Abstract: A process for forming a shaped prelaminate of glass and plastic by a) drawing an assembly of plastic layers against a hot, contoured, e.g. of compound curvature, mold surface to provide a shaped plastic preform at elevated temperature; b) transferring the shaped preform without cooling to an adjacent unheated glass layer of substantially matching surface contour to heat bond the shaped plastic preform to the glass layer; and then c) removing heat from the shaped plastic preform via conductive heat transfer to the glass layer to form the shaped prelaminate of glass and plastic layers. A bilayer glazing panel is formed in a conventional unmodified autoclave bonding system by exposing the prelaminate to elevated temperature and pressure to firmly bond the plastic to the glass.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing superior optically clear laminates having a sheet of semi-rigid material encapsulated in a thermoplastic interlayer between layers of rigid material such as glass. Pre-cooled laminate elements are assembled at reduced temperature, allowing positioning of the sheet of semi-rigid material in the interlayer of the assembly with minimal wrinkling, formation of air bubbles or entrapment of moisture. Thereafter, the laminate assembly is maintained under vacuum for an extended period of time, substantially eliminating wrinkling, air bubbles and moisture from between the laminate elements as well as pre-forming the semi-rigid sheet. Bonding heat and pressure is then applied, first heating the assembly to "tack" the laminate elements together, and next applying heat and pressure for bonding the laminate elements.

Abstract: A system for providing multi-paned glazing lights, primarily for use as insulated glazing units in door and windows, employs noble gases for filling the insulative spaced enclosed between the glazing panes. The system uses the glazing light or lights as a gas flow manifold, mounted within a sealed vacuum chamber, for evacuating the chamber and the one or more glazing lights located therein. The glazing light, or lights, then also serve as the gas flow manifold for filling the lights and the surrounding exhausted chamber with the required noble gas. The system operates at room temperature, and enables selection of the internal pressure of the noble gas within the glazing units, in accordance with predetermined factors such as the altitude of the ultimate site where the lights are destined to be used. The lights are sealed off within the vacuum chamber, prior to removal therefrom, while in a controlled environment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing laminated glass wherein a film-forming plastisol is coated on a surface of a first glass plate to form a layer of the plastisol so that the thickness of the layer may monotonically vary; a second glass plate which has been heated at least at its peripheral portions is brought in contact with the layer of the plastisol first at a portion where the layer is the thickest and thereafter at portions where the layer is thinner, thereby gradually laminating the glass plates to each other while causing the plastisol to lose its fluidity at portions where is comes in contact with the heated second glass plate; and the laminated glass plates is heated under pressure so that the plastisol gelates. The process and apparatus are productive of laminated glass of high quality in high productivity.

Abstract: In a process to manufacture a liquid crystal cell, one of the two plates is provided with an adhesive edge strip. A quantity of liquid crystal which is required to form the liquid crystal layer is applied to one of the two plates and the two plates are brought together and positioned in the vacuum and bonded tightly together by the adhesive curing.By the fact that the plates with the correct quantity of liquid crystal on one of the plates are joined together in the vacuum, it is no longer necessary to evacuate the inner space between the plates in a time-comsuming process and apply liquid crystal through a small filling hole in another time-consuming process.

Abstract: A method of forming a bilayer glazing panel by providing an optically clear prelaminate of stretched polyester film coated with a cross-linked, self-healing polyurethane layer; assembling the prelaminate with a layer of plasticized partial polyvinyl butyral with the side of the polyester film without the polyurethane layer in facing contact with a subjacent textured surface of the partial polyvinyl butyral layer; clamping the assembled layers in a perimeter anchoring system; sequentially carrying out the following steps i), ii), iii), and optionally the above clamping step within an air autoclave; i) deairing the interface between the polyester film and plasticized partial polyvinyl butyral; ii) forcing localized regions of the layers within the perimeter anchoring system against a sheet of glass; and iii) subjecting the assembly of step ii) to elevated temperature and pressure while the plastic layers remain clamped within the perimeter anchoring system to firmly bond the plastic layers and glass sheet toget

Abstract: The present invention concerns a unique method for producing an anti-lacerative glass assembly wherein a plastic composite anti-laceration sheet is to be bonded to a glass substrate sheet. The plastic anti-laceration sheet includes an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral adpated to abut the glass substrate sheet, an intermediate layer of polyester, and an outer layer of abrasion resistant material. A glass cover sheet having substantially the same curvature as the glass substrate sheet is utilized to press the anti-laceration sheet into bonding engagement with the glass substrate sheet. In accordance with the present invention, the bonding operation is accomplished by heating the laminated glass assembly to a predetermined temperature in the range of 285.degree. F. to 305.degree. F. The present invention also concerns the use of a unique vacuum ring construction which is mounted about the periphery of the laminated assembly and it utilized to de-air the assembly.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plurality of insulating glass assemblies, the method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of glass assemblies each including a pair of generally parallel, spaced glass panes having therebetween an endless spacer, the spacer and the panes defining an interior space between the panes and inside the spacer, and the spacer having therethrough a tortuous passage affording gas flow into and out of the space, placing the glass assemblies in a chamber, creating a vacuum in the chamber so as to remove substantially all of the air from the spaces, introducing into the chamber a gas having a coefficient of thermal conductivity lower than that of air so that the gas fills the spaces, removing the glass assemblies from the chamber, and closing the passages in the spacers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiple-pane sealed glazing unit wherein a first glazing pane is spaced from a second pane by a spacer, which is located around the periphery of the panes, and providing a UV-curable adhesive to connect at least part of the spacer and at least part of one pane. A thin layer of the UV-curable adhesive is applied to the panes or to the spacer and at a selected time in the operation of joining the spacer and the panes, the thin layer of adhesive is exposed to high intensity UV light so that the adhesive layer is at least partially cured.

Abstract: A method for press-bonding a laminated assembly of a sheet material and a plastic film, which comprises providing on at least the peripheral portion of the sheet material and/or the plastic film a primer layer capable of adhering the sheet material and the plastic film at room temperature, stacking the sheet material and the plastic film to form a laminated assembly, evacuating a first vacuum compartment defined by the sheet material and the plastic film to a vacuumed condition and at the same time, evacuating a second vacuum compartment enclosing at least the plastic film side of the first compartment, to a vacuumed condition, and then introducing atmospheric air into the second vacuum compartment to release it from the vacuumed condition and thereby to press-bond the plastic film to the sheet material.

Abstract: A glass/polycarbonate laminate is provided with an edge attachment configuration that reduces the deflection of the laminate and reduces the loading on the polycarbonate plies of the laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of laminated safety glass panes comprised of a sheet of glass and a sheet of flexible plastic material. Within the framework of a method wherein a "counter-mold" is applied to the plastic sheet or film before permanent combination of the constituent parts of the product glass pane, the invention proposes an improvement wherein, before this final assembly, stacks corresponding to a plurality of product glass panes are superimposed, wherewith the face of each of the glass sheets which face is not covered by its corresponding plastic sheet or film serves as the "counter-mold" for the adjoining stack.

Abstract: Safety or impact resistant laminates are disclosed containing a plurality of laminae and at least on composite interlayer said composite interposed between and bonding any two of the laminae and containing one or more thermoplastic sheets from about 1 to about 30 mils in combined thickness bonded one to another and on each external face by a contact or pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method for prepressing an assembly of stacked, superimposed glass and plastic sheets for subsequent autoclave lamination to provide a glazing. The apparatus includes a frame positioned between a delivery conveyor and a discharge conveyor and carrying prepress and support rollers. An assembly arrives on the delivery conveyor and is aligned and rotated ninety degrees before entry into the frame. The prepress rollers are rotatably mounted in pairs and attached to air cylinders which retract the rollers during entry to clear a vacuum ring which extends about the peripheral edge of the assembly such that a vacuum can be drawn on the assembly during the application of pressure and then extend the rollers into contact with an upper surface of the assembly to apply pressure thereto. The assembly is supported from its bottom side by the support rollers which are rotatably attached to the frame are located on either side of a plurality of drive rollers which are rotatably attached to the frame in pairs.

Abstract: A vaccum ring is coupled to a vacuum source and utilized to de-air a laminated glass assembly while it is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring has a channel for receiving the edge of the glass assembly and is fabricated to minimize the extrusion of the laminating material during the autoclave operation. The walls of the channel each have a single longitudinally extending groove approximately centered between the edges of the wall, and the floor of the channel includes a single longitudinally extending groove positioned to be adjacent the edge of a laceration shield layer of the glass assembly. All three grooves interconnect with the vacuum source. The channel generally conforms to the outer edge of the glass assembly with or without applied vacuum of pressure, and the provision of grooved walls greatly enhances the sealing of the ring to the glass.

Abstract: A vacuum ring is coupled to a vacuum source and utilized to de-air a laminated, electrically heated glass assembly having a cut-out portion adjacent the peripheral marginal edge of the laminae while the assembly is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring has a channel for receiving the edge of the glass assembly and the walls of the channel each have a single longitudinally extending groove approximately intermediate the edges of the wall. At least one of the walls is provided with a lip like extension disposed to cover the cut-out portion of the one of the laminae. The grooves interconnect with a vacuum source. The channel generally conforms to the outer edge of the glass assembly with or without applied vacuum or pressure, and the provision of grooved walls tends to enhance the sealing of the ring to the glass.

Abstract: A multi-pane thermally construction in which one or more chambers are provided by two or more spaced argon gas and permeable transparent panes are filled with argon gas, said panes having inner edge margins, which includes the combination of: spacing means for spacing said means at said inner edge margins, and a seal having low permeability to argon gas between said spacing means and each of said inner edge margins, said seal comprising a solid elastomer of a cured polymer composition composed of thioether mercaptan terminated disulfide polymer of the formula HS(RSS).sub.m R'SH; (b) from about 10 mole percent to about 75 mole percent of diethyl formal mercaptan terminated polysulfide polymer of the formula HS(RSS).sub.n RSH; wherein in the formulae R is --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 --O--CH.sub.2 H.sub.

Abstract: A glass laminated structure includes a core of curable flowable material sandwiched between first and second glass panels. A pair of frame members sealed to the panels with an ultraviolet curing adhesive overlap marginal portions of the panels so that an overlapping portion of the core abuts the peripheral edges of the panels to absorb stress and inhibit delamination. The laminating apparatus includes platens with vacuum ports for securing the panels to the platens without excessive panel deformation, recessed portions for proper frame member alignment, and elastomeric seals supplanting the usual vacuum grease. The methodology proceeds by retaining the glass panels and frame members in position using the platens, and sealing the frame members to the panels. Then, the curable flowable material is introduced so that it flows between the frame members to abut the peripheral edges of the glass panels.

Abstract: A method of aligning and attaching optical fibers to substrate optical waveguides is disclosed. In accordance with the method, one or more slabs of preferentially etchable material and a waveguide substrate are placed adjacent each other face down on a flat surface for aligning the tops of the slabs with the top of the waveguide. A backing plate is secured to the back surface to hold the entire assembly together. The preferentially etchable material is thereafter etched to form v-grooves in alignment with the light guiding region of the waveguide substrate. Thereafter, optical fibers are secured thereto in an optically aligned manner with the light guiding region. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a fiber pigtailed waveguide substrate manufactured in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A vacuum ring is coupled to a vacuum source and utilized to de-air a laminated glass assembly while it is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring has a channel for receiving the edge of the glass assembly and is fabricated to minimize the extrusion of the laminating material during the autoclave operation. The walls of the channel each have a single longitudinally extending groove approximately centered between the edges of the wall, and the floor of the channel includes a single longitudinally extending groove positioned to be adjacent the edge of a laceration shield layer of the glass assembly. All three grooves interconnect with the vacuum source. The channel generally conforms to the outer edge of the glass assembly with or without applied vacuum or pressure, and the provision of grooved walls greatly enhances the sealing of the ring to the glass.

Abstract: The inventon relates to a method of producing a plurality of multi-pane insulating glass assemblies in which the assemblies are formed into a self-supporting unit for further fabrication. Each assembly is provided with at least one exteriorly accessible opening, and the assemblies, supporting one another in surface-to-surface contact, are moved along a conveyor as a unit into a vacuum chamber. Vacuum is drawn on the unit to evacuate each interpane space, following which a gas having coefficient of thermal conductivity lower than that of air is introduced into the chamber to fill the interpane spaces of the glass assemblies. The assemblies as a unit are then conveyed out of the vacuum chamber and the exteriorly accessible openings are sealed.

Abstract: A method for substantially preventing the escape of argon gas from a chamber defined by two window panes in spaced relation and spacing means between the inner edge surface portions of the window pane by:forming a seal at the edge portions of the spacing means of a liquid polymer composition composed of(a) from about 90 mole percent to about 25 mole percent of thioether mercaptan terminated disulfide polymer of the formula HS(RSS).sub.m R'SH;(b) from about 10 mole percent to about 75 mole percent of diethyl formal mercaptan terminated polysulfide polymer of the formula HS(RSS).sub.n RSH; wherein in the formulae R is --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 --O--CH.sub.2 H.sub.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing a glass release surface useful in the manufacture of anti-lacerative window assemblies is disclosed. The glass surface is treated with a perfluorosilane such as (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-Tetrahydrodecyl)-1-Trichlorosilane, and thereafter may be easily released from the polyurethane layer of an anti-lacerative window assembly. The release agent (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-Tetrahydrodecyl)-1-Trichlorosilane is particularly useful under severe laminating conditions such as high temperature and pressure over a long period of time. Its use imparts excellent optical properties to the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the laminating of glass is described. Glass sheets are transported by a gantry which places the sheet on a workstation. The glass sheet is allowed to dish and a second sheet is placed over the first sheet after depositing a resin on the first sheet. The trolley and the workstation from a press to complete the lamination process.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing a glass release surface useful in the manufacture of anti-lacerative window assemblies is disclosed. The glass surface is treated with octadecyltriethoxysilane, and thereafter may be easily released from the polyurethane layer of an anti-lacerative window assembly. Use of the octadecyltriethoxysilane parting agent enables excellent optical properties to be imparted to the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A hydrofluoric acid-resistant composite window and method for its fabrication are disclosed. The composite window comprises a window having first and second sides. The first side is oriented towards an environment containing hydrofluoric acid. An adhesive is applied to the first side. A layer of transparent hydrofluoric acid-resistant material, such as Mylar, is applied to the adhesive and completely covers the first side. The adhesive is then cured.

Abstract: Safety or impact resistant laminates which avoid the application of heat and excessive pressure in their construction comprising a plurality of laminae, at least one interlayer interposed between any two of the laminae, and a sufficient number of adhesive layers, at least one a contact or pressure sensitive adhesive, to bond all the laminae and interlayers.

Abstract: The invention is a vacuum bag sealing system for the manufacturing of composite structures and the like in a mold. In detail, the system comprises a base plate for mounting the mold. A first Teflon coated sealing surface is bonded to the base plate extending about the periphery of the mold. Also included is a vacuum bag, having a second Teflon coated sealing surface bonded thereto in a complimentary relationship to the first sealing surface when the vacuum bag is placed over the mold and base plate. A bead of conventional vacuum bag sealant is used to bond the first sealing surface to the second sealing surface so that an airtight seal is formed between the vacuum bag and the base plate.

Abstract: A process of forming a multi-ply laminate which comprises at least one ply 2 of thermoplastics material forming a transparent outer ply of the laminate, such process comprising assembling the plies 1, 2 of the laminate, degassing its inter-ply space or spaces and subjecting it to bonding conditions including environmental laminating pressure distributed over the outside of the or each said thermoplastics outer ply 2 by a moulding plate 3 is characterised by the steps of:enveloping at least the edges of the assembled laminate plier 1, 2 and moulding plate(s) 3 by means 4 defining therewith an edge space 5 in communication with the inter-ply space(s),reducing the pressure P5 within the edge space 5 to commence degassing of the assembly and heating the assembly (curve T) while the main faces of the assembly are subjected to at least atmospheric environmental pressure P6 and subsequently, while the assembly is subjected to environment laminating pressure P6raising the edge pressure P5 to reduce or eliminate any d

Abstract: A laminated article comprising two outer glass layers, a polyvinyl acetal layer disposed therebetween and a fibrous layer encapsulated in said polyvinyl acetal layer; and a process for producing said laminated article comprising(1) maintaining a substantially constant vacuum in a flexible container containing an assembly comprising(a) a first glass layer,(b) a first polyvinyl acetal layer in contact with said first glass layer,(c) a fibrous layer in contact with said first polyvinyl acetal layer,(d) a second polyvinyl acetal layer in contact with said fibrous layer and(e) a second glass layer in contact with said second polyvinyl acetal layer;(2) applying pressure on said container while increasing the same from about ambient pressure to an elevated pressure level and simultaneously increasing the temperature on the contents of said container from about ambient temperature to an elevated temperature level;(3) reducing the temperature on the contents of said container from said elevated temperature level to ab

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique vacuum ring construction which can be utilized to de-air a laminated glass assembly while it is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring is constructed to minimize the amount of plastic material which can flow outwardly of the marginal edges of the glass sheet during the heating and pressurizing operation of the autoclave. The ring is provided with a channel formed therein for receiving the peripheral edge of the laminated assembly. In accordance with the present invention, at least a first length of the channel defines an inner surface having a cross-sectional configuration which generally conforms to the cross-sectional configuration defined by the outer edge surface of the laminated assembly when the ring is mounted on the laminated assembly and coupled to a vacuum source.

Abstract: For use in the prepressing of laminated safety glass in which glass-plastic assemblies are sealed in individual plastic bags, a rectangular heating oven having a bottom wall provided with a longitudinally extending slot, a plurality of portable racks, each rack being provided with a solid base operating slot in the bottom wall of the oven and with a plurality of horizontal shelves positioned in spaced relation one above the other for supporting individual assemblies, the shelves being pivotally mounted and movable to a vertically inclined position to permit the placement of one of the assemblies on the next lower shelf or its removal therefrom. Each rack is provided with means for creating a vacuum in the associated plastic bags to withdraw the air therefrom as well as from between the laminations. Means are also included for advancing the racks through the oven in end-to-end abutting relation to close the slot and provide a substantially closed heating chamber in the oven.

Abstract: A method of preliminarily pressing a bent assembly comprising a pair of bent glass sheets and a flexible interlayer comprising a first heating step performed without vacuum, a biasing step, an unbiasing step and followed by a second heating step performed simultaneously with an application of vacuum. When the assembly so prepressed is further laminated under heat and pressure, it develops fewer bubbles after a heat stability test involving exposure to high temperature for an extended period than assemblies further laminated under such heat and pressure conditions after a prepressing step that includes passing the assembly between rollers prior to the further lamination step.

Abstract: A glazing unit comprised of a glass substrate and a laceration inhibiting shield supported by and extending over what would otherwise be an exposed surface of the substrate. A gasket or frame member composed of a synthetic polymer extends around a major portion of the periphery of the glass substrate and shield and is adhered to the marginal edge surfaces of each, such gasket having been polymerized in situ adjacent the said periphery and having assumed through the autogenous mechanism incident to its polymerization and cure, while confined intimate contact with the portions to which it is adhered.

Abstract: The invention includes a new web splicer and new method of web splicing, in many aspects. In a principal aspect, the invention is a new automatic web splicer adapted to splice a new web to the tail of a running web while maintaining web speed and tension of equipment into which the webs are running. The web splicer comprises a frame, an anvil and hammer mechanism, a pair of web guides, a pair of web brake rollers, a pair of brake mechanisms, sensing means, web tensioning means and control means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous shaping and lamination of lightweight laminated transparencies, particularly those that are suitable for use in aircraft. The plies of an assembly to be shaped and laminated are assembled with additional elements to form a flexible cell of air impervious material. The cell includes an air impervious flexible wall defining a peripheral space around the assembly and porous material in the space. The cell containing the assembly is mounted over a vacuum mold and heated to sag the cell and its assembly to the contour of the mold while evacuating the cell while the cell and said assembly are exposed to atmospheric pressure.The cell is cooled while still under evacuation until the shape of the assembly is set, then is separated from the vacuum mold. The resulting assembly thus shaped and laminated is separated from the cell.

Abstract: Processes for the lamination of sheets of material including sheets of glass, with and without a substrate or interlayer and apparatus suitable for use in carrying out such processes.

Abstract: When a laminated light transmitting fire-screening panel is formed by sandwiching at least one layer of intumescent material between at least two plies of glazing material, there is a risk that air will be entrapped between the various plies as they are bonded together.In order to reduce such entrapment of air, the sandwich is assembled while there is present between the or each layer and any panel sheet element which is to be brought into contact therewith, an atmosphere which immediately prior to such contact consists at least in part of one or more materials which is more soluble in the intumescent material than is air, and the sandwich assembly is then subjected to heat and/or pressure to bond it together to form the laminate. Such more soluble material is preferably the vapor phase of a solvent for the intumescent material, for example water.

Abstract: A fire-screening glazing panel including a plurality of sheets of vitreous material and at least two spaced layers of intumescent material each sandwiched between sheets of the vitreous material. At least two of the plurality of vitreous sheets are internal vitreous sheets sandwiched between the at least two intumescent layers, and the at least two internal vitreous sheets are laminated together without intervening intumescent material.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first, vitreous sheet to a second sheet to form a laminate which includes the steps of bonding together the sheets using an adhesive material which is at most 250 .mu.m thick and has a viscosity in the range 15 to 300 poises, the adhesive being such that it is settable by evaporation of solvent or by hot or cold curing. The assembly is degassed by subjecting it to sub-atmospheric pressure at a temperature such as to maintain the adhesive viscosity within that range whereafter it is exposed to atmospheric pressure and the adhesive is caused or allowed to set.

Abstract: A laminated panel composed of a plastic sheet and a glass sheet bonded to each other through an adhesive layer having a thickness of not more than about 200 microns and composed of a thermoplastic resin having a softening point of less than about 100.degree. C., containing substantially no plasticizer and being plastic at room temperature, said plastic sheet being composed of a resin having a higher softening point than said thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: For use in the manufacture of laminated safety glass, a vacuum bag in which the glass-plastic laminations are bonded together formed of fiber glass cloth having a layer of silicon-rubber applied to the outer surface thereof which seals the interstices between the glass fibers but leaves the interior surface of the bag bare and the individual glass fibers exposed for direct contact with the glass sheets during lamination.

Abstract: A polysulfide sealing composition is described which contains, in addition to the hardening agents and optional fillers, softeners and other conventional additives, a mixture of a solid polysulfide rubber with terminal SH groups and a liquid polysulfide polymer with terminal SH groups, wherein the weight ratio of the respective solid and liquid polysulfide is 100:5 to 15. The composition may be used for the manufacture of insulating glass units.

Abstract: This invention involves a method of using deairing rings comprising flexible channel members of a novel construction around the periphery of an assembly of glass and flexible plastic sheets during its lamination and the construction of said novel deairing rings. The deairing rings are readily applied to and removed from the assemblies to be laminated and are so constructed as to facilitate the lamination of large windows, particularly those having sharp corners.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermal pane window or door and the product so produced. The method comprises assembling at least two panes of glass in spaced parallel relation to each other, defining a space therebetween and separated all around the edges by a metal spacer frame, and electrostatically bonding the frame to its adjacent panes in the presence of heat and pressure.The resultant thermal pane window or door is characterized by a hermetically sealed space between the two panes of glass that preferably has been evacuated so as to contain no moisture and oxygen and then preferably is filled with a low heat-loss gas or left under vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a solar cell structure includes upper and lower housing members and an intermediate member which includes a flexible membrane. The members form upper and lower sealed chambers which can be selectively evacuated. The solar cell structure is placed between the membrane and a parallel rib structure in the lower chamber. Heater elements and reflectors between the ribs are employed for radiating heat energy to the solar cell structure during the laminating process for melting a potting material therein, while both chambers are evacuated. Then air is admitted to the upper chamber to cause the membrane to compress the laminated structure against the parallel rib support means while the laminated structure cools.

Abstract: A laminate assembly having rigid sheets about a thermoplastic interlayer has interfacial surfaces evacuated and peripheral edges sealed by applying localized vacuum and heat to only the periphery and marginal edge portions. A flexible heating blanket having marginally embedded heating elements overlies the laminate assembly and is biased theretoward by a flexible channel-shaped ring. The channel-shaped ring establishes a conduit about the periphery of the laminate assembly which is evacuated to remove entrapped air, and the heating element is energized to bond and seal the marginal edge portions of the assembly.

Abstract: When forming a multi-ply laminate having at least one thermoplastic structural ply forming an outer ply of the laminate, known processes comprise degassing and bonding steps during which gas is removed from between assembled structural plies of the laminate and the plies are heated to cause them to bond together while a moulding plate is in contact with the or each exposed thermoplastic ply.

Abstract: Contrast enhancement filter having first and second transparent glass substrates with first and second surfaces with the first surface of each facing the medium in which the filter is disposed. A sheet-like circular polarizer is provided formed of stretched plastic members covered by layers of cellulose acetate butyrate. The circular polarizer is disposed between the first and second glass substrates and faces the second surfaces of the glass substrates. A dried plastisol primer layer is disposed on the surface of the layers of cellulose acetate butyrate facing the glass substrates. First and second layers of polyvinyl butyral adhesive secure the layers of cellulose acetate butyrate carried by the circular polarizer with the primer layers thereon to the second surfaces of the glass substrates. An anti-reflection coating is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the lamination of large glass sheets using plasticized interlayer material without the use of autoclaves. Excess liquid plasticizer is applied to the major surfaces of a sheet of plasticized interlayer material to soak the major surfaces at room temperature for sufficient soaking time to soften the surfaces so that the interlayer becomes more amenable to adhesion to glass sheets, but insufficient time to normalize the plasticizer content throughout the thickness of the plasticized sheet. The interlayer sheet is assembled between a pair of glass sheets and the excess plasticizer is removed by compressing the assembly before the soaking time is excessive and the plasticizer concentration can normalize throughout the thickness of the plasticized interlayer sheet.