Abstract: An apparatus for protection of an elongated structural support from impact, the apparatus includes an elongated impact protection component in the form of a unitary part having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of orthogonally-oriented projections spaced along a length of the elongated impact protection component. The projections of the elongated impact protection component include integrally formed connectors for interlocking connection to other same type impact protection components.

Abstract: Precast blocks with a rectangular or quadrangular prism shape contain a normal weight hydraulic concrete casing, lightweight concrete or similar material, for building walls or slabs. The steel-reinforced blocks for walls, mezzanine or rooftop slabs have the length of the wall or slab to build. An acoustic, thermal-insulating lightweight material housed in the interior simultaneous provides for blocks sufficiently lightweight to transport and install manually on-site. For walls, the blocks are tongued and grooved on the top and bottom sides and placed horizontally one on top of the other using block or similar adhesive therebetween. In the corners or “T” intersections, blocks are alternatively placed and form armed headframes for stability and resistance. For blocks for slabs, the tongue and groove system is on the sides, installed one beside the other, using block or similar adhesive therebetween. Transversal rods to the slab are placed to avoid temperature retraction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to support members for ceiling systems, such as those that can be formed into an interconnected grid to be suspended from a ceiling and support ceiling tiles. One aspect of the disclosure is a linearly-extending support member for a ceiling tile.

Abstract: A gutter cover system including a mounting bracket, gutter clip, and a cover piece. The mounting bracket attaches into the internal space within the gutter and is attached to a structural portion of the building to which the gutter is attached. The clip helps secure the bracket within the lip of the gutter. The bracket includes a structural tower for supporting the upper portion of the cover and a receiver platform for receiving a lower portion of the cover. The cover is non-uniform and includes several structural ridges to provide structural integrity.

Abstract: A system for removing shingles on a roof is provided. One embodiment includes a navigational apparatus for traversing the roof and a roof shingle removal apparatus attached to the navigational apparatus for removing the shingles. The improved removal apparatus pries existing shingles from the roof, and then stores the shingles in a debris bin before emptying the shingles in a precise location.

Abstract: A building construction system of includes a prefinished exterior weather-tight insulating skin (panel), a cavity and structural zone where electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, data/audio systems can run freely and be modified, and a prefinished interior wall panel which is easily removable allowing access to the cavity and structural zone. The exterior and interior panels are mounted to structural components and create the cavity therebetween.

Abstract: A tile aligning and leveling system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: A floor panel for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor covering consists of floor panels, which, on at least one pair of edges, are provided with coupling parts. The coupling parts substantially are manufactured from the material of the floor panel, and the coupling parts are configured such that two such floor panels, at the pair of edges, can be installed and locked to each other by means of a downward movement and/or by means of the fold-down principle.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, system and method for creating an airtight seal between a jamb and a siding panel on an exterior wall. An apparatus for creating an airtight seal between a jamb and a siding panel on an exterior wall comprises a stop bead running a length of the jamb. The stop bead has an at least partially flexible spacing strip and a rigid base panel. The rigid base panel is positioned to lay flat against the exterior wall. The at least partially flexible spacing strip is attached to an edge of the rigid base panel, and wherein the at least partially flexible spacing strip maintains a seal against the jamb.

Abstract: A baseboard element including a nose portion that includes a nose bottom section, a nose top section extending approximately parallel to the nose bottom section, and a nose face section extending between the nose bottom section and the nose top section. The baseboard element also can include a riser portion comprising a riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the nose top section, and a riser bend extending between the riser section and the nose top section of the nose portion. The baseboard section additionally can include a wall groove portion comprising a groove front section extending approximately parallel to the riser section of the riser portion, a groove back section extending approximately parallel to the groove front section, a groove bottom bend extending between the groove front section and the groove back section, and a groove top bend extending between the groove front section and the riser section of the rise portion. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ramp and platform interface, includes a platform side defining one or more slots, the upper end of the one or more slots defined by a downwardly and inwardly extending lip; at least one support flange including a body, a lip disposed at the top edge of the body, and a flange section outwardly extending from the body, wherein the at least one support flange is selectively mounted to the platform side via the one or more slots; and a ramp section defining a support surface on a top side thereof and one or more support flange engagement structure on the bottom side thereof, wherein the ramp section is disposed in a supporting relationship with the platform side via cooperation of the flange section and the support flange engagement structure.

Abstract: A foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal and ribs forming a continuous monolithic structure. An anchoring system under the ribs with anchoring the foundation to the ground by anchoring elements connected to rock anchors, soil anchors, piles or the like. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.

Abstract: A drain assembly can be installed in a wall for containing an artificial body of water, such as a pool bottom and/or sidewalls. The drain assembly can be used with a water circulation system for the artificial body of water. The drain assembly has a plaster attachment device for securing a plaster mixture to the drain assembly. The plaster mixture can substantially match or look similar to the surface of the pool bottom and/or sidewalls.

Abstract: A swim lane apparatus having one or more attachment or tethering devices. The one or more attachment or tethering devices are configured to couple or affix to a foundation of the pool. The swim lane apparatus has a first sidewall. The first sidewall is coupled to the one or more attachment or tethering devices. The first sidewall is configured to form a channel and direct a flow of water out of the channel when the flow of water enters the channel.

Abstract: A modular ballast system for supporting objects uses tubing such as pipes of appropriate size for the required ballast. Once in place, the empty pipes are filled with a watery mix (slurry) of sand, silt, gravel, soil, cement or other generally available material to generate a majority of the ballast weight. A two piece clamping mechanism provides fixed placement attachment points suitable for attachment by supported structures. The lower piece of the clamping mechanism sits under the ballast tubing and is designed to both support and disperse the anticipated weight of the objects with minimal impact on the surface beneath it. The upper piece of the clamping mechanism mates to the lower clamping piece and completes a full 360 degree collar around the ballast tubing to create a durable clamping mechanism that both captures the weight and position of the ballast tubing and prevents the ballast tubing from shifting.

Abstract: A pole stabilizing device for making a field repair on a pole includes a main vertical plate and left and right vertical brackets which are secured to each other to clamp against the pole and which are secured to the foundation of the pole.

Abstract: A funerary structure for containing funerary objects, which comprises a base framework provided with a plurality of profiled elements which are arranged along at least two directions and can be fixed to a supporting wall. The profiled elements delimit laterally at least one containment recess for funerary objects. There is at least one slab for closing the recess, which can be fixed, by virtue of fixing elements, to the base framework on the opposite side with respect to the supporting wall.

Abstract: A portable protective enclosure and a method of using the enclosure is presented. The enclosure may include a plurality of walls extending around and at least partially defining an interior space for being occupied by a user, and a top panel overlying and at least partially defining the space. The plurality of walls may include an entry wall and side walls. The entry wall may include a door flap moveable between open and closed positions. The side wall may include a window having a see-through material, and a window flap in a facing relationship with the window and moveable between open and closed positions. The enclosure may include a floor panel detachably joined to at least one of the walls by a fastener that is accessible from within the interior space, so that the floor panel is detachable from the walls from within the interior space.

Abstract: A fence structure has a plane extended from the top of a connecting board to a vertical pipe and an embedded opening formed at corresponding position for embedding the vertical pipe. A protective flange is protruded from each of two corresponding sides of the embedded opening, attached onto a horizontal pipe for passing the vertical pipe to an inner wall of a hole, and installed at a position in the same displacing direction when the angle of the vertical pipe is adjusted. The horizontal pipe is formed by a main body with an opening on the longitudinal side and a cover disposed at the opening position and coupled to the main body. While adjusting the angle of the fence, the vertical and horizontal pipes are prevented from hitting each other or scratching their outer surfaces. In addition, the time and labor of assembling the fence can be reduced.

Abstract: A low profile actuating window lock for casement windows having a longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing for the lock, wherein a fork component translates within the slot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle and the handle rotates along a plane perpendicular to the fork component, the handle pivotable about a restrictor arm that pivots relative to the casing, allowing the handle to rotate fully from the locked position to the unlocked position with low clearance from the window frame. The pivot points of the handle and restrictor arm configuration allow for an over center linkage that prevents back driving the casement window lock.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock body and a U-shaped shackle having a curved portion extending between first and second legs receivable in first and second shackle apertures in an upper portion of the lockbox body. The shackle has a guard wall affixed to an interior surface of the curved portion, the guard wall defining an interior arcuate wall surface extending forward and rearward from a central plane bisecting the shackle. The upper portion of the lock body includes first and second protruding projections at least partially surrounding the first and second shackle apertures and defining first and second upwardly diverging interior surfaces laterally aligned with the curved portion of the shackle. The lock body includes a latching mechanism configured to secure the shackle in a plurality of latched positions to adjust a distance between the first and second upwardly diverging interior surfaces and the curved portion of the shackle.

Abstract: A lock assembly that has a first lock state and a second lock state. The lock assembly includes a latch assembly that has a latch movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a handle operatively coupled to the latch to move the latch between the extended position and the retracted position. The lock assembly also includes a hub that is coupled to the handle for movement therewith, a member that is operatively coupled to the handle to permit or prevent movement of the latch, and a lock element. The member is engaged with the hub to permit or prevent movement of the hub. The lock element is engaged with the member in the second lock state such that the member prevents movement of the handle, and the lock element is disengaged from the member in the first lock state such that the member permits movement of the handle.

Abstract: A method for controlling door access in a gunshot event includes connecting door locks with a control device. Each door lock retains its unlocking authority when no gunshot event is detected. A gunshot event information containing the gunshot location is sent to the control device when the gunshot event is detected, and the control device reports the gunshot location to the police system. At least one of the door locks near the gunshot location is set to the locking state, and the unlocking authority of the at least one door lock is revoked. Furthermore, the control device simultaneously sets the door locks to a locking state or an unlocked state through physical connection with or disconnection from an unlocking device. When the unlocking device is removed, the control device enters a first priority emergency state, such that all door locks are set to the locking state and lose unlocking authority.

Abstract: An animal-resistant latching system for inhibiting animals from accessing food and food containing refuse within containers is disclosed. The device is composed of an access panel containing an opening to which is secured at least one latching members, a cam assembly, a cover, and a bracket. The latching members are positioned so as to inhibit access to the container when the member is in the latched position and allow access to the container when the member is in the unlatched position. The cam assembly communicates with the latching members so as to move the members between the latched and unlatched positions. The cover and bracket are dimensioned and positioned on the access panel in a predetermined manner so as allow human hands access to the cam assembly and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals.

Abstract: An exit device assembly for use in association with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface. The exit door assembly includes an exit device configured to be mounted on the surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member, a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a non-rigid device for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member.

Abstract: A release cable assembly having a release cable and an inertial locking device is provided. The release cable includes a cable wire configured to operably interconnect a release handle to a moveable latch release component of a latch assembly. The inertial locking device is configured to normally permit translational movement of the cable wire, via actuation of the release handle, to move the latch release component from a latched position to an unlatched position when the inertial locking device is exposed to an acceleration that is less than a predetermined acceleration threshold. When the inertial locking device is exposed to an acceleration exceeding the predetermined acceleration threshold, the inertial locking device prevents translational movement of the release cable, thereby preventing unintentional movement of the latch release component from the latched position to the unlatched position.

Abstract: A locking device and method for locking the locking device includes a lock for a door or a hatch for a hood of a motor vehicle. The lock having includes a locking mechanism that has a rotary latch and at least one pawl for blocking the rotary latch. The locking device includes a drive which allows the locking mechanism to be moved in such a way that a door gap or hatch gap can be narrowed in the closed state of the door or hatch. The lock is an electric lock that includes an electric drive which allows the locking mechanism to be brought into the main blocking position of the locking mechanism and/or allows the lock to be opened.

Abstract: A method for detecting a user's intention to lock or to unlock a door of a motor vehicle, using a detection device integrated into a handle of the door, including an ultra-high-frequency antenna, one face of which is situated close to a second outer locking surface or respectively a first outer unlocking surface of the handle, an ultra-high-frequency antenna matching circuit, an ultra-high-frequency signal generator and an electronic unit. The method includes determining a parameter representative of a ratio between a power of a signal transmitted by the ultra-high-frequency signal generator to the ultra-high-frequency antenna and a power of a signal reflected from the ultra-high-frequency antenna to the ultra-high-frequency signal generator, which powers are measured beforehand, and detecting the intention to lock or respectively to unlock when the parameter is higher than or lower than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A latch for a door of motor vehicle having a closing assembly adapted to cooperate with a latch striker comprising: a ratchet which can assume an opening position, in which ratchet enables engagement and disengagement between latch striker and a seat of ratchet, and a closing position, in which ratchet holds latch striker within seat; a first pawl rotatable about a first axis (B) and in a first rotation direction from a coupled position, in which it keeps, at least indirectly, ratchet in closing position and prevents disengagement of striker from seat, and a decoupled position, in which it permits the movement of ratchet from closing position to opening position; and a second pawl which cooperates with first pawl, cooperates with ratchet at least in a contact point (P) at least when ratchet is in closing position, and which is rotatable about a second axis (D) distinct from first axis (B).

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a vehicle having a cargo box and a tailgate movable between an open position and a closed position. The tonneau cover system includes a tonneau cover mountable to the vehicle and movable between deployed and open arrangements. In the deployed arrangement, the tonneau cover overlies the cargo box. In the open arrangement, the tonneau cover is opened for allowing access to the cargo box. A latch mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the latch mechanism secures the tonneau cover in the deployed arrangement, and an unlocked position in which the latch mechanism is released to allow movement of the tonneau cover into the open arrangement. The latch mechanism is biased in the unlocked position and comprises a tailgate contact positionable to engage the tailgate in the closed position to move the latch mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: A corner drive assembly for a window locking system includes a case, a corner transfer spring, and first and second arms. The case includes first and second legs aligned with respective first and second axes. The legs are joined by a corner portion having an outer relief surface that is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from a corner of a window frame. The spring is slidably disposed within the corner portion and has first and second ends slidable along the first and second axes, respectively. The first arm is disposed within the first leg, slidable along the first axis, and coupled to the first end of the spring. The second arm is within the second leg, slidable along the second axis, and coupled to the second end of the spring. The first and second arms are coupled to respective first and second link bars of the locking system.

Abstract: A casement window opening control device including a sash sub-assembly and a frame sub-assembly. The device is self-locating by aligning the bottom end of each sub-assembly with physical features of the window. This saves time and effort in installation by not requiring any measurements to ensure that an engaging feature of the limiting arm of the device is aligned with an engaging feature of the frame sub-assembly so that the device properly reengages upon closing of the sash after release. Also, operation of the release of the travel limiting arm is intuitive, requiring only pressing in on a latch button and sliding it upwardly to effect release.

Abstract: A door closer system having a door closer that includes at least one sensor configured to sense an operating characteristic or condition relating to the door closer including a position or speed of displacement of at least a portion of the door closer or an associated entryway device. The sensor(s) can also provide information relating to the performance or condition of one or more components of the door closer, such as the operation of a backcheck mechanism, as well as tracking the number of door cycles. Information obtained by the sensor(s) of the door closer system can be communicated to a lockset device of an entryway control system. The lockset device can be configured to communicate information received from the door closer system to an access control system, which can in turn provide the communicated information to a management system.

Abstract: A one-piece hinge assembly (1) with a resilient torsion bar is provided. The one-piece hinge assembly (1) comprises a first hinge element (2A), a second hinge element (3A), and a torsion bar (6) that extends axially between the first hinge element (2A) and the second hinge element (3A). The second hinge element (3A) presents two load arms (8) that are constrained to pivot with the torsion bar. The first hinge element (2A) comprises a bearing body (9) that extends between the two load arms (8) and through which a middle portion of the torsion bar (6) passes.

Abstract: A multi-linkage vehicle door hinge and door hinge system for use in passenger vehicle entry/exit doors. The door hinge includes a first four bar linkage connected to a second four bar linkage. The door hinge operates to move a vehicle door panel between a closed position and an open position along a path of travel in a movement envelope that is parallel to the exterior surface of the vehicle. In one aspect, the door hinge provides twice as much lift as is required to package the door hinge in the vehicle. In another aspect, the door panel further rotates toward the vehicle centerline for applications having low vertical clearance. In another aspect, the door hinge includes a six-bar linkage.

Abstract: A hinge mountable between a door jamb and an edge of a door panel has a jamb part set in the jamb, and a panel part fixed to the panel. A first link has one end pivoted at a first jamb axis in the jamb part and an opposite end pivoted at a first panel axis in the panel part, and a second link has one end pivoted at a second jamb axis in the jamb part offset from the first jamb axis and an opposite end pivoted at a second panel axis in the panel part. The axes all are substantially parallel and offset horizontally from one another. The two links are not connected directly to one another between their ends. The first and second links are U-shaped in a central section between their ends.

Abstract: This invention provides a hinge assembly having variable friction resistance. The hinge assembly includes an elongated element having a generally cylindrical surface extending longitudinally. It also includes at least one torque element having a generally cylindrical surface compressively engaged with the cylindrical surface of the elongated element, the cylindrical surface of the at least one torque element having end portions. An actuator of the hinge assembly is configured for changing friction resistance generated by the at least one torque element by changing the relative position of the end portions of the at least one torque element, thus reducing compressive engagement between the cylindrical surface of the at least one torque element and the cylindrical surface of the elongated element.

Abstract: A hinge includes a fixed component defining a vertical axis. The fixed component includes a first support surface with a circular lug path and a first recess formed in the first support surface at an end of the circular lug path. The hinge also includes a pivotable component pivotable about the vertical axis and translationally movable along the vertical axis. The pivotable component includes a first lug extending from the pivotable component in a first direction. The first recess receives and constrains movement of the first lug. The first support surface supports the first lug along the circular lug path and constrains translational movement of the pivotable component in the first direction as the pivotable component pivots about the vertical axis. In the open position, the pivotable component is translationally movable in the first direction and the first lug is receivable into the first recess.

Abstract: An electromechanical door supporting system for temporarily maintaining a door in an open position having: a) a housing with an electric motor in communication with a power source; b) a base plate sized to pass underneath a swinging door; c) the base plate extending away from the housing; d) the electric motor causing rotational movement in a rod extending from inside the housing, to outside the housing and over a surface of the base plate; e) a door supporting element extending perpendicular to the extended rod; and f) the door supporting element being attached to the extended rod at a proximal location and extending over the surface of the base plate to a distal end so that rotation of the extended rod causes the distal end of the door supporting element to elevate above the base plate to secure an opened door.

Abstract: There is provided a damper device for a glove compartment has a housing, a damping unit, a rack member and a gear. An insertion hole is formed through a bottom surface of the housing. The damping unit has a case which is fixed to the housing, and a rotation shaft which extends into an inside of the housing. The rack member is removably installed to the housing and is movable back and forth with respect to the housing. The gear is removably coupled to the rotation shaft through the insertion hole of the housing and meshes with the rack member. The case has a boss which protrudes into the housing and is received in the inside of the housing. The gear has a non-gear portion which is inserted to the insertion hole, and a flange which is in contact with the bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: A touch sensor unit includes a pressure-sensitive sensor and a support that supports the pressure-sensitive sensor. The support includes a first portion that is folded and overlapped with a second portion of the support to at least partially enclosed and support the sensor. One of the first portion and the second portion includes a groove, and the other of the first portion and the second portion includes a projection that projects toward the groove. The projection is fitted into the groove.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car body includes a set of hopper and hopper discharges. Egress of lading from the discharges is governed by movable doors that swing between a closed position and an open position. The motion is driven by a mechanical transmission that is itself driven by an actuator. Each pair of doors is driven by a single actuator. The actuator is mounted to act through the center sill. A portion, or substantially all, of the actuator may be mounted in a predominantly squat, vertical orientation within the center sill. In alternate embodiments, the transmission output may be bifurcated. The center sill bottom flange may be narrower adjacent to the doors. The mechanism may have a secondary lock. The mechanism may have an auxiliary manual release.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a food storage chamber. A door is positioned on the cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A door opener includes an outer case fixedly mounted to the cabinet. The door opener also includes an inner case within the outer case that is movable relative to the outer case. A finger extends from the door opener towards the door. The door opener also includes a sensor that detects relative movement between the inner case and the outer case. The finger is positioned in contact with an inner surface of the door when the door is in the closed position and the door opener is in a zero position. The sensor detects movement of the inner case from the zero position of the door opener towards the back portion of the cabinet along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A window, shutter or door assembly including a window, shutter or door including a rigid surround frame with a number of peripheral sides and an adjustable mounting frame including at least one frame member relative to each peripheral side of the rigid surround frame of the window, shutter or door and movable relative thereto to abut part of a periphery of an opening into which the window, shutter or door assembly is to be fitted to adjust the size of the adjustable mounting frame in one or more dimensions to fit the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a construction profile for a window or door frame, the profile manufactured in a plastics material and comprising: —a main body extending in a longitudinal direction X; —one fixed and one removable clamping bracket, both clamping brackets protruding from said main body in direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and extending parallel to one another and at a distance of one another in the longitudinal direction X; —a pane receiving zone defined by, on the one hand, said clamping brackets and, on the other hand, a surface of said main body, the receiving zone configured to receive a side edge of a pane (the pane extending in the X-Y plane) to be clamped between said clamping brackets, —the fixed clamping bracket comprising a hollow body having at least two side walls, one facing the pane receiving zone and one facing away the pane receiving zone and defining an upper free end portion (configured to abut a pane received in the pane receiving zone) and a bas

Abstract: It is contemplated that the present invention provides a preassembled pocket door frame including a first vertical member, a second vertical member, an intermediary member having a vertically extending central slot, an upper member horizontally extending between the first vertical member and the second vertical member, and at least a pair of transverse braces, each transverse brace extending horizontally between the intermediary member and the second vertical member, each transverse brace having a moveable coupler operable such that each transverse brace is movable from a first, stowed position to a second, generally orthogonal position.

Abstract: A door includes a door frame, first and second door skins having rectangular outer peripheries and inner openings, and a frameless glazed unit received at the openings. The door skins include exterior surfaces facing away from the door frame and opposite interior surfaces facing and secured to opposite sides of the door frame. The exterior and interior surfaces of the first and second door skins establish integral lips and grooves of the first and second door skins. Opposite sides of the frameless glazed unit directly contact and are sealed by the integral lips and sealant and/or adhesive contained in the grooves of the first and second door skins.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to window spacer assemblies including surfaces with relatively high surface energy. In an embodiment, a window spacer assembly is included. The window spacer assembly including a spacer body having an inner surface, an outer surface, and lateral surfaces. The window spacer assembly further includes a first sealant disposed on the lateral surfaces. Portions of the window spacer assembly such as an outer surface or lateral surface of the spacer body and/or a moisture vapor barrier layer disposed over the outer surface can be treated to have a higher surface energy. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit (IGU) assembly line comprising a registration station capable of interleaving double and triple pane IGUs in accordance with an IOU production schedule. Visual indicators or prompts instruct operators at the assembly line in configuring a sequence of IGUs. Triple pane IGUs are assembled with minimal contamination of a center glass lite. A non-contact Bernoulli pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to the registration station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.