Patent ID: 8043455

Claim:
A method for forming an insulating glazing unit comprising the steps of: (A) providing a flexible spacer body in an automated apparatus adapted to apply the flexible spacer body to a glass sheet; the spacer body having at least two shoulders adapted to engage the inner surfaces of first and second glass sheets of an insulating glazing unit; the spacer body defining a pair of notches; (B) applying a primary sealant to at least the notches of the spacer body after step (A) to form a sealant-laden spacer body with portions of the primary sealant disposed adjacent to each, of the shoulders adapted to engage the inner surfaces of the glass; (C) forming a spacer frame from the sealant-laden spacer body as the spacer body is connected to the glass after step (B) by adhesively connecting one of the shoulders of the flexible spacer body to a first sheet of glass with an adhesive disposed between the shoulder and the glass; (D) adhesively connecting a second sheet of glass to the other shoulder of the sealant-laden spacer body to form an insulating glazing unit; (E) forming an outwardly-facing sealant channel between the first and second sheets of glass and the spacer body during steps (C) and (D); and (F) inserting a secondary sealant in the outwardly-facing sealant channel to cover the primary sealant.