Abstract: A method of making a fluidic device is provided. The method includes locating a meltable sheet material on a face of an extruded body including extended cells therein. At least some of the cells are interconnected by melting the sheet material such that the melted sheet material flows into the at least some of the cells to form a fluidic passage through the body defined within the at least some of the cells. The fluidic passageway may have a longitudinally serpentine path back and forth along the at least some of the cells.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a phosphor-encapsulating capillary tube in which, when a phosphor is encapsulated thereinto, fluorescence from the phosphor is less likely to leak from an end of the capillary tube; and such a phosphor-encapsulating capillary tube. One end portion 10A of an elongate glass capillary tube 10 having an outer shape of a transverse cross-section elongated in a width direction thereof is heated until the one end portion 10A of the glass capillary tube 10 has been melted, integrated, and thus sealed.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element includes stacked first and second diffraction gratings made of different materials. The materials of the first and second diffraction gratings are glass. The first and second diffraction gratings have grating surfaces contacted to each other. The materials satisfy a predetermined condition when Tg2 and At2 are a transformation point temperature and a yield point temperature of the material of the first diffraction grating, and Tg3 and At3 are a transformation point temperature and a yield point temperature of the material of the second diffraction grating.

Abstract: A glass lampshade comprising a fusion body of crystal grain glass, an upper crystal glass plate, a lower crystal glass plate, and a curing gel layer. The upper crystal glass plate is attached to the lower crystal plate via the curing gel layer. The fusion body of crystal grain glass is attached to the upper crystal glass plate. A method of producing the glass lampshade.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a glass ribbon comprise the step of bending a glass ribbon in a cutting zone to provide a bent target segment with a bent orientation in the cutting zone. The methods further include the step of severing at least one of the edge portions from the central portion of the bent target segment within the cutting zone. Further methods are provided including the step of bending a glass ribbon in a bending zone downstream from a downward zone, wherein the glass ribbon includes an upwardly concave surface through the bending zone. The methods further include the step of severing at least one of the edge portions from the central portion of a target segment within the bending zone.

Abstract: Provided is an optically uniform and high-quality optical glass that is free from the occurrence of striae when a precision press-molding preform is produced therefrom, and that is a fluorine-containing glass having a refractive index nd(1) wherein the refractive index nd(1) and a refractive index nd(2) are substantially equivalent to each other, said refractive index nd(2) being a refractive index of the fluorine-containing glass after the fluorine-containing glass is re-melted in a nitrogen atmosphere at 900° C. for 1 hour, cooled to its glass transition temperature and then cooled to 25° C. at a temperature decrease rate of 30° C./hour.

Abstract: A plurality of via-holes are formed in panel-shaped glass, and a plurality of via-holes are formed in two bases. Then, the panel-shaped glass is interposed between the two bases, positions of a plurality of the via-holes of the bases and a plurality of the via-holes of the panel-shaped glass are aligned, wires made of a conductive material are penetrated, and the wires between the two bases are stretched. Then, the panel-shaped glass is heated to a point higher than a softening point of the glass, the wires between the bases are buried by the glass, and the glass is cooled to form a glass ingot having the buried wires. Then, the ingot is sliced to form a glass substrate, the glass panel is polished to expose the wires on front and rear surfaces as the through electrodes.

Abstract: A multiple-layered hot-melt glass lampshade having a crystal-interwoven structure with a first hot-melt glass layer, a second hot-melt glass layer, a third hot-melt glass layer, a first crystal glass layer, a second crystal glass layer, and a curing gel layer. The order of arrangement is, from outside to inside, the first hot-melt glass layer, the second hot-melt glass layer, the third hot-melt glass layer, the first crystal glass layer, the curing gel layer, and the second crystal glass layer. The first hot-melt glass layer, the second hot-melt glass layer, and the third hot-melt glass layer are partially attached to each other. The third hot-melt glass layer is partially attached to the first crystal glass layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a glass body for a potentiometric sensor, including: loading a first spindle of a glass lathe with outer and inner glass tubes, so that the glass tubes are arranged coaxially with one another and with the axis of rotation of the first spindle, the inner glass tube and the outer glass tube each has a media-side end, and the two media-side ends have defined axial positions relative to one another; loading a second spindle with an auxiliary glass tube, so that the axis of rotation of the second spindle is arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation of the first spindle; moving the auxiliary glass tube to be contiguous with the outer glass tube; fusion joining of the outer glass tube with the auxiliary glass tube; producing a connection between the outer glass tube, or the auxiliary glass tube, and the inner glass tube; removing a remainder of the auxiliary glass tube; producing a media-side opening of the inner glass tube; and forming a media-side edge of the opening.

Abstract: A production method for laminated glass capable of performing a firing step for a fired substance and a bend-forming step to an inner sheet and an outer sheet in the same forming furnace when laminated glass having a fired substance between an inner sheet and an outer sheet is produced, whereby the inner sheet and the outer sheet overlap each other with high accuracy and a production device thereof, are provided. A production method for laminated glass having a fired substance between an inner sheet 2 and an outer sheet 3 wherein a firing step for firing a fired substance in a state that the inner sheet 2 and the outer sheet 3 are kept away and a bend-forming step in a state that the inner sheet 2 and the outer sheet 3 overlap each other, is carried out in the same forming furnace.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic recording medium comprising polishing a crystallized glass substrate using abrasive grains, and then washing the substrate using an aqueous organic carboxylic acid solution; a glass substrate for a magnetic recording medium which is manufactured by the process; and a magnetic recording medium obtained using the substrate. A glass substrate for a magnetic recording medium is manufactured, whereby the surface roughness is low and the surface defects are minimal for washing after polishing of a crystallized glass substrate, and wherein the Read-Write performance are not impaired when a recording layer including a magnetic film is formed on the magnetic recording medium substrate for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a glass optical element by press-forming a glass material in a chamber by using a forming mold comprising upper and lower dies at least one of which is movable, where a surrounded space is formed between the glass material and at least one of the upper and the lower dies when the upper and the lower dies come into contact with the glass material, a pressure within the chamber is reduced before the glass material placed in the forming mold is heated to a press-forming temperature. After sealing the space as formed when the glass material is in contact with at least one of forming surfaces of the upper and the lower dies, a gas is introduced into the chamber. The glass material is heated in the gas and then press-formed under a pressing load.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a faceplate for a flat-panel display such as a field emission cathode type display is disclosed, the faceplate having integral spacer support structures. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inexpensive lamp, which suppresses distortion of a bulb and prevents decrease in commercial value and breakage of the bulb. In a glass bulb having one end thereof communicating with an exhaust tube, an assembly of a filament, metal foils and lead wires is disposed. In this state, the whole glass bulb is heated by a burner. The end opposite to the exhaust tube of the glass bulb is pinch-sealed to form a pinch-sealed portion. Subsequently, an expanded portion is formed by charging a protective gas from the exhaust tube into the glass bulb.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass sheet includes obtaining a preform generated from a glass composition and conveying the preform through a channel having a temperature that decreases along a length of the channel to form a glass sheet having a predetermined width and thickness.

Abstract: Methods of forming glass articles sensitive to aggressive heat treatment are disclosed. Glass preforms have sections of glass fusion bonded to the preforms, and the preforms are subsequently drawn into glass articles.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat-panel display such as a field emission cathode type display is disclosed, the face plate having integral spacer support structures. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing glass parts for connection of glass fibers is provided, which can improve the accuracy of the cross-sectional size of a through hole in the glass part. A mother glass having a similar cross section to a desired cross section of a glass part having a through hole is prepared, and the prepared mother glass is drawn while it is heated. The mother glass is made of a glass having a maximum devitrification speed of 100 &mgr;m or less per minute.

Abstract: A method of making a vehicle windshield or other window. An opaque layer (e.g., enamel or water-based) is applied to a glass sheet and then “fired” or cured. The opaque layer is preferably black or dark in color. Thereafter, the sheet with the opaque layer thereon is cut into a desired windshield shape, along a cutting line which extends through both the glass sheet and the opaque layer formed thereon. As a result, on the cut glass sheet the opaque layer extends all the way up to the peripheral edge thereof. In vehicle windshield embodiments, the cut sheet is laminated to another glass sheet via at least a polymer based interlayer in order to form the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluorescent lamp that can achieve stable luminous characteristics and discharge characteristics and also does not suffer from cracks in the interconnected portion of the glass tubes while handling or lighting the fluorescent lamp is provided. Interconnecting portions located in the vicinity of open end portions of glass tubes that are positioned adjacent to each other are heated respectively from inside to form a welding portion, and then, the glass tubes are thrust against each other and thinned by conducting a preliminary tapping of the welding portion from inside using hammers. Next, the welding portion is opened by conducting a main tapping to form an interconnected portion, and end portions in the vicinity of the interconnected portion are closed by heating and melting, and then the end portions are molded.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display is disclosed, the face plate having integral spacer support structures. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: The method herein shapes a thin glass article (10), as well as a thin glass interface (20, 22) between two laminated sheets (16, 18) as they seal together to form the glass article (10). This process changes the shape of the article (10) and modifies the internal interface (20, 22) at the juncture where the glass sheets (16, 18) meet to make the channels (12). As a result, the juncture is very thin and very little or no slope. The process uses the mechanical motion of a plunger combined with plunger vacuum and internal gas pressure to make these changes. The technique reduces the contact area between glass layers (16, 18). A reduced contact area can reduce the optical interference caused by the joining of two layers of glass (16, 18). The technique also makes the front surface of each channel (12) thinner. The glass thinness also allows for thinner products with substantially reduced light distortion at the juncture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of sequences of interference layers composed of layers i of prescribed thicknesses d(i) and refractive indices n(i). In this process a stack of at least two layers i of glasses having refractive indices n(i) and thicknesses d0(i), which are each larger than the predetermined thicknesses d(i) by the same multiplying factor, is provided. The stack is heated to a temperature above the transformation temperature of the glasses and during or after heating, the stack is drawn in such a manner that the individual layers obtain the prescribed thicknesses d(i). After this the drawn stack is cooled.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display, the face plate having integral spacer support structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process. The support structures are designed to be load bearing so as to prevent implosion of a planar, transparent face plate toward a parallel spaced-apart base plate when the space between the face plate and the base plate is sealed at the edges of the display to form a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated in the presence of atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. Unlike most spacer support structures proposed for such flat panel displays, the support structures are made from the same material as the substrate from which the face plate is fabricated. For a preferred embodiment of the process, a perforated laminar template is sealably sandwiched between a laminar silicate glass substrate and a manifold block to form a temporary sandwich assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for forming glass articles containing enclosed channels. The method comprises the following steps: a) delivering and depositing a first length of a molten glass ribbon (18) to a surface of a mold (20) having a mold cavity (22) possessing at least one channel-forming groove (22) and a peripheral surface, wherein the first length (18) overlies the mold cavity (22) and the peripheral surface; b) allowing the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18) to substantially conform to the contour of the mold cavity (22) resulting in the formation of at least one channel in the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18); c) delivering and depositing a second length of the molten glass ribbon (26) to the exposed surface of the first length of the molten glass ribbon (18).

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display, the face plate having integral spacer support structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process. The support structures are designed to be load bearing so as to prevent implosion of a planar, transparent face plate toward a parallel spaced-apart base plate when the space between the face plate and the base plate is sealed at the edges of the display to form a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated in the presence of atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. Unlike most spacer support structures proposed for such flat panel displays, the support structures are made from the same material as the substrate from which the face plate is fabricated. For a preferred embodiment of the process, a perforated laminar template is sealably sandwiched between a laminar silicate glass substrate and a manifold block to form a temporary sandwich assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved glass/plastic laminate sheet for lightweight automotive glazing is disclosed. A flat laminate is build up with two thin glass layers, one inner and one outer, and a thick middle layer of thermoplastic. The flat laminate is heated to a plasticity temperature of the thermoplastic and it may be fit into a mould so that bending occurs mainly due to plastic transverse shear deformation of the plastic layer. Glass bending is limited to elastic bending of the single glass layers. Residual bending stresses in the glass layers are avoided by preferably incorporating pre-bending stresses in the flat glass layers. Strengthening of the final glass layers is achieved by incorporating compression stresses on the bent pane through heat treatment and having different thermal expansion coefficients of glass and plastic.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a vitreous quartz pipe or container having a connector including a flange formed from at least one strip or rod-shaped piece of transparent quartz glass which is wound circumferentially around either an inner or outer surface of a portion of the pipe or container and secured to the pipe or container to thereby form a closed-ring flange. The portion of the pipe or container having the attached flange may be an open end of the pipe or container or may be a wall portion where a connector for mounting to fixtures or other fittings may be desired. This type of strip or rod-shaped piece of quartz glass can be made via a conventional pulling technique such that a strip or rod having the appropriate uniform cross-sectional shape is obtained. The prepared strips or rod-shaped pieces are then easily cut with a saw device to appropriate lengths.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display, the face plate having integral spacer support structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process. The support structures are designed to be load bearing so as to prevent implosion of a planar, transparent face plate toward a parallel spaced-apart base plate when the space between the face plate and the base plate is sealed at the edges of the display to form a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated in the presence of atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. Unlike most spacer support structures proposed for such flat panel displays, the support structures are made from the same material as the substrate from which the face plate is fabricated. For a preferred embodiment of the process, a perforated laminar template is sealably sandwiched between a laminar silicate glass substrate and a manifold block to form a temporary sandwich assembly.

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

Abstract: Two arc tubes which are to be connected are held at different levels. Predetermined portions in the vicinity of an end of each arc tube are evenly heated and softened by a flame of a burner from the side. An air flow is supplied to blowing up the softened portion to form a semi-junction bridge having a circular cross-section and a flat connecting face. The thickness of the wall of the semi-junction bridge is even. The arc tubes having the semi-junction bridges are disposed on the same plane and one arc tube is moved to the other to connect the semi-junction bridges while the connecting faces are softened.

Abstract: A gas-flow heat exchanger comprises a sinuously wound foil strip (11) providing a stack of parallel pockets (12) each of which contains a moulded plastics skeletal insert (13). The insert (13) comprises a flat rectangular frame (14) supporting within it a set of parallel baffles (15) which define a platen of passageways (16) extending between inlet and outlet openings (17 and 18) provided in the frame (14). Webs (20) lie in the medial plane of the frame and support the baffles (15). Holes and rebates (24, 25) are provided in the lower part of the insert to drain water from its interior. The foil (11) may be coated with hydrophilic material on one side.

Abstract: A method for the controlled bending of anodically bonded two-dimensional composites of glass and metal or semiconductor materials. The composite is heated after bonding, for up to 200 hours to a temperature of from 250.degree. C. to Tg-10 K. As a result of this heating, controlled compaction of the glass body and, hence, bending of the composite, are achieved to reduce or reverse any distortion that has occurred during bonding.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a field emission display and the resulting display device are disclosed. The method includes the steps of arranging a sealing layer between a face plate and a substrate, heating the sealing layer until the substrate layer adheres to the face plate, and then pulling the face plate away from the substrate so that the vacuum is improved. The sealing layer may be constructed from glass and heated with a heating coil made from Ni-chrome wire. The elements can be positioned using industrial robots using common manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber, the method including assembling together a plurality of substantially identical polished single-core optical fiber preforms (2', 2"), referred to as "single-core preforms", each of which includes a core bar (3) surrounded by a layer of optical cladding (4), so as to form a "multi-core preform" (10), and drawing down the multi-core preform (10) so as to obtain the multi-core optical fiber. The assembly step includes securing the single-core preforms (2', 2") to one another by fusing them over their entire lengths or over portions thereof along their tangential lines of contact (T), without inserting the multi-core preform (10) into a holding tube. A vacuum is maintained in the preform during the drawing step, the vacuum being formed before or during the drawing step.

Abstract: Improved methods of exhausting and combined exhausting and seasoning of x-ray tube envelopes for high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein which includes providing a glass tubulation having a diameter greater than about 20 mm then operatively connecting the glass tubulation to the x-ray tube envelope, providing a disk inside the glass tubulation, the disk having a smaller diameter than the glass tubulation, providing a vacuum to the glass tubulation; positioning heating means on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the anode of the x-ray tube to a temperature temperatures inside the x-ray tube envelope of about 1500.degree. C., positioning the disk inside the glass tubulation proximate the position of the heating means on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the glass tubulation proximate the disk to about 1300.degree. C.

Abstract: A light-weight base body of a reflecting mirror, such as those used in reflecting astronomical telescopes, is proposed which is made from fused silica glass or high-silica glass and is advantageous in respect of the excellent thermal and mechanical stability in dimensions to ensure high performance of the reflecting mirror. The base body is composed of a front plate, i.e. a surface plate to provide the optical surface, and a supporting body of porous foamed glass integrally bonded to the front plate. These two parts of the base body can be bonded together by sandwiching a layer of a finely divided silica powder therebetween and heating the assemblage at a temperature higher than the softening point of the silica powder so that the silica powder is softened or melted to firmly join the two parts sandwiching the powder layer.

Abstract: Multiple fold, single tube glass vessels, as well as a process and device for producing multiple fold, single tube glass vessels. An even number of parallel glass tubes open at both ends are assembled under the influence of heat into a multiple fold, single tube glass vessel that is characterized by an essentially constant wall thickness and by an essentially constant inside diameter. The object of the invention is to produce multiple fold, single tube glass vessels suitable in particular as discharge vessels for compact lamps.

Abstract: A light-weight base body of a reflecting mirror, such as those used in reflecting astronomical telescopes, is proposed which is made from fused silica glass or high-silica glass and is advantageous in respect of the excellent thermal and mechanical stability in dimensions to ensure high performance of the reflecting mirror. The base body is composed of a front plate, i.e. a surface plate to provide the optical surface, and a supporting body of porous foamed glass integrally bonded to the front plate. These two parts of the base body can be bonded together by sandwiching a layer of a finely divided silica powder therebetween and heating the assemblage at a temperature higher than the softening point of the silica powder so that the silica powder is softened or melted to firmly join the two parts sandwiching the powder layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a light-weight base body of a reflecting mirror such as a mirror in a reflecting astronomical telescope, which is very stable not only thermally but also mechanically and is highly resistant against adverse environmental influences. The mirror base is composed of a porous foamed disc body of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass sandwiched by two plates of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass, of which one is made from transparent glass and serves to provide an optical surface having flatness or a specified curvature, and the side surface of the porous foamed disc body is protected against environmental influences by providing an air-tight sealing layer formed from a silicone rubber-based sealing agent or a thin sheet of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapour discharge lamp comprises two or more glass discharge tubes disposed in side-by-side relationship. The tubes are joined by a tapered joint region defining a generally U-shaped connection between the tubes. The joint between the tubes is produced by heating the open ends of the tubes, butt-joining the thus-softened ends, and then tapering the joint by stretching same and bending it until the tubes reach their required disposition.

Abstract: A method for assembling a spaced flat panel display screen having a first plate and second plate, each with an internal facing surface that are opposing comprises the steps of positioning spacers on the internal facing surface of the first plate, positioning the second plate so that the internal facing surface of the second plate contacts the spacers, heating the spacers to a temperature causing soldering of the spacers to the plates, pulling the first and second plates apart to stretch the spacers to a predetermined distance, and cooling the spacers.

Abstract: The invention provides a light-weight base body of a reflecting mirror such as a mirror in a reflecting astronomical telescope which is very stable not only thermally but also mechanically and is highly resistant against adverse environmental influences. The mirror base is composed of a porous foamed disc body of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass sandwiched by two plates of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass, of which one is made from transparent glass and serves to provide an optical surface having flatness or a specified curvature, and the side surface of the porous foamed disc body is protected against environmental influences by providing an air-tight sealing layer formed from a silicone rubber-based sealing agent or a thin sheet of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass.

Abstract: A method of producing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprising two or more substantially parallel co-extending glass discharge tubes includes forming an inter-connecting joint between the tubes by heating the tubes to form blisters and causing the blisters to simultaneously fuse and break, thereby forming a joint between the tubes.

Abstract: A quartz tank member produced by a new method of production having continuous inner corner surfaces formed through bending and welding processes with welded seams being smooth without any hills, valleys, pits, crevasses, or irregularities therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a light-weight base body of a reflecting mirror such as a mirror in a reflecting astronomical telescope, which is very stable not only thermally but also mechanically and is highly resistant against adverse environmental influences. The mirror base is composed of a porous foamed disc body of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass sandwiched by two plates of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass, of which one is made from transparent glass and serves to provide an optical surface having flatness or a specified curvature, and the side surface of the porous foamed disc body is protected against environmental influences by providing an air-tight sealing layer formed from a silicone rubber-based sealing agent or a thin sheet of fused quartz glass or high-silica glass.

Abstract: Shaped gradient profiles of index of refraction in lenses are fabricated from axial gradients. While the resulting lens has both radial (or cylindrical) and axial components, and, strictly speaking, is not a pure radial (cylindrical) gradient, nonetheless, the presence of both the radial and axial components or cylindrical and axial components provides lens designers with greater flexibility in lens design than heretofore existed.

Abstract: An evacuated vial for collecting a fluid sample and a method for manufacturing the vial comprising a cylindrical glass tube, one end of the tube formed into a frangible tip, a glass bottom closing off the other end of the tube, and a depression formed in the bottom forming an internal breaking tip extending into said tube. The bottom of the tube is sealed in a manner permitting convenient puncture thereof to break the tip when a sample is to be delivered.

Abstract: A method of making an inlet cone at one of the ends of a connection endpiece for optical fibers, the endpiece being in the form of a cylindrical rod of outside diameter D and including an internal capillary of diameter d.sub.i, the method consisting in providing the end of the connection endpiece with a guide part constituted by a cylindrical body having formed therein: firstly a cylindrical bore of diameter substantially equal to the diameter D of the endpiece, which bore is delimited inside the cylindrical body by a wall constituting an abutment for the end of the endpiece when the endpiece is inserted into the bore; and secondly a guide hole having at least one tapering portion opening to the outside of the cylindrical body with a diameter that is greater than the diameter d.sub.i, and opening into the cylindrical bore at the capillary with a diameter which is substantially equal to the diameter d.sub.i of the capillary. The invention is applicable both to monomode and to multimode optical fibers.

Abstract: A gob of glass sucked from a glass metal and held in a suction mold (7) is further processed by preshaping the glass in the mold by a punch (4) having a projection (9) for forming in a recess or cavity (14) in the gob in the opening in the mold, and a plate-like surface (10) for forming a plate shaped bead (5) around the opening. This results in a large contact surface against which a blowpipe (1') with a transverse attachment plate (6) having a working surface flush with the end of the bore (3) of the blowpipe is pressed to attach the plate (6) to the bead (5). With this arrangement, the bore cannot become blocked with glass during the pressing operation.