Abstract: This apparatus includes a horizontal conveyor (3, 4) that has separate supporting elements (9; 11, 12) to support the two panes of glass (31, 32), some of which define a plane of movement of the panes (10), whereas the others define a plane that is parallel to this, and which can be moved out of engagement with the pane of glass (31) that is arranged at a distance from the plane of movement of the panes (10), this being done either synchronously or in groups. In order to inject a paste-like material between the two panes of glass (31, 32) there is at least one nozzle (36) which can be moved parallel to the plane of movement of the panes (10) transversely to the direction of movement (x) of the horizontal conveyor (3, 4). A separator that precedes the nozzle orifices of the nozzle (36) at a constant distance is provided, this penetrating into the space between the two panes of glass (31, 32).

Abstract: A laser sealed evacuated window panel is comprised of two glass panes held spaced apart in relation to each other by a plurality of spherical glass beads and glass welded around the edges to provide an evacuated space between the glass panes that is completely glass sealed from the exterior. The glass welded edge seal is obtained by welding the edges of the glass panes together with a laser beam while the glass panes and bead spacers are positioned in a vacuum furnace and heated to the annealing point of the glass to avoid stress fracture in the area of the glass weld. The laser welding in the furnace can be directed around the perimeter of the glass panel by a combination of rotating the glass panel and linearly translating or aiming the laser with a relay mirror.

Abstract: A sealed double glazing unit has outer and inner panes (2, 3) and a perimeter seal (4, 5). The unit is fixed to a supporting structure at fixing positions within the perimeter seal. At each fixing position there is a fixing assembly (8, 12, 16) which is sealed into the unit and is attached to one pane only so that flexing of the unit under wind load is permitted. Preferably each fixing assembly is fixed to a hole (13) in one pane and passes through a hole (20) in the other pane with sufficient clearance to facilitate the flexing of the unit when it is installed as part of a glass wall assembly.

Abstract: A multi-panel thermal insulated glass unit is supported within an outer frame of U-shaped cross-section by a molded-in-place filler of silicone rubber. The latter forms a resiliently yieldable cushion which supports the glass unit in spaced relation from the frame and which enables limited floating of the glass unit within the frame to isolate the glass unit from shock and vibration imparted to the frame. As a result, the insulated glass unit may be used reliably in a heavy duty off-the-road construction vehicle without any appreciable risk of shock and vibration causing glass breakage or rupture of the airtight seal between the glass panels.

Abstract: A multiple pane unit comprising a pair of sheets maintained in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to each other by a spacing and sealing assembly defining a substantially hermetically sealed, insulating airspace between the sheets. The spacing and sealing assembly includes inner and outer elements. The outer element is adhered to the marginal periphery of the inner, facing surfaces of the sheets. The inner element is self-adhered to the marginal periphery of the inner, facing surfaces of the sheets in communication with the airspace and in juxtaposition to the outer element. Both the inner and outer elements have at least minimum adhesive structural bonding strength. The inner element preferably comprises a moisture vapor transmittable matrix material having a desiccant material dispersed therein, thereby ensuring communication between the desiccant and the airspace sufficient to maintain dryness of the airspace.

Abstract: A moveable clamp and an improved method of fabricating insulated glass is disclosed according to the preferred teachings of the present invention. The clamp includes first and second clamping rollers which are rotatably mounted to the first ends of first and second arms. The arms are pivotally mounted together by a third arm having a first end attached to the first arm and having a second end pivotally secured to the second arm. The second ends of the first and second arms are biased apart by a spring for creating a clamping force between the first and second clamping rollers. A first guide wheel is rotatably mounted to the first arm for rolling on the outside surface of the glass sheet to prevent the clamp from tipping with respect to the stacked glass sheets. A second guide wheel is rotatably mounted to the first arm for rolling on the edges of the stacked glass sheets for preventing the clamp from moving away from the perimeter of the stacked glass sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method making an insulated wall panel, used in glazing, having two plates that define an internal space. In one of the plates a hole is drilled to form a receiving aperture into which a permeable capsule is inserted. The permeable capsule releases excess vapors from the internal space with unidirectional effect. The panel can then be mounted in situ and the permeable capsule is left in place to provide for the ongoing evacuation of excess vapors from the internal space.

Abstract: The apparatus serves to apply a plastic strip to a rectangular glass pane so that the strip extends peripherally along all edges of the pane.

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: Partially assembled spacer frames formed by a plurality of joined spacer frame segments are advanced past a sealant applying station defined by first and second sealant extrusion nozzles positioned for applying sealant to opposite spacer frame segment sides and a third sealant extrusion nozzle positioned for applying sealant to the exterior spacer frame side. Extrusion nozzle controllers render the nozzles operative to apply sealant to the spacer frame segments in response to control signals. A spacer frame detection system produces signals indicating the presence of the spacer frame at the sealant application station. A signal processor coupled to the detection system and to the nozzle controller produces control signals for intermittently operating the third extrusion nozzle in response to the presence of the leading end of the spacer frame segments at said station, and the approach of the junctures of subsequent spacer frame segment ends and the trailing frame end.

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 spacer frame assembly for an insulating glass panel is disclosed which is constructed by arranging a plurality of spacer frame segments end to end in substantial alignment, with adjacent frame ends being connected together, and supplying sealant to the aligned spacer frame segments substantially continuously along opposite sides. The adjacent frame segments are then pivoted about axes extending transversely to the opposite sides to form a generally planar polygonal frame configuration and the free ends of the frame are joined.A connector for adjacent ends of the spacer frame segments is disclosed which includes first and second body portions secured to first and second frame segments, respectively, and hinge structure connecting the body portions for enabling movement of one frame segment relative to the other. The connector body portions are secured relative to each other by connecting structure with the first frame segment in a predetermined angular position with respect to the second frame segment.

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: A method of manufacturing a polygonal glazing panel comprising sheets 61, 62 which are joined together along the margin of the panel using heat-activatable bonding medium 66,67 which is electrically conductive and/or in contact with electrically conductive material 63 comprised within the panel and which is activated in situ by induction heating is characterized in that for the induction heating use is made of a polygonal inductor loop each of whose sides 50, 51, 52, 53 and 68 comprises a conductor or conductors of tubular bar or of rod form, the loop being spaced from the work 61 to 67 and so disposed in relation to the margin of the work that the bonding medium 66, 67 is heated simultaneously at all positions along the joint or joints to be formed.

Abstract: The method of retro-fitting a window from a single windowpane into a double windowpane wherein an existing windowpane in a sash is measured for the purpose of cutting a glass pane to the precise dimensions or slightly less than that of the exposed glass in the existing windowpane. Such glass pane has a sealant strip applied to the entire perimeter thereof. The strip can also be initially applied existing window pane. The glass and strip are then placed onto the existing windowpane to secure such glass pane to the windowpane and sash. Thereafter a stop is placed around the entire perimeter of the glass pane and is secured to the sash.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting spacer frames to panes of glass in the manufacture of insulating glass has a support wall and a frame which is movable towards and away from the support wall and the upper horizontal limb of which can be moved upwardly and downwardly for the purpose of adaptation to the height of a spacer frame, while retractible pins, clamp means and pressure pins for the spacer frame are provided on the frame of the apparatus.

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: A single foil is biaxially stretched on a frame for movement relative thereto by being secured intermittently to a single rubbing strip over a guide ledge. The rubbing strip is stretchable and movable lengthwise of the associated frame side. Torsional forces arising because of the one-sided loading of the frame by the stretched foil are taken up by the frame which is made with a torsionally rigid cross-section.The single foil can be clamped without creasing and in a manner which ensures freedom from creasing notwithstanding differences in the heat expansion of the foil and frame.

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: 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 method is provided for rapidly and thoroughly curing a heat curable adhesive substance by application of radiation heat energy without excessive temperature elevation of the adhesive substance. The method comprises the controlled application of radiation heat energy to the adhesive substance for elevating the exposed surface of the adhesive substance to a predetermined maximum temperature level. The radiation heat energy is then alternately removed from the adhesive substance to allow the exposed surface to cool partially, and resupplied to the adhesive substance to reheat the exposed surface to the predetermined maximum temperature level. This alternating controlled application of the radiation heat energy produces a thermal oscillation within the adhesive substance resulting in a rapid temperature rise and corresponding rapid cure time of portions of the adhesive substance not directly exposed to the radiation heat energy.

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: In a flat panel display system including a polyhedral enclosing housing structure having opposed front and back panels, which structure requires a subatmospheric or evacuated environment for the performance of the electronic components contained therein, a plurality of substantially parallel transversely spaced apart and longitudinally extending supporting vanes are fixtured within said housing between said front and back panels for limited movement within said housing prior to evacuating the interior thereof and for engagably supporting said front and back panels against the forces generated by atmospheric pressure when said interior is evacuated.

Abstract: A transparent vacuum insulation plate (1) has two or more lattice structures (4, 5, 6 and 7) contained in an evacuated space between two transparent outer plates (2,3). The lattice structures (4, 5, 6, and 7) are placed one on top of another but are shifted in relation to each other. In some embodiments, a semi-transparent film (8) which intercepts infrared rays but permits penetration of visible light is placed between the lattice structures.

Abstract: In producing compound plates, such as compound glass panes, two individual plates are held in opposed spaced parallel relation with a frame located between them and extending along the edges of the plates so that the frame connects the plates together. In assembling the compound plates, the frame is formed by removing a flat strip from a supply source and conveying it to a bending station. While the strip is moved to the bending station or in the bending station a number of miter cuts are formed spaced apart in the long direction of the strip so that the miter cuts separate the strip into connected subsections. The miter cuts are located to correspond to the intersecting edges of the plates. The strip is bent or folded along lines extending in its long direction into a hollow section. Subsequently, the hollow section is formed into a frame by bending the connected subsections at the miter cuts.

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: An adhesion-promoting primer, e.g., an emulsion polymer, is employed to bond organic elastomers to silicone elastomer adhesives. A multiple glazed unit having an organic elastomer sealant about its periphery is mounted into a curtainwall system by first coating the exposed organic elastomer sealant with a suitable primer before bonding the multiple glazed unit to the curtainwall system with silicone elastomer adhesive.

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 liquid crystal light pipe display for direct imaging onto photosensitive materials, having a non-conductive, transparent first sheet and a non-conductive substantially opaque second sheet, each having substantially planar inner and outer surfaces. The non-conductive sheets are disposed adjacent to one another with their inner surfaces opposing one another in spaced-apart relationship separated by a sealed-in, normally transparent, liquid crystal material. The non-conductive sheets each have a transparent conductive electrical coating disposed on their inner surface, of a plurality of discrete character forming segments with means connected thereto for electrically coupling said segments to an external power source. The second non-conductive sheet has a plurality of discrete transparent light pipes formed therethrough, each of which are aligned with one of said character forming segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a glazing panel which includes a pair of glazing sheets separated by an intervening marginal spacer frame formed to a required size and shape from strip material and marginally secured between the pair of sheets. The apparatus comprises a frame forming mechanism which includes guides defining at least two paths for feeding required lengths of the strip material, stops defining a position for the leading ends of the strip material as it is fed, a plurality of bending stations arranged to bend the strip material on at least one of the paths to form frame corner angles at required distances from the stops, and apparatus for joining the ends of spacer strip material which has been fed along the paths and bent, thereby to form the frame.

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: A method of reducing heat transmission through a window in a heated building, in a direction from the interior of the building to the building surroundings, while simultaneously maintaining complete visibility through the window both in, as well as against said direction, characterized in that a plastics film is applied to a window pane, said film being substantially fully transparent for visible light and which has substantially reduced transparency for a wavelength range corresponding to the heat radiation from the interior of the building. The film may comprise or consist of a polyethylene terephthalate film. Possibly a transparent polyvinyl fluoride film is also arranged in the window. Alternatively, a compound film comprising a polyethylene terephthalate film and a polyvinyl fluoride film is applied to the pane. Preferably the polyethylene terephthalate film is applied nearer to the interior of the building than the polyvinyl fluoride film.

Abstract: A composite glass and molded frame member. In a specific embodiment, one or more glass panels may be utilized in association with a generally U-shaped elastomeric packing and mold-piece seal strip with thin leg portions engaging the glass. The strip has a collapse or compression zone formed outboard and adjacent the edge portion of the glass to accommodate, inter alia, differing thermal expansions and contractions of the glass and the frame. The glass edge and strip are unitary with a perimeter frame of urethane plastic material which is molded over the glass edge and seal. The mold pieces of the molding apparatus have continuous raised or ridge portions adapted to engage the leg portions of the elastomeric strip on either side of the glass panel to prevent flow of plastic material over the glass surface area encircled by the ridge portions of the mold pieces.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed multiple glazing unit comprises at least one film located between spaced parallel glass panes which are attached to spacing and sealing means constituted by frame portions. The films are attached to the outer frame portions and are stretched when these frame portions are pressed against an intermediate frame portion, by virtue of the profiled confronting surfaces on the frame portions. In another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple glazing unit is not hermetically sealed, and the space between the outer pane and the outermost film is vented through a filter. A silicone coating may be applied to the inner surfaces of the panes and/or to the films to inhibit condensation onto the light-transmitting surfaces. An ultraviolet radiation blocking layer can be provided to protect the film from degradation.

Abstract: A nozzle movable into the edge seam around the periphery of an insulating glass panel is connected with a supply source of sealing compound and has a leading guide element also positioned in the edge seam and a leading side guide adapted to run over the inner surface of at least one of the two glass plates making up the panel, all of which are moved relative to the panel by a conveying device to uniformly fill the edge seam in a single pass with a sealing and insulation layer. A rotating device is connected with the nozzle so that the forward movement of the nozzle is stopped at every corner, the nozzle is rotated and then moved forward again to thus provide a continuous uninterrupted seal even at the corners of the insulation glass panel.

Abstract: A multiple glazed window unit employing a room temperature vulcanizable sealant is disclosed. The sealant comes in the form of two relatively low viscosity components, each of which has an unlimited storage life. When it is desired to apply the sealant, the components are fed to an extruder and blended together to form a cold flowable mastic material of relatively low viscosity which cures at room temperature to form a firm, tacky, resilient seal. Because each of the two components of the sealant composition are of low viscosity, the sealant can be extruded at relatively low temperatures, thus preventing rapid curing and insuring that the sealant composition will have an initial low viscosity, thereby permitting it to be applied to a multiple glazed unit with low temperature and pressure equipment.

Abstract: A filamentary seal for multiple pane window is formed of a plastic material having a viscosity greater than 115.degree. Mooney as defined. Particular compositions are given. A filament is applied to a transparent or translucent sheet by an extrusion nozzle at an angle between 15.degree. and 45.degree., preferably between 25.degree. and 35.degree.. A vertically adjustable extrusion device with a rotatably adjustable nozzle head is described.

Abstract: A multi-layered windowpane which is substantially transparent and possesses superior insulating properties. The outer and inner layers are glass and between each glass layer there is a perforated layer of substantially transparent plastic.

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: An apparatus is disclosed for applying a plastic filament on the periphery of a face of a glass sheet which is adapted for use in the production of a multiple window pane unit. The apparatus includes an extrusion device for extruding on the glass sheet a plastic material having a viscosity greater than 115.degree. Mooney at the end of an 8 minute test at 40.degree. C. as measured by a Mooney consistometer, and support means defining a surface for supporting a glass sheet. The extrusion device includes a body portion and head member and an extrusion nozzle carried by the head member for extruding the plastic material. The nozzle extends from the head at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the device and the head is rotatable relative to the body portion about the longitudinal axis of the device to permit orientation of the nozzle at an angle of about between 15.degree. and 45.degree. with respect to the plane of the face of the glass sheet which is supported by the supporting means.

Abstract: A triple glazed unit has the inner glass sheet mounted within a spacer and outer glass sheets mounted on opposed outer surfaces of the spacer. The peripheral edge portions of the outer glass sheets extend beyond the spacer to form a peripheral channel. A moisture-resistant adhesive fills the peripheral channel to seal the unit and provide dead airspaces between the glass sheets.

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: 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: A tool for installing a pane to an existing glazing to provide an insulating, sealed airspace therebetween includes a plate having a pin on one surface to secure the tool to a frame of the existing glazing. A shaft slidably mounted on the other side of the plate urges a blade against the marginal edges of the pane to flow adhesive between the pane and existing glazing to form a hermetic seal.

Abstract: A composite foam spacer for precision separation of the plates in double insulated glass comprises a thin extruded core and a relatively thick foam layer cast to the core so that the resulting coefficient of expansion of the composite is equal to that of the foam layer and approximately equal to that of glass. The cast foam spacer has good thermal insulating properties, reducing heat transfer between the glass panes, and reducing the differential dimensional change between the glass and the spacer, resulting in a structurally stronger sealed unit.

Abstract: A window composed of a frame having at least two, parallel disposed, spaced glass panes. At least one of the panes is composed of fire-resistant glass. The fire resistant pane can be a borosilicate or alumino silicate glass having a compressive prestress in the peripheral edge portion thereof, and for which the product of thermal expansion .alpha. and the elastic modulus E is 1-5 kp .times. cm.sup.-2 .times. .degree. C.sup.-1.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an extruded plastic rim strip for holding the panes of a double pane insulating glass in spaced parallel relationship and having a chamber with a moisture absorbent material intermediate the panes and a surface layer of adhesive extruded therewith for securing the rim strip to the panes and provide a seal therebetween.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing double or multiple pane insulating glass is described wherein the sealant employed to seal the glass and the frame is cured rapidly using capacitive high frequency heating.

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.