Cold seal glass block and energy-efficient panel

Abstract

Glass blocks and glass block panel assemblies with improved thermal and solar heat gain resistance are described. The blocks are comprised of two symmetric glass elements, one that would face the exterior of a building and another that would face the interior of a building, separated by a second material that acts as a thermal break between the inside and outside of a building. The thermal break may optionally encircle one or more pieces of material that become enclosed in the block for performance or aesthetic purposes. Additional adhesives and sealants may be used as needed to insure structural and functional reliability of the block. For application into building structures, wall and window installation methods are also described including spacers that help ensure quality block alignment.

1 . A block comprising:
 a first block half;   a second block half; and   a frame, wherein the frame is positioned between and aligns the first block half and the second block half so that said block halves and said frame define a complete enclosure.   
   
   
       2 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the frame has an edge geometry that conforms to the edge geometry of said block halves. 
   
   
       3 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a thermal insulator between said block halves. 
   
   
       4 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the frame contains a desiccant. 
   
   
       5 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the frame holds one or more partitions inside said block and wherein said one or more partitions divide the interior of said block into a plurality of chambers. 
   
   
       6 . The block of  claim 5 , wherein said one or more partitions allow visible light to pass through said block while limiting transmission of radiant energy through said block. 
   
   
       7 . The block of  claim 1 , further comprising a sealant over the exterior edge of said frame and adjoining edges of said block halves. 
   
   
       8 . The block of  claim 1 , further comprising a desiccant inside said block. 
   
   
       9 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein said block halves are heated before assembly. 
   
   
       10 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein said block halves are heated during assembly. 
   
   
       11 . A glass block panel comprising:
 a plurality of glass blocks, wherein each of said plurality of glass blocks comprise a first block half, a second block half, and a frame, wherein the frame is positioned between and aligns the first block half and the second block half so that said block halves and said frame define a complete enclosure; and   a plurality of spacers positioned between and aligning said glass blocks with each other in a mortar panel assembly.   
   
   
       12 . The glass block panel of  claim 11 , wherein said spacers are adjustable to multiple glass block thickness settings. 
   
   
       13 . A glass block panel comprising:
 a plurality of glass blocks, wherein each of said plurality of glass blocks comprise a first block half, a second block half, and a frame, wherein the frame is positioned between and aligns the first block half and the second block half so that said block halves and said frame define a complete enclosure; and   a plurality of spacers positioned between and aligning said glass blocks with each other in a silicone panel assembly.   
   
   
       14 . The glass block panel of  claim 13 , further comprising a channel around the perimeter of said glass block panel.