Patent · US Expired

Method for making globular bodies

US7377130B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
14References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2004
Grant dateMay 27, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC03B19/102
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The method of making globular or spherical bodies of optical quality includes filling receptacles (2) in a heat-resistant support (3) made of a porous material with glass gobs (1); conducting gas through the heat-resistant support so that a gas flow (4) passes through the support in a direction (14) opposite to a direction in which gravity acts; heating the heat-resistant support (3) to a temperature at which the glass gobs (1) have a viscosity of up to about 106 poise; maintaining the support (3) at this temperature for a predetermined time interval; and then cooling the support (3) to ambient temperature while continuing to provide the gas flow (4) through the support (3).

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.