Method and apparatus for making insulating translucent panel assemblies

摘要

A method of making an insulating translucent panel assembly such as a window or door lite is provided. In the method, a spacer between two translucent panels of glass or plastic includes a thermo-responsive sealing material. When heat and compression are applied to the spacer, the thermo-responsive sealing material softens and fully seals the spacer to the two translucent panels. A spacer designed to be used in this method is also provided.

主权项

1. A spacer for attaching first and second translucent panels together to form an insulating translucent panel assembly with a sealed space between the translucent panels, the spacer comprising:
a barrier layer adapted to dry the sealed space between the translucent panels, said barrier layer including a desiccant-filled foam material including peripheral and side surfaces; a thermo-responsive sealing material co-molded with said barrier layer, said thermo-responsive sealing material capable of being softened to seal said barrier layer to the translucent panels when heat and compression are applied to the thermo-responsive sealing material; and a moisture barrier attached to said peripheral and side surfaces, between said desiccant-filled foam material and said thermo-responsive sealing material; wherein said barrier layer and said thermo-responsive sealing material each have a width adapted to extend between the panels, and the width of said thermo-responsive sealing material extends across a majority of the width of said barrier layer but is less than the width of said barrier layer.