Methods and apparatus for evaluating insulating glass units

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring the color and gas fill concentration of insulating glass units is disclosed. One apparatus includes a color measuring device and gas fill concentration measuring device coupled to a production line for manufacturing insulating glass units. One method of the invention involves measuring the color and gas fill concentration of insulating glass units after they have been filled with gas and sealed.

1 . A device for testing insulating glass units in a production line environment, comprising:
 a conveyer for transporting the insulating glass units to stations located along the production line; and   a gas fill concentration sensor located at one of the stations located along the production line, the gas fill concentration sensor being supported on a robotically controlled supporting member operative to bring the gas fill concentration sensor into close proximity of or contact with the insulating glass units without damage to the insulating glass units and retracting the gas fill concentration sensor from the vicinity of the insulating glass units to permit conveyance of the insulating glass units to the station and from the station wherein the gas fill concentration sensor measures the gas fill concentration of the insulating glass units delivered to that station.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an extendable member located at the station with the gas fill concentration sensor wherein the extendable member contacts and secures the insulating glass unit while the gas fill concentration is measured. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable member is movable in at least an X or Y axis relative to the insulating glass unit.