Abstract: An improved desiccant package for use with double-glazed windows. The desiccant material is disposed in discrete islands of desiccant material, between a pair of elongate sheets of flexible material. The sheets are joined together to contain the desiccant within the joined sheets, and to prevent the desiccant from migrating away from the individual islands. Both sheets are impermeable to the desiccant, but at least one of the sheets is substantially permeable to moisture. The desiccant package is disposed within an elongate tubular spacing member for fitting between the two panes of a double-glazed window. The spacer member has a longitudinal side which faces the air space between the two panes of the double glazing, and this longitudinal side is perforated to allow the atmosphere inside the double glazing to communicate with the desiccant package within the spacer tube.

Abstract: The insulated window construction is characterized in having a substantially uniform heat transition coefficient. The uniformity of the heat transition coefficient is obtained by increasing the distance between the window panes and the heat resistance in the edge region of the window is matched to that in the region of the window area which is undisturbed by the edge. The edge region is formed by a frame which has a pair of separate metallic frame members which are joined together and spaced apart by non-metallic webs so as to define an insulation path of at least 0.8 times the clearance between the panes.

Abstract: A spacer strip for use in a sealed window unit is manufactured from a pultruded fibreglass reinforced body providing a substantially closed hollow body with a slot along one side. The strip is manufactured by pultrusion using a die which is slightly more open than the finished product including a mandrel supported by a web wider than the eventual slot. Closing of the body into the eventual shape is obtained either by differential shrinkage using matting on the outer surface of the body or by squeezing the body between heated rollers. A sealed window unit incorporates the spacer strips between two panes of glass adjacent the edges thereof and incorporates a dessicant communicating with the space between the windows through the slot.

Abstract: A glass insulating sealed unit suitable for capless or stopless glazing comprising two spaced-apart glass plates and spacers to separate and join the glass plates arranged about the entire periphery of the plates and between the plates. The spacers are adapted for connection of the unit to adjoining support members in order to support and fix the unit. The preferred spaces each comprise a generally channel-shaped member having its elongate recess open along the edge of the unit. Structural sealant on two opposite sides of each spacer bond each of said sides to the adjacent inside surface of a respective glass plate. An elongate strip of compound providing both dessicant and vapor seal extends between the glass plates and along inside surface of the spacer. Each spacer is preferably connected to a support member by means of flat clips evenly spaced along the spacer and threaded connectors extending through holes in said clips.

Abstract: A corner member for locating at right angles spacer strips of a sealed window unit includes a pair of legs at right angles each for extending into an adjacent end of one of the strips. The strips are of the type formed from fiberglass reinforced resin pultrusion defining a slot along the inner surface. To prevent the slot opening when the leg is inserted into the hollow interior of the strip, the leg includes a pair of laterally extending projections for engaging the strip in compression fit only at the junctions between the sides and outer edge of the strip.

Abstract: The double pane window is provided with a drying chamber which is filled with desiccant and an antechamber which extends from the drying chamber to communicate with the surrounding environment at the opposite end. The antechamber prevents a direct exit of dry air from the enclosed space between the window panes into the surrounding atmosphere during "breathing" of the window as well as drawing in of moist ambient air into the drying chamber. The antechamber also brings about a considerable increase in the diffusion resistance for the water vapor diffusion into the desiccant or the space between the window panes.

Abstract: A window structure includes a pair of panes of glass maintained in spaced apart relationship by a separating unit to define an interior chamber between the panes substantially impervious to the ambient atmosphere. The separating unit includes a pressure equalization device for controlling the volume of the chamber to maintain the interior chamber pressure substantially equal to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The separating unit can also include a desiccant-filled container in fluid communication with the chamber for dehydrating air within the chamber.

Abstract: A spacer frame assembly for an insulating glass panel is disclosed which is constructed by arranging a plurality of spacer frame segments end to end in substantial alignment, with adjacent frame ends being connected together, and supplying sealant to the aligned spacer frame segments substantially continuously along opposite sides. The adjacent frame segments are then pivoted about axes extending transversely to the opposite sides to form a generally planar polygonal frame configuration and the free ends of the frame are joined.A connector for adjacent ends of the spacer frame segments is disclosed which includes first and second body portions secured to first and second frame segments, respectively, and hinge structure connecting the body portions for enabling movement of one frame segment relative to the other. The connector body portions are secured relative to each other by connecting structure with the first frame segment in a predetermined angular position with respect to the second frame segment.

Abstract: A multiple-pane, hermetically-sealed, thermal-resistant window with a spacer between adjacent panes for maintaining separation between the panes wherein the corners of the spacer are rigidified and locked by a corner insert which prevents separation of adjacent spacer frame members and wherein the spacer frame members are attached to the window frame to prevent and/or reduce movement of the spacer frame members. The seal around the cavity between adjacent panes is completed after the temperature of the window components and the cavity air is about equal to the temperature of the ambient air. A resistance heating wire is applied to the outside surface of the spacer frame intermediate the adjacent panes of glass.

Abstract: A corner key device is shown for use in a glass thermal pane structure assembly, the key device is used with longitudinally extending spacer means that may be formed into a rectangular spacing frame to hold the several sheets of glass forming the pane separated. The corner key means is made in the shape of a straight channel adapted to be telescopically interfitted with the spacer means and this straight lineup of channel shaped corner and spacer elements may then be coated on the outside of their walls with a layer of a hot melt sealant. Then the corner key devices are then bent at right angles to produce the rectangular frame adapted to engage the glass sheets around their perimeter to produce a seal between the glass sheets and spacer means and bind them together to form the finished thermal pane.

Abstract: A glass insulating sealed unit suitable for capless or stopless glazing comprising two spaced-apart glass plates and spacers to separate and join the glass plates arranged about the entire periphery of the plates and between the plates. The spacers are adapted for connection of the unit to adjoining support members in order to support and fix the unit. One spacer embodiment includes a first section forming substantially enclosed elongate cavity for holding dessicant, which section is positioned between the plates adjacent edges thereof, and second and third sections in form of integral extensions of the first section forming a channel shaped recess, open along the edge. The spacer can include an expansion mechanism to permit one glass plate to move perpendicularly towards or away from the other plate, thereby equalizing the pressures between and outside of the plates. A preferred form of spacer is connected to a support member by means of connectors or clips evenly spaced along the spacer.

Abstract: The method of retro-fitting a window from a single windowpane into a double windowpane wherein an existing windowpane in a sash is measured for the purpose of cutting a glass pane to the precise dimensions or slightly less than that of the exposed glass in the existing windowpane. Such glass pane has a sealant strip applied to the entire perimeter thereof. The strip can also be initially applied existing window pane. The glass and strip are then placed onto the existing windowpane to secure such glass pane to the windowpane and sash. Thereafter a stop is placed around the entire perimeter of the glass pane and is secured to the sash.

Abstract: A spacer bar for double glazing is made as a hollow extrusion of polycarbonate, preferably incorporating about 20% of glass fibre reinforcement.

Abstract: A multilayer glass structure constructed by joining the edge portions of a plurality of glass sheets by a sealant through spacers having an adsorbent filled therein. According to this invention, the adsorbent comprises a combination of a granular zeolite composed of a core of a synthetic zeolite/clay binder mixture containing the synthetic zeolite in an amount larger than its average content in the granular zeolite and a shell of a synthetic zeolite/clay binder mixture containing the clay in an amount larger than its average content in the granular zeolite, with granular activated carbon having on its surface 1 to 20% by weight, based on the activated carbon, of a coating of a synthetic resin latex. The adsorbent can effectively adsorb water vapor and the vapor of an organic solvent evaporated from the sealant, and prevent dew deposition on the glass surface. Moreover, it does not yield dust even when the glass structure is handled under severe conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination glass spacer and plastic film holder for installation in an insulated glass panel. A channel or opening for receiving an edge of a thin plastic sheet or film is integrally formed at the upper or topside of a somewhat rectangular shaped longitudinal tubular member.

Abstract: A novel spacer bar for an insulating glass unit and an insulating glass unit filled with the spacer bar are disclosed. Deflection of the panes of the insulating glass unit, however caused, is essentially eliminated by the functioning of the spacer bar. The spacer bar is so constructed that a protion of its surface in contact with the space between the panes (inner surface) is perforated and a portion is imperforate and the opposite surface of the spacer bar has a small opening in its surface, which opening is opposite the imperforate portion of the inner surface. Means to place the small opening in communication with the exterior atmosphere is provided.

Abstract: A thermal barrier is provided that includes a pair of sheets made of a material such as suitable plastic, and wherein the pair of sheets interfit to form a hollow panel. Compressible cellular foam material is mounted on the outer edges of the panel. Ambient air is adapted to be removed from the interior of the panel, and dry air or inert gas is adapted to be introduced into the hollow panel. Angle clips are provided for helping to maintain the barrier in its proper assembled position.

Abstract: A single foil is biaxially stretched on a frame for movement relative thereto by being secured intermittently to a single rubbing strip over a guide ledge. The rubbing strip is stretchable and movable lengthwise of the associated frame side. Torsional forces arising because of the one-sided loading of the frame by the stretched foil are taken up by the frame which is made with a torsionally rigid cross-section.The single foil can be clamped without creasing and in a manner which ensures freedom from creasing notwithstanding differences in the heat expansion of the foil and frame.

Abstract: A multiple glazed unit wherein glass sheets are bonded together and held in spaced relationship by means of a fiber-reinforced alkali silicate based cement composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable sealant and spacer strip comprising an elongated ribbon of deformable sealant enveloping and having embedded therein spacer means extending longitudinally of the ribbon of sealant. The thickness of the enveloping sealant extends beyond the spacer means in an amount sufficient to maintain a continuous sealing interface under applied compressive forces but insufficient to permit substantial distortion of the strip under such applied compressive forces.

Abstract: Multiple membranes which are transparent, translucent, opaque or otherwise limit electromagnetic radiation are employed in an easily manufactured and transported roll which can be unrolled, cut to length, expanded, erected and sealed, thereby creating a thermally and acoustically insulating electromagnetic wave-limiting panel with separate dead air space separated by said multiple tensioned membranes.

Abstract: Segments of multi-layer insulation have their ends bent outwardly and abutting the outwardly bent ends of adjacent segments. A purge gas flows through the spaces in the multi-layer insulation segments, the purge gas entering the spaces by way of some of the segment ends from gas inlet channels formed by extending the outer layers of segments past some of the segment ends and joining the extended outer layers to the outer layers of adjacent segments.

Abstract: An appliance comprising a unitary, atmospheric pressure, equilization chamber and drying chamber in the form of a sealed, flexible walled container with open cell elastomeric material providing communication between the interior of the chamber and the zone between facing surfaces of adjacent panes of glass.

Abstract: A solar energy collector means comprising a rectangular frame, a back wall of thin sheet material bonded and sealed at its margins to said frame, a light transmitting plate bonded and sealed to said frame in spaced relation to said back wall to provide a rigid structure, a solar energy absorber and coil means located between said back wall and said plate, a blanket of insulating material between said absorber coil assembly and said back wall, and means for laterally and longitudinally positioning said solar energy absorber and coil means with respect to said frame without metal-to-metal contact between said frame, back wall, and said absorber means, and whereby said solar absorber and coil means is limitedly floatable on said insulating blanket and adapted to expand and contract without stressing said frame. A solar collector provided with removable breathing desiccant means supported within said frame on said absorber means.

Abstract: An insulating unit suitable for installation in walls, doors, and the like, is manufactured by a method that includes the steps of supporting a heat-shrinkable plastic film between spaced but parallel glass panes to provide an integral unit, and then heating the unit to cause the plastic film to shrink and become taut and wrinkle-free.

Abstract: A two section bulletproof window and method of making the same is shown. The outer section is multi-layered, the outer layer being safety plate glass. Inner layers of the outer section are composed of polycarbon laminate. The inner section is also composed of layers of polycarbon laminate and is separated from the outer section by a space containing dry nitrogen gas at about 2.5 pounds per square inch pressure. The space is necessary to allow for differential rates of expansion and contraction of the sections and layers without damaging the window. The positively pressured dry nitrogen gas is necessary to maintain a dust free and moisture free atmosphere within the space. An inexpensive pressurized nitrogen gas reservoir is utilized to guarantee long term maintenance of the positive nitrogen pressure within the space. The method of making the protective window involves continuous purging of the space with the dry nitrogen gas while the different sealants involved are curing.

Abstract: A fireproof windowpane in which a glass plate having metallic wires incorporated therein is fitted in the grooves of a mounting metal frame to a depth corresponding to at least about 1.6 times the thickness of the glass plate at least at its upper edge. Also provided is a mounting metal frame for mounting fireproof windowpanes which has grooves for receiving the metallic wire-containing glass plate therein to the aforesaid depth. The fireproof windowpane can withstand fire or high temperatures over a long period of time, and is useful for preventing spreading of a fire and for aiding in fire extinguishing activities.

Abstract: In making a spacing frame for use in forming an insulated arrangement of spaced glass panes, the frame is made from a continuous length of a tubular bar arranged to contain desiccant granules of given size. A wall section of the tubular bar, which is to form the inner frame border between the glass panes, is cut transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tubular bar. The depth of each cut is selected to be substantially equal to the thickness of the wall section. The width of each cut in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular bar is selected so the desiccant granules cannot escape through the cut, and sections of the bar extending longitudinally from opposite sides of the cuts are bent relative to one another to form the frame corners.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for performing such method whereby ordinary single glass building elements, such as windows, doors or the like are converted to double-walled, partially evacuated, thermally insulated elements by the use of a special adaptive method and special forming method, together with special adaptive elements in combination with sealant and desiccant materials.

Abstract: A spacer for double- and multi-paned windows, e.g. insulating windows in which at least two panes of transparent material, e.g. glass, are spaced apart by a peripheral spacer so as to constitute an insulating window structure, comprises a spacer which is constituted as a frame from hollow profile members along whose both lateral outer faces the glass panes lie. The inwardly disposed profile walls are substantially planar and the interior of the frame can be filled with a drying agent capable of absorbing moisture or preventing penetration of moisture. The spacer is constituted from a plurality of extrusion-pressed profiled tubes which in the region of the frame corners are bent and are connected at least at one location, to a straight frame side along the side intermediate the bent corners, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the assembly to the penetration of moisture into the space between the panes.

Abstract: An ornamental element adapted to be fixed to a monument which comprises a transparent body having a frontside portion and a backside portion, said frontside portion having a convex lense shape; a recess provided in the backside portion of said transparent body for receiving a desired document; and a sealing means disposed within said recess adjacent to the document for protecting the document within the ornamental element from the environment.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed spandrel unit has a transparent sheet mounted in facing relationship to a metal sheet having a desiccant containing film mounted thereon.

Abstract: A multi-glazed window unit of the type wherein parallel panes of a light transmitting material are sealed in a spaced apart relationship and the atmosphere between the sealed panels is treated to remove moisture therefrom. A housing containing a desiccant is positioned between the sealed panes along one outer edge of the unit. The housing is divided into two zones, the first zone being open to the atmosphere so that any moisture present in the atmosphere at the time the unit is sealed is immediately removed therefrom by the desiccant in this zone, and a second zone that is shielded from direct exposure to the atmosphere whereby the desiccant in this zone remains in a condition to remove moisture from the atmosphere which may penetrate the seal at a later time.

Abstract: A multiple pane window has an inner filamentary seal and an outer seal. The inner seal contains desiccant material whose concentration is greater in the inner portion thereof than in the outer portion thereof. The concentration may change progressively. The inner seal may comprise a plurality of layers with the concentration constant in each layer. Particular concentrations are given. Molecular sieves having absorption pores of about 4A and 10A may be employed, and the concentration of the 10A pore sieves may be greater in the outer portion than in the inner portion of the inner seal.

Abstract: A cornerpiece for multiple pane windows comprises an integrally formed sheet metal piece having orthogonally extending members which are received in the adjacent ends of tubular spacer bars separating the panes of glass in a multiple pane insulating window. The tubular spacer bars form a frame which is interposed between the panes of glass, and the cornerpiece is formed so as to be closely received within the ends of the tubular members, thereby joining adjacent tubular members. The cornerpiece is formed so as to block the ends of the spacer bars to prevent a desiccant that is typically placed in the spacer bars from leaking out of the ends of the spacer bars.

Abstract: An improved insulating spacer to reduce the heat transfer between the two panes of glass of double insulated glass comprises an extruded or roll-formed metal spacer together with a plastic insulating element which thermally isolates the metal spacer from the panes of glass while permitting conventional application of the sealant to provide reliable bonding. In one embodiment the plastic insulator comprises an extruded plastic overlay which fits tightly over part of a conventional metal spacer and has projecting contacts which abut the glass.

Abstract: A filamentary seal for multiple pane window is formed of a plastic material having a viscosity greater than 115.degree. Mooney as defined. Particular compositions are given. A filament is applied to a transparent or translucent sheet by an extrusion nozzle at an angle between 15.degree. and 45.degree., preferably between 25.degree. and 35.degree.. A vertically adjustable extrusion device with a rotatably adjustable nozzle head is described.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system including a number of parabolic section reflectors mounted for rotation about their lines of focii. A drive system continuously rotates the reflectors at a one cycle per day rate in one form. Positioned at the line of focus of each reflector is a receiver tube carrying a heat exchange medium. The receiver tube is fixed and non-moving and is surrounded by a fixed transparent tube shielding the receiver tube from air currents. The transparent tube is sealed except for a leakage path through a desiccant containing chamber which is in thermal transfer relationship with the receiver tube and communicating with the ambient atmosphere. Means for cleaning the reflectors when in the inverted position is provided. Another embodiment provides for sun tracking and automatic night storage and cleaning. Novel mirror receiver tube and desiccant assembly features are disclosed.

Abstract: A hollow panel is prepared by uniting vitreous sheets by a spacer of synthetic polymeric material between the sheets. Preferably the polymeric material is a mixture including two polymers of substantially different molecular weight. A ribbon made of the polymeric composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Adhesive cleats having (1) adhesion in shear and (2) shear resistance of greater than about 40 pounds per square inch (2.80 kilograms per square centimeter) adhere a desiccative spacer to adjacent glass sheets to prevent spacer sag and/or spacer bow. A moisture-impervious sealant seals the airspace between the glass sheets to provide a multiple glazed unit.

Abstract: An improved light-transmissive building element useful for walls, ceilings, roofs, windows, or the like consists of at least two light-transmitting flat sheets, such as panels, panes, and the like, which, together with a suitable frame, define a hollow space in which sound- and heat-insulating means are arranged. A number of transparent, static flat sheets, such as foils of plastic or elastically tensioned, flexible, thin plastic panels which may be coated with light-transmissive metal layers or the like are inserted in said hollow space at a small distance from each other.

Abstract: An improvement in sealed insulating glass having an adsorbent disposed about all or part of the interior periphery of the glass is described. The improvement lies in employing a molecular sieve zeolite capable of adsorbing water and incapable of or having a very limited capacity for adsorbing nitrogen and oxygen as the adsorbent.This capability is obtained by using a molecular sieve zeolite whose pore size of 3 angstrom units does not adsorb oxygen and nitrogen as well as employing a molecular sieve zeolite whose effective pore diameter of about 4 angstrom units or larger permit the entry of oxygen and nitrogen but which has acquired an ability to suppress such adsorbtion by being pretreated by preadsorbing a minor amount of a low molecular weight polar material such as water vapor, ammonia, methanol etc.Preventing the adsorbtion and desorbtion of oxygen and nitrogen in a double glazed window eliminates pressure variations within the window space created by such gas movement.

Abstract: A triple glazed unit has the inner glass sheet mounted within a spacer and outer glass sheets mounted on opposed outer surfaces of the spacer. The peripheral edge portions of the outer glass sheets extend beyond the spacer to form a peripheral channel. A moisture-resistant adhesive fills the peripheral channel to seal the unit and provide dead airspaces between the glass sheets.

Abstract: An improvement in sealed insulating glass having an adsorbent disposed about all or part of the interior periphery of the glass is described. The improvement lies in employing a molecular sieve zeolite having an average pore diameter that permits adsorption of water vapor and prevents adsorption of nitrogen and oxygen as the adsorbent.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting a single glazed wall structure into a double glazed wall structure. The apparatus comprises a spacer element supportable from the wall structure frame on one side of the existing glazing panel and the element includes a stop surface parallel and facing an edge portion of a second glazing panel to be installed parallel of the first glazing panel. A seal is provided around an edge portion of the second glazing panel in position adjacent the spacing element thereby forming a dead air space between the first and second glazing panels to provide a double glazed wall structure having much improved heat insulating characteristics in comparison to the pre-existing single glazed wall structure.In accordance with the method of the invention, a spacer element is positioned on one side of the existing glazing panel around the frame and a second glazing panel is then installed in spaced parallel relation with the existing panel adjacent the spacer element.

Abstract: In the production of a multiple pane window, a multiple layer plastic filamentary seal is deposited on the face of a transparent or translucent sheet adjacent the edges thereof over a major portion of the periphery. The seal is deposited by an extrusion nozzle from a starting point to an end point at a corner, by relatively moving and rotating the sheet past the nozzle. At least one layer of the multiple layer seal contains a larger proportion of desiccant material and another layer contains a smaller proportion or no desiccant material. At the starting and/or end points only the layer or layers containing the smaller proportion or no desiccant material is extruded. In a modification, at each corner only the layer or layers containing the smaller proportion or no desiccant material is extruded. A process for applying the seal, a multiple pane window resulting therefrom, and apparatus for applying the seal are described.

Abstract: A novel sealing and spacing unit for multiple glazed windows, and multiple glazed windows employing such a sealing and spacing unit, are disclosed. The sealing and spacing unit comprises a flexible, moisture-impervious base such as a strip of aluminum foil. Disposed on the base in a lengthwise manner is an elongated, flexible, dehydrator strip which comprises a particulate desiccant such as a crystalline zeolite dispersed throughout a moisture-permeable, elastic, polymeric matrix, such as an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer. The dehydrator strip is secured to the base by a thin layer of an adhesive such as an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer hot melt adhesive. Also disposed on the base in a lengthwise manner are two strips of a cold flowable, moisture resistant, mastic, sealant composition. The strips are preferably spaced slightly apart from, and are positioned on both sides of the adhesively secured dehydrator strip.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an extruded plastic rim strip for holding the panes of a double pane insulating glass in spaced parallel relationship and having a chamber with a moisture absorbent material intermediate the panes and a surface layer of adhesive extruded therewith for securing the rim strip to the panes and provide a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A wall unit comprising panels lying at opposite faces of said unit, a seal arranged between the margins of said panels, and an insulation occupying the cavity between said panels, wherein the improvement comprises at least one insulating group extending parallel to said panels and comprising two foils capable of reflecting thermal radiation and chambers lying between said foils, the walls of which consist of insulating material. The cavity between said panels may be evacuated or it may be filled with dry air or a dry gas.

Abstract: A wall unit comprising oppositely disposed panels defining a cavity between them, the cavity containing insulating means and being filled with dry air or other dry gas, for example nitrogen, the cavity being connected to a volume compensation device for the air or gas.