Abstract:
An apparatus (100) for making glass tubing (200) of a desired non-circular cross-sectional profile (cf FIG. 3) includes a mandrel (101) adapted for positioning proximate heat-softened tubing. The mandrel (101) has a nose (102) and a nozzle section (120) with a chosen profile that will define a final cross-sectional profile of the tubing. The nozzle section (120) has a feed chamber (140) for receiving a gas from a source (207) and a porous and/or foraminous circumferential surface (132,134) through which the gas can be discharged to an exterior of the mandrel. The gas discharges to the exterior of the mandrel, forming a film of pressurized gas in the gap (314, 318) between the porous circumferential surface (132,134) and the heat-softened tubing (200). A method of forming tubing having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using the apparatus is also provided. A glass sleeve made from the reshaped or formed tubing is also disclosed: a monolithic sleeve made of parallel, opposite, flat and smooth front and back covers for use in an electronic device (cf FIG. 13). Some glass-ceramic materials may also be suitable for the tubing, such as transparent beta spodumene.
Abstract:
A glass or glass-ceramic sheet includes peaks and valleys, where a cross-sectional profile in one direction along the sheet contains a first plurality of peaks, and a cross-sectional profile along the sheet in a perpendicular direction to that direction contains a second plurality of peaks. The first plurality is different from the second plurality of peaks.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an assembled stack of fluidic modules comprising at least first and second fluidic modules assembled in a stacked configuration. The first fluidic module has first and second major planar surfaces and encloses a first fluidic passage extending therethrough from a first passage entrance to a first passage exit with the first passage exit located on the second major planar surface of the first fluidic module. The second fluidic module also has first and second major planar surfaces and encloses a second fluidic passage extending therethrough from a second passage entrance to a second passage exit, with the second passage entrance located on the first major planar surface of the second fluidic module. The second major planar surface of the first fluidic module and the first major planar surface of the second fluidic module are spaced apart and physically joined together by at least three separate glass or glass-ceramic pads fused therebetween, and the at least three pads include at least one pad having no through-hole and at least one pad having a through-hole, with the through-hole forming a sealed fluidic interconnection between the first fluidic passage and the second fluidic passage. A method of forming the assembled stack is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A glass or glass-ceramic sheet includes peaks and valleys, where a cross-sectional profile in one direction along the sheet contains a first plurality of peaks, and a cross-sectional profile along the sheet in a perpendicular direction to that direction contains a second plurality of peaks. The first plurality is different from the second plurality of peaks.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods for coating or decorating a surface of a glass sleeve. The methods include depositing a metal layer onto a surface of the glass sleeve by an electroless plating method. Also disclosed are glass sleeves which are coated or decorated on an internal surface, and electronic devices comprising the coated glass sleeves.
Abstract:
An apparatus (100) for making glass tubing (200) of a desired non-circular cross-sectional profile (cf FIG. 3) includes a mandrel (101) adapted for positioning proximate heat-softened tubing. The mandrel (101) has a nose (102) and a nozzle section (120) with a chosen profile that will define a final cross-sectional profile of the tubing. The nozzle section (120) has a feed chamber (140) for receiving a gas from a source (207) and a porous and/or foraminous circumferential surface (132,134) through which the gas can be discharged to an exterior of the mandrel. The gas discharges to the exterior of the mandrel, forming a film of pressurized gas in the gap (314, 318) between the porous circumferential surface (132,134) and the heat-softened tubing (200). A method of forming tubing having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using the apparatus is also provided. A glass sleeve made from the reshaped or formed tubing is also disclosed: a monolithic sleeve made of parallel, opposite, flat and smooth front and back covers for use in an electronic device (cf FIG. 13). Some glass-ceramic materials may also be suitable for the tubing, such as transparent beta spodumene.
Abstract:
Disclosed are apparatuses for shaping a glass structure, the apparatuses having a plurality of rib members, each rib member comprising at least one void and at least one shaping edge; and at least one support member. The apparatuses can further comprise a shaping member and/or a guide member and/or a shaping groove. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a glass structure, the methods comprising positioning the glass structure on a shaping apparatus and heating the glass structure to shape the glass structure.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an assembled stack of fluidic modules comprising at least first and second fluidic modules assembled in a stacked configuration. The first fluidic module has first and second major planar surfaces and encloses a first fluidic passage extending therethrough from a first passage entrance to a first passage exit with the first passage exit located on the second major planar surface of the first fluidic module. The second fluidic module also has first and second major planar surfaces and encloses a second fluidic passage extending therethrough from a second passage entrance to a second passage exit, with the second passage entrance located on the first major planar surface of the second fluidic module. The second major planar surface of the first fluidic module and the first major planar surface of the second fluidic module are spaced apart and physically joined together by at least three separate glass or glass-ceramic pads fused therebetween, and the at least three pads include at least one pad having no through-hole and at least one pad having a through-hole, with the through-hole forming a sealed fluidic interconnection between the first fluidic passage and the second fluidic passage. A method of forming the assembled stack is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A reforming mandrel and a method of use reforming mandrel to reform glass are described. The reforming mandrel comprises an upstream portion, a downstream portion and an at least partially hollow interior. The upstream portion may have an intake inlet for fluid flow. The downstream portion may be axially spaced from the upstream portion. The downstream portion may have a flattened cross-section defined by flattened peripheral portions joined by curved peripheral portions. At least one curved peripheral portion may be made of porous material resistant to a temperature of at least 1000° C. The at least partially hollow interior may communicate with the intake inlet and the porous material.