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Find a column and hear what your favorite columnists have to say on a wide variety of topics.

Topics

Advanced Arena

Frank Kuzler, president and senior analyst at Dedalus Consulting Inc., discusses issues related to the advanced ceramics and glasses sector.

Ceramic Decorating

Sandra Spence, legislative liaison for the Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products (SGCDpro), focuses on issues that are important to decorators of ceramic and glass products.

Freight Focus

George Muha, vice president of Sales for CHTL Logistics, discusses topics related to the shipping of products and materials.

Glass Works

Lynn Bragg, president of the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), discusses topics related to the North American glass container manufacturing industry.

IP in Depth

Michael Gzybowski, intellectual property attorney with Brinks Gilson & Lione, focuses on patents and the patenting process.

Kiln Connection

Ralph Ruark, registered professional engineer and founder of Ruark Engineering Inc., addresses topics surrounding kilns and firing in order to help manufacturers improve their operations.

The Big Picture

The Big Picture from J.D. Jeter, PE, ASP, is principal of Verity Technical Consultants.

Taking Care of Business

In Taking Care of Business, Vincent W. Howell, FSME, CMfgE, provides information and strategies to improve manufacturing processes and support business success.

ARTICLES

Vincent Howell Taking Care of Business
Taking Care of Business

Learning Never Ends: Pursuing Certifications Related to Ceramic Manufacturing

What certifications could be beneficial for ceramic manufacturing professionals who are interested in continuing education development?
Vincent Howell, FSME, CMfgE
February 13, 2019
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The glass and ceramic industries are constantly changing, and new technology knowledge can provide opportunities for product and service innovation. Continuing education for engineering and other manufacturing associates is required for manufacturers to stay current with the latest developments, skills, and new technologies required for the market and industry.
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Glass Works

Glass Bottles Prove “Human Friendly”

Glass is the only widely used packaging material that is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
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Lynn Bragg
October 10, 2018
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One of GPI’s followers on Facebook recently responded to a post with the comment that “glass is human friendly.” We agree.


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VINCENT HOWELL
Taking Care of Business

Manufacturing Policy is Important to the Ceramic Industry

For the U.S. glass and ceramic industry, domestic manufacturing policy and innovation will be crucial to facing challenges involved with global competition.
Vincent Howell, FSME, CMfgE
June 8, 2018
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The manufacturing industry has always been an important foundation of the U.S. economy. From glass and ceramics that are critical to automotive, food, medical, construction, and electronics manufacturing to other discrete and process industries, manufacturing is vital. In fact, current research indicates that no other sector creates more economic value or supports more additional jobs than manufacturing.


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VINCENT HOWELL
Taking Care of Business

Project Management as a Tool for Leadership Development

How do companies that apply formal project management use the process to develop leadership skills that benefit project managers and future company leaders?
Vincent Howell, FSME, CMfgE
May 18, 2018
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Projects have long been a part of the glass and ceramic industry. Projects—whether they are capital or process improvement—and the associated project management process help manufacturing operations gain a competitive edge.


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Glass Works
Glass Works

Glass Bottles: An Ocean-Friendly Alternative to Plastic

Made from all-natural ingredients, glass containers are chemically inert and impermeable, completely and endlessly recyclable, and do not harm oceans or marine life.
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Lynn Bragg
May 14, 2018
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This spring, a raft of articles surrounding World Water Day addressed three new studies on the growing issues of microplastics in bottled water and plastic pollution in our oceans.
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MICHAEL GZYBOWSKI
IP in Depth

Recent Fee Increases from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

It may seem like the increase in IPR and PGR fees charged by the USPTO is a bit harsh.
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Michael Gzybowski
May 11, 2018
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On January 16, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) raised a number of fees that are estimated to increase annual revenue by about $400 million. For utility patents, the combined filing, search and examination fees increased from $1,600 to $1,720 for large entities. For every independent claim over three, the fee increased from $420 to $460; for each claim greater than 20, the fee increased from $80 to $100. The Issue fee also increased from $960 to $1,000.
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