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 frits 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.

A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes an opening into the temperature-controlled storage device and a vacuum panel mounted within the opening. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane of tempered glass, a second vacuum pane of tempered glass, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap has a predetermined thickness within which a vacuum is drawn, thereby providing a thermal insulation effect for the vacuum panel. The vacuum panel further includes a plurality of spacers disposed within the evacuated gap and configured to maintain the predetermined thickness of the evacuated gap when the vacuum is drawn therein.

A method for applying a patch to a spacer discontinuity or other seal breach includes the step of applying pressure to the patch during the application of the patch to cause sealant carried by the patch to be injected into the spacer discontinuity. This step can be performed with or without the application of heat. Pressure is applied to the patch long enough to position the sealant entirely across the gap between the lights such that the sealant wets out against both interior glass surfaces. Pressure is also applied to the patch long enough to inject sealant into openings defining the discontinuity. A sealant is then applied over the entire patch. The structure of the patch and the patched IG unit are provided.

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 frits 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.

A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes an opening into the temperature-controlled storage device and a vacuum panel mounted within the opening. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane of tempered glass, a second vacuum pane of tempered glass, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap has a predetermined thickness within which a vacuum is drawn, thereby providing a thermal insulation effect for the vacuum panel. The vacuum panel further includes a plurality of spacers disposed within the evacuated gap and configured to maintain the predetermined thickness of the evacuated gap when the vacuum is drawn therein.

An insulating glazing unit having a first pane, a second pane, a third pane arranged between the first pane and the second pane, an outer pane interspace, an inner pane interspace, and a spacer is described. The spacer having a plastic profile with a first glazing interior surface and a second glazing interior surface, a first pane contact surface, a second pane contact surface, a primary sealing means, and a main member containing a sealing material and a drying material. The plastic profile includes a groove, into which the third pane is inserted and which runs parallel to the first pane contact surface and to the second pane contact surface. The plastic profile separates the outer pane interspace from the inner pane interspace. The main member is arranged in the outer pane interspace between the plastic profile and the primary sealing means, the main member being adjacent the plastic profile and the primary sealing means.

A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes an opening into the temperature-controlled storage device and a vacuum panel mounted within the opening. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane of tempered glass, a second vacuum pane of tempered glass, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap has a predetermined thickness within which a vacuum is drawn, thereby providing a thermal insulation effect for the vacuum panel. The vacuum panel further includes a plurality of spacers disposed within the evacuated gap and configured to maintain the predetermined thickness of the evacuated gap when the vacuum is drawn therein.

A method for applying a patch to a spacer discontinuity or other seal breach includes the step of applying pressure to the patch during the application of the patch to cause sealant carried by the patch to be injected into the spacer discontinuity. This step can be performed with or without the application of heat. Pressure is applied to the patch long enough to position the sealant entirely across the gap between the lites such that the sealant wets out against both interior glass surfaces. Pressure is also applied to the patch long enough to inject sealant into openings defining the discontinuity. A sealant is then applied over the entire patch. The structure of the patch and the patched IG unit are provided.

A vacuum insulated glazing unit including a first glass pane and a second glass pane with inner surfaces opposing each other, a side seal material positioned between edges of the glass panes thereby forming a sealed cavity having a cavity pressure between the first glass pane and the second glass pane, a number of spacers positioned between the first glass pane and the second glass pane inside the sealed cavity, and at least one getter positioned inside the sealed cavity with a surface having an uneven surface structure, the uneven surface structure having a plurality of depressions, where each pair of two consecutive depressions are spaced apart with a depression distance being at the most 25 m.

A glass panel unit includes: a first glass pane; a second glass pane facing the first glass pane; a frame member; an evacuated space; and a gas adsorbent. The frame member hermetically bonds the first glass pane and the second glass pane. The evacuated space is surrounded with the first glass pane, the second glass pane, and the frame member. The gas adsorbent is placed in the evacuated space. The gas adsorbent contains a getter material. The getter material contains a plurality of particles of a zeolite crystal. At least one particle accounting for a half or more of a total weight of the plurality of particles has a particle size equal to or greater than 200 nm. An activable temperature of the at least one particle is equal to or lower than 400 C.