Abstract: An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit may include a spacer positioned between opposing panes of material to define a between-pane space. The spacer may seal the between-pane space from gas exchange with a surrounding environment and hold the opposing panes in a spaced-apart relationship. In some examples, the spacer includes a primary sealant layer, a secondary sealant layer, and a gas diffusion barrier layer positioned between the primary sealant layer and the secondary sealant layer. The gas diffusion barrier layer may define a first side and a second side opposite the first side. Depending on the application, the first side of the gas diffusion barrier layer may be positioned in contact with the primary sealant layer while the second side of the gas diffusion barrier layer is positioned in contact with the secondary sealant layer.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.

Abstract: A pressure equalization valve enabling equalization of pressure between the between-pane space of an insulating glass unit and ambient pressure, and glass units containing such a valve. The pressure equalization valve generally includes a valve body having a cavity therein and opposed, open ends and an elongated valve plug received in said valve body and securably shiftable along its length between plugged and unplugged configurations. The valve may be secured about an aperture in a glass pane. The valve body has a shoulder at one end, and the pane thickness is sandwiched between the shoulder and a washer preferably press-fitted to the other end of the body.