Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating via at least one substantially two-dimensional array of heat sources is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt fits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers. Accordingly, in certain example embodiments, a temperature gradient proximate to the edges of the unit is created, thereby reducing the chances of breakage and/or at least some de-tempering of the substrates.

Certain example embodiments relate to vacuum insulating glass units having edge seals based on solder alloys that, when reactively reflowed, wet metallic coatings pre-coated on the glass substrates' perimeters, and/or associated methods. The alloys may be based on materials that form a seal at temperatures that will not de-temper glass and/or decompose a laminate, and/or remain hermetic and lack porous structures in their bulks. Example alloys may be based on inter-metallics of Sn and one or more additional materials selected from post-transition metals or metalloids; Zintl anions (e.g., In, Bi, etc.) from Group 13, 14, 15 or 16; and transition metals (e.g., Cu, Ag, Ni, etc.); and excludes Pb. Thin film coatings in certain example embodiments work with the solder material to form robust and durable hermetic interfaces. Because low temperatures are used, certain example embodiments can use compliant and visco-elastic spacer technology based on lamellar structures and/or the like.

A low-cost high-performance Vacuum Insulated Glass is produced with three glass panes and bonding fiber mesh structures embedded between the glass panes. Each mesh structure is configured with elongated bonding fiber elements arranged in a grid configuration. The bonding fiber elements are formed with a fiber core covered with a low melting temperature material. The low melting temperature material melts upon heating and creates numerous vacuum sealed cells between the glass panes. The fiber core does not melt, and remains intact bonded to the glass panes, thus creating a support mechanism for supporting the glass panes at a spaced apart relationship.

A low-cost high-performance Vacuum Insulated Glass is produced with three glass panes and bonding fiber mesh structures embedded between the glass panes. Each mesh structure is configured with elongated bonding fiber elements arranged in a grid configuration. The bonding fiber elements are formed with a fiber core covered with a low melting temperature material. The low melting temperature material melts upon heating and creates numerous vacuum sealed cells between the glass panes. The fiber core does not melt, and remains intact bonded to the glass panes, thus creating a support mechanism for supporting the glass panes at a spaced apart relationship.

The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a vacuum insulated glazing wherein the glazing is assembled in a single stage by supplying glass panes, metallic spacers and corner and frame metallic seal elements which are brazed onto adhesion layers previously deposited onto the edge region areas of the glass panes.

The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a vacuum insulated glazing wherein the glazing is assembled in a single stage by supplying glass panes, metallic spacers and corner and frame metallic seal elements which are brazed onto adhesion layers previously deposited onto the edge region areas of the glass panes.

Insulating glass unit comprising at least one pair of glass panes and at least one partition member therebetween for dividing the space between the glass panes into insulating chambers, and a spacer (4) which is fixed between the two glass panes (3) along their circumferences and into which the partition member is anchored. The method for manufacturing the insulating glass unit comprises the following steps: a) preparing two glass panes (3) and a partition member, b) preparing a spacer (4) by bending a hollow profile and adapting the inner sides of the spacer (4) for anchoring the partition member to at least two portions of the spacer, c) preparing the partition member, c) anchoring the partition member into the spacer, d) fixing the spacer (4) between the two glass panes (3) so that one side of the spacer circumferentially adjoins the first glass pane (3) and the other side of the spacer circumferentially adjoins the second glass pane (3) and the partition member is straightened and/or tensioned.

Insulating glass unit comprising at least one pair of glass panes and at least one partition member therebetween for dividing the space between the glass panes into insulating chambers, and a spacer (4) which is fixed between the two glass panes (3) along their circumferences and into which the partition member is anchored. The method for manufacturing the insulating glass unit comprises the following steps: a) preparing two glass panes (3) and a partition member, b) preparing a spacer (4) by bending a hollow profile and adapting the inner sides of the spacer (4) for anchoring the partition member to at least two portions of the spacer, c) preparing the partition member, c) anchoring the partition member into the spacer, d) fixing the spacer (4) between the two glass panes (3) so that one side of the spacer circumferentially adjoins the first glass pane (3) and the other side of the spacer circumferentially adjoins the second glass pane (3) and the partition member is straightened and/or tensioned.

A spacer for insulated glazing units having at least one polymeric main body with a wall thickness d having a first pane contact surface and a second pane contact surface running parallel thereto, one first glazing interior surface, one second glazing interior surface, one outer surface, one first hollow chamber, and one second hollow chamber. A groove for receiving a pane runs parallel to the first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface between the first glazing interior surface and the second glazing interior surface. The first hollow chamber adjoins the first glazing interior surface and the second hollow chamber adjoins the second glazing interior surface. The lateral flanks of the groove are formed by the walls of the first hollow chamber and the second hollow chamber, and the wall thickness d′ in the region of the lateral flanks is less than the wall thickness d of the polymeric main body.

A glass panel unit assembly includes a pair of glass substrates arranged to face each other, a peripheral wall, a partition, an air passage, and an evacuation port. The peripheral wall has a frame shape and is provided between the pair of glass substrates. The partition partitions an internal space, surrounded with the pair of glass substrates and the peripheral wall, into a first space and a second space. The air passage connects the first space and the second space together. The evacuation port connects the second space to an external environment. The partition has a broader width than the peripheral wall.