Abstract: The invention is related to the formation of three different and repeated stripes abbreviate as ABCABC-typed or A_B_C-typed at the die exit. The symbol, “_”, implies that there is no coating between two adjacent stripes. In this invention a guide shim and a guide die are inserted between two coating dies. Three different coating solutions will flow into the die assembly through different inlet positions. Two of which are introduced from the two coating dies will flow through the multiple channels provided in the guide shim and the guide die respectively and then contact with each other and with the third solution introduced from a side of the guide die in the same slot section to form the ABCABC-typed stripes. The coating solutions can also flow through the multiple channels to the same slot section but not contact each other to form the A_B_C-typed stripes at the die exit with a modification of the die assembly.

Abstract: A degradable substrate surface (e.g. a glass sheet covered by a pure metal film) is overcoated with an oxide film deposited by high rate reactive sputtering in the presence of hydrogen to avoid degradation of the substrate. The addition of hydrogen to the sputtering chamber atmosphere substantially eliminates degradation of pure metal films, etc. which would otherwise be damaged during the reactive sputtering of an oxide overcoat. The method is disclosed for producing low emissivity symmetrical three layer coatings formed on a substrate by high rate sputtering with the intermediate layer formed by a conductive silver film and the adjacent layers formed from stoichiometric tin oxide films.

Abstract: A large scale vacuum deposition facility is disclosed in which substrates, in the form of architectural glass lights on supporting racks, are moved through an evacuated working chamber system where the substrates are coated by cathodic sputtering. The substrate racks are moved by a conveyor system through the working chamber system via an access chamber system, enabling substantially continuous production of coated substrates without requiring the working chamber system be opened to atmosphere.Operation of the working chamber system, the access chamber system, the conveyor system and associated components is monitored and governed from a process control console.

Abstract: A system for sputter coating architectural glass is disclosed which includes an evacuable enclosure, a conveyor for moving glass to be coated along parallel paths, an elongated sputtering cathode supported between the paths, and structure by which ionizable gas is introduced into the enclosure. The cathode creates a continuous band of plasma extending about it through a region defining laterally spaced first and second sections extending generally parallel to glass on respective sides of the cathode and return sections joining the ends of the laterally spaced sections. The cathode includes sputtering material target face portions extending adjacent and parallel to the plasma sections and a magnetic field directing system for constraining the plasma flow in the sections to extend substantially uniformly over the target face portions.