Abstract: Durable--long lived plastic films carrying sputter-deposited metal layers such as reflective metal layers on both sides are disclosed. The slip side of the plastic film is not preglowed. The nonslip side is preglowed. This combination of glowing and not preglowing leads to the desired long life.

Abstract: Multipane, insulating glazing structures having exceptional thermal insulation performance are provided. The multipane structures comprise two substantially parallel rigid glazing sheets spaced apart by an interior spacer which includes a physically stable body of low thermal conductivity, closed cell, foamed polymer.

Abstract: An improved way to impart antireflection properties to light transmissive substrates and, at the same time, achieve a durable surface and electrical conductivity is disclosed. A stack of at least two sputter-deposited light transmissive inorganic layers, one of which being electrically conductive and having a high index of refraction with the one above it (relative to the substrate being antireflected) having a low index of refraction, in combination with a thin lubricating overlayer comprising a solvent-soluble lubricant such as a solvent-soluble fluoropolymer can achieve this desired combination of properties.

Abstract: The durability of thin metal coatings and particularly substantially transparent copper and silver plus noble metal coatings and their ability to withstand corrosive environments is improved by overcoating the metal layers with a double coating of dielectric. The first coating is made up of dielectric based on indium and/or zinc. The second coating is made up of dielectric based on indium and tin. These overcoatings are more effective than a single coating based on one metal or a single coating based upon the two metals.

Abstract: An improved way to impart antireflection properties to light transmissive substrates and, at the same time, achieve a durable surface and electrical conductivity is disclosed. A stack of at least two sputter-deposited light transmissive inorganic layers, one of which being electrically conductive and having a high index of refraction with the one above it (relative to the substrate being antireflected) having a low index of refraction, in combination with a thin lubricating overlayer comprising a solvent-soluble lubricant such as a solvent-soluble fluoropolymer can achieve this desired combination of properties.

Abstract: The adhesion to plastic substrates of thick layers of functional metals having an oxide heat of formation that is greater than -40,000 calories/gram atom of metal, such as silver, copper, gold, and the like, is improved if a thin layer of a metal having an oxide heat of formation of less than -50,000 calories/gram atom of metal is present as an adhesion-promoting primer layer. When the primer layer metal has a melting point greater than 1100.degree. C., it should be present as the metal or as a substoichiometric oxide. When the primer layer metal has a melting point less than 1100.degree. C., it may be present as the metal, as a substoichiometric oxide, or as a full stoichiometric oxide. Processes for preparing these materials using sputter-depositing and reflectors incorporating these materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multipane, insulating glazing structures having exceptional thermal insulation performance are provided. The multipane structures comprise two substantially parallel rigid glazing sheets spaced apart by an interior spacer which includes a physically stable body of low thermal conductivity, closed cell, foamed polymer.

Abstract: The durability of thin metal coatings and particularly substantially transparent copper and silver plus noble metal coatings and their ability to withstand corrosive environments is improved by overcoating the metal layers with a double coating of dielectric. The first coating is made up of dielectric based on indium and/or zinc. The second coating is made up of dielectric based on indium and tin. These overcoatings are more effective than a single coating based on one metal or a single coating based upon the two metals.

Abstract: Carbon-based polymer substrates such as polyesters are antireflected by applying to the substrates one or more discontinuous layers of inorganic metal compounds having an index of refraction greater than that of the substrates.

Abstract: A method of patterning magnetic material so as to achieve desired magnetic properties includes providing a metallic substrate having an array of raised islands spaced apart by depressed regions in a pattern to define geometries of magnetic devices. In one embodiment, heating the metallic substrate yields magnetic films that possess improved properties with respect to coercive force, anisotrophy field, permeability, and saturation magnetization of both magnetically hard and magnetically soft materials. In another embodiment, a release layer having a low adhesion with respect to attachment to the metallic substrate or a non-metallic substrate is deposited prior to formation of multilayer stacks, thereby reducing the risk of splitting such a stack. In yet another embodiment, the magnetic devices are formed in the depressed regions, rather than on the raised islands.

Abstract: Seal failures on organically sealed multipane insulating window units are decreased if an opaque light barrier is applied directly to the outside surface of the outer glazing sheet. This barrier should be wide enough to prevent impingement on the seal of direct light and internally reflected light.

Abstract: High-performance heat-reflective films having a metallic silver layer bounded by two dielectric layers are disclosed. The thickness of the layers is selected to insure high levels of heat rejection but relatively high levels of light transmission together with a substantial level of color neutrality.

Abstract: Reflective, metalized plastic films for use in lighting fixture reflectors have improved performance when the plastic film upon which the metalization layer is deposited contains ultraviolet absorber.

Abstract: Multipane, insultating glazing structures having exceptional thermal insulation performance are provided. The novel multipane structures comprise two substantially parallel rigid glazing sheets spaced apart by an interior spacer of a low thermal conductivity, closed cell, foamed polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the glazing sheets are present in a four-pane structure filled with an inert gas and sealed with a gas-impermeable, continous tape overlaying a curable, high modulus sealant. Methods for manufacturing the novel glazing structures are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Visually transparent, color corrected, infra-red reflecting films are disclosed for solar heat control. The films employ Fabry-Perot sandwich interference filters which are characterized by having three or more transparent layers of sputter-deposited metal such as silver directly contiguous with dielectric spacer layers and optionally boundary layers. Methods for producing these materials by sputtering techniques as well as glazing materials incorporating these films are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: Metallized plastic sheet film products improved by being perforated through their surfaces are disclosed. These sheet products can be incorporated into improved strength composites since their perforations permit glue through and prevent delamination and shear previously observed with metallized plastic sheet film products. In addition, the perforations can be used to adjust the conductivity/resistance of the electrically conductive sheet films.

Abstract: A multilayer composite EMI/RFI filter for use in front of visual displays is disclosed to be constructed of a shaped or shapable plastic substrate having an outer diffuse hardcoat and one or more conductor transmissive layers of metal. Preferably the metal is presented as a sputter-deposited dielectric-metal-dielectric stack.

Abstract: Bronze-grey films for window glazing structures are disclosed. The subject bronze-grey films are characterized by having a layer of reactive-sputtered titanium suboxide of controlled composition between the bronze-grey metal layer and the plastic sheet which makes up the substrate of the film. The process by which these films can be made is also disclosed. These films offer superior resistance to failure by delamination.

Abstract: Curved, insulated glazing structures and their preparation are disclosed. The glazing structures comprise two rigid outer surfaces (generally glass) and a suspended inner film surface parallel to the outer surfaces. The inner film is adhered to the outer surfaces only on its curved edges--its straight edges being unattached. The inner film is generally heat shrunk in the direction parallel to the straight edges and preferably carries a heat reflective coating.

Abstract: Apparatus for sputter depositing a layer of metal onto a laterally extended substrate includes a substrate support, a deposition station, a downstream sensing assembly and a computerized controller. The deposition station includes a cathode and anodes extending the width of the substrate. Gas supply is provided to each of a plurality of zones through a common distribution chamber with a plurality of inlets which in combination cover the width of the substrate on which a thin film layer is to be deposited. The gas flow is directed through each anode into the plasma region and is individually controlled for each zone. The downstream sensing assembly includes, for each zone, a four-point contact assembly usign four electrically conductive wheels. Two of the wheels are used to apply current to the thin film and two are used to sense the resistance of it. This information is fed into the computer for use in controlling the gas flow into the deposition station, by zone.