PRESSURE COMPENSATED INSULATED GLASS UNITS
Methods and apparatus for fabricating pressure compensated insulated glass units (IGUs). In one example, a method assembles an IGU from a first lite, a second lite and a spacer registered with and between the first and second lite, while at least the space between the first and second lites and within the perimeter of the spacer contains a heated or cooled inert gas. In another example, a method provides a vented IGU, heats or cools the vented IGU, introduces inert gas into the interior volume of the vented IGU, and seals vent ports before the IGU comes to ambient temperature. In another example, a method introduces or removes inert gas from an IGU by penetrating a seal of the IGU and then reseals the IGU. In another example, an apparatus for fabricating an IGU comprises a temperature control unit configured to heat or cool an inert gas and an IGU press wherein the apparatus is configured to introduce a heated inert gas or a cooled inert gas into the IGU as the hermetic seal of the IGU is formed.
1 - 7 . (canceled)
8 . A method of fabricating a pressure compensated insulated glass unit (IGU), the method comprising:
a) providing a vented IGU having a first lite, a second lite, and a spacer between the first and second lites, wherein an electrochromic device coating is disposed on a surface of at least one of the lites, the spacer comprising one or more open vent ports;
b) heating or cooling the vented IGU;
c) introducing an inert gas into the interior volume of the heated or cooled, vented IGU via the one or more open vent ports; and
d) after introducing the inert gas in c), sealing the one or more open vent ports before the IGU comes to ambient temperature.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the inert gas is argon, xenon, krypton or a mixture thereof.
10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the inert gas is substantially moisture free.
11 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising applying a secondary sealant to the perimeter of the IGU.
12 - 21 . (canceled)
22 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the spacer comprises a polymeric material.
23 . The method of claim 22 , wherein the spacer comprises a foam.
24 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the spacer comprises a non-conductive or an insulating material.
25 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the non-conductive or insulating material comprises a polymer, a plastic, a foam, or a rubber.
26 . The method of claim 8 , wherein an adhesive seals and mates the spacer to the first lite and the second lite.
27 . The method of claim 26 , wherein the spacer comprises a metal or a polymer.
28 . The method of claim 26 , wherein the adhesive comprises a polymer.
29 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the adhesive comprises polyisobutylene.
30 . The method of claim 8 , wherein, before a) through d), the spacer has been sealed to the first lite and the second lite.
31 . The method of claim 8 , wherein, the IGU is formed before a) through d).
32 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the inert gas introduced into the interior volume of the heated or cooled, vented IGU via the one or more open vent ports in c) is heated or cooled.