Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling a small number of custom sealed double glazing units in which spacers can have different widths and panes of different assemblies can be differently sized. In accordance with one method of the invention, a spacer having sealant on opposing surfaces thereof is adhered to a first glass pane and a resilient member is positioned alongside a portion of the spacer. A second glass pane is positioned over the spacer so that it is partially adhered to the spacer to define an interpane space around which the spacer is adhered, but with the resilient member preventing contact with the whole of the spacer, so maintaining a gap between a portion of the spacer and the second glass pane. The resulting assembly is moved into a gas exchange chamber, and air is removed from the chamber and accordingly also the interpane space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling a small number of custom sealed double glazing units in which spacers can have different widths and panes of different assemblies can be differently sized. In accordance with one method of the invention, a spacer having sealant on opposing surfaces thereof is adhered to a first glass pane and a resilient member is positioned alongside a portion of the spacer. A second glass pane is positioned over the spacer so that it is partially adhered to the spacer to define an interpane space around which the spacer is adhered, but with the resilient member preventing contact with the whole of the spacer, so maintaining a gap between a portion of the spacer and the second glass pane. The resulting assembly is moved into a gas exchange chamber, and air is removed from the chamber and accordingly also the interpane space.

Abstract: A method of producing multi-pane glass units having a non-air gas in the interpane space. The method includes the steps of assembling several glass units, each of which has a pair of spaced glass panes and a peripheral spacer. A separator device is interposed between one of the panes and the peripheral spacer of each of the units. When the units have been so assembled, a vacuum is drawn on the units in an evacuable chamber to remove substantially all of the air from the interpane spaces. The chamber is then refilled with a suitable gas, such as argon, to refill the interpane space of each of the units. The separator is then removed from the glass units, to close the opening between the pane and the peripheral spacer of each unit, thereby completely sealing the interpane space of each unit from the vacuum chamber environment. The units can then be removed from the vacuum chamber and further processed.

Abstract: The inventon relates to a method of producing a plurality of multi-pane insulating glass assemblies in which the assemblies are formed into a self-supporting unit for further fabrication. Each assembly is provided with at least one exteriorly accessible opening, and the assemblies, supporting one another in surface-to-surface contact, are moved along a conveyor as a unit into a vacuum chamber. Vacuum is drawn on the unit to evacuate each interpane space, following which a gas having coefficient of thermal conductivity lower than that of air is introduced into the chamber to fill the interpane spaces of the glass assemblies. The assemblies as a unit are then conveyed out of the vacuum chamber and the exteriorly accessible openings are sealed.