Abstract: A system and process for forming optical quality, protective, relatively thick, thin film coatings on workpieces such as detectors or solar cells. The apparatus includes a rotary cylindrical sputtering system which incorporates separate deposition devices and at least one chemical reaction device for simultaneously (1) depositing materials which form tensile and compressive oxides and (2) oxidizing the deposited materials. The system also includes a stressometer system, preferably a cantilevered beam stressometer system which monitors the stress of the depositing film in-situ. The monitored stress levels are used to control the relative amounts of compressive and tensile materials which are deposited and, thus, control stress in the thin film coatings. In a preferred embodiment for forming protective covers on solar cells, the deposition devices are linear magnetron sputter cathode devices having silicon and aluminum targets, and the reaction device is a linear magnetron ion source oxidizer device.

Abstract: Tamper evident optical device comprising a substrate and a multi-layer taper evident splittable coating carried by the substrate. The coating has a release region formed therein. An adhesive is secured to the tamper evident coating.

Abstract: Tamper evident optical device having at least first and second layers with a spacer layer therebetween and providing a desired optical property. A release layer is disposed between the first and second layers which permits the first and second layers to be separated from each other and to destroy the desired optical property.

Abstract: Tamper evident optically variable device comprising an optically variable device having at least first and second layers with a spacer layer therebetween providing a color shift with change in viewing angle. A release layer is disposed between the first and second layers to permit the first and second layers to be separated from each other and to thereby destroy the optical shifting properties of the optically variable device.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an optical panel on the front side of a housing which contains means having an illuminated display area and a bezel on its front side that frames the display area, the bezel having holes located in spaced regions, the device comprising a body having front and rear sides, means carried by the body and projecting from the rear side of the same dimension to be received in one of said holes and to be retained therein, and means for removably attaching the contiguous surface of an applied panel to the front side of the body.

Abstract: A transparent electromagnetic shield adapted for use on an information display device in electronic equipment. First and second transparent substrates each having major front and back surfaces are adapted to be mated together with a front surface of one substrate facing a back surface of the other. A conductive wire screen is interposed between the first and second substrates in physical contact with one of the mating front and back surfaces thereof and a single layer of polymer laminating material is interposed between the screen and the other of the mating surfaces. The layer of polymer laminating material fills the apertures in the screen and contacts portions of both mating surfaces to bond the screen and the two substrates together. An embodiment in which the wire screen is provided in contact with a conductive transparent optical coating on one of the mating surfaces of the substrates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially transparent interference shield wherein a flexible material employed to form an interlayer laminating a thin metal screen between two panels of glass is extended beyond the periphery of the panels a distance less than the screen so as to provide the necessary support permitting the shield to be mounted in a surrounding frame solely by clamping engagement of the extended screen. Provision is also made for the additional encapsulation within the flexible material of a resilient gasket employed to enhance electrical contact between the screen and the frame.

Abstract: Contrast enhancement filter having first and second transparent glass substrates with first and second surfaces with the first surface of each facing the medium in which the filter is disposed. A sheet-like circular polarizer is provided formed of stretched plastic members covered by layers of cellulose acetate butyrate. The circular polarizer is disposed between the first and second glass substrates and faces the second surfaces of the glass substrates. A dried plastisol primer layer is disposed on the surface of the layers of cellulose acetate butyrate facing the glass substrates. First and second layers of polyvinyl butyral adhesive secure the layers of cellulose acetate butyrate carried by the circular polarizer with the primer layers thereon to the second surfaces of the glass substrates. An anti-reflection coating is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate.

Abstract: Contrast enhancement filter having first and second transparent glass substrates with first and second surfaces with the first surface of each facing the medium in which the filter is disposed. A sheet-like circular polarizer is provided formed of stretched plastic members covered by layers of cellulose acetate butyrate. The circular polarizer is disposed between the first and second glass substrates and faces the second surfaces of the glass substrates. A dried plastisol primer layer is disposed on the surface of the layers of cellulose acetate butyrate facing the glass substrates. First and second layers of polyvinyl butyral adhesive secure the layers of cellulose acetate butyrate carried by the circular polarizer with the primer layers thereon to the second surfaces of the glass substrates. An anti-reflection coating is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming mirror assemblies, especially rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles, wherein a thermoplastic mirror case is held inverted with its side wall portions extending downwardly. The side wall portions are softened by immersion in a heated bath and are pressed into a forming die which supports a reflective mirror element to form an arcuate mirror element retaining lip about the peripheral edges of the mirror element. Apparatus for performing the method includes an indexing table which sequentially moves the cases and mirror elements loaded thereon to one position, removes the cases from the table, combines them with the mirror elements via the forming die, and returns the completed assemblies to the table.

Abstract: The specification discloses a defrosting mirror especially adapted for outdoor use such as on the exterior of vehicles. The mirror includes an electrically conductive, resistive coating applied to a surface of a light reflective mirror element. The coating includes micro-sized graphite particles dispersed throughout a resinous binder material such that electricity flows through the coating to generate heat which is transferred to the mirror element. A resinous primer layer intermediate the coating and mirror element bonds the coating to the mirror element for retention of the conductive, resistive coating especially when the mirror is exposed to humidity, salt spray, or other environmental or weather conditions.