Abstract: A spacer channel for a frame which separates window panes to form an insulated window has a plurality of openings through a wall of the channel that faces outward along the periphery of the frame and glass sandwich. The openings are designed to prevent significant passage of sealant from the outside of the channel to the inside of the channel through the openings. This is done by the cross sectional area of each opening being so small that it resists viscous flow of the sealant through the opening, or by a cover over the opening.

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: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a spacer frame having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide a U-shaped cross-section. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to the outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. A plurality of sheet retaining members in a spaced relationship to one another is maintained on the legs of the spacer frame between the glass sheets and spaced from the base. The sheet retaining members each have a pair of flexible fingers mounted on a platform member, angled away from the platform member toward one another and spaced above the platform member. A sheet mounted between the fingers is maintained spaced from the outer sheets. A method for making the unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral metal spacer for insulated glass units and method of fabricating the spacer. The spacer defines a substantially closed cross-section contour having a bottom surface, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of generally abutting inner surfaces. A gap may be defined between the adjacent inner surfaces. The three interior corners are defined by fully mitered sidewalls. A pair of bridges are provided to integrally interconnect the inner surfaces of adjacent spacer segments. The method of fabricating includes taking a roll of flat metal stock and completely punching all corner and other structures therein while the stock is planar; severing the punched stock into individual spacer members; roll-forming the individual members into a finished linear spacer piece; applying desiccant during roll-forming; applying sealant; thereafter folding the elongate member into a square spacer thereby locking the desiccant therein.

Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a spacer frame having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide a U-shaped cross-section. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. A plurality of sheet retaining members in a spaced relationship to one another are maintained on the legs of the spacer frame between the glass sheets and spaced from the base. The sheet retaining members each have a groove for receiving edge of a sheet e.g. glass sheet to secure the sheet between the outer sheets. The sheet retaining member includes a first part having a vertical stop and a non-vertical platform e.g. horizontal platform and an elongated securing member detachably secured on the horizontal platform spaced from the vertical stop to form the groove. A method for making the unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spacing profile for a spacing frame, which is to be fitted in the edge area of a double-glazing unit, forming an interspace, with a profile body of a material possessing low thermal conductivity. The spacing profile additionally comprises a desiccant cavity, and further a metal foil, which extends essentially over the entire width of the spacing profile. Only the metal foil together with a center piece of the connecting flanges forms the walls of the desiccant cavity.

Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a spacer frame having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide a U-shaped cross-section. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. A plurality of sheet retaining members in a spaced relationship to one another are maintained on the legs of the spacer frame between the glass sheets and spaced from the base. The sheet retaining members each have a groove for receiving edge of a sheet e.g. glass sheet to secure the sheet between the outer sheets. The sheet retaining member includes a first part having a vertical stop and a non-vertical platform e.g. horizontal platform and an elongated securing member detachably secured on the horizontal platform spaced from the vertical stop to form the groove. A method for making the unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insulating glass includes two or more glass sheets forming an air space layer between them. The glass sheets are separated by a spacer made of a resin having a JIS A hardness of from 10 to 90 at 25° C. The resin is a thermoplastic composition including a butyl rubber and a crystalline polyolefin. The resin contains from 50 to 98 wt % butyl rubber, from 2 to 50 wt % crystalline polyolefin, and from 10 to 200 wt % inorganic fillers, based on the total amount of butyl rubber and crystalline polyolefin in the resin.

Abstract: An elongate tubular spacer frame bar for insulating windows. The spacer frame bar is formed of metal and has spaced, staggered sequences of longitudinally oriented elongate slits which increase the length of the thermal conductivity path from the first pane to the second. These slits are formed by displacing the material so that this breaks and shears away along the edges of the slit, thereby forming an effective but narrow air gap. The air gap is sized to prevent the escape particulate desiccant material from within the interior of the spacer.

Abstract: A pumpable, thermoplastic desiccated mastic capable of desiccating a sealed insulating glass unit. The disclosed compositions comprise a defined resin component and a desiccant/adsorbent component comprising at least 20% by weight of the composition of a desiccant or moisture and volatile organic chemical adsorbing material. The said desiccant/adsorbent component being present in an amount less than the level which will cause the composition when tested as set forth in ASTM D-1238, Procedure B using a 1100 gram load and an 8 gram sample at 190.degree. C. to provide a melt flow time for a piston travel of 2.54 cm(1 inch) of more than 60 seconds.

Abstract: A spacing profile for a spacing frame, which is to be fitted in the edge area of a double-glazing unit, forming an interspace, with a profile body of material possessing low thermal conductivity and a metal layer, which is bonded to establish a form fit with the locating walls of the profile body intended for contact with the insides of the panes, wherein in each of the locating walls of the profile body a recess is provided, in which is arranged the metal layer, so that the contact surface formed by the profile body and the contact surface formed by the metal layer lie essentially in one plane.

Abstract: A multi-paned fenestration unit in which the glass panes are manufactured directly into the support structure without first manufacturing an insulated glass unit. The support structure is designed to provide the structural support for the glass panes without a separate spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photocatalytic glass pane including (a) a glass substrate having (1) major surfaces that are substantially parallel with and opposed to each other and (2) an edge surface that connects the major surfaces together; (b) a photocatalytic film formed on at least one of the major surfaces of the glass substrate; and (c) a light source for exciting the photocatalytic film. A light from the light source enters the glass substrate from its edge surface and then is reflected totally within the glass pane. Another photocatalytic glass pane of the invention is substantially the same as the above, except that the light enters the glass substrate from its peripheral surface. It is optional to form a prism on the peripheral surface. Alternatively, the peripheral surface may be inclined such that the glass substrate is tapered at a position of the peripheral surface. With this, the light is totally reflected within the another glass pane, too.

Abstract: An integral metal spacer for insulated glass units and method of fabricating the spacer. The spacer defines a substantially closed cross-section contour having a bottom surface, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of generally abutting inner surfaces. A gap may be defined between the adjacent inner surfaces. The three interior corners are defined by fully mitered sidewalls. A pair of bridges are provided to integrally interconnect the inner surfaces of adjacent spacer segments. The method of fabricating includes taking a roll of flat metal stock and completely punching all corner and other structures therein while the stock is planar; severing the punched stock into individual spacer members; roll-forming the individual members into a finished linear spacer piece; applying desiccant, preferably a desiccant rope material during roll-forming; applying sealant; thereafter folding the elongate member into a square spacer thereby locking the desiccant therein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft and compliant spacer body wherein the body is provided with modified substrate engaging surfaces to accommodate transverse dimensional changes when the spacer is bent about a corner or otherwise flexed in an insulated assembly. In one embodiment, the corners are cut to reduce the thickness of the strip as the same is bent or flexed about a corner. Other embodiments are disclosed. The advantage is that when the transverse dimension is maintained relatively constant about the bent corner, the result is a more effective seal between the substrate engaging surfaces and the substrates. This is augmented by the use of cellular materials and selected sealants to provide multiple sealing surfaces in a high efficiency spacer body.

Abstract: High potassium zeolite A particles are used to overcome problems of zeolite degassing (and/or undesired gas adsorption/desorption), especially when loaded into organic matrices. The zeolite A particles preferably have a potassium content (measured as K.sub.2 O) of at least about 14 wt. %, more preferably 15-25 wt. %. Compositions containing the high potassium zeolite A in an organic matrix may be especially suitable for use in insulating glass window spacer applications. The high potassium zeolite A may also be used in other conventional desiccant forms.

Abstract: Crystalline molecular sieves which comprise mostly single and/or twinned crystal particles can be loaded into organic matrices in comparatively high amounts with less viscosity buildup than molecular sieves conventionally used for such desiccant applications. Desiccant/organic matrix compositions made with the single and/or twinned crystal zeolites exhibit improved physical integrity and/or improved rheological and adsorption characteristics in comparison to conventional systems. The compositions are especially useful in insulated glass window spacer applications.

Abstract: Sealed insulating glass units with multiple-pane construction containing an intermediate taut, flexible heat shrunk plastic sheet are made using silicone edge sealant which exhibits a sheet creep of less than 0.018 cm after 500 hours at 71.degree. C. The plastic sheet remains substantially wrinkle free by the use of such silicone edge sealants.

Abstract: Crystalline molecular sieves which comprise mostly single and/or twinned crystal particles can be loaded into organic matrices in comparatively high amounts with less viscosity buildup than molecular sieves conventionally used for such desiccant applications. Desiccant/organic matrix compositions made with the single and/or twinned crystal zeolites exhibit improved rheological and adsorption characteristics in comparison to conventional systems. The compositions are especially useful in insulated glass window spacer applications.

Abstract: Polymer-bound adsorbent beads are usable as a direct replacement for conventional clay-bound beads in insulating glass unit manufacture to eliminate the problem of dusting associated with conventional beads. Polymer-bound beads provide good adsorption and superior crush strength compared to clay-bound adsorbent beads previously used in insulating glass units to desiccate the space between the glass panes. The polymer-bound adsorbent beads may also be used as a substitute for conventional desiccant beads in water adsorption applications such as in bottle stoppers, sachets, blister packaging, etc.

Abstract: A device, particularly for compensating the internal and external pressures in a double-glazing unit, such double-glazing units comprising a frame which supports two sheets made of at least partially transparent material, a chamber being formed between the two sheets and being adapted to provide an air space for thermal and acoustic insulation. The device comprises a duct which connects the inside of the chamber to the outside environment and is shaped so as to form two siphons arranged in series, a first siphon, located towards the chamber, having a higher head than a second siphon, located towards the outlet of the duct into the outside environment, the device further comprising elements for absorbing the moisture of the air contained in the portion of duct between the siphons.

Abstract: A multiple-glazed window unit of the type which includes two or more sheets maintained in spaced relationship to each other by a spacing assembly to form an airspace wherein surfaces of the unit in contact with the airspace are subject to the accumulation thereon of moisture and/or organic contaminants present in the airspace is rendered self-desiccating of accumulated moisture and/or self-cleaning of accumulated organic surface contaminants by coating such surfaces with a photoelectrolytically-desiccating coating and/or a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating. Upon exposing the coatings to actinic radiation, at least a portion of the accumulated moisture is removed by photoelectrolysis and/or at least a portion of the organic contaminants are removed by photocatalytic decomposition. A desiccant may or may not be associated with the airspace to assist in maintaining a moisture-free airspace.

Abstract: In thermally insulating glass, an improved spacer is made with material and designed to be less thermally conductive then conventional metal spacers by providing a complete thermal brake between metallic side support members so that no metallic path is provided across the insulating material. The insulating material contains a moisture absorbent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft and compliant spacer body wherein the body is provided with modified substrate engaging surfaces to accommodate transverse dimensional changes when the spacer is bent about a corner or otherwise flexed in an insulated assembly. In one embodiment, the corners are cut to reduce the thickness of the strip as the same is bent or flexed about a corner. Other embodiments are disclosed. The advantage is that when the transverse dimension is maintained relatively constant about the bent corner, the result is a more effective seal between the substrate engaging surfaces and the substrates. This is augmented by the use of cellular materials and selected sealants to provide multiple sealing surfaces in a high efficiency spacer body.

Abstract: High potassium zeolite A particles are used to overcome problems of zeolite degassing (and/or undesired gas adsorption/desorption), especially when loaded into organic matrices. The zeolite A particles preferably have a potassium content (measured as K.sub.2 O) of at least about 14 wt. %, more preferably 15-25 wt. %. Compositions containing the high potassium zeolite A in an organic matrix may be especially suitable for use in insulating glass window spacer applications. The high potassium zeolite A may also be used in other conventional desiccant forms.

Abstract: An improved thermally efficient window comprising a first structural glass pane with a first spacer means disposed between said first structural glass pane and an intermediate glass pane thus forming a first reservoir filled with a heat and sound insulating gas, a second structural glass pane and a second spacer means disposed to form a second reservoir with the intermediate glass panel, said second reservoir being filed with a heat conductive gas, and heating means disposed within the second reservoir.

Abstract: An insulating unit has a pair of glass sheets about an edge assembly to provide a compartment between the sheets. The edge assembly has a U-shaped spacer made of metal, metal coated plastic, gas and moisture impervious polymer, or gas and moisture impervious film coated polymer. The outer legs of the spacer and the glass provide a long diffusion path to limit the diffusion of argon gas out of the compartment. The edge assembly has materials selected and sized to provide edge assembly having an RES-value of at least 75.

Abstract: This invention concerns an electrochromic pane comprising a principal functional film constituted of a material which, under the effect of an electric current, is capable of reversibly inserting cations and which has characteristics of coloration and/or transmission in certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that differ for its inserted and deinserted states. Said principal functional film has a quasi-columnar structure, with axes of growth of the columns parallel to straight lines contained within a dihedron, the opening of which is less than 20.degree., and the bisector plane of which makes an acute angle with the substrate.

Abstract: A multiple glazing unit comprising two vitreous material sheets positioned in a face-to-face spaced apart relationship, and having a gas space there-between delimited by a peripherally extending spacer. Layers of sealant are positioned between the spacer and each of the sheets. A cordon or cordons of resin are positioned in contact the layers of sealant and extending between the spacer and each of the sheets. At least part of each face of the spacer in contact with the sealant extends obliquely with respect to the inner surface of the adjacent sheet. The layers of sealant extend progressively from a region of minimum thickness to a region of maximum thickness. The resin is in contact with the sealant substantially in the region of maximum thickness. The spacer has a cross-section which is open to the gas space and/or the oblique faces of the spacer extend at an angle of at least 9.1.degree..

Abstract: An insulated window panel assembly for use in window and door assemblies having an improved insulating spacer between the window panes comprising the panel assembly. At least two panes of glass or other panel material are interconnected in parallel, spaced relationship by a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly is preferably a single length of tubing, generally rectangular in shape, having an outer wall of a first width interconnected to an inner wall of less width by generally concave sidewalls. The sidewalls also contain a bead of sealer material configured to seal with the adjacent window panes. A secondary seal is deposited on the outer wall and overlaps the sidewalls to also form a seal with the window panes. The spacer assembly is preferably one piece, bent to conform to the overall shape of the window panes wherein a first end of the spacer is connected to the opposite end. Folds may be made in the spacer along a crimp line formed in the inner wall to accommodate angular window pane configurations.

Abstract: A pumpable, thermoplastic desiccated mastic capable of desiccating a sealed insulating glass unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insulating strip and assembly suitable for use with glass substrates. The strip includes a continuous self supporting integral layer, for example, of a polyethylene terephthalate overlying sealant material and a continuous axial channel for independently receiving desiccant material. The strip provides enhanced insulation capacity with high adhesiveness.

Abstract: A method for making a glazed unit having three sheets. The unit includes a pair of outer glass sheets secured to outer legs of a spacer having a generally U-shaped cross section. On the base of the spacer between the outer legs is provided a layer of pliable material having a generally U-shaped cross section and having a desiccant therein. A third or intermediate glass sheet has its edge portion in the groove formed by the layer of pliable material. Movement of the third sheet toward an outer glass sheet is limited by the cooperation of the layer of the pliable material and portion of the outer legs of the spacer at the corners of the unit bent inwardly to move the layer of pliable material at the corner toward the unit during fabrication of the unit.

Abstract: A selectively variable window tinting system for limiting a passage of both visible light and radiative heat through an automobile window. Embodiments of the system include window glass assemblies which utilize photochromatic glass, electrochromatic glass, and a pair of spaced glass panes fillable with a tinted fluid. The latter embodiment also utilizes a plurality of differently tinted fluids which may be selectively injected between the glass panes to provide various amounts of tinting therein.

Abstract: An elongate tubular spacer-frame bar (18) having an integral thermal break for reducing energy flow between glass panes (14) in an insulated glass panel (10) is provided. The spacer-frame bar (18) includes a first and a second side (24, 25), each side having elongated edges (28, 29). Two nonwelded seams (26) run along the elongate dimension of the spacer-frame bar between the corresponding adjacent edges of the first and second sides. At least one continuous insulating member (30), composed of a nonmetallic, low-heat-conductive substance, and being of a length substantially equal to the length of the spacer-frame bar, separates the first and second sides of each seam, forming a thermal break. The present invention effectively eliminates all direct contact between the spacer-frame bars and the glass panes by separating the two halves of the spacer-frame bar along its nonwelded seams with a nonmetallic/nonconductive substance.

Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit has a pair of outer glass sheets spaced from one another and secured to a spacer frame having a generally U-shaped cross section defined by outer legs secured to a base. The recess of a sheet retaining member is mounted on peripheral edge portions of an intermediate glass sheet. The intermediate glass sheet and sheet retaining member are mounted within the outer legs of the spacer frame to position the intermediate sheet between and spaced from the outer sheets. A method of making multi-sheet units is also disclosed.

Abstract: A glazed unit having three sheets includes a pair of outer glass sheets secured to outer legs of a spacer having a generally U-shaped cross section. On the base of the spacer between the outer legs is provided a layer of pliable material having a generally U-shaped cross section and having a desiccant therein. A third or intermediate glass sheet has its edge portion in the groove formed by the layer of pliable material. Movement of the third sheet toward an outer glass sheet is limited by the cooperation of the layer of the pliable material and portion of the outer legs of the spacer at the corners of the unit bent inwardly to move the layer of pliable material at the corner toward the unit during fabrication of the unit. A method is also disclosed for making the triple glazed unit and for filling the compartments between the sheets with an insulating gas e.g. Argon.

Abstract: A hollow profile (1) that can be used as a spacer for insulating glass panes, consists of a metal strip with a U-shaped cross section that forms, with its crosspiece (6), outside wall (2) and, with its side parts (8, 10), folded over inward, side walls (4) of the hollow profile (1). The inside wall (3) of the hollow profile (1) is formed by the crosspiece (15) of a plastic strip with a hat-shaped cross section. The plastic strip has side parts (17) which are secured, with edges (18) folded over outward, on side walls (4) by clamping them in the space between side parts (8) and inward-folded edges (10) of the metal strip. The hollow profile can be produced continuously by a roll shaping process from a metal strip and from a plastic strip.

Abstract: A novel, pumpable, thermoplastic desiccated mastic capable of desiccating a scaled insulating glass unit. The compositions utilize adhesive materials which have a low vapor transmission rate but, nevertheless, have been found to effectively dry the air space in the unit. They do not contribute to chemical fogging and, in preferred embodiments, reduce or eliminate chemical fogging caused by other structures in the assembly. The compositions adhere well to the U-channel material and do not flow or sag under the normal range of service conditions encountered by an insulating glass assembly.

Abstract: A substrate having a bead of a moisture and/or gas pervious adhesive having a desiccant therein is shaped to provide U-shaped spacer stock. The spacer stock is bent to provide a spacer frame having continuous corners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door, a fanlight, door side section (door side light), window or similar, characterised by two glass sheets arranged beside one another at a distance, by a frame holding the sheets at a distance from one another--preferably incorporating fittings for the door etc., said frame essentially being covered by the sheets, by sealing means for the hermetic sealing of the space enclosed by frame between sheets and by a dessicant communicating with this space.

Abstract: Novel, hollow, low-density agglomerates for use in sealed insulating glass windows to adsorb water vapor, and optionally organic materials, present in the cavity between the two adsorbents when used to fill all portions of the spacer tube located at the peripheral sides of the double glazed unit, thereby greatly facilitating the filling of such spacer robes and the fabrication of the overall unit.

Abstract: There are disclosed spacer elements for use in insulated glass assemblies of the single and multiple atmosphere type which incorporate non-thermally conductive materials as the main structural support member in the assembly. The result is a lightweight, warm edge assembly.

Abstract: An insulated spacer and assembly incorporating the same. The spacer includes a plurality of individual and enclosed hollow areas surrounded by the spacer body. The individual areas are of a general trigonal shape and may include loose or consolidated desiccant material therein. The spacer has been found to provide effective thermal efficiency and has substantially reduced thermal bridging conventionally attributed to spacers when used in insulated glass assemblies.

Abstract: A structural laminate of rigid layers separated by very thin layers of vius fluid. The viscous fluid adheres to the confronting surfaces of adjacent rigid layers and is maintained in layered alignment within the laminate to ordinarily prevent flexural vibration and provide vibration overdampening to cope with flexural deforming forces.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insulating strip and assembly suitable for use with glass substrates. The strip includes a continuous self supporting integral layer, for example, of a polyethylene terephthalate overlying sealant material and a continuous axial channel for independently receiving desiccant material. The strip provides enhanced insulation capacity with high adhesiveness.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is shown comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart glass panes and a spacer peripherally joining the glass panes to each other. The spacer is a tubular structure, and may include a particulate desiccant filling at least a section of the interior and conforming to the interior configuration thereof to contribute compressive strength to the spacer. The spacer desirably is made from stainless steel sheeting having a thickness not greater than about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer includes side walls sealed to the glass panes and an outer wall extending between the side walls and having a sealant free portion between the side walls that extends substantially completely about the periphery of the glass unit.

Abstract: In thermally insulating glass, an improved spacer is made with material and designed to be less thermally conductive then conventional metal spacers by providing a complete thermal brake between metallic side support members so that no metallic path is provided across the insulating material. The insulating material contains a moisture absorbent.

Abstract: A railless refrigerator display door constructed with two or more glass panels and having a peripheral door frame extending around the sides of The door and at the inside of the door without covering the outside glass surface of the door. Sealant is used to bond the glass panels to peripheral spacers separating the panels and to C-section structures which extend peripherally around the sides of the door. The door frame is also bonded to the C-section structures and glass panels by the sealant. Rubber bumpers attached to the C-section structures reduce heat transfer from the inside glass panel to the outside glass panel. As such, mechanical fasteners such as nuts, bolts or screws are not needed for the purpose of holding the refrigerator door together.

Abstract: A glass refrigerator door structure constructed with two or more glass panels and having a peripheral door frame extending around the sides of the door structure and at the inside of the door without covering the outside glass surface of the door. Sealant is used to bond the glass panels to peripheral spacers separating the panels and to pipe-like structures which extend peripherally around the sides of the door structure. The door frame is connected to the pipe-like structures by a peripheral extension from the frame which engages elongated slots in the pipe-like structures. As such, mechanical fasteners such as nuts, bolts or screws are not needed for the purpose of holding the refrigerator door structure together.