Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with an array of spacers/pillars between opposing glass sheets. At least some of the spacers/pillars are coated on at least one surface thereof with a dry lubricant and/or reflective material such as silver. This coating permits the glass sheet(s) to move relative to one another during thermal expansion while minimizing the degree to which the spacers/pillars scratch or crack the glass during such relative movement. A method of making an exemplary spacer/pillar includes transforming by chemical reaction silver ions on a core into a metallic silver coating thereby resulting in a coated spacer/pillar.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. At least a first edge seal portion is provided on at least one of two glass substrates prior to S tempering. When the substrate(s) are thermally tempered, the high tempering temperatures achieved cause the first seal portion to diffuse into or bond to the substrate. Thereafter, after substantial cooling of the substrate(s) and during assembly of the vacuum IG unit, a secondary heating is performed to form a hermetic edge/peripheral seal using at least the first seal portion (additional seal material(s) may be applied in certain embodiments before the secondary heating step).

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. In certain embodiments, the peripheral or edge seal may include an alkali silicate, thereby enabling low cure temperatures to be used in forming the seal. This allows tempered glass substrates to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength, even after the seal is formed. In certain alternative embodiments, at least one spacer/pillar of the vacuum IG unit may be made of or include an alkali silicate.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. In certain embodiments, the internal cavity is evacuated (i.e., pumped out) via a pump-out aperture. A cover with one or more sealing element(s) may be provided over the pump-out aperture so that during the pump-out process air flows out of the internal cavity and through space(s) between adjacent sealing elements or sealing element portions. Following evacuation or pumping out, the sealing element(s) is/are heated and the sealing member may be pressed downwardly toward the substrate. This causes the heat-softened sealing element(s) to expand horizontally and merge with one another so as to form a hermetic seal around the pump-out aperture and between the sealing member and the substrate.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. Spacers between the substrates are colored (e.g. color tinted) so as to more closely match a color of either a substrate(s) or a low-E coating provided on one of the substrates.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. A plurality of fiber spacers (e.g. glass fibers) are provided between first and second opposing substrates in order to space the substrates from one another and maintain a low pressure space therebetween. The fiber spacers may be randomly distributed in a viewing area of the unit, or distributed in approximately uniform rows and/or columns in different embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the fibers may be substantially transparent to certain wavelengths of visible light to render the IG unit more aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with a plurality of spacers/pillars between opposing substrates. The spacers/pillars function (i) to support and space the substrates from one another, and (ii) as a getter to adsorb gas(es) located within the low pressure space between the substrates. Such spacers/pillars may be formed of one-piece getter inclusive material, or may be multi-piece including a getter coating.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method-of making the same. An edge-mounted pump-out structure is provided, including a pre-positionable insert capable of receiving a pump-out tube therein. Following formation of the edge-mounted pump-out structure and its positioning on the unit, an edge seal is formed for hermetically sealing off the low pressure space located between the substrates.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. In certain embodiments, single crystal spacers (e.g., of aluminum oxide) are provided between opposing substrates so as to maintain a low pressure space therebetween. The single crystal nature of the spacers enables them to be small enough so that they are not visibly obtrusive, and yet strong enough to maintain the low pressure space. In certain embodiments, the spacers may be of a hexagonal platelet shape.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. A plurality of substantially transparent sapphire or Al2O3 inclusive spacers or pillars are provided between the opposing glass substrates. The translucent characteristics of the spacers/pillars enable them to be more aesthetically pleasing, while at the same time being strong enough to support the opposing substrates and withstand the applicable forces of atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. At least a first edge seal portion is provided on at least one of two glass substrates prior to tempering. When the substrate(s) are thermally tempered, the high tempering temperatures achieved cause the first seal portion to diffuse into or bond to the substrate. Thereafter, after substantial cooling of the substrate(s) and during assembly of the vacuum IG unit, a secondary heating is performed to form a hermetic edge/peripheral seal using at least the first seal portion (additional seal material(s) may be applied in certain embodiments before the secondary heating step).