Abstract:
A microreactor assembly comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone and plurality of fluidic microstructures is provided. The fluidic microstructures are supported by respective portions of the fluidic interconnect backbone, The microreactor assembly comprises a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals associated with the interconnect input and output ports. The interconnect input port of the fluidic interconnect backbone is interfaced with the microchannel output port of a first fluidic microstructure at one of the non-polymeric interconnect seals. The interconnect output port of the fluidic interconnect backbone is interfaced with the microchannel input port of a second fluidic microstructure at another of the non-polymeric interconnect seals. The interconnect microchannel is defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone and is configured such that it extends from the non-polymeric interconnect seal at the microchannel output port of the first fluidic microstructure to the non-polymeric interconnect seal at the microchannel input port of the second fluidic microstructure without interruption by additional sealed interfaces.
Abstract:
A method for bending a sheet of material into a shaped article includes providing the sheet of material. A reformable area and a non-reformable area of the sheet of material are heated to a first temperature range corresponding to a first viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is subsequently heated to a second temperature range corresponding to a second viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is reformed into a selected shape by at least one of sagging the reformable area of the sheet of material and applying a force to the sheet of material outside of or near a boundary of the reformable area.
Abstract:
An apparatus for mass production of 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets includes a heating section having a heating station that includes a heating chamber adapted to receive a 2D glass-containing sheet, a pneumatic bearing system proximate to the heating chamber for suspending the 2D glass-containing sheet inside the heating chamber, and a heater system proximate to the heating chamber for supplying heat to the heating chamber. A forming section downstream of the heating section has a forming station that includes a mold system adapted to shape a heated 2D glass-containing sheet into a 3D article. A cooling section downstream of the forming section has a cooling chamber adapted to controllably cool off one or more 3D articles. A method of mass producing 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets involves use of the apparatus.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for precision bending a glass sheet that includes an oven for heating the glass sheet to a temperature near the softening temperature of the glass sheet. A stage for supporting the glass sheet. A pair of reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the glass sheet on the stage. At least one bending mechanism on a pair of arms inside the oven for bending an edge portion of the glass sheet. Inward facing first stop surfaces on the arms that contact reference surfaces on the stage for precisely locating the bending mechanism on the arms relative to the stage and the glass sheet.
Abstract:
A microreactor assembly is provided comprising a fluidic microstructure and an injector assembly. The injector assembly comprises a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a liquid outlet, a gas outlet, a liquid flow portion extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet, and a gas flow portion extending from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. Further, the injector assembly defines an injection interface with a microchannel input port of the fluidic microstructure. The injector assembly is configured such that the gas outlet of the gas flow portion is positioned to inject gas into the liquid flow portion upstream of the liquid outlet, into the liquid flow portion at the liquid outlet, or into an extension of the liquid flow portion downstream of the liquid outlet and is configured such that gas is injected into the liquid flow portion or the extension thereof as a series of gas bubbles.
Abstract:
A microreactor assembly comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone and plurality of fluidic microstructures is provided. The fluidic microstructures are supported by respective portions of the fluidic interconnect backbone, The microreactor assembly comprises a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals associated with the interconnect input and output ports. The interconnect input port of the fluidic interconnect backbone is interfaced with the microchannel output port of a first fluidic microstructure at one of the non-polymeric interconnect seals. The interconnect output port of the fluidic interconnect backbone is interfaced with the microchannel input port of a second fluidic microstructure at another of the non-polymeric interconnect seals. The interconnect microchannel is defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone and is configured such that it extends from the non-polymeric interconnect seal at the microchannel output port of the first fluidic microstructure to the non-polymeric interconnect seal at the microchannel input port of the second fluidic microstructure without interruption by additional sealed interfaces.