Mirror blanks from inflatable balls
US7069747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for constructing a mirror blank, including arranging hollow glass balls, on a front face sheet, and in close proximity to each other to permit fusing upon expansion; restricting the expansion of the hollow glass balls with a bounding structure during expansion of the hollow glass balls to force the hollow glass balls into a densely packed array of cells; applying heat to soften the hollow glass balls and increase the pressure within the hollow glass balls as the hollow glass balls fuse with each other during expansion, forming cells, wherein as a result of fusing, the hollow glass balls contact the front face sheet as a result of the increased pressure within the hollow glass balls; annealing and cooling the mirror blank to below annealing temperature associated with the hollow glass balls; and venting the cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.