Methods and devices for manufacturing insulating glass units

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for manufacturing insulating glass units. An apparatus and method of using the apparatus is provided by which adhesive is applied to the end regions of the insulating glass unit with one or more nozzles while a separate side arm extends from the device and alongside the insulating glass unit having a nozzle that delivers adhesive bead to the side of the pane to be adhered to the frame or sash. Methods are also provided for applying a deposit forming material to the periphery of the panes of an insulating glass unit.

1 .- 31 . (Canceled)  
   
   
       32 . A method, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an insulating glass unit comprising a first pane, a second pane and a spacer extending between a first face of the second pane and a second face of the first pane;    the first pane having a second face and a periphery extending between the first face and the second face thereof;    the second pane having a first face and a periphery extending between the first face and the second face thereof;    applying a first mask to the first face of the first pane;    the first mask being sized so that an unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane extends between an outer extent of the first mask and the periphery of the first pane; and    bonding a sash to the unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane while a masked portion of the first face of the first pane is protected by the first mask.    
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the step of applying a deposit forming material to at least a portion of the first pane while at least part of the second face of the first pane is shielded by the second pane and part of the first face of the first pane is shielded by the first mask.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the step of applying a bead of sealant to the unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the first mask is sized so that the unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane is capable of receiving the sash.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the first mask is sized so that the first mask substantially protects an area of the first face not covered by the sash.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 32 , further including the step of applying a second mask to the second face of the second pane.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the second mask is sized so that an unmasked portion of the second face of the second pane extends between an outer extent of the second mask and the periphery of the second pane.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising the step of applying a deposit forming material to at least a portion of the second pane while at least part of the first face of the second pane is shielded by the first pane and part of the second face of the second pane is shielded by the second mask.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising the step of applying a bead of sealant to an unmasked portion of the second face of the second pane.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the step of providing an insulating glass unit includes the step of adhering the spacer to the second face of the first pane.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the step of providing an insulating glass unit includes the step of adhering the spacer to the first face of the second pane.  
   
   
       43 . A method, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an insulating glass unit comprising a first pane, a second pane and a spacer extending between a first face of the second pane and a second face of the first pane;    the first pane having a second face and a periphery extending between the first face and the second face thereof;    the second pane having a first face and a periphery extending between the first face and the second face thereof;    applying a first mask to the first face of the first pane so that an unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane extends between an outer extent of the first mask and the periphery of the first pane; and    bonding a sash to the unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , further comprising the step of applying a deposit forming material to at least a portion of the first pane while at least part of the second face of the first pane is shielded by the second pane and part of the first face of the first pane is shielded by the first mask.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 43 , further comprising the step of applying a bead of sealant to the unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the first mask is sized so that the unmasked portion of the first face of the first pane is capable of receiving the sash.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the first mask is sized so that the first mask substantially protects an area of the first face not covered by the sash.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 43 , further including the step of applying a second mask to the second face of the second pane.  
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the second mask is sized so that an unmasked portion of the second face of the second pane extends between an outer extent of the second mask and the periphery of the second pane.  
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising the step of applying a deposit forming material to at least a portion of the second pane while at least part of the first face of the second pane is shielded by the first pane and part of the second face of the second pane is shielded by the second mask.  
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising the step of applying a bead of sealant to an unmasked portion of the second face of the second pane.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the step of providing an insulating glass unit includes the step of adhering the spacer to the second face of the first pane.  
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the step of providing an insulating glass unit includes the step of adhering the spacer to the first face of the second pane.