Abstract: A window sealing system and method for use in sealing insulating glass units (IGUs) is disclosed herein. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, and a sealant dispensing apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The sealant dispensing apparatus comprises a pivotable dispensing apparatus for dispensing sealant onto an IGU. The system further including a vision system, coupled to the sealant dispensing apparatus, for monitoring physical properties of the sealant during sealant application.

Abstract: A fluid exchanging system and method for use in exchanging fluids in insulating glass units (IGUs). The fluid exchanging system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, an optical sensor system, coupled to the articulating arm, for identifying an opening in a spacer frame of an IGU, and a fluid exchanging apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The fluid exchanging apparatus also includes a fluid exchanging head for evacuating atmospheric air from the IGU and dispensing fluid into the IGU.

Abstract: A window sealing system and method for use in sealing insulating glass units (IGUs) is disclosed herein. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, and a sealant dispensing apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The sealant dispensing apparatus comprises a pivotable dispensing apparatus for dispensing sealant onto an IGU. The system further including a vision system, coupled to the sealant dispensing apparatus, for monitoring physical properties of the sealant during sealant application.

Abstract: A window sealing system and method for use in sealing insulating glass units (IGUs) is disclosed herein. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, and a sealant dispensing apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The sealant dispensing apparatus comprises a pivotable dispensing apparatus for dispensing sealant onto an IGU. The system further including a vision system, coupled to the sealant dispensing apparatus, for monitoring physical properties of the sealant during sealant application.

Abstract: A fluid exchanging system and method for use in exchanging fluids in insulating glass units (IGUs). The fluid exchanging system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, an optical sensor system, coupled to the articulating arm, for identifying an opening in a spacer frame of an IGU, and a fluid exchanging apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The fluid exchanging apparatus also includes a fluid exchanging head for evacuating atmospheric air from the IGU and dispensing fluid into the IGU.

Abstract: A fluid exchanging system and method for use in exchanging fluids in insulating glass units (IGUs). The fluid exchanging system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, an optical sensor system, coupled to the articulating arm, for identifying an opening in a spacer frame of an IGU, and a fluid exchanging apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The fluid exchanging apparatus also includes a fluid exchanging head for evacuating atmospheric air from the IGU and dispensing fluid into the IGU.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated from succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a head arrangement having a body with first and second ends, the first end for coupling to a cylinder that advances and retracts the head arrangement in a reciprocating motion during operation. The second end includes an annular wedge-shaped ridge for coupling to a second annular wedge-shaped ridge of a die support, collectively the wedge-shaped ridge and second wedge-shaped ridge form a contact region to form a torus surface. The die support has at least one die for engaging a spacer frame assembly during operation. The apparatus further comprises a collar having a torus-shaped recess corresponding with the torus surface to nest and couple the body to the die support.

Abstract: A fluid exchanging system and method for use in exchanging fluids in insulating glass units (IGUs). The fluid exchanging system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, an optical sensor system, coupled to the articulating arm, for identifying an opening in a spacer frame of an IGU, and a fluid exchanging apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The fluid exchanging apparatus also includes a fluid exchanging head for evacuating atmospheric air from the IGU and dispensing fluid into the IGU.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming folds at a corner in a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a carriage supporting first and second crimping fingers. The crimping fingers are spaced about a path of travel for the passage of metal strips during operation. The apparatus comprises an encoder to determine a velocity of the strips, and a motor coupled to a ball screw assembly. The ball screw assembly moves the carriage during operation along the path of travel. The apparatus comprises an electrical gearing arrangement for accelerating the carriage along the path. The electrical gearing arrangement includes a controller and a double acting rack assembly, the controller being coupled to the motor, the encoder, and the double rack assembly. The double rack assembly simultaneously actuates the fingers at a direction substantially transverse to the path.

Abstract: A window sealing system and method for use in sealing insulating glass units (IGUs) is disclosed herein. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, and a sealant dispensing apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The sealant dispensing apparatus comprises a pivotable dispensing apparatus for dispensing sealant onto an IGU. The system further including a vision system, coupled to the sealant dispensing apparatus, for monitoring physical properties of the sealant during sealant application.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated from succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated front succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a head arrangement having a body with first and second ends, the first end for coupling to a cylinder that advances and retracts the head arrangement in a reciprocating motion during operation. The second end includes an annular wedge-shaped ridge for coupling to a second annular wedge-shaped ridge of a die support, collectively the wedge-shaped ridge and second wedge-shaped ridge form a contact region to form a torus surface. The die support has at least one die for engaging a spacer frame assembly during operation. The apparatus further comprises a collar having a torus-shaped recess corresponding with the torus surface to nest and couple the body to the die support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming folds at a corner in a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a carriage supporting first and second crimping fingers. The crimping fingers are spaced about a path of travel for the passage of metal strips during operation. The apparatus comprises an encoder to determine a velocity of the strips, and a motor coupled to a ball screw assembly. The ball screw assembly moves the carriage during operation along the path of travel. The apparatus comprises an electrical gearing arrangement for accelerating the carriage along the path. The electrical gearing arrangement includes a controller and a double acting rack assembly, the controller being coupled to the motor, the encoder, and the double rack assembly. The double rack assembly simultaneously actuates the fingers at a direction substantially transverse to the path.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated front succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.

Abstract: A system for abrading and scoring glass. An abrading/scoring station includes a table for supporting a large sheet of glass on a generally flat support. A first tool support moves an abrading tool for abrading a coating material from the glass. A second tool support moves a scoring or cutting tool that scores a region of the glass. By coordinating a movement of the first and second tool supports with respect to a piece of glass, a controller causes the respective tools to first abrade and then score controlled paths on the piece of glass while avoiding contact between the first and second tool supports and their respective tools.

Abstract: A system for abrading and scoring glass. An abrading/scoring station includes a table for supporting a large sheet of glass on a generally flat support. A first tool support moves an abrading tool for abrading a coating material from the glass. A second tool support moves a scoring or cutting tool that scores a region of the glass. By coordinating a movement of the first and second tool supports with respect to a piece of glass, a controller causes the respective tools to first abrade and then score controlled paths on the piece of glass while avoiding contact between the first and second tool supports and their respective tools.

Abstract: An electronic lock employs an electronic latch for operating the lock bolt. The lock utilizes a flexible member linked between a portion of the lock bolt and a solenoid device. Upon retraction of a solenoid driver, the flexible member pulls the deadlocking lever for latch retraction. When the flexible member is released by the driver, the bolt can extend for a subsequent opening.

Abstract: An electronic lock employs an electronic latch for operating the lock bolt. The lock utilizes a flexible member linked between a portion of the lock bolt and a solenoid device. Upon retraction of a solenoid driver, the flexible member pulls the deadlocking lever for latch retraction. When the flexible member is released by the driver, the bolt can extend for a subsequent opening.