Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing sheets of glass having two faces (F1, F2), at least one of the faces (F1) presents high surface quality. Preferably both of the faces (F1, F2) present high surface quality. The invention also describes an apparatus suitable for implementing the method for producing the sheets of glass.

Abstract: The sag rate of fusion pipes (e.g., isopipes (13) used in an overflow downdraw fusion process) is reduced by the application of axial forces (F) to the end regions (23) of the pipe. The axial forces are applied to the end regions below the pipe's neutral axis (19) so that a bending moment is generated which opposes gravitational sagging of the middle of the pipe. The use of such sag-controlling axial forces increases pipe service life by, for example, at least a third.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the formation of defects in sheet glass produced by a fusion process which employs a zircon isopipe. The methods comprise controlling the temperature profile of the glass as it passes over the isopipe so as to minimize both the amount of zirconia which diffuses into the glass at the top of the isopipe and the amount of zircon which comes out of solution at the bottom of the isopipe.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved sheet glass forming apparatus. In another embodiment, a precise thermal control system redistributes the flow of molten glass at the weirs to counteract the degradation of the sheet forming apparatus which inevitably occurs during manufacturing. In yet another embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the trough in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming trough. Another embodiment creates a variable external cross-section which provides hydraulic stresses that are in opposition to the surface tension and body force stresses and thus, reduces the influence of surface tension and body forces. In an alternative embodiment, the glass is preferentially cooled across its width to create forming stresses during solidification, which ensures that the glass sheet drawn is inherently flat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for forming glass articles containing internal enclosed channels.

Abstract: A glass-moulded type semiconductor device comprising semiconductor arrangement composed of at least one semiconductor pellet having at least one P-N junction, edges of which are exposed to peripheral surfaces of the semiconductor pellet, a pair of electrodes secured to opposite ends of the semiconductor arrangement through a brazing material, a first mould glass layer secured to the entire circumferential surface of the semiconductor arrangement and extending to the surfaces of the electrodes for passivating the P-N junction of the semiconductor arrangement, and a second mould glass in the form of at least one layer secured to the surface of said first mould glass layer.

Abstract: A sealing glass composition comprises a PbO-containing glass frit, two particulate refractory fillers having controlled particle size distributions, and optionally at least one additive to prevent the chemical reduction of the PbO when the frit is fired in the presence of reducing conditions. The sealing glass composition is useful as a package sealant. It is especially useful as a solder glass for sealing a face plate portion to a funnel portion of a color television picture tube at temperatures of about 400.degree. C. A particulate glass composition for use in preparing the sealing glass composition, a sealing glass paste and methods of using the sealing glass and paste are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the rapid, high-capacity pressurization of hot-isostatic pressing vessels, specifically of the type adapted for the hot-isostatic pressing of alloy shapes from powder metallurgy alloy charges. This is achieved by pressurizing with argon gas which is obtained by pumping cryogenic liquid argon at relatively low pressure to a relatively higher pressure and vaporizing said pumped liquid argon to produce said gas, which gas after use in the vessel for compacting is reclaimed and reliquefied for reuse.