Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a frit slurry paste for use in assemblies (e.g., a vacuum insulated glass unit or a plasma display panel), and methods of making the same. Frit powder, binder material, and a water-based solvent are mixed together to form an intermediate mixture. The frit powder is substantially lead free, and the water-based solvent is provided at a first temperature. Additional water-based solvent is added to the intermediate mixture to form a frit slurry paste. The additional water-based solvent is provided at a second temperature, with the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The binder material is provided at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight with respect to the frit slurry paste or the frit slurry paste absent the frit powder. The frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a composition may be combined with a binder solution that substantially or completely burns out by the time the composition is melted. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which dimensions of a hole and/or pump-out tube inserted therein are selected to provide sufficient clearance for efficient insertion and accommodate sufficient adhesive material, while at the same time providing sufficient support to resist substantial tilting/tipping of the pump-out tube. A length of the pump-out tube may be selected so that a distance between a top of the pump-out tube (which is subjected to heat sealing) and an interface between the tube and frit material proximate the hole reduces the likelihood of tube cracking at the tube/frit interface.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a composition may be combined with a binder solution that substantially or completely burns out by the time the composition is melted. In certain example embodiments, a CTE filler is included with a frit material. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to improved seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a composition may be combined with a binder solution that substantially or completely burns out by the time the composition is melted. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a cavity of a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which a cleaning gas mixture of or including ozone is introduced into the cavity of the vacuum insulated glass assembly and allowed to react with residual materials, such as, for example, hydrocarbons and/or polymers. Reacted hydrocarbons and/or polymers are then removed from the vacuum cavity along with any residual cleaning gas mixture. The cleaning method is preferably performed at substantially ambient temperatures or at least temperatures below about 250° C. The ozone cleaning cycle may be repeated multiple times and followed by additional purges with other gases, such as for example nitrogen. Additional energy may be provided by heating, RF plasma; corona discharge, UV lamp, and/or the like.

Abstract: A device and method of supporting a stringed musical instrument such as a ukulele or guitar in a stable hands-free playing position on the user by means of a shoulder strap comprising a single adjustable closed loop including a one-half twist which follows a specific novel path under the strings and about the instrument and the user's body.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to improved seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.

Abstract: A method for making a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which an exposed end of a pump-out tube of a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is sealed using a laser that is applied to the end of the pump out tube in controlled sequential manner as opposed to a short duration, high-powered application of a laser. In particular, a method is disclosed in which a multiphase sequential variable power application of laser energy to an exposed end of a pump-out tube for controlled exposure times and decreasing laser trace diameters produces a more controlled melting of the tube glass to reduce or eliminate undesirable outgassing that may occur during a high-power short duration exposure of laser energy to the end of the pump-out tube to seal the tube.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to frit materials that have an improved IR absorption property. Certain examples relate to frit materials that substantially melt in about 3 minutes at a temperature of about 525° C. Certain examples relate to a method of making an edge seal by using IR energy. Certain examples relate to adjusting the IR energy applied to a frit material to form an edge seal. Certain examples also relate to making a VIG unit by applying IR energy and adjusting the amount of IR energy over multiple periods of time, e.g., in an oscillating manner.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to improved seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a frit slurry paste for use in assemblies (e.g., a vacuum insulated glass unit or a plasma display panel), and methods of making the same. Frit powder, binder material, and a water-based solvent are mixed together to form an intermediate mixture. The frit powder is substantially lead free, and the water-based solvent is provided at a first temperature. Additional water-based solvent is added to the intermediate mixture to form a frit slurry paste. The additional water-based solvent is provided at a second temperature, with the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The binder material is provided at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight with respect to the frit slurry paste or the frit slurry paste absent the frit powder. The frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to frit materials that have an improved IR absorption property. Certain examples relate to frit materials that substantially melt in about 3 minutes at a temperature of about 525° C. Certain examples relate to a method of making an edge seal by using IR energy. Certain examples relate to adjusting the IR energy applied to a frit material to form an edge seal. Certain examples also relate to making a VIG unit by applying IR energy and adjusting the amount of IR energy over multiple periods of time, e.g., in an oscillating manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining and using a multi-dimensional rating are disclosed. A plurality of interactions between a plurality of users and an interface may be identified. Active feedback that has been received from at least one of the plurality of users based upon the plurality of interactions may be determined. Passive feedback from at least one of the plurality of users may be identified. The active feedback and the passive feedback may be stored in a memory. The multi-dimensional rating for the creative producer based upon one or more of the active feedback and the passive feedback may be determined. The plurality of users may include one or more creative producers, one or more brands, and one or more administrators. The active feedback may include one or more of brand feedback, peer feedback, administrative feedback, and interface usage.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which a variation in the final edge seal height is preferably 0.20 mm or less, more preferably about 0.15 mm or less. Controlling final edge seal height variations substantially reduces breakage of the glass substrates of the VIG window assembly during vacuum pump-down of the cavity between the glass substrates. Edge seal height variation may be controlled, for example, by controlling initial dispensing of green frit material, controlling temperature variations during firing, and/or controlling cycle times during firing.

Abstract: A method for making a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which an amount of wet frit material is applied to a lower portion of a pump-out tube prior to insertion of the tube into a hole formed in a glass substrate of the VIG window assembly. The tube is then inserted into the hole, frit paste end first. An amount of frit may overflow the hole and form a bump/shoulder of frit material proximate the area of the hole on an outer surface of the glass substrate. Applying the fit to the tube prior to insertion and at a lower portion thereof reduces the amount of and/or avoids residual frit being deposited in an area of the tube that might significantly interfere with subsequent sealing processes, such as, for example, laser sealing of the pump-out tube.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which dimensions of a hole and/or pump-out tube inserted therein are selected to provide sufficient clearance for efficient insertion and accommodate sufficient adhesive material, while at the same time providing sufficient support to resist substantial tilting/tipping of the pump-out tube. A length of the pump-out tube may be selected so that a distance between a top of the pump-out tube (which is subjected to heat sealing) and an interface between the tube and frit material proximate the hole reduces the likelihood of tube cracking at the tube/frit interface.

Abstract: A method for making a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which an exposed end of a pump-out tube of a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is sealed using a laser that is applied to the end of the pump out tube in controlled sequential manner as opposed to a short duration, high-powered application of a laser. In particular, a method is disclosed in which a multiphase sequential variable power application of laser energy to an exposed end of a pump-out tube for controlled exposure times and decreasing laser trace diameters produces a more controlled melting of the tube glass to reduce or eliminate undesirable outgassing that may occur during a high-power short duration exposure of laser energy to the end of the pump-out tube to seal the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a cavity of a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which a cleaning gas mixture of or including ozone is introduced into the cavity of the vacuum insulated glass assembly and allowed to react with residual materials, such as, for example, hydrocarbons and/or polymers. Reacted hydrocarbons and/or polymers are then removed from the vacuum cavity along with any residual cleaning gas mixture. The cleaning method is preferably performed at substantially ambient temperatures or at least temperatures below about 250° C. The ozone cleaning cycle may be repeated multiple times and followed by additional purges with other gases, such as for example nitrogen. Additional energy may be provided by heating, RF plasma; corona discharge, UV lamp, and/or the like.