Efficient assembly of triple pane insulating glass units
AssigneeGED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
InventorsWilliam A. Briese, John Grismer, Timothy B. McGlinchy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention describes a process flow and method to assemble triple IG units without contaminating the center glass lite. A non-contact vacuum pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly 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.
Claims17
A method of assembling triple pane insulating glass units (IGUs) comprising:
- a) providing a plurality of insulating spacer frames having sealant or adhesive applied to opposite sides of said spacer frames for constructing triple pane insulating glass units;
- b) routing a plurality of glass lites of a specified size from a glass washer to an assembly station;
- c) attaching a first glass lite of the plurality of glass lites to a first spacer frame of the plurality of insulating spacer frames;
- d) moving a second glass lite of the plurality of glass lites to a registration position by attracting the second glass lite toward one or more non-contact members which exerts a force on the second glass lite;
- e) moving the first glass lite into registration with the second glass lite and causing the second glass lite to contact sealant or adhesive on the first spacer frame to which the first glass lite is attached;
- f) moving the first and second glass lites to a downstream workstation;
- and
- g) at the downstream workstation bringing a second spacer frame of the plurality of insulating spacer frames and a third glass lite of the plurality of glass lites attached to the second spacer frame into registration with the combined first and second glass lites and pressing an exposed surface of one of said first and second glass lites into engagement with sealant or adhesive on said second spacer frame to form the triple pane insulating glass unit.
A method of assembling triple pane insulating glass units (IGUs) comprising:
- a) providing a plurality of insulating spacer frames having sealant or adhesive applied to opposite sides of said spacer frames for constructing triple pane insulating glass units;
- b) routing a plurality of glass lites or panes of a specified size from a glass washer on controlled paths for assembly into IGU's at first and second registration stations;
- c) attaching a first glass lite of the plurality of glass lites from the washer to a first spacer frame of the plurality of insulating spacer frames;
- d) moving a second glass lite of the plurality of glass lites with a conveyor from the washer to a first registration station;
- e) lifting the second glass lite away from the conveyor into a registration position above the conveyor by attracting the second glass lite to one or more non-contact members which exerts a force on the second glass lite;
- f) moving the first glass lite into registration beneath the second glass lite;
- g) bringing the second glass lite into contact with sealant or adhesive on the first spacer frame to which the first glass lite is attached;
- h) moving the first and second glass lites and first spacer frame to the second registration station;
- and
- i) at the second registration station bringing a second spacer frame of the plurality of insulating spacer frames and a third glass lite of the plurality of glass lites attached to the second spacer frame into registration with the combined first and second glass lites and first spacer frame and pressing an exposed surface of one of said first and second glass lites into engagement with sealant or adhesive on said second spacer frame to form the triple pane insulating glass unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.