Abstract: There is disclosed a refrigerator including a vacuum space formed between an outer case and an inner case to improve an insulation function thereof, which includes an inner case that defines an exterior appearance of a storage space, an outer case spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case, with being maintained vacuum, to insulate the inner case from the outer case, a plurality of spacers for supporting the inner case and the outer case space that are spaced apart from each other, and a radiation blocking film provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated door panel includes folding side flanges of a metallic sheet to define side edges of a structural outer panel that extend from a front panel. A gap is defined between each set of adjacent side edges. Interior blocks are secured to an interior of the structural outer panel proximate each gap to define adhesive cavities. Exterior blocks are positioned at an exterior surface of the structural outer panel at each gap to further define the adhesive cavities. An adhesive is disposed within each adhesive cavity and is contained therein by the interior and exterior blocks. The adhesive is cured to a solid sealing member that adheres the interior blocks to the interior surface of the structural outer panel to form a sealed structural panel. The exterior blocks are removed and each solid sealing member defines a hermetic seal at each gap.

Abstract: The refrigerator includes a body having a storage space for storing a predetermined storage object, wherein the body includes an inner case having the storage space, an outer case having an inside surface spaced a predetermined gap from an inside surface of the inner case to house the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case enclosed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case, and a sealing unit for sealing a front of the vacuum space formed between a front of the inner case and a front of the outer case and reducing a heat transfer rate between the inner case and the outer case.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymeric matrix, at least one transparent region including a plurality of optically clear elements provided in the polymeric matrix and at least one opaque region including a plurality of opaque reinforcing elements provided in the polymeric matrix substantially parallel and adjacent to the at least one transparent region. A structural window and a method for reinforcing a composite material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass unit (VIGU) comprises a first pane of a transparent material and a second pane of a transparent material. The second pane is spaced apart from the first pane to define a cavity therebetween. At least one of a spacer and an array of stand-off members is disposed between the first and second panes to maintain separation therebetween. A first adhesive layer forms at least a portion of a gas-tight connection between the first pane and the second pane. A highly hermetic coating is disposed over the adhesive layer, where the coating is an inorganic layer.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A diffusion-tight joint (30) between ends of prefabricated spacers (10) that support a diffusion barrier (3) on the spacer outer face is achieved in that a tongue (9) is formed from the diffusion barrier (3) at an end of two spacers (10) that abut each other at a joint (30), the tongue protruding over the end. The tongue (9) is fixed to the outer face of the diffusion barrier (3) of the other end of the spacer (10) using an adhesive application (13) so that an overlapping of the diffusion barriers (3) of both ends is achieved. The formation of the joint can be formed in the corner region of prefabricated spacer frames (10) or in straight regions of spacers (10), thus wherever ends of spacers (10) that are prefabricated abut each other.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit installation configuration and method for installing a VIG window unit in a window frame that was designed to accommodate at least a thicker IG (insulating glass/integrated glass) window unit(s). The VIG window unit may be supported on a first side by a first stop portion of the frame and on a second side by a second stop portion of the frame. A spacer structure is provided along at least one side of the VIG window unit between the VIG window unit and at least one of the first and second stop portions, the spacer structure including at least one hollow area surrounded by a solid portion when viewed cross sectionally.

Abstract: A variety of refrigerators and merchandisers having glass or plastic substrates that are substantially fog-resistant are provided. For example, refrigerator doors having a substantially transparent substrate including an anti-fog coating on at least a portion thereof are provided. The portion of the substrate may substantially not fog when the portion has an initial surface temperature and is then exposed to a moist air ambient with a dewpoint temperature equal to or greater than the surface temperature for a period of time. The surface temperature may be less than about 0° C. and the period of time may be greater than about 6 seconds.

Abstract: A spacer profile (50) for a spacer profile frame mountable in the edge area of an insulating window unit for forming an intervening space (53) between window panes (51, 52), has a profile body (10) made of synthetic material and comprises one or more chambers (20) for accommodating hygroscopic material. A metal film (30) encloses the profile body on three-sides such that, in the bent/assembled state of the spacer profile, the non-enclosed inner side of the profile body is directed towards the intervening space between the window panes. The not-enclosed inner side of the profile body comprises openings (15) for moisture exchange between hygroscopic material accommodated in the chamber(s) and the intervening space between the window panes. The metal film comprises a profile (31a-g, 32a-g) on each end directed towards the intervening space of the window panes. Each profile has at least one edge or bend.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for protecting the pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for protecting a pump-out tube of a VIG unit by providing a cap around the tube, with the cap and the tube being mechanically separated from one another. In certain example embodiments, the cap and an outer surface of the substrate in which the pump-out tube is located are connected to one another via an adhesive (e.g., a double-sided tape or other adhesive). The mechanical separation or isolation as between the cap and the tube may help protect the potentially fragile glass pump-out tube, in that forces imparted to the cap preferably would be buffered from and generally not transferred to the tube.

Abstract: An IG unit includes a perimeter structure having a port, a first pane supported by the perimeter structure, a second pane supported by the perimeter structure opposite the first pane with an interior space defined between the first and second panes that is sealed and connected to the port, and a membrane valve assembly adapted to act as a self-sealing access to the port. The membrane valve assembly optionally includes a first sealant layer, a second membrane layer, and a third sealant layer, for example.

Abstract: A Vacuum Insulating Glazing Unit (VIGU) comprises two or more glass lites (panes) spaced apart from one another and hermetically bonded to an edge seal assembly therebetween. The resulting cavity between the lites is evacuated to create at least one insulating vacuum cavity within which are disposed a plurality of stand-off members to maintain separation between the lites. The edge seal assembly is preferably compliant in the longitudinal (i.e., edgewise) direction to allow longitudinal relative motion between the two lites (e.g., from thermal expansion). The longitudinal compliance may be obtained by imprinting a three-dimensional pattern into the edge seal material. The edge seal assembly is preferably bonded to the lites with a first bond portion that is hermetic and a second bond portion that is load-resistant. Methods for producing VIGUs and/or compliant edge seal assemblies and VIGU and edge seal apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer insulation with an array of posts is provided. In particular, the posts are comprised of multiple post or support elements that are interconnected to radiation shields or sheets comprising the layers of the integrated multi-layer insulation (IMLI) structure. The support elements maintain spacing between adjacent sheets, thus maintaining a volume between the sheets. The support elements can each feature a plurality of support arms. The support elements can each additionally include a support beam that defines a minimum spacing between sheets when the IMLI structure is under a compressive load. Neighboring support elements can be interconnected to one another by beams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a laminated vacuum-tight connection between the glass pane and the frame, wherein said connection is formed by a thermal soldering material and can be produced directly by a soldering process, during which soldering material inserted between the frame and the glass pane is melted. For this purpose, during the manufacturing process, the glass pane receives the properties of a tempered safety glass pane (TSG) pursuant to DIN 12150-1.

Abstract: The gas fill device for multiple pane windows includes a tube installed through the peripheral spacer bar between two glass panes in an insulated glass assembly for a window, door glass, skylight, or the like. An elbow is pivotally attached to the external end of the tube. A supply of an inert, insulating gas may be attached to the elbow to refill the space between the two panes with the insulating gas, as needed. Two such tubes may be installed in each multiple pane window assembly, one to refill the space with insulating gas and the other to vent air from the space to the atmosphere as the space is refilled with the insulating gas. When the multiple pane window has more than two panes, the tube may be branched and supplied through a common elbow.

Abstract: A piece for flooring which includes a wear layer, a pattern layer, a base layer, and a backing layer. The base layer may be made of a mixture including ilmenite powder. About one third of the mixture may be ilmenite powder. The mixture may also include calcium carbonate, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is calcium carbonate. The mixture may further include polyvinylchloride, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is polyvinylchloride. The backing layer may include a plurality of devices which are hexagonally shaped, wherein the plurality of devices form a honeycomb structure which contacts a top floor surface when the piece is placed on the top floor surface. The backing layer may have a bottom surface including anti-slip backing film, which may be comprised of polyurethane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easy-to-construct window apparatus including to assure easy construction and superior drainage ability. The window apparatus includes a window frame fixing unit including a bottom plate, vertical plates formed at lateral ends of the bottom plate and a rack plate formed at each vertical plate, a window frame support unit including a seat plate on the rack plate, a support plate configured to be supported on the bottom plate, fastening pieces protruding from the seat plate, and a holding groove formed in each fastening piece, a rail unit including a horizontal plate provided with a rail and a coupling piece, and a holding ridge formed at the coupling piece so as to be coupled with the holding groove, a window drive unit including a press-fit structure to be press-fitted into a window, and water discharge holes perforated in the aforementioned units.

Abstract: A window element has a cover pane which is substantially flush with an outer skin of an aircraft or other transport, achieving a fluid-dynamically favorable, substantially unbulged exterior surface. As a result of the presence of an additional back-ventilated cover pane arranged in front of the actual outer pane of the window element, a fluid-dynamically favorable integration of the window element into the outer skin of an aircraft fuselage airframe is achieved. Any deformation, such as any buckling or bulging of the outer pane of the window element, as a result of a difference in pressure between the interior of the aircraft fuselage airframe and the exterior space at cruising altitudes, has no fluid-dynamically disadvantageous effect. The outer pane is covered by the cover pane which remains substantially undeformed with respect to the outer skin of the aircraft fuselage airframe, for example. Any deformation of the cover pane is largely eliminated by back-ventilation.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glazing unit (VIGU) comprises a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced-apart from the first pane to define a cavity therebetween. A first seal member is bonded at a first end to the first glass pane and a second seal member is bonded at a first end to the second glass pane and at a second end to a second end of the first glass pane. At least one of the first seal member and the second seal member has a configuration (when viewed parallel to the panes) including at least one of a toward-pane oriented convolute and an away-from-pane oriented convolute.

Abstract: A light transmitting panel that can connect within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and mechanical fastener or a linear coefficient buffer or mechanical fastener and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the respective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal.

Abstract: A multilayer insulation with an array of rigid posts is provided. In particular, the posts are comprised of multiple post elements that are interconnected to radiation shields or sheets comprising the layers of the integrated multi-layer insulation structure. The post elements maintain spacing between adjacent sheets, thus maintaining a volume between the sheets. The post elements within a post can be attached to one another to form an integrated post structure. Moreover, neighboring posts can be interconnected to one another by beams. The post elements can also be configured so that, when the IMLI structure is not subjected to atmospheric pressure, the elements within a post are separated from one another to form gaps, thereby reducing heat transfer between layers.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed multi-pane window assembly comprises first and second windowpane sheets formed of transparent materials. A first sealing member has an inner edge and an outer edge, the inner edge being hermetically attached around the periphery of the first windowpane sheet by diffusion bonding. A second sealing member has an inner edge and an outer edge, the inner edge being hermetically attached around the periphery of the second windowpane sheet by diffusion bonding and the outer edge being hermetically attached to the outer edge of the first sealing member. A spacer assembly is disposed between the first and the second windowpane sheets for maintaining a gap therebetween, whereby a hermetically sealed cavity is defined between the first and the second windowpanes.

Abstract: A spacer profile (50) for a spacer profile frame mountable in the edge area of an insulating window unit for forming an intervening space (53) between window panes (51, 52), has a profile body (10) made of synthetic material and comprises one or more chambers (20) for accommodating hygroscopic material. A metal film (30) encloses the profile body on three-sides such that, in the bent/assembled state of the spacer profile, the non-enclosed inner side of the profile body is directed towards the intervening space between the window panes. The not-enclosed inner side of the profile body comprises openings (15) for moisture exchange between hygroscopic material accommodated in the chamber(s) and the intervening space between the window panes. The metal film comprises a profile (31a-g, 32a-g) on each end directed towards the intervening space of the window panes. Each profile has at least one edge or bend.

Abstract: A heated insulating glass panel, with a fitting, is provided. The heated insulating glass panel is formed from two dielectric sheets that are separated by a spacer, which has a spacer layer at the spacer edge. The fitting, which is made of a fitting base portion and a fitting tubular portion, is attached to the spacer layer at the spacer edge by way of, for example, two screws. Thus, the fitting provides a pathway for routing wires into and away from the heated insulating glass panel. If necessary, an elbow may be provided which attaches to the fitting tubular portion for changing the direction of the routing of the wires. In addition, conduit may be attached to the fitting to route the wiring to and from the heated insulating glass panel.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glazing unit (VIGU) comprises first and second panes of transparent material, first and second anchors, a plurality of filaments, a plurality of stand-off elements, and seals. The first and second panes of transparent material have edges and inner and outer faces, are disposed with their inner faces substantially opposing one another, and are separated by a gap having a predetermined height. The first and second anchors are disposed at opposite edges of one pane of the VIGU. Each filament is attached at one end to the first anchor and at the other end to the second anchor, and the filaments are collectively disposed between the panes substantially parallel to one another. The stand-off elements are affixed to each filament at predetermined positions along the filament, and have a height substantially equal to the predetermined height of the gap such that the each stand-off element touches the inner surfaces of both panes.

Abstract: A building wall system includes first and second barrier panels, and an exterior facade system. Each panel includes an inner sheet and an outer sheet with a foam core positioned between the inner and outer sheets. Each of the inner and outer sheets defines an inner surface and an outer surface, respectively. A joint is defined by the first and second barrier panels. The exterior facade is secured to the first and second barrier panels via a fastener extending through the outer and inner sheets of the first barrier panel and the inner sheet of the second barrier panel without penetrating the inner surfaces of the first and second barrier panels.

Abstract: A point fixing apparatus is described. The point fixing apparatus is suitable for mounting an insulated glass unit (IGU) to a support structure, the IGU having first and second panes of glass spaced apart from one another, the point fixing apparatus including: a spacer apparatus for spacing the first and second panes from one another; a first clamping block configured for clamping the first glass pane against the spacer apparatus; a second clamping block configured for clamping the second glass pane against the spacer apparatus; and one or more stop devices configured to inhibit overtightening of the clamping blocks against the panes and spacer apparatus, the one or more stop devices disposed between the clamping blocks when assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass pane arrangement comprising: a first and a second glass pane which are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another via a spacer element extending in the edge region, a first sealing element which extends adjacent to the spacer element in the edge region and surrounds a glass pane interior, and a filler located in the interior. The glass pane arrangement has a sleeve which extends outward from the interior through the sealing element and has a passage from outside into the interior, wherein the passage is sealed by a second sealing element.

Abstract: An access floor panel (180) comprises a central core (2), a lower tray (20), and an upper flooring lid (10) which form an envelope for the core (2). The panels have a fire resistant seal or barrier (25) for sealing between the tray and lid (20, 10). The ends of the tray and lid (20, 10) are kept apart and the barrier (25) seals against the core (2) and each of the ends (181, 182) of the tray and lid (20, 10) to complete the enclosure. The seal (25) acts as a fire stop.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwall sheeting and articles comprising multiwall sheeting. In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises: greater than or equal to three polymer walls (e.g., comprising a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an inner layer), a transverse layer, and a liquid. The liquid is located in cells formed by the transverse layer and the walls. The multiwall sheet has a first visible light transmission and a first direct solar transmission. A second multiwall sheet has the same materials and the same design as the multiwall sheet but with no liquid, and has a second visible light transmission and a second direct solar transmission. The first visible light transmission is greater than the second visible light transmission and the first direct solar transmission is about 63% to about 70% as determined in accordance with ISO 9050.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum insulated building panels. The insulating building panel of this invention uses suction pressure created by a vacuum as the sole means of attachments between two parallel steel (10) or glass (12) panel plates and a post frame (14). When vacuum is applied, the plates engage the post frame in an airtight manner and spheres (112) are used as spacers to maintain separation of the plates and they roll without resistance to accommodate any movement of one plate in relation to the other. These features of the building panel eliminate warping which is caused by expansion or contraction of weather exposed faces of the panel plates due to fluctuating outside temperatures and also eliminate stress upon support structures.

Abstract: A sealed unit includes at least two sheets of transparent or translucent material separated from each other by a spacer. One example of a spacer for a sealed unit includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and filler arranged therebetween. The first and second elongate strips have a small undulating shape in some embodiments. Methods of making spacers and window assemblies as well as devices for use in the manufacture of spacers and assemblies are disclosed including a manufacturing jig and a spool storage rack. The spool storage rack stores a plurality of spools configured to store spacer materials thereon.

Abstract: In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a window assembly and a window spacer. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the window assembly includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a spacer arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet. The spacer includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and continuous sidewalls or a plurality of sidewalls. In some embodiments the sidewalls include a first portion having a first fastening mechanism and a second portion have a second fastening mechanism. The first fastening mechanism is arranged and configured to securely engage with the second fastening mechanism to connect the first portion with the second portion.

Abstract: A building structure (100) including at least one architectural surface (108) including at least one substrate having electrical circuitry including patterned electrical conductors (110) and at least one electrical component (112) formed on the at least one substrate (108), least one substrate 108 being of at least one of transparent and flexible.

Abstract: A highly protective firewall (13) supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. In one form, the firewall comprises a group of vertically stacked panels (14) made of such material, and the panels are in turn formed by a plurality of elongated and vertically stacked hollow members (21) of the same material.

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: An insulated glass (IG) assembly for windows which includes an internal lighting system is disclosed. The IG assembly includes two or more panes of glass, a spacer and a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The spacer separates glass panes and provides the hermetic seal for the IG assembly. The spacer extends around the periphery of the glass panes with a portion of its ends overlapping to form a sealed corner joint. The LED light strip includes a plurality of LED lamps connected in series by thin electrical contact wires fixed in a flexible nonconductive substrate. The LED strip is fixed to the spacer and extends around the periphery of the insulated glass unit. The lead wires from the LED light strip pass through the corner joint between the overlapped ends of the spacer. The LED light systems provide dependable illumination but emit relatively little thermal energy. Consequently, the LED light system maintains the thermal insulating properties of an insulated glass unit.

Abstract: The light-transmitting glass panel 1 is comprised of a pair of glass plates 11 and 12 that are hermetically joined together with one surface of each thereof facing one another, the joining being via a sealing frame 13 that is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the glass plates 11 and 12 and fluidizes at low temperature, and the glass plates 11 and 12 having a hollow layer 14 formed therebetween, and pillars 15 that are substantially cylindrical spacers that are inserted into the hollow layer 14 as atmospheric pressure supporting members and determine the gap between the glass plate 11 and the glass plate 12. The pillars 15 are arranged in the hollow layer 14 in a matrix shape with a predetermined spacing, and taking the surface residual compressive stress of the glass plates 11 and 12 in MPa to be S, and the thickness of the glass plates 11 and 12 in mm to be d, the average spacing D in mm of the pillars 15 arranged in the hollow layer 14 satisfies the relationship D?5.2d+5.5+(0.8d+0.08)·?S.

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: A thermal window insert includes at least two substantially parallel, substantially transparent sheets of flexible polymer material having a gap therebetween. The two sheets are bonded together at deformations formed in at least one of the sheets, and have a size approximately corresponding to the dimensions of a window opening in a building. A strip of resilient material is directly bonded to the sheets around the perimeter thereof, so as to seal the gap between the transparent sheets and to provide a seal between the window insert and the window opening. The invention is similar to storm windows, but is of a simpler and less expensive construction, and is easy to install, remove and store.

Abstract: A multipane window unit is provided in which a sash frame is formed having an integral spacing structure upon which glazing panes are directly affixed. The spacing structure is formed integrally with the sash frame at internal glazing surfaces. Adhesive can be affixed to the internal glazing surfaces to attach the glazing panes. In this manner, a rigid, structural sash frame can be formed prior to attachment of the glazing panes, thereby eliminating the need for using separately manufactured insulating glass units while obtaining similar and improved benefits.

Abstract: A glass door and/or fixed glass wall construction for refrigerated cabinets comprises at least a glass component including chambers filled with an inert gas or mixtures of inert gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating glazed element comprising at least two glass sheets, separated from each other by a space and joined at their periphery by a seal, and at least one section.

Abstract: A manufacture or cell (20) formed by a closed case (21) of fabric material (23) in which a multiple number of meltable plastic pellets (24) are disposed and with which an electrical line (25), here in the form of lines (25-1, 25-2), combine in an interwoven assembly. Heat is applied to the pellets (24) via the electrical line (25) to melt them into a mass of substance that solidifies into a solid wall or thickness while concurrently adhering to the fabric material (23) so that the resulting structure is in a cast condition, transformed from its flexible state prior to application of the heat to pellets (24) into a wall-like member. The cell (20) is useful in application of constructing a habitable temporary living housing or shelter for victims arising out of a catastrophe.

Abstract: A sheet of glass having impressed therein a grid pattern which simulates a stacked series of glass blocks joined by mortar at their joints, in which the grid pattern is confined to certain tolerances so that the sheet is temperable and at the same time creates the desired glass block appearance.

Abstract: Wide-body connectors are provided for concrete sandwich walls. Each connector includes a body with longitudinally thickened portions defining flanges and a thinner inner connecting web extending between the flanges. The flanges provide increased bending stiffness for the connector, while the web provides enhanced shear transfer between the concrete layers of the wall. Anchoring surfaces are formed into or overmolded onto the body to anchor the ends of the connector in the concrete layers of the wall and assist in the creation of end moments ofr the transfer of forces between the concrete layers. Preferably, a lip is provided on the connector to limit the penetration of the connector through the insulation layer of the wall. The connectors transfer forces between the concrete layers, without thermal bridging, such that the wall has a substantially composite character.

Abstract: A multipane window unit is provided in which a sash frame is formed having an integral spacing structure upon which glazing panes are directly affixed. The spacing structure is formed integrally with the sash frame at internal glazing surfaces. Adhesive can be affixed to the internal glazing surfaces to attach the glazing panes. In this manner, a rigid, structural sash frame can be formed prior to attachment of the glazing panes, thereby eliminating the need for using separately manufactured insulating glass units while obtaining similar and improved benefits.