Internal Spacer Patents (Class 52/786.13)
  • Publication number: 20080134627
    Abstract: A window spacer for integrated glass units is disclosed. The window spacer has an elongated housing with two distal ends. The housing is bent upon itself so that the distal ends are adjacent to each other. One end has an engaging slot, and the other end has an engaging member formed in it. When the engaging member is inserted into the engaging slot, a restraining portion of the engaging member prevents the engaging member from disengaging from the engaging slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: FORMTEK METAL FORMING, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080135543
    Abstract: Disclosed is a warm window system that utilizes individual buss bars that are placed within the space between an inside window pane and an outside window pane and creates sufficient physical force to create an electrical contact on the tin oxide layer on the inside surface of the inside pane of glass. The buss bars have a modulus of elasticity to ensure sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer to prevent the formation of hot spots and securely hold the buss bars in place. Both a z buss bar and c buss bar are also disclosed that are capable of generating a sufficient amount of reactive force to create a secure contact with a tin oxide layer on the interior surface of an interior pane of glass in a warm window system to hold the buss bar in place and provide a large contact surface area to provide sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer to prevent hot spots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Steven X. Johnson, Dave Lundahl
  • Publication number: 20080134596
    Abstract: A spacer profile (50) for a spacer profile frame mountable in the edge area of an insulating window unit for forming an intervening space (53) between window panes (51, 52), has a profile body (10) made of synthetic material and comprises one or more chambers (20) for accommodating hygroscopic material. A metal film (30) encloses the profile body on three-sides such that, in the bent/assembled state of the spacer profile, the non-enclosed inner side of the profile body is directed towards the intervening space between the window panes. The not-enclosed inner side of the profile body comprises openings (15) for moisture exchange between hygroscopic material accommodated in the chamber(s) and the intervening space between the window panes. The metal film comprises a profile (31a-g, 32a-g) on each end directed towards the intervening space of the window panes. Each profile has at least one edge or bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Erwin Brunnhofer, Petra Sommer, Jorg Lenz
  • Publication number: 20080053037
    Abstract: A spacer bar for use in glazing units employs two heat blockage portions. One heat blockage portion is implemented as a low thermal conductivity planar plastic s wall portion, wherein the other heat blockage portion is of an extended length and is implemented as a low thermal conductivity non-planar plastic lined metal wall portion. The non-planar plastic lined metal wall portion, preferably including irregularities, such as ridges, ribs, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond G. GALLAGHER
  • Publication number: 20080000195
    Abstract: A heat insulating window comprises a pair of outer glass panes, held apart by a spacing member and surrounded by a frame enclosing at least one photovoltaic cell. In a preferred embodiment a conduit system providing gas communication to the air space between the glass panes includes a desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: VISIONWALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory L. Clarahan
  • Patent number: 7306833
    Abstract: Structure comprising at least two glass substrates (10, 11) separated by a distance (i), at least one substance (12) at least partly filling the space between the two substrates, and spacers (13) placed between the two substrates in order to maintain their spacing, characterized in that the spacers (13) are fastened to at least one of the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Dorothee Martin, Frank Marandon, Yves Lehmann, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Rino Messere
  • Patent number: 7293391
    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: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: James Curtis Guhl, Steven Matthew Johnson, Neil Ranger Fredrick
  • Publication number: 20070245686
    Abstract: An ornamental filled glass unit (“FGU”) is manufactured by placing a first glass lite in a horizontally supported position and affixing a spacer frame around a periphery of the first surface, providing a space for filling. A first joiner element centered on the first surface, the joiner element having an upward height that slightly exceeds an intended gap between the first lite and a second lite to be placed on the spacer frame. Additional joiner elements may be used, depending upon the area of the first surface. A filler design is built by arranging a plurality of infill elements in the filling space. The second lite is affixed to an adhesive sealant around a top surface of the spacer frame, and to an adhesive on an upwardly-extending surface of each joiner element. The filler design is spatially maintained when the filler space is sealed by the second lite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Diane I. SAMUELS
  • Patent number: 7282248
    Abstract: A heat insulating and shielding glass panel that is capable of maintaining heat shielding performance even if heat treatment is carried out during manufacture. The heat insulating and shielding glass panel 1 is comprised of a pair of glass plates 11 and 12 that are hermetically joined together at their outer peripheral edges via a sealing frame 13 that fluidizes at low temperature, such that respective one surfaces of the glass plates 11, 12 face each other and a hollow layer 14 is formed between the glass plates; and pillars 15 that are substantially cylindrical spacers that are inserted into the hollow layer 14 as atmospheric pressure supporting members and determine the gap between the glass plates 11 and 12. A low-emission transparent multilayer 17 having an emittance of not more than 0.1 is coated by sputtering on each of surfaces 11a and 12a of the respective glass plates 11 and 12 facing the hollow layer 14 so as to realize high heat insulation performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Osamu Asano, Terufusa Kunisada, Tetsuo Minaai
  • Patent number: 7270859
    Abstract: Disclosed is an insulating glass assembly that limits the presence and transmission of volatile components into the airspace of an insulating glass assembly and includes a polymeric spacing structure including a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third wall at least substantially perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall, a first pane of glass bonded to the first side wall through a sealant composition, a second pane of glass bonded to the second side wall through a sealant composition, and a desiccant matrix composition disposed on the spacing structure, the desiccant matrix composition including adsorbent and polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: H.B. Fuller Licensing & Financing Inc.
    Inventors: Margarita Acevedo, Mai T. Nguyen-Misra, Kristen A. Gray
  • Patent number: 7244480
    Abstract: A glass panel comprising: a pair of glass sheets (1), (2) disposed in opposition to each other via a gap (V) therebetween, peripheral edges of the two glass sheets (1), (2) being bonded with low melting glass (4) for sealing the gap (V); wherein in a cross section substantially normal to faces of the two glass sheets, (1), (2), an adjacent face (4a) of the low melting glass (4) adjacent the gap (V) has a center portion thereof between the two glass sheets (1), (2) bulging toward the gap (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Tetsuo Minaai, Richard Edward Collins, Nelson Ng
  • Patent number: 7244325
    Abstract: A metallized coating is applied to a first surface of a multi-layered window film, the coating applied by vacuum deposition to form a laminated film composite. A second surface of the multi-layered window film composite is adhesively attached to a first glass pane. A thin outer edge strip of the outermost layer of the film coated with the metallized layer is removed. A second glass pane is prepared in the same way. The two glass panes are adapted to be mounted in a frame with the first surface of the film coated with the metallized coating facing each other spaced apart with a spacer. A sealant fills a cavity between the two glass panes to form an insulated glass unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Film Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Abate, Craig Duncan
  • Patent number: 7174692
    Abstract: A blast resistant window structure capable of withstanding typical car bomb blast pressures of 100 psi or more and of resisting leakage of chemical or biological agents is described, the window structure including a frame hermetically enclosing two glass panels in confronting relationship defining an air gap therebetween, each glass panel having a thin layer of polymer film on each surface thereof, and a pressure relief valve in the frame for releasing air pressure from within the gap in response to blast pressure imposed on an outer surface of one of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Richard N. Vickers, Michael A. Rochefort, Mark Anderson
  • Patent number: 7141282
    Abstract: An insulating glazing unit including at least two glass sheets separated by, e.g., a gas-filled cavity. An insert serves for spacing the at least two glass sheets apart and has an internal face facing the gas-filled cavity and an opposed external face, together with a mechanism for sealing the inside of the glazing unit. The insert is in the form of a substantially flat profiled strip that girds the perimeter of the glazing unit by its internal face being pressed against the edges of the at least two glass sheets and held fast by a fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Yves Demars, Jean-Cristophe Elluin, Boris Vidal
  • Patent number: 7114306
    Abstract: A glass panel (P) comprising a pair of glass plates (1A, 1B) opposed to each other, spacers (2) disposed between the pair of glass plates for maintaining a gap therebetween, and a sealing member (3) having a lower melting point than the glass plates (1) for sealing the pair of glass plates (1A, 1B) at outer peripheries (9) thereof to form a decompression void (V) between the pair of glass plates (1A, 1B), wherein a compressive force Fc is allowed to remain at outer surfaces of the outer peripheries (9) of the glass plates (1), with the decompression void (V) being in atmospheric pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Minaai, Masao Misonou, Toru Futagami
  • Patent number: 7105220
    Abstract: An article having a sealed layered edge, e.g. an automotive laminate and a multiple glazed unit includes a pair of glass sheet in a fixed relationship with one another. A sputtered coating is deposited on a major surface of one of the sheets and includes at least one combination of a metal film, e.g. a silver film and a dielectric film. Discontinuities in the metal film at the marginal edges of the coated sheet provide voids in the metal film to impede or stop corrosion of the metal film. The discontinuities include (1) break lines or segments in the coating, (2) coating thickness variations provided by abrading the coating and (3) spaced discrete coating areas on the marginal edges of the coated sheet. The discontinuities may be made in the metal film using a laser, an abrasive surface, a coating mask and/or coating deletion techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Freeman, Robert C. Lewetag, James P. Thiel
  • Patent number: 7104021
    Abstract: A terminal for use with a muntin bar or cross includes a muntin bar and a terminal plug. The muntin bar has an end and an outer surface. The end of the muntin bar includes a hollow space and an inner wall. The terminal plug is adapted to be inserted into the end of the muntin and includes a flange, a plug body and a longitudinal slot. When installed in the muntin, the flange engages the outer surface of the muntin. The plug body is designed to provide a press fit with the inner wall of the muntin by having at least part of the plug body being pressed against the inner wall of the muntin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Harald Apfelthaler
  • Patent number: 7043881
    Abstract: An insulated glass (IG) assembly for windows which includes an internal lighting system is disclosed. The IG assembly includes two or more panes of glass, a spacer and a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The spacer separates glass panes and provides the hermetic seal for the IG assembly. The spacer extends around the periphery of the glass panes with a portion of its ends overlapping to form a sealed corner joint. The LED light strip includes a plurality of LED lamps connected in series by thin electrical contact wires fixed in a flexible nonconductive substrate. The LED strip is fixed to the spacer and extends around the periphery of the insulated glass unit. The lead wires from the LED light strip pass through the corner joint between the overlapped ends of the spacer. The LED light systems provide dependable illumination but emit relatively little thermal energy. Consequently, the LED light system maintains the thermal insulating properties of an insulated glass unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Tem-Pace, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Krause, Sr., Richard J. Krause, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7024830
    Abstract: A plastic window assembly is adapted to be mounted in an opening defined by a structure. The plastic window assembly is oval-shaped with a decorative plastic window muntin. A plastic frame supports parallel window panes. The window muntin is disposed between the parallel window panes. Flat surfaces of the window muntin have a first edge and a second edge and include a ridge disposed along each of the edges. Marring of the window panes is prevented because the ridge provides for line contact between the window muntin and the window panes. The window muntin may also be integrally molded to a plastic pane disposed between the parallel panes of glass. The plastic pane includes a surface texture that simulates frosted glass. The plastic window assembly includes a plurality of liner panels that extend through the opening from an interior of the structure. The window assembly includes a flange having aperture throughwhich fasteners are inserted to secure the window assembly to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, John R. Tesluk
  • Patent number: 7021110
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for preparing a U-shaped spacer having a longitudinal axis, wherein the spacer has first and second opposing sides extending from a spacer bottom, and wherein the spacer is to be used as a spacer between glass sheets on insulating frames. A method for producing such spacer features is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Barent A. Rosskamp
  • Patent number: 6989188
    Abstract: Spacer profiles (1) for double glazing units (20) may include a deformable profile body having first and second side walls (3) extending from a base wall (2). First and second connecting segments (5) respectively connect the first and second side walls (3) to an upper wall (4) and respectively define inwardly projecting grooves (9). A hollow chamber (7) may include a first space (11) disposed adjacent to the base wall (2), which first space (11) has a greater width than a second space (10) disposed adjacent to the upper wall (4). Further, the profile body preferably has a heat conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/(m·K). A reinforcement layer (6) may be permanently coupled to at least the upper wall (4), the first and second connecting segments (5), and the first and second side walls (3), and preferably has a heat conductivity of less than about 50 W/(m·K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Technoform Caprano und Brunnhofer GmbH & Co. KD
    Inventors: Erwin Brunnhofer, Jörg Lenz
  • Patent number: 6955026
    Abstract: The light-transmitting glass panel 1 is comprised of a pair of glass plates 11 and 12 that are hermetically joined together with one surface of each thereof facing one another, the joining being via a sealing frame 13 that is provided at an outer peripheral portion of the glass plates 11 and 12 and fluidizes at low temperature, and the glass plates 11 and 12 having a hollow layer 14 formed therebetween, and pillars 15 that are substantially cylindrical spacers that are inserted into the hollow layer 14 as atmospheric pressure supporting members and determine the gap between the glass plate 11 and the glass plate 12. The pillars 15 are arranged in the hollow layer 14 in a matrix shape with a predetermined spacing, and taking the surface residual compressive stress of the glass plates 11 and 12 in MPa to be S, and the thickness of the glass plates 11 and 12 in mm to be d, the average spacing D in mm of the pillars 15 arranged in the hollow layer 14 satisfies the relationship D?5.2d+5.5+(0.8d+0.08)·?S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited
    Inventor: Masao Misonou
  • Patent number: 6946171
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with an array of spacers/pillars between opposing glass sheets. At least some of the spacers/pillars are coated on at least one surface thereof with a dry lubricant and/or reflective material such as silver. This coating permits the glass sheet(s) to move relative to one another during thermal expansion while minimizing the degree to which the spacers/pillars scratch or crack the glass during such relative movement. A method of making an exemplary spacer/pillar includes transforming by chemical reaction silver ions on a core into a metallic silver coating thereby resulting in a coated spacer/pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Steven L. Aggas
  • Patent number: 6941721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element (10) for double pane insulating glass (42, 44), which is anchored by expansion of an expansible ring (16) in a drilled hole having a conical undercut in an outer glass pane (42) of the insulating glass (42, 44). The invention provides for the fixing element (10) to be sealed with two sealing rings (30, 40) on both sides of an inner glass pane (44) of the insulating glass (42, 44) and additionally for an injection opening (41) to be provided, through which a sealing compound, for example, silicone, can be introduced into a gap at the point at which the fixing element (10) passes through the inner glass pane (44) in order to provide an extra seal at the passage point. The fixing element (10) ensures a permanent seal of the passage point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lind
  • Patent number: 6938388
    Abstract: A straight connection piece or connector (1) is used to form a spacer frame or spacer for insulated glass panes. The cross-section of the straight connection pieces (1) fits into the inner hollow section of the hollow profile (2) and the shape and contour of the connection piece corresponds to the hollow profile, at least in parts, in order to partially support and reinforce the hollow profile (2) from the inside in the area of the point of insertion. A recess (4) is provided on the back of the connection piece (1) that faces towards the outer transverse crosspiece (3) of the hollow profile (2) in the in-use position, in its central area. The recess extends over both sides of the point of insertion in the hollow profiles (2). The ends of the outer transverse crosspiece (3) of the hollow profile (2) that face each other can be deformed into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Bayer Isolierglas- und Maschinentechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Bayer
  • Patent number: 6877292
    Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a stretchable sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented concavedly inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: TruSeal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lynn Baratuci, Ronald Ellsworth Buchanan, Patrick Anthony Drda, Louis Anthony Ferri, Eric W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6868648
    Abstract: A fenestration sealed frame insulating glazing panel has an integral planar frame formed by four rigid plastic profiles interconnected end-to-end to define corners, the profiles having a low heat conductivity. Two glazing sheets are arranged in a spaced parallel relationship attached on opposite sides of the frame in a rigid manner by thermosetting adhesive to form an integral structure having an insulating cavity enclosed by the frame. The front face of each frame profile facing towards the cavity is covered by a low permeability sealant. The sealed frame glazing panel can include a third glazing sheet positioned in parallel between the first two glazing sheets and likewise interconnected at its perimeter to the frame to divide the insulating cavity into two parallel coextensive sub-cavities. The profiles of the frame can be made from structural plastic foam material, glass fiber, oriented thermoplastic, or various other materials of low thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bowmead Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Glover, Stephen Field
  • Patent number: 6852380
    Abstract: A sealing device for use in a sealed double glazed window assembly is described and consists of a pair of glass sheets arranged in spaced parallel relationship to form an air space therebetween and of a spacing unit disposed between the inner marginal edges of the glass sheets. The device comprises a flexible plug that fits into holes made in the spacing unit. A blind rivet is used within the plug and consists of a deformed sleeve member and of a ruptured annular member coaxially positioned within the sleeve member. The bottom wall of the plug is made of piercable material so that a piercing member may be introduced in the cavity to penetrate through the bottom wall to thereby have access to the space between the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Tec-N-Tec Inc.
    Inventor: Luc Tremblay
  • Patent number: 6837022
    Abstract: The double glazed panel assembly comprises a glass holder frame which includes an inner annular glass supporting surface and an outer annular glass supporting surface which extends along an outer periphery of the inner annular glass supporting surface in a laterally spaced relationship and is raised relative to the inner annular glass supporting surface, and the outer and inner glass sheets are supported by the outer and inner annular glass supporting surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the outer peripheral part of the outer glass sheet provides an inwardly facing surface (facing the corresponding glass supporting surface of the glass holder frame) that is available as a surface for bonding onto the glass holder frame so that the outer glass sheet as well as the inner glass sheet can be firmly attached to the glass holder frame, and a required integrity of the assembly can be ensured even though the panel assembly presents a flush outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Ito
  • Patent number: 6823644
    Abstract: Spacer frame tubing for being mounted between first and second panes in an insulated window assembly, the tubing being configured to flex inwardly and outwardly in response to inwardly and outwardly directed pressures exerted by the glass panes so as to minimize the tendency of the panes to pivot against the sidewalls of the tubing. The reduction in pivoting action reduces the tendency of the edges of the panes to alternately pull away from and press against the sealing strip around the perimeter of the window assembly as the panes bow in response to changes in atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing the tendency of the edges of the panes to separate from or fracture against the sealing strip. The tubing has first and second side walls for engaging the inside surfaces of the glass panes, and a transverse wall interconnecting the sidewall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Wallace H. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6823643
    Abstract: A multipane window unit is provided in which a sash frame is formed having an integral spacing structure upon which glazing panes are directly affixed. The spacing structure is formed integrally with the sash frame at internal glazing surfaces. Adhesive can be affixed to the internal glazing surfaces to attach the glazing panes. In this manner, a rigid, structural sash frame can be formed prior to attachment of the glazing panes, thereby eliminating the need for using separately manufactured insulating glass units while obtaining similar and improved benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sashlite, LLC
    Inventor: John S. France
  • Patent number: 6818268
    Abstract: An improved transparent armor structure for use in a vehicle includes a first sheet of transparent armor composite comprising at least one layer of polymeric material and at least one layer of tempered silica glass bonded to form a laminated bullet resisting structure and also having a bracket member adapted to hold a second transparent spall resisting layer parallel to and slightly spaced from the inner surface of the first transparent composite layer. A spacing means between the first and second layers forms a chamber between the first and second panels and a desiccant is located within the chamber to minimize the amount of condensation on the surface of the transparent armor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Rene′ G. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6818267
    Abstract: A glazing assembly for protecting against fire exhibits at least two panes adhesively bonded together via a spacer and a water-comprising intermediate layer which fills the intermediate space between the panes. The spacer is composed of a string, applied by extrusion over the peripheral region of a pane, made of a butyl polymer obtained from 40 to 65% by weight of polyisobutylene, from 10 to 25% by weight of carbon black and from 10 to 40% by weight of filler. Within these ranges, the composition is chosen so that the butyl polymer exhibits, at a temperature of 80° C., a transverse or shear modulus of elasticity of G* of 1.2 to 2.2 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Vetrotech Saint-Gobain (International AG
    Inventors: Udo Gelderie, Simon Frommelt
  • Patent number: 6804924
    Abstract: A method for repairing an insulating glass unit and apparatus to facilitate such repair. A bore is drilled through a frame encasing an insulating glass unit to expose the peripheral spacer of the unit, and a hole is drilled through a wall of the spacer to enable air to enter the space between the panes. The hole in the spacer is then sealed, for example, with a rivet, and the bore in the frame is then filled and sealed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Zurn, Bernie Herron, Robert G. Spindler
  • Patent number: 6796102
    Abstract: An insulating glass unit including a first pane of glass, a second pane of glass, and a spacer system. The spacer system includes (i) a spacer positioned between an inner surface of the first pane of glass and an inner surface of the second pane of glass and (ii) a sealant system for adhering the inner surfaces of the glass panes to the spacer. The sealant system includes at least one sealant having (a) at least one thermoplastic hot-melt material having a melt temperature ranging from about 125° F. (51° C.) to about 250° F. (121° C.), and (b) at least one curable material. The sealant, when cured, forms a covalent bond between the spacer and the panes. The sealant has an initial hardness ranging from about 25 Shore A to about 450 Shore A and a post-cure hardness measured about 48 hours thereafter ranging from about 30 Shore A to about 50 Shore A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Virnelson, Richard Giangiordano
  • Patent number: 6787214
    Abstract: Fire-retardant sheet element can be composed of several fire protection glass plates (2, 3). Lateral edges (9, 10) of adjacent glass plates (2, 3) therein abut one another. Into the interspace (26) between lateral edges (9, 10) a sealing configuration (7) is installed. This comprises an addition element (22) and elastic sealing elements (23, 24). The glass plates (2, 3) comprise several glass panes (16) and interspaced fire protection layers (18). These fire protection layers (18) do not extend up to the edges (9, 10) and are sealed in the regions of the lateral edges with a barrier material (20). No additional frame elements for covering the interspace (26) and for sealing are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Vetrotech Saint-Gobain (International) AG
    Inventors: Horst Seidel, Jan Strejcek, Simon Frommelt, Klaus Wildenhain
  • Patent number: 6787204
    Abstract: A multiple glazed insulating unit, especially for an aircraft window, with electromagnetic armor. An insulating multiple glazing unit includes a glazed section provided with at least two superposed panes of mechanically-strong transparent substrate, between which is interposed at least one gap filled with gas. The panes are mounted at their periphery in a seal, by which the glazing unit can be built into a structure designed to enclose a space containing instruments susceptible to being disturbed by an electromagnetic field, and which has an electromagnetic shielding function. The glazed section is provided with at least one continuous electrically-conductive transparent thin layer, and the seal is made conductive at least in part to ensure connection of the electrically-conductive transparent thin layer to the structure. Conductivities of the electrically-conductive transparent thin layer and of the seal are chosen to ensure continuity of the electromagnetic shielding of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Pierre Chaussade, Xavier Drouet
  • Patent number: 6764728
    Abstract: A reinforced window system for mounting within an opening in a wall, the window system comprising a first frame corresponding with an out-side of the wall and a second frame fixed behind the first frame and corresponding with an in-side of the wall. At least the first frame supports a reinforced window pane. The first frame bears against the second frame such that forces applied to the first frame in a direction normal to the pane are at least partially absorbed and dampened by the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Arpal Aluminum Ltd.
    Inventor: Mordechay Emek
  • Publication number: 20040123557
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for mounting simulated muntin bars, preassembled muntin grids and the like between parallel glazing sheets in an integrated multipane window sash. Among the mounting techniques disclosed are clips for holding simulated muntin components to a spacing and mounting structure of an integrated multipane window sash. Clip-less embodiments are also presented, as well as a one-piece sash that includes integral muntins and an integral spacing and mounting structure for the glazing sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sashlite, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Hornung, John S. France, Mark V. Murphy, Dean A. Pettit, Rodney V. Erdman
  • Publication number: 20040118082
    Abstract: A spacer device for insulating glass windows (50) includes a tubular element (1), having side walls (11) fit to mate, in an assembled condition (A) of the glass window (50), respective glass plates (3) and having external (12) and internal (13) walls with respect to the glass window (50). The spacer device (100) further includes: coating means (6) fixed at least to a longitudinal portion of the tubular element (1); at least a longitudinal portion (8) of each side wall (11) adjacent to the external wall (12) without the coating means (6); gasket means (4) fit to be interposed, in the assembled condition (A), between a plate (3) and the longitudinal portion (8) of the respective side wall (11), adhering at least on said plate (3) and portion (8). The side walls (11) of each tubular element (1) are convergent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Stefano Paci
  • Patent number: 6735922
    Abstract: The glazing panel, conform the present invention, comprises a panel of thermoplastic material provided with a three-dimensional decorative pattern. The latter includes elevated portions projecting outwardly from the three-dimensional decorative pattern and also simulated joints dividing the three-dimensional decorative pattern into the elevated portions. Each simulated joint has a transversal profile shaped into a groove with a flat bottom. A peripheral flat flange surrounds the elevated portions and the simulated joints as well and is connected to both by an inclined portion. An elevation L1, measured between the elevated portions and the flat bottoms, is lesser than an overall height L2, measured between the elevated portions and the peripheral flat flange. The elevated portions the flat bottoms and the peripheral flat flange are parallel to each other. The insulated glazing panel comprises a pair of glazing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Paffen
  • Patent number: 6737129
    Abstract: A spacer profile (3) has two side pads (8) which are provided permanently with a sealing, plastic and elastic material and comprise continuation pads (11). The continuation pads (11) create, at a distance from their adge area (12) connected to a hollow profile, a first bearing point (13) for the individual plates (2), which is preferably in the form of a spacer or a swelling (15), as well as a clearance (14) located between the continuation pad and the individual plate (2) and filled with the sealing material (9). The continuation pads (11) are elastic and exhibit, in their edge area (12) close to the transverse pad (7), a second bearing point (16), which becomes functional when the side plates (2) are subjected to a load in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer Isolierglas- und Maschinentechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Bayer
  • Patent number: 6735921
    Abstract: Holder for plates, in particular glass plates with borings or holes, whereby in each boring is inserted an annular body with an internal or female thread and an outside facing made of an elastic material. A threaded bolt for the connection to a load-bearing construction can be screwed into the annular body. The punctiform holder makes possible a pivoting and displacement of the glass plate within certain limits. It can be installed quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alfons Oberhofer, Lothar Ginzel
  • Publication number: 20040079047
    Abstract: A spacer frame bar for insulated windows or other insulated glass panels. The bar includes an elongate tubular spacer member having first and second side webs for engaging first and second glass panes in spaced relationship, and upper and lower webs spanning from the first side web to the second side web, each side web being formed of a yieldable material and having at least one corrugation that defines a vertically spaced gap, so that in response to bending of the spacer frame bar about the upper web the gaps of the corrugations collapse so as to reduce a height of the spacer bar and thereby reduce the distance by which the lower web is stretched at an outside radius of the bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Wallace H. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6715244
    Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a closed spacer frame, the spacer frame has one side having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide the spacer frame with a U-shaped cross-section. An inner sheet has an edge mounted in an edge receiving member mounted between the legs of the U-shaped side of the spacer frame. The remaining edges of the inner sheet are within the interior of the closed spacer frame and spaced from the spacer frame. The inner sheet is held within the spacer frame by sheet retaining members mounted to the spacer frame. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. One type of sheet retaining members has a horizontal member and a vertical member, and a locking member. The locking member is mounted on the horizontal member spaced from the vertical member to form a groove to hold the inner sheet within the closed interior of the spacer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Boone, Stephen L. Crandell, Jack B. McCandless, David E. Singleton, Albert E. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6699558
    Abstract: A light diffusing insulating glazing insert consists of a flexible thin-walled honeycomb transparent insulation, to which is bonded a diffusing sheet, on one or both sides This provides a practical solution to problems related to utilizing thin-walled flexible honeycombs in glazing units consisting of two sheets of glass, plastic, or similar and a spacer/frame, as standard for window and skylight applications. Use of such a glazing insert adds insulation and light diffusion to the glazing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Glazings Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas I. Milburn
  • Publication number: 20040035086
    Abstract: A glass panel (P) comprising a pair of glass plates (1A, 1B) opposed to each other, spacers (2) disposed between the pair of glass plates for maintaining a gap therebetween, and a sealing member (3) having a lower melting point than the glass plates (1) for sealing the pair of glass plates (1A, 1B) at outer peripheries (9) thereof to form a decompression void (V) between the pair of glass plates (1A, 1B), wherein a compressive force Fc is allowed to remain at outer surfaces of the outer peripheries (9) of the glass plates (1), with the decompression void (V) being in atmospheric pressure condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Tetsuo Minaai, Masao Misonou, Toru Futagami
  • Publication number: 20040031234
    Abstract: Window element comprising a frame structure (110) that encloses at least two glass panels (100, 101) spaced from one another, wherein an intermediate space (103) is defined by the distance between the two glass panels, wherein a lighting device with at least one lighting means (102) is provided, said lighting device being arranged in the area of the frame structure and irradiating light essentially from the front surface, this light being at least partly deflected approximately perpendicular to this direction of irradiation, so that said light falls inwards and/or outwards through one of the glass panels of the window element, whereby at least one of the glass panels acts as a light diffuser and for that purpose said glass panel is printed, sand-blasted, etched, coated, engraved or stuck at least on one side or has a malstructure inside, whereby the lighting means is arranged at least partly in front of the front surface of one of the glass panels and irradiates light into the front surface of at least this g
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Emde
  • Patent number: 6689241
    Abstract: The invention relates to vacuum insulating glazing consisting of two glass sheets held apart by spacers and a peripheral seal. The invention also relates to a process for producing such vacuum insulating glazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: David Delhorme, Rene Poix, Yves Demars
  • Publication number: 20040020162
    Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a stretchable sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented concavedly inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: James Lynn Baratuci, Ronald Ellsworth Buchanan, Patrick Anthony Drda, Louis Anthony Ferri, Eric W. Jackson