Abstract: A method of forming a glass article includes providing a first glass sheet. The first glass sheet is heated to a temperature suitable for shaping. The first glass sheet is deposited on a first bending tool. An edge portion of the first glass sheet is disposed over a shaping surface of the first bending tool. The shaping surface of the first bending tool is configured to provide in the first glass sheet a compression area and a tension area. The first glass sheet is shaped on the first bending tool and the compression area is formed in the edge portion of the first glass sheet. The compression area includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a width which is greater than a width of a second portion.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a first pane of glass and a first terminal connector in mechanical communication with the first pane of glass. The first terminal connector has a first base portion which includes a first surface. The first surface is separated from the first pane of glass by solder. The first surface includes a center portion. The center portion includes a curved portion which is nearer the major surface of the first pane of glass than a remaining portion of the center portion. The solder separating the curved portion from the major surface of the first pane of glass is of a thickness which is less than a thickness of the solder separating the remaining portion of the center portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass article includes providing a first glass sheet. The first glass sheet is heated to a temperature suitable for shaping. The first glass sheet is deposited on a first bending tool. An edge portion of the first glass sheet is disposed over a shaping surface of the first bending tool. The shaping surface of the first bending tool is configured to provide in the first glass sheet a compression area and a tension area. The first glass sheet is shaped on the first bending tool and the compression area is formed in the edge portion of the first glass sheet. The compression area includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a width which is greater than a width of a second portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass article includes providing a first glass sheet. The first glass sheet is heated to a temperature suitable for shaping. The first glass sheet is deposited on a first bending tool. An edge portion of the first glass sheet is disposed over a shaping surface of the first bending tool. The shaping surface of the first bending tool is configured to provide in the first glass sheet a compression area and a tension area. The first glass sheet is shaped on the first bending tool and the compression area is formed in the edge portion of the first glass sheet. The compression area includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a width which is greater than a width of a second portion.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a first pane of glass and a first terminal connector in mechanical communication with the first pane of glass. The first terminal connector has a first base portion which includes a first surface. The first surface is separated from the first pane of glass by solder. The first surface includes a center portion. The center portion includes a curved portion which is nearer the major surface of the first pane of glass than a remaining portion of the center portion. The solder separating the curved portion from the major surface of the first pane of glass is of a thickness which is less than a thickness of the solder separating the remaining portion of the center portion.

Abstract: Induction soldering via an assembly fixture is utilized to bond one or more items of hardware to a vehicle window to form a vehicle window assembly. A method of operating the assembly fixture to bond the one or more items of hardware to a vehicle window by induction soldering is also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Induction soldering via an assembly fixture is utilized to bond one or more items of hardware to a vehicle window to form a vehicle window assembly. A method of operating the assembly fixture to bond the one or more items of hardware to a vehicle window by induction soldering is also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Induction soldering via an assembly fixture is utilized to bond one or more items of hardware to a vehicle window to form a vehicle window assembly. A method of operating the assembly fixture to bond the one or more items of hardware to a vehicle window by induction soldering is also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: An encapsulated vehicle window assembly has, as a component thereof, a polymeric seal member surrounding at least a peripheral portion of a transparent glass substrate, the polymeric seal having interlocking portions. A method of installing the encapsulated vehicle window assembly in a vehicle body opening is also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The present application describes and claims an item of hardware suitable for bonding to a substrate such as a vehicle glazing. The item of hardware of the invention helps to ensure that the adhesive applied is effectively contained and utilized for its intended purpose. A preferred type of adhesive is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A encapsulated window assembly may be fixed or movable upon installation into an opening in a vehicle body, particularly a vehicle roof. In order to keep air, water and/or dirt from entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle, an integral seal is molded onto a dielectric substrate material. The seal, upon installation of the assembly into the vehicle body opening, effectively closes the gap between the edge of the window assembly and the sheet metal surrounding the body opening, without the need for a post-applied seal, for example, a preformed bulb seal.

Abstract: An encapsulated vehicle window assembly has, as a component thereof, a polymeric seal member surrounding at least a peripheral portion of a transparent glass substrate, the polymeric seal having interlocking portions. A method of installing the encapsulated vehicle window assembly in a vehicle body opening is also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The present application describes and claims an item of hardware suitable for bonding to a substrate such as a vehicle glazing. The item of hardware of the invention helps to ensure that the adhesive applied is effectively contained and utilized for its intended purpose. A preferred type of adhesive is also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a molded trim assembly for a vehicle, which trim assembly has a molded polymeric frame with a bright trim piece integrally molded therein, which integral assembly is molded onto a vehicle window and can thereafter be installed in an opening in the vehicle body.

Abstract: A flush-flush horizontal vehicle window assembly is provided that includes a sliding panel with guide pins, formed with a load-bearing shoulder, on sliding panel corners, and a frame defining a window opening. The frame is attached to two fixed panels. Upper/lower tracks are attached above/below the window opening. Each track has a leading and a trailing guide path formed through a surface of the respective tracks, where the pins partially project into the guide paths and where load-bearing shoulder surfaces smoothly and reliably slide on the track surfaces. Each leading guide path is “S” shaped and each trailing guide path is shaped in a perpendicular manner at one end, which causes the sliding panel to smoothly enter and seal the window opening in a flush manner. An aesthetically pleasing flush-flush slider results when the sliding panel is in the plane of the window opening and further in the plane of the outer vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A vehicle slider assembly has a frame, upon which a fixed panel and an upper and a lower track are attached, and a slider panel assembly that moves in the tracks. The frame defines a window opening that the moving slider panel assembly opens and closes. The interior surfaces of the frame provide constant sealing surfaces for seals attached to the outwardly directed slider panel surfaces. The lower horizontal portion of the frame is adjacent to the lower track and has drain holes through it. The lower track has a reservoir channel defined in it, such that, moisture that is interior to the vehicle slider assembly accumulates in the reservoir channel and flows through the drain holes to the exterior of the vehicle slider assembly. An appliqué may be disposed over the exterior of the lower frame portion so that the flow of the moisture is hidden in an unencumbered and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: A flush-flush horizontal vehicle window assembly is provided that includes a sliding panel with guide pins, formed with a load-bearing shoulder, on sliding panel corners, and a frame defining a window opening. The frame is attached to two fixed panels. Upper/lower tracks are attached above/below the window opening. Each track has a leading and a trailing guide path formed through a surface of the respective tracks, where the pins partially project into the guide paths and where load-bearing shoulder surfaces smoothly and reliably slide on the track surfaces. Each leading guide path is “S” shaped and each trailing guide path is shaped in a perpendicular manner at one end, which causes the sliding panel to smoothly enter and seal the window opening in a flush manner. An aesthetically pleasing flush-flush slider results when the sliding panel is in the plane of the window opening and further in the plane of the outer vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A flush-flush horizontal vehicle window assembly is provided that includes a sliding panel with guide pins, formed with a load-bearing shoulder, on sliding panel corners, and a frame defining a window opening. The frame is attached to two fixed panels. Upper/lower tracks are attached above/below the window opening. Each track has a leading and a trailing guide path formed through a surface of the respective tracks, where the pins partially project into the guide paths and where load-bearing shoulder surfaces smoothly and reliably slide on the track surfaces. Each leading guide path is “S” shaped and each trailing guide path is shaped in a perpendicular manner at one end, which causes the sliding panel to smoothly enter and seal the window opening in a flush manner. An aesthetically pleasing flush-flush slider results when the sliding panel is in the plane of the window opening and further in the plane of the outer vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A partial and a full drop vertical vehicle slider assembly are provided that do not require a horizontal beltline support member. For the partial drop assembly, two fixed panels each with a division member, an upper header member, and a horizontal vehicle body opening edge abut to form the slider panel opening. For the full drop assembly, an upper header member, two upper slider assembly side members, and a horizontal vehicle body opening edge abut one another to form a slider panel opening. In both cases, the horizontal vehicle body opening edges have seals attached, through which a slider panel vertically slides up and spans the vertical extent of the slider panel opening to close the slider assembly, and slides down into the vehicle body to open the slider panel opening. In the case of the full drop assembly, unimpaired backlite viewing is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle slider assembly has a frame, upon which a fixed panel and an upper and a lower track are attached, and a slider panel assembly that moves in the tracks. The frame defines a window opening that the moving slider panel assembly opens and closes. The interior surfaces of the frame provide constant sealing surfaces for seals attached to the outwardly directed slider panel surfaces. The lower horizontal portion of the frame is adjacent to the lower track and has drain holes through it. The lower track has a reservoir channel defined in it, such that, moisture that is interior to the vehicle slider assembly accumulates in the reservoir channel and flows through the drain holes to the exterior of the vehicle slider assembly. An appliqué may be disposed over the exterior of the lower frame portion so that the flow of the moisture is hidden in an unencumbered and aesthetically pleasing manner.