Abstract: An automated object sorting system is provided. In various embodiments, the automated object sorting system includes an automated object extraction assembly and an automated object collection assembly. The automated object extraction assembly extracts one or more objects from an object sorting tray based on one or more attributes and/or traits of interest. The automated collection assembly selectively deposits the extracted objects in selected collection receptacles according to the particular attributes and/or traits of each respective object.

Abstract: Forming defects and cracks caused by agglomerated glass components are prevented in a glass forming apparatus, such as a fusion draw glass forming apparatus. The glass forming apparatus has first peripheral walls; a forming member to form the glass into sheet form; second peripheral walls provided beneath the first peripheral walls with an interval therebetween; rollers provided within the second peripheral walls for drawing the glass in sheet form downward; partitioning plates for adjusting the temperature of the space; box shaped trays having open portions; and a tray holding mechanism that enables the trays to enter and exit the interval and that hold the trays such that the open portions of the trays extend along the distal ends of the partitioning plates at a position under the partitioning plates when the trays are within the interval.

Abstract: A system and method for coating glass gobs with a liquid-based lubricating dispersion during their drop to blank glass container molds which provides sufficient lubrication to the glass container molds without requiring swabbing of the glass container molds. The lubricating dispersion is sprayed onto hot glass gobs as they fall from the gob supply system prior to their distribution by the gob distribution system into blank molds. The lubricating dispersion coats the falling glass gobs to lubricate the glass gobs as well as the molds.

Abstract: Forming defects and cracks caused by agglomerated glass components are prevented in a glass forming apparatus, such as a fusion draw glass forming apparatus. The glass forming apparatus has first peripheral walls; a forming member to form the glass into sheet form; second peripheral walls provided beneath the first peripheral walls with an interval therebetween; rollers provided within the second peripheral walls for drawing the glass in sheet form downward; partitioning plates for adjusting the temperature of the space; box shaped trays having open portions; and a tray holding mechanism that enables the trays to enter and exit the interval and that hold the trays such that the open portions of the trays extend along the distal ends of the partitioning plates at a position under the partitioning plates when the trays are within the interval.

Abstract: In the formation of sheet material from molten glass, molten glass is formed in a melting furnace and transported through a precious metal delivery system to the forming apparatus. Disclosed herein is a method to mitigate carbon contamination of individual components of the precious metal delivery system prior to and/or during their use. The method involves positioning an oxygen generating material within portions of a precious metal component, and may comprise one or more heat treating steps of the component in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for heat treating glass sheets, and in particular for heat treating very thing glass sheets arranged in closely spaced stacks. The glass sheets are positioned on a moving belt such that their major surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a direction of belt travel through the apparatus to aid in producing a uniform temperature profile within the glass sheets. The apparatus comprises air curtains positioned at the inlet and outlet of the apparatus to minimize the ingress of particulate into the apparatus. A reduced velocity of heated air flow within a lower portion of the apparatus relative to a velocity of the heated air in an upper portion of the apparatus causes particulate to drop out of the lower portion air flow. A rotating brush and vacuums positioned adjacent a lower portion of the belt assist in removing particulate from the moving belt.

Abstract: A glassware manufacturing method and machine, whereby the inner surfaces of the molds of the various forming sections of the machine are treated using a common processing member, and the exhaust substances produced by the treatment are aspirated simultaneously with or at a predetermined time during the treatment by a suction device having at least one suction hood associated with the processing member.

Abstract: Glass manufacturing apparatuses with particulate removal devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fusion draw machine for forming a glass web from molten glass includes an enclosure and a first pull roll and a second pull roll rotatably positioned in an interior of an enclosure. The first pull roll and the second pull roll cooperate to draw a glass web in a draw direction. A particulate removal device for removing particulate matter from the interior of the enclosure is fluidly coupled to the enclosure and includes a vacuum nozzle disposed in the interior of the enclosure and fluidly coupled to a vacuum source with a vacuum line. A particulate filter is fluidly coupled to the vacuum nozzle and the vacuum source and traps particulate matter exhausted from the interior of the enclosure through the vacuum nozzle.

Abstract: In the formation of sheet material from molten glass, molten glass is formed in a melting furnace and transported through a precious metal delivery system to the forming apparatus. Disclosed herein is a method to mitigate carbon contamination of individual components of the precious metal delivery system prior to and/or during their use. The method involves positioning an oxygen generating material within portions of a precious metal component, and may comprise one or more heat treating steps of the component in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a hollow glass product using an I.S. machine and a robot that can move alongside blank molds of the I.S. machine, wherein the robot is capable of replacing one or more blank molds, section after section. The I.S. machine for manufacturing hollow glass products includes a robot that can move alongside the blank molds, and the robot is capable of carrying plural tools having different functions, simultaneously and/or alternately, chosen from an electromagnet, and/or a spray tube for greasing by spraying, and/or an optical pyrometer, an infrared or equivalent viewing port, and/or a rotary abrasive tool, and/or a camera or equivalent.

Abstract: A glassware manufacturing method and machine, whereby the inner surfaces of the molds of the various forming sections of the machine are treated using a common processing member, and the exhaust substances produced by the treatment are aspirated simultaneously with or at a predetermined time during the treatment by a suction device having at least one suction hood associated with the processing member.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a horizontal roll turning about its axis, the device being carried and guided by the roll without following the roll in its rotation, being capable of being displaced by sliding along the roll and cleaning the surface of the roll during its sliding by a cleaning mechanism, for example a cutting tool, fixed to the device. The device allows the cleaning of rolls for conveying glass sheet or glass ribbon, particularly those of a lehr downstream of an installation for forming flat glass such as a float glass installation (formed on a bath of molten metal generally based on tin).

Abstract: Methods for press molding a glass body, especially for optical applications, without additional grinding and polishing steps are described. One method is performed with a press mold having an upper mold part, a lower mold part and, if necessary or desired, a ring. In order to improve the quality of the products, especially glass bodies of larger diameters, a voltage is applied across the upper mold part and the lower mold part when the glass body is within the press mold and a pressing force is applied to the glass body when the temperature of the glass body matches the temperature of the press mold. Alternatively, in another method the press mold is cooled after it reaches a predetermined temperature and the pressing force is applied to the glass body in the mold after exceeding the sticking temperature (T0).

Abstract: Method of heating glass contacting surfaces, comprising heating the glass contacting surfaces to a predetermined operating temperature by combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel gas mixture which includes 90% by volume of MAPP gas and 10 percent by volume of propane. Another method blends the MAPP with air and/or natural gas. A novel hydrocarbon fuel gas mixture which includes 90% by volume of MAPP gas and 10% by volume of propane.

Abstract: An I.S. machine is disclosed wherein the blow molds are held open during a preheat blank mold mode of operation and the neck ring arms of an invert and neck ring assembly are rotated to an acute angle and opened to release held parisons. A cullet chute is defined in the section frame from a location below the invert of the assembly towards the blow molds to collect the parisons which are delivered by a parison deflector.

Abstract: A parison chute assembly for an I.S. machine. The assembly has a chute which is rotatably supported at one end and is displaceable from an out of the way position above the horizontal down to a vertical position for receiving gobs.

Abstract: Methods for press molding a glass body, especially for optical applications, without additional grinding and polishing steps are described. One method is performed with a press mold having an upper mold part, a lower mold part and, if necessary or desired, a ring. In order to improve the quality of the products, especially glass bodies of larger diameters, a voltage is applied across the upper mold part and the lower mold part when the glass body is within the press mold and a pressing force is applied to the glass body when the temperature of the glass body matches the temperature of the press mold. Alternatively, in another method the press mold is cooled after it reaches a predetermined temperature and the pressing force is applied to the glass body in the mold after exceeding the sticking temperature (T0).

Abstract: A method of removing graphite from metal molds used in the glass fabrication industry, the method including placing a metal glass-fabricating mold with graphite bonded thereto in a chamber, providing an oxygen rich mixture of combustible gases in the chamber, said oxygen rich mixture containing from about 10 to about 25% stoichiometric excess of oxygen, and igniting the oxygen rich mixture of combustible gases in the chamber to produce a temperature of at least about 6,000° F. and a pressure wave. A high temperature wave front and the pressure wave thereby produced remove graphite from the metal mold by ablation of the graphite.

Abstract: An article of relatively pure silica, and a furnace and method of producing the article. The article is produced by collecting molten silica particles in a refractory furnace in which at least a portion of the refractory has been exposed to a halogen-containing gas to react with contaminating metal ions in the refractory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for a glass manufacturing facility. The apparatus includes a glass production system providing an exhaust stream entrained with particulate material including germanium—containing particulate. The apparatus further includes an exhaust filtration system including a PTFE fabric material. The exhaust filtration system is connected to the production system to receive the exhaust stream an capture the particulate material. A collection system is connected to the exhaust system to collect the captured particulate material from the exhaust system. The particulate material collected contains at least about 2% by weight germanium. The invention further includes incorporating the aforementioned apparatus into the operation of a glass manufacturing facility.

Abstract: An I.S. machine is disclosed wherein the blow molds are held open during a preheat blank mold mode of operation and the neck ring arms of an invert and neck ring assembly are rotated to an acute angle and opened to release held parisons. A cullet chute is defined in the section frame from a location below the invert of the assembly towards the blow molds to collect the parisons which are delivered by a parison deflector.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for cleaning curved sheets of glass. The apparatus indexes glass sheets in a non-continuous manner through at least a pre-washing zone, a washing zone, a rinsing zone, and/or a drying zone. The glass sheets proceed through any or all of these zones in a substantially upright orientation in certain embodiments. In at least one of the wet zones, a robot arm manipulates a plurality of spray nozzles so as to follow the contour of at least one major surface of the glass. The nozzles may be manipulated back and forth across the surface in order to rinse and/or wash the glass. A similar manipulation of air knives along the contour of the glass sheet may be utilized in the drying zone.

Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of a hollow cone (37) with a cone tip (31) whereby a parison of viscous material (35) is molded into the shape of the hollow cone. An escape space (11) becomes accessible to the material in the vicinity of a cone tip to be formed. The moment the pressure present in the material in the vicinity of the cone tip to be formed exceeds a previously defined value. Breaking-off of the cone tip during or after molding is prevented by this. The hollow cone is suitable inter alia for use in a cathode ray tube.

Abstract: In situ lehr-roll cleaning apparatus includes a carriage supported within the space between first and second adjacent rolls, the carriage having a first set of elements contacting the surface of the first roll and a second set of elements contacting the surface of the second roll, whereby the carriage is movable back and forth along a path parallel to the rolls. A mechanism such as a rotating wire wheel disposed on the carriage is used to clean at least one of the first and second rolls as the carriage moves along the path and in between the adjacent rolls. The invention further including means for forcing the carriage away from an adjacent roll toward the one being cleaned so that the elements contacting the surface of the roll being cleaned are forced thereagainst to precisely position the cleaning mechanism relative to the surface. Means are preferably further provided for fine-adjusting the distance of the cleaning mechanism relative to the surface of the roll being cleaned.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting glass from falling into an annular cavity formed between a plunger piston and an inner piston telescopically journalled within a longitudinal cavity within the plunger piston includes a rigid sleeve mountable to the plunger piston, adjacent walls of the longitudinal cavity, so as to substantially fill the annular cavity. The sleeve is mountable into snug sliding relation with the inner piston.

Abstract: In a grindstone for fabricating a mold which has optical fiber engagement portions of an optical fiber guide block used for aligning optical fibers, two main grinding surfaces are provided to form the optical fiber engagement portions contacted with the sides of the optical fibers and a tip end portion which is contiguous to the two main grinding surfaces and which has a contour contained within a predetermined area. The predetermined area has a triangle shape which is defined by two tangent lines along the two main grinding surfaces and a preselected line drawn between two points determined on the two main grinding surfaces. The two points are decided in accordance with a predetermined formula.

Abstract: In a process of making gas laid products by entraining particles at least partially coated with a binder in a gaseous stream, passing the stream through a forming chamber and through a permeable collecting surface where the particles build up to form a product like fiber glass insulation, this invention prevents particles from contacting and building up on the walls of the forming chamber and causing wet spots in the finished product by maintaining a high velocity, high pressure layer of gas close to the exposed surface of the walls of the chamber and moving in the general direction of the gaseous stream. This is accomplished by apparatus including a plurality of plenum boxes forming the walls of the forming chamber with the surface exposed to the gaseous stream having gas directing openings therein. Also, an improved method of applying the binder to the particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating cullet before use as a raw material in a glass manufacturing process is disclosed. The method includes providing a bed of cullet; passing hot gases through the bed, the quantity and temperature of gases being sufficient to pyrolyze odor creating impurities within the bed of cullet; entraining volatile products of pyrolysis into gases leaving the moving bed; heating the gases leaving the bed to oxidize odor creating impurities; and discharging the gases to the atmosphere. The apparatus includes a housing containing a moving bed of cullet; a source of hot gases which permits the gases to pass through the moving bed of cullet to pyrolyze odor creating impurities within the cullet and entrain volatile products of pyrolysis into gases leaving the moving bed; and an incinerator to remove odor creating impurities from gases leaving the moving bed.

Abstract: An improved tool is provided for pressing glass into a precision optical element having a strong concave surface. The tool is selected from ceramic and metal materials having coefficients of thermal expansion greater than the coefficient of the pressed glass. Preferred tools include a base material selected from Invar, steel and alumina with a surface layer selected from alumina, zirconia, chromium oxide and chromium carbide, having a finished thickness in the range between ten to two thousand angstroms.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting glass in a glass melter in such a way as to reduce deposition of particulates in the off-gas duct. Deposit accumulation is reduced by achieving an off-gas velocity above approximately 15 meters/second and an off-gas temperature as close as possible to, but not higher than, the glass softening point. Because the deposits are largely water-soluble, those that do form on the interior surface of the duct can be readily removed by injecting water or steam directly into the off-gas duct from its entrance or exit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating hot glass bottles are improved by providing a controlled non-turbulent air supply directed downward across the coating material stream. The apparatus has a relocated blower for delivering process fluid (e.g. air) into an end of a plenum upper chamber, passing the air first through an permeable attenuator, then into a lower plenum chamber and finally through a diffuser plate to provide a uniform stream of process air directed downward across the coating-material stream into the finish region of the bottle. In the method, process air is blown to a plenum, through an angled attenuator plate with small holes to distribute the process air evenly and to avoid standing waves and regions of high or low air velocity. Several attenuator plates can be juxtaposed to permit removal of particulates by movement of the plates relative to each other. An iris or throttle valve after the blower can be used as an additional method of controlling the force and velocity of process air.

Abstract: A device for the formation, by pyrolysis, of a coating of metal or a metal compound on one face of a hot glass substrate which is in motion by bringing the face into contact with a gaseous reagent includes a roof; support device for conveying the hot glass substrate along a path through a coating chamber defined between the roof and the face of the hot glass substrate; at least one reagent gas inlet in the form of a slot opening directly into the coating chamber and extending transverse to the path of the hot glass substrate for supplying and distributing gaseous reagent to the coating chamber; and at least one exhaust gas outlet for discharging exhaust gas from the coating chamber.

Abstract: A apparatus for simultaneously preheating cullet and removing pollutants from glass furnace gases is disclosed. Raw moist cullet having fine glass dust material and other impurities adhered to its surface is heated by furnace gases which remove the moisture and the impurities by entrainment. The dry, clean cullet is then electrically charged and used to filter the exhaust gases which have been electrostatically charged.

Abstract: A process for producing flakes of glass. The process is started by applying a solution containing an organic metal compound to a substrate. The solution is dried and peeled from the substrate. The resultant film is sintered. There is also disclosed an apparatus for producing flakes of glass. The apparatus comprises means 2 for applying solution 1 containing an organic metal compound to a substrate 3 taking the form of a loop, means 4 for drying the film created by the solution containing the organic metal compound, and means 5 for collecting flakes obtained by peeling the dried film from the substrate. The substrate forms a circulatory continuous conveyance path which passes through the applying means, the drying means, and the collecting means in succession.

Abstract: A system (10) for changing a cloth covering ring (12) in a glass sheet heating furnace (18) includes an apparatus (26) operable for removing and replacing the cloth ring, a cloth ring changing furnace section (28) that provides access by apparatus (26) into the furnace (18) and a sensor (46) in communication with a controller (50) to sense broken glass and position a shaping mold (16) in position for a cloth ring (12) change.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heat-strengthening glass sheets. In a heat-strengthening station (3) down-stream of a heating furnace the cooling rate of a glass sheet is retarded by means of plates (9, 11), which are set above and below a glass sheet and return some of the thermal radiation back to a glass sheet and slow down convection. Thus, a glass sheet can be heat-strengthened by chilling it at a certain controlled cooling rate. In order to make also the lower plate effectively return some of the termal radiation applied thereto despite the rolls fitted in between, the top surface of lower plate (11) is made highly reflective to thermal radiation and further corrugated in a manner that the ribs of corrugations extend between the rolls close to a glass sheet.

Abstract: An extrnal fibre drawing furnace is maintained at or close to its normal working temperature while contaminants are removed between fibre pulls. Either a removable insert, replaceable gas port assembly, or cleanable gas transfer duct, enable this to be achieved while the furnace is maintained at or near its operating temperature, so that the down time is of the order of minutes rather than hours.

Abstract: A chamber (1) for the thermal treatment of objects comprises in its interior heating means (3, 4) and means (5) to support the objects (2) to be treated, the walls of this chamber comprising a thermal insulating lining, and a portion (30) of these walls being removable to provide access to the interior of the chamber. Substantially all the internal surface of the chamber (1) is lined with cast silica-base plates (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) disposed side by side, having a coefficient of thermal expansion near zero. Used particularly in plate glass tempering furnaces.

Abstract: Deposits of glassmaking materials are removed from an exhaust duct by periodic blasts of air from a plurality of nozzles mounted in the duct. The arrangement avoids the disruption caused by manual cleaning and permits more frequent removal of deposits, thereby minimizing perturbations to the glassmaking process.

Abstract: A sheet member and a method for constructing the sheet member. The sheet member includes a plurality of elongated, enclosed channels formed by electrodeposition.

Abstract: The roller cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes a frame which has a pair of caster mounted wheels located at one of its ends. The casters are connected to one another through a tie-rod which causes them to turn as a unit between a right-hand facing orientation and a left-hand facing orientation. The wheels have a diameter which permits them to span an adjacent pair of the rollers which are to be cleaned. Thus, if the rollers are rotating the apparatus translates across the rollers toward the right when the casters are in their right-hand orientation and toward the left when the casters are in their left-hand orientation. A spring normally urges the casters to their right-hand orientation, however, a latch mechanism locks them in their left-hand orientation when they are manually placed there. The latch mechanism has a release device which automatically releases it when the apparatus reaches the left-hand side of the rollers.

Abstract: Use of borax in the removal of and/or to prevent the build-up of slag on heat transfer surfaces in glass manufacture and allied industries. The borax may be used in association with a minor amount of a transition metal acetylacetonate. The borax is preferably applied directly onto the heat recuperator tubes.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating an aqueous stream of nonradioactive hazardous waste containing inorganic compounds capable of forming oxides upon thermal treatment in which at least one of the oxides is a glass former, glass intermediate or a glass modifier. The process comprises (a) introducing the waste stream into a thermal treatment zone; (b) heating the inorganic compounds in the thermal treatment zone to convert the compounds to the corresponding inorganic oxides and form a melt solution while vaporizing volatile components to form an off-gas; (c) scrubbing the off-gas to provide a ventable flue gas and a liquid condensate with the condensate being recycled to the thermal treatment zone; and (d) removing the melt solution from said thermal treatment zone and cooling the melt solution to form a nonleachable glass containing the hazardous waste. An apparatus particularly adapted to practice the process is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the bending and toughening of glass panes in a horizontal position during movement from a bending station through a toughening station to a transfer station. A monitoring device in the form of a detector, located in the transfer station, provides a signal of whether or not a glass pane is located on a carriage for moving the glass pane between stations. The apparatus includes a blowing device responsive to a signal from the detector to blow jets of compressed air on the carriage during return movement to the bending station under the circumstance that a glass pane is not located on the carriage to free the carriage of any adhering glass splinters.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for forming a continuous length of glass article. A coating of glass particles is deposited on a mandrel having a thermal coefficient of expansion much greater than that of the glass particles. The mandrel is allowed to cool, thereby causing it to shrink and separate from the coating. The coating is indexed a discrete longitudinal distance along the mandrel, thereby uncovering a region of the mandrel. Another coating of glass particles is deposited on the uncovered region of the mandrel and over a portion of the previously applied coating. The steps of separating or freeing the coating from the mandrel, longitudinally indexing the coating with respect to the mandrel and depositing another coating are repeated. Thus, each step of indexing longitudinally translates an incremental length of a porous body from the end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for skimming the surface of molten glass in a tank to produce a portion thereof free of contamination includes driving a substantially horizontally disposed strut connected to a scraper arm so as to pivot the strut to raise the scraper arm for horizontal movement above the glass surface, pivot the strut to effect vertical movement of the scraper arm to immerse the arm in the melt, retract the strut to horizontally move the arm while immersed to effect skimming and thereafter simultaneously pivoting and retracting the strut to effect both vertical and horizontal movement of the arm.

Abstract: A lightguide starting tube or rod (12) passes through opposed lateral openings (51--51) in a chamber (31) which contains an oxy-hydrogen torch (14) used to deposit particulate glass on the rod. Frusto-conical, laminar flow, gas shields (71 and 72) are formed about the rod (12) on both sides of said openings (51--51) to permit the rod to pass therethrough in spaced relation to the openings while sealing said openings to prevent gas or undeposited particulate from passing therethrough and preventing contaminants from entering the chamber (31).

Abstract: Apparatus for treating fragile vitreous articles such as glass sheets which are apt to break when the treatment involves thermal conditioning. The apparatus includes spaced conveyor members for conveying the articles in a predetermined direction over a treatment area. To assist in the easy removal of any broken fragments of said vitreous articles, the treatment area is located beneath the conveyor members and has a plurality of heads for treating the underside of the articles. The treatment heads are retractable from a treating position, where they project into the spaces between the conveyor members, into a retracted position, where they are spaced beneath the conveyor members. A sweepable fragment collecting surface is spaced beneath said conveyor members. A sweeper is provided for cleaning the collecting surface when the treatment heads are retracted.

Abstract: An improvement in the treatment of exhaust gases from glass melting furnaces is provided. Exhaust gases from such furnaces contain pollutants or contaminants in the form of condensibles which have been difficult to remove. To render these condensibles more easily removed and so that a higher percentage of them are separated from the exhaust gases, the exhaust gases are combined with other gases containing particles and specifically with gases containing inert batch dust from a source of glass batch. These gases contain relatively large particles which act as nuclei on which condensibles in the furnace exhaust gases can condense. The relatively large particles also serve as reaction sites on which reactable components in the furnace exhaust gases can chemically react to produce reaction products which condense more readily and are easier to collect.

Abstract: A sheet member and a method for constructing the sheet member. The sheet member includes a plurality of elongated, enclosed channels formed by electrodeposition.