Abstract: A mold stack for forming 3D glass-based articles includes a plenum and a cooling structure integrated with the plenum. The mold stack includes a mold with a flange that can be used to mount the mold on the plenum. The mold stack includes features to reduce mold warp without significantly increasing thermal mass.

Abstract: This invention eliminates the need for a manual work of applying a mold release lubricant to blow molds and bottom molds by workers and reduces a burden on workers involved in the mold release lubricant application work while also increasing the safety of workers during mold release lubricant application, reducing downtime associated with the mold release lubricant application work, reducing changes in the mold release lubricant application locations and variations in amount of application for the blow molds, and, furthermore, contributing to a glass bottle quality stabilization. The application equipment (40) for applying the mold release lubricant is structured to apply the mold release lubricant to at least either a part of blow mold forming surfaces (31f) provided on the blow molds (31), or the entire surface of bottom mold forming surfaces (32f) provided on the bottom molds (32) located in the lower part of a finish molds (31), or both.

Abstract: A preform supplying apparatus of the invention includes an alignment guidance chute (80) having a guide member (83, 84) that slides a plurality of preforms (P) under their own weight by inclination and guides the preforms to a preform alignment conveyance unit (39), and the preform alignment conveyance unit (39) that conveys the preforms (P) guided from the alignment guidance chute (80) in an aligned state, and groove parts along an inclination direction are formed to the guide members (83, 84) and inner wall surfaces of the groove parts have shapes which causes the preforms (P) sliding down inside the groove parts to be aligned in a line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for sintering a hollow cylindrical body of porous synthetic silica. The apparatus comprises a hollow mandrel for supporting the body in a horizontal position, and the mandrel is housed within a vacuum furnace having heating elements arranged to surround the body circumferentially along its entire length. The method includes supporting the body on a hollow horizontally-oriented mandrel in a vacuum furnace in which heating elements are disposed surrounding the body, and heating the body by means of the elements to a sintering temperature.

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: 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: A manufacturing method for manufacturing an optical element includes: supplying a gas containing a mold-release acceleration substance to the space between a first mold and a second mold which sandwich an optical material and face each other; and pressurizing and transforming the optical material by bringing the first and second molds relatively close to each other.

Abstract: A rough mold of a machine for forming glass items is provided with a multifunctional group, which has a common support head; a handling device for moving the common head along a first handling axis; and a further handling device for rotating the common head about a second handling axis; the common head being fitted with a mold closing member for sealing the top opening of the rough mold, and at least one further operating member selectable from a funnel-shaped member for guiding at least one glass gob into the rough mold, a blowing member for blowing pressurized air into the rough mold, and one or more members for treating the inner surface of the rough mold.

Abstract: Coated crucibles for holding molten material are disclosed. In some embodiments, the crucibles are used to prepare multicrystalline silicon ingots by a directional solidification process. Methods for preparing such crucibles and methods for preparing silicon ingots by use of such crucibles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting method for a glass sheet, comprising radiating a laser beam to a cutting portion (C) of a glass sheet (G) having a thickness of 500 ?m or less to fuse the glass sheet (G), wherein a narrowest gap between fused end surfaces (Ga1 and Gb1) of the glass sheet (G), which face each other in the cutting portion (C), is managed to satisfy a relationship of 0.1?b/a?2, where “a” is a thickness of the glass sheet (G) and “b” is the narrowest gap.

Abstract: A rough mold of a machine for forming glass items is provided with a multifunctional group, which has a common support head; a handling device for moving the common head along a first handling axis; and a further handling device for rotating the common head about a second handling axis. The common head being fitted with a mold closing member for sealing the top opening of the rough mold, and at least one further operating member selectable from a funnel-shaped member for guiding at least one glass gob into the rough mold, a blowing member for blowing pressurized air into the rough mold, and one or more members for treating the inner surface of the rough mold.

Abstract: A flat glass production apparatus includes a molten glass ribbon supply part supplying a continuous flow of molten glass to a forming part as a glass ribbon of a formable temperature; the forming part including a plurality of tension rollers for forming the glass ribbon of the formable temperature supplied from the molten glass ribbon supply part into a glass ribbon of an unformable temperature; and a carriage part carrying out the glass ribbon of the unformable temperature on a downstream side of the forming part.

Abstract: A method for forming a continuous glass sheet from a tube of glass includes expanding and thinning the tube of glass by drawing the tube of glass over susceptor bearing comprising a porous sidewall defining an internal chamber. The diameter of the susceptor bearing may increase between a top portion and a bottom portion. The tube of glass may be maintained at a temperature above a softening point of the glass as the tube of glass is drawn over the susceptor bearing. The tube of glass is suspended over the susceptor bearing by blowing the tube of glass away from the susceptor bearing in a radial direction with a pressurized fluid supplied to the internal chamber and emitted from the porous sidewall as the tube of glass is drawn over the susceptor bearing. Thereafter, the tube of glass is cooled and sectioned to form a continuous glass sheet.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing an optical element includes: supplying a gas containing a mold-release acceleration substance to the space between a first mold and a second mold which sandwich an optical material and face each other; and pressurizing and transforming the optical material by bringing the first and second molds relatively close to each other.

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: Disclosed is a float bath system for manufacturing a float glass, comprising a block assembly having a plurality of blocks connected to each other and configured to store a molten metal therein; a steel casing surrounding the block assembly; an air blower capable of supplying air to the steel casing; and a coating layer formed on a contact surface of the steel casing with the block assembly to prevent the molten metal from reacting with the steel casing when the molten metal flows in a gap between the blocks of the block assembly.

Abstract: A method for making high precision hard film coating on a mold core comprises the following steps of: (a) providing a mold jig (200, 300) and a mold core (208, 308); (b) defining a through hole (206, 364) of a first inner diameter in the mold jig; (c) forming a rim (254, 354) of a second inner diameter on the inner side of the through hole, the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter; (d) configuring the mold core into a mold core including a body (212, 312) of a first external diameter and a top portion (250, 350) of a second external diameter, the second external diameter being smaller than the first external diameter to define a shoulder (252, 352) between the body and the top portion, the first external diameter being substantially equal to the first inner diameter and larger than the second inner diameter, the second external diameter being substantially equal to or smaller than the second inner diameter; and (e) coreing the mold core into the through hole of the mold jig from t

Abstract: The invention relates to: a process for manufacturing a hollow glass product (30) employing at least one mold comprising two mold halves (100, 200) closed up at one end on a ring mold (300) and closed off at the other end by a top, which process includes the greasing of at least one of said molds in the closed-up position of said mold halves (100, 200) on said ring mold (300), but said top not closing up said other end, characterized in that the greasing includes a spraying by a spray tube (4) moving in the cavity of the mold and in that the spray tube (4) is carried by a robot (1) that can move alongside the blank mold of an IS machine a device for implementing this process.

Abstract: A surface mixing burner (16) is positioned in alignment with a mold of a glass container forming machine of the I.S. type to produce a supply of soot to lubricate an inner surface of the mold, the soot being produced by combustion of a rich, combustible supply of a fuel and an oxidant. The supply of fuel and oxidant is intermittently ignited by a sparking device (54) that is positioned within a sooting head (10), and an ignition coil (56) is positioned within the sooting head to deliver a high voltage pulse to the sparking device by the inductive discharge method. The ignition coil is positioned sufficiently close to the sparking device, and preferably in direct contact therewith, to avoid interference with the proper operation of an electronic control system for the I.S. machine. A remotely-positioned power supply (62) is provided to energize the ignition coil, the power supply providing power to the ignition coil at a relatively low voltage, for example, 12-24 volts d.c.

Abstract: A press molding die for a glass material is manufactured by forming an organic compound layer composed of an organic compound having a pyrolysis temperature on the press molding surface of the press molding die; and converting the organic compound layer into a mold release layer by heating to a temperature of at least the pyrolysis temperature of the organic compound. The mold release layer is thus inexpensively provided on the press molding surface, secures excellent releasability of a glass material from the press molding surface of the die, and does not cause unevenness of the press molding surface even upon repeatedly carrying out press molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for press-forming a molten gob made of meltable material, especially of glass or glass ceramics, into a body of specific shape with compression moulds which form with each other a form cavity for receiving the gob. The compression moulds consist at least in the zone of the forming surfaces of an open-pore material and the compression moulds are connected to a pressure gas source in order to produce a gas stream which emerges from the forming surfaces. The open-pore material of the forming surfaces the pores close to the forming surfaces are smaller than the pores remote from the forming surfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for coating a glass contacting surface with a thermal barrier and lubricious coating. The system uses a novel exterior surface mixing tip device wherein oxygen is supplied through a predetermined portion of one supply line, and a predetermined gas is supplied through a predetermined portion of another supply line enveloping the first predetermined portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for producing carbon black on a substrate. One preferred method includes providing a head assembly including a nozzle, the nozzle including a first injector for injecting a gas such as acetylene, and a second injector for injecting a mixture of a fuel and an oxidant to produce a pilot flame. The head assembly is indexed over a substrate on which is to be deposited carbon black. The acetylene is injected through the first injector, then through a pilot flame emitted from one or more second injectors, and finally toward a substrate to be coated with carbon black, but only when a deposit of carbon black is desired. The method includes ceasing the flow of acetylene, indexing the head assembly away from the substrate on which was just deposited the carbon black after a carbon black deposition sequence, and ceasing fuel gas and oxidant gas flows through the second injector.

Abstract: A glass forming mold comprising a mold having a molding surface, a chromium coating film formed on the molding surface and a silicon oxide film formed on the surface of the chromium coating film.

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: The invention relates to a method for heating up and shaping a preform consisting of glass or glass ceramic. According to the invention, a preform, formed using conventional methods, is heated to a temperature that is below the adhesion temperature of the gas, i.e. to below critical viscosity; in a second heating phase the preform is put into a hovering state through the supply of levitation gas; in the hovering state the preform is heated by a microwave heating apparatus to a temperature that permits its shaping; and the preform is delivered to a shaping station.

Abstract: A microstructure is formed in a viscous glass or plastic substrate by pressing a structured surface of a forming tool corresponding to a negative of the microstructure to be produced in the viscous glass or plastic substrate. After the microstructure has been formed, the forming tool is removed from the surface. In order to help form the microstructure and remove the forming tool from the substrate the forming tool has an at least partially porous base body (1) and an operative layer (2) structured with a negative structure consisting of grooves (11) extending to the porous base body (1). The forming of the microstructure in the substrate is assisted by applying suction to the porous base body (1) so that the grooves (11) fill more easily and completely with melted glass or plastic material. The removal of the forming tool after forming the microstructure is assisted by applying an overpressure to the porous body to help release the solidified glass or plastic material from the forming tool.

Abstract: A mold has a moling surface of a material containing silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride as a main component and a carbon thin film formed on the molding surface to prevent fusion sticking. A glass substance which has a sag point not higher than 565° C. and a predetermined composition free from arsenic oxide is introduced into the mold. The glass substance is press-formed in a heated and softened condition into a glass optical element of high precision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for reducing the adhesion tendency during the hot forming of a glass body, using at least two moulds, which are positioned on either side of the glass body and are brought into contact with the glass body at a temperature, at which the glass is deformable, whereby the moulds are configured with electrically conductive surfaces. The disadvantage of existing methods and devices is that the moulds have a tendency to adhere to the glass body to be formed and that the surface quality of the glass is impaired. The invention therefore discloses a method, according to which the conductive surfaces of the moulds that come into contact with the glass body are supplied with an alternating current. The device for carrying out said method has electrically conductive mould surfaces, which are connected to an alternating current source. This guarantees that a larger processing window is available as a result of the reduced adhesion tendency, i.e.

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: While avoiding the disadvantages of the screen printing technique employed until now, the invention provides a shaping tool (1) with a structured surface for creating structures on glass (2) which, in an economical way, makes it possible to form high-precision microstructures by local heating of the region of glass to be structured. The shaping tool (1) has a rolling cylinder (3) including a metal hollow cylinder (7) and a shaping sheet (8) secured in a surface contact to it, as well as a continuous shaft (5) for continuously driving the rolling cylinder (3) via drivers (4) coupled to the hollow cylinder (7). Between the shaft (5) and the hollow cylinder (7), an electric heater (6) for targeted local heating of the glass during structuring is disposed in an electrically insulated fashion. The electric heater (6) is advantageously thermally insulated from the shaft (5) with a ceramic cylinder (14).

Abstract: A mold for shaping end portions of glass tubes has first and second mating members which define a contoured bore into which the heated tube fits. Each member has a longitudinal bore from which extend radial bores opening into the interior cavity of the mold containing the tube. Each member also has radial vent bores for venting gases and vapor to the outside. Each longitudinal bore is connected to a lubricant, such as water, supply, which is applied to the surface of the tube through the radial bores.

Abstract: An oxidation and corrosion resistant coating is applied to glass forming equipment by physical vapor deposition. The coating material is preferably aluminum oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping a tubular object made of glass or glass ceramics or any other thermoplastic material, comprising the following method steps:

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for press-forming a molten gob made of meltable material, especially of glass or glass ceramics, into a body of specific shape;

Abstract: A glass forming mold comprising a mold having a molding surface, a chromium coating film formed on the molding surface and a silicon oxide film formed on the surface of the chromium coating film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the hot shaping of molten gobs on a mold base by interposing a gas bed, comprising the following method steps.

Abstract: A method for making working mold tools for use in a compression molding process for molding optical glass elements from high temperature glasses having Tg's in the range of from about 400° C. to about 850° C. An yttria aluminosilicate glass is fabricated by traditional melting and casting processes to thereby make an amorphous base material having a minimum apparent viscosity of 1015 poise at the temperature at which the optical glass elements are to be molded. A mold preform is made from the base material. A first surface figure for the optical element to be molded with the working mold tool is defined. A second surface figure for a master mold tool and a third surface figure for the working mold tool are computed based upon the first surface figure and the coefficients of thermal expansion of the optical element, the master mold tool, and the working mold tool, the temperature at which the working mold tool is molded, and the temperature at which the optical element is to be molded.

Abstract: A process for forming a glass sheet, which is a process for continuously forming a glass sheet, and which comprises a step of introducing a vapor film-forming agent, which is not vapor at least around room temperature and which is vapor at a temperature above the glass transition point of the glass, into a support composed of a structure or a material capable of internally containing liquid, and a step of sliding the support and the glass of which temperature is above the glass transition point against each other via a thin layer of a vaporized vapor film-forming agent.

Abstract: The method of the present invention overcomes the hot-sticking problems between an inorganic non-metallic material (=insulator) to be molded and a forming die by maintaining an assembly comprising a forming die and the insulator in a polarized state during molding. Processes using said method lead to an improved surface quality of the molded insulator. A device for reducing said hot-sticking comprises a die (2) which acts as conductor, an electrode (3) which may act as support for the insulator (1) to be molded, means (5) for polarizing the assembly of said conductor, insulator and electrode which means (5) are connected by live electric wires (4) with said die and electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus (32) for handling hot glass sheets includes a roll conveyor (14) and a topside transfer platen (18) that overlap to provide assistance in the initial support of heated glass sheets by the topside transfer platen through the use of a vacuum and pressurized air respectively applied to first and second sets of holes (40, 42) in a downwardly facing surface (38) of the topside transfer platen.

Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.

Abstract: A press-molding die can manufacture magnetic disks suitable for the zone-texture technique in large quantities and at a low price by forming smooth surface areas and rough surface areas on the surface of the press-molding die. A manufacturing method for this press-molding die is provided. A magnetic-disk glass substrate that has improved CSS properties and allows a lower flying height is formed using this press-molding die. An intermediate layer is formed by sputtering on a die base material. A mask having an aperture is formed on the intermediate layer. The surface of the intermediate layer is roughened by etching in the aperture. A first protective layer is formed by sputtering in the etched portion. After the mask has been removed, a second protective layer is formed on the intermediate layer by sputtering. The surface roughness of the rough surface portion is reflected by the surface roughness of the first protective layer.

Abstract: A process for forming a glass sheet, which is a process for continuously forming a glass sheet, and which comprises a step of introducing a vapor film-forming agent, which is not vapor at least around room temperature and which is vapor at a temperature above the glass transition point of the glass, into a support composed of a structure or a material capable of internally containing liquid, and a step of sliding the support and the glass of which temperature is above the glass transition point against each other via a thin layer of a vaporized vapor film-forming agent.

Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all the components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.

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: A blank mold sooting process in which a lubricating or detaching layer is formed on the internal walls of the blank mold, by igniting an acetylene flow with piezoelectric electrodes, a voltaic arc generator, or an electrical resistance. The process is performed utilizing, for example, a blow mold and an invert, and the invert can be utilized to transfer a collar from the blank mold to the blow mold.

Abstract: A spray device which is provided with a nozzle for spraying a lubricant is arranged in proximity to a bottom mold and/or a plunger, and the nozzle is operated and controlled by a control device to spray the lubricant on a mold surface of the bottom mold and/or the plunger.

Abstract: A mesh belt is stretched in an annealing lehr and a plurality of fine mesh elements, which constitute a fine mesh having gas-permeability and elasticity, formed by weaving a heat-resistant wire, are fixed onto the mesh belt so as to be arranged along the moving direction of the mesh belt with predetermined spaces in the direction of the width of the mesh belt whereby a flaw which may be produced in a glass product to be annealed when it is placed on the mesh belt in the annealing lehr, is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus which is disclosed comprises a metal mold, a metal plunger and an annular manifold, and includes means for moving the plunger and the manifold between an open position in which the manifold surrounds the plunger and a gob of softened glass can be introduced into the mold and a closed position in which the manifold surrounds the plunger and the latter forms, with the mold and the manifold, a cavity in which a glass part can be formed. The manifold and the plunger have facing walls which are above the mold cavity, have portions which are in close fitting sliding engagement, and, thereabove, portions which diverge away from one another and form an annular space.