Patent for Glass Cylinder for a Piston

Taylor IP obtains patent for client SCHOTT on Glass Cylinder for Reduced Friction

This invention is a glass cylinder designed to reduce friction in a piston-cylinder assembly by making the glass surface more hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. The treatment process involves increasing the surface energy of the glass inside the cylinder, which lowers the contact angle with water, allowing it to spread more easily. This is achieved either through a gas discharge created by an electric or electromagnetic field or by applying ozone to the glass surface. The result is a glass cylinder with an inner surface that has a contact angle with water of less than 15 degrees, making it highly hydrophilic. In the piston-cylinder setup, the piston moves directly on this treated glass surface. The piston itself has a surface made of plastic, which is less hydrophilic than the glass, ensuring smooth operation with reduced friction.