Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units, and/or methods of making the same. A composite spacer system design helps improve VIG unit thermal performance by replacing high thermal conductivity spacers with composite designs. Decreasing the thermal conductivity of the spacer system can dramatically increase the center of glass R-value of the VIG unit. Certain example embodiments incorporate as spacers in a spacer system a low thermal conductivity metal-polymer-metal sandwich composite that benefits from a low thermal conductivity polymer (such as, for example, polyimide, polyamide, polyether ether keytone, or the like) in combination with the mechanical strength of metal or metallic top and bottom layers (e.g., formed from stainless steel, titanium, or the like).

Abstract: A window is designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may be an insulating glass (IG) window unit, or alternatively a monolithic window. In IG window unit embodiments, the IG window unit includes first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates) spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports both a patterned ultraviolet (UV) absorbing coating for absorbing UV radiation, and a UV reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation, so that a more contrasting UV image is emitted/seen and birds are capable of more easily seeing the window and avoiding collisions therewith. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions therewith and bird deaths can be reduced.

Abstract: Windows for attenuating radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) electromagnetic signals, so as to prevent or reduce such signals from emanating from secure facilities (e.g., government and/or military facilities). Example embodiments relate to a window including at least first and second glass substrates, at least first and second low-emissivity (low-E) coatings for blocking at least some IR and RF signals, and at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) inclusive coating for blocking at least some RF signals. The TCO inclusive coating may include a layer of or including indium-tin-oxide (ITO) located between at least first and second dielectric layers.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to substrates or assemblies having two-colored laser-fused frits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a first pattern is formed or written on a glass sheet by laser fusing a first frit material to the glass sheet. A second pattern is formed by laser fusing a second frit material disposed on the first frit material. An optional thin film coating is supported by the glass sheet. The glass sheet with the first and second patterns and optional coating is cut prior to heat treatment. A YAG or other type of laser may be used to directly or indirectly heat the frit materials, at the same or different times, and the frit materials may be wet-applied to the substrate. In certain instances, the laser firing raises the temperature of the glass substrate to no more than 100 degrees C. or preferably even lower.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, a window unit may include a vacuum IG (VIG) unit as an inboard lite and a monolithic lite (e.g., with an optional low-E coating thereon) as an outboard lite. A dead air space may separate the inboard and outboard lites. A highly insulated frame may be used to support the inner and outer lites. The VIG unit may be partially embedded or supported in the insulative frame, so that the insulating frame separates the VIG unit inboard lite from the outboard lite thereby reducing conductivity around the edges of the window unit so that R-value can be increased (and U-value decreased). In certain example embodiments, the total R-value of the window unit is at least about R-8, and more preferably at least about R-10 (compared to the much lower R-values of conventional IG units).

Abstract: A window is designed to prevent or reduce bird collisions therewith. In certain example embodiments, the window may be an insulating glass (IG) window unit, or alternatively a monolithic window. In IG window unit embodiments, the IG window unit includes first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates) spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the substrates supports both a patterned ultraviolet (UV) absorbing coating for absorbing UV radiation, and a UV reflecting coating for reflecting UV radiation, so that a more contrasting UV image is emitted/seen and birds are capable of more easily seeing the window and avoiding collisions therewith. By making the window more visible to birds, bird collisions therewith and bird deaths can be reduced.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, a window unit may include a vacuum IG (VIG) unit as an inboard lite and a monolithic lite (e.g., with an optional low-E coating thereon) as an outboard lite. A dead air space may separate the inboard and outboard lites. A highly insulated frame may be used to support the inner and outer lites. The VIG unit may be partially embedded or supported in the insulative frame, so that the insulating frame separates the VIG unit inboard lite from the outboard lite thereby reducing conductivity around the edges of the window unit so that R-value can be increased (and U-value decreased). In certain example embodiments, the total R-value of the window unit is at least about R-8, and more preferably at least about R-10 (compared to the much lower R-values of conventional IG units).

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to substrates or assemblies having two-colored laser-fused frits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a first pattern is formed or written on a glass sheet by laser fusing a first frit material to the glass sheet. A second pattern is formed by laser fusing a second frit material disposed on the first frit material. An optional thin film coating is supported by the glass sheet. The glass sheet with the first and second patterns and optional coating is cut prior to heat treatment. A YAG or other type of laser may be used to directly or indirectly heat the frit materials, at the same or different times, and the frit materials may be wet-applied to the substrate. In certain instances, the laser firing raises the temperature of the glass substrate to no more than 100 degrees C. or preferably even lower.