EFFICIENT ASSEMBLY OF TRIPLE PANE WINDOWS

摘要

This invention describes a process flow and method to assemble triple IG units without contaminating the center glass lite. A noncontact 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.

主权项

1. 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 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 to an assembly station; c) attaching a first glass lite to a first spacer frame; d) moving a second glass lite 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 on the 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 and a third glass lite 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 lites into engagement with sealant on said second spacer frame to configure a triple pane insulating glass unit.