian de la Rochefoucauld
  • Patent number: 5336537
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bevelling interior angles of sheets of coloured or non-coloured plain glass, plate glass or flattened glass, is disclosed. The vertex of the interior angles is bevelled, with assigned rake and bevel angles of the rotary tool, by moving the tool parallel to the bisector of said angle, first on one side and then on the other side of the bisector, with the active part of the tool substantially tangential to the bisector. The apparatus comprises at least one rotary tool such as a grinding wheel, drive means for rotating the tool, a first member for supporting the tool and a rotary assembly or the like to enable them to be moved angularly within a first vertical plane about a diameter of the tool. A second member supports the first member in such a manner as to enable them to be moved angularly within a second vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Luigi Bovone