Multipane Glazing Unit Making (e.g., Air-spaced Panes) Patents (Class 156/109)
  • Patent number: 6494245
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying sealant material continuously to an insulated glass panel assembly having a spacer frame with first, second, third and forth perimeter edges and corners defining a sealing area for receiving sealant material therein. The appartus includes a swivel dispensing head assembly (500) having a dispensing nozzle (502) thereon for applying sealant material in a continuous motion to the sealing area of the first, second, third and forth perimeter edge of the spacer frame of the insulted glass panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Albert A. Simone
  • Patent number: 6492028
    Abstract: The present invention provides the following adhesive which is good in durability in bonding a glass plate and a resin composition containing a butyl type rubber. The present invention provides the following adhesive which is particularly suitable as an adhesive for bonding a glass plate and a resin composition containing a butyl type rubber, for a double glazing employing a spacer comprising a resin composition containing a butyl type rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Seigo Kotera, Takashi Shibuya, Yoshitaka Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6488796
    Abstract: A method of producing a vacuum between two glass sheets to form an insulating glazing. One of the sheets has a hole drilled in its thickness. Spacers are placed between the two glass sheets with the sealing joint being placed around the periphery of the sheets. A vacuum is created between the sheets through the hole which is then closed. The spacers are fixed on one of the sheets by bonding with a mineral compound covering at least the bonding zones on the glass sheet. The second sheet is placed on the spacers and on the peripheral sealing joint. The peripheral sealing and the bonding with the spacers are simultaneously effected by raising the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Glass France, Danish Technological Institute
    Inventors: Rene Poix, Stephane Margerand, Yves Demars, Ivar Moltke, Mikael Bredsdorff, Eik Bezzel
  • Patent number: 6479112
    Abstract: A glass panel, its manufacturing method and a spacer for use in the glass panel. In the glass panel, a plurality of spacers (3) are formed between and along a first opposing face (2A) of a first glass sheet (1A) and a second opposing face (2B) of a second glass sheet (1B) so as to form a space (C) therebetween, and a sealing material (6) is provided at peripheral edge (1a) of the first glass sheet (1A) and the second glass sheet (1B) for maintaining the space (C) gas-tight. The plurality of such spacers (3) having, at one side thereof, contact portions (5) capable of coming into contact with the first opposing face (2A) are provided on the second opposing face (2B). The contact portions (5) and the first opposing face (2A) are movable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Shukuri, Hideo Yoshizawa, Naoto Horiguchi, Osamu Asano, Keiichiro Okajima, Tomonori Miura
  • Patent number: 6478911
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. A peripheral or edge seal of a vacuum IG unit is formed utilizing microwave energy in order to enable tempered glass sheets 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 solder glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Yei-Ping H. Wang, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 6468610
    Abstract: A glass panel and a manufacturing method thereof including numerous spacers (2) interposed between a pair of plate glasses (1A, 1B), an outer peripheral closing portion (4) provided between outer peripheries of the pair of plate glasses, and a sucking portion (3) provided in one plate glass (1A) of the pair of plate glasses for vacuum-closing a void portion (V) between the pair of plate glasses, wherein, in constructing the sucking portion (3), a sucking mouth (1a) is provided in one plate glass, a closing plate (6) is disposed to cover the sucking mouth and to lie along a plane of the one plate glass, and the one plate glass is integrated with the closing plate (6) by a bonding portion (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Morimoto, Masakiyo Tonoike
  • Publication number: 20020108694
    Abstract: Two glass sheets are moved in a horizontal direction between a first stage and a second stage by a pushing and pulling device while having a certain gap maintained between the two glass sheets by a holder and having lower edge surfaces of the two glass sheets supported by a guide. A die is provided between the first stage and the second stage so as to be movable in a vertical direction. A resin material is injected in a peripheral edge between the two glass sheets by injecting the resin material from the die onto the peripheral edge between the glass sheets while carrying out alternatively the horizontal movement of the two glass sheets and the vertical movement of the die. A double glazing unit is prepared by forming a resin spacer in the peripheral edge between the two glass sheets while maintaining the certain gap between the two glass sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Naoki Okino, Yuichi Ueda, Yoshitaka Matsuyama, Masao Ito, Yoki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20020108696
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying sealant material to an insulated glass panel assembly having first, second, third and fourth edges for receiving sealant material therein, which includes a sealant assembly for applying sealant material to the insulated glass panel assembly. A glass advance assembly is provided for advancing and moving forward the insulated glass panel assembly into the sealant assembly for applying sealant material thereto. The sealant assembly for applying sealant material includes a first sealant dispensing assembly and a second sealant dispensing assembly for applying sealant material to the first, second, third and fourth edges of the insulated glass panel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Albert A. Simone
  • Patent number: 6420002
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with a plurality of spacers/pillars between opposing substrates. The spacers/pillars function (i) to support and space the substrates from one another, and (ii) as a getter to adsorb gas(es) located within the low pressure space between the substrates. Such spacers/pillars may be formed of one-piece getter inclusive material, or may be multi-piece including a getter coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Steven L. Aggas, Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 6406762
    Abstract: There is provided a glass unit and the process for making the same comprising at least two sheets of glass having an enclosed view control component, a spacer applied to the peripheries of the two sheets of glass to form a space between the two sheets of glass and a ultra-violet light activated photopolymer uniformly dispersed throughout the space formed between the two sheets of glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: The Galaxy Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene M. Negrin
  • Patent number: 6394164
    Abstract: There is disclosed a strip applying tool for applying strip material to substrates. The tool includes at least one cutting blade to slit cut the strip material from its exterior surface into its body to thereby facilitate the formation fo a corner while maintaining the strip in a continuous uninterrupted length. The tool further provides a channel extending therein to receive strip material which provides a guide surface to permit the application of the strip to the substrate while maintaining a lower surface of the tool above the substrate to prevent moving or scratching of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 6383580
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method-of making the same. An edge-mounted pump-out structure is provided, including a pre-positionable insert capable of receiving a pump-out tube therein. Following formation of the edge-mounted pump-out structure and its positioning on the unit, an edge seal is formed for hermetically sealing off the low pressure space located between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Steven L Aggas
  • Patent number: 6378586
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying an adhesive spacer material to a substrate such as a glass lite for the manufacture of insulated windows includes an infeed and an outfeed conveyor for advancing a glass lite, and a transverse beam on which is mounted a first travelling applicator head and a second stationary applicator head. A first and second feed reel are provided to supply spacer material to their respective applicator heads. The stationary applicator head is adapted to apply a length of spacer material in a straight pattern simultaneously with the travelling head as the substrate is advanced by the conveyor. The travelling applicator head applies spacer material to three sides of the substrate cutting notches or slits and rotating 90° at the corners. The stationary applicator head applies spacer to the fourth side. Cooperating pairs of grippers form accurate folds in the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Publication number: 20020043324
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
  • Patent number: 6355317
    Abstract: This invention relates to a one-part thermoplastic moisture cure polyurethane composition, comprising a) at least one polyurethane prepolymer component; and b) at least one thermoplastic component. This composition is especially useful in the window area as a sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Reid, Anne E. Spinks, Jacqueline J. Jarocz
  • Patent number: 6342116
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
  • Patent number: 6340045
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
  • Patent number: 6336490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
  • Patent number: 6336984
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. At least a first edge seal portion is provided on at least one of two glass substrates prior to tempering. When the substrate(s) are thermally tempered, the high tempering temperatures achieved cause the first seal portion to diffuse into or bond to the substrate. Thereafter, after substantial cooling of the substrate(s) and during assembly of the vacuum IG unit, a secondary heating is performed to form a hermetic edge/peripheral seal using at least the first seal portion (additional seal material(s) may be applied in certain embodiments before the secondary heating step).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Steven L. Aggas
  • Patent number: 6329030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite insulated glass assembly, comprising a pair of spaced substrates with a flexible and resilient polymeric spacing member between the substrates, at the periphery thereof. At joints in the spacer, or at corners, where small incisions may be made for ease in forming corners, and such similar discontinuities, sealing material is positioned, bonded in the space to fill any gap or opening and restore any reduction in thermal or other value of the spacer at these positions. The spacer is conveniently positioned adjacent the periphery of the assembly and is substantially free of sealing material except at the corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 6302986
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an electrochromic device providing an opening in the surface of each of the two electrically conductive substrates of the cell, not in the end surface of the opposed substrates, to fill the inside of the hollow cell with an electrolyte or the precursor thereof by injecting through the injection port, to seal temporarily the injection port with a material which can be deformably inserted into the port and to seal secondarily the temporarily sealed port by applying thereon only an adhesive or a sheet-like member over the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corp.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Toya, Yukio Kobayashi, Yoshinori Nishikitani
  • Patent number: 6291036
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. A plurality of spacers or pillars are provided in contact with and/or embedded within an edge seal in order to better control the gap or spacing between the two opposing glass substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang, Scott V. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 6280547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Michael Balduin, Hubert Havenith, Michael Labrot
  • Patent number: 6250358
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for injecting sealant material into the corners of an insulated glass assembly suitable for use in manual and automated production. It has been found that significant saving in both time and material can be achieved by only sealing the corners of the assembly, particularly using the automated method and apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of wiper blocks each having a surface for abutting an edge of a glass assembly arranged in substantially perpendicular configuration to each other, adapted for converging and diverging reciprocal movement from an adjoining position for molding a square corner to a separated position for wiping smooth the surface for the injected sealant material. A nozzle is positioned between the wiper blocks for injecting sealant material into the corner area and retracting in concert with the converging movement of the wiper blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 6245145
    Abstract: In a device for coating of spacer frames (2) for insulated glass panes, there are nozzles on either side of conveyor (1) from which adhesive or sealant is applied to side surfaces (4) of spacer frame (2). Above conveyor (1) there are pressure rollers (10) which press spacer frame (2) against conveyor belt (1) Pressure rollers (10) engage spacer frame (2) in the area of the side edges of inside surface (6) of hollow section (5) which is forming. In this way a frictional connection between conveyor belt (1) and spacer frame (2) is effected and the leg of spacer frame (2) which lies on conveyor belt (1) is guided laterally. Pressure rollers (10) need not be swivelled up when staves (10) move past pressure rollers (10) when spacer frame (2) provided with staves (15) is being coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 6238755
    Abstract: The specification describes and claims an insulating glass unit and a process for making. The unit comprises two glass panes spaced apart by a spacer of thermoplastics material adherent to the panes, an inert or heavy gas trapped within the unit and a layer of silicone elastomer located at the periphery of the unit between edge portions of the glass panes and in contact with external surfaces of the spacer. The thermoplastics material has a water vapor permeability of not more than about 0.2 l/m2/day (measured at 20° C. for 4 mm thickness) and a shear strength of more than 0.2 MPa as determined at a sealant thickness of 0.5 mm at 23° C. and a shear speed of 100 mm/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignees: Dow Corning Corporation, Dow Corning GmbH, Dow Corning, S.A.
    Inventors: Martin Harvey, Karl-Heinz Rueckeshaeuser, Jean-Paul Hautekeer, Andreas Wolf
  • Patent number: 6235356
    Abstract: An insulating glass includes two or more glass sheets forming an air space layer between them. The glass sheets are separated by a spacer made of a resin having a JIS A hardness of from 10 to 90 at 25° C. The resin is a thermoplastic composition including a butyl rubber and a crystalline polyolefin. The resin contains from 50 to 98 wt % butyl rubber, from 2 to 50 wt % crystalline polyolefin, and from 10 to 200 wt % inorganic fillers, based on the total amount of butyl rubber and crystalline polyolefin in the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Shibuya, Seigo Kotera, Hideki Nakagawa, Yoshitaka Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6228290
    Abstract: An article of manufacture, such as an encapsulated dual lens sealed instrument cover, includes four components, namely, a first lens having a peripheral edge encapsulated by a polymeric/polymeric injection molded encapsulation or border and a second lens also have a peripheral edge encapsulated by a second injection molded polymeric/copolymeric encapsulation or border. A hermetic chamber is thereby formed between the two lenses. The first encapsulation is also provided with threads or similar fastening means to readily secure the instrument cover to an instrument “can” containing any variety of instruments, such as a nautical compass, amperage/voltage, fuel, etc. The first lens is inserted into a cavity of a mold and the first encapsulation is injection molded thereabout. The latter two components are then assembled with respect to the second lens and the second encapsulation is injection molded thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Reames, Bob Herrmann, Howard Daley, Ron Peel
  • Patent number: 6221190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Chugai Ro Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Shimosato, Tadashi Seki
  • Patent number: 6212852
    Abstract: A thermally insulating evacuated glass panel comprises two spaced apart glass sheets separated and bonded by a mesh-like supporting structure. The mesh-like supporting structure is formed by a plurality of elongated spacers arranged in orthogonal directions for enclosing a plurality of small evacuated spaces. The elongated spacer contains a mixture of a glass sealing material and a number of glass spheres. The evacuated spaces provide efficient insulation for the glass panel. The glass panel can be cut into smaller pieces of desired size and shape without losing its insulating property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Chun-Hui Tsai
  • Patent number: 6210507
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a plastic window comprising a frame (2) and at least one pane (4a, 4b) of transparent plastic, in which method the pane (4a, 4b) is joined with the frame (2) at an abutment surface (3a, 3b) provided thereon. The joining is performed by welding with laser light (8), and while the welding is performed, an average abutment pressure of at least approx. 2 MPa is provide between the pane (4a, 4b) and the frame (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Thermoform A/S
    Inventors: Helge Hansen, Hans-Georg Treusch, Heidrun Putz
  • Patent number: 6211938
    Abstract: A liquid crystal panel manufacturing apparatus includes jigs, a fluid press device, a mechanical press mechanism, and a heating unit. The jigs are stacked in a plurality of stages, arranged above and below the respective pair of substrates, and have O-rings at positions corresponding to portions on the thermosetting resin. The fluid pressurizing device introduces a pressure fluid into pressure regions defined by the O-rings, surfaces of the jigs, and surfaces of the substrates through inlet holes respectively formed in the jigs, to pressurize the substrates in units of pairs. The mechanical press mechanism entirely presses the plurality of pairs of substrates stacked alternately with the jigs. The heating unit heats and calcines the plurality of pairs of substrates pressed by the mechanical press mechanism. Adhered portions adhered with the thermosetting resin and a display portion of the liquid crystal cell are pressurized, in units of pairs of substrates, in a vertical direction with a uniform pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Mori
  • Patent number: 6197231
    Abstract: When sealing an insulating glass pane (51) with at least one corner in which the edges (60) of the glass panes of the insulating glass pane (51), i.e. the edges which lead to the corner, include with one another an angle, for example a right, obtuse or acute angle, the sealing nozzle (4) is moved without stopping in one pass around the corner (61) and as the sealing nozzle (4) moves around the corner the emergence of the sealing mass from the sealing nozzle (4) into the edge joint is not interrupted. When travelling around one corner (61) the path (79) of movement of the axis which is aligned perpendicular to the plane of the insulating glass pane (51) to be sealed and around which the sealing nozzle (4) can turn is guided such that it deviates from the outside contour of the insulating glass pane (51). For sealing nozzles (4) which are guided to slide externally along the edges (60) of the glass panes of the insulating glass pane (51), i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 6148890
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive spacer to a glass pane to produce an insulated glass window including a first applicator head for applying the spacer; a supporter for supporting the head a distance from the pane, an advancer for advancing the pane relative to the head; a feeder for feeding the spacer at a controllable speed to the head; and an applicator channel for guiding and positioning the spacer on the pane. The channel includes a cooperative pair of driven belts for positioning the spacer at a rate corresponding to the controllable speed where the belts are arranged in upstanding relation to the pane for compressing the spacer therebetween to from an application channel to position the spacer on the pane while the spacer is between the belts. The is also provided a driver for driving the belts and a pressure belt for pressing on the spacer to provide sealing contact between the spacer and the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 6138735
    Abstract: A hand tool for applying adhesive strip material to a glass sheet has a manually graspable body with a channel extending through it to receive the strip material. A positioning member adjacent the channel guides the tool along the edge of the glass sheet. The body includes a punch selectively operable to notch the strip material to facilitate corner formation, and a cutter selectively operable to sever the strip when application of the strip to the glass sheet has been completed. Actuators for the punch and for the cutter are accessible on the exterior surface of the hand tool in locations where they can be operated by the user in a number of different holding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Edgetech I.G., Ltd
    Inventors: Stephen Field, Raymond Pek
  • Patent number: 6120631
    Abstract: The invention relates to assembling together at least two envelope elements with at least one deformable element between the two envelope elements so that the elements are secured together rigidly in irreversible manner, the assembled-together elements being designed to be subjected to compression stresses in a direction that at least intersects an assembly surface; bonding treatment is provided so that at least one compression pad has its first assembly surface in contact with the assembly surface of the first envelope element and so that a second assembly surface of a pad is in contact with an assembly surface of the second envelope element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: PPG Industries Glass S.A.
    Inventors: Denis Legrand, Bernard Savaete, Andre Singer
  • Patent number: 6103324
    Abstract: A thermally insulating glass panel comprises two spaced-apart sheets of glass enclosing a low pressure space and interconnected by a glass solder edge seal and an array of support pillars, wherein the glass sheets are sized or configured, or both, such that their edges are not in registration, and, at any point around the periphery of the panel, the edge of one of the sheets extends beyond the edge of the other in order to provide a peripheral stepped cavity in which solder glass material for forming the edge seal is deposited prior to being melted and fused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Richard Edward Collins, Jian-Zheng Tang
  • Patent number: 6099672
    Abstract: A multiple panel is manufactured having individual panels in each of which a sealing material surrounds a pixel region and peripheral driver circuit regions. At least a part of the sealing material in the respective panels is provided with seal openings to enable a liquid crystal material to be injected into the inside of the sealing material. A single or a plurality of injection holes leading to the seal openings to permit the liquid crystal material to pass are formed on a side among the peripheral portion of the multiple panel. Vacuum injection method is carried out in a vacuum chamber, and the liquid crystal material is injected into the inside of the sealing material of the respective panels over the pixel regions and the peripheral driver circuit regions from the injection hole through the seal openings of the respective panels. Thereafter, the multiple panel is separated into individual panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Takeshi Nishi
  • Patent number: 6096148
    Abstract: The use of polymers ofA) from 30 to 90 wt % of ethylene,B) from 0 to 10 wt % of other .alpha.-olefins containing 2 to 12 C-atoms which may also carry halide atoms,C) from 3 to 40 wt % of one or more acrylates or methacrylates, in which the ester radical consists of C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 cycloalkyl, or C.sub.7 -C.sub.18 aralkyl, where the said ester radicals may also carry halide atoms,D) from 7 to 30 wt % of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, andE) from 0 to 10 wt % of other copolymerizable monomerfor coating or sealing panes of laminated safety glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Arend Jouke Kingma
  • Patent number: 6071575
    Abstract: A vacuum glazing comprises two sheets of glass hermetically sealed around the edge with a thermally insulating internal vacuum, and an array of support pillars placed between the glass sheets, wherein one of the sheets of glass is laminated, after the vacuum glazing has been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: University of Sydney
    Inventors: Richard Edward Collins, Jian-Zheng Tang
  • Patent number: 6068720
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing insulating glass units is disclosed that comprises delivering a succession of high temperature insulating glass units from an oven and a press, moving successive IGUs along a travel path with the major surfaces of each IGU extending substantially parallel to the major surfaces of adjacent IGUs, establishing an IGU cooling station on the travel path, moving the IGUs into heat exchange relationship with a fluent cooling medium at the cooling station to reduce the IGU temperature, and thereafter closing and sealing a vent opening of each IGU. Successive IGUs are moved along the travel path with their major surfaces disposed in substantially vertical planes and successive IGUs disposed in closely spaced relation. The cooling station comprises at least a blower for directing cooling medium onto IGUs moving through the cooling station. The blower directs cooling medium onto the IGUs in a direction parallel to the major surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Edge Seal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. McHugh
  • Patent number: 6059909
    Abstract: A sputter-coated layer system on a glass substrate particularly useful in insulating glass (IG) units, enables normal emissivity values (E.sub.n) of 0.06 or less, good durability and neutral color. The layer system includes an undercoat of a transparent dielectric having an index of refraction between 2.5-2.6 at a wavelength of 550 nanometers, two layers of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, and two layers of nichrome sandwiching a layer of silver to achieve its unique low-E, neutral color, non-mirrorlike solar management properties. An optional overcoat of a transparent dielectric material having an index of refraction of 2 at a wavelength of 550 nanometers may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Klaus W. Hartig, Steve L. Larson, Philip J. Lingle
  • Patent number: 6055783
    Abstract: A multi-paned fenestration unit in which the glass panes are manufactured directly into the support structure without first manufacturing an insulated glass unit. The support structure is designed to provide the structural support for the glass panes without a separate spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: James Curtis Guhl, Steven Matthew Johnson
  • Patent number: 6054195
    Abstract: A thermally insulating glass panel comprises two spaced apart sheets of glass enclosing a low pressure space and interconnected by a glass solder edge seal and an array of support pillars, and further comprises a pump-out tube which penetrates one of the glass sheets and has a radial flange which is cemented to the inner surface of that glass sheet. A method of constructing a thermally insulating glass panel includes the step of installing a pump-out tube through one of the glass sheets of the panel with the pump-out tube having a radial flange that is sealed to the interior surface of the glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: University of Sydney
    Inventors: Richard Edward Collins, Jian-Zheng Tang
  • Patent number: 6045643
    Abstract: An electro-optic window is provided which is powered solely by at least one discrete photovoltaic cell within an electro-optic window. The electro-optic window has front and back spaced-apart glass elements sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship and defining a chamber filled with an electro-optic material. The front glass element has a transparent conductive layer on the face of the front glass element confronting the rear glass element and the rear glass element has a transparent conductive layer on the face confronting the front glass element. The seal is generally disposed along the perimeter of three edges of both glass elements and some distance in from the remaining (fourth) edge. The photovoltaic assembly is electrically connected to the two transparent conductive layers and is placed on the outer perimeter along this fourth edge with the photon-absorbing side of all the photovoltaic cells within the photovoltaic assembly facing in one direction ("out" the window).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Harlan J. Byker, David J. Cammenga, David L. Poll, Scott W. Vander Zwaag
  • Patent number: 6035602
    Abstract: There is disclosed a soft and compliant spacer body wherein the body is provided with modified substrate engaging surfaces to accommodate transverse dimensional changes when the spacer is bent about a corner or otherwise flexed in an insulated assembly. In one embodiment, the corners are cut to reduce the thickness of the strip as the same is bent or flexed about a corner. Other embodiments are disclosed. The advantage is that when the transverse dimension is maintained relatively constant about the bent corner, the result is a more effective seal between the substrate engaging surfaces and the substrates. This is augmented by the use of cellular materials and selected sealants to provide multiple sealing surfaces in a high efficiency spacer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 5985069
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flat display panel having first and second substrates assembled in spaced relationship with a gap therebetween and joined together by a band of sealing material, formed in a frame configuration which may be rectangular, on the surface of the first substrate and adhering the first and second substrates together. A paste of the sealing material is dispensed from a nozzle moved along a route from a starting point displaced the frame configuration, thereby forming a starting segment extending from the starting point to the frame, along the route of the rectangular frame configuration and forming a central segment, and from the frame and to the ending point thereby forming an ending segment integral with the central segment, the ending point being displaced from the frame configuration and from the starting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Syouichi Kawabe, Masaaki Sasaka, Kouichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 5983593
    Abstract: Sealed insulating glass units with multiple-pane construction containing an intermediate taut, flexible heat shrunk plastic sheet are made using silicone edge sealant which exhibits a sheet creep of less than 0.018 cm after 500 hours at 71.degree. C. The plastic sheet remains substantially wrinkle free by the use of such silicone edge sealants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Donald Carbary, Chris Edward Nowak, William Robert O'Brien, Leslie Joan Waters
  • Patent number: 5980667
    Abstract: A non-metal window muntin formed from plastic or wood is described for use in hermetically sealed insulated glass windows. The process for forming the muntin includes machining polystyrene sheets which are painted with a latex paint and baked prior to use between sealed glass of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Custom Glass Products of Carolina, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Reeder, Michael A. Reeder
  • Patent number: 5975181
    Abstract: A tool for applying strip material to a major face of a substrate including a tool body having a lower surface and a channel extending therethrough and a substrate positioning member adjacent the channel for guiding the tool along the edge of the substrate. The substrate positioning member includes spaced apart front and rear guide members contiguous with the edge. The rear guide member is mounted to a frame pivotally mounted to the tool body and includes two spaced apart rollers. The tool also includes an elevating means for elevating the lower surface of the tool from the major and a cutting means for cutting a slit into the strip material to a selected depth extending by part way into the strip material to permit the strip material to be bent about a corner of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Luc Lafond