Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to an insulating glass (IG) unit. A spacer system is interposed between first and second substrates. The spacer system helps to maintain the first and second substrates in substantially parallel spaced apart relation to one another, and to define a cavity between the first and second substrates. A desiccant material is located in a body of the spacer system, with the desiccant material comprising a desiccant matrix and a molecular sieve replacement material formed for adsorption at a relative humidity of 10-20%. The molecular sieve replacement material may be a salt or other material (such as, for example, MgCl2, CaCl2, CaO, MgSO4, and/or the like). The cavity may be primarily filled with an inert gas (such as Ar, Kr, Xe, or the like) or a reactive gas (such as CO2). An electrostatically-driven dynamic shade may be provided in the cavity.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and layers on opposing surfaces thereof. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for sealing insulating glass (IG) units via an adhesive. The adhesives of certain example embodiments may be applied to the inner surface(s) of the substrates that form the IG unit and/or an outer surface of the spacer, without first priming and/or cleaning the surface(s). These adhesives may be silanol-inclusive moisture-cured adhesives. In certain example instances, the adhesive may be moisture-cured at ambient or other conditions such that the component and the substrate are adapted to survive large temperature fluctuations and vibrational shocks.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a modular window assembly for an opening in a structure comprises a main structural frame defining an electrical enclosure and being mountable to the structure, a removable exterior frame mountable to the main structural frame and defining an angled lip for water runoff, the removable exterior frame being configured to secure an outer glass pane of a set of glass panes of the modular window assembly, an insulating feature between the main structural frame and the removable exterior frame and configured to prevent thermal conduction therebetween, and at least one vapor neutralizer between the main structural frame and the removable exterior frame and configured to prevent moisture from accumulating within the modular window assembly. One primary benefit of this modular window assembly is the ability to swap out some or all of the set of glass panes and replace them with new glass technology as developed.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a sliding window assembly (e.g., of the type found in utility cabs or other vehicles), and methods of making the same. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole being defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. Elongated upper and lower rails connected to the fixed panel include upper and lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top and bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. Forward and rear end details are provided to each of the upper and lower rails proximate to the hole for slidingly receiving, in respective channels formed therein, the at least one top and bottom pins. The slidable panel is laterally movable when being opened via the respective rail channels provided to the upper and lower rails.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided in certain example embodiments.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for bonding automotive brackets for sensors, rear view mirrors, and/or other components to an interior surface of the glass. The adhesive films of certain example embodiments may be film-based adhesives that may be die-cut and pre-applied to the brackets or components. They may have a good initial adhesion or green strength immediately upon contact with the glass. In certain example instances, the films may be applied and successfully bond to the glass at near ambient temperature conditions to a strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for the component in under 72 hours.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for bonding automotive brackets to a surface of a glass substrate. The adhesives of certain example embodiments may be applied to the surface(s) of the bracket and/or substrate without first priming and/or cleaning the surface(s). These adhesives may be silanol-inclusive moisture-cured adhesives. In certain example instances, the adhesive may be moisture-cured at ambient or other conditions such that the component and the substrate are adapted to remain adhered to each other upon application of high shear forces thereto, even after prolonged exposure to a high temperature and high humidity environment.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for sealing insulating glass (IG) units via an adhesive. The adhesives of certain example embodiments may be applied to the inner surface(s) of the substrates that form the IG unit and/or an outer surface of the spacer, without first priming and/or cleaning the surface(s). These adhesives may be silanol-inclusive moisture-cured adhesives. In certain example instances, the adhesive may be moisture-cured at ambient or other conditions such that the component and the substrate are adapted to survive large temperature fluctuations and vibrational shocks.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for bonding automotive brackets for sensors, rear view mirrors, and/or other components to an interior surface of the glass. The adhesive films of certain example embodiments may be film-based adhesives that may be die-cut and pre-applied to the brackets or components. They may have a good initial adhesion or green strength immediately upon contact with the glass. In certain example instances, the films may be applied and successfully bond to the glass at near ambient temperature conditions to a strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for the component in under 72 hours.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for bonding automotive brackets for sensors, rear view mirrors, and/or other components to an interior surface of the glass. The adhesive films of certain example embodiments may be film-based adhesives that may be die-cut and pre-applied to the brackets or components. They may have a good initial adhesion or green strength immediately upon contact with the glass. In certain example instances, the films may be applied and successfully bond to the glass at near ambient temperature conditions to a strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for the component in under 72 hours.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a window assembly for a vehicle. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. An elongated upper rail includes first and second upper rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top pin attached to the slidable panel. An elongated lower rail includes first and second lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. The upper and lower rails are connected to the fixed panel. The first upper rail channel and the first lower rail channel are provided at a first depth and the second upper rail channel and the second lower rail channel are provided at a second depth. The slidable panel is substantially flush with the fixed panel when closed, but is slightly inwardly and laterally movable when being opened.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a window assembly for a vehicle. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. An elongated upper rail includes first and second upper rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top pin attached to the slidable panel. An elongated lower rail includes first and second lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. The upper and lower rails are connected to the fixed panel. The first upper rail channel and the first lower rail channel are provided at a first depth and the second upper rail channel and the second lower rail channel are provided at a second depth. The slidable panel is substantially flush with the fixed panel when closed, but is slightly inwardly and laterally movable when being opened.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a window assembly for a vehicle. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. An elongated upper rail includes first and second upper rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top pin attached to the slidable panel. An elongated lower rail includes first and second lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. The upper and lower rails are connected to the fixed panel. The first upper rail channel and the first lower rail channel are provided at a first depth and the second upper rail channel and the second lower rail channel are provided at a second depth. The slidable panel is substantially flush with the fixed panel when closed, but is slightly inwardly and laterally movable when being opened.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a sliding window assembly (e.g., of the type found in utility cabs or other vehicles), and methods of making the same. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole being defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. Elongated upper and lower rails connected to the fixed panel include upper and lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top and bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. Forward and rear end details are provided to each of the upper and lower rails proximate to the hole for slidingly receiving, in respective channels formed therein, the at least one top and bottom pins. The slidable panel is laterally movable when being opened via the respective rail channels provided to the upper and lower rails.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided in certain example embodiments.