The invention relates to a method of providing vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units each comprising at least a first and a second glass pane and a plurality of support pillars distributed between opposing surfaces of said glass panes to provide a gap (8) between the glass panes. A plurality of pane elements are provided, and individual topographic representations (TOPREP_2a-TOPREP_2n) of each of said plurality of pane elements (2a-2n) are obtained based on input (4) from a measuring arrangement (3), and the topographic representations are stored in a data storage (DS). The stored topographic representations are processed and resulting surface distance characteristic between pairs of panes are estimated. Vacuum insulating glass (VIG) assemblies are thus provided based on estimated resulting surface distance characteristics. The invention additionally relates to a system for providing manufacturing layouts and a manufacturing facility.

A composite transparent lighting device is described. The device has a transparent substrate, an uniform distribution of low concentration dielectric particles, reflective perimeter and perimetral discrete light sources, of improved appearance both in the inoperative state of the device, and at the same time capable of providing good quality lighting when the device is active, i.e. when the discrete light sources on the perimeter of the device are turned on.

A flexible spacer body has two opposing faces adapted to engage the inner surfaces of glazing structures to define an insulating glazing unit. The spacer body may be desiccated polymeric foam such as a silicone foam rubber or EPDM. An adhesive capable of bonding the spacer body to the glazing structure is carried by both of the faces. The adhesive may be from about 0.050 mm to about 1.524 mm thick. The adhesive material also has the properties of low argon gas and low moisture permeability. The adhesive comprises polymers where butyl rubber and/or polyisobutylene polymers together make up the majority of the polymers. The adhesive may also comprise other materials as needed to make it pressure sensitive and to impart a water resistant bond to glass glazing structures. The space assembly may include additional materials to secure the adhesive to the spacer body.

A dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly and system including methods for dynamically maintaining the thermal resistance value of the assembly and system. The dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly and system includes an interior pane and first and second exterior panes. The first exterior pane and a first side of the interior pane defines an evacuated gap in communication with a vacuum source and a second side of the interior pane and the second exterior pane defines a pressurized gap in communication with the source of pressurized gas.

A high speed parallel manufacturing line for manufacturing insulated glass units, the manufacturing line including a gas filling topping press that mates a spacer applied lite supplied to the topping press and a topping lite supplied to the topping press to create an insulated glass unit and fills the insulated glass unit with a non-air gas. A heating station applies localized heat to adhesive of the spacer material. A sealing press applies pressure to the insulated glass unit and facilitates further sealing of the spacer material to the spacer applied lite and the topping lite. The line may include a fourth corner sealer that completes sealing of the airspace of the IGU prior to finishing of the IGU.

A high speed parallel manufacturing line for manufacturing insulated glass units, the manufacturing line including a gas filling topping press that mates a spacer applied lite supplied to the topping press and a topping lite supplied to the topping press to create an insulated glass unit and fills the insulated glass unit with a non-air gas. A heating station applies localized heat to adhesive of the spacer material. A sealing press applies pressure to the insulated glass unit and facilitates further sealing of the spacer material to the spacer applied lite and the topping lite. The line may include a fourth corner sealer that completes sealing of the airspace of the IGU prior to finishing of the IGU.

A spacer frame assembly and method of manufacturing that includes a substantially linear channel comprising two lateral walls connected by a base wall, the channel having first and second ends that when assembled, includes at least three sides and corresponding corners between each of the sides; the linear channel further includes a nose portion of the first end and a receiving portion of the second end having a channel for receiving the nose portion; and the nose portion comprising a first undulation in the first end and the receiving portion comprising a second undulation in the second end. The first and second undulations nest when the ends are in an assembled position.

A thermally insulated door assembly includes first and second panes of light transmissive material, a light assembly, and a heat sink. The first pane and the second pane are spaced apart from each other by a separation gap to define an interior chamber. The light assembly is in the interior chamber between the first pane and the second pane, and is configured to generate light within the interior chamber. The heat sink is disposed within the interior chamber and coupled with the light assembly and an inwardly facing surface of the first pane. The heat sink is configured to conduct thermal energy generated by the light assembly onto an inwardly facing surface of the first pane and into the interior chamber such that the inwardly facing surface of the first pane and the interior chamber are heated by the light assembly.

A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. The framing members each have a vertical portion and support assembly extending inwardly, including an upper support surface, a lower support surface, and a vertical step therebetween. A glass setting block made of a rubbery material rests upon the upper support surface, vertical step, and lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable.

A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. The framing members each have a vertical portion and support assembly extending inwardly, including an upper support surface, a lower support surface, and a vertical step therebetween. A glass setting block made of a rubbery material rests upon the upper support surface, vertical step, and lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable.