With Air Evacuation Between Laminae Patents (Class 156/104)
  • Patent number: 11331895
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laminating method and device for a display module, a display module and an electronic device. The laminating method includes steps of: laminating a second panel on a first surface of a first panel, and positioning the second panel relative to the first panel; and coating a bonding adhesive on a side surface of the second panel along an outer circumference of the second panel and curing the bonding adhesive to form a sealing frame adhesive on an outer circumference side of the second panel and the first surface of the first panel, so that the first panel and the second panel are bonded and fixed by the sealing frame adhesive, wherein a gap defined by the sealing frame adhesive, the first panel and the second panel is in a negative pressure state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN HITEVISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peiqi Zhang, Nana Ren, Hui Zhou
  • Patent number: 11254600
    Abstract: A glass panel unit manufacturing method includes a bonding step, a pressure reducing step, and a sealing step. The bonding step includes bonding together a first substrate including a wired glass pane and a second substrate including a non-wired glass pane with a first sealant in a frame shape to create an inner space. The pressure reducing step includes producing a reduced pressure in the inner space through an exhaust port that the first substrate has. The sealing step includes irradiating the second sealant with an infrared ray externally incident through the second substrate to seal the exhaust port up with the second sealant that has melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masataka Nonaka, Eiichi Uriu, Takeshi Shimizu, Haruhiko Ishikawa, Kazuya Hasegawa, Tasuku Ishibashi, Hiroyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 11187028
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing insulating glass units (IGUs) include providing an unsealed IGU assembly that has first and second sheets of glass material and at least one spacer frame between the first and second sheets and sealed to at least one of the first and second sheets. The unsealed IGU assembly defines an interpane space and an IGU passage providing fluid communication between the interpane space and an environment external to the interpane space. In some cases the method includes positioning a filling device next to the IGU passage and introducing a gas into the interpane space through the IGU passage using the filling device. In some cases the method includes delivering a sealing material or sealing structure to the IGU passage with the filling device to seal the interpane space. Corresponding systems for manufacturing IGUs are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PDSD IG Holding LLC
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 11149487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gasket for evacuation a void in a vacuum insulated glazing unit, a method for producing a vacuum insulated glazing unit, a gasket for use in the production of a vacuum insulated glazing unit and apparatus comprising an evacuation cup and a gasket. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of a gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Carsten Rud Jensen, Søren Vejling Andersen, Thibault De Rycke
  • Patent number: 11014847
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to improved seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy A. Dennis
  • Patent number: 10946621
    Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer glass laminate panel having two glass sheets with a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer sandwiched therebetween, the process comprising the steps of: providing two glass sheets; providing a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer, and inserting the interlayer between the two glass sheets to produce a laminate; removing air from the produced laminate; applying heat and pressure to the laminate for a hold time, wherein the laminate is free of bubbles at the edges of the laminate. The multilayer glass laminate panel has improved optical properties, and specifically reduced levels of edge defects, such as edge bubbles in the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Lu, Kok Leong William Aw, John Joseph D'Errico
  • Patent number: 10737477
    Abstract: A method for producing a bonded plate-shaped assembly includes retaining a pair of plate-shaped members facing each other by a pair of retaining base members; charging a photo-curable liquid material between the pair of plate-shaped members facing each other; causing movement of the pair of retaining base members by a retaining base member movement unit to cause the pair of plate-shaped members to draw close to each other to cause wetting spreading of the liquid material between the pair of plate-shaped members; detecting a wetting spreading state of the liquid material by a sensor; and illuminating curing light, in response to the result of detection, to the liquid material wettingly spread to the entire surfaces of the pair of plate-shaped members, to form the bonded plate-shaped assembly made up of the pair of plate-shaped members bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Dexerials Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Usui, Yoshihisa Shinya, Yasumi Endo
  • Patent number: 10704320
    Abstract: A method of producing a vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) unit comprising providing substantially parallel glass panes, a plurality of pillars, and a peripheral seal between the glass panes; providing an evacuation hole in a first glass pane for evacuating a void to a reduced pressure; covering the evacuation hole with an evacuation head comprising a heating element, the evacuation head having substantially hermetic contact to the first glass pane; arranging the glass panes, the plurality of pillars, the peripheral seal, and the evacuation head in an oven; heating the oven according to a predetermined profile of oven temperatures T1 and compensating for a difference in temperature between the temperatures T1 and a temperature T2 under the evacuation head by activating the heating element to increase the temperature T2 to equal the temperature T1; evacuating the void through the evacuation head after completion of the heating; and sealing the evacuation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Peter Sønderkær, Thomas Sejer Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 10703667
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating (e.g., from one or more substantially linear focused IR heat sources) is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC
    Inventor: David J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 10683693
    Abstract: Provided are a method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation glass panel and a device for closing a sealing cap, the method and the device being for exhausting air between two glass panels and sealing the same. The method for manufacturing a vacuum insulation glass panel, according to the present invention, heats the glass solder applied on the sealing cap before being put into a vacuum chamber, and then presses, by the operation of the elevating device, the sealing cap put into the vacuum chamber so as to join the sealing cap around the exhaust hole. The holder having the sealing cap is mounted in the clamping unit, and then the clamping unit is clamped to the glass panel assembly, thereby enabling the exhaust hole to be accurately closed with the sealing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Je Il Park
  • Patent number: 10633913
    Abstract: An arrangement for producing vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) unit and an evacuation cup suitable for such use as well as a method therefore is presented so as to provide a more uniform or homogeneous heating of the part of the glass pane containing the evacuation hole and possibly a soldering material arranged around the evacuation hole, in particular for the reason of preventing larger temperature gradients in the glass pane between the part covered by the evacuation cup and the remaining part and for avoiding excessive locale temperatures of the glass pane under the evacuation cup, which may be harmful the durability of the glass pane, in particular when the glass pane is made from tempered glass, where the tempering of the glass may be influenced by excessive temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Villiam Sejer Mikkelsen, Peter Sønderkær, Annette Johncock Krisko
  • Patent number: 10538954
    Abstract: Disclosed is an external inflator, comprising a lifting pillar (1). A wide fixing plate is provided on one side of the lifting pillar (1), and the wide fixing plate is fixedly connected to one end of a cableveyor (2); the lifting pillar (1) is sheathed with an upper inflating platform (3) and a lower inflating platform (5), wherein the upper inflating platform (3) is above the lower inflating platform (5), the upper inflating platform (3) is fixedly connected to the other end of the cableveyor (2); and a pressing and positioning assembly (4) is provided between the upper inflating platform (3) and the lower inflating platform (5); the lifting pillar (1) also fixes a lower supporting beam (6). The device is able to reduce the waste of inert gas, provide a stable gas-filled concentration, and satisfy the production requirements of large-size hollow glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TENON (BEIJING) EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haodong Zeng, Gang Liu, Yingjie Li
  • Patent number: 10427383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of bent glazed modules comprising a metal framework and a panel comprising a laminated glazing comprising glass substrates separated by an interlayer made of polymer material, the panel being bent, after the laminated glazing has been assembled, by a force which causes it to take the shape of the metal framework and then held in this shape by a holding means, the bending being carried out while the interlayer is at a temperature between 30 and 80° C. The invention reduces the loads necessary for the bending and also the shear stresses between the interlayer made of polymer material and the glass substrates, which reduces the risks of delamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Fabien Levasseur, Romain Decourcelle, Christophe Swiderski
  • Patent number: 10423153
    Abstract: A monitoring system for vacuum production line for laminated glass. In some examples, the system includes at least one data acquisition card, a towline, a controller, and a maintenance robot. A pressure detector and a valve are provided for each of the plurality of laminated glass units on the production line. The towline includes a composite rotary joint and an evacuation tube disposed therein. The controller receives data from the pressure detectors and determines if any of the laminated glass units has a leak condition. If a vacuum leak is detected, the controller can alert to the operator, and can also sends the maintenance robot to shut off the valve for the leaking laminated glass unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Harbin Yihua Power Plant Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianhua Gao
  • Patent number: 10155366
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged laminate including the process of cutting out a damaged section and replacing damaged section with a repair laminate, then covering the repair laminate with a vacuum bag having a heater disposed therein. Thereafter, applying heat and pressure to the repair laminate with the heater and vacuum bag to adequately debulk and cure the repair laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Denver R. Whitworth, Vance N. Cribb
  • Patent number: 10113354
    Abstract: A system for producing multiple-pane insulating glazing units can include a conveyor and a plurality of laterally spaced-apart processing stations that are movable transversely relative to the longitudinally extending conveyor line. Each processing station may assemble glazing panes and a glazing spacer into a partially fabricated glazing unit, deliver insulative gas to a between-pane space between the glazing panes, and press the partially fabricated glazing unit together to seal the insulative gas in the between-pane space and form the multiple-pane insulating glazing unit. In some examples, each processing station moves to an alignment position with the conveyor to load glazing panes and a glazing spacer and then performs individual fabrication steps while offset from the conveyor. During this time, a different processing station can be aligned with the conveyor to unload a fabricated multiple-pane insulating glazing units and/or load unassembled glazing panes and a glazing spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Curtis Lee Queck, Michael John Milewski, Robert Casper Buchanan
  • Patent number: 10105937
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vacuum ring for removing bubbles of a laminated assembly and a method for bonding the laminated assembly using the same. The vacuum ring includes an indented portion receiving a laminated assembly to be sealed, and an inner space of the indented portion is in communication with a vacuum source to remove the bubbles. The vacuum ring also includes projection members that are projected inside on the bottom of the indented portion at positions where the projection members are spaced upward from a lower end of the indented portion to receive the laminated assembly, and the projections members are spaced downward from the upper end of the indented portion. Further, the laminated assembly is produced by using the vacuum ring to achieve effective exhaustion by using an aperture formed between side ends of the projection members and the bonding cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sol Kim, Moon Jung Eo, Sang Hak Kim, Won Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 10022908
    Abstract: Resin layers and interlayers exhibiting enhanced adhesion to inorganic surfaces, such as glass, are provided. In some cases, the layers and interlayers may comprise at least one adhesion stabilizing agent for improving adhesion to various surfaces, even in the presence of moisture. Such layers and interlayers may be useful, for example, in multiple layer panels, such as, for example, safety glass used in automotive and architectural applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SOLUTIA INC.
    Inventors: Weihong Cui, Steven V. Haldeman, Francois Andre Koran, Pu Zhang
  • Patent number: 9994000
    Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer glass laminate panel having two glass sheets with a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer sandwiched therebetween, the process comprising the steps of: providing two glass sheets; providing a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer, and inserting the interlayer between the two glass sheets to produce a laminate; removing air from the produced laminate; applying heat and pressure to the laminate for a hold time, wherein the laminate is free of bubbles at the edges of the laminate. The multilayer glass laminate panel has improved optical properties, and specifically reduced levels of edge defects, such as edge bubbles in the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: SOLUTIA INC.
    Inventors: Jun Lu, Kok Leong William Aw, John Joseph D'Errico
  • Patent number: 9983427
    Abstract: A sealed, transparent electronic display assembly is disclosed. The assembly preferably contains a front and a rear transparent panel. The assembly also preferably has a spacer element that is positioned around a perimeter of, and sandwiched between, the front and rear transparent panels, thereby providing a gaseous seal. The transparent electronic display panel is positioned between the front and rear transparent panels. In an exemplary embodiment, a two way light guide would be used within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: William Dunn
  • Patent number: 9677320
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to evacuation and sealing techniques for VIG units, and/or multi-chamber vacuum ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a VIG assembly is inserted into a multi-chamber apparatus to successively reduce the chamber pressure and thus the pressure between substrates comprising the VIG assembly until a final evacuation pressure is reached. Once the final evacuation pressure is reached, a pump-out port or tube of the VIG assembly is sealed forming a VIG unit while the VIG assembly is still in the vacuum chamber. After sealing, chamber pressures are gradually increased to atmospheric while the gap between the substrates of the VIG unit remains at a pressure less than atmospheric which is close to the final evacuation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: David J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9668475
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocatalytic film including at least one polymer layer (1) including at least one photocatalyst, said layer being pervious to both the vapors of at least one fumigating compound and ultraviolet radiation capable of activating the photocatalyst. The present invention also relates to a method for treatment by fumigation using said photocatalytic film and at least one fumigant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventors: Patrick Charles, Thierry Fouillet
  • Patent number: 9540768
    Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes: a first transport unit that causes a first transport belt to circle around so as to transport a web containing a fiber; and a second transport unit that is disposed with a part thereof shifted from the first transport unit toward the downstream side in a transport direction of the web, sucks the web in a direction in which the web is spaced from the first transport belt, and transports the web. The second transport unit includes a suction unit that generates a suction force and a suction chamber which is positioned on an inner side of a second transport belt circling around and of which an inner space is sucked by the suction unit such that the web is adsorbed onto the second transport belt. A part of the suction chamber faces the first transport belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naotaka Higuchi, Shigeo Fujita
  • Patent number: 9428952
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which a variation in the final edge seal height is preferably 0.20 mm or less, more preferably about 0.15 mm or less. Controlling final edge seal height variations substantially reduces breakage of the glass substrates of the VIG window assembly during vacuum pump-down of the cavity between the glass substrates. Edge seal height variation may be controlled, for example, by controlling initial dispensing of green frit material, controlling temperature variations during firing, and/or controlling cycle times during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Dennis, Andrew W. Pantke
  • Patent number: 9327363
    Abstract: A method of making a bracket assembly for a brake assembly. The method may include rotary friction welding a mounting flange and/or a brake wing to a camshaft tube that may receive a camshaft for actuating a brake pad assembly. Rotation of the mounting flange, brake wing, and/or the camshaft tube about the axis may be controlled to fix an angular position of the mounting flange with respect to the camshaft tube within a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Moss
  • Patent number: 9221707
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating via at least one substantially two-dimensional array of heat sources is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Hong Wang, David J. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20150101736
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle laminated glass according to the present invention includes: stacking a thermal insulating film between two resin intermediate films; stacking these films between two curved glass plates, thereby forming a stacked body; degassing the stacked body; and, after the degassing, thermocompression bonding the stacked body by pressing and heating up to a maximum temperature of 120 to 150° C., wherein: the thermal insulating film has a heat shrinkage of 0.9 to 5% in a temperature range of 120 to 150° C.; the resin intermediate film is larger in area than the glass plates; and the stacked body is formed such that an edge part of the resin intermediate film protrudes outwardly by 1 mm or more from edges of the glass plates. It is possible by this method to prevent an appearance defect in the thermal insulating film throughout the entire circumference of the laminated glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kensuke IZUTANI, Satoshi NISHIYAMA, Kentaro IBI, Naoya MORI
  • Patent number: 9005389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for a bubble-free bonding of large-surface glass panes in an automatic production process. An embodiment of the device comprises: a) a pivoting bench plate having a securing device for receiving a glass pane, b) a barrier material application head having a camera for monitoring, at least one ventilation element being mounted by a mounting head, c) an adhesive metering and application head having a process control sensor for the application of adhesive, d) a gripping device having a covering plate gripper for receiving a covering plate, and e) a vacuum suction device and a closing device for the ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ritzka
  • Publication number: 20150099132
    Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer glass laminate panel having two glass sheets with a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer sandwiched therebetween, the process comprising the steps of: providing two glass sheets; providing a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer, and inserting the interlayer between the two glass sheets to produce a laminate; removing air from the produced laminate; applying heat and pressure to the laminate for a hold time, wherein the laminate is free of bubbles at the edges of the laminate. The multilayer glass laminate panel has improved optical properties, and specifically reduced levels of edge defects, such as edge bubbles in the laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SOLUTIA INC.
    Inventors: Jun Lu, Kok Leong William Aw, John Joseph D'Errico
  • Patent number: 8936057
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a substrate lamination system and method. A substrate lamination apparatus may comprise: (a) a vacuum chamber; (b) a flexible membrane; and (c) a substrate support. A system for laminating substrates may comprise: (a) a vacuum chamber; (b) a flexible membrane; (c) a substrate support; (d) a vacuum pump; (e) a compressor; and (f) a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out the steps: (i) evacuating the vacuum chamber; and (ii) applying pressure to at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Sampica, Paul R. Nemeth, Tracy J. Barnidge, Vincent P. Marzen
  • Publication number: 20150013882
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for laminating glass panels and a vacuum lamination device using the method. The method includes (1) providing a TFT substrate (240) and a CF substrate (220) to be laminated, the CF substrate (220) being coated with a seal resin (204), the TFT substrate (240) carrying liquid crystal (402) dropped thereon; (2) aligning and laminating the TFT substrate (240) and the CF substrate (220) in a vacuum environment to complete a lamination process; (3) applying UV light to transmit through the TFT substrate (240) for carrying out UV curing of the seal resin (204) interposed between the CF substrate (220) and the TFT substrate (240) so as to complete a UV curing process; (4) removing the laminated CF substrate (220) and the TFT substrate (240) that have been subjected to the UV curing process out of the vacuum environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Ma, Tao Song, Ming Liu, Guodong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8916017
    Abstract: A contoured glass sheet laminating system may include a glass-side vacuum bed, a laminate-side vacuum bed and a lamination actuator. The glass-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a mold-receiving side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the glass-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the mold-receiving side of the glass-side vacuum bed. The laminate-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a thin-film loading side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the laminate-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the thin-film loading side of the of the laminate-side vacuum bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, Nathaniel David Wetmore
  • Patent number: 8833105
    Abstract: A method for making a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which an exposed end of a pump-out tube of a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is sealed using a laser that is applied to the end of the pump out tube in controlled sequential manner as opposed to a short duration, high-powered application of a laser. In particular, a method is disclosed in which a multiphase sequential variable power application of laser energy to an exposed end of a pump-out tube for controlled exposure times and decreasing laser trace diameters produces a more controlled melting of the tube glass to reduce or eliminate undesirable outgassing that may occur during a high-power short duration exposure of laser energy to the end of the pump-out tube to seal the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Dennis, Andrew W. Pantke
  • Patent number: 8815045
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Honda
  • Patent number: 8794033
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dear
  • Patent number: 8753471
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum heat insulating material. Also disclosed is a heat insulating box using the vacuum heat insulating material. The vacuum heat insulating material includes a core member and envelope members having gas-barrier properties and including heat-seal layers. The envelope members are opposed to each other in such a manner that the core member is disposed between the heat-seal layers. The envelope members are entirely heated to a temperature at which the heat-seal layers are melted, and the heat-seal layers are heat sealed to each other by applying uniform pressure to the entire envelope members from outside to inside the envelope members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Muneto Yamada, Kazuo Hashimoto, Hiroaki Katsumura, Kiyoshi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8742287
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dear
  • Patent number: 8715433
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a step where, on a first mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon, a first sealing member is provided to surround a display area and overlap the alignment film, and a second sealing member is provided such that the second sealing member extends along at least a side of the first sealing member and is spaced from the alignment film; and a step where the first mother substrate having the first and second sealing members provided thereon and a second mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon are attached to each other such that the first and second sealing members are united each other with their side edges being in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahito Zennyoji
  • Patent number: 8617343
    Abstract: An embodiment of manufacturing method of a flat-panel display device having a display panel and a transparent protector sheet; comprises: applying of adhesive resin onto the transparent protector sheet or the display panel to form dot patterns of applied adhesive resin; seizing the protector sheet and the display panel on upper and lower chucking parts; colliding of undermost tip of the applied resin onto the panel or the protector sheet at an approaching rate no more than a predetermined rate, preferably in a range of 0.01-0.5 mm/sec; and squeezing of the layer by moving the upper or lower chucking part at a rate no less than three times of the approaching rate at a time of the colliding, preferably in a range of 1-10 mm/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Display Central Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shinoda, Takayuki Iizuka, Hideo Shibata, Yukinori Ueda, Susumu Otani, Toshifumi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20130302542
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) assembly is provided with a protective ring surrounding a portion of a glass pump-out tube extending beyond an outer surface of one of the glass substrates that form the vacuum insulated glass assembly. The vacuum insulated glass assembly may further include a laminated glass substrate in which a hole is formed to accommodate the protective ring and/or pump-out tube portion, wherein the protective ring protects the glass pump-out tube from damage during a lamination process. In addition, a cap may be provided over the laminated substrate to cover the hole in the laminated substrate and further cover the protective ring and sealed pump-out tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. JONES
  • Patent number: 8529718
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a laminated glazing including a hole of substantial size, the process arranging a seal on an edge face and external faces of the glazing around an entire periphery of the hole, the seal including protruding fastening elements that are applied against the external faces of the glazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Cédric Marguerite, Michael Labrot
  • Publication number: 20130224404
    Abstract: An insulated glass sealant includes an elastomeric matrix that is the reaction product of an acetoacetylated polymer and a cross-linking reagent having amino functionality, preferably a polyetheramine, polyamine, or polyamide. A method of sealing an insulated glass unit includes applying the insulated glass sealant to one or more glass sheets, disposing a spacer between the glass sheets, and contacting the glass sheets with the spacer to define an annular space between the glass sheets to produce the insulated glass unit. The sealants maintain the excellent attributes of traditional polyurethane sealants, such as low water swell, low moisture vapor transmission, good adhesion to the window frame, low migration of the insulating gas, and good workability, but without the use of polyisocyanates in the curing process. Methods for making the sealant and sealing insulated glass panels, such as glass windows, with these sealants, and the resulting articles, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CRAY VALLEY USA, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Shin-I Chao, Nan Tian
  • Patent number: 8506737
    Abstract: A method of making an insulating glass (IG) window unit includes: having a coated article including a multi-layered low-E coating on a glass substrate; at least two flexible protective sheets adhered to a top surface of the low-E coating via at least an adhesive layer, and a protective coating over the low-E coating and/or over at least one of the flexible protective sheets in order to substantially fill one or more gaps formed between the low-E coating and the flexible protective sheet(s) and/or between the flexible protective sheets; and following cutting, edge seaming, and/or washing, removing at least part of the temporary protective coating by peeling the protective sheets off and removing at least part of the protective coating when peeling off the protective sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et al Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.), Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Sol, Herbert Lage, John A. Vanderploeg, Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Lutz Henkel, Marcel Schloremberg
  • Patent number: 8506738
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating via at least one substantially two-dimensional array of heat sources is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Hong Wang, David J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8500933
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating (e.g., from one or more substantially linear focused IR heat sources) is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt frits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: David J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8496771
    Abstract: A method of filling and sealing a fluorescent layer in a slot space defined by two optical lenses and a partition ring is disclosed, in which a slot space is defined by two optical glasses and a partition frame having a partition ring on the inner wall surface. The partition frame is installed with two slots diametrically opposite to each other, and the slot space is evacuated to allow filling of a fluorescent material, and then the two slots are sealed so that the moisture is prevented from permeating into the fluorescent layer, and thus the optical performance can be maintained over a long period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Gem Weltronics TWN Corporation
    Inventors: Jon-Fwu Hwu, Yung-Fu Wu, Kui-Chiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20130174967
    Abstract: An economical glass image encapsulation process that encapsulates an image between a single plate of glass and a flexible, adhesive sheet of ethylene vinyl acetate. Application of varying thermodynamic parameters to the plate of glass in a vacuum oven increases the glass' absorbency to ink from the image, without relying on the traditional high temperature ovens or tempering machines. The economical glass image encapsulation process eliminates multiple steps, equipment, and components traditionally utilized for image encapsulation such as the need for: high temperature heaters, tempering machines, a second plate of glass, extra adhesive sheets of polymers, multiple superfluous steps for cutting the plate of glass, and shipping costs for whole plates of glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto Di Campli
  • Patent number: 8475620
    Abstract: A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsuoka, Tsutomu Anbo, Shigeru Hirata, Tsutomu Mizukami, Yoshiyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8460493
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to evacuation and sealing techniques for VIG units, and/or multi-chamber vacuum ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a VIG assembly is inserted into a multi-chamber apparatus to successively reduce the chamber pressure and thus the pressure between substrates comprising the VIG assembly until a final evacuation pressure is reached. Once the final evacuation pressure is reached, a pump-out port or tube of the VIG assembly is sealed forming a VIG unit while the VIG assembly is still in the vacuum chamber. After sealing, chamber pressures are gradually increased to atmospheric while the gap between the substrates of the VIG unit remains at a pressure less than atmospheric which is close to the final evacuation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: David J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8409385
    Abstract: A transparent laminate is produced by preparing a pair of transparent substrates, forming a sealing portion along the periphery on one of the transparent substrates for sealing a curable resin composition, supplying the curable resin composition in a region on the transparent substrate surrounded by the sealing portion, overlaying the other transparent substrate on the supplied curable resin composition in a reduced pressure atmosphere so that the curable resin composition is sealed as it is sandwiched between the pair of transparent substrates, and subsequently curing the curable resin composition in an atmosphere having a higher pressure than the pressure of the atmosphere in which the composition is sandwiched, to produce the transparent laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshige Ito, Satoshi Niiyama, Satoshi Kikuchi