Abstract: A method of making a glazing subassembly includes disposing a sheet of masking material over at least one surface of a glass panel and cutting through the masking material along a path between a central region of the pane and a peripheral region of the pane. The method may incorporate a laser to cut the masking material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for masking glazing panels while leaving a peripheral region free of masking material. The method can include providing a masking material and applying the masking material to at least one major surface of the glazing panel. The glazing panel can be either a single glass pane or a multi-pane insulating glass unit. After application to at least one major surface, a laser can be used to describe a closed path on the major surface, thereby cutting or scoring the masking material through to the glass major surface. The path demarcates a central, masked region from a peripheral masked region of the glazing panel. In one method, the laser cuts a muntin bar pattern having several central regions. The laser power can be selected and/or adjusted such that the masking material is burned through, without damage to the underlying glass material and any coatings on the glass material.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is shown comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart glass panes and a spacer peripherally joining the glass panes to each other. The spacer is a tubular structure, and may include a particulate desiccant filling at least a section of the interior and conforming to the interior configuration thereof to contribute compressive strength to the spacer. The spacer desirably is made from stainless steel sheeting having a thickness not greater than about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer includes side walls sealed to the glass panes and an outer wall extending between the side walls and having a sealant free portion between the side walls that extends substantially completely about the periphery of the glass unit.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is shown comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart glass-panes and a spacer peripherally joining the glass panes to each other. The spacer is a tubular structure, and may include a particulate desiccant filling at least a section of the interior and conforming to the interior configuration thereof to contribute compressive strength to the spacer. The spacer desirably is made from stainless steel sheeting having a thickness not greater than about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer includes side walls sealed to the glass panes and an outer wall extending between the side walls and having a sealant free portion between the side walls that extends substantially completely about the periphery of the glass unit.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is shown comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart glass panes and a spacer peripherally joining the glass panes to each other. The spacer is a tubular structure, and may include a particulate desiccant filling at least a section of the interior and conforming to the interior configuration thereof to contribute compressive strength to the spacer. The spacer desirably is made from stainless steel sheeting having a thickness not greater than about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer includes side walls sealed to the glass panes and an outer wall extending between the side walls and having a sealant free portion between the side walls that extends substantially completely about the periphery of the glass unit.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is shown comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart glass panes and a spacer peripherally joining the glass panes to each other. The spacer is a tubular structure, and may include a particulate desiccant filling at least a section of the interior and conforming to the interior configuration thereof to contribute compressive strength to the spacer. The spacer desirably is made from stainless steel sheeting having a thickness not greater than about 0.005 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer includes side walls sealed to the glass panes and an outer wall extending between the side walls and having a sealant free portion between the side walls that extends substantially completely about the periphery of the glass unit.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit comprising a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart glass panes and a spacer-sealant assembly peripherally joining the glass panes to one another and defining with the glass panes a gas-containing interpane space. The spacer comprises a first web whose edges are joined to confronting surfaces of the glass panes by primary sealant strips, the first web and sealant providing a barrier having a permeance to air and interpane gas of not greater than about 0.06 cubic inches/year-inch-arm, and providing a first thermal path having a thermal resistance of not less than about 8 hr-.degree.F.-ft/Btu. The unit is free from peripheral structure providing a separate parallel thermal path having a thermal resistance less than about two and one-half times that of the first thermal path.

Abstract: Apparatus to accept, hold and release a basketball in game playing situations requiring a "jump ball". The primary components of the apparatus are: a suspension frame; a telescoping elevator unit carried beneath the frame; a basketball accepting, holding and releasing mechanism carried coaxially within the elevator unit; a hoist mechanism for the elevator unit; and, an electrical system for actuating ball release and the hoist mechanism and for signalling the operative condition of the apparatus.