Abstract: A glass capillary for DNA analysis is provided, which allows the DNA detection efficiency of a DNA analyzer that uses electrophoresis to be increased, and allows the DNA analyzer to have a simple structure. A glass capillary for DNA analysis has an internal hole, and each of the glass capillary and the internal hole has a rectangular cross section. Since the glass capillary and the internal hole each have a rectangular cross section, scattering of the laser beam at the surfaces of the glass capillary can be prevented and hence the transmittance of the laser beam can be increased. As a result, the detection efficiency of the electrophoretic DNA analyzer can be increased, and moreover the analyzer can be given a simple structure.

Abstract: A molten glass pump preferably includes one or more pumps which form either a single-stage apparatus or are combined in series to form a multi-stage apparatus. The exact configuration depends on the required process pressure and the required degree of glass homogenization. Examples of the invention include an auger pump and a mixing auger pump which have varying degrees of mixing action, as well as a homogenizing pump which provides some pumping action but is primarily a homogenizer. All three pumps preferably include a centerline flow recirculation feature which remixes inhomogeneous glass into the incoming glass stream. A counter-rotating sleeve, which straightens the glass flow exiting the apparatus and provides an additional flow recirculation path, is also preferably included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the remelting of glass bars:

Abstract: A method for making preforms for use in a glass lens molding process and molding lenses is disclosed. A glass rod is formed preferably by dipping a bob into a homogeneous melt of a predetermined optical glass, maintaining the temperature of the homogeneous melt at least the melt temperature and producing a rod of glass from the homogeneous melt, allowing the rod of glass to cool and solidify, and then cutting the rod of glass into predetermined lengths. By withdrawing the bob at a predetermined pull rate the rod of glass can be produced with a predetermined diameter. Using a constant pull rate, the rod of glass will be cylindrical in shape and can be cut into a series of individual cylindrical preforms. The preforms can be inserted into a compression molding apparatus for the forming of a glass optical element therewith. The orientation of the preform is such that the cut planar surfaces of the preform are parallel to the direction of compression of the molding process.

Abstract: A glass feeder which discharges parallel runners of molten glass which can be sheared into discrete gobs for processing in a glass container forming machine. The spout bowl has a neck portion at the bottom which includes a discharge passage. This passage is circular at the top where it communicates with the bottom surface of the spout bowl and oblong at the bottom where it communicates with a corresponding oblong opening in a bathtub shaped orifice ring. The orifice ring has a closed oblong shaped bottom smaller than the oblong opening and has a plurality of discharge holes defined along a straight line.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass that includes a spout for delivering core glass from a first source through a first orifice. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through a gap between the first and second orifices. A tube delivers casing glass from the outlet opening of a casing glass spout to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity through the orifices from the first and second sources to form the cased glass stream. A hollow tube within the casing glass spout is positioned with respect to the spout outlet opening for metering flow of casing glass through the outlet opening and delivery tube to the annular chamber surrounding the orifices.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a first orifice for receiving core glass from a first source, and a second orifice vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice. A chamber surrounds the second orifice and communicates with the second orifice through a metering gap between the first and second orifices. Casing glass is delivered from a second source to one side of the chamber such that glass flows by gravity from both the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream.

Abstract: A method to produce fused quartz particulates from quartz sand is disclosed employing continuous withdrawal of the molten material from a furnace apparatus. The molten material is rapidly cooled as withdrawn causing thermal fracture which is followed by mechanically pulverizing the fragments to a desired particle size.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a glass stream including a first inner layer and a second outer layer, including a generally vertical orifice, and delivering glass from a second source such that the glass from said second source provides an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through the orifice. A resistance heated tube assembly is made of platinum or material having similar resistance heating properties and extends from a glass source to an orifice through which the glass flows from a glass source for the inner layer. The tube assembly includes a tube portion having an inlet end that communicates with the source for the outer layer and an outlet end that communicates with the source. The tube portion has an axis positioned at any angle ranging between the horizontal and vertical but preferably has an axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Flanges are secured to the ends of the tube portion, and the flanges are connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: A gob of molten glass from a gob delivery system is introduced into a blank mold of a glass container forming machine of the individual section type by way loading funnel immediately upstream of an opening into the blank mold. The loading funnel has an upper annular gathering portion in the shape of an inverted frustum of a cone and a cylindrical lower shaping and orienting section. The internal diameter of the shaping and orienting section is somewhat less than the outer diameter of a gob passing therethrough, to thereby contact the gob in a substantially circumferential pattern, and the shaping and orienting section has a length that is sufficient to precisely align the longitudinal central axis of the gob with a longitudinal central axis of the blank mold, to thereby eliminate or substantially eliminate the need to swab the interior of the blank mold with a mold dopant composition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing vitreous optical elements by injection molding, which essentially includes the stages of: melting down a glass material into a molten state in a viscosity at or lower than a working point of the glass material; injecting molten glass under pressure into a mold cavity defined between transfer surfaces of relatively movable mold members of a mold assembly unit in communication with a sprue connecting the mold cavity with an injection port on the outer side of the mold assembly unit; and applying a predetermined pressure on the glass material in the mold cavity while cooling the mold assembly unit down to a temperature in the vicinity of yielding point of the glass material.

Abstract: A gob formation device and method for improved production of molten glass preforms for use in the precision glass molding of optical glass elements. The device is a dispensing tip which is attached to a stem extending from a working crucible containing a supply of molten glass. The dispensing tip includes a longitudinal bore through which the molten glass flows, and a downwardly projecting gob formation surface located at a distal end of tip. The downwardly projecting gob formation surface is preferably convex which aids in achieving greater uniformity of mass in the gob formation process as well as improving preform internal quality.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an object displaying a message includes the following steps: preparation of a support for the message having dimensions less than the dimensions of the object; manual or automatic application of the message to the support; introduction of the support carrying the message on its surface into a molten transparent material so as to surround the support with a sufficient quantity of molten transparent material to enable subsequent formation of a transparent body which completely surrounds the support; and formation of the transparent body by thermomechanical means.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a first orifice for receiving core glass from a first source. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through the gap between the first and second orifices. A spout delivers casing glass from a second source through a tube to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream. A plurality of gas burners are disposed in the spout above the glass pool. The casing glass delivery spout is configured for improved heat transfer to, and improved heat retention within, the casing glass pool within the spout. Specifically, the glass pool surface area is enlarged, and the glass pool depth is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream that includes at least one pair of aligned orifices coupled to sources of core and casing glass such that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the aligned orifices to form a cased glass stream. The orifices are carried by an orifice housing mounted on a frame for movement into abutment seating engagement of the orifice housing against the core and casing glass delivery mechanisms. The frame in accordance with the present invention includes a gimbal mounting arrangement mounting the orifice housing to the frame so as to be pivotable about a pair of pivot axes that are orthogonal to each other and to the axis of alignment of the orifices. This gimbal mounting arrangement helps accommodate misalignment between the seating surfaces on the orifice housing and the glass delivery mechanisms, and to reduce glass leakage during operation.

Abstract: A sealing system for the engagement of a container (24) beneath a melting pot containing a molten material, comprising a shell (30) surrounding a nozzle (40), the nozzle being located in the axis of the neck of the container and permitting the pouring of the material from the melting pot into the container. The shell (30) has tight connection means with the nozzle (40), a base (32) having a bearing surface for the reception of a corresponding bearing surface on the container neck and at least one bellows (33, 34) surrounding the nozzle and connecting the tight connection means to said base, the bellows being able to render the shell retractable along the nozzle axis, means for introducing a gas flow between said bearing surfaces being provided in order to permit the circulation of part of said flow towards the nozzle.

Abstract: A glass delivery system including a first forehearth having an orifice, a second forehearth having an orifice, a bottom pan assembly adapted to be positioned underneath the orifice of the first forehearth, and a glass delivery tube having an upper end adapted to be positioned underneath the orifice of the second forehearth and a lower end adapted to deliver glass to the bottom pan assembly. The orifice is adapted to combine the glass from the two forehearths and, deliver cased glass to provide an interior glass from said first forehearth and an external layer of glass from said second forehearth. Provision is made for moving the glass delivery tube horizontally, vertically and in azimuth relative to the second forehearth and for moving the bottom assembly relative to the first forehearth.

Abstract: A method for delivering a glass stream having a first inner layer and a second outer layer, including a generally vertical orifice, and delivering glass from a second source such that the glass from the second source provides an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through the orifice. A resistance heated tube assembly is made of platinum or material having similar resistance heating properties and extends from a glass source to an orifice through which the glass flows from a glass source for the inner layer. The tube assembly includes a tube portion having an inlet end that communicates with the source for the outer layer and an outlet end that communicates with the source. The tube portion has an axis positioned at any angle ranging between the horizontal and vertical but preferably has an axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Flanges are secured to the ends of the tube portion, and the flanges are connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: A method of producing amorphous sample bodies that can be used for optical spectral analysis and X-ray spectral analysis, by batch-wise smelting in a crucible a mixture of analysis sample and a flux. The method is characterized by allowing a controlled flow of molten material to run out of the crucible and successively down onto a horizontal receiving surface and there form the sample bodies. The mixture is smelted suitably at a temperature of between 800.degree. and 1300.degree. C., preferably at about 1000.degree. C., and is carried out in a crucible having a hole in the bottom thereof. A apparatus for producing such amorphous sample bodies is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a smelt crucible provided with an opening in its lower part and which is designed to be downwardly tapered at least inside in order to prevent the mixture from coming out, but to facilitate running of molten material through the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass includes a spout for receiving core glass from a first source and delivering such glass through a first orifice. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through the gap between the first and second orifices. A tube delivers casing glass from a second source to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity from the first and second sources through the orifices to form the cased glass stream. The core glass delivery spout includes a reservoir for receiving and holding the core glass, and having at least one lower opening of a first diameter. An orifice ring is positioned beneath the reservoir, and has at least one opening of second diameter less than the first diameter aligned with the first opening and forming the first orifice.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises at least one plunger (2) and a plunger holder (3) which can be raised and lowered. An arm (18) of a tilt lever (17) is coupled to the plunger holder (3). A link member (22) of a drive system (23) cooperates with the other arm (20) of the tilt lever. The link member (22) is adjustable along said other arm (20) in order to change the stroke of the plunger. The drive system (23) comprises an electric servodrive with a take-off shaft (13), the drive being connected to the link member (22) and being controllable by electronic control means. The link member (22) is arranged on a tie rod (26) which at one free end is coupled (28) to a pivot lever (27) which is mounted fixedly in relation to the apparatus. At a central coupling point (30) of the pivot lever (27) is coupled a push rod (32) whose other end is coupled to a crank (14) of the take-off shaft (13).

Abstract: A set-up fixture (50) for positioning the needle holders (18, 20, 22) of a molten glass feeder bowl with respect to one another, the fixture having a frame member (52) and a plurality of prongs (54, 56, 58) depending from the fixture, one prong for each of the needle holders of the feeder bowl installation. The prongs are inserted into apertures (24b, 26b, 28b) of base members (24, 26, 28) from which the needle holders are carried to accurately position support arms (30, 32, 34) to which the base members are affixed, and thus the needle holders and the plunger needles (12, 14, 16) carried thereby, with respect to one another. The prongs depend different distances from the frame member to permit sequential insertion of the prongs into the base member apertures.

Abstract: In manufacturing a glass material used for a re-heat press method of manufacturing high-precision optical glass components including a lens, prism or the like, a glass material can be manufactured which has no defect inside of or on the surface of the glass, and without requiring a process of grinding and polishing the glass. The glass material is manufactured by dropping melted glass from the glass outlet of a glass melting furnace to a mold and cooling the dropped glass on the mold. The distance between the mold and the glass outlet is in a range which maintains the temperature of the stretched area of dropping glass--the area where the melted glass dropped on the mold is spontaneously separated by its own weight and surface tension at its softening temperature or above. The temperature of the glass around the stretched area is at least its softening temperature, and the glass around that area is instantaneously incorporated into the glass on the mold after separation.

Abstract: A basin for a forehearth of a glass-making furnace having an internal volume divided into upper and lower portions by an annular shoulder is described wherein the horizontal cross-sectional area of the upper portion is significantly greater than that of the lower portion. The base of the basin has a glass discharge outlet therein. In use, the discharge outlet is aligned with a relatively movable cylinder which acts as a flow metering valve. The cylinder can be rotated about its axis at a constant or adjustable speed, or the cylinder can be non-rotating and have a separately driven stirrer movable about it to prevent or reduce the formation of stagnant areas.

Abstract: A method for producing an elongated composite glass body by melting at least two starting materials of different material compositions, feeding the starting materials to a drawing die disposed at the bottom of an externally heated melting crucible, and continuously drawing the melts vertically out of the drawing die to form a composite body laminated transverse to the drawing direction. To provide an interface free from impurities between the starting materials in the composite body and to enable the path of the interface to be freely shaped, the starting materials are fed in particle form continuously to a single melting crucible and heaped therein to form a preformed body in which one starting material lies directly next to the other starting material forming an interface line therebetween that extends substantially vertically and parallel to the drawing direction.

Abstract: In the manufacture of tube glass, in which following the drawing of a tube from molten glass the inside surface of the tube is treated with a chemically reactive gas or gas mixture, a gas or gas mixture which is not reactive at the drawing temperature of the glass is dispensed into the tube in the direction of drawing. At a location in the tube where the tube has cooled down so far that the diameter is constant, the gas or gas mixture is made to react by means of a plasma which is generated in the tube.

Abstract: Foaming of molten glass or the like as it enters a vacuum refining vessel is enhanced by altering the incoming stream so as to increase its surface area and/or retarding the passage of the stream through the vacuum headspace so as to increase its exposure to the vacuum.

Abstract: A glass bottle forming system is described in which a main glass melter is connected to a forehearth with a fairly conventional feeder provided at the delivery end of the forehearth. The feeder opening in the bottom of the forehearth is closed by a first orifice member through which a molten core glass will flow. Beneath the first orifice there is positioned a second orifice member that has an orifice that is slightly larger than the orifice in the first orifice member. A small melter contains a glass of essentially the same composition as that in the main melter, but with a coefficient of expansion slightly less than that of the core glass. This lower expansion glass is fed to the second orifice member so that it can flow out of the orifice with the core glass in surrounding relationship with respect thereto.

Abstract: A method of making fluorescent lamps having increased brightness and improved maintenance by changing the surface chemistry of the inside surface of the glass tubing while the tubing is being manufactured. While the glass tubing is being drawn from a melt through a bag stage, a predetermined mixture of an organo-fluoride gas and an oxidizing gas is dispensed into the glass bag. The gas mixture is continuously combusted to produce an amount of fluoride gas sufficient to react with alkali ions and alkaline earth ions on the inner surface of the hot glass at the bag stage to form alkali and alkaline earth compounds which are exhausted out through the tubing. Preferably, the organo-fluoride gas is 1,1 difluoroethane.

Abstract: An orifice ring and its holder are disclosed in detail, particularly as to the manner in which the ring is positioned within the holder or pan. The pan is formed with locating slots within which locating keys on the holder are to be positioned. Furthermore, the orifice holder or pan is provided with a precisely formed, horizontally extending slot along the center line of the diameter thereof which defines the four orifice openings. Vertical, side-locating pads, of which there are four in number on the bottom of the orifice ring, define parallel vertical planes at opposed sides of the orifices. These vertical planes coincide with the vertical planes defined by the horizontal slot formed in the pan. Four seating pads formed on the ring define a horizontal plane that is parallel to the top of the orifice ring. These seating pads support the ring in the bottom of the pan. These pads are juxtaposed the side-locating pads. In this manner, precise location of the orifice relative to the pan is provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a circular outer cross-section and having a core which has a noncircular cross-section is produced by using a double crucible. The outer crucible is provided with a ring-shaped channel of which at least one of the boundary walls has a noncircular cross-section. The glass of the outer crucible is passed through this channel before it is contacted with the glass of the inner crucible.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for forming a laminated gob or charge of molten glass having a core glass which is not only completely surrounded by a skin glass but also has a reentrant portion of skin glass which projects inwardly within the core glass from the periphery of the molten charge intermediate its upper and lower extent. The reentrant portion of skin glass is formed within the charge during the gobbing cycle by momentarily retarding or retracting the outward flow of the core glass while simultaneously positively pulsing the flow of the skin glass. Thus, a laminated gob or charge of molten glass is formed which not only has a skin glass completely surrounding and encompassing a core glass but also has a reentrant portion of the skin glass which is continuous with the remainder of the skin glass surrounding the core glass.

Abstract: A glass delivery system is disclosed having a glass conducting pipe enclosed within a refractory structure. The refractory structure is spaced about the pipe and defines a closed space for receiving therein a quantity of the glass. Flow control means is provided for regulating flow through the pipe. Means is further provided for isolating the flow control device from glass in the closed space to thereby avoid a bypass of said flow control device. A method for operating a glass delivery system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The alkali content of the inner surface of glass tubing is reduced by introducing an acidic gas into the glass tubing at the hot draw stage to react with alkali ions on the inner surface of the glass.

Abstract: A gobbing member is operated wholly within the confines of a straight well portion of a glass delivery system, and completely submerged within the molten glass being delivered, such that the flow rate through the delivery orifice of such straight well is linearly related to the speed of said gobbing member independently of the position of such member within the confines of the straight well.