Abstract: A glass panel whose edges are to be sealed is displaced in an upright condition standing on one edge into a sealing station where the conveyor supporting it raises somewhat whereupon suction grippers carried on a stationary frame engage within the edges of the workpiece. Then the conveyor lowers away from the workpiece, which is still upright, so that all of its edges are unobstructed. An extruder then moves vertically and horizontally around the workpiece to seal its edges. An unloading conveyor presses its own set of suction grippers against a face of the workpiece within its edges so they stick to the sealed workpiece. The suction grippers of the stationary frame then release the workpiece to those of the unloading conveyor which subsequently displaces it while it is still upright into a takeoff station.

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: A hollow glazing unit comprising vitreous sheets and a plastic foil wherein said vitreous sheets are held in spaced relationship by marginal spacing means which comprise one or more metal strips forming a spacing web located outward of the plastic foil, the metal strips being connected to the vitreous sheets by solder joints, wherein a plastic foil is held taut between and in spaced relationship to the vitreous sheets by means comprising components distinct from the spacing strip.

Abstract: A system for sealing the edges of assembled sandwiches of two sheets and a peripheral spacer has a first and a second conveyor extending parallel to each other through respective sides of a sealing station for displacing respective successions of the sandwiches therethrough. Respective first and second stops in the sides of the station position the sandwiches of the respective sides longitudinally and transversely therein. A transverse support extends across the two sides and is displaceable longitudinally in the station. A sealing device displaceable transversely along the support is engageable with the edges of the sandwiches in the sides of the stations for sealing same. This system is operated by displacing the device on the support and the support in the station to move the sealing device first around a sandwich in the one side of the station and then around the sandwich in the other side of the station.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for applying a sheet of energy control film to the surface of a window panel wherein the film comprises an adhesive stratum adapted to contact and cause the film the adhere to the panel. The method includes the steps of: submerging the window panel in a filtered demineralized water bath; submerging the energy control sheet and passing it through the bath; submerging a removable protective layer in the bath and superposing it upon the energy control film sheet; and pressing the energy control sheet, while submerged in the bath, into intimate contact with the window panel by squeegeeing across the exposed surface of the removable protective layer.

Abstract: A spacer bar for double glazing is made as a hollow extrusion of polycarbonate, preferably incorporating about 20% of glass fibre reinforcement.

Abstract: In the manufacture of glazing panels comprising sheets marginally bonded together, in order to simplify and speed up production, an apparatus for effecting bonding between at least one such sheet and one or more members assembled in marginal contact therewith. The apparatus includes treatment means which is carried by a frame. In order to accomodate assemblies of different sizes carried by a support, each beam of the frame is coupled at one end relative to a movable coupling, whereby the end of each beam is movable along another beam in the direction of whose length its end coupling is movable, so that the size of the frame can be adjusted.

Abstract: A device for the assembly of insulating glass panes comprises an upright wall equipped with supporting rollers, the lower edge of this wall being provided with driven conveying rollers for glass panes, and a carrier with guide rollers for glass panes movable into or out of the upper zone of the glass panes. The wall can be shifted forward and backward at right angles to its plane by at least the thickness of one glass pane with its spacer frame attached thereto, transversely to the conveying direction of the glass panes. A beam liftable and lowerable underneath the wall carries lifting lugs and guide rollers engaging between the conveying rollers. Furthermore, a measuring device at least partially fixedly mounted on the framework is provided, for example a photoelectric cell, to detect the thickness of a glass pane with its spacer frame attached thereto and to shift the wall backward by this amount.

Abstract: A multiple glazed unit wherein glass sheets are bonded together and held in spaced relationship by means of a fiber-reinforced alkali silicate based cement composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable sealant and spacer strip comprising an elongated ribbon of deformable sealant enveloping and having embedded therein spacer means extending longitudinally of the ribbon of sealant. The thickness of the enveloping sealant extends beyond the spacer means in an amount sufficient to maintain a continuous sealing interface under applied compressive forces but insufficient to permit substantial distortion of the strip under such applied compressive forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple glass pane with joints of plastic materials.It proposes, in order to reduce the cost of manufacturing such panes, to let the plastic material of the exterior joint polymerize by itself at the ambient temperature while the panes are piled in stacks, by incorporating in the joints spacer pieces such as staples, thumbtacks or coil springs which are able to maintain the distance between the glass sheets until polymerization occurs, but do not interfere with the normal function of the joints after polymerization has occurred.The invention makes it possible to prevent any changes in the good appearance of the joints, and in their properties with regard to tightness and elasticity.

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: A photomask (30) used to form patterns on a resist coated semiconductor wafer is comprised of a transparent baseplate (31) having a thin metallic pattern (32) thereon; a transparent, planar coverplate (33) in intimate contact with the patterned baseplate (31) and an index matching fluid (34) interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing insulating glass filled with a gas other than air, such as sulfur hexafluoride, comprising two substantially vertical plates disposed on opposite sides of the insulating glass to be filled. At least one of said plates is displaceable transversely to said plate. Sealing elements are associated with the top horizontal edges and the vertical side edges of said plates. A tublike container is provided below the plates and has a liftable bottom and an opening that is connected and sealed to the plates.

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: A border molding strip is placed about the perimeter of an existing window pane. A second pane is then placed upon this border material. A retaining border is then placed to retain the window pane firmly against the border material, thus creating an airtight seal between the existing window pane, the border material and the second window pane. Appropriate adhesive and sealing compounds are applied to insure an airtight seal. Thereafter, the space between the existing window pane and the supplemental pane is purged with dry gas and may be evacuated through an opening exposed under a portion of the retaining means. After the window pane is purged and evacuated, a plug is inserted and the opening in the molding material is closed.

Abstract: The edge of an interior lamina or laminae of a laminated sheet or film having three or more laminae is positively encapsulated to protect material enclosed by the laminated sheet or film from contacting and interacting with the edge of the interior lamina or laminae. To encapsulate the interior lamina or laminae, the edge of the laminated sheet or film is heated and the molten outer laminae are mechanically forced out and over the interior lamina or laminae to be covered, thereby positively encapsulating the edge of the interior lamina or laminae.

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.

Abstract: An insulating unit suitable for installation in walls, doors, and the like, is manufactured by a method that includes the steps of supporting a heat-shrinkable plastic film between spaced but parallel glass panes to provide an integral unit, and then heating the unit to cause the plastic film to shrink and become taut and wrinkle-free.

Abstract: A multiple glazed unit wherein glass sheets are bonded together and held in spaced relationship by means of an alkali silicate based cement composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of bonding an optical element (12) to a support (10) requires the formation on the support of a thin pad (11) of material of substantially the same dimensions as the base of the optical element. The material of the pad is one to which the adhesive to be used will not adhere. The optical element (12) is positioned on the pad (11) and a fillet of the adhesive (13) is applied around the base of the element, in contact with both the base of the element and with the support. As a modification, an aperture (14) may be formed in the pad (11) and filled with a rapid-setting adhesive (15) to secure the element in position while the fillet of adhesive is applied.

Abstract: A shatter-, bullet- and/or soundproof laminate is assembled of two or more parallel glass panes and one or more layers of transparent synthetic plastic material, one layer between each pair of neighboring panes. The laminate is assembled while the lowermost pane is supported from below in a horizontal or nearly horizontal plane, and the plastic material is admitted in a liquid state by way of one or more rigid or deformable tubes which extend from the outside into the spaces between neighboring panes. At the same time, one or more additional tubes establish one or more paths for expulsion of air from such spaces. The panes can be pivoted, tilted and/or turned in the course of admission of plastic material. The tubes extend through removable or permanently installed strip- or bead-shaped seals which are disposed between or surround the marginal portions of the panes and seal the spaces between the panes from the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing glazed insulating window or door panels comprising two glass panes spaced apart by a frame, wherein a first pane, situated in a predetermined position, is raised by a device operated by pressurized fluid, and a frame positioned on a horizontally mobile plate and provided with at least a partial coating of adhesive is led by this plate to below the first pane, which is lowered on to said frame and becomes connected thereto because of the presence of the adhesive coating, to form an assembly which, by virtue of the movement of the device, then becomes connected to the second pane situated in said predetermined position.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing multi-pane glazing units using a two-part adhesive system and improved glazing units prepared by the method.

Abstract: In order to reduce or prevent absorption of water in the adhesive of a panel comprising at least one photovoltaic cell located between a transparent sheet and a second sheet bonded together using an adhesive material, the invention provides that another material is applied at least in part between the sheets to form a moisture barrier which surrounds the cell(s) and the adhesive.The preferred adhesive material is polyvinyl butyral, and the preferred barrier forming material is selected from neoprene based adhesives, polysulphide adhesives and polyvinylidene chloride. When the latter is used a second barrier forming material such as polysulphide adhesive is preferably interposed between the adhesive and the polyvinylidene chloride.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing laminated insulating glass plate bonded by adhesive, comprising a supporting table adapted for receiving glass sheets and interspaced spacer frames covered with an adhesive or adapted for soldering. A compression plate is arranged for lifting and lowering movement above the supporting table and is provided with a suction arrangement for raising a glass sheet and compressing it against a spacer frame glass sheet preassembly delivered on the supporting table. The device further comprises a feeding track, a washing device and a device for assembling the spacer frames.

Abstract: A method of producing a bonded laminate by sealing round the edges of a pair of face-to-face spaced sheets of frangible material, introducing into the envelope so formed a liquid resin composition and solidifying the liquid, the seal around the sheets being formed by gas-permeable, resin-impermeable material so that when the resin is introduced the sheets can be sealed completely and trapped air can escape through the seal. This permits very precise control of the amount of resin in the laminate and avoids difficulties involved in the removal of air bubbles.

Abstract: A hollow panel is prepared by uniting vitreous sheets by a spacer of synthetic polymeric material between the sheets. Preferably the polymeric material is a mixture including two polymers of substantially different molecular weight. A ribbon made of the polymeric composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling element comprising elongate thermo-plastic strip material structured to provide that, on application thereto of heat in the range from about 300.degree. to about 500.degree. F. the outer portion thereof becomes fluidly adhesive, and is particularly adapted thereby to quickly form a ready bond and a clean seal between different materials, especially between glass and metal parts. While under the application of heat in the range specified, the outer portion of the element becomes fluidly adhesive, the inner or core portion of the element retains, as originally provided, an essentially stable form which accommodates and conforms to the contour of an applied load.On self cooling in place the strip coupling device provides a uniquely complete and extremely strong bond and seal between parts of unlike materials. In preferred embodiments and applications the invention provides for an improved installation of a window, windshield or like unit.

Abstract: Multiply windows are made by assemblying an interlayer of thermoplastic adhesive between plies of the sheet, subjecting the outer surfaces of the plies and the interlayer to vacuum, and subjecting the evacuated assembly to heat and pressure sufficient to bond them together while maintaining the vacuum. Apparatus is provided for this operation which includes an autoclave, means to establish a selected temperature within the autoclave, means to establish a selected pressure within the autoclave, flexible sack means within the autoclave, means to seal the sack means about a multiply sheet, and vacuum means connected to the interior of the sack means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simultaneous press polishing and lamination of laminated plastic transparencies such as are used in aircraft as aircraft windshields or aircraft canopies. The present invention is especially useful to minimize deviations from surface smoothness of the all plastic laminates due to the entrapment of air that form air pockets within a flexible evacuating bag within which an assembly to be press polished and laminated is inserted during its fabrication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously applying sealing material to two opposite parallel edges of a multiple-pane window includes moving the window parallel to the opposite edges thereof between a pair of opposed extrusion nozzles, maintaining a substantially fixed separation of the nozzles during the travel of the window therebetween, and actuating the nozzles simultaneously to deposit sealing material from end to end of the opposite edges. In the apparatus, centering means are provided upstream of the nozzles and carrier means fixedly engages a window between the edges thereof. The centering means includes a pair of frames mounted for movement toward and away from each other in parallel relationship, and advantageously the nozzles are mounted at the downstream ends of the frame. The nozzles include means for resiliently biasing them toward the window edges and means for retracting them.

Abstract: A method of constructing a display device for displaying art works such as photographs, drawings, and the like, consisting of two or more sheets of clear glass hingeably interconnected by a novel resilient hinge arrangement. The device may be used for displaying photographs or like works in which case the novel hinge arrangement enables the work to be securely held fixedly in position between contiguous sheets of glass, and facilitates quick changing of the art work.Alternately, art forms may be imprinted directly onto the surfaces of the display device in which case the hinge mechanism permits the sheets of glass to be oriented in a manner best suited for displaying the particular art form and enables positioning of the device in a freestanding upright orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a seal edge of a funnel portion of a television cathode ray tube with frit slurry, which method includes the steps of arranging at least one pair of nozzle bodies containing frit slurry adjacent to the seal edge, predetermining initial points and terminal points on the seal edge corresponding to the number of pairs of nozzle bodies, moving the paired nozzle bodies from one of the initial points, in opposite directions, along the seal edge while discharging the viscous material on the seal edge and having two of the nozzle bodies meeting each other at one of the terminal points. The whole seal edge is in this manner coated with a continuous uniform layer of frit slurry.

Abstract: In the production of a multiple pane window, a multiple layer plastic filamentary seal is deposited on the face of a transparent or translucent sheet adjacent the edges thereof over a major portion of the periphery. The seal is deposited by an extrusion nozzle from a starting point to an end point at a corner, by relatively moving and rotating the sheet past the nozzle. At least one layer of the multiple layer seal contains a larger proportion of desiccant material and another layer contains a smaller proportion or no desiccant material. At the starting and/or end points only the layer or layers containing the smaller proportion or no desiccant material is extruded. In a modification, at each corner only the layer or layers containing the smaller proportion or no desiccant material is extruded. A process for applying the seal, a multiple pane window resulting therefrom, and apparatus for applying the seal are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying plastic material to the four edges of a multiple-pane window comprises first and second pairs of nozzles and first and second carriers for moving the window horizontally between the nozzles of each pair in succession. Transfer means, particularly a rotating column with a laterally extending arm, transfers the window from one carrier to the other and rotates the window to bring the edges uncoated at the first station in position for coating at the second station. The transfer device is advantageously correlated with the downstream limit of the first carrier and the upstream limit of the second carrier to transfer and rotate the window about its axis of symmetry. A function of the window length on the first carrier is measured and the separation of the nozzles of the second pair adjusted accordingly. A supply device centers a window and deposits it in a predetermined centered position in the first carrier.

Abstract: A vent apparatus is mounted on an automobile door at the forward edge of the window opening, and the apparatus has a transparent plate which is secured permanently at an acute angle relative to the door glass. The apparatus includes two unitary die cast brackets each of which has a channel in its outer surface and in which the leading edge of the transparent plate is fixedly mounted. The shapes of the channels and the adhesive material employed for securing the transparent plate therein are such as to avoid creation of stress points in the transparent plate if the brackets are slightly misaligned during assembly on the automobile.

Abstract: In a transparent laminated window or canopy for aircraft and the like, flexible fabric tape impregnated with a silicone elastomeric adhesive applied against a surface of one of the plies or reinforcements of the window is used to bond at least one of the plies or reinforcements to another element of the laminated window or to a reinforcing frame of an aircraft panel which comprises the laminated window. Such tape is easier to apply during the assembly operation than previously used silicone pastes, thereby reducing the cost of fabricating aircraft panels incorporating said window or canopy without paying any unduly large penalty in adhesion between the elements of the panel.

Abstract: A light transmitting panel composed of at least two panes held in spaced relation by a spacer assembly to define at least one space between panes is given improved sound damping properties by giving such space a thickness of greater than 9mm, by causing the space between panes to be sealed from the external atmosphere, and by filling this space with a gaseous medium composed of air and at least one other gas, the air constituting at least 30%, by volume, of the medium, and whose composition is such that the velocity of sound propagation therethrough differs by at least 5% from that in dry air at the same pressure and temperature as the medium.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell consisting of two planar supports and a spacer interposed between them only on the margin, said supports being fixed at intervals of a limit by the spacer to form an aperture, has at least one opening through which the liquid crystal material is poured into said aperture. The openings are sealed with use of cyanoacrylates or polybutadiene type resins so that the liquid crystal cell can be prevented from lowering of the characteristics caused by incorporating of impurities into the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of assembling a pair of windows and a spacer by amalgamation to form a sampling cell. The improvement comprises evaporatively depositing a thin layer of metal on each of the windows prior to amalgamating them with the spacer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating insulating glass units with a hot-melt butyl rubber sealant composition is disclosed as are insulating glass units produced by the method of this invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a window being moved parallel to a pair of opposite edges thereof, particularly a double-pane window having fresh sealant coated along its leading and trailing edges, comprises two sets of rollers spaced apart laterally beneath the window with the rollers of each set longitudinally spaced in the path of travel of the window. Detectors responsive to the leading and trailing edges of the window selectively actuate the rollers to their respective upper positions after passage of a leading edge of the window thereby, and to respective lower positions prior to passage of a trailing edge thereby. This avoids soiling the rollers by the fresh sealant, with consequent soiling of subsequent windows. The windows may be supported midway of its side edges by a moving carriage, and guides for the side edges may be provided. Upstream and downstream detectors for each roller are described, particularly pneumatic detectors with an AND cell for controlling actuation of a roller.

Abstract: Manufacture of double or plural pane insulating packages by placing panes together with a spacer, thereby leaving an interspace at the periphery into which cement is injected. Two nozzles are used to inject cement into the interspace, starting from a common starting region and working in opposite directions around the periphery to a common terminal point. Conveyors and control systems are provided to mechanize the process.

Abstract: A stack of rectangular workpieces to be peripherally bonded to one another, such as a unit of two glass plates and an interposed spacer frame, is transported along a generally U-shaped horizontal path having two parallel runs and one transverse course constituted by a number of active or passive conveyor stages. A pair of power presses with complementarily oriented L-shaped jaws are inserted in the two runs, each press acting upon the leading and proximal edges of the stack. A control station common to the two runs is inserted between the two presses and carries an adhesive injector having a nozzle head alternately trainable upon a stack on one or the other press. A conveyor stage in each run, immediately downstream of the respective press, is bodily shiftable between that press and an adjoining stage to give the adhesive injector at the control station access to the press side clamping the leading edge of the stack.

Abstract: Manufacture of double or plural pane insulating packages by placing panes together with a spacer, thereby leaving an interspace at the periphery into which cement is injected. Two nozzles are used to inject cement into the interspace, starting from a common starting region and working in opposite directions around the periphery to a common terminal point. Conveyors and control systems are provided to mechanize the process.

Abstract: A multiple glazed glass article including two glass panels separated by a spacer and held in a marginal frame is disclosed. Two coatings are present on one of the glass panels providing the article with useful and esthetic reflective and transmission properties. One coating preferably includes a metal such as silver, chromium, iron, cobalt or nickel and the other coating preferably includes a metal oxide such as iron oxide or copper oxide. The metal oxide layer is essentially the oxide of a metal other than the metal of the metal layer.

Abstract: A preformed or prefabricated hot melt sealant strip of essentially any desired length and with any desired cross-sectional configuration is formed by hot extrusion, cooled, and coiled or spooled and may be subsequently used, for example, as a sealing means in the assembly of multiglazed windows, to seal and set automobile windshields and the like. The preferred cross-section is U-shaped if the sealant strip is to be utilized for multiglazed windows but the strip may have a T, E, L shape, or the like, depending on the intended end use. Any hot melt adhesive or sealant composition is suitable as long as it is not too tacky in the cooled state. Some tackiness is acceptable but it requires the use of an abherent or release liner if the strip is to be packaged in such a manner that it is in contact with itself. The sealant strip may then be placed about a dessicant filled spacer element and located between two panes of glass. The sealant may then be activated by subjection to thermal energy to seal the unit.