With Air Evacuation Between Laminae Patents (Class 156/104)
-
Patent number: 6723396Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Western Washington UniversityInventor: David L. Patrick
-
Patent number: 6701749Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. A peripheral or edge seal (11) of a vacuum IG unit is formed utilizing microwave energy (17) in order to enable tempered glass sheets (2, 3) of the IG unit to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength. In certain exemplary embodiments, the edge seal may be formed of glass frit or solder glass. In certain embodiments, at least a portion (12, 12a, 301) of the edge seal material may be deposited on one or both substrates prior to a thermal tempering process so that during tempering the edge seal material is permitted to diffuse into (i.e., bond to) the glass substrate(s) (2, 3). Optionally, additional edge seal material (303) may be added after tempering. The final edge seal (11) is preferably formed via microwave heating (17) of the edge seal material.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Yei-Ping H. Wang, Anthony V. Longobardo
-
Patent number: 6698485Abstract: A device for fast, easy and cost-effective de-airing of different shape, size and thickness laminates that comprises a flexible vacuum ring with a built-in longitudinal channel that can be matingly mounted about a periphery of a multi-ply laminate, and a male connector part attached to one end of the flexible vacuum ring, where the male connector is shaped such that the longitudinal channel can slide onto the male connector to form an airtight seal while still providing gas flow through the flexible vacuum ring mounted about the periphery of the laminate. The device can be readily applied to and removed from the assemblies to be laminated, and is constructed to be applicable to any size, shape or thickness laminate, particularly the one with sharp corners.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Solutia, Inc.Inventors: Jan H. L. Crommen, Swaminathan S. Kalyana
-
Patent number: 6689241Abstract: The invention relates to vacuum insulating glazing consisting of two glass sheets held apart by spacers and a peripheral seal. The invention also relates to a process for producing such vacuum insulating glazing.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: David Delhorme, Rene Poix, Yves Demars
-
Patent number: 6554946Abstract: An electron-emitting device comprises an electroconductive film including an electron-emitting region and a pair of electrodes for applying a voltage to the electroconductive film. The electron-emitting region is formed by applying a film of organic substance to the electroconductive film, carbonizing the organic substance by electrically energizing the electroconductive film, and forming a fissure or fissures in the electroconductive film prior to the carbonization. The electron-emitting device constitutes an electron source having a plurality of electron-emitting devices, and further an image-forming device comprising an electron source and an image-forming member arranged in an envelope.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masato Yamanobe
-
Patent number: 6497786Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for bonding a plurality of substrates via a solventless, curable adhesive. At least one of the substrates has a deformation temperature below the activation temperature of the adhesive. A workpiece is assembled from a plurality of substrates with the curable adhesive disposed therebetween. Pressure is applied to the workpiece and the workpiece is irradiated with variable frequency microwave energy. The workpiece is swept with at least one window of microwave frequencies selected to heat the adhesive without heating the substrates above their respective deformation temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Thomas McKnight, Roy Lynn O'Mohunddro, John A. Battista, Jr., Richard J. Petrucci, Zakaryae Fathi, Jianghua Wei
-
Patent number: 6487461Abstract: A method for aligning a plurality of thin film transistor tiles for constructing a flat panel display. A coverplate is arranged on a coverplate support. A first layer of a bonding material is applied to at least one of a first side of each of the tiles and a surface of the coverplate on which the tiles are to be secured. The tiles are arranged on the coverplate, such that the first layer of bonding material is arranged between the tiles and the coverplate. The tiles are connected to an alignment apparatus. The tiles are aligned relative to each other and the coverplate. The tiles are at least partially secured to the coverplate.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Allan O. Johnson, Ramesh R. Kodnani, Mark V. Pierson, Edward J. Tasillo
-
Publication number: 20020155302Abstract: A method for preparing a transparent laminated article comprising a bonding layer which is an extruded copolymer having contiguous grooved or scored surface and a transparent sheet of glass laminated to at lest one surface of the layer which comprises the steps of:Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Novis W. Smith, Nelson Bolton
-
Publication number: 20020043324Abstract: A process for laminating multi-layer pre-forms into laminated glazing assemblies is provided. The pre-forms are first subjected to a vacuum in an inlet lock. Then, the pre-forms are heated to an assembly or bonding temperature in a heating chamber, while still being subjected to vacuum. Next, the pre-forms are pressed using pressing pieces in a pressing chamber, which is also subjected to vacuum. A greater pressure is exerted along the edges of the laminated glazing assemblies so as to bond the edges, preferably by using membranes. In an outlet lock which follows the pressing chamber, the laminated glazing assemblies are again vented to atmospheric pressure. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process is also provided. The apparatus has chambers which are connected together by conveyors so as to achieve a quasi-continuous flow of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
-
Patent number: 6368537Abstract: A laminated plate comprising a glass layer located in front and formed from a glass sheet and a resin layer located at the back of the glass layer and molded from a molten thermoplastic material spread at a low pressure over the glass layer, the glass layer and the resin layer being arranged in a laminated fashion. A method for producing the laminated plate wherein the glass sheet is first provided so as to be in close contact with the inner side of at least either one of dies used in a compression molding machine and then the dies are clamped for compression molding, with the molten resinous material to be supplied to a mold cavity being spread at a low pressure over the glass sheet, whereby the laminated plate comprising, in a laminated fashion, the glass layer composed of the glass sheet and the resin layer molded by spreading the molten resinous material at a low pressure can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kan-ichi Sato, Masayuki Oishi, Satoshi Fujimoto, Makoto Nogawa, Tamio Furuya
-
Publication number: 20020029840Abstract: The method of the present invention is capable of securely removing air from a space between the cover glass and a slide glass and securely locating a damaged part of a specimen outside of a visual field of a microscope. One end of the cover glass is held by a sucking pad, which is provided to an arm capable of rotating and vertically moving. Then, cover glass is obliquely held in a state. The one end of the cover glass is located on the upper side with respect to the other end thereof. A position of a rotational axis of the arm is moved to a position under the slide glass, and the arm is rotaed to make the other end of the cover glass contact the slide glass and curve the cover glass, and the one end of the cover glass is gradually moved toward the slide glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Kazuhisa Takeuchi
-
Patent number: 6342116Abstract: A process for laminating multi-layer pre-forms into laminated glazing assemblies is provided. The pre-forms are first subjected to a vacuum in an inlet lock. Then, the pre-forms are heated to an assembly or bonding temperature in a heating chamber, while still being subjected to vacuum. Next, the pre-forms are pressed using pressing pieces in a pressing chamber, which is also subjected to vacuum. A greater pressure is exerted along the edges of the laminated glazing assemblies so as to bond the edges, preferably by using membranes. In an outlet lock which follows the pressing chamber, the laminated glazing assemblies are again vented to atmospheric pressure. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process is also provided. The apparatus has chambers which are connected together by conveyors so as to achieve a quasi-continuous flow of material.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
-
Patent number: 6340045Abstract: A process for laminating multi-layer pre-forms into laminated glazing assemblies is provided. The pre-forms are first subjected to a vacuum in an inlet lock. Then, the pre-forms are heated to an assembly or bonding temperature in a heating chamber, while still being subjected to vacuum. Next, the pre-forms are pressed using pressing pieces in a pressing chamber, which is also subjected to vacuum. A greater pressure is exerted along the edges of the laminated glazing assemblies so as to bond the edges, preferably by using membranes. In an outlet lock which follows the pressing chamber, the laminated glazing assemblies are again vented to atmospheric pressure. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process is also provided. The apparatus has chambers which are connected together by conveyors so as to achieve a quasi-continuous flow of material.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
-
Patent number: 6336490Abstract: The present document describes a process for manufacturing a pane of laminated glass without recourse to an autoclave. The pack of layers are composed of stacked layers (6, 7, 8), is raised to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic interlayer of the pack of layers in a preheat channel (1). The preheated pack of layers is put under vacuum in a vacuum assembly station (2) for the purpose of extracting the gas from the spaces separating the layers (6, 7, 8). After the gas has been extracted, the edge of the pack of layers, which is held under vacuum, is mechanically compressed inside the vacuum box and is thus sealed. Finally, the pack of layers is brought to atmospheric pressure and its temperature further increased in a postheat channel (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
-
Publication number: 20010042585Abstract: The present document describes a process for manufacturing a pane of laminated glass without recourse to an autoclave. The pack of layers are composed of stacked layers (6, 7, 8), is raised to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic interlayer of the pack of layers in a preheat channel (1). The preheated pack of layers is put under vacuum in a vacuum assembly station (2) for the purpose of extracting the gas from the spaces separating the layers (6, 7, 8). After the gas has been extracted, the edge of the pack of layers, which is held under vacuum, is mechanically compressed inside the vacuum box and is thus sealed. Finally, the pack of layers is brought to atmospheric pressure and its temperature further increased in a postheat channel (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN VITRAGEInventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
-
Publication number: 20010041251Abstract: The invention relates to a product which is at least partly transparent and of high optical quality, equivalent to that of a glass window, which can be approved as a motor-vehicle window according to the various standards in force, and having a plastic core coated with a skin comprising at least one plastic film coated with a scratch-resistant layer; it also relates to a process for manufacturing this product and to the application of the latter as a body element, part of which forms a window, for example for motor vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 1999Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: JEAN-LOUIS BRAVET, MARC MAURER
-
Publication number: 20010035254Abstract: A apparatus and method for manufacturing a laminated optical disc that include an adhesive applying device adapted to apply an adhesive to a first substrate, forming an adhesive layer having a specific thickness between the first substrate and a second substrate superimposed onto the first substrate. The manufacturing apparatus and method further include an adhesive supply source adapted to supply the adhesive to the adhesive applying device at a first predetermined temperature and a defoaming tank adapted to remove bubbles from the adhesive at a second predetermined temperature, which is higher than the first predetermined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Hisaki Miyamoto, Kiyoshi Inoue, Hirokazu Itou, Toshikazu Kozono
-
Patent number: 6302985Abstract: The method of the present invention is capable of securely removing air from a space between a cover glass and a slide glass and securely locating a damaged part of a specimen outside of a visual field of a microscope. One end of the cover glass is held by a sucking pad, which is provided to an arm capable of rotating and vertically moving. The cover glass is obliquely held with respect to the slide glass. The one end of the cover glass is held higher than the other end of the cover glass. A position of a rotational axis of the arm is moved to a position under the slide glass. The arm is rotated to make the other end of the cover glass contact the slide glass and curve the cover glass. The one end of the cover glass is gradually moved toward the slide glass.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tiyoda Seisakusho, Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Kazuhisa Takeuchi
-
Patent number: 6301931Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Steve P. Swierkowski, James C. Davidson, Joseph W. Balch
-
Patent number: 6289695Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Steve P. Swierkowski, James C. Davidson, Joseph W. Balch
-
Patent number: 6280547Abstract: The present document describes a process for manufacturing a pane of laminated glass without recourse to an autoclave. The pack of layers are composed of stacked layers (6, 7, 8), is raised to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic interlayer of the pack of layers in a preheat channel (1). The preheated pack of layers is put under vacuum in a vacuum assembly station (2) for the purpose of extracting the gas from the spaces separating the layers (6, 7, 8). After the gas has been extracted, the edge of the pack of layers, which is heid under vacuum, is mechanically compressed inside the vacuum box and is thus sealed. Finally, the pack of layers is brought to atmospheric pressure and its temperature further increased in a postheat channel (4).Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
-
Patent number: 6265054Abstract: The invention relates to a composite glazing material of the type including two sheets of glass and an interlayer of transparent plastic of greater thickness than the thickness of the sheets of glass, characterized in that the plastic is capable of adhering to the glass. The glazing material has a total thickness smaller than 5 mm, a ratio of the thickness of the interlayer to the thickness of the sheets of glass of between 1 and 10, a mass per unit area lower than 6 kg/m2 and a Young's modulus higher than 30 GPa at a total thickness of glazing material of 3 mm.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Saint-Gobain VitrageInventors: Jean-Louis Bravet, Bernard Bureau, Claude Morin, Christian Padoy, Boris Vidal
-
Patent number: 6261398Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a curved, laminated safety glass sheet from a first curved glass sheet (1), a first laminated layer (2), a thermoplastic substrate sheet (4) with a biaxially drawn thin-layer system (3), a second laminated layer (5), and a second curved glass sheet (10) conforming to the first one.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Pilkington Automotive Deutschland GmbHInventor: Peter Costa
-
Patent number: 6221190Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a plasma display panel with increased efficiency and productivity is provided. A glass panel assembly P1 constructed from two glass plates W1, W2, which are joined together by a jig 10 with a sealant S applied along a periphery of one or the other of the opposing surfaces of the two glass plates W1, W2, is supported on an evacuating cart 20 in such a manner as to be positioned inside a furnace 1. The exhaust pipe Pa provided in any one of the glass plates W1, W2 is connected switchably between an evacuating system 25 and a discharge gas supply system 26. After evacuating the interior of the glass panel P2, a discharge gas is filled into the glass panel P2 and finally the exhaust pipe Pa is sealed and cut.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Chugai Ro Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Shimosato, Tadashi Seki
-
Patent number: 6205819Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Harold D. Ackler, Stefan P. Swierkowski, Lisa A. Tarte, Randall K. Hicks
-
Patent number: 6131410Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Steve P. Swierkowski, James C. Davidson, Joseph W. Balch
-
Patent number: 6082140Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all the components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Harold D. Ackler, Stefan P. Swierkowski, Lisa A. Tarte, Randall K. Hicks
-
Patent number: 6077374Abstract: A method of preparing a prelaminate for a safety glazing which involves providing a thermoplastic interlayer having a first air removal surface which includes a multiplicity of microscopic embossments of substantially identical shape integrally projecting from the plane of one side of the interlayer in a regular pattern of rows and a second air removal surface on the other side of the interlayer which is different from the first air removal surface and includes a multiplicity of microscopic peaks and valleys of varying heights and depths arranged in an irregular, non-linear pattern, interposing the interlayer between two layers of glass and deairing the interfaces with the glass layers during which the first air removal surface is partially transferred to and imposed on the second air removal surface to provide deair paths of reduced obstruction.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: MonsantoInventor: Harold Herbert Hopfe
-
Patent number: 6051091Abstract: A method is provided for making ophthalmic lenses by vacuum lamination wherein a front lens wafer (20) is laminated to a back lens wafer (22) with a layer of adhesive (24) disposed within the interface between the two wafers forming a composite lens (18). An upper flexible, transparent sheet (12) is located on the top side of the composite lens (18), a lower flexible, opaque or transparent sheet (14) is located on the bottom side of the composite lens, and an approximately air-tight enclosure (16) is formed between the sheets for receiving the composite lens. A vacuum pump (36) draws the upper and lower flexible sheets into engagement with the composite lens to press the wafers together. A UV lamp (38) transmits radiation through the upper flexible sheet (12) and into the adhesive layer to cure the adhesive and form the composite lens (18).Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Gerber Coburn Optical, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth O. Wood, David J. Logan, Alexander Flavio Incera
-
Patent number: 6000243Abstract: A process for effectively bonding arbitrary size or shape substrates. The process incorporates vacuum pull down techniques to ensure uniform surface contact during the bonding process. The essence of the process for bonding substrates, such as glass, plastic, or alloys, etc., which have a moderate melting point with a gradual softening point curve, involves the application of an active vacuum source to evacuate interstices between the substrates while at the same time providing a positive force to hold the parts to be bonded in contact. This enables increasing the temperature of the bonding process to ensure that the softening point has been reached and small void areas are filled and come in contact with the opposing substrate. The process is most effective where at least one of the two plates or substrates contain channels or grooves that can be used to apply vacuum between the plates or substrates during the thermal bonding cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: James C. Davidson, Joseph W. Balch
-
Patent number: 5993582Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous vacuum lamination treatment method including the steps of stacking a back side covering member, a first filler member, a member to be sealed, a second filler member, and a surface side covering member in the named order to form a stacked body. The method further includes decompressing an interior region of the stacked body which is sandwiched by the surface side covering member and the back side covering member, and subjecting the stacked body to heat treatment at a desired temperature, in the named order. The stacking step is conducted on a plurality of vacuum lamination instruments having a structure capable of vacuuming the interior region therein and capable of being stacked vertically with adjacent stacked vacuum lamination instruments in contact.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takehito Yoshino, Kimitoshi Fukae, Yuji Inoue, Shigenori Itoyama
-
Patent number: 5735318Abstract: An automatic method and device for filling, with gases other than air, insulating glazing units. The method entailing a step for injecting the gas and expelling the air so as to produce a laminar flow through a manifold constituted by the hollow region of the profile that forms the spacer frame. The method and the device allow a considerable saving in costs, reducing the amount of gas required for filling to an amount very close to the volume of the inner space provided in the insulating glazing unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: For.El. Base di Vianello Fortunato & C. S.n.c.Inventor: Fortunato Vianello
-
Patent number: 5698053Abstract: A plastic ply having at least one thermoplastic layer is positioned on a major surface of a glass ply to form a preliminary assembly, with the thermoplastic layer contacting selected portions of the major surface of the glass ply. A rigid press plate is placed on the plastic ply with the plate contacting a substantial portion of the plastic ply. Air is then removed from between the plastic and glass plies. After de-airing, the press plate is removed from the preliminary assembly and the preliminary assembly is subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures sufficient to intimately secure the plastic ply to the glass ply and form a laminate. If desired, the preliminary assembly and press plate may be heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the thermoplastic layer of the plastic ply while removing air from between the plastic and glass plies.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Wendy R. Carroll, Bruce A. Bartrug
-
Patent number: 5653838Abstract: A glass heating and sealing system (10, 30, 60) and method for manufacturing a flat panel display including anode and cathode glass panels with a vacuum compartment between them includes a plurality of vacuum chambers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 32, 34, 36, 38, 61, 76) for processing glass panels (39, 63, 74). Transfer of glass panels (39, 63, 74) between chambers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 32, 34, 36, 38, 61, 76) is accomplished by a transfer mechanism (24, 42, 68, 72) located within a central vacuum chamber (22, 40, 70) commonly connected to the other chambers. System (10, 30, 60) may include a rapid thermal processing (RTP) chamber (14, 34, 38, 76) for quick and even heating of the panels (39, 63, 74). System (10) includes an e-beam bombardment chamber (16) for preconditioning the anode glass panels, and a heating chamber (18) for fusing anode glass panels to cathode glass panels. Different levels of vacuum may be established in different chambers.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Ming-Jang Hwang, Chi-Cheong Shen, Cecil J. Davis, Robert T. Matthews, Phillip Chapados, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5622580Abstract: A method of making a curved, shatterproof glass laminate for an automotive orother type transportation vehicle window or sun roof, which comprises at least one heat tempered or heat strengthened glass layer, which may be a low E glass type, at least one internal combination elastic shock absorbing-adhesive plastic layer of, for example, polyvinyl butyral material, and at least one antilacerative plastic layer of, for example, polyester or polycarbonate material, and/or a polyester material having a scratch-resistant or self-healing coating. The laminate may be formed from a laminate layup by engaging the antilacerative layer with a mold member and subjecting the resultant assembly to vacuum, heat and pressure in an autoclave. The resultant laminate may have a thickness so as to be readily usable for replacement or new manufacture in a standard existing frame or holder.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Inventor: Jose R. Mannheim
-
Patent number: 5592288Abstract: An optical component assembly is created with reduced defects in the adhesion and alignment between the optical components. A first rigid optical component is placed into a cavity. A second rigid optical component is placed into the cavity such that it is supported by a first support device which prevents a first end of the second rigid optical component from contacting a corresponding first end of the first rigid optical component. Air is evacuated from a chamber formed between the first and second rigid optical components. The support of the first support device is removed so that the first end of the second rigid optical component comes into contact with the first end of the first rigid optical component with a layer of adhesive material sandwiched therebetween. A force is applied to urge surfaces of the first and second rigid optical components toward one another to improve adhesion between the two.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Rockwell International Corp.Inventors: James D. Sampica, Melvin L. Campbell, Donald L. Benn, Brian K. Smith
-
Patent number: 5573618Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling a small number of custom sealed double glazing units in which spacers can have different widths and panes of different assemblies can be differently sized. In accordance with one method of the invention, a spacer having sealant on opposing surfaces thereof is adhered to a first glass pane and a resilient member is positioned alongside a portion of the spacer. A second glass pane is positioned over the spacer so that it is partially adhered to the spacer to define an interpane space around which the spacer is adhered, but with the resilient member preventing contact with the whole of the spacer, so maintaining a gap between a portion of the spacer and the second glass pane. The resulting assembly is moved into a gas exchange chamber, and air is removed from the chamber and accordingly also the interpane space.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Cardinal IG CompanyInventor: Eric W. Rueckheim
-
Patent number: 5536347Abstract: A no autoclave process for forming a safety laminate which involves interposing a plasticized polyvinyl butyral sheet having a water content of 0.2 weight percent or more between a pair of glass layers to form a laminate assembly, enclosing at least the edges of the assembly in a sealed space, subjecting the sealed space to vacuum to deair the laminate assembly, heating the deaired laminate assembly to a temperature sufficient to seal the edges of the glass layers and plasticized polyvinyl butyral sheet and then subjecting the laminate assembly to a temperature and for a time sufficient to bond the glass layers to the sheet while reducing the vacuum to an extent effective to counteract water bubble formation in the sheet to form a safety laminate meeting the American National Standards Code for Safety Glazing Materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventor: James R. Moran
-
Patent number: 5494546Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a layer of polymer plastic film to a precast layer of glass is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support saddle having a receiving surface that is shaped and dimensioned to support the precast layer of glass. The layer of polymer plastic film is positioned by a holding means in the form of toothed upper and lower opposed collar members in spaced apart relation with respect to the glass. A ram having a hard flexible contact member adapted to intimately contact plastic film is positioned at a distance away from the plastic film. The ram and the saddle are brought towards each other so as to cause the hard flexible contact member to contact the plastic film, which in turn causes the plastic film to contact the preformed layer of glass, such that the hard flexible contact member, the plastic film, the glass and the saddle are in intimate contact seriatim.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Inventor: Steven J. Horvath
-
Patent number: 5478412Abstract: A plastic sheet, preferably of plasticized partial polyvinyl butyral, for a laminated safety glazing, having means dispersed on its surface, preferably comprising a multiplicity of spaced projections, capable of resisting adhesion to a rigid panel, such as glass, of such a glazing when the sheet is laminated to the panel, the area of the sheet surface without such dispersed means having high affinity for adhesion. The projections physically block adhesion of a dispersed area of the sheet to the panel in that the means on the sheet surface have no or weak interfacial adhesion. The multiplicity of space projections also have low or no affinity for adhesion when in blocking contact with each other or with another plasticized partial polyvinyl butyral surface and thereby increase blocking resistance.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1993Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventors: Robert H. M. Simon, Peter H. Farmer
-
Patent number: 5468346Abstract: A glass ply having a chemically strengthened surface, for example a chemically etched surface, for use in a laminated glazing is treated by hot melting a thermoplastic material onto such strengthened glass surface prior to incorporation of the glass ply into the required laminate. The thermoplastic material may be polyvinylbutyral but is preferably polyurethane.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Pilkington Aerospace LimitedInventors: Robert S. Bruce, Christopher W. G. Hall
-
Patent number: 5454893Abstract: The tubular tool for use in effecting a gas exchange in multiplate insulating glass units provided with a sealant spacer has a sharpened end (1) like a plug drill and is provided with a handle portion (2) at the other end. The handle portion (2) has a port (3) for connection to a device which exchanges gas in a space between glass plates of the insulating glass unit. The wall of the tubular tool (20) is provided with throughgoing openings (4) in a portion between the sharpened end (1) and the handle portion (2). The tubular tool also can have a portion without throughgoing openings having a length approximately equal to a thickness of the sealant spacers both at the sharpened end and at the handle portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Metallgesellschaft AktiengesellschaftInventor: Rainer Dietz
-
Patent number: 5419799Abstract: The invention relates to an air-exhausting and pre-pressing apparatus for laminated glass sheets. In the manufacture of laminated windscreens, the glass sheets are carried on a conveyor in a substantially upright position through a heating tunnel. The suction tubes included in a suction track adjacent to the conveyor are coupled with suction rings surrounding the edges of the laminated glass sheets. A preheating station, a heating station, and a recooling station are set successively to define together a heating tunnel, the conveyor extending through the heating tunnel. The preheating station and the recooling station are linked with each other by at least two air circulation ducts for circulating air from the recooling station to the preheating station and from the preheating station back to the recooling station. The arrangement saves heating energy and achieves a uniform heating and cooling of glass sheets.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Tamglass Engineering OyInventors: Kalevi Lind, Mauri Leponen
-
Patent number: 5391411Abstract: A glass laminate assembly comprises two glass sheets 11,12 with an interlayer of cured resin 17 formed by a cast-in-place process. An aperture 15 for an attachment device 13 is formed in at least one of the glass sheets and a resilient adhesive sealing tape 16 is formed between the faces of the glass sheets 11 and 12 surrounding the hole 15.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Pilkington PLCInventors: Eric Rowland, Vincent Wilcock
-
Patent number: 5372771Abstract: A method of making a transparent panel is provided. The transparent panel effectively blocks the penetration of a bullet when fired from one side of the panel, but not when fired from the other side of the panel. The method comprises forming a sheet of acrylic resin and a sheet of polycarbonate resin, both of equal size and configuration. A sealing strip is applied completely around the peripheral edge of one of the sheets and the two sheets are then brought together, being spaced apart by the sealing strip. Two holes are then drilled into one of the two sheets at locations spaced at diagonally opposite corner edges of the sheet. Under pressure applied to the opposite faces of the two sheets, a liquid resin is injected into the space between the two sheets through one of the two holes until the entire volume between the two sheets is filled. Then the resin is permitted to harden.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: ArmorVision Plastics & GlassInventor: Joseph Labock
-
Patent number: 5366574Abstract: For filling the insulating glass panes with a heavy gas, one of the glass plates(40) which are to constitute the insulating glass pane is only partly joined to the other glass plate (42) before the assembling, particularly in that said one glass plate is bent so that a gaplike opening temporarily remains between the glass plate (40) and the spacer (41) and the interior space of the insulating glass pane can be filled with a heavy gas through said gaplike opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Lenhardt Maschinenbau GmbHInventors: Karl Lenhardt, Uwe Bogner
-
Patent number: 5366577Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lens for use as a part of an aircraft including the steps of fusion bonding a sheet of acrylic to a sheet of polycarbonate to form a sheet of laminate, cutting the laminate into a blank having a configuration required by the ultimate lens configuration, heating the blank and forming it around a mold to provide a three dimensional lens body of desired size and configuration having an uninterrupted circumferential edge and having an inner polycarbonate surface and an outer acrylic surface, applying a narrow strip seal to the lens body inner surface in a narrow strip portion adjacent substantially the full circumferential edge thereof in order to bond the strip seal to the lens body, shaping the circumferential edge of the lens body around substantially the full circumferential edge thereof, and providing bushings in the lens body and strip seal so the bushings are spaced around the circumferential edge as a means of securing the lens to an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: NordamInventors: Robert N. Hart, David M. Trebes
-
Patent number: 5346569Abstract: A process for deairing an interface region by applying on the surface of a plastic sheet a multitude of spaced plastic projections formed of a plastic material different from that of the sheet, assembling the sheet with the spaced projections in face to face contact with at least one rigid panel such as glass, and evacuating air from the interface region between the rigid panel and the plastic sheet through spaces between the projections.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventor: Robert H. M. Simon
-
Patent number: 5344513Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated transparent substrate comprising the steps of sandwiching between transparent glass substrates ionomer resin formed by bridging ethylenemetacryl acid copolymars with sodium ions, to form a laminated structure and sealing it in a reduced pressure atmosphere; applying heat and pressure to said laminated structure; rapidly decreasing the pressure applied to said laminated structure; and then rapidly decreasing the temperature of said laminated structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shunji Takenaka
-
Patent number: 5322660Abstract: A method of producing a fire-resistant glazing product comprising introducing a predetermined quantity of an epoxy based liquid resin material at an elevated temperature into a cavity defined between spaced apart glass panes so that at least one pane bows outwardly, moving the panes back into a substantially parallel, closely spaced apart relationship to cause the introduced resin material to fill the cavity and allowing the resin material to cure.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Miller Construction LimitedInventor: James A. A. Hickman