Abstract: Fenestration units and method of operation thereof are provided that allow for use of the fenestration units as nodes of a distributed ledger network. The fenestration units include a communication device configured for communication with at least one remote electronic device, a non-transitory, non-volatile memory configured to store computer readable instructions, and a processor in operable communication with the communication device and the memory. The processor is configured to execute the computer readable instructions to function, through the communication device, as a node in a distributed ledger network by storing a local copy of a distributed ledger on the memory, updating the local copy of the distributed ledger, and distributing the local copy to the at least one remote electronic device in response to updating the local copy of the distributed ledger.

Abstract: An astragal for a fenestration system includes at least first and second slots running along opposite sides of the astragal, each slot is configured to receive a stile of a panel of the fenestration system. The slots may be in different planes or in a common plane, and may be different depths or the same depth. In some embodiments, additional slots are provided in the astragal, on one or both sides of the astragal, and the astragal may be used in various placements and configurations within multi-panel door or window systems. A snap clip may be included within one or more of the slots to engage a stile when received in the slot and secure the panel to the astragal. Covers may fill slots that are not utilized in a particular panel configuration.

Abstract: A breakaway sash lug assembly for a hung window includes a sash mount seat attachable to a window sash and a lug body rigidly attached to the sash mount seat via a releasable coupling that is configured to release at least one side of the lug body from the sash mount seat upon application a relatively small external force on the lug body. The releasable coupling may inhibit damage from inadvertent contact between the lug body and other portions of the hung window, for example during tilting of the sash for cleaning. The releasable coupling may include a hinge and a latch and/or a snap attachment.

Abstract: A fixed sash retainer system for a fenestration unit is disclosed. The retainer system includes a first and a second coupling member. The second coupling member is resiliently flexible between a first position and a second position. The second coupling member is configured to engage the first coupling member when in the first position and to disengage when in the second position. The second coupling member has a key feature configured to cooperate with the one of the sash and the frame to define a key slot. The key slot is configured to receive and engage a key that selectively retains the second coupling member in the second position.

Abstract: A multiple pane insulated glazing unit for a fenestration unit includes a first outer pane including a first thickness defined between a first outer surface and a first inner surface. A first spacer is coupled to the first inner surface. A second outer pane has a second thickness defined between a second outer surface and a second inner surface. A spacer is coupled to the second inner surface, and an intermediate pane is coupled to at least one of the first spacer and the spacer. The intermediate pane has a third thickness defined between a third inner surface and a fourth inner surface that is less than the first thickness and the second thickness. The third thickness is between about 0.2 millimeters (mm) to about 1.2 millimeters (mm), and the first outer pane, the second outer pane and the intermediate pane are composed of boron-free soda lime silicate glass.

Abstract: A fenestration unit for a dwelling is disclosed. The fenestration unit, in the form of a window unit or a door unit includes a frame supporting a movable panel. A power supply module includes a battery pack disposed in one of the frame and the moveable panel. A power outlet module is also mounted in one of the frame and the movable panel. The power outlet module has a power outlet connector electrically coupled to the battery pack and is configured to resist water penetration therein. A homeowner device may be electrically coupled to the power outlet connector such that the power supply module powers the homeowner device.

Abstract: A configurable door system includes a first and second door panel, an astragal, and a frame. The frame defines a first axis and is configured to pivotally support the door panels in a first configuration of the door system and in a second configuration of the door system. The first door panel is disposed to one side of the second door panel along the first axis within the frame in both the first and second configurations. The door system, in the first configuration, includes the astragal fixed to the first door panel and releasably attaches the first door panel to the frame, and the second door panel is releasably secured to the astragal. The door system, in the second configuration, includes the astragal fixed to the second door panel and releasably attaches the second door panel to the frame, and the first door panel is releasably secured to the astragal.

Abstract: Fenestration units and method of operation thereof are provided that allow for use of the fenestration units as nodes of a distributed ledger network. The fenestration units include a communication device configured for communication with at least one remote electronic device, a non-transitory, non-volatile memory configured to store computer readable instructions, and a processor in operable communication with the communication device and the memory. The processor is configured to execute the computer readable instructions to function, through the communication device, as a node in a distributed ledger network by storing a local copy of a distributed ledger on the memory, updating the local copy of the distributed ledger, and distributing the local copy to the at least one remote electronic device in response to updating the local copy of the distributed ledger.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing insulated glazing units. The insulated glazing unit includes a first pane including a first outer edge, a second pane that overlaps the first pane and that includes a second outer edge, an outer edge sealing spacer arrangement that seals and maintains an inter-pane space between the first pane and the second pane, the outer edge sealing spacer arrangement including: a seat that receives the first outer edge and the second outer edge and that extends along the first outer edge and the second outer edge, a shoe that receives the seat, and a coupling between the seat and the shoe configured to maintain the seat within the shoe.

Abstract: A mulling system includes a first joining plate with a first plate member, a second plate member, and a first thermal breaker that extend longitudinally along a mulling axis with the first thermal breaker attaching the first and second plate members. The mulling system includes a second joining plate that includes a third plate member, a fourth plate member, and a second thermal breaker that extend longitudinally along the mulling axis with the second thermal breaker attaching the third and fourth plate members. The second joining plate is configured to attach to the first joining plate to join together first and second fenestration units with the mulling axis extending between the first and second joining plates. The first joining plate substantially matches the second joining plate to define a corresponding rotated and engaged arrangement of the first joining plate and the second joining plate across the mulling axis.

Abstract: A mulling system for a plurality of fenestration units includes a first joining plate configured to attach to a first outer edge of a first fenestration unit. The first joining plate includes a first outer face. The mulling system also includes a second joining plate configured to attach to a second outer edge of a second fenestration unit. The second joining plate includes a second outer face. The second joining plate is configured to engage the first joining plate to join together the first fenestration unit and the second fenestration unit with the first outer face facing the second outer face. The mulling system additionally includes a deflectable seal member attached to the first joining plate and having a sealing surface that faces away from the first outer face. The sealing surface is configured to deflect and seal against the second outer face of the second joining plate.

Abstract: Methods and vacuum insulated glazing units are provided. The methods include providing a first pane, applying a primary sealant to the first pane adjacent to and along a perimeter of the first pane, positioning support pillars on the first pane, positioning an evacuation tube on the first pane, positioning a second pane on the support pillars, heating the primary sealant with a laser beam sufficient to sinter the primary sealant to form a primary seal joining the first and second pane, evacuating an intermediate space defined between the first and second pane, and the primary seal to produce a low-pressure environment in the intermediate space by drawing gas from the intermediate space through the evacuation tube, and sealing the evacuation tube and thereby hermetically sealing the intermediate space within the first and second pane, the primary seal, and the evacuation tube to maintain the low-pressure environment therein.

Abstract: Sealants, vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) units having seals formed from the sealants, and methods for producing the VIG units using the sealants are provided. The sealants include a mixture of glass materials in powder form, a foaming agent in powder form, and a carrier medium. The foaming agent includes carbon black, carbide(s), or a combination thereof. The glass materials have compositions including: 50 to 70 wt. % SiO2; 1 to 7 wt. % CaO; 0 to 7 wt. % MgO; 0 to 6 wt. % Al2O3; 1 to 6 wt. % Fe2O3 or FeO; 0 to 7 wt. % TiO2; 0 to 16 wt. % R2O, wherein R is chosen from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, or a combination thereof; 0 to 1 wt. % SO3; 0 to 2 wt. % MnO; and 0 to 6 wt. % SrO+BaO.

Abstract: Methods and vacuum pump heads are provided. The vacuum pump head includes a body having sidewalls and a rear wall, wherein interior surfaces of the sidewalls and the rear wall define a chamber therebetween and distal ends of the sidewalls define an opening to the chamber, a sealing member located at the distal ends of the sidewalls and surrounding the opening defined thereby, the sealing member configured to contact and form a vacuum-tight seal against a surface upon generation of a low-pressure environment within the chamber, a vacuum hose port configured to couple to a vacuum hose of a vacuum pump and to provide a fluidic outlet from the chamber to remove gas from the chamber and thereby generate the low-pressure environment, and an aperture in the body configured to allow a laser beam to be directed therethrough toward the surface while the low-pressure environment is maintained.

Abstract: Sealants, vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) units having seals formed from the sealants, and methods for producing the VIG units using the sealants are provided. The sealants include a mixture of glass materials in powder form and a carrier medium. The glass materials have compositions including: 0 to 55 wt. % Bi2O3; 10 to 65 wt. % SiO2; 1 to 10 wt. % Al2O3; 10 to 30 wt. % R2O, wherein R is chosen from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, or a combination thereof; 0.01 to 20 wt. % of RO, wherein R is chosen from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, or a combination thereof; 2 to 15 wt. % of BaO; 0 to 5 wt. % TeO2; 0.01 to 20 wt. % of Fe2O3 or FeO; 2 to 30 wt. % of B2O3; 0.1 to 2 wt. % of P2O5; 0.1 to 2 wt. % of ZnO; and 0.1 to 2 wt. % of CuO or Cu2O.

Abstract: A fenestration unit includes a fenestration frame with a first frame member, and a sash including a sash frame to support a glazing unit. The fenestration unit includes a channel defined in one of the first frame member and the sash frame that extends along a first axis. The fenestration unit includes a retainer base associated with the other of the first frame member and the sash frame that extends along the first axis. The fenestration unit includes a retainer removably coupled to the first frame member and the sash frame to removably retain the sash frame on the fenestration frame. The retainer has a first retainer arm, a second retainer arm and a third retainer arm. The third retainer arm is movably coupled to the channel and the first retainer arm is movably coupled to the retainer base.