A spacer frame for use in fabricating a window and a method of fabrication thereof is disclosed. The spacer frame for separating first and second glass lites from each other in window. The spacer frame includes a frame forming a multi-sided form comprising a first outwardly facing surface for supporting a first glass lite that is contiguous with a first intermediate wall portion and a second outwardly facing surface for supporting a second glass lite that is contiguous with a second intermediate wall portion. The first and second intermediate wall portions comprise a first material and are linked to each other and spaced from each other by a thermal interruption strip. The first and second intermediate wall portions and the thermal interruption strip comprise an intermediate wall that bridges the first and second outwardly facing surfaces. The spacer frame further includes a film overlaying the intermediate wall portion.

An insulating glass unit (10) is formed from a plurality of transparent layers (16, 18, 20), in which at least one illuminable panel (20) is arranged between at least two mineral glass panels (16, 18). The mineral glass panels (16, 18) are held at a defined distance from one another by at least one spacer element (14). The illuminable panel (20) is held at least on one longitudinal marginal edge (24) by the spacer element (14). The spacer element (14) is formed by at least one hollow profile (15), which preferably comprises a plurality of adjoining hollow chambers (26, 28). The outer mineral glass panels (16, 18) each adjoins at least two lateral surfaces of the hollow profile (15). The illuminable panel (20) rests on or against the intermediate hollow chamber (28). An illumination element (32) is arranged within the intermediate hollow chamber (28).

The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a vacuum insulated glazing wherein the glazing is prepared by supplying glass panes, pillars and edge metallic seal elements, said edge metallic seal elements are brazed simultaneously together and with a functional layer previously deposited onto the peripheral zone of the glass panes.

An adapter element for connecting a pane to a spacer having a fastening groove, wherein the adapter element includes at least one receiving profile for securing to the pane and at least one lower part for fixing to the spacer, and the lower part is designed to positively fit the fastening groove of the spacer.

Glazing assembly are described comprising at least a first (inner) glass pane, a second (outer) glass pane and at least one peripheral spacer structure for providing a predetermined separation between the first and second glass pane, the peripheral spacer structure being positioned at the peripheral area of the first and second glass pane; one or more photovoltaic (PV) cell modules mounted on at least part of the peripheral spacer structure, the one or more PV cell modules being positioned in the space defined by the first and second glass panes and the peripheral spacer structure (inter-pane space); wherein at least part of the peripheral spacer structure comprises one or more mounting members adapted to orient a light receiving surface of PV cells of the PV cell modules in a tilted position with respect to the plane of the second (outer) glass pane.

An insulating glass unit (IGU) assembly line comprising a registration station capable of interleaving double and triple pane IGUs in accordance with an IOU production schedule. Visual indicators or prompts instruct operators at the assembly line in configuring a sequence of IGUs. Triple pane IGUs are assembled with minimal contamination of a center glass lite. A non-contact Bernoulli pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to the registration station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.

A spacer for insulating glass panes comprises a profile body made using a first plastics material, which has a substantially U-shaped cross section with first and second side walls arranged in parallel, each having a free end and an inner wall extending between the first and the second side wall, and a vapor diffusion barrier made of a poorly heat conducting material, extending from the free end of the first side wall to the free end of the second side wall, wherein the vapor diffusion barrier is arranged substantially in parallel to and spaced apart from the inner wall. The profile body together with the vapor diffusion barrier encloses a cavity of the spacer which is optionally configured to accommodate a desiccant.

A device for reducing impact forces upon a surface includes a base comprising a first contact portion and a transition portion, a contact member disposed between the base and the surface; and a biasing portion disposed between the first contact portion of the base and the surface. At least a first portion of an impact force upon the surface is transferred from the contact member to the base, and a second portion of the impact force is subsequently returned to the surface, the second portion being less than the first portion.

An adapter element for connecting a pane to a spacer having a fastening groove, wherein the adapter element includes at least one receiving profile for securing to the pane and at least one lower part for fixing to the spacer, and the lower part is designed to positively fit the fastening groove of the spacer.

A system for reducing the effect of a force includes a panel having a first side and a second side; a plurality of contact members disposed around a perimeter of the panel first side; and a biasing member positioned around a perimeter of the panel second side. The perimeter of the panel second side generally corresponds to the perimeter of the panel first side. The biasing member biases the contact members toward the panel first side. In a use configuration, a force received by the panel second side is at least partially transferred to the contact members causing at least one of the contact members to temporarily lose contact with the panel first side, whereby the return of the contact member into contact with the panel first side imparts a second force onto the panel first side, the second force being less than the force transferred to the contact members.