Brainy Glass

The new Google Glass has been hacked and can now be controlled by brainwaves. By using the new smart glasses with an electroencephalography (EEG) headset, the software has made it possible to now take a picture without moving any muscles. A new London-based start up company This Place have said that this kind of tech could be used in high pressure hands free situations like surgery. London Glaziers are the best solution for all glass issues. The company has released the free Mind RDR Software hoping that developers will adapt it for other uses. Google has already made it clear that it will not support this application. They said that this particular application seems to work through a separate piece of kit which you connect to Glass. London Glazing only use qualified staff. The application needs to be paired with an EEG headset to be able to control Google Glass and they said they had not yet reviewed, or approved, this addition so it won’t be available in the Glass app store. Of course, they stated that they are always interested in hearing about new applications of Glass and have already seen some great research from a variety of medical fields from surgery to Parkinson’s disease. An EEG Headset can be used to measure when certain parts of the brain show a greater level of activity. This means, the MindRDR software monitors when the user engages in high levels of concentration. In Google Glass’s screen a small window appears in the corner of the user’s right eye with a white horizontal line. When the user concentrates, the white line moves up the screen. As it reaches the top, a picture is taken using the inbuilt camera. This could mean that an individual who currently has no control at all, and who can’t even control the movement of their eyes would be able to use the system. Talk about the final frontier! 

It doesn’t matter whether you are setting your own window, creating a stained glass effect, or working on another project, the art of cutting glass is a really handy skill that is not reallt that hard master, and by using the correct tools and of course with a steady hand, almost everyone can begin cutting standard glass at home.The normal way of cutting glass is done by scoring and breaking. The scoring is done by using a glass cutter. This is usually an inexpensive tool depending on its design. Lay the glass on a flat surface. London Glazing are professionals. To get the best results put some oil on to the area to be cut. Some glass cutters can carry oil in the handle which flows it as it cuts. This will improve the quality of the scoring. The process of scratching or scoring is done purposely, as it interrupts the tension and makes the glass easier to cut. This is a called a score line. It is better to start with the best quality cutter that you can afford. This will ensure that your glass is cut correct at the first attempt. London Glaziers are the best for all glass and glazing. There are different styles of cutter, here are a couple available and how they work. The Strip-and-Circle Cutter is versatile, especially if you want to make a glass box or a lampshade. To operte, you use the strip and circle cutter to cut straight strips of glass and circles. It can be adjusted to cut almost any size of glass strips from ½ inch to 10 inches, and can easily turn into a circle cutter. The Pencil Grip Cutter has a straight shaft and is quite comfortable to hold, and is filled with oil. As the name suggests it is held just the same as a pencil, but it can be held like a dagger when it is pulled. Use a constant pressure to score so the wheel rolls off the edge of the glass. You will hear and feel a rather pleasant scoring sound as the wheel rolls.

Making sure that the correct windows are intalled in a home is the key to getting the overall look and feel of a home right, but also makes sure that a property has the right window for the right functions. . London Glaziers are a one stop shop for glass.They also play a part in the control of the interior temperature by venting but also insulating. Deciding to convert to new windows can be expensive, so homeowners need to be sure to do comprehensive research before they commit. The choice of window styles used to be limited to things like side hinged or the sliding sash style of window, but now, there is a wide range of styles and materials. The revolution in materials that windows are constructed from and also the shapes and sizes has really been quite considerable. London Glazing always provide first class customer service. Normally, when a window is replaced, the materials, functionality and hardware mechanics are made to maintain to the original design and promote an authentic representation. The window frame is also very important, so it is important to always make sure that if the window being replaced has a sill, then, the replacement needs to be the same. There are different frames around:

• A Vinyl Covered Frame is a good as a replacement option for older windows and come in double glazed units, in white and various colour options.
• Hardwood Frames are still very popular, with many choosing hardwood for its hard wearing qualities and looks. This type of frame can be painted or just oiled for protection, it is quite expensive but good value.
• Aluminium Frames are slim but very strong, durable and able to support large panes of glasswork. They have a big problem, however and that is they conduct heat and are also prone to massive condensation issues. The older of this type of frame used to rust, but the new ones are protected and require little or no maintenance.

Safety glass is a great innovation for many reasons, it’s Thermal Strength gives greater and much increased resistance to both sudden temperature changes and temperature differentials up to 200,000 compared with annealed glass, up to 40,000. The stress characteristics of toughened safety glass, of normal soda-lime silica composition, are unchanged for continuing service up to 250°C London Glazing are the best to advise on glass and glazing. Generally, a glass’s Mechanical Strength can be up to 4-5 times stronger than normal annealed glass of an equivalent thickness and is best suited to the most safety conscious applications. But, if it is used at really high level, it must considered very carefully, as if the glass were to break, it will fragment into small pieces and will lose its support capability and of course will no longer create a barrier. The glass itself is made from a large number of layers of laminated glass which also include polycarbonate. Laminated glass products have many uses and are the usually the first choice to for enhancing security in many situations and is even available in a bullet-proof form. London Glaziers only supply high quality glass and glazing. There is a type of safe glass called Security Film that is sold in a choice of thicknesses and is made for glass on windows and doors for increased security but when applied it should be behind any beading etc. for optimum performance The film is designed to keep the glass together if someone attempts to smash it. It is a great addition to office windows that may experience collateral explosive damage, so no glass shards can blow back into the rooms, offices or fall to the ground. This type of Safety and Security Window Film can transform a window or windows from a weak link to a source of great strength. It also helps to protect home from break-ins and very severe weather events. This product is designed to help hold the glass fragments together, and in turn reduce potential injury from flying glass. These films hold the glass together, creating a stronger barrier that will slow down a criminal to the point where they would probably give up. This window films is available in clear, safety-only versions, or even as a combination film that can control both sun and safety features.

There is something called the Green Deal which is a government backed initiative that can help people understand the energy-saving improvements they can make to their properties. It can also help them find companies to carry out the work, and give access to a number of options for paying for these improvements, this includes Green Deal finance. Fitting double glazed units is one of the many improvements with the real and proven benefit of double-glazing being a substantial saving on utility bills, for instance if you replace a single-glazed window in a three-bedroom home with a double-glazed unit. Lots energy monitoring magazines say that there could be a real saving of around £135 on a years heating bill. There could also be a reduction of carbon footprints too by around 720kg of carbon dioxide emissions. London Glaziers only use qualified technicians. Nationwide, more than 50% of all homeowners have registered interest in fitting new double glazed windows and doors, and the Energy Saving Trust says that the new Green Deal can only increase the demand. A recent survey by the EST of more than 2000 UK adults showed that 52% of homeowners are considering new double glazing and that 22% of homeowners have already fitted new double glazing in the last year. There is a North and South double glazing divide, with around 71% of people in the North East having double glazing fitted, whilst in London and the south east this drops to 49%. London Glazing fit all types of glass and glazing. The EST, who administers the Green Deal installer certification, predicts that the Green Deal, that lets people pay for genuine energy efficient home improvements through the savings they make on their energy bills will definately increase the interest and participation for double glazing and the Green Deal scheme. Mr Tom Locke from the EST stated that the Green Deal is a great opportunity for all home improvement installers across all the major sectors. Becoming certified is really the first step to working inpartnership with the Green Deal. The Energy Saving Trust is one organisation ensuring that only trusted and professional tradesmen can be part of this scheme. Mr Locke also said that dealing with a Green Deal certified installer will give massive consumer confidence.

If the windows in your home have seen better days, then replacing them with energy efficient, double pane windows will really reduce your heating and cooling energy costs while giving value and lots of curb appeal to your home. London Glazing are glass experts. Now, choosing the right windows for a home can be a mine field given all the styles, materials, and features that are available today. In addition, because this can be a considered investment with the new windows hopefully lasting up to 20 years, doing a little homework before you commit can save on disappointment and an empty wallet. Here are some options: Window Materials like Wood is still popular as it is quite versatile. If old windows let the drafts in, you can always fit a weather strip. Hardwood is quite costly, but is durable and can be protected by oil. London Glaziers only use skilled technicians. You can paint hardwood windows or give them a natural finish. Windows made from softwood need to be protected by paint or maybe a natural wood finish, with regular maintenance. Aluminum can be an excellent choice, as the strength of aluminum lets a thin frame support a large area of glass. However, aluminum will conduct heat away from the home and has condensation issues. Double-glazing might be a stipulation the building regulations to lessen the loss of heat. Old aluminum windows rust, but modern models are protected in the manufacturing process and are low maintenance. Vinyl Windows will give very good heat and sound insulation. The old windows are usually replaced in a home by new vinyl units. White and other finishes are available, like wood-grain. These types require little or no maintenance. Finally, modern windows are made from a mixture of different materials. For example, aluminum windows, often use a wooden core, with steel casements housed in wooden frames reducing the heat loss. There are frames with decorative real wood on the inside, and fiberglass or vinyl exteriors, also available.

Early Polyvinyl chloride or PVC was first made by a German chemist called Eugen Baumann back in1872. He foolishly did not apply for a patent. This Polyvinyl chloride or PVC was not patented until 1913 when a German called, Friedrich Klatte, discovered a new and innovative method of the polymerization of vinyl chloride with the help of sunlight. Herr Klatte was the first inventor to receive a patent for PVC. However, no really useful requirement for PVC was needed until Mr Waldo Semon came along and created PVC into a better kind of product. London Glazing know all about windows glass. Back to the present, UPVC windows as we now know them re constructed from vinyl polymer bound to chlorine atoms so they are not truly plastic and work with steel. This gives them great strength and versatility with very low maintenance costs which is a big attraction for a homeowner. You can purchase fixed windows, opening windows and sliding windows in many colours. They have many benefits like: Durability because they are made to be weatherproof and are used many times in marine work so their quality is really tested. London Glaziers are experts in glass. These windows are far more waterproof than other windows beacause they do not absorb moisture. They are not fireproof, but fire resistant and unlike wood, they will not accidentally catch fire. UPVC windows will not succumb to corrosion, or warp, so they are pretty much maintenance-free. They should not need to be repainted in their lifetime. But, if you want to change the colour of the frames, you can paint them. Using strong steel fittings and a double glass pane, these windows are a strong deterrent to burglars. Energy Efficiency is a benefit as they have a very low thermal conductivity due to the materials used in their construction. This means that heat wont escape nearly as easy as other materials. They are 30% more efficient than some other types of double pane windows like aluminum. Heat Loss is almost non existant due to their lack of thermal conductivity.This will show in energy bills.

The old classic box sash window has been a great piece of architecture in the UK for over 300 years. Thought to have originated in France, this timeless style was used in Britain as early as the 17th century, and is now a real part of UK heritage. London Glazing are professionals. Lots of buildings, diverse in style and stature, share this common feature. From traditional towns and cities, to rural villages and conservation areas, the sash window can be found all over, but they can fail. You can take this on yourself if you are confident or you can call a professional service. Here is a guide to repairing a sash window:

1). Take out the window from the sash box and remove any rotten sections. Wooden pieces should be slotted in where needed or any holes can be filled and worked to match the timber.
2). The window can then be upgraded by adding a bead around all the railings. This will prevent the window from rattling and keep the heat in. London Glaziers can supply and fit all types of glass.
3). Secondary glazing can also be installed inside the property. This will mean that the sash window will still look the same from the outside, but the look on the inside may be gone. Cover with a primer and wood preservative and then paint with a quality outdoor paint. To Fit New Sash Cords remove the beading at the bottom of the sash and cut the cord. The sash will come out in one piece. Remove the old cords from the sash and detach them from the weights. Drop the new cords through the sides of the sash and tie them to the weights. Ensure each cord is the same length and sits straight. Fit the sash back into place and replace the beading. Work on a sash window can be difficult, however, the great thing is that the window can be repaired in situ.

It is estimated that an estimated 4 million tons of glass each year is produced right across the British glass industry. The glass is divided into general categories like, container, flat, fibre and Domestic (Crystal and Special Glass). Containers for the food and drinks industry, glass for construction and the automotive industry make up about 90% of the glass made in the UK. Lets look at the types: Container is normally for bottles and jars, and makes up around 60% of all UK glass that is made. The majority of this style of glass made in the UK is a clear glass. The UK container industry consists of 6 manufacturers who in 2010 were responsible for a total of 2.3 million tons of this type of glass. London Glaziers are experts in glass. Flat is a part of the industry that is driven by demand for building and automotive glass, and is the second largest part of the UK glass manufacturing industry. At the present time, 3 companies make a flat glass in the UK and annual domestic output in 2010 was around 1.3 million tonnes, of which the lions share the went towards glass products for buildings including laminated, self-cleaning, coated low-emissivity, silvered and other types, with the rest used for automotive applications. Production of clear float glass is the single biggest product and unlike container glass, is usually used in longer-term applications. London Glazing only use skilled technicians. The Domestic and Special Glass Sector has no large producer of domestic glass but instead, several small manufacturers that produce either lead crystal or common soda-lime glass. They work smaller pot furnaces and melt a few tons per week. The Special Glass covers things like lighting, oven hobs, optical, medical and scientific. Fibreglass has over 40,000 uses, from building insulation products for energy savings and thermal protection, to reinforcement of plastics and rubber, electronics and wall coverings. Glass fibre is a versatile material. It is a continuous thread and can be woven into fabric yarn and is fire resistant

By the very nature of the its physical characteristics it is not surprising that the surface of most pieces of glass can be damaged in many different ways, ranging from physical scratching, graffiti, air pollution and other methods of contamination. London Glazing are professional glass people. These types of common occurances can very easily impair the visual quality, performance and appearance of glass as a piece of glazing. There is a wide belief that the only way to repair this kind of damage is by carrying out a full replacement of the damaged piece. In these modern times though and due to advancement in technology this in fact is now not always the only resolution. The GGF Glass Repair Group has produced some information and advice to help educate and illustrate that glass surfaces can be repaired and provide an effective alternative to replacement. The following points are considered to be the most common causes of the most commonly reported damage to the surface of glass. There are more of course: Scratches are most likely to be caused by hard or sharp objects that are either accidentally or intentionally applied and may result in failure if left damaged. Graffiti is quite often carved or even etched into the surface. It can also be applied with paint or indelible ink, which if not removed correctly would damage the surface of the glass. Air Pollution from organic or inorganic materials or a combination of the two can have an abrasive effect on the surface of glass that will cause a deteriation of the visual quality of the glass. London Glaziers can supply and fit all types of glass and glazing. Contamination might occur because of building run off or sealant leakage which may have an effect on the glass surface. if you have suffered glass damage and you are unsure what to do, contact your local glass specialist.