Abstract: A thermally insulating window is provided having at least two glass panes having a space therebetween and at least one frame-shaped spacing member secured to the at least two glass panes within that space.

Abstract: The invention provides high shading performance, low-emissivity coatings. The invention provides a monolithic pane bearing a high shading performance, low-emissivity coating. The invention also provides an insulating glass unit bearing a high shading performance, low-emissivity coating. Finally, the invention provides methods of producing coated substrates by depositing high shading performance, low-emissivity coatings.

Abstract: A glass spacer, obtained by a drawing process, having an approximately polygonal bearing cross-section with at least one rectangle having the dimensions a, b, and the spacer having a height 1, the dimensions of the glass spacer satisfying the relationship of a<300 &mgr;m, 0.2 mm<1 <20 mm, and b/a<1000, and preferably b/a<200.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for evacuating a chamber, for example in vacuum glazing, that is enclosed in part by a glass wall that includes an evacuation port. An evacuating head is employed and is arranged to cover the port and a portion of the glass wall that surrounds the port. The evacuating head has a first cavity that communicates with the port and at least one further cavity that surrounds the first cavity. The first and further cavities are connected by conduits to respective vacuum pumps, which apply differential negative pressure to the first and further cavities, and the chamber is evacuated by way of the first cavity. Evacuation of the chamber may be effected whilst the glazing is subjected to high temperature out-gassing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic insulating glazing unit. This glazing unit comprises two glass sheets (12, 14) joined together around their periphery by means of an assembly (16) forming a seal (163) and an insert frame (161) which defines, with the two glass sheets, a flat cavity filled with a gas, and a waveguide fastened between the glass sheets, internal to the insert frame. The waveguide consists of at least one straight tubular section (20, 22, 24, 26) placed on the periphery of the gas-filled cavity along one side of the glazing unit, this section being provided with a transverse partition (28) which closes the latter in its length direction, the said partition being placed at a length position along the section which depends on the acoustic mode of the cavity that it is desired to disorganize, this partition defining, on either side of it, two chambers (30, 31) which communicate with the cavity through the ends of the sections.

Abstract: Two parallel glass panes are separated by a core spacer made of either EPDM rubber or another solid rubber material with a nonheating, centrally positioned, nonstretchable fiberglass cord being embedded therein and extending longitudinally therethrough so that the core spacer is not stretchable. The EPDM rubber formulation is chemically compatible with hot melt butyl which is used as an adhesive between the solid rubber and the glass panes. The fiberglass cord is nonstretchable so that the core spacer does not deform or break apart when the core spacer is either initially manufactured or later placed between the pair of two glass panes. The core spacer and the cord extend around a periphery and go around corners between the panes in an airtight manner to form an insulated assembly. Also, the cord has a diameter no greater than about 10% of a width of the core spacer. A method for manufacturing the insulated assembly is likewise disclosed.

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.

Abstract: An integrated multipane window sash is fabricated from a sash frame having an inside perimeter. An adhesive material is applied to the inside perimeter. The adhesive material has sufficient stiffness to function as a mounting structure for glazing panes, and may also function as a spacing structure. A first glazing pane is mounted to a first side of the adhesive mounting structure. A second glazing pane is mounted to a second side of the adhesive mounting structure or to a separate adhesive mounting structure. The adhesive mounting structure can be applied by co-extrusion with the sash profile, by post-extrusion, manually or automatically and can comprise, for example, at least one of a bead of adhesive, a preformed adhesive foam, a preformed adhesive tape, or a chemical sealant. The adhesive mounting structure can be combined with a desiccant.

Abstract: To maintain high bonding performance between two glass sheets by metal material, thereby to obtain high gas tightness and bonding strength. A glass panel includes a pair of glass sheets (1A, 1B) disposed in opposition to each other with forming a gap (V) therebetween, the peripheral edges of the opposed glass sheets (1A, 1B) being directly bonded to each other by metal material (5); wherein bonding faces (1Aa) in the opposed surfaces of the glass sheets (1A, 1B) to be bonded to the metal material (5) are worked so as to obtain an average surface roughness below 30 nm.

Abstract: A refrigerator door is described for a refrigerated display case. The door includes a glass unit having first and second spaced apart glass panels where the first panel has a forward facing surface and the second panel has a rearward facing surface. A spacer element extends between the first and second glass panels. A door rail element includes an external perimeter wall extending from front to back from a point adjacent the edge of the forward glass panel to a point adjacent the rearward glass panel. A second frame element wall extends between the first and second spaced apart glass panels and extends externally out of the spaced apart glass panels to the perimeter wall. The door rail element also includes a rear wall portion extending inwardly toward the center of the door from the perimeter wall and over a portion of the rearward facing surface of the second glass panel.

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.

Abstract: An insulating glass (IG) window unit, and/or a method of making the same is/are provided. The IG window unit includes two spaced apart substrates that are separated from one another by at least one seal and/or spacer, wherein a first one of the substrates supports a solar management coating for blocking significant amounts of infrared (IR) radiation and the other one of the substrates supports a coating for blocking amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Abstract: Inner (32) and outer (34) juxtaposed glazed panes are separated from each other by an interlayer containing a gas, and the gap between the panes is closed by a seal (48) near the perimeter of the panes. A thermally conductive, hermetically sealed receptacle (36) is positioned between the panes. The receptacle contains a phase change material (38) that reversibly absorbs, stores, and releases heat in response to temperature changes at least at one of the glazed panes.

Abstract: A method for adhering/bonding a frame profile (e.g., weather strip, water seal, spacer, etc.) to a substrate (e.g., glass or plastic substrate) in the context of a vehicle window unit. A frame profile is formed via extrusion so as to include both a polymer profile portion and a selectively activatable interface or adhesive portion. Following extrusion, the frame profile may be stored, cut, trimmed, cure, etc. At some point following extrusion, the interface/adhesive is in a non-activated state, or at least in a state where it is not activated to an extent sufficient to bond/adhere the frame to the substrate. To adhere/bond the frame profile to the substrate, the interface/adhesive portion of the frame profile is activated (e.g., heat activated). Following and/or during heat activation, the frame profile is pressed against the substrate, or vice versa, so that the activated adhesive bonds the polymer profile to the substrate.

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.

Abstract: A composition that includes a polyalphaolefin polymer and from about 20% by weight to about 70% by weight adsorbent, the composition being essentially free of a film forming agent.

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.

Abstract: Wide-body connectors are provided for concrete sandwich walls. Each connector includes a body with longitudinally thickened portions defining flanges and a thinner inner connecting web extending between the flanges. The flanges provide increased bending stiffness for the connector, while the web provides enhanced shear transfer between the concrete layers of the wall. Anchoring surfaces are formed into or overmolded onto the body to anchor the ends of the connector in the concrete layers of the wall and assist in the creation of end moments ofr the transfer of forces between the concrete layers. Preferably, a lip is provided on the connector to limit the penetration of the connector through the insulation layer of the wall. The connectors transfer forces between the concrete layers, without thermal bridging, such that the wall has a substantially composite character.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant strip comprising a sealant support member having a longitudinal axis and a planer surface bounded by first and second edges, a stiffener cooperating with said sealant support member, a shim in contact with said stiffener and said sealant support member, and a sealant.

Abstract: Various desiccant, vapor barrier and/or sealant components are provided for a multipane window unit sash assembly having an integral glazing pane mounting structure. The components have varying shapes and features, which may include glazing pane mounting surfaces, spacer functions, dual seal capabilities and muntin bar retaining functions. Various materials can be used to fabricate the components, including adhesive, sealant, sealant strip, tape, foam, resin, metallic or plastic materials, or combinations of such materials. The components may be preformed, extruded onto the sash, or otherwise applied. Automated assembly of the components to the sash is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insulating glazing unit includes a pair of glazing sheets spaced apart with a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly includes an inner spacer member and an outer spacer member that are fabricated in a linear fashion and then folded into a frame. The outer spacer member may be initially formed in a flat configuration, cut to width, and then wrapped around the inner spacer member to form the spacer assembly. The outer spacer member carries the desiccant of the spacer assembly. The outer spacer member may also be gunned directly to the inner spacer member.

Abstract: Two window panes are each laminated on one side with polyethylene terephthalate film. The film sides are faced towards each other and a spacer of ¼ to {fraction (9/10)} inch width is placed between the coated surfaces of the window panes. An inboard surface of the spacer is positioned level with a top of the framing system. The area between an outside edge of the spacer and the edge of the window panes is backfilled with silicone sealant. The formed composite is then secured in a glazing channel on the window frame with silicone applied in the glazing channel of the window frame.

Abstract: Two window panes are each laminated on one side with polyethylene terephthalate film. The film sides are faced towards each other and a spacer of ¼ to {fraction (9/10)} inch width is placed between the coated surfaces of the window panes. An inboard surface of the spacer is positioned level with a top of the framing system. The area between an outside edge of the spacer and the edge of the window panes is backfilled with silicone sealant. The formed composite is then secured in a glazing channel on the window frame with silicone applied in the glazing channel of the window frame.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. The vacuum IG unit is preferably provided with polymer inclusive spacers for spacing the substrates from one another. In certain embodiments, the spacers may be of or include a polymer material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide, polyamide, polysiloxane, polyphenylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyaramide (e.g., Kevlar), polysulfone, and polycarbonate.

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.

Abstract: A thermally insulating panel (e.g., vacuum IG window unit) includes first and second opposing substrates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. A low pressure space is defined between the substrates, and is hermetically sealed off by at least one edge seal. During evacuation of the space, a plasma is ignited within the space in order to reduce the time needed to evacuate the space down to the desired low pressure.

Abstract: An insulating spacer for use in glazing assemblies comprises a linear array of insulating chambers of linked cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape. The spacer core may be formed from a semi-rigid material such as hollow blow moulded PVC or vinyl. A vapour barrier and desiccant matrix may be bonded to the interior face of the spacer core. As well, sealant material may cover at least partly the substrate engaging surfaces and/or the outside face of the spacer, to form a composite insulating spacer. The resulting spacer is energy efficient and relatively easy to manufacture and apply. An insulating glass assembly which incorporates such a spacer, is also provided.

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.

Abstract: Two parallel glass panes are separated by a core spacer made of either EPDM rubber or another solid rubber material with a nonheating, centrally positioned, nonstretchable fiberglass cord being embedded therein and extending longitudinally therethrough so that the core spacer is not stretchable. The EPDM rubber formulation is chemically compatible with hot melt butyl which is used as an adhesive between the solid rubber and the glass panes. The fiberglass cord is nonstretchable so that the core spacer does not deform or break apart when the core spacer is either initially manufactured or later placed between the pair of two glass panes. The core spacer and the cord extend around a periphery and go around corners between the panes in an airtight manner to form an insulated assembly. Also, the cord has a diameter no greater than about 10% of a width of the core spacer. A method for manufacturing the insulated assembly is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. An edge seal of the vacuum IG unit includes at least one fiber (e.g. elongated glass fiber) provided at least partially between first and second opposing substrates in order to hermetically seal off a low pressure space between the substrates. A plurality of spacers are located between the substrates to space the substrates from one another and maintain the low pressure space therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of making visually uniform, light transmitting panels and to the resulting panels, which include a cellular core sandwiched between two light transmitting sheets and possess improved light transmitting characteristics.

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.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. Spacers between the substrates are colored (e.g. color tinted) so as to more closely match a color of either a substrate(s) or a low-E coating provided on one of the substrates.

Abstract: An integrated multipane window sash is fabricated from a sash frame having an inside perimeter. An adhesive material is applied to the inside perimeter. The adhesive material has sufficient stiffness to function as a mounting structure for glazing panes, and may also function as a spacing structure. A first glazing pane is mounted to a first side of the adhesive mounting structure. A second glazing pane is mounted to a second side of the adhesive mounting structure or to a separate adhesive mounting structure. The adhesive mounting structure can be applied by co-extrusion with the sash profile, by post-extrusion, manually or automatically and can comprise, for example, a bead of adhesive, a preformed adhesive foam, a preformed adhesive tape, or a chemical sealant. The adhesive mounting structure can be combined with a desiccant.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition produced from a thermoplastic resin and rubber and having a dispersion phase formed of a rubber composition at least part of which is dynamically crosslinked in the continuous phase of the thermoplastic resin, insulating glass using the thermoplastic elastomer composition as a sealing material and spacer, a process for producing the insulating glass using a sealing material made from the thermoplastic elastomer composition, comprising the steps of inserting the leading end of a charging nozzle into a space between the peripheral portions of a plurality of glass sheets, discharging the sealing material from the leading end of the nozzle body at a predetermined rate, and moving the glass sheets or the nozzle body relative to each other to charge the sealing material made from the thermoplastic elastomer composition into the space between the peripheral portions of the glass sheets, and a nozzle used in this process.

Abstract: A cushion spacer is provided, which is made of coconut husk powder, which is washed and dried, and is adjusted such that the moisture content of the powder is 10% by weight or less and the fats and oils content of the powder is 1.0% by weight or less, and that when the powder is interposed between the glass plates, the friction coefficient between the glass plates exceeds 0.24. A stack of glass plates, which is formed by interposing the cushion spacer between the glass plates, is also provided.

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.

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.

Abstract: A double glazing having a plurality of sheet glass (1) (2) juxtaposed in the direction of thickness with spacers (3) arranged in between, peripheries of these sheet glasses (1) (2) being sealed throughout the circumference thereof. Reinforced sheet glass is employed for at least one of the plurality of sheet glasses (1) (2), and the peripheries of the sheet glasses are sealed by a sealing material having a sealing temperature below 400° C.

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).

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.

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.

Abstract: Building glass facade of a building, clamping arrangement in a facade, and a clamping arrangement for clamping a building glass pane in a facade, wherein a glass pane is secured at a building-side holding device, with the glass pane being secured between two clamp elements. At the inner clamp element is supported with adjustable prestressing a bell-shaped housing and between the bell-shaped housing and the inner clamp element there is disposed a permanently elastic spring member which permits a relative movement of the bell-shaped housing relative to the inner clamp element. Joint arrangements are provided in tandem between the glass pane and the holding device at the side of the building.

Abstract: A transparent layered product in which the ratio of a refractive-index transition layer at the surface of a coating film is set to be a suitable ratio for increasing light transmittance is provided. In a coating film with a rough surface formed on a glass sheet, the thickness of a transition layer in which the refractive index varies continuously in its thickness direction is set to be in a range between 13% and 65% of the thickness of a layer having a substantially constant refractive index in the coating film.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating (IG) unit and method of making the same. A low pressure space is provided between opposing substrates. An edge sealing system includes at least first and second edge seals. A plurality of spacers or pillars are located at least partially between the first and second edge seals, in order to better control the gap or spacing between the two opposing substrates.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. A plurality of fiber spacers (e.g. glass fibers) are provided between first and second opposing substrates in order to space the substrates from one another and maintain a low pressure space therebetween. The fiber spacers may be randomly distributed in a viewing area of the unit, or distributed in approximately uniform rows and/or columns in different embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the fibers may be substantially transparent to certain wavelengths of visible light to render the IG unit more aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: An environmental cabinet including at least two opening leaves which have an insulating glazing unit composed of at least two glass sheets between which a vacuum has been created. The sheets are joined together around their periphery by an inorganic seal. The sealing between the two opening leaves is achieved by a vertical member which overlaps the edges of both opening leaves and is fixed to one of the edges.

Abstract: Two glass panes are separated by a so-called core spacer made of either EPDM rubber or another solid rubber material with a centrally positioned fiberglass cord extending longitudinally therethrough for imparting strength to the core spacer. The EPDM rubber formulation is chemically compatible with hot melt butyl which is used as an adhesive between the solid rubber and the glass panes. The fiberglass cord is nonstretchable so that the core spacer does not deform or break apart when the core spacer is either initially manufactured or later placed between the two glass panes.

Abstract: A glass panel includes a pair of glass sheets (1A, 1B) having sheet faces thereof opposed to each other across a void (V) therebetween and having peripheral edges thereof bonded to each other with low-melting glass (3) to seal the void.

Abstract: A sealed double glazing unit having an outer pane with a countersunk hole punched in a corner thereof, and an inner pane with a hole punched in a corner thereof, opposed to the countersunk hole in the outer pane. A generally cylindrical liner is inserted into the countersunk hole in the outer pane, a bottom of the liner extending into, without passing through, the countersunk hole in the outer pane. A glazing unit is secured to a supporting member by a fixing member which is fixed through the liner, and a sealing member engages the holes in the inner and outer panes. This sealing member includes a guide ring having the same diameter as the diameter of the bottom of the liner, with a front end of the guide ring extending into the countersunk hole and abutting against the bottom of the liner.