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: 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: Some metallic compositions that undergo a reversible transformation between austenitic and martensitic states as a result of being heated or cooled through critical temperature ranges may lose a portion or all of the ability to revert from martensite to austenite. That loss can be inhibited by "aging" the composition prior to its conversion to the martensitic state by holding it at a temperature at which it exists in the austenitic state. The time required to significantly inhibit loss of reversibility may vary as the nature of the composition changes. For a specific composition, the time required typically is shortened as the holding temperature is raised.The ability of a composition to respond to preconditioning methods by which its A.sub.s temperature can be elevated may also be improved by aging in the austenitic state prior to attempting preconditioning.

Abstract: Certain metallic compositions undergo a reversible transformation between an austenitic state and a martensitic state. The temperature at which these compositions begin to undergo the transition from martensite to austenite can be raised by deforming an article formed from the composition and maintaining it while in the deformed state at a temperature at which the composition would normally exist in the austenitic state.

Abstract: A method of making a heat-recoverable article which comprises cooling an article in a first shape from a first temperature to a lower temperature, said article being formed from an alloy comprising at least one phase in the form of a primary solid solution of a first metal with at least one other metallic element which increases the stability of a high temperature phase of the first metal, which solution on cooling from said first temperature retains the high temperature phase but which transforms into an essentially banded martensite phase on cold working and then plastically deforming the article into a second shape, the temperature and rate of cooling being such that, on reheating, the article at least partly resumes said first shape.

Abstract: A method of making a heat-recoverable article which comprises cooling an article in a first shape from a first temperature to a lower temperature, said article being formed from an alloy comprising at least one phase in the form of a primary solid solution of a first metal with at least one other metallic element, which solution on cooling from said first temperature either (1) at least partially transforms into an essentially bonded martensite or (2) retains the high temperature phase but which transforms to an essentially bonded martensite on cold working, and then deforming the article into a second shape, the temperature and rate of cooling being such that, on reheating, the article at least partly resumes the first shape.

Abstract: A method of making a heat-recoverable article in which an alloy comprising an intermetallic compound, which on cooling transforms into a banded martensite by shear with or without working, deformed after appropriate heat treatment so that on reheating it at least partly resumes its original shape. It is preferred to use a copperbase alloy which transforms into a martensite of pseudocubic symmetry.