Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made performing at least the following steps: (a) forming a reflective coating on a flat glass substrate, (b) cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member (e.g., another glass sheet/substrate, or alternatively a thermoplastic member) to the cold-bent glass substrate, the plate or frame member for maintaining the coated glass substrate in a desired bent orientation. In certain example embodiments, the reflective coating is a mirror coating and includes a passivating film including tin oxide and/or silane(s) for better adhering to the polymer based glue/adhesive/laminating layer which may be made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or the like.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. A peripheral or edge seal of a vacuum IG unit is formed utilizing microwave energy in order to enable tempered glass sheets of the IG unit to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength. In certain exemplary embodiments, the edge seal may be formed of solder glass. In certain embodiments, edge seal material may be deposited on one or both substrates prior to a thermal tempering process so that during tempering the edge seal material is permitted to diffuse into (i.e., bond to) the glass substrate(s) before it is fully tempered. This is advantageous because diffusion of certain edge seal material (e.g., solder glass or glass frit edge seal material) into tempered glass is more difficult to achieve than diffusion of the same into annealed non-tempered glass).

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. The vacuum IG unit is preferably provided with polymer inclusive spacers for spacing the substrates from one another. In certain embodiments, the spacers may be of or include a polymer material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide, polyamide, polysiloxane, polyphenylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyaramide (e.g., Kevlar), polysulfone, and polycarbonate.

Abstract: Functionalized organo-silicone compounds incorporate ultraviolet radiation screening or absorbing moieties. The novel materials of the invention are durable and provide uniform UV absorption properties when used in various applications, including coatings on substrates such as glass, in particular float glass. Methods for their preparation and use are also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. The vacuum IG unit is preferably provided with polymer inclusive spacers for spacing the substrates from one another. In certain embodiments, the spacers may be of or include a polymer material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide, polyamide, polysiloxane, polyphenylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyaramide (e.g., Kevlar), polysulfone, and polycarbonate.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. A dual edge seal including at least two separate portions is provided. The inner seal portion is flexible and hermetically seals off the low pressure area between the substrates. The outer seal portion may be less flexible, and protects the inner seal portion and provides for a bonding of the two substrates to one another. The outer seal portion may be formed by reaction injection molding (RIM), extrusion, or any other suitable method in different embodiments.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. A peripheral or edge seal (11) of a vacuum IG unit is formed utilizing microwave energy (17) in order to enable tempered glass sheets (2, 3) of the IG unit to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength. In certain exemplary embodiments, the edge seal may be formed of glass frit or solder glass. In certain embodiments, at least a portion (12, 12a, 301) of the edge seal material may be deposited on one or both substrates prior to a thermal tempering process so that during tempering the edge seal material is permitted to diffuse into (i.e., bond to) the glass substrate(s) (2, 3). Optionally, additional edge seal material (303) may be added after tempering. The final edge seal (11) is preferably formed via microwave heating (17) of the edge seal material.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. A plurality of spacers or pillars are provided in contact with and/or embedded within an edge seal in order to better control the gap or spacing between the two opposing glass substrates.