The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 19, 2007
Filed:
Oct. 23, 2001
Frank Karetta, Dittelsheim-Hessloch, DE;
Joerg Witte, Darmstadt, DE;
Klaus-dieter Duch, Taunusstein, DE;
Dirk Gohlke, Meerscbuch, DE;
Wolfgang Muench, Bubenheim, DE;
Allen Jakway, Mainz, DE;
Rainer Eichholz, Mainz, DE;
Frank-thomas Lentes, Bingen, DE;
Frank Karetta, Dittelsheim-Hessloch, DE;
Joerg Witte, Darmstadt, DE;
Klaus-Dieter Duch, Taunusstein, DE;
Dirk Gohlke, Meerscbuch, DE;
Wolfgang Muench, Bubenheim, DE;
Allen Jakway, Mainz, DE;
Rainer Eichholz, Mainz, DE;
Frank-Thomas Lentes, Bingen, DE;
Schott AG, Mainz, DE;
Abstract
The apparatus for reduced-pressure refining of a glass melt includes a refining bank formed so that a reduced pressure is generated by a glass flow in it. The refining bank has a component, which is made from a refractory metal or refractory alloy acting as glass-contact material. The refractory metal or alloy contains molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, and/or hafnium. The device of the present invention includes a protective gas reservoir for a protective gas and an automatically operating valve connecting the reservoir with the refining bank so that an inner side of the component that would otherwise be exposed when a pressure rise or a falling glass melt column occurs is protected from oxidation by the protective gas. A process for using the device during refining of the glass melt is also part of the invention.