Abstract: A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.

Abstract: A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach an outer muntin grid element to an inner muntin grid element to form a two piece muntin grid piece. The outer muntin grid element surrounds at least three sides of the inner muntin grid element and may be held to the outer muntin grid element without connectors such as adhesive. The outer muntin grid element may be a slit tube that is spread open to be positioned over the inner muntin grid element.

Abstract: An insulating glazing unit includes a pair of glazing sheets spaced apart with a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly includes an inner spacer member and an outer spacer member that are fabricated in a linear fashion and then folded into a frame. The outer spacer member may be initially formed in a flat configuration, cut to width, and then wrapped around the inner spacer member to form the spacer assembly. The outer spacer member carries the desiccant of the spacer assembly. The outer spacer member may also be gunned directly to the inner spacer member.

Abstract: A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer.

Abstract: A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.

Abstract: A hand tool for applying adhesive strip material to a glass sheet in the fabrication of double glazed windows has a body with a channel extending through the lower side thereof to guide an adhesive strip therethrough and a positioning member adjacent the channel for guiding the tool along the edge of a glass sheet. An adjustable wheel applies pressure on the strip to urge it to adhere with the glass sheet and a cutting mechanism mounted on the body is selectively operable for partially cutting the strip (as when the strip has to be bent through 90° at a corner of the glass sheet) and for fully cutting the strip (as when the strip applying step has been completed). The tool includes a pusher element carried adjacent one side of the channel and selectively operable to push the strip in the channel laterally into a side extension into full registration with the cutter when it is desired to settle the strip at the end of the strip applying operation.

Abstract: An insert for a glazing unit includes a body having a width and a height. The insert is configured to fit within the spacer of the glazing unit. A typical glazing unit has at least two outer glazing sheets separated by a substantially rigid, U-shaped spacer disposed about the perimeter of the sheets to create an interior cavity between the outer sheets and the spacer. The width and height of the body of the insert are adapted to allow the insert to fit within the U-shaped spacer. The spacer has a longitudinal length dimension substantially equal to the perimeter of the glazing sheets. The body of the insert also has a longitudinal length dimension substantially equal to the length of the spacer. The body of the insert is fabricated from a non-flowable material having substantially stable dimensions. In one embodiment of the invention, the insert includes an inwardly facing, intermediate glazing sheet-receiving channel that is adapted to slidably receive and position an intermediate glazing sheet.

Abstract: An insert for a glazing unit includes a body having a width and a height. The insert is configured to fit within the spacer of the glazing unit. A typical glazing unit has at least two outer glazing sheets separated by a substantially rigid, U-shaped spacer disposed about the perimeter of the sheets to create an interior cavity between the outer sheets and the spacer. The width and height of the body of the insert are adapted to allow the insert to fit within the U-shaped spacer. The spacer has a longitudinal length dimension substantially equal to the perimeter of the glazing sheets. The body of the insert also has a longitudinal length dimension substantially equal to the length of the spacer. The body of the insert is fabricated from a non-flowable material having substantially stable dimensions. In one embodiment of the invention, the insert includes an inwardly facing, intermediate glazing sheet-receiving channel that is adapted to slidably receive and position an intermediate glazing sheet.